Mini Wednesday

Greetings Mini Wednesday followers. I can't believe it's 2016 already. I've been busy sewing up a storm but didn't post until now.
"I Am Smiling" is my new mini.
Several of you wanted to know where and how I get my ideas so I decided to talk about that process in this post. As most of you know I'm a country gal although I don't like many of the country critters (that's for another post or you could get more acquainted by reading previous posts labeled "critters"). We grew up on a working farm with milk cows, horses, mules, etc. Also there were coyotes, wolves, skunks, beavers, hawks, snakes...... sorry, back to the subject. Anyway, I have plenty to draw from. I was an art teacher for many years and sometimes miss that part of my life. I like to surf the clipart pages  for inspiration, as well. My love for fabric lead me to attempt to "paint with fabric." so to speak.
Here's how a project happens from start to finish.

 I find a picture that I like, trace off the parts that I want to use (not all parts of the original are necessary to make a good fabric outcome), then number the chosen parts.

Next, choose some fabrics for your projects. You are not locked into the fabrics you choose. I often change my mind in the middle of the whole thing.

Now, the really fun part!!! As you use your fabrics and fabric adhesive to develop your piece, take photos of each step. It's fun to see how things develop and you can also catch mistakes or not so good fabric choices.

This is the beak. I like the way it turned out.

The shadow of the eyes and beak...none of which are in the proper position yet.

Added eyes.....oh yeah, loving the look.

These photos are where I'm developing the feathers around the beak. I'm using shades of gray. You can't have enough gray in your stash as far as I'm concerned.

More shades of gray and a tiny black dash to define the brow.

And here's the results for "I Am Smiling," It measures 8" by 11" finished and bound. Love it and I hope my explanations aren't too confusing.