I just received my registration packet today for Art & Soul 2006. The theme is "Paris in My Soul" and they've included a white wool beret to decorate. I'd like to say I have an actual creative process, but with years of making my own clothes, I sort of let a project float around in my head for a while until I visualize a direction.

The mask here was made for 2003 "Cirque du Soul". I started with a simple mask and attached a paper form to elongate the top of the mask. Then as I was wandering around the Josephine's fabric store in Portland, these gorgeous silk brocades jumped out at me. I had to get a minimum 1/4 yd-plenty left for future projects. I glued the fabric to the mask and stitched turquoise beads across the forehead and down the sides. Then I came across gold trim left over from some past Christmas decoration but I knew the top needed to be dramatic. I got a bag of multicolored feathers at Joann's. I have a compulsive sorting streak so I sorted all the feathers by color & put into plastic bags. Starting at the top of the mask, I attached the turquoise feathers, than overlay the burgundy and finished with the orange.

Back to the beret, I think I'll dye it light pink and then maybe add rose ribbon rosettes-maybe applicque some silk flowers and ribbon streamers. I'll have to let this project float some more.