how do i do this in illustrator?

[EveningLion]

Alright, so lets say i've freehanded this little doodle and i want to turn the arm and hand into one connected piece that i can use a fill layer in. I dont want to deal with having to join edges to other edges because that wont really look that good/work because of the nature and placement of the lines.
what do i do!? does this post make any sense at all?

[urstwile]

does this post make any sense at all?
Um, no. :confused:

[EveningLion]

crap... okay...haha i can't figure out how to word it. basically i want to give this character a skin color...BUT. I cant because of all the multiple paths making up her arm. I know about the 'join' function but i'm wondering if theres anything more simple than that.

[Two-Toe Tom]

maybe u can create the same shape and put it in a layer underneath and colour that

[urstwile]

^^^that sounds like a good way to approach it. :)

[EveningLion]

haha...wow. thanks guys. :o

[Kool]

Just select the two open points and hit ctrl + J

You will need to add a point so you can tuck the border under the border of the dress and lip. Just that easy unless I misunderstood the question.

[carter the artist]

there is also that fill bucket thingy, I haven't used it much, so maybe someone can explain it better...