and on to a New Year

Just wanted to toss a quick note out here...
I finally got September and October posted and a small note about November/December.

Or you can wander out to the main part of Squirrelly Ducks to see everything else I've been up to as well!

I have joined to participate in the Bead Journal Project 2011 and am assigned to Blog #1. Now I need to figure out what I'm doing for this next year of beading fun!

May is finished...finally!

Yes, I have finally finished my 5th piece.
You can see the entire piece on my BLOG.
But here is a peek...

Next year I will not choose
such large pieces to make!
Lesson learned.
Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year everyone!
Debi
wirthbeading

Finished!

I got busy this past weekend and finished November and December pieces. Now all I have to do is get them all mounted so you can see the whole puzzle. You can see the last 2 pieces on my blog , but will have to wait to see the whole thing until I get it mounted. :)

May is Finished!!!

I finally finished May's piece this evening and I'm yet to do June's and from August to December. I didn't sign up for next year's project but I really enjoyed blogging and the entire BJP experience.

I hope that I will be able to eventually post the completed pieces here when I'm finished - because I do intend to soon. As soon as I've taken a picture of May's piece I'll post it. In the meantime Feliz Navidad to all of you and the best of everything good for 2011.

March 2010 BJP

Here's a preview of my long time in the making March BJP. You can see the entire piece on my blog, if you wish.

November BJP

My November piece is up on my blog. Life has been too interesting (and not in that great a way) for me to be making many entries. I missed the sign up deadline so will not be participating next year. I WILL be back for 2011, as it turns out, and I am delighted! I will have plenty to do, and, of course, will not stop beading. I still have Sept., Oct., and Dec. to finish, and the ever-mysterious March, but that will not stop me from starting my next piece, for 2011.

I am finished

Hi  All
I have really enjoyed participating in the bead journal project this year and I am excited to be participating again next year.  I am learning and growing as an artist and that is important to me.  You can see my December journal project here
http://princessbubblescreates.blogspot.com/2010/12/bead-journal-project-for-december.html
As always, thank you for looking and if you care to leave a comment I would be thrilled.
warm regards
Angela

One Week Left!

You only have one week left to sign-up for the 2011 BJP! Don't wait, all the information you'll need is available here. After December 8th it will be too late for 2011. Send in your registration today and join us!

Checking In...

Hi everyone!

For many reasons, I seem to be a behinder this year, with only 8 pieces complete. I've been quilting, knitting and writing, but not beading for a while. However, last Tuesday, joy of joys, I finally got back to my beads! Soon I hope to complete September's BJP and move along to October.

In the meantime, I have registered for BJP 2011! I am SO looking forward to a new year, this time with no pre-planned theme or self-imposed "rules." By giving myself some rules this year, I learned a lot and discovered some new likes and dislikes about my art. But, now I'm tired of restricting myself to working on felt and bored with the words. Next year? No rules!

Have YOU registered yet? I hope so! If not and you're planning on it, better do it today, cuz the deadline is fast approaching.

You might want to check my current Beadlust post about getting a hard copy of your blog printed. It's here.

Cheers and beady blessings,
Robin A.

Only 2 Weeks Left!

Don’t be left out! Sign-up today for the 2011 Bead Journal Project. Registration ends on Wednesday, December 8th so don’t delay. The long holiday weekend is a good time to get your registration sent in! Check out all the registration information here. And please share this with your friends. You never know who might want to start beading!

bead journal project for November

Hi all
Hasn't this year gone fast!  It seems like I just signed up for the bead journal project!  I signed up with the intent to learn to bead the way you all do it.  I was so inspired by your lovely work in 2009!  Thanks for the inspiration ladies!  My bead journal pages are not encrusted with beads they way you all do it but I am okay with that.  I have signed up to participate again next year and maybe just maybe I will learn to bead the way you all do.  I'm not holding my breath though.  I'm not sure that I have the patience!
At any rate, I have finished my November bead journal and posted it on my blog.  As always, I would love some comments.
warm regards
Angela
http://princessbubblescreates.blogspot.com/

Betcha thought I gave up!

Hello fellow BJPers. No, I didn't give up, just been busy - you know how life can get in the way of beading. I've done a new post on my blog showing progress, at Fibre Fan...

BJP on Facebook

Are you on Facebook? If so, please check out the new BJP Facebook page and share the link with your friends. Hopefully you'll all "like" the page also! You're welcome to post on the page if you'd like to share something bead related. Don't worry - it's not a replacement for the BJP blogs! Since so many people are on Facebook it's just another way to get the word out about the BJP and encourage beaders and wanna-be beaders to join the 2011 project.

BJP 2011: Register Early!

Avoid the rush and win a coveted spot on BJP Blog #1 for 2011! We anticipate having at least two or three BJP blogs this year. It really doesn’t matter which one you’re on but it does matter that you register in time. While the process is just beginning, it’s easy to lose track of time while you decide if you want to join.  Registration will end on December 8, 2010. If you haven’t sent your request in by then you’re out of luck for 2011!

Maybe you’re putting it off because you aren’t caught up for this year? That’s ok, finishing 2010 isn’t a requirement to join 2011. Check out this link for registration details and don’t delay!

Still here

I haven't had a lot of opportunities to bead but I am still at my mom's till after thanksgiving. I've been dealing with a lot - my son went in for surgery this week. I'm not sure my mom is ready for me to leave but I have things I have to take care of at home. I have finished August and am working on Sept. slowly.

The cold is setting in here and I am definitely not ready! It will be nice to get back to warmer weather for sure.

been loving everyone's work even though I haven't posted much.
hugs
kat

BJP Registration Begins Today!!

Registration begins today and will close on December 8, 2010 so register early!

To register, please send a request to our registration angel at beadjournalreg11@gmail.com. Your request should include the following information to ensure it is processed correctly:  

1. Your full name, first and last.
2. Your web name or alias, if you have one.
3. Your email address. Please give us your “best” email address, one that is not likely to change during the year and one that you check frequently. (Note: we don’t contact you very often.)
4. Your home address.
5. Your telephone number.
6. Do you have a website? Y/N – If yes, what is the URL?
7. Do you have a blog? Y/N – If yes, what is the URL?
8. Were you a registered participant in any other Bead Journal Project? Y/N If yes did you complete the project for the year? Y/N
9. If you are a new participant, where did you hear about the 2011 BJP?

General registration information about the BJP is available at: http://beadjournalproject.com.

Slow but sure...am beading still!

Yep!  Haven't finished my latest piece,
but wanted to post something anyway...
if you want, take a look here to see my progress.
Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the Fall weather.
Happy Beading!
Debi
wirthbeading

Whew - I just posted several buttons in an attempt to catch up. I gave up posting them for any particular month; they're more of a life collage at this point.

Beth

http://bmbeads.blogspot.com

The Bead Journal Puzzle is 2 pieces bigger

I am caught up for now on my Bead Journal Puzzle. September and October pieces have been completed and can be viewed on my blog. I am really enjoying this project and watch the progress of others as well. Your beading is very inspiring!
Vickie
http://www.vickiejam.blogspot.com/

Moving right along, I've finished July . . .

I hope to catch up now that the weather's cooler and I'll be inside more. But I'm enjoying myself, even though I'm slow.

Here's a glimpse:


See more, if you wish, on my blog here.

Registration for 2011 BJP begins November 8th

It’s wonderful that everyone is eager to join the BJP for another year! However, to ensure we are all set-up and ready to operate smoothly, please wait until the official registration date of November 8th to send in your registration request!  Beginning Monday, November 8th, you can send a request to beadjournalreg11@gmail.com for registration.

In order to be sure your registration is processed, when you send your request, please include answers to the following questions:

1. Your full name, first and last.
2. Your web name or alias, if you have one.
3. Your email address. Please give us your “best” email address, one that is not likely to change during the year and one that you check frequently. (Note: we don’t contact you very often.)
4. Your home address.
5. Your telephone number.
6. Do you have a website? Y/N – If yes, what is the URL?
7. Do you have a blog? Y/N – If yes, what is the URL?
8. Were you a registered participant in any other Bead Journal Project? Y/N - If yes did you complete the project for the year? Y/N
9. If you are a new participant, where did you hear about the 2011 BJP?

Thank you for honoring the process. We're all excited to be able to participate another year and want to ensure the process is efficient and smooth for everyone!

Still Here...

Sorry I've dropped off the face of the BJP lately. Health issues and other things have had me being non-productive for awhile. But I'm still here and working ... slowly.

--Lois2037

BJP 2011!

It's time to make your plans to join the 4th annual Bead Journal Project! The 2011 BJP will run from January 2011 through December 2011. Registration will begin November 8, 2010 and close on December 8, 2010. General registration information is available at the BJP website. If you’d like to register, please send a request to our registration angel at beadjournalreg11@gmail.com.

The brain child of internationally known bead artist Robin Atkins, the first Bead Journal Project, which began in June of 2007, included 241 women and 1 man from 13 different countries, who were dedicated and committed to creating 12 bead journal "pages", one per month, for a year.

The BJP is about your personal development through visual journaling using any media and techniques you desire, providing each journal piece includes some beading (usually bead embroidery) and all 12 pieces are the same size. Rules are minimal: the commitment you are making is to yourself and your personal growth through art.

Special BJP blogs are used as a means for members to support each other throughout the process. They are used to post pictures of completed pieces, technical questions, or links to participant blogs. Each BJP member will be invited to be a participant on the group blog, but it is not required to read or post to the BJP blog or to have your own blog or website. All are welcome no matter what your level of bead embroidery experience! Please register early!

Adding Your Page to 2010 Gallery

Now that we are in October if you have 8 pages done you can send your images to me to start your 2010 Member's Gallery page. Click on this link to find the instructions, Adding A Member Page.

Donations have fallen short of what it cost to keep the website running. I have covered those costs, and put in the time to make the website. If we all gave just a dollar it would be covered, we all spend way more than that on beads.

If you have any questions, there is a link to my email on the Add A Member Page.

Thanks
Brenda

oh boy....

It's been awhile since I posted, for that I am sorry. I have been busy helping my mom and I don't have good internet here so I am just happy to get on and check messages. I finished August's pocket, using up almost all my flower shaped beads. If anyone has any links to good glass flower shaped beads please post! All I could find were resin, which is what I have been using for lack of glass flowers.

My mom had a mild stroke the end of August. I packed up and drove down to WY and I will be here till mom doesn't need me anymore. She has improved a lot but still has weakness on her right side and can't drive. It's getting cold here and I'm not ready for cold! We have been preparing for the cold weather though, with gutter cleaning and getting the hoses put away, etc.

I hope you all are happily beading away!
lots of love
kat

October bead journal project completed

Hi All
It is hard to believe that there is only two months left for this year.  I have so enjoyed this project!  I have posted my October bead journal page on my blog if you would care to take a look!  As always I appreciate your comments.
warm regards
Angela

http://princessbubblescreates.blogspot.com/2010/10/bead-journal-project-for-october.html

Tiptoe Thru My Flower Garden

Here is my August BJP piece. I was inspired by this summer's abundant flowers and some flower beads I found at a garage sale.

The puzzle is beginning to come together. I can hardly wait to post it all when Dec. is finished. The other pieces can be seen individually on my blog.

Vickie

www.vickiejam.blogspot.com

BJP Publicity

For the last 2 years I did the publicity for the BJP. In case this angel job appeals to someone or you are thinking about it, let me describe what I did. It may seem like a lot, but it really was pretty straightforward and only took a few hours.

All the angels wrote a blurb together that could be used to describe the project. It's pretty much the description of the project that is on the left column of the blogs, but also included all the information about start-up dates and how to register.

I contacted all the major bead magazines worldwide and sent the blurb to them. Two years ago Beadwork had a half-page article about the BJP, which featured an article with Robin. I also posted on several Internet bead forums. (Since I am mainly a beader, I contacted bead forums, but I am sure there are many fiber, quilt, and needle forums out there as well). As Robin mentioned, I posted on the BJP blogs and encouraged everyone to write about the project on their blogs.

Word of mouth through individual blogs is the best advertising of all the different things we did. Most of us love to blog and to read blogs, and that brought in the most participants.

So, a little time organizing contacts for the magazines and forums, using a description that is already written and just needs to be updated, and then some time on the computer sending everything out.

I really enjoyed being part of the project. After 2 years, I feel someone else should have the opportunity to enjoy it too!

Susan

Next Year

Some of you have started asking about BJP 2011...

I'm sorry that I haven't addressed this earlier. In my personal life, things have been (and continue to be) up and down a bit lately. My attentions are drawn elsewhere and I've not kept up with blogs in the way I'd like.

So, I'm torn. Part of me wants to continue leading the BJP for another year; part of me feels the need to step down, to continue making one visual journal piece every month, but not to organize and shepherd the BJP program. Sitting on the fence, thinking I can do it one moment and needing to be released from the responsibility the next, is what has delayed notice about it.

I see no immediate resolutions to the personal issues in my life. Therefore, probably the best thing is to open the door for somebody else to take over. I am willing to act as a consultant/advisor, and am also willing to let go of the program as I designed it. In other words, any past participant who would like to take it on, is welcome to alter the program to suit their own style of leadership or run it with the same guidelines and system as we use now.

One other possibility is to take a year-long break and see how things look for 2012 to start again.

I need to know if there are volunteers to take over and/or what you think of the idea of taking a break. Go ahead and state your thoughts by making a comment here (of any length)... or you can email me privately (robin[at]robinatkins[dot]com).

Again, I'm sorry and apologize for my need to let go at this time. Thanks for giving some thought to this and for participating this year!

Robin A.

February BJP finished

Sorry I'm jumping abit around with my months. If you would like to see my February BJP you can see it on my blog at the following link:
http://barbs-spiritsong.blogspot.com/2010/09/another-bead-journal-finished.html

September bead journal project

I have finished my September piece.    I used an entire package of Swarovski crystals on this piece.  Wow! It feels good to use the goof stuff!
Please take a look and leave a comment.
http://princessbubblescreates.blogspot.com/
Thanks
Angela

August page is done

  August page is done.!!     You are invited to see it in my blog.  I will be glad to to read your commets. :)

A HAPPY NEW YEAR - SHANA TOVA

In a few days we will celebrate the beginning of a new hebrew year.

I wish everyone "SHANA TOVA" which means "A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!".

I wish all of you a great year with lots of fun and surprises, creativity, love and happiness.

I WISH THAT ALL OF US WILL HAVE A WORLD OF TOLERANCE AND MUTUAL RESPECT.

From me to all of you with love.

Miri A.

August Page Done

This is the preview. To see the entire page, you can go to my blog, if you like. I also posted it on the Flickr site.

This is my July piece and a photo of the seven months I have completed. I use mostly delicas and the pieces are completed on the back to be used as pins. I am behind and have not had much time to work on this project this year, but will try hard to catch up. Still loving the challenge and seeing everyone elses work.

Up to April

Despite my failure to be super-chronologic, I'm having such an exciting year for making art and beading. I'm up to April now, in the form of an art book with beaded details. Some earlier collages are posted as well on my Blog. Beads and books are a natural pairing and I'll be exploring more mixed media books in the weeks and months to come. --Beth

Finally, something to show . . .

I have finally finished my piece for June! (Yes, June. It's not been a terribly productive summer. However, I believe I feel my recalcitrant muse returning.) Anyway, it's on my blog here. Take a look, if you will, and let me know what you think. This one didn't end up quite like I'd begun it . . .

That's a bit it of over to the side.

I'm on a roll so far! August is done.

Got August done and posted.


You can see the post here on my blog.

August BJP is on my blog!

Hi everyone!


I just posted my August piece (detail above) here.

I've been missing on the BJP blog scene and feel very badly about it. The reasons are partly personal issues in my life right now and a ton of other obligations, projects, house guests, travel, etc. that have kept me waaaay too busy. There's more of all that on the horizon, but for the next three days, I hope plan to get caught up reading your blogs and seeing all the creative work being done in the BJP!!! And later this week, I want to will write another post about one way to finish BJP pieces that can give them a place in the fine art world.

Reminder... Once you have completed 8 BJP pieces for the year, you are eligible to put them on our BJP website on your own personal page!!! (Here's how your personal page will look... mine from the first year.) There are directions for how to send in your pictures on the website, here. (These are actually directions for last year's BJP, but they are the same for this year.) I look forward to seeing some of your pages and pictures soon. It's so neat to see them all together in a group, don't you think?

Please forgive my recent absence from active blogging... I'm sooooooooo excited to have a day to catch up and see your work!

Beady hugs,
Robin A.

July is completed!!!!

July's BJP is finished! Here is a peek. To see the rest of it, and read the story behind it - please click HERE.

Thank you. Miri A.

June and July now completed

Come and visit my blog: http://bubbygigi.blogspot.com and check out Samantha's new outfits.
Gita

Finally... June and July posted

I got a little behind and finally got my

June


and

July


pieces done and posted.

On to working on August!!

July Page Done

Here's a preview of my July page. To see the rest, you can go to my blog.

Bald Headed Beads

"Every Crowd Has a Silver Lining." - P. T. Barnum.

July BJP is done. Stop by "It's All About Creating" (Click HERE) and see more. - Marlene

june

This is my June piece, I am still working on July, almost finished. Don't know where time goes.Still miss my husband helping around the house. Also have been trying to get my BIG porch painted in the venings. Hope to catch up soon.

April update

Check out the improvement to the lower right side of my newest piece.
Check my other post for a like to my blog.
Debi

April's BJP - Starry Starry (Coyote) Night

Yes, I have just finished April's BJP and here is a sneak-peek.

Check out my  BLOG to see the entire piece.
Debi

Quilting with Beads

I finally finished the block that I started at Thom Atkin's workshop at Asilomar in California. The focus of the workshop was to learn different stitches, how to use color, and even how to improve your photographs. My goal for this sampler was to make the eye travel around the piece, learn new stitches, and use different types of beads. I'd be thrilled to hear what you think of my piece. Gita
http://bubbygigi.blogspot.com

Aug. is done

I guess I'm being a bit anal about this project!  I had a piece of fabric I was wanting to use but no ideas were coming for it.  I started to get a panicky because it is already Aug. 5th!  Good grief!  I decided to use a different piece of fabric that I created and the beading came immediately and naturally.  I am pleased with the results and hope you take a look and leave a comment on my blog!
http://princessbubblescreates.blogspot.com/2010/08/bead-journal-project-for-august.html
warm regards
Angela

May, June, July and a playtime piece up on my blog

I actually have August done and another play piece but my knee allows only so much sitting time for now. So I will post them when I get a chance. If you click on Kat at the sidebar it will take you to my blog. I have been up, down and everything in between these last few months. The meniscus tearing in my knee has kept me down for awhile now and finally seeing the bone dr and getting a shot of steriods was both good and bad. Steriods react with my body - therefore I couldn't sleep for days and was sick and tired for several weeks. That seems to finally have passed and the pain is better but not the movement. I can live with that if I have to, but am hoping the pain stays away and I don't re-injure it. But it did leave me with lots of time to bead!!! Hope you all are having a joyous summer!
kat

July's bead piece

My puzzle is starting to come together nicely. Here's July's piece. "Celebration" in honor of the 4th of July.

Thank you ladies.

Thank you for the comments on my pieces. This is really a wonderful experience for me. Working on "Oh Canada" was enjoyable and it was the first time I cut a piece out of a canvas.

Yes I did that because I had painted the background in red and didn't like it. My husband gave me a second opinion and he was in agreement with me. I then proceeded to paint white over the red and it wasn't pleasing either. So I cut the maple leaf out and sewed it onto a new canvas with beads.

I hadn't painted for a long time and this project has opened new ways to expand my creativity and of course a new way to use my beads.

Oh Canada eh!!! Ô Canada! ᐆ ᑲᓇᑕ!( Uu Kanata! )

July is finished eh!!! Previously I mentioned that I started May, skipped June and was working on July. Well July's finished and I have to complete May and June. July is dedicated to Canada, my home away from home.

I really wanted to finish this piece in time for Canada Day but it didn't happen. My next deadline was July 13, which marked the anniversary of my coming here. So yes it's about celebrations eh!! It's a celebration of my gratitude to God for guiding me into coming here. It's a celebration of my gratitude for my family ( my husband and children - I've found a new life). It's a celebration for finding new friends and opportunities to expand my creativity. It's a celebration of all the many races and cultures in this beautiful country that so many of us now call home. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0Y3L0s1m2o

Oh Canada, we stand on guard for thee. Oh Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

June - ready!!

June's page is ready. Here is a preview. The whole page is on my blog.

have a wonderful day, and thank you for taking a look.

Miri A.

I'm stitching away.

Yes I'm stitching away, trying to finish July's piece. Yes July's!!! I started May's piece, skipped June's for now and I'm working away on July's. I'll post it asap. All I'll say is Oh Canada!!!

Yay! Most Excellent News!

I just found out I've been accepted to the Oregon College of Art and Craft!!!!! The beadwork I've been doing for the BJP had a lot to do with my getting in, I believe. This is something I've been working on for awhile, getting all my transcripts sent, putting together a portfolio (hard work!), filling out forms... I'm completely thrilled! Continuing my arts education will help me get my work up to that next elusive level. I'll be in the Certificate Program, with my main concentration in fibers, but the school requires that students study LOTS of different crafts. It will be very challenging to go here -- they have a very rigorous program -- but I'm sure I'll love every minute of it. Art school has long been a dream of mine. Next, of course, comes the Big Question: How am I going to pay for this?? But right now, for today, I am delighted and happy.

July bead journal page is posted on my blog

http://princessbubblescreates.blogspot.com/2010/07/bead-journal-project-for-july.html

Thank you for taking a look!

warm regards
Angela

April is for Khes!!!

Yes April is done and it's for Khes!!! Khes is my stepdaughter, who turned 13 on April 28th. It's amazing how time passes, the little girl I met a few years ago is now a teenager and she is just getting more beautiful daily.

The piece is about the new life that spring brings and the focus is on the "battimamzelle" - the local name for  the dragonfly in Trinidad and Tobago. So Khessy, April is for you love for all the joy and so much more you bring.

June done

Pic posted on my blog.

April 's BJP

Hi everyone!

My April piece has already finished!



Pictures of my full piece are here (link)

June Page Done

Here's a preview of my June page. You can see the whole page on my blog, if you like.

-- Lois2037

May's project

May's project is done!!

No needle, no thread, beads scattered all over..

The project is about "thinking outside the box". Not doing more of the same. It is about change.
When I started this project I said to myself - Do not rush and do the same things over and over again. I know, it is the easiest technique but it is totally different and spotaneous. Therefore I am pleased and hope that the work is according to the BJP rules, and does not contract them. :)
Miri A.

A Talisman in My Pocket

June's BJP was inspired by a woman who carried a talisman in her pocket. Read and see more HERE on my blog. - Marlene

Butterfly Garden

My june BJP was inspired by the butterfly bead pictured here. The whole piece can be seen here: http://vickiejam.blogspot.com/

March is Done! Do you believe it?

Yes, folks, it is finally done...I have so much catching up to do,
but not to worry, I will finish this years journals...
maybe a bit slower than most, but I will.
You can find my latest work on my BLOG, but here is a little peek...

wirthbeading

May BJP

You can view my May BJP on my blog http://barbs-spiritsong.blogspot.com
I've missed a few months but hopefully I'll be able to catch these up during the year.

May

I am afraid I have not been very faithful to this project this year. I lost my job in May and my best friend and I started a new one in June. Here is my May piece and I hope to have June done on time. I based this one on the basket pattern in a quilt I made. I used shades of green and lavendar Delicas and small flower and leaf beads. Hope to get back on track soon.

June is done - Double Infinity

When will i ever learn how to make an entry? I just lost it in cyberspace again - UGH!!! Anyway, it went something like this...

The other day when I was working on this month'd button my youngest came in and said "Mommy - June isn't black - I think you got it wrong this month." But here is why it works for me: June is my birth month and I'm not getting any younger, June is also my Dad's birth month and he died 4 years ago, June is also Father's Day on which i was born so many years ago, but now it is a sad day for me. Thus - black works for June, see?

And the focal bead is just amazing! I usually work with a piece I've owned for awhile, but i just found this the other day when we were getting a yellow tee shirt for my daughter's play... The shiny black base rising into a brilliant silver, and those 3 little glass bits - they remind me of my daddy's blue eyes.

There is so much sparkle in this piece, it doesn't seem dark to me at all. It resembles a geode from which good things can be found deep inside. Like the month of June. The photo does not do this piece justice at all.

Please visit the FLICKR page where you can click on a picture and go to that persons page. HOpe you enjoy looking at it as much as I enjoyed making it. Gotta go hang it on my wall now...

Puget Sound Bead Festival

I'm wondering how many BJPers are going to the Puget Sound Bead Festival in Tacoma July 9-11, and if we could get together. Their website is here. I will be able to go this year, and would love to meet any other BJPers. I'm flexible about which day I'll go, so please comment about when you'll be there. -Joan Cromley

April - Finished at last

I was very lucky the last few months. I thank the universe for the oppurtunities it gave me. April's project reflects the abundance of life and the beauty of it.

Miri A.

April finished

Well, I am definitely slowing down in my progress, but have finally finished my April piece. It is more geometric than my other pieces and not totally encrusted, but I loved the brighter colors and the way the pattern turned out this time. Hope you enjoy!

May done, finally

After getting caught in a creative slump, May finally took off in it's own direction. I found this cool orange bead that just jumped into my hand at the bead store wanting to be part of May's piece. So that was my jumping off place for Get in Gear (for summer). Oranges and yellows represent the wildflowers blooming here. If you'd like to see the whole piece just jump on over to http://vickiejam.blogspot.com/ and have a look-see. :)

Already going on the June one, so back to beading.

Vickie A-Morgan

April

I haven't done anything since my March piece. I drew April's piece a few nights ago and I'll start to work asap. Other than that I'm busy designing jewellery for future classes. Yeah when I'm not working at Beadfx on the weekend and my full time mommy job ( I love it), I design jewellery to teach. That's my passion. You can visit my blog at http://trinisunshineblogger.blogspot.com/ for more on my classes.

Take care all and happy creating!!!!

June

Aright, I'm a total keener!  This is not normal for me though.  I am just really enjoying this project!  I finished June and will be starting on July very soon!  I used shell slices as beads.  They are so cool.  There is also regular beads on this piece.

http://princessbubblescreates.blogspot.com/2010/06/bead-journal-project-for-june.html

Take and peek!

warm regards
Angela

May Page Finished

Here's the preview. The page can be seen on my blog.

May's BJP

I just finished May's BJP, a new sleeveless blouse for Samantha. To make the blouse special, I beaded a pansy on the center front. Come to my blog and take a peak. http://bubbygigi.blogspot.com

My March piece!

Hi everyone!

My March piece is finished!



Pictures of my full piece are here (link)

finally - April's pocket

Is up on my blog. I have been on the road and on the run most of April and May so now I am behind. I have in mind what I want to do, just need to get the beads together and start. Today was armloads of laundry... tomorrow is the first farmers market and I don't have anything to sell :( ah well, I will go and keep Jody and Holly company. If you are interested in seeing my new pocket click on Kat on the sidebar. It should take you there. I haven't seen everyone's work yet but what I have seen is lovely, gorgeous and beautiful!
hugs
Kat

May's BJP - Risk

May's Bead Journal Project was about "Risk" for me. May 28, 29 and 30th on my blog, It's All About Creating will feature May's piece. Come visit and let me know what you think. - Marlene

May is finished!

Something different from last month's piece—pictured on my blog. It was nice to do something lighter this month! Here's a teaser:

Summit of Awesome!

Anyone interested in making and selling their crafts, check this out. The Summit of Awesome will be held on June 16th - 18th right here in Portland, OR, followed by a huge crafts show on Saturday, the 19th. At $180, it's a little spendy, but not bad for three days of speakers and workshops. My husband insisted I go (didn't take much persuading...), so I signed up today. Maybe I'll see some of you there... ?

April's BJP is finished

Come to my blog, http://bubbygigi.blogspot.com and check out April's project. It was lots of fun to create. Now I have to start May's project. Gita

April and May BJP done!!

I have finished May and took a good picture of Aprils.  You can see the post here. Also check out my previous post about a great give a way at the Lone Beaders Blog.  I welcome any new followers and comments. 

May card journal done

Finished up my May BJP and got it posted on my blog. I'm thinking I need to find a size or two smaller of the shisha mirrors as I really enjoyed adding that as an element.


Here's a peek...

April & May done

Inspired by iris in my garden - you can see my April and May pieces on my blog at FibreFan - enjoy.

May is done - Double Infinity

Okay. With 2 weeks left of school i realized yesterday i had better get started on MAy. I did, and today i finished it :) I knew there was a reason i wanted to do something smaller this year! BUt the whole intuitive encrusting process is so much easier than it looks. The beads really do tell you what to do! The "Third Eye" hand with rhinestone was my starting point. I bought it a few months ago - regular price - ugh! - at Michaels and it had been in my car ever since. When i decided the time was right to use it, i brought it inside and went through my bead stash. Used another string of 'bead soup' - this time in shades of pink. The large round bead had been setting out since my Febraury button (!) and it was just screaming to be added. I think i moved the hand 3 times and had a large silver charm, but didn't like the spacing so i took it off and added the small Joy and Peace. IT looks like a solar system of hope to me. Don't forget to visit the FLICKR page and see all the posted BJP's. Simply click on one to take you to that artist's page. Enjoy!

A time for change

May has been full of time for change. A lot of the change has been in me. I've been on the road so much the last month and I have had lots of time for reflection. I have not had much time for beading... you can read more on my blog if you wish... blessings to everyone no matter where they are in their life's journey....

February's Project completed!

Slow going in late winter and spring for me, but I did post my February project on my blog. It was actually (full disclosure) a project that was begging to be completed from the past, and I'm so happy that it is completed as it deserves.

I'm going to break for some pin-making while I ponder my next piece (which I will create from beginning to end this time. I'm thinking of a simple composition but something a little more representational, I'll let that percolate and get it started very soon. I so appreciate this group and all the flexibility and understanding, all the inspiration and great support.

Beth

Starting May? March? One of Those "M" Months...

I'm just starting my next BJP page, though I'm not sure right now if it will be May, or the long-delayed March. It's always an interesting place for me when I'm revving up to begin a new project. I've put some thoughts about that on my blog, for anyone who is interested.

April BJP—Nefer Dreamed

My April piece (I'm still working on the March one, but I'm temporarily at a standstill, so I've left it to simmer for a while) is posted on my blog. Here's a bit of one corner . . .

Questions about framing/mounting?

I've been scarce but I'm still in the game! After a couple of interruptions I will soon have more to post on my blog.

Today I want to ask you all if you can share your thoughts on displaying flat beaded pieces. My "Wizard of Bras" piece was sewn to fabric and then the fabric was wrapped around an art canvas. I am not totally happy with the presntation adn want to take it apart and re-mount it. My January piece and the February piece (which will be revealed SOON) are also flat pieces, and I would like to arrive at a consistent presentation size and frame them somehow. I learned about sewing the workls onto foamcore then framing that. I guess my big questinon is: Glass or no glass? I can see the point of protecting with glass, but it seems to me that the texture and colors would be best seen without a glass layer. I really want to reach the point where I am entering my beaded works for shows and even having my own show. I am so interested in your thoughts and am grateful to hear your ideas.

Sincerely

Beth

April BJP Little Hummer

April has come and gone but not the hummingbirds. They are here for the summer. Here's a teaser of my Little Hummer in honor of those beautiful little birds. See the bigger picture at http://www.vickiejam.blogspot.com/ For some reason the true colors didn't come through on the photo. It is done with turquoise, black and raspberry beads on lavendar print fabric. The head is a glazed clay triangle held on by beads.

Vickie A-Morgan

Late getting April done, but it's posted finally!

Hi everyone!
I got started later than I expected on my April piece, but I finally finished it up today and posted it out on my blog.

Here's a teaser photo

My March and April pages

Hello! Me again.

As promised, here are my March and April pages

March:

Title:" you are only coming through in waves"

From the lyrics of Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb" song

I decided to illustrate this part of the song with sin waves. They start like a murmur, and as they become louder, they become distinct from each other, each occupying its own space, therefore having a different sound and intensity.

My April page:

Title: Dehors, il pleut (Outside, it's raining)

First, I bought the focal rectangle bead. I really liked the transparency in it. It made me think of how we see things when we look outside through a wet window. I sewed together 3 different stripes of cotton and I covered the areas around the rectangle bead with transparent beads: size 10 beads over the white part, buggles over the yellow part and size 6 beads over the blue part. I used blue nymo thread for the blue area and white nymo thread for the white area. I could not find nymo thread that matched the yellow fabric, so I used twisted bead cord no.2 and if you look closely, you can see the twist in the buggles.

Now I have to decide on my May page: Is there such a thing as "beader's block"? Suggestions to overcome this block?

Thanks for suggestions :-)

Anne-Marie B., Val-des-Monts

bead journal project for May

I had a lot of fun making the May bead journal.  Actually, I'm really enjoying the whole project.  I have already started working on my June journal! 
http://princessbubblescreates.blogspot.com/2010/05/bead-journal-project-for-may.html
Thanks for looking!
Angela

My January to April pages

I have completed my January to April pages - April was completed on the 29th!!!

I will start with my January page:

The title is: Pourquoi toi, pourquoi moi, pourquoi nous...
(in English: Why you, why me, why us...)



This one is very personal. The right portion is from Edward Munch painting called "The scream". Everything else is of my own creation(on the left, it is me..). It is actually about one of my son and myself. We were both born in January. Unfortunately, he has to live with paranoïd schizophrenia and I try to be an ally to him. So, this is us.

Now, February:

The title is: I'm a frog, you're a frog, kiss me!

Of course, February is about love... The story behind the title is: In Canada, we have two official languages: English and French. French speaking people are mostly concentrated in the Quebec province. I will not go in historical details, but lets say that there has been a long history of tension between Quebec and the rest of Canada. So, the English people call us, the french-canadians, "frogs". A Quebec artist called "Robert Charlebois" wrote a song called "I'm a frog, you're a frog, kiss me". I think frogs are cool and when I saw this picture, I thought of this song and how much me and my husband love each other.

I will stop here for this post. My next post will present my March and April pages.

Enjoy!

Anne-Marie B., Val-des-Monts, Quebec, Canada

March BJP!!!

This piece is called Trinisunshine Reef and it was inspired by the picture of a fish that I drew from a colouring book years ago. I just loved that fish and later drew it on a canvas that remained there for approximately two years.

When the Toronto Bead Society's Bag of Bead Challenge came up this was my opportunity to make use of this neglected guy. For this challenge I didn't want to make jewellery and  the idea behind it is that I attempted to make a necklace and it fell to the bottom of the ocean. This necklace was then found by the fish who of course it's not letting me have it. That fish lives in Trinisunshine Reef and there you'll find all sort of strange creatures that you'll never ever ever ever find in another because there is "only one Trinisunshine Reef". http://www.flickr.com/photos/trinisunshine/