Fall Fearless and Fly

We are so thrilled to be kicking off Fall Fearless and Fly today!  Our first challenge is below, after a brief description and some housekeeping...

Description of the Challenge:  The autumn equinox marks the arrival of fall, traditionally seen as a season of changes leading to the dark of winter.    Let's use the time between today and January 2013 to reflect on shedding and releasing aspects of our lives that don't serve us, and embracing positive and uplifting perspectives as we end one year and begin the next.

Our Fabulous Guest Artists:  To inspire us, we have a tremendous group of artists participating for the next sets of prompts:

October 15: Ronda Palazzari
October 29: Jane Davies 
November 12: Maria McGuire
November 26: Marcia Beckett
December 10: Dina Wakley
December 31: Joanne Sharpe
January 15: Nathalie Kalbach

Prizes:  Not only do we have prompts and inspiration but we have prizes too! All the people linked up by Sunday, October 14, at 3pm Eastern time will be eligible.  We will randomly pick winners for the fabulous prizes that have been generously provided by wonderful companies and individual artists! 

The Rules:  We'd love for you to join and Fall Fearless and Fly!  Everyone is welcome!  The rules are simple --

• Grab the button above and put it on your blog with a link to this page to let people know you're participating.
• You may participate in one or all of the challenges.
• Use one, two or all of the prompts.
• Use any media -- art journal, scrapbook, canvas, watercolor, quilting, you name it!  This is "Anything Goes" as far as your creativity is concerned.
• You may link up to 2 times, but please only link up to work prepared for this challenge.  Please post the url of your blog post or flickr page that's specific to this challenge, rather than a general blog address.  And please tell us how your work relates to the challenge!
• Each time you participate, visit at least 3 other links and leave loving words!
• All challenge participants are welcome to join our private Facebook group as a place to talk about your journey and whatever is coming up for you as you work on the challenges.   As it is private, just request to join and we'll give you access.

The First Set of Prompts:  And now, here is the first challenge!

Headline Prompt:  Inventing the Future:  Where do you want to be 5, 10, 15 years from now.  What's holding you back?  What's propelling you forward?  What do you need to do or stop doing to create your future?
Color Prompt:  Warm colors (reds, oranges, pinks, yellows)
Quote Prompt:  "The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time."  Abraham Lincoln

Carolyn: What fun to be sharing these prompts with other artists!  What makes challenges like this so magical for me are all the wonderful ways people interpret the same challenge. Have you looked at Jessica's?  Isn't that fabulous! The same prompt but seen through different eyes and supplies.   I am looking forward to seeing what everyone creates!  Don't be shy- everyone is welcome to join this challenge.   If you have never linked up to one before - take the leap and share your art!  Fall Fearless and Fly.

While making this so many thoughts went through my mind as I was painting, inking, spraying, cutting, gluing, and stamping.  Each and every thought about my journey and where it is leading me on the path that I travel is captured in the art.  One of things I find so special about art is how a picture is worth a thousand words.

My art today had started as more of an art journal page, but as it went along I decided I wanted to frame it so I could be reminded about this part of my journey every time I walked by it in the hallway.  You can see how this evolved in the video.

Jessica:  I am so excited to be co-hosting this challenge with Carolyn!   We have put so much thought into each of the challenges and look forward to taking this journey with you.  The headline "Inventing the Future," and the questions after it made me think deeply about where I see myself in the future.  Many things came to mind, such as my art, my family, and my commitment to the volunteer work we do in Guatemala.  But honestly, I don't have a clear vision or set of goals for my future.  Whether I'm making art or building houses in Guatemala, I want to be at peace with myself and my life, and be happy.  I know that if I act today with a loving and open heart, my future can only be bright, and I will look back on my past and be content.  Trusting my intuition, and being more loving and patient with those around me, are my goals right now.  So that's what I decided would be the theme of my work.  My piece for this challenge is a 12 x 12 canvas as, like Carolyn, I wanted to be reminded of this journey.  I started with layers of cool blues, and then added warm colors in the flowers and with The Crafter's Workshop mini rain stencil. 

The Prizes: Here are the prizes for this challenge!  A winner will be drawn randomly for stickers and a decorative flag designed by Jessica, and 6 wonderful stencils from The Crafter's Workshop designed by Julie Fei-Fan Balzer!  Check out all this loot!   PLUS... Jessica has decided to give an original watercolor away to one random commenter on her Fall Fearless blogpost for each challenge. 

Upload your submission to Mr. Linky by 3PM on Sunday, October 14.   On Monday, October 15, check in for the next challenge and the winners of this challenge.

We look forward to seeing your work!  And remember to join our private Facebook group!