time with the colored pencils

before I start fiddling with fabrics to create this piece, I wanted to try out some color and figure out what I want to use as the background behind the pumpkins

this version has a sort weathered siding

this version has a brick wall behind it

and this one has a rock wall

I think the first one is the best one -- there is better color contrast and the back wall is not so busy that it takes away from the pumpkins -- since they are the point after all!

I want to experiment with a technique -- my idea for that background is to have it look like weathered wood -- the way I've created that look in other projects has been to use a crackle medium on an acrylic paint

the technique works really well on wood -- I'm not sure how it will work on fabric, so I'll be doing a bit of experimentation with it

do you remember this piece I did a while back?

I'm happy to report that it  made $50 for the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative (AAQI) --- happy dancing!!

this also means I'll be pulling out another piece to send them --- it is a cause I support, and since I'm making these pieces anyway, donating some of them for this purpose makes me feel good

the knitting of the camel is complete, and last night I started stitching up and stuffing -- I'm having to remember to stuff lightly because once I'm done with this step, he goes into the washer for some felting

while I was knitting I was quite willing to just follow the instructions even though from time to time I was thinking "what is all this weird shaping?"  --- NOW I get it!

time to get busy!!