Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Tahlia: BJP January


My BJP mandala for January!

Behind Every Crafty Chick....

IS A DEADLINE !!!

Today is the last day of Jan and I am sooooo close to being done.   Here is a picture of my Aquarius almost completed !!!  as is my blog....

This is a bit more time consuming than I expected (setting up the blog that is).  At first I thought that my piece was a bit ambitious = NOT !!!  It's coming along wonderfully.  It is a beautiful night in DC, I am going for a walk then I am going to come finish Aquarius....
Angela C





January done and a February peek



I finished my January piecein early January and I call it Ice Edge. I have started on my February piece and it is loosely based on the winds in space.I am really enjoying this beading experience and seeing all of the beautiful pieces everyone is making.Vickie S

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Rabbit in the Tree


Serendipity; the faculty of making happy chance finds....like stepping out on the deck at night to look for the Northern Lights,( which we did not have due to heavy skies which then proceeded to dump more snow on us,)and discovering a wild white rabbit sitting on the lower branches of our tree. It was -4 at the time, and I'm sure he was trying to find a place to sleep out of the snow. This cold cold winter and the critters that keep showing up in our yard will be the focus of my BJP this year. Who could pass up a Rabbit in a Tree? Happy Beading....Char J.

January BPJ Piece Updated

 I tried to use a stretched canvas to complete my January project but it was a bust.  I'm turning it into a journal cover instead, I have a detail up on my blog.  I'm pondering whether to keep the large circular format as my Journal "format of choice," or whether I should change my parameters to "a beaded journal cover focal area and just let myself  follow my fancy with shape and size.

Beth H

Aquarius bead block for January

Well, I finally sat down and designed the blocks for my wall hanging, the whole design can be seen on my blogsite .
I sat and beaded Aquarius as the first month, as I'm running the same as our calendar. But I'm sad to say my first attempt (pic on my blog) turned out thoroughly awful, not enough definition between the object and background, and the beads are just not as descriptive as a pencil and pen. This is the second attempt...


Again, I'm not happy with it at all, but I've not used beads in this way before so I'll have to have another go at designing suitable symbols. I may have to redsign all 12 before the end of next month so I can post my pic on time. So sad it's not working... I didn't want to do them in inks... we shall see.
I used a felt base, delicas, hex, teardrops, squares, bugles and bigger than 6's seed beads.
There's some fantastic work posted already, I've got to find a way to get this to work as well....
Kalona.xx

Saturday, January 28, 2012

January BJP Piece

Well, it's finished. As expected, the beads take me sometimes, and sometimes not. There are parts of the piece with conscious meaning to me, and others I was trying a technique or color combo or just keeping going!

The size is 2.5" by 2" (63.5mm x 50mm) approx. For much of the time I worked on this, I shut off TV, computers, printers, monitors, etc to get the room as quiet as possible. Working in a pharmacy there is a constant noise of printers, computers, monitors, faxes, lights...and it makes such a difference to turn them off. Of course, then I can get no work done!

Here at my bench, though, the quiet is nice, and only the Ott Light (desktop-folddown type) is on. I even took the batteries out of my mouse to eliminate the red light! That reminds me, I unplugged something to plug in the Ott Lite and did not reverse the process. Everything I want to work is working though, so maybe it's the old useless printer up on the shelf...

There is never complete silence because I have a lifelong case of earworm. Today, on my own, I came up with the intro to the old Bugs Bunny cartoons (Overture, hit the lights...sorry :-) Then my husband is belting out Copacabana in the shower. Could be worse. It went on for hours (in my head) until I had remembered almost all the lyrics I had forgotten over the past 30 years of not listening to much Manilow. Of course, Dave does not know the lyrics and poor Tony is shot dead in all 3 verses, sad to say.

I have no current inspiration for February. It's cold. Not Arctic cold but cold for Anchorage (low -20F : high -5F). Yeah, minus. No wind though, and sunny like it usually is when it's this cold. I have gloves on with the fingers cut off. Earlier I had a qiviut headband on. There not much on the planet that is warmer for the weight.

I designated this day a "no website work, no housework, nothing but doing what I would do if I could play with beads whenever I wanted" day. Most of last night, too. I wanted to prove to myself that I could at least get one month of BJP completed! Oh it's also a "not wasting hours surfing mindlessly on the Internet and spending money on things I don't need" day. But the day is not over and the computer is back on...

Good night :-)

Ooops! I thought I was writing this on my own blog. I am going to try to move it. Success! But sorry if it shows up in both places. So I will also sign in case it does.

Cindy A. ( I can't find a way to remove this yet - the whole post, not my name! )



Folly? Or Not? BJP January 2012



I finished my January BJP about 10 days ago. Come on over to Crackpot Beader to see the entire piece and to find out what I was thinking about while I stitched.

Marty S
Crackpot Beader

January BJP Submission - Shawkl

 Finally decided on my shape...butterfly wings. Hope you enjoy the January pair. You can see more about their creation and my other works at my blog. Hugs, Kathy.

Friday, January 27, 2012

Art Deco style pendants for January BJP in progress

Hi, this is Tamara! I've made a good start on my January project. I'm taking inspiration from Henry Moore on this one and would like to see what you guys think! Visit my blog to see my progress.



Tamara A.

So the question I want to ask for Friday is:  How do you sign your work? (or do you sign it?) I sign a strip of Tyvek with archival ink and sew is below the clasp.    (Photo is on my Blog).  I’m not able to figure out how to sign some other things I make.I would love to find some ways to make a metal tag, something with a couple of eye so it can be sewn into the piece, butso far I have not found anything affordable.
Beth H.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Please Sign Your Posts!!!

Hi Everybody... me again...

Just a wee little request... Until we all get to know each other, please sign your posts with your first name and last initial (matching the member list on the side bar).

If you have a blog, you can link your name to your blog by highlighting your name, clicking the Link sign in the ribbon above the posting area, and typing in the address for your site in the pop-up box. Even if you don't have a blog, it helps me to have a name and general location (I can get that from the member list) for each person.

We're a small enough group that in a few months we'll probably all be pretty familiar with each other and know how to find the blogs. It feels really friendly here, doesn't it!

Thanks for indulging me...

Robin A.

Bobbi K

I had the great pleasure of meeting Bobbi K in person just after the first year of the BJP, at a time when she was in remission. I've rarely met someone who so instantly made me feel comfortable, like we'd been childhood friends. We like the same beads and the same fabrics and we both love cats, ocean, art, simple life style... and the list goes one. I've been concerned for her these past few months when she didn't answer my emails. I'm sorry now that I didn't just pick up the phone and call her. Those of us in the BJP since the start will miss her optimistic comments and beautiful, sensitive, spiritual beading/blogging.. As Carol said, "good bye, dear friend... may your continuing journey be blessed...."

****
Not in the same breath, but after a bit of a pause, I also want to say that I'm blown away by the work I'm seeing this year! I'm so ready to get into it! The book is almost finished... And when it's done, the very FIRST thing on my list is to get caught up on my Jan (and by then, Feb.) BJPs. I think I'll do ATCs this year... maybe back to solid beading... haven't done that in quite a while (not since before the first BJP!), and I'm very drawn to the work by those of you who are doing it! Thanks for the inspirations!

Robin A.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

I wanted to introduce myself, my name is Bobbi Ann Cook. I've followed the BJP for some years now. I've always wanted to join and now I'm quite honored and very pleased to be among the 2012 BJP most talented ladies! I'm not new to beading but relatively new to bead embroidery. It's been a fascination of mine for many years now. I'm very much looking forward to this year's projects! I'll start on my BJP tomorrow for Jan. and I should be caught up with everyone by the end of February. I did want to say that it's been sometime now since I've posted anything on my blog due to health reasons but what a wonderful reason to start blogging again! I hope that yous have a lovely and creative day! Hugs and many blessings.. Bobbi Ann

We Will Miss Bobbi Kirk

If you have been a member of BJP in past years, you know Bobbi Kirk. Today I received the unfortunate
news that Bobbi has lost her battle with cancer.  I knew Bobbi through the BJP and we became cyber friends. You can see some of Bobbi's work here.  Goodbye, dear friend.  I am glad I knew you.

Cy - BJP January - Finished

Yay!!! I eventually got time to finish the top part of my 'teardrop' pendant. Not bad for a beading novice I think.

I'm happy with how it turned out. 
I purposely left some of the orange showing through as it's a great contrast for the black, and it enhances the gold semi-see-thru glass beads.
And here is my bead encrusted Teardrop Pendant on a black memory wire necklace. 

A couple more pics are on my blog page 

I tried the pendant on a gold chain too. Not sure which hanging arrangement I prefer.
 

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Here is my January Bead Journal Project



I chose this to show the fireworks of the New Year. The biggest challenge was the beaded edging. My size this year is gong to be ATC size and they will be mounted at the end of the year to showcase my experiences!

Here's my January project....I was thinking about spring because it was -20 below at my house this week.

Monday, January 23, 2012

I am running late...

Like Carol H I was feeling guilty for not having posted my January piece. Please come over and have a look. I am going to finish it by wrapping and lacing  it around a board... I haven't figured it all out yet, but the beading  is done. http://stitchingupnorth.blogspot.com/
My first contribution to my first year with BJP.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Everyone else was posting and I was feeling guilty

but I just couldn't get it in my head that I needed to finish this piece. The base block has been pieced for weeks now, but I wasn't happy with my embellishment/beading ideas so I just had to let them stew around in my head a while. I finally buckled down last night and did the final embellishing , and you can see it here: http://thatyankstitches.multiply.com/journal/item/262/Crazy_Quilt_Journal_Challenge_2012Bead_Journal_Project_2102_-_January

I'm combining the Crazy Quilt Journal Challenge 2012 project with the BJP and throwing in the Color Palette Challenge *and* Take a Stitch Tuesday as well. So my monthly theme will be as much driven by these other challenges as by the month itself.

Carol H in Ohio...

Saturday, January 21, 2012

January BJP by Diana S

I posted this on my blog and forgot to post it on the BJP blog until someone stopped by and said they had to search for my monthly entry.
Here is my January Journal.

for more views and an explanation of what I was trying to portray,
stop by my blog here

Thursday, January 19, 2012

It is Friday, and I did put a new question up on my Blog.

Or, if you prefer you can answer it here. The question is:  Do you use any unconventional or unexpected tools in your art? Or, do you use a tool that surprises you in its application?


Happy Friday Everyone!  

January bead journal

Hi All
Things have been pretty busy for me but I have managed to get my journal project done for January.  I am finding it challenging to stitch onto the photos but generally I am pleased with the way it has turned out.   As always,  I love to have your comments.
http://princessbubblescreates.blogspot.com/2012/01/january-bead-journal.html

Thanks
Angela

Guess it's done - Double Infinity

I have backed my January jasper 'pie slice' with dark brown ultrasuede and a picot edging. I tried to keep it simple since it will be displayed next to 2 other slices. My entire circle is 12" - yep, i used a frying pan to get the outline! - so each 'slice' is about 3" at the top curved edge with the tatting, and 6" long. The white pearl is placed at about the 5" mark. I keep looking at this and asking myself "is it done?" I have so much time left this month!! BUt I like it up against the wheatgrass wall where it will be hung. I have never gone back and worked on a 'finished' piece before. Let's see if this one stays as is :) Got my beads ready for February, but I won't start early. THat takes all the fun out for me :)

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Phew!






January completed, but I think I've bitten off more than I can chew to create a piece this size every month. It's taken a good few hours, but I've enjoyed every minute (except when I made myself undo the foxes because they were too fat!) The oval is approximately 9" x 7". I tried a smaller one, but it didn't do what I wanted. I've used 15s for most of the picture and some slightly larger beads (11s?) for the snow on the trees. The support is an old cotton napkin which I painted with acrylics. The inspiration comes from watching fireworks from our garden to celebrate the New Year. The trees represent a Christmas tree which was planted by the first people who lived in our house about 70 years ago. Last year it was heavy with snow, but we haven't had any yet this winter. Two little foxes came into our garden 3 years ago. One became a regular visitor and brought up two lots of cubs nearby. Sadly she has gone now, but she brought me so much joy. I'll put some more photos of 'January' on my blog in a little while.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

January Reveal



Here is a sneak peak at my January BJP. I had such a fun time working on it. Being such a newbie, I know I made a couple of mistakes. UGH! Practice makes perfect, right??? Hopefully next month I'll improve a little more :)

Come check it out on my blog :)

P.S. It is snowing here in WI- I feel like I'm in a snow globe! I think it is the perfect day to sit sip tea and work on next month project!

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Cy - BJP - WIP - January

 BJP WIP

I have finally had some time to make a start on my January BJP. I have disregarded my original idea of a wedge shape in a stained glass rose window for something a little less 'complicated'. My shape now is a teardrop about 5" long and 2" wide at it's widest point. I shall be trying a different beading technique or application each month to expand my knowledge and to experiment more with beading.

This is the start of a great journey for me as I've not done a lot of beading in the past, and definitely have not had beading as the main part of a project before.
 It is still a WIP.

 
Very freeform, no plans at the start. Just let the beads tell me what should happen next. I shall enjoy working on this again this week to see if I can get the top part finished.

Happy beading.
Cy

(Cyra L in the list)


Saturday, January 14, 2012

January Necklace

I have been obsessed with finishing this project.  Now maybe I can focus on my classes.  You can see my January piece here.

Kay

The Details

I had a couple of questions regarding the Christmas ornament that I posted the other day. The stitch being used is circular peyote. Once the majority of the ornament is woven, and before the ends are finished, the ornament is stuffed with polyester fiberfill to help maintain the shape.

Seeking Design Software Advice/Recommendations



Besides BJP, I am also participating in a monthly crazy quilt project and may be creating a bead woven piece for each block (if I can keep up). I created this butterfly for my January block using the brick stitch bead weaving technique. I created this as I stitched and see things I would have/should have done differently. I used to have a bead design software program on my computer years ago and just loved it. I switched from a Mac to a PC and couldn't use it any longer and have since either gotten rid of it or lost it. Since I hadn't done any bead weaving for a few years I just never replaced it.



I think I now need a new software program for bead weaving and was wondering if any of you had any recommendations or advice? My blog is: http://ceoriginals.blogspot.com/

Friday, January 13, 2012

January BEADazzled Buttons Done


Hi all - this year I have decided to make large buttons (using a 2.5" Dritz kit shank) that includes at least one commercial button on it. Thus the name: BEADazzled Buttons. For January, I used two buttons, stacked; the bottom one is a sun ray pattern so I decided to do an abstract landscape. I will say that the sky should have been a darker blue so that the metal stars stand out better - warning to all beaders to remember "value difference" when choosing colors. Enjoy.
I just posted a Friday Question on my Blog - It is really fun to share and learn this way - and one more thing that makes Friday a great day.  You can answer it there, or here , or both places..Anytime.


Today, share your most go –to color or colors.  What are your most trusted shades in your work and your life?  what resonates about your most-used colors?

Thursday, January 12, 2012

What an Awesome Group of Beaders!!!!!


Hello and happy new year, everybody!

I just read every post written on this blog so far! Very exciting to see so many returning BJPers here as well as a lovely group of newcomers!!! I have a feeling this will be a wonderful year, stimulating and fun.

Just to let you know, I will be getting a late start. I'm in the process of writing a comprehensive book about beads and beading. It's been all-consuming of my time and energies since last July. February 28 is the date when I have to have EVERYTHING finished and sent to the publisher. Yikes, that's just around the corner.... Anyway, it's the book I've always wanted to write, the one that students and other beaders have been requesting ever since I started beading, back in 1985. Right now the publisher asks that I not tell anything more about the book; but as soon as they allow it, I'll tell you all :>}.

In the meantime, I have been finishing last year's BJP pieces. I just posted September's piece here. October is almost finished, Nov and Dec are started. I hope to have them and the book finished at the end of Feb., and then quickly catch up on 2012 BJP pieces.

Thanks for joining! Thanks to Carol and Tracey... You two have more than earned your Angel wings!!!!!

Robin A.

January piece is done...

Here's a close up of a bit of my January piece.  It's a circle that's about 4 1/2 inches across (the size of a CD).  Come on over to my blog, Fibre Art Fun, to see the whole piece and to read a little about it.  I'd love to hear what you think.


Linda :D

Is It One Step Backwards?

If I rip out what I've stitched, is it one step backwards? Or is it editing and revision?

Ok, I'll 'fess up. I ripped out some of what I stitched. Come on over to my blog Crackpot Beader to see what I've done--and undone. Let me know what you think.

This year's pieces are 2.25 inches by 3 inches, a little smaller than I've done before. I want save some of my beading time to make more beaded dolls and other items.

I'm really impressed with everyone's progress and projects this year. The enthusiasm is contagious!
Marty S
Crackpot Beader

January 2012

This year I will be making 12 Christmas ornaments. The first can be found by clicking on my name, Denise D, located at the right side bar or at www.beadsalot.blogspot.com


little paisleys

My first for the new year. you can see it here
I decided that little paisleys for this year would be good.
My January piece is 75% completed  - the main beading is finished..  I need to complete a framing of beads around the round form, and I'm pausing to ponder exactly what that will be.  I also am pondering whether to just finish it when I complete the framing bead work, or whether to mount it on a canvas.  It's up on my blog (Beth H)  I look forward to your wisdom.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Behind Every Crafty Chick.... there are beads on the floor !


I decided to use the fabric Signs of the Zodiac, once I cut them out they needed a background,  I decided to lay each month on a colored background.  For Aquarius, I chose a colorful stripe...but NO, that wasn't enough for me...  He is pouring water from an urn so I added another piece of fabric (shades of blue with swirls) to give it that water flowing movment....but STILL not enough for me... I added a piece of blue netting over the swirly fabric and added small pearl beads to make it feel more like water to me.....

Here is my work in progress...

It isn't a close up so I am not sure how much you can see.  I am planning on using bugle beads on the striped fabric in the back.  You can kinda see the beads in the swirls as the water flows down. From this picture you can't see the blue netting that is laid over the swirls.  The black line framing the picture is bugle beads.   I am hoping to have my blog up by this time next week and close ups of my progress  :o)

BJP 2012 under way for Double Infinity

I have cut out my 12 pie slices (equaling a 12' circle) from Stiff Stuff and covered them with a lightweight cream colored linen-like cotton using wonder-under. Right off the bat I realized the center 'point' might pose a problem... I am a 'collector' of things and stopped by the antique store while my girls had an after school actiity last week and bought 2 1/2 yards of tatted edgeing and told myself - you have got to include this into your BJP - no more stockpiling!!! Now onto the theme. I know we are supposed to 'journal' and I really did my first year. Each piece really represents something to me. With my next BJP I went encrusted and had a 'focal' bead that I let direct the project. This year I really didn't want to 'commit' to encrusting or to spending hours finding a fabric I wanted to use, so - I thought i'd come up with a theme. Now with 12 months the obvious choice was zodiac signs and I was almost there, but not quite sold on the idea. So I started googling 'twelve' and came up with the 12 foundation stones of the New Jeresulem as outlined in the Book of Revelations. NOw I am not trying to tout religion, i'm simply using them as a starting point, and actually learning a little bit too! It states that the streets are 'paved in gold' so I will incorporate some gold beads in each piece. The 12 gates are referenced to be made of pearl, so I will have a similar pearl bead in each piece also. So far, so good, huh? The first stone is JASPER and represents 'the truth of faith'. I had no idea there were so many types of this gemstone!! I didn't like the marquis cuts I first bought, so I had to wait for a pendant to arrive in the mail. During this time, I went through my 'stash' and pulled out the stones I already have and am ready to go the whole year! (Of course, I'm sure i'll change my mind about a few of them as time goes on.) AS mentioned, the point of the pie slice presented a problem to me, so I simply put a round pearl on the end and the tatting on the outside curve. THese elements will be repeated each month and will lead a sense of continuity to the finished emsemble. Oh - and I also bought a "workspace destash" from etsy that had a ton of lochrosen which I will also put in my pieces. Yep - i do love my sparkle! I have determined I am done with January, but am still thinking about what to back it with and how to edge the piece. Here's what it looks like now. Much more impressive in real life :)

January bead project

You can see my January piece on my blog.

January 2012

This year I've decided to do beaded cuffs. Here is the first one. The details are on my blog http://focus-on-fiber.blogspot.com 

Happy New Year

Better late than never!
I am planning to do a series of 3" squares using found objects for the starting point for each one.
I hope it works out.
Good luck everyone!!

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

My January beaded button


Hi everybody!

I have finished my first piece. My format for this year will be 2 inches circles that will be made into covered buttons. I use the Dritz half-dome buttons. I learned about beaded buttons from Robin Atkins: she has a very good tutorial on her blog. For reference, I use Robin's books and a book Robin as co-authored with Amy Clarke(Beaded Embellishment) and for inspiration, I use all of Robin's books! I am planning to use a different technique with each button I make.

My January button is entitled "Celestial halos". The beading has been done on a black cotton backed with acid-free paper, using backstitch and double-needle couching.

Anne-Marie B. Val-des-Monts, Qc

Monday, January 9, 2012

Possibilities - January

So this is the start of my January piece:

I decided to work with the idea of possibilities and how they are achieved. Then I sketched out what I thought it might look like.You can find the end result here.

And off we go.....

So happy to be part of the BJP again!

My garden is starting to bloom:
http://beadingheartart.blogspot.com/2012/01/bjp-2012-january-be-kind.html

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Ready to finish

I am ready to finish the edges of my first BJP of 2012 and have posted a picture on my brand new blog. It is still a work in progress but almost done. I am new to blogging and would like info on editing photo to fit better on the page. Any help would be appreciated.

Ice - January 2012

I've completed my January stone, it can be seen here.

Saturday, January 7, 2012

I will be visiting my mom, Sandy J, in February, and I will be getting a pic of us wearing the first set of Mother/Daughter necklaces that I made last year. I'll post it when I get back. And, yes, that's the Sandy J you can find to the right. :)
Finished the first project of the year. Nice way to start things out. Go to karenlynnebeads.blogspot.com to see my work. Or, if I got that wrong, as I usually do, click on Karen J to the right. Any comments or suggestions are always appreciated.

Friday, January 6, 2012

Behind Every Crafty Chick....there are beads on the floor !

Hello all and Happy New Year !!
I am new to participating but I have been a voyeur for a while. I must admit that BJP has definitely aided in my bead addiction !! I am a crafter. I do a lot of different things but have reeled myself in to doing wearables and accessories (I use recyled jeans for a lot but not all of my items).
I started with beaded embellishments but NOW.... I have a loom and make beaded straps and I SWEAR, I hear beads talking to me :o)
I love the fact that the project is starting in January and I have chosen the signs of the zodiac...my muse ~ a wonderful piece of fabric "Astrial Works" from the Alexander Henry collection. I am backing it with felt and whatever other wonderful fabrics that appeal to me.

Connie: January BJP

I've posted my January 2012 Bead Journal Project and would love to have you visit my blog and give me some feedback. Please keep in mind this is a technique I am just learning so have mercy~lol. Hopefully by December I will have it figured out. My blog post can be found at:
http://ceoriginals.blogspot.com/2012/01/connie-bjp-for-january.html
It's been quite a learning curve already!

It's only the beginning of January and I've managed to set up a simple blog, post pictures and leave comments. I'm inspired and challenged every time I click onto the BJP site and I can hardly bear to put my beadwork down. Housework, what's that??? I've chosen a fairly generous oval as my basic shape. Most of the pictures will probably feature wildlife of some kind and I'm playing with the idea of new beginnings with a hint of nostalgia. January is well on the way, but I'll have to see where it leads....

I just wish I'd joined last year!
April

Link to Utube video - How to post on blogspot blog

Susan S posted a question in her comment asking how to post here.  That made me realize that there are some new members that may not be familiar with Blogger, or blogs in general.

Here is a link to a U-Tube video that may help

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_TNQ-oGZkY

If not, a google search will surely uncover another that you may like better.
If you have further questions about posting etc, please contact me and I will be more than happy to help you.

Carol DeLater
http://www.beadsandbirds.blogspot.com
I decided to try to ask a poll question every Friday on my blog, and here as well.  Here is what I posted on my blog for my first art poll:


Here  is a short quote that jumped out at me from the text of a magazine today:
The essence of art is human association”
I’ve been thinking about it all day.
It is one of those deceptively simple elemental concepts that teases the mind with layers of meaning.  It transcends all of the details of art making, art viewing or experiencing, success, failure, quality, concepts.  Art is by us and for us and of us. 
Marcel Duchamp said  “I don't believe in art. I believe in artists.”
I’ve been posting a poll on my Facebook page for a couple of years, just for fun.  When I was pondering the human association element today, it occurred to me that a Friday poll here on my blog might be a fun thing to try.  I figure most people who drop by are artists in one way or another.  We are all creators. 
I’ll throw out a question, answer in the comments.
For today:  On a day when your ability to work is thwarted, or if you are just not “feeling it” what are some of the activities you go to to keep your energy going? 

I'd love to hear what you have to say.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Welcome, and my plans for 2012.

Hi everyone! It is so exciting to see everyone here, posting about their plans for their 2012 Bead Journal Pieces. It sounds like we will have a diverse group of this year. I am loving the support and encouragement I am already seeing. That being said, I think I have my plans made. Many of my long-time followers have been with me the last 3 years I was involved with the BJP. I have always undertaken large pieces, very heavily encrusted and involved. This year, I am scaling back a bit. Photography has taken a big space of my creative focus, so I have decided to incorporate it into my 2012 BJP. I have decided to do an approximately 3" square using some of my nature photos as inspiration. I plan to journal the bugs, birds and butterflies as well as flowers and plants I have photographed over the past year as my BJP. I wish everyone well with the new year and their journaling. If I can help in any way, I am here as both "Mama Angel" and a friend! Welcome!

What Do You Bead On?

Scroll down a few posts and you'll see Jean G's Form vs. Content post. Several of us shared with Jean G what we bead on.

That got me to wondering: What do the rest of you use as a foundation for your bead embroidery? Lacy's Stiff Stuff? Felt? Fabric backed by paper? Fabric backed by interfacing? What else?

Do you match the color of your foundation with the color of your design by painting your foundation or covering it with fabric? Or do you use the color or pattern of your foundation as the basis for your design?

One of the most interesting things about the Bead Journal Project is seeing the variety of beautiful ways members use beads. It's going to be a good BJP year!

I've just got to get my December 2011 page photographed and posted and then I'll be ready to start on 2012.

Marty S
Crackpot Beader

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Chosen a shape

My name is Vickie Swann and this is my first time in this group and I am astounded by all of the creativity flowing through this group.Hours have gone by as I visit blogs and wipe the drool off of the keyboard. Such beautiful work.
When I signed up, I didn't have a blog and I have now set one up.My new blog is Threads of Heart and Soul.
I have chosen a star shape for this project and I have almost completed my first one (my muse pushed me into it)and I have kind of theme going but that may change as I move along.Do we post photos here or just on our own blogs?
Oh this is going to be a wild ride and I am hanging on to the needle and threads.

Hello from Mackinac!

This is my third year; I finished 2010 late and my 2011 project is unfortunately still in progress - but I will be finishing it!

I've decided to go in a very different direction this year, as well as in a much smaller format - I will be creating a series of personal runes.

I've collected stones from the beach here on Mackinac and each will be adorned with an actual object or representation that has personal significance to me. I plan to create a beaded bag to hold my runes at the end. I hope to also write an interpretation for each rune and create an accompanying hand bound book, but I bead better than I write, so that may not end up happening!

I'm so looking forward to seeing all the projects!

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Hello from WI newbie

Hi everyone... I am new to the Bead Journal Project! I am so excited to start this wonderful adventure! I did two practice pieces towards the end of last year to see if I could do bead embroidery. They turned out okay. By joining the BJP, I thought it would help me get inspired and learn from all of you!

I am going to be doing small pendants 1 1/2 inches by 2 2 1/2 inches with the theme of "natures songs".

Here are my practice pieces:



The centers of the piece are collages I have done! I plan to do this for my BJP too!

Please let me know if you have any advice or tips!

Can't wait to see what everyone else does!

Hugs,
K

Hello and Happy 2012!

I'm so happy to be participating in the 2012 Bead Project this year.  I enrolled in 2010 but got derailed.  Even the short time I was able to participate that year, I really appreciated the energy and interaction with other bead artists.  I just posted a little bit on my blog about being involved with the project.  I'm going to work in a circle format, larger than my wearable art pins.  I have wanted to do this forever, this is the structure I need to get started!  I'm excited to see everyone's work!

Form vs. Content

This was a big discussion in my Media Communications class back in the 70s (oops! am I dating myself :-) ). When discussing television media, we were looking at the difference between the actual form and the content and how they influenced each other.

What does this have to do with beading? I think I have at least chosen my structure! I have always been intrigued by Robin and how she works with fabric. However, I bead very tight and the few times I beaded on fabric I had problems with tension. The softness of the fabric can be difficult for me to bead on.

I love Lacy's Stiff Stuff for beading. So I think I will experiment with attaching fabric to Lacy's (interfacing? glue? basting?) and see if that works.

Of course, I do not yet have a shape in mind, but at least I am working on one aspect of form. I think (hope) the content will come once I start beading!

Jean G

New here...

Hello everyone! I'm Loralynn and I am new here, though, not new to bead work. I actually had my own business based on bead work and beading supplies for many years before getting burned out on it. I stopped having anything to do with beading for about 4 years before starting to get a little interest back for it.  When I learned about the sign ups for the BJP it really piqued my interest! I'm not sure exactly what size I will be doing, that's still in the planning stages, but I will be loosely basing it all on a fortune I got at a Chinese restaurant.

I look forward to a new outlook on my bead work and I look forward to seeing everyone's creativity!

What to do ....????

So this will be my third year with BJP - think I did years 2 and 3. Not exactly sure but I know I didn't do year one and I didn't do last year so ...

I found a black and white material sampler in my stash and am thinking that will be my base. Just need to decide if I want to keep it the original size - 6" square or cut it back. From there I will either work in black, white, colour or a combination of all. Not sure what the theme will be - might change every month.

Looking forward to playing with my beads - might have to clean up and sort out my stash to make it easier to start the pieces. At the moment everything is in boxes in different locations - all of it in the basement - but it is a big basement.

Hmmmmm.......

Monday, January 2, 2012

BJP 2012: shape has been chosen!

I'm notorious for procrastinating so the fact that I've actually chosen a shape for my 2012 BJP is darn impressive!  This year, I'm going to work with hexagons.  I'll be using the smallest of my Marti Mitchell templates, which I think is a 1", to cut a Peltex base.  The base will be covered with fabric then beaded.  I'm not going to plan for a theme or color or anything beyond the shape.  This year is all about, to the greatest extent possible, using what I have on hand AND being more creatively adventurous.  I'm going to let go of planning and let my Inner Creative Goddess explore, experiment, and create without predetermined expectations and boundaries.

Sara
http://universeaccordingtosara.blogspot.com/
I'm excited about getting started on this years BJP. Last year was a bust for me. But I'm just putting that behind me and going forward with 2012! Haven't decided on Format yet. So here's to 2012!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

New to BJP but not to beads!

Hi Everyone and Happy New Year!

I am so excited to be a part of the BJP! I have been involved with fiber arts since age 8 and have been a serious beader for 8 years. I discovered bead embroidery when I bought Robin Atkins' first book and have since acquired three more of Robin's books/booklets and have taken classes with Sherry Serafini.

I am still playing with ideas as to the format of my projects this year. Since I am a newbie to BJP, I may keep the format simple. I do want to explore my own sense of design and hope that this journey may help me to resolve some personal issues as well.

One thing I am committed to is working with new color palettes. My favorite color is purple and too many of my projects gravitate toward the same palette. So I am challenging myself to try some fresh combinations during the year to come.

Looking forward to getting to know all of you!
Jean G. aka Jaelle

Happy New Year All

Good morning to everyone. I am new to the Journal this year and am looking forward to this. I am an avid beader and usually find some reason to include beads on almost everything I do. Now to start....

Just thinking of what to do


Hi all - very exciting to be starting our 5th year. Welcome to all our newbies - this is a great group to belong to.

I sort of have an idea of what to do this year, but have not settled on anything yet. That to me is the hardest part - what do I want to make 12 of? I love my BJPs for the last 4 years (see them here) and hope to come up with a good idea for this year. I do like that it is Jan-Dec.

So, welcome all and I look forward to seeing everyone's pieces in the coming months.

Have a BEADy great day. Karen

Sunday, January 1, 2012

I can't believe it's time to start again!



I am so excited!  This will be my 5th season with the BJP, and I am looking forward to another great year!  Each year I've done something different in order to keep my enthusiasm (and attention!) focused on the task.  Last year I chose to do very small bead embroidered buttons dominated by watch faces because of time constraints. 

For this year, I still haven't decided...and I can't believe it!  In the past, I've ALWAYS known what I wanted to do long before the start.  Hmmmm...

xoxo
Cyndi L
Beading Arts