Lois

I wanted to make a painted and stitched portrait today for my 100 Days of Faces project. 

As I worked, I thought it would be fun to photograph my process.

First I taped a piece of white cotton fabric to a piece of cardboard and mixed some acrylic 

paint with Golden fabric painting medium. I painted in a face and neck.

When that much had dried, I took it to the ironing board and pressed it. On the ironing

board, coincidentally, there happened to be a bit of this green paisley fabric and I thought it would make a pretty dress. I cut it quickly and used Pellon Wonder Under to adhere it.

I painted in eye blanks, and a vague nose and mouth.

I had some black paint, so that became her hair color...

and I gave her some eyebrows and eyeballs.

While painting her face, I got a little stain on the background fabric so I decided to paint the background. After that I added a few more details and beads. I had spent so much time on this already, I decided not to add any stitching. I named her Lois because she reminds me a bit of one of my mother's friends when I was a kid.

So much for my "process"! The dress fabric was chosen by coincidence, hair color decided at the last second, and background painted because of a stain. Just a bit haphazard!!

Thanks for visiting!

Hope you're having a great day!

Cast of Characters - Gina

GINA

Gina is a single mom who lives on 

one side of a two family home with her 

little girls, Carly and Angie.

On the other side live her mother and dad.

She works two jobs to keep her girls

happy with the toys and clothes they love,  

and while she works, her mom babysits.

Gina knows that she is lucky, despite the 

disappointment of a loser husband who 

walked out on her and his beautiful girls.

Every Sunday, she looks forward to dinner 

 at her mom's lace-covered dining room table,

with her girls, her brothers and sisters, and nieces and nephews.

She loves the nearly ceremonial meal of pasta and gravy,

and the laughter, warmth and security 

of family.

Gina dances and plays with her girls.
They love having their nails painted and 
trying on mom's jewelry. 
One day she will find a new love,
but for now her life is full
and she feels blessed.

Fictional Portraits: Laura

This is Laura. She lives in a studio apartment in Maine and works in 

an orthodontist's office. She loves cream puffs and lighthouses, and, in the evenings, 

she plays drums in her boyfriend's rock band, Open Windows. 

She plans to make this her full time profession, when they make it big.

Meanwhile, she is looking for a used bicycle to ride to work,

since her car has two flat tires.

Often times people are not what they appear to be.

When I create a "person", I like to imagine what might be going

on in his or her life, and I love to reach for the unexpected.

Right now I'm experimenting with different presentations of

my "cast of characters" and trying to decide whether to 

continue with mixed media, add a background, make 

a border or go to simple pen, ink and watercolor drawings.

They are fun to make, so I'll continue to create them,

trying different techniques.

I'd love to know what you think.

Wishing you a wonderful week!

Heartfelt February ~ Day 13

Fabric, lace, ribbon and button heart by Judy

This heart is recycled from some ornaments I was making in December.

Using pink ribbon instead of red, a button instead a red ribbon rose,

I was able to give it a kind of Victorian flair.

This making of hearts for February has given me the Winter lift I was hoping for.

Tomorrow I'll announce the giveaway I had promised, 

and I hope to spread some joy through

crafting!

Hope your day is a good one!!