Jane Lafazio's Class

I'm taking Jane Lafazio's class "Mixed Media with Paper & Cloth" from Joggles. I saw her episode on Quilting Arts TV 300 and loved her mixed media work. When I found out she was teaching this class at Joggles, I just had to take it. One splurge this year since I am cutting back on what I spend and trying to use what I have on hand.

This week we started making the backgrounds for our pieces. I was good and used what I had on hand. I used white on white fabric instead of artist canvas. I also used my fabric paints instead of acrylics. I did use gesso (had that on hand too).

I stenciled, stamped, sponged, used found object what ever I could think of to try. I love the look of the torn pieces that have been sewn back to gether on Janes work, so I tore my fabric up and sewed it back together. Made some irregular pieces.

This piece with the leaves, I experimented with freezer paper stencils. It worked out good. I think I will make this design into a stamp so I don't have to keep remaking in out of freezer paper when I want to use it.

This piece I'm not so thrilled with, I'll have to see what I can do to it. Or maybe it won't matter so much as we start the next steps.
I have trouble making packground pieces. They always seem to end up brighter than i intend. I'd love to make some more backgrounds but my in-laws are here for Kara's graduation so I have a lot to do and had to clean up my work area.

Kara is all finished with school. She has high enough grades that she doesn't have to take any finals and she is valedictorian!!! She has worked hard for this!!! Alex is a little jealous since the focus is more on her right now even though his birthday is on Sunday. We will have a nice birthday dinner on Friday night while Gary's parents are still here. Alex graduates 8th grade on the 19th. BUSY, BUSY, BUSY!!!!