Hearts & flowers

My February journal entry  beading went very quickly. I love hearts, so in addition to the glass heart beads I had, I was able to create two hearts on the fabric: one was already a heart shape in the material which I outlined, and one I created by using pearls and again I outlined it with 15s. Hope you like this month's journal entry. Go to February 2009 and click on the photo to see an enlarged one and the description.

Thinking Ahead... and a Poll

I have put a poll up on the sidebar of my blog and would love to get your input. I am thinking ahead about what I might do with my 2008-2009 BJP pieces when I finally get them finished (embroidered cuff bracelets, like this one) and want some opinions about how to do it. The link I provided is to my blog entry where you can leave comments.

Thanks in advance!

Kassie

Not all hearts are red

I finished my February page this afternoon and is up on my blog for all to see. I hope you enjoy it.

Z'anne

January Finished

I've just written about my january page...A Long and Winding Road...you can see the whole piece here on my blog.

Elemental Water update

Scanned it this time, so you can see it in much better detail:

http://beadingbutterfly.blogspot.com

Kassie

February!!

I had a good start this month and have the following to show for it: Ms. February

Double Infinity - Febrruary's done!

Okay - i must say i'm beginning to like the 4x4 size again! Not too sure what i wanted to do, so i let the beads decide! I'm really happy with the end piece - it is really a play on the softness of the heart. No harsh day-glo pinks here, they all meld into each other and shine. Also - I tried a new approach for adding my back suede piece - i tacked it directly to the cotton batting and found it was much easier to attach. However, i made it on the slightly small side so the piece takes on a bit of a curve which is okay since i kindof like it! See it here http://www.flickr.com/photos/30235567@N07/3261290356/in/pool-871696@N21 or here!

I admit I finished it a while ago

I was whipping out my journal pages so fast, I was beginning to feel as if I were posting too much. So I thought I would wait until February to actually POST my February Bead Journal Page. I haven't begun my March page, but I will be traveling to Europe in a few days and have my project ready for the plane. My 'sneak peek' is actually a photo of most of my bead journal project pages next to each other - you'll have to click Here to see what the final February page looks like.

LOTS of FUN!!
-That Celticat Chick

January bjp pin

You may see my January pin on my blog.

Speedie is done!

I got my February doll done & wanted to share with you. This is another one of my "Dumpster Dolls" & a recycled McDonald's Happy Meal stuffed toy. I haven't got a name for these. I really am not very good at naming my pieces, so help would be greatly appreciated. My newest piece is here on my blog.
dot

Making waves... or what I did on my kids' snow days!

Check out my progress here.

Kassie

Snowflakes

Let it snow, let it snow. It's close to a record snowfall for us this winter, so snowflakes were a natural choice for January. I made the large snowflake with clear and white glass...very simple. I made 2, not sure which one I would use. The other I wire wrapped into a simple necklace for a friend's birthday, but forgot to take a photo.

I lost another friend to breast cancer in January, so it is no wonder that I'm ready to be done with winter. Angie left 3 sons, 1 still in high school, and many, many friends. She was a dedicated special ed teacher and inspiration to us all.

The complete photo can be seen on my website. February means a little more daylight. And the first week of March the red winged blackbirds come back to our pond, so there is hope.

January Journal Completed

Robin - Thank you so much for finding the error for me. I had corrected it before posting, or so I thought. Anyway, here's a new entry about my January Journal entry, which I did finish in January, even though it's being posted in February.

The Chinese New Year was the perfect theme for my January Journal, as I love all things Asian. I create Chinese brush paintings, mainly of flowers, and would like to learn Calligraphy. A good friend of mine, Angela Chang, painted the piece I used as my cabochon for this piece. It's the Chinese symbol LU, for prosperity for the new year. The colors I used are explained in the description of the piece shown on my web site. To access my site, click here on January Bead Journal.

I have brooches I've made which also include Angela's calligraphy. You can see them at Calligraphy Jewelry.

Once on my site, click on the photo of the piece about which you would like to read. You'll get a larger picture and the description of each. In order to see the rest of my jewelry, click at the top on Gallery, which will take you back to the main page showing all the main albums, and then click on Handcrafted Beaded Jewelry.

I'm not sure how to get rid of my previous January blog, but I'll experiment and see what happens. Otherwise, you'll have two blog entries to read but only one will connect to my site. Hope you enjoy the visit.

January Journal Completed

Hi again -

I finished my January journaling in January - way to go! But just....like the 29th. I'm really happy with it. The Chinese New Year was in January, which was perfect for me, as I love all things Asian. I love to create Chinese brush paintings, mainly flowers, and Calligraphy is something I'd like to learn but don't do now. However, I have a good friend who does, Angela Chang, and she did the piece I used as my cabochon. To see my January piece click January Journal Entry

I just realized that I hadn't written that if you go to my site to see my pieces, you need to click on the journal piece you want to see for a description of it. {Robin wrote a lovely note for my December piece and asked what the stone was. I just read the blog today, so I'm a bit late responding. If I had let you all know how to see it before now, you could have read a description of each to get an idea of what I was about. (I used a Ruby Zoacite for the Christmas part and a Drusy for the Chanukah one.)}

Hope you like my January entry. I'll try to check the blog more often. I'm still a novice, as I didn't know how to make sure that Robin saw an answer to her question.

Round and round... Elemental Water update

Latest progress photo here.  There is hope that I'll get the last 2 panels done by the April 9 deadline.

Kassie

Starting February on the 1st!! Double Infinity

Well I sifted through my bead collection today and think i've found those i want to work with! My focal point is a red tatted heart i bought on e-bay. Perhaps i might add beads to that too....It will be interesting to see what the finished product looks like - check back to find out!

Taking Good Photos

From time to time, there have been questions (some from me) about how to take good pictures for posting. The latest was in a response to Kandra's beautiful photo in Blog #1.

If you want a cool gizmo for taking excellent, well-lighted close-ups, you could make a Trashcanulator 2000.

I haven't tried it, but it looks like just the expensive professional equipment. Plus it has a great name!

Marty S
Crackpot Beader

Caught Up

My January page is done and up here on my blog. I had a hard time thinking up something to do for this month, especially after the way it started. But then, it snowed again. A snowflake was the perfect choice! This one isn't cold and it won't melt. That I like. Enjoy.

Z'anne

P.S. With 5 pages done and hanging on the dowel, my journal is beginning to look pretty good. I'll take a pick next month at the half way mark.

2007 BJP Decision

I've decided what I am going to do with my 2007 BJP when it's complete... NEWS

Kassie
aka Beadg1rl (DeviantArt page)
aka Beading Butterfly (blog)
The Beading Butterfly (website)

How do YOU use our BJP blogs?

Hi everyone!

I'm curious about how our members use the BJP Blogs. So I posted a poll on the side bar of Blog #1. Look for the second item down on the right. I hope you'll take a moment to respond.

Please check all of the items on the poll that apply to you. Also, if you have any suggestions, feel free to offer them as comments on this post or email our blog angel.

Thanks so much!
Robin A.

February pin

I've skipped January for the time being and made my pin for February. You can see it on my blog.

Life Lessons From Improvisational Bead Embroidery

I finished my January page, and it was not what I expected. Come to my blog to see it and the lesson it illustrates.
Marty S
Crackpot Beader

December is finally finished!

Between a very big art show, the worst weather in 40 years, an abscessed tooth and the holidays, I didn't even get my December page started until after New Year's. Here is where you can find my page and an explanation about it.

I hope to start on my January page this weekend, but you know how life can change things all at once. Wish me luck! ;)

Z'anne

December completed, Jan started

Hi all -

Here's a link to my December journal entry which is color based on Chanukah and Christmas. December Bead Journal. So, the colors I worked with are blue, white, red, and green. I don't think I'd ever choose those colors to work with exclusively on one piece, but there you go. I guess that's what the journaling is all about, trying new things. I've started my January one, so hopefully it will be completed this month. Or if not, certainly next month. This is fun.

Susan

January piece completed

January is finished. I had to continue with my medieval theme that I started last month - something about the regal feeling of the floor tile. But the colours in this one! Zounds! This isn't our ancestor's colour scheme!

sewing machine

Here's a question related to the creation of a BJP page:

What kind of sewing machine do you recommend?

In the past I had a low-end Singer and had lots of tension problems. So I want a good quality, solid, reliable machine to work on BJP and collage-type pieces.

Thanks, Susan

January block done - Double Infinity

My interest is growing in crazy quilts, so of course i've been working on a stash of fabric and fun things to use once i'm ready to begin that pursuit! I got both items (fabric and photo) early this month and they just seemed to be perfect for the New Year. Funny how things just work out :) So i went though all my beads (perhaps my favorite part!!) and got to work! I was not happy with the color intensity on the silk photo print (and since it is the first i've used, i don't know if they are all so soft) so i wound up beading the entire picture. My husband says "it's not done yet, is it? i don't see a thing!!" Well, it is done and it is a baby holding a bubble with 3 butterflies! I did the same picot edging on the photo and the piece itself using 11's which gives it a framed look. This is getting to be quite a bit of fun. Can't wait to see what everyone else came up with. http://www.flickr.com/photos/30235567@N07/3204099965/in/pool-871696@N21

January BJP lookie!

I finally got January done & it is STILL January. YEAH! You can see my piece here & I've got a surprise announcement too. I'm thrilled. It is very very very cold in Ohio. This morning when I let the dogs out it was 0 degrees...yes ZERO! But I'm sure it is cold every where in the US today.

dot

HI....I'm back!

Just a quick note to say I am back on BJP path and have just added a new post to my blog where you can see some of my beaded Christmas cards plus a couple of my BJP pages.

December completed....

While November took me forever to complete my puzzle piece, once the inspiration for December took ahold in my scrambled brain, I was done in a flash.

December 2008

First Time Blogger

Hi -

I'm Susan. This is all new to me, as I've never blogged before and am hesitant about what I'm doing, somewhat computer challenged until I do something for the first time and then I'm comfortable with it. This is also the first time that I've ever done a beading journal, which I find I'm really enjoying. I was right on time with my Sept, Oct, and Nov entries, but Dec got away from me with other things I had to do. I create jewelry, and actually each piece of my journal is a brooch. I had a jewelry party in my home for holiday gifts, and getting ready for that took a lot of time. Then, I had gotten some orders from the party and had to fill those. These aren't excuses, just an explanation. Finally, it's Jan and I'm half way through my Dec piece with great ideas for the Jan one. My pieces can  been seen on my web site http://www.mermaidsjewelz.com/gallery . Go to the last album on the page and click on it. 

A lot of my jewelry is actually bead embroidery but I've always called it sculptural beading. This is also the first time that I'm actually doing different embroidery stitch patterns. If you look at my jewelry, you'll see what I mean. 

Well. That's all for now.

December bjp pin

You can view my December pin on my blog.

First Post for BJP 2008

Hi all - I hardly get on the blog because when I do, it takes up most of my day - there are so many great things to see and read. I'm very happy that you all are so supportive. I love this project (did it last year, too). This year my theme is Mirror Mirror On The Wall as all my pieces are 5" mirrors, but the mirror faces the wall so you can see the beading! Anyway, each month is a new color scheme, includes something I've never done before (like a new stitch) and includes a machine embroidery (my newest hobby). Re: the color scheme -  I was trying to figure out how all of these relate to color theory and now see that they all don't, that color theory helps in finding a color when you are unsure what to use. I'd like comments on this as I'm trying to learn more about color theory. So, I'm a little behind (haven't started January yet), but have now finished my first 4 pieces.  The color theme for January is going to be Pinks and Greens (my sister's favorite colors) - now to decide on the embroidery. You can view my 4 on my website. Enjoy and have a BEADY Good Day. Karen

Okay, almost there.

I have almost caught up to where I should be. I have posted November and January's BJP pages on my blog but I wanted to give you a teaser of my favorite one so far. There is more to see so be sure to visit my blog.

Now that I have set my eyes upon my inspiration, I am moving right along with a lot of projects.

You may be asking why November and January but not December-- well I have a pattern that I drew years ago that I am hunting that I want to bead on my December page. It will go quickly but I didn't want that "Word" to get away, since I am using words for my BJP. If you wanna know more about the chosen words you will have to look at my blog post to understand.

Have a blessed day and enjoy all the pretty beads.

Thank you Robin

Thanks to Robin I was able to rework my BJP into a workable appealing project. I had such a creative block that I went back to an old love to find my way. I have posted a picture of September and October on my blog along with all the reasoning-- just in case you may want to walk around in my creative logic.
Thanks again Robin for the creative words and I am sure that is why you are the mommy of this project-- you are great.

December BJP Completed!

I finished my December BJP page while we were away for Christmas. You can see it at Crackpot Beader. Go to the second post on the page.

It has been too much fun to see what everyone else is doing! Lots of inspiration from amazing artists!

Happy New Year!
Marty S
Crackpot Beader

Is it really the end of December? I always look forward to this time of year...the crush of holidays over, the sun starting to show itself more.

But this has been a very tough month personally. My dear friend Jill Landers died on December 14th, from metastatic breast cancer, 11 years after her first diagnosis. She was only 51, and truly an inspiration in her life and in her death.

I spent many hours in the past 2 months with her, just watching tv with her, rubbing her feet, holding her hand, sometimes just reading/singing to her. I felt so lucky to have that time with her...relieving her husband so he could run errands, etc.

I'm so glad that I had that time, but also glad I had this journal project to keep me focused. I absolutely had to finish the edging on this piece today. Anyway, this is not my favorite piece technically or aesthetically, but emotionally it is right on! The sun will triumph, as will hope. The darkness will be pushed back, as will despair. This snippet is part of of my determination, which you can see in full in my blog here:

November - Done!!

Yes, I finally finished November's piece. I do like the way that the hawk hides in the colours.....

Happy New Years to everyone!

November and December BJP

I'm a bit late on the November doll. She took me a month and a half to make. I'm going to have to simplifiy in the future if I want to stay on track. : P Her name is Hiawatha and is for Thanksgiving.

December Doll is Jolly Holly. I wanted the Holly leaves to look more light and airy but I guess in a cold climate a heavy looking skirt would be warmer. All things work out in the end.

Dot's Fall Reveal

First off, I want to apologize for not being an active member these past 4 months. Let me explain & hopefully you'll understand why I've been so silent. First off, I need to tell you that I have had a great year. I was so blessed to be published in not only doll makers magazines, but in a bead book called Flatwork. I got a job teaching at the local bead store, and was invited to Albuquerque to teach my Podlings. Also, I had a great reception at a gallery show, and made enough money to pay for a lot more beads! But...it was in July or August, when I was at the peak of happiness about all my success, when someone told me that I needed to stop bragging so much as I was making other members of my guild unhappy with me. I was shocked! I thought that your Guild Sisters were the right ones to cheer you on. Heaven forbid if I expected my family or co-workers to understand what I've been doing, but other ARTIST? So I became very depressed, and began to question my motives about why I was doing this Art. I didn't stop creating, and do and STILL enjoy every single thing I make. But I stopped sharing my accomplishments at Guild meetings, and found myself uneasy about writing about anything on my blog. I kept quiet and for those who know me, that is not me. I even stopped blogging, and eventually forgot my pass word. I found myself sinking deeper and deeper pulling into a shell. Then a week before Christmas I was talking to my best friend about this, and she told me that I should not let a few jealous (yes, she made me realize that they were jealous) people stop me from sharing what I do with others. I've thought about this all this week. Then I realize that I do have the right to brag. I do have the right to share what I've been doing. Suddenly it was like a cloud was lifted from me. I felt alive, and happy again. So this is the reason, I've been so quiet.

Now let me tell you a little about my December Reveal. I have the 4 months projects & if you'd like to see better pictures of the 4 pieces for this year's entry, please go to my blog (which I promise to keep up) and see the inspiration behind each piece. My theme this year is ReCycle-Trash to Treasure. I'm doing beaded dolls this year.

I'm making a promise to myself and to YOU to keep up and not let this world crash down on me.
dot

First four months done

I"ve just posted my first four months of bead journaling. I forgot to size the photos, so if you click on them they're pretty big. Their "real" size is about 3 1/2 inch diameter. Enjoy, Susan

Pam T. Is Doing OK

Most of you have had some correspondence with our BJP Registration Angel, Pam T. If you've been following her blog, you know that she had a double mastectomy and lymph node removal surgery on the 19th. Her December BJP is a visual journal of her unexpected diagnosis and rush into surgery and next chemo followed by radiation.

I'm writing today to let you know that she's home from the hospital and doing reasonably well. She even sent a "group email report" today in which she joked a bit... "I still have drains in (ugh) and I am really quite sore and stiff and I feel like I am walking around like a robot or something trying not to move too much, but I guess the positive here is that I am moving, right?"

She is extremely appreciative of the support, prayers, healing thoughts, etc that she has received from BJP members. She hopes you'll all be diligent about getting regular checks/mamograms.

I'll post a progress report again in a week or so. In the meantime, if you wish, you can leave comments here or on her blog.

December Finished

My take on the beautiful old Russian icons of a black madonna and child...at my blog.

Happy Holidaze, everyone!
(now hopefully after they're over I can get back to beading!)

December BJP Progress

Here's a sneak peak at my partially completed page for December. You can see more at Crackpot Beader.

The thought behind it is that there are sparkles even on the longest night of the year.

I've really enjoyed seeing what everyone is doing. There are many talented and accomplished bead artists in the group.

I hope everyone enjoys a wonderful holiday.
Marty S
Crackpot Beader

Double Infinity - December page completed

Well I seem to be having some technical difficult getting a posting up today. Please see my piece here - http://www.flickr.com/photos/30235567@N07/3115938619/ and bear with me! I got the focal bead from Sculpted Window. You should check her out - very talented. There are so many cool little things on this bead - look at the crystal stalks and all the tiny details - just lovely. The bead reminds me of a Goddess Mother and who is the highest of all mothers in the eyes of Christians, but the virgin Mary? So I decided to use her as the focal point of my December page. I am also a mother of December - my youngest was 7 on the 12th!!! And also, the last time both my parents opened their eyes was while receiving final blessings from the church when the words "Mother Mary" were spoken. The rest of the piece just created itseld in muted metals and iris beads, with quite a few fire polished thrown in for sparkle. I just love the feathers, although they were hard to photograph. I took the bead to the fabric store and walked around 3 times before deciding on the sparly golden black knit. I simply put some black interfacing behind it before attatching it to the Stiff Stuff so it was easy to work with. Hope you have a lovely holiday season!

Not slacking, just busy

Not much progress lately, but here's an update on my Elemental Water panel (2007-2008 BJP).  So far for 2008-2009, I only have one month completed, but the second is in my head and will hopefully get going soon.

http://beadingbutterfly.blogspot.com

November bjp pin

I have my November bjp pin on my blog.

Be kind to yourself over the holidays and enjoy each day as it comes. Not sure I'll have time for much beading, but I'm really looking forward to time with my family.

Happy Holidays!

2008 Bead Journal Project Completed!

I just posted the final chapter of last years project on my blog (and my dining room)
It's complete!!

If you think you are behind...

I started an idea for the page format for September but because of a lack of love for it-- I have put it off and that made me put off every month since thinking I need to do that Idea.... Well I have come to terms with my creative self and have decided to scrap that idea so I am even further behind not having one page done as of yet. Ohh well, I know when that great light bulb moment hits I will be beading with a fury like no other and then I will be done in no time at all.
So many things are rolling around in my head, I need to just nail one of them down.
I have gotten to see first hand Mandi's pages-- they are ATC size. (we are both in the DBS and I saw them at a meeting) That inspired me to think harder and it also made me not want to scrap the work I have already done for Sept. (maybe I will incorporate it somehow) It also left me thinking that what I want to do is not solid beading-- I want to incorporate space and fabric and paper. I want to play LOL and make a big mess that creates a beauty in the process! I think I can, I think I can (chug, chug)

I'm behind....

...I'll confess out loud. I have been reading and viewing blogs all over the world thanks to this project. And loving everything that I see!

Then Facebook. Damn Pathwords. I believe that I am addicted.

And November sits on my workbench. Sad. Lonely. Dejected.

I've been working on ID badge lariats for Christmas gifts and have about 16 more inches on the last one.

Then November will be happy. And December.

November BJP finished

I had fun with November's page, it exactly mimics my November 2008 state of mind. You can see it here. Great work everyone!

What happens when you're TOO inspired??

I admit the bead-journal addictions are getting a little too much... I've finished January. D'oh! I've uploaded it onto the Flikr group, as well as wrote a bit about the whole page on my Contemporary Bead Art blog. Despite the fact I've already picked out the image from my sketchbook that I will tackle for February 2009's page... I'm going to dig into a few other projects to slow down.

-That Celticat Chick

November BJP is done!!!

Howdy fellow beaders,

Yesterday I completed my November BJP page. YeeeeHawww! I took a bunch of purty pictures this morning and if you'd like to take a look, mosey on over to my blog and check it out. I am not quite sure why I am writing in cowgirl language this morning. Perhaps I've had too much coffee.....

Have a might fine day y'all,
Pam

November is just about over. I've had my piece finished for a few days but just got around to photographing it. You can see it here:

November is always my lowest month emotionally...lack of light, end of year, reminders of loss. My dear friend Jill is still hanging in there with the help of her devoted family and hospice. Every day for her is a gift, and I try to remember that I shouldn't wish my time away to get to a month I like better. It is a good day today.

Pictures!!!!

Yay!! In a few days, as of Dec. 1st, we can start posting pictures of our BJP work here on our three BJP blogs!!!

Although pictureful posts are fun, we will probably want to restrict ourselves to BJP related images because by the end of the year there will be upwards of 2,000 posts and we don't want to get shut down because of going over our allotted space. Please keep posting other beautiful pictures on your own blog and please post links to them on the BJP blog when you feel they would be of specific interest to BJPers.

Last year we got in the habit of cropping the pictures of our finished BJP pieces and posting these little sneak-peek images (enticing hints of the whole piece) here on the BJP blog along with a link to our own blog or Flickr page. That was really fun... to see just a little part of the picture was like a wrapped present at Christmas! Like this... don't you just want to check it out?


It's my October piece from last year's BJP. See here for more... ;>}

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I am so thankful for this project... for all of you and for the great abundance of creativity and inspiration flowing from your BJP work!!!

Big hugs to all, Robin A.

September Cuff Completed!

Wow!  Only 2 months behind LOL!  See my completed cuff for September on my blog here.  I've also uploaded it to Flickr.

Kassie 

http://beadingbutterfly.blogspot.com

http://beadg1rl.deviantart.com

www.beadingbutterfly.com

November BJP Completed!

I finished my November BJP page, Blue Abundance. You can see it on my blog. I chose the theme of abundance for the month of Thanksgiving. It is named Blue Abundance because the beads are blue, not because there is an abundance of "the blues."

I hope everyone has a happy Thanksgiving. We're expecting our "abundance" of grandsons to visit, and it will be fun, fun, fun!

Marty S
Crackpot Beader

....oops

It might help if I actually posted a link.

www.vanishingpearl.blogspot.com

Sorry again.

I'm Tamara and a procrastinator.

I am really far behind in this project. Homework take up way too much of my time. I do promise that I will get working on October and November as soon as this semester ends. (Hopefully!) In the meantime, here is my September piece. I apologize for my tardiness.

Travelling With Beads

Since a few people asked about it... I've taken photos of my 'traveling bead embroidery' setup and there's a peek on the progress of my January journal page. I've posted it all over on my blog:
Contemporary Bead Art
Hey - when can we start posting photos on this blog, anyhow? It's getting pretty boring and drab without colorful images. {{Edited - Otro Gato has been removed.}}
Anyhow, I hope everyone is beading madly!
-That Celticat Chick

November Completed - Double Infinity

Well, my November page was started on the 1st and was done awhile ago, but I'm only now finding time to take a picture and write about it. November - of course - conjures images of Thanksgiving and it is also the month i got married in 9 years ago. So the question was - how can i combine these 2 things in my BJP this month? Well, i had this lovely acrylic 2 1/2 inch 'saying' I'd like to say was made my Heidi Grace or some other embellishment person. I used to move it around my room because i liked what it says (just wait!) but you could barely see it since it's acrylic. So...i went through my fabric stash and found this lovely purple pseudo/silk and - lo and behold - you could read it clearly!!! The saying is this: "to thine own self be true". Very important when giving thanks and in marriage i would say. So i made the acrylic into a flower pot with some purple clusters and went through my flower bead stash and made a lovely bunch of flowers. It just formed itself, and i must say, i like what it did!!! Of course, i'm feeling a bit constrained by my 4x4 squares, but it is also nice trying to fit an 'idea' into the form since we did make a promise to use the same shape throughout the year. December has been brewing in my head - somewhat as a no-brainer for the christians out there - but there is also my daughter's birthday to consider. You'll just have to wait and see how it develops - just like me! Now if i can only get the Flickr link here.....http://www.flickr.com/photos/30235567@N07/2949837196/?addedcomment=1#comment72157608113544654

October Complete

Hi everyone...my October page is complete if you'd like to take a peek.

The heart art I've seen so far is beautiful and so inspiring!!!

Take care and happy beading!

Lisa

November Progress

I am making progress on November's piece, but it isn't finished yet. I need to make the lampworked focal bead...hopefully tomorrow. In the meantime, in addition to November, I've managed to finish and join September and October pieces. You can see them here. http://margaretsutherland.blogspot.com/

My niece asked me today what I had been doing lately...She is my favorite (and only) niece. I was at a loss how to answer...making beads, doing beadwork, being treasurer of my local beadmaker's guild, etc. Not very impressive to a 23 year old, until I showed her my pieces, and the embroidered purse I made with her in mind!

Just checking in

this year seems have flown by, especially the last 3 months. I have been checking in on the blogs on a regular basis, although I don't always comment and as usual I am amazed at the level of work that is being produced by everyone.

Anyway, I am finally, after a slow start making progress with my pages for this year. I haven't posted any of the pages yet and I might not for a while but if you follow the link to my blog you will see what my basic idea is.

You will also see 2 of last year's pages in their brilliant shadow boxes, created by the framers (Nev Hough and Kristin Carr, a fabulous artist herself) at Joann's in Austin TX

What do do when stuck on a flight?

Well.... we took a vacation to Denver, Wyoming & New Mexico last week for my birthday, and I wwas a little TOO productive during the flight. Click here for my November AND December Bead Journal Pages. I think I need to take a break! D'oh!

-That Celticat Chick

Ornaments

I have posted information about the reverse side at www.beadsalot.blogspot.com

Fall Finished

My three autumn bjp pieces are done...if you want an early peek, you can see them here.
I've done less beading on these first three than I did on last years pieces, but more fun stuff with fabric...and they're larger at 6x8, instead of last years 4x6.

September & October Start

Finally started on September and October.  Also, posted the sketch for my 3rd quarter 2007 BJP Elemental Water panel.

Kassie - The Beading Butterfly

aka Beadg1rl

http://beadingbutterfly.blogspot.com

Pages

On my blog you can find photos of my September, October and November pages www.beadsalot.blogspot.com

October bjp pin

If you would like to see my October piece, check out my blog.

Jann

Your assistance, please

As I've said in the past, I'm not much of a beader...yadda, yadda, yadda, I know!

One of the downsides of that is that I'm not familiar with a lot of the beads out there in the universe, what they're called, etc...so I'm not really sure what to ask for when looking for something.

I'm trying to find some more of these...the bigger ones have 2 pairs of holes, and I *think* they may be shell of some sort. They're very pearlescent, and kind of shift between purple and green with some grey thrown in for good measure. (actually, the color isn't as important as much as what they are!)

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance!

Elemental Fire

Panel 2 (Elemental Fire) from BJP 2007 finished - finally!

beadingbutterfly.blogspot.com

Progress...

I've actually been working along pretty well on the BJP, keeping more or less to schedule, but I'm just not ready to post any of it just now. Last year I put forth all my progress and the finished pieces, but this year... I'm keeping them to myself for a little while. I even finished the December 2007 piece, and I'm not ready to post that, either. My viewpoint is changing I guess. However, quite a lot has been going on in my life, including a major project detailed on my blog. I'm very excited by all these goings on about my place.

-- Lois B

October Bead Journal

I finished my October bead journal project just a few minutes ago. I've been working on lots of projects this week and having fun with learning new stitches. Check out October at The Bad Liz to see what I have been up to. I have a good idea for November, and love all the pictures I have seen on the other blogs with the October (and September) projects.

The weather is really changing in Michigan - and I do like this time of year. Take care everyone!

Liz - The Bad Liz

October BJP - I'm a witch! : )

Well, after changing my mind several times, I finally decided what I would like to do for my journal pages. I'm going to do a series of dolls. I think the doll choice will reflect a lot of where I am in my beading in the coming year.

So here is my October doll Wendoline the Witch. I absolutely adore Halloween and I always wanted to be a witch when I was a small girl. I didn't even mind having to have green skin. LOL...

Jeanne

You've Created a Monster

I hate to say it... I'm totally hooked. I've almost finished my November page - no fair! Anyhow, I've written a bit on my blog... these darn beads are getting out of hand. Of course, I'm counting on falling behind in the future, right?

-That Celticat Chick

October Page Posted

My Oct BJP is finished......early!!!!

If you'd like to have a look you'll find it here.

Comments are always appreciated.

Thanks,
SueU

Tagging Fun + Update

Today I'm showing off my progress, and having fun tagging other BJP participants!
http://beadcircleblog.com/?p=161

Elemental Fire - almost done!!

Second panel of my 2007 BJP (yeah, I know LOL) almost finished - yay!

http://beadingbutterfly.blogspot.com

Kassie

Not Quite Pink--October BJP Finished

I finished my October page, Not Quite Pink. It was made in acknowledgment of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Come and see it here.

Thanks to all who sent support after my first post about it. This time, I promise, more beads and less rant!
Marty S
Crackpot Beader

October BJP

Yay! I finished my October page. You can view it here. Everyone's work that I've seen so far is STUNNING!
Cheers all,
Sarah

Flikr Question

I'm mystified. Again. When I go to the 2008-2009 BJP Flikr site, I can only see some of the photos posted. To see all of them, I have to sign in to Flikr.

But it seems like I can see all of the photos for the 2007 BJP, which I did not participate in, without signing in.

Am I missing a step in trying to get to the 2008-2009 BJP Flikr site? Any ideas?
Marty S
Crackpot Beader

Running Crazy Behind

I've decided I've taken on too many projects -- go figure. And being the Libra, I try to give equal status and attention to them all. That explains the running crazy part. Anyway, I've decided that all of my BJP 'pages' are going to be pinkeepers like the ones I've been working on in a couple of swaps. I have the September fabric part sewn together and should start working on it this weekend. I know it is October, but I'll get there when I can. September's question to meditate is "What were you like when you were young?" I'll post a picture of my pieces to this puzzle this weekend, so all of you can at least see I've started. I am going to finish the round robins I'm in and then no more swaps or round robins until I get my BJP done. The BJP is for me, sounds selfish, but it is the truth. It will be my work for me. My time to stop and reflect. My chance to contemplate and grow.

October's Golden page is done.

Well, i finished my October piece the other day and am really enjoying the process. My parent's were married in the month of October and the only anniversary they were apart was their 50th, so i decided to make it a 'golden' page. I found a really neat spiral glass sun, and even though it has a bale, i knew i could make it work! When I first put it on top of my chosen fabric, i know it was the right choice. Then i found some cool glass tube beads in the most amazing earth tones. I decided to use 5 of these for 'rays' - significant in 2 ways - the 5 golden rings (!) and the fact that there were once 5 members in my family, where now it it only me. I can feel myself learning to trust my instinct and even allowed myself to put sequins on the piece! I can even see myself using fibers one day! I guess i am evolving into a textil-ist (?), but don't worry, there are lots of beads on this piece too! I think my favorite part of the piece is holding it up to the sun. I used square beads for my border which are amber lined and then i used bronze delicas and a clear teardrop with a copper center for the 'fringe', so it really shines! I love how a piece tells me when it is done - take a look at the Flickr site and have a look.

October piece finsihed!

I can't believe I've actually finished October this early in the month. Of course it helps that I don't like to completely cover my fabric with beads! I like to feature the color of the ultrasuede in the background. (Is that an excuse or a design feature? hmmmm)

This month's word was circles. You can see my finished piece here. I love the colors and the flow of the beads. I tried a few new stitches and did a few that I just made up (though I'm sure they are not original!). I've learned to not be afraid of ripping out, changing my mind, and enjoying the project just for the joy of doing it.

I've decided to add backing in the same ultrasuede color and adding a picot edge. Eventually, I'll sew them all together with beads. Next month's color will be....not sure yet! Whatever the color, I'll be thinking about my good friend Jill, who will lose her battle with breast cancer soon.

2007 BJP Elemental Series Update

Yeah, I'm still working on LAST year's BJP!  LOL!

It's not much further along than it was when I last posted, but I thought it would be cool to show the first two panels together.  The 3rd and 4th panels will be water and earth, water on the lower left and earth on the lower right.  The whole thing is approximately 16" x 16" square.  Now that October 15 has come and gone, I think I'll have a little more time to focus on this project.  For those of you who don't know, I'm an accountant and October 15 is a tax extension deadline.  Now I get to breathe until January comes around again!!

Picture is on my blog and in my DeviantArt gallery.

Kassie

October Update

I posted my October update to my blog. I blurred out the "word" I am using, but it will be revealed when the piece is complete.

I said this in my blog post, but I want to say it again. I am truly blown away by all the comments I’ve received. I’m really excited about growing, learning, and finding myself in this craft, and I’m so happy to have a wonderful, amazing group like you all to share it with. Thank you.

Mandibeads
http://www.beadcircleblog.com

September Complete

My September page is finished, however, not without lessons learned! If you care to visit, feel free to swing by my blog. I would welcome any comments, ideas, and smiles! Thankfully, I am starting October, and I know it will be a much smoother experience and my lips will be zipped!

I have been enjoying visiting blogs the past few days...amazing and beautiful work! What a great group of kindred spirits!

~Lisa ;-)

Sept BJP Page Posted

I have had my page finished since the last week of Sept, but hadn't had time to take the pictures or post them to my blog .

They are up now so if you would like to have a look just click on the blog link above.

SueU

September bjp

If you would like to see my beaded pin for September, go to my blog.

Jann

Letting Go

Well, after a bit of deliberating, I decided to just let the beads do what they will...and the result has been liberating for me! Already I'm much farther along than I was at the end of last month's piece...and itching for work to be done so I can get back tonight and get to beading.

You can check out the in progress piece here, if you want to...
http://cynjonnoah.blogspot.com/

October Buddha!

I finished my October Bead Journal project. I couldn't wait until I could blog about it... so I went ahead and uploaded it to my Flikr account and there's an image in our Flikr group. I'm really excited on how this month's piece turned out and can't wait to dig into November! This whole project is incredibly inspiring - my husband is even getting into it. (We've already picked out the November image from my sketchbook.)

-That Celticat Chick

My first: Ode to Purple

Happy Wednesday, everyone! I finished my September piece on Oct. 1st, and I just now posted it to my blog. (I had been in the middle of revamping my blog, hehe) It is my first piece of bead embroidery, and I hope some of you will have some feedback for me :) I wanted to start my October piece right after I was finished with September, but the perfect idea did not flow to me until a week later, so I'm glad I waited to start it. And that's what I'm off to do now!

Mandibeads
http://www.beadcircleblog.com

Running Behind

It's a good thing we're doing this solely for ourselves, as I'm already behind and it's just the start of the second month! Diane can attest to my wacky travel/work schedule, which made a serious dent in my time for the September page. I got it started, and about 1/3rd of the way finished, but that's about it...I'm planning on continuing to work on it during October as well, though, since I'm now back home and done with travelling.

All that being said, I'm kind of stumped as for this month's page....but in a good way. I've seen lot of fun work already, and it's sparked numerous ideas in my head as to what I want to do...too numerous, some would say!

Something abstract and freeform?
Something figural?
Something super 3-D?
Something Oct/Fall specific?
All of the above??

How do YOU decide what to do? Do you start the year with a preplanned notion (and throw it by the side)? Or do you just let each month speak to you?

October bjp begun...

I've started this one here....

October is here and on my blog

Happy Autumn and October, Everyone!

I do so love this time of year! The warm days and crisp nights, the full moons, big and bright, all the changes happening. Time to gather in all our harvests and get ready for the winter that always comes much too quickly. So, I offer to you my page for the month.

WARNING: If you are arachniphobic be forewarned, I have a spider as part of my page.

Z'anne

October BJP Page--Not Quite Pink

I'm getting ready to start my October BJP page. It will acknowledge October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I'm a survivor, and I'd like to hear what other survivors think about my decision to make the page not quite pink. You can see my beads and read about my reasons on my blog.
Marty S
Crackpot Beader

Remembering Cindy

This is a bit off topic... but very much ON topic.

Many if us knew Cindy McCornack. Cindy once wrote a small book called Exploring Beaded Art Dolls which had instructions, inspiration, and photographs of bead dolls. She died three years ago of cancer leaving a huge collaborative project of beaded 'mystery panels' completed by many artists unfinished. After years of tracking down, constructing, and gathering the unfinished project we have now published the panels as postcard sets and have them for sale on Etsy.
http://rememberingcindy.etsy.com/

Only a few people knew what the final image was to be and now they are all together - all proceeds from the sale will go towards cancer research at the American Lung Association. As a group, we received many beaded works that were a part of Cindy's estate - there will be regular listings of beaded art dolls, beadwork pieces and supplies that were a part of this estate. All sales will continue to the end of the year and in January 2009, we will close up the shop and donate any remaining items to the Minneapolis Textile Center.

Please share this information with your friends, family and anyone you feel would love just a little more inspiration. Dulcey Heller has also posted a beautiful tribute on her blog:
http://www.dulceyheller.com/wordpress/remembering-cindy/

I just hope that these amazing panels will make a difference in fighting cancer.

Gentle Reminder

Please remember that the Bead Journal Project Blog(s) is just that - for Bead Journal Project posts - not other news. I hate to be snarky but I've received several emails lately with complaints about posts not related to the Bead Journal Project. I realize that many people are excited to share information, but just as many come here only to read about the BJP. Please respect the purpose of the blogs as well as other participants and keep your entries related to the Bead Journal Project only.

Thanks for your understanding.

Diane