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?
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11 comments:
"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?"...
I have to say C - all of the above!
Being married to an art critic, I'm wandering museums and art galleries constantly and I keep a sketch book on me at all times. The Bead Journal Project to me became a way of taking my sketches and making them into beadwork. I admit the inspirations and encouragement of all the people who visit my blog have helped me along the way.
-That Celticat Chick
Last year, it seemed as though a topic chose to be beaded. I picked up my circle - the shape I used - and I just started. This year, nada, nothing is coming to me. So I am trying to go with a theme, based on different words, to get me going.
Susan
Hmmm...Interesting questions to ponder...
I'm a newbie, just into my second month, and so far there is no pattern. I'm quite impressed by those who can plan ahead for whole year. The finished bead journal will be a whole, rather than a collection of pages. I don't have the artistic talent or skills to do that.
In the meantime, I'll embrace spontaneity. My only preplanned notion is to stretch my skills and repertoire of techniques, with monochromatic, freeform beading that somehow relates to what is happening in my life.
But, hey, I may change my mind. I'm embracing spontaneity!
Marty S
Crackpot Beader
There is no wrong or right way to do the BJP.
For those folks who are into journaling, each month seems to be a reflection of what is happening at that time (or has happened in the past during that month).
For the rest of us it can be a theme or simply whatever we enjoy doing at the moment.
Don't try to make it harder for yourself, okay? (So says the lady who agonizes over every tiny inch of her projects -- can you see me grinning from here?)
Kathy V in NM
Spontaneity....... any "planning" ahead that I try to do usually goes right out the window when I start to bead!
I tend to choose beads that speak to me, and let them tell ME what they want to become. I love spontaneity.
That being said, I was having trouble deciding what I wanted to do for November. I had time to work on my project one day but I waited because I wasn't in the right mind frame. A week later one word came to me that seemed to sum up my sentiments, and I'm glad I waited. My November piece is going to rock! So, Patience IS a virtue, hehe.
I'm most comfortable working improvisationally. Like Pam, when I start beading my "plans" usually fall away (or change).
This year I'm trying to be a bit more focused about my pages, in that they'll have a central theme or re-occuring image ... but the pages will still be emergent rather than planned.
I too pick a few beads that I like as a focal then chose some smaller beads to fill in the rest and it creates itself. I don't have a plan in mind cuz that gets shot down by the beads most of the time, too. Funny how they have a mind of their own.
Thanks for all the comments, y'all!
It's interesting to see how folks approach the project.
I like to set up some general parameters. Last year I had circles with a theme of memories. This year I am doing a smaller 1/2ATC or ATC size (I've already goofed and started one of each rather than doing one size) and I am using gifted beads on each piece which will work their way through the color wheel. Other than that, whatever comes!
I decided my BJP was going to be a expression of something that really mattered to me (other than beading!). I'm planning on embroidering 12 endangered North American birds. I've started on a Whooping Crane, but things have bogged down in RL, so I'm not finished. Looking forward to seeing where people go this year.
Cathy
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