Mandala #1

Isn't this blogging world a marvelous thing? I never knew I could get so much inspiration and grab so many ideas from my blogging friends. Just the other day, as I was reading from my blog list, I ran into something so interesting, I had to jump on it. My friend, Shayla, had created a beautiful embroidery from a site I had never heard of. Naturally, I had to link to it and I was amazed at the artistry. The beauty of the painted mandala was amazing. Now, I've painted in my life.....but I didn't think I needed to switch passions at this stage to obtain the same look. Thankfully, the blog owner had 5 free coloring pages ready for download for the public. (And guess what public person took advantage??) Man, I couldn't wait to grab those beauties from the printer although, I must admit they were a bit small for what I intended.

After looking them over, I decided to run to my local copy place to increase them to something workable and 135% was perfect! I'm telling you, I had already picked out colors in my head on my drive home.

For some reason, I've become a slacker, and it seems it's much easier for me lately to choose crayons than fabric. All those cute little things sitting on my table are so much easier than that dining room table loaded with decisions. Besides, I knew I'd never be able to piece such small stuff so it was a good excuse for me to do my trusty crayon method of making a quilt.

First, the pattern:

Naturally, as you've seen me explain in the past, I traced the image onto my fabric (and that took an age, believe me), backed it with freezer paper for stability and I was ready to go.

Oh, it was so much fun sharpening my crayons as I continued coloring. I'm telling you, that coloring process makes me smile every time. I guess I've never grown up! LOL

I wasn't sure if I should color in the background or not, so I didn't. To be honest, I wasn't quite sure at that point if I even really liked it. BUT, I sandwiched it anyway and decided to finish it. I started the outlining on the inside lines.

It sure was a challenge to try to get those lines smooth looking and I'm hoping the next one is better, but I tried my best. At this point, I was really wondering if anyone would see this. Sometimes stuff doesn't look so cool in process, but I was hoping it would "grow" on me. In any event, I had fun coloring so that's the way I was thinking!!! LOL

I actually surprised myself when it was done. I really liked it and then I was happy I had taken all these pictures along the way to show you. Now, I'm anxious to make another one and maybe one after that. After all, I did copy all 5 free coloring pages!! LOL

The buttons help...don't you think??? I bet you all are copying those pages yourself now, aren't you??? Ah-ha......I knew it!!! Enjoy!