November starts the Art Every Day Month 2011 challenge.  As I tried to figure out what to do I found myself paralyzed by my inner critic.  I had to find a way around that critic so I just started writing my favorite word, trust.  I wrote it in different pens.  I wrote it in different directions.  I wrote it until the page was full.  Then what?  The inktense pencils I just bought were too new so I decided I needed to break them in.  I could feel that inner critic settling down.  I began to just play with the colors and had a blast!  That is what I want my month of art to be about -playing and the fun!

Tracy Stilwell guided me through my first real sewing adventure.  I have sewn paper, bits of fabric, even a tote, but never on any clothes I could wear.  While we talked at the start of class I realized I had some serious sewing issues.  Did home economics class in high school scar me?  Apparently.  I was intimidated by patterns, deciding which stitch, would it hold up in the wash, etc.  After a day with Tracy I realized it is just another medium like paint!  A whole new world opened up for me.  I chose to do a face because I have had limited success with painting faces.  I thought that while I have a teacher with me I’ll try the hard stuff.   I truly love this face.  I feel so much more comfortable with faces now.  Thanks Tracy!

I started with an old paint shirt that I had rubber stamped years ago with Stazon ink.  I started creating the face on the back.  I started with the basics and Tracy guided me on how to create more interest with layers of fabric.