Happy BJP 2009 New Years Eve

This is my first time posting to BJP Blog. I've been busy and just hadn't taken the time! But when Robin sends you an email then you know its time to get on the blog! So I've been posting to Flickr and also you can see my first 3 pieces on my Blog . So here's a taste of my first 3 pieces! Enjoy!

Stuck? Don't Like Your BJP Page?

In the post just below, Theresa H. writes that suddenly she doesn't like her background fabric at all. She's stuck.... in a pickle... In the comments she adds that her piece feels like it is an island of misfit toys.

This happens to me too. I'm pretty darn sure it happens to most of us. What is going on? Here's what I suggested to Theresa and what I would do myself in this situation:

Theresa... pay attention to what is happening here! The island of misfit toys has some special meaning or heart's message for you. Your fabric and beading are trying to tell you something important.

I suggest this: take a few moments to study your beading, fabric and beads. Quickly write a list of all the words and/or phrases that come into your mind as you observe your beading-in-progress and work space. Try not to censor your list. Then, on a different sheet of paper, write this:

"I am an island of misfit toys."

That is the first line of a poem... about YOU! Using some or all of the words/phrases on your list, complete the poem about yourself. The poem does not have to rhyme or be good in a literary sense because it's not about writing poetry.

This will help you to discover what is your heart's message in your beading. You might even want to write your poem on the back side of your work, or perhaps make a pocket for it right on your piece, so it will always be with your work.

When we feel critical of our work, it's time to stop and pay attention to it... listen and hear how it calls us into a genuine sense of what is most important to us. This poem thing really helps!

Happy new year and beady blessings,

Robin A.

Uh Oh

  Has anyone done quite a bit of beading on their journal page only to discover they don't like the background fabric after all?

  Sigh.  I am in a pickle here.....

Theresa

November Page is Done!!

Well, I finished my November page and moving on to December. Please visit my blog to see it.
Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and can start the New Year off in peace and calm.

December Finished!

Here's a peek:


You can see more at my blog here.

Happy new year, everyone!!!!

Robin A.

October Done!

I'm getting caught up and quickly! You can see my October piece at cindysthreads.blogspot.com.

I hope Santa was good to all of you & that you had lots of time for beading over the holidays!

Cindy
Chicago/Hong Kong

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.

My December BJP is done

I finally finished my BJP ahead of my self-imposed deadline of Christmas. It still needs the backing put on, but I can still enjoy looking at the finished picture until then.

To view the finished picture and read about the meaning, go to my site http://kellymaloufsblog.blogspot.com

It is done at last.  My December piece for the The Eyes Have It! can be viewed at http://beadfluff.blogspot.com/2008/12/december-bjp-done-it-is-done-at-last/html if you wish to go there!  Let me know what you think if you can!

Popping the Question

Thanks for your suggestions on the cause of my popping beads. I laughed when I read Robin's statement that "you can try couching down the popped up places, although generally that will make the beads pop up somewhere else," for that is exactly what happened with my circles! After finishing that area, I held the piece up to admire my work. "Wait!" I exclaimed, "what's that bead doing popping up there - and there! I'd better fix those right away!"

I started carefully couching the popping beads, only to find new poppers. After going round and round (and using more thread to couch than I had on the entire piece!), I flung the piece down in disgust. Seeking to reassure me, my husband cheerfully examined the piece: "Oh, you mean theses straight ones? They don't look too bad. Most people wouldn't really notice them."

"What straight beads?" I gasped. I'd never noticed the cockeyed bugle beads! At that point, I put the piece on the table and looked at it every now and then. I continued to play with beads and fiber making little dotee-like dolls. I ordered some beads I thought might go well with the piece. I dug out the camera and recharged the batteries. I went out and took pictures of the few trees that were still colorful and brought some beautiful leaves home and scanned them. I compared the colors to the ones in my project. Finally (almost four weeks later), I did what I knew I needed to do all along: seek expert advice...

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone! Marty's suggestion about the backing shrinking as you stitch is probably the culprit! Having a needlepoint background (no quilting), I'd never thought of that. Also, I used a relatively lightweight interfacing on the back, rather that Lacy's or Timtex - much easier to distort. I can also see how I crowded the beads between the bugle beads and the oval bead. I will probably rip that area out and try again.

Thanks again everyone! And Happy Holidays to all!

MizDenise
Blog
Flickr

September continued!

OK, once I got started, I couldn't stop. I have now finished the quilt part of my BJP project for the month of September. You can see it at by blog. I just wish that the photo would look a little more like the colour of the fabric. But I have a Nikon D60 so I'm working on improving my photos.

Cindy
Chicago/Hong Kong

Advice, please?

Hi everyone! I'm a bit behind and was working on my November piece. For the first time, I was putting beads I like on the piece and adding as I go. I'm learning a lot - the hard way :-) !! -- and I have a few questions.

1. when I put the line of bugle beads down, they were nice and flat. Now that I've added beads around them, some of them have started popping up. What has happened? How do I avoid that?





2. in the upper right corner, I used some donut oval-shaped beads. I put them on first and then beaded around them, which was tricky! Should I bead the background circles first and then add the donut beads on top?



3. for the background circles (under the oval donut shaped beads), I started from the inside and worked my way out in a spiral -- but in doing so, some of the inside beads popped up from the surface a bit. Should I have started at the outside and worked in - or were my beads not secured well enough?


Thanks for any advice and tips! Everyone's work looks so great!


MizDenise
Blog
Flickr

September finally done!

Well, for those that think they are behind, I'm right there with you! But hopefully now I will be able to catch up a bit. I have finally finished my September piece & I'm thrilled with how it turned out. Now, hopefully, I will be on a roll. You can see my process & piece at cindysthreads.blogspot.com

Cindy
Chicago/Hong Kong

December's Page

  Here it is, December 16th and I haven't even STARTED my project.  In my defense, I just moved to Colorado two weeks ago.  I am kicking myself that I didn't pack or hand carry a beading project.  But all is not lost---this means I MUST check out the Hobby Lobby that is just 7 miles from where I now live.  Oh the sacrifices we artists must endure!

  I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season and that you are gifted with lots and lots of shiny things.

  Best wishes, 

Theresa Hall

December Done

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! December is done and I have time to make a few ornaments before all the festivities begine. I've just posted my December BJP on
http://heidibeads.blogspot.com/ Hope you can stop by for a visit. Heidi

Slacking already

Well, I completed at least the beading part of my october project in October :) still haven't finished the fiber art part of it--and well, i haven't even started november or december's yet--bad bad beader me...I have finally posted my WIP photos and the completed border in my blog so please take a peek and let me know what you think so far :) Hope everyone is doing well this holiday season!

Maria in Chicagoland
http://www.mariasangel.blogspot.com

Finished November's page!

This one was quite challenging, because it's a page that also functions as a book. I'm pretty pleased with how it came out! Here's a peek...


You can see all of it here on my blog.

Robin A.

Just finished my November page!

Hi all - hope everyone had an awesome Thanksgiving! I just finished my BJP for November and it's on my blog if you'd like to take a look and let me know what you think:

http://purplepaintsmuse.blogspot.com/

Thanks, Marva

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.

November Entry

  I finished my November entry and it is in our flickr group.  I wanted to do a Fall themed project, just not in the usual autumn colors.  I live in Tucson where the seasons don't really change.  I came up with a Tree of Life theme, influenced by Mexican folk art.  

I drew the tree and used seed beads, leaf beeds, sequins, shell fetish birds and milagros from Mexico.  

I can see a whole project with just Trees of Life in different colors....

Thanks for going to take a look.  One day my blog here will actually be something worthwhile to look at.-Theresa Hall

I've just put the post of my November page finished on http://beadfluff.blogspot.com and hope you'll come by and see it.  I'm finding it difficult to keep up with all the pages for 2008.  Is anyone else?

See BJP pieces by Christy, Lunnette & Donna

Only about half of our 260 members are active bloggers. I understand how the internet isn't for everyone, yet feel sad that we can't meet and see BJP work by all of us.

So, I decided to post about Christy, Lunnette and Donna and take photos of their BJP pages for your viewing pleasure ~ see here! I'll do a bit of arm-twisting to get them onto a computer where they can read your comments... which hopefully you'll leave for them.

* * * *

Just a thought... if you know a BJP member who isn't active on the internet and if you have the time, maybe you could do a post about them. Personally, I'd be thrilled to see BJP pages by EVERYONE... all 260 of us!

Robin A.

October Bead Journal Project - Finished At Last

Well fellow beaders, October project is finished on www.nevertoolatetohavefun.blogspot.com/ if anyone wants to go peek. It has taken me into November - maybe November will have a few less beads on it - maybe a central theme with a nice color background. We'll see. Hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving holiday.

November BJP

I've posted my November page if you'd like to peek:
http://heidibeads.blogspot.com/

For all of you who celebrate it - Happy Thanksgiving!

And for all who have visited my blog - thank you for your kind words. I love it! You are all so inspiring.

November is finished

Hi all,

My November page is finished and can be seen on my blog nightbeaderatlarge.blogspot.com

Now it is time to finish other projects before deciding on December's page.

Beadily yours
Susan Feldkamp
nightbeaderatlarge.blogspot.com

November done

I finished my cuff for November today, I decided to name it after the dog star Sirius. You can see it at my blog Flying Fish

I like the way the design turned out on this one...I felt like I had more direction this month.

November 2008 BJP Chaotic Organization

I finally got to photograph and post my November 08 BJP. I finished the whole thing on November 4th and just had a few moments to get it all online now. You can view the finished project here and a full explanation here.

I wanted to avoid a traditional Thanksgiving piece. Not my favorite Holiday really. Then I thought of doing a "thanks" to my family piece because of their never ending support for me and my business and all the babysitting I do. For rearranging their lives to accommodate this. I did try, several times, but no matter how many times I ripped the stitches and beads out, and tried a different design or way or color, I just couldn't get it right. So, instead I could dedicate it to them.

I hope I was able to show the Chaotic Organization I feel in November. I wish the photo I took could better show how pretty the piece actually turned out, but just didn't really have the time to mess with it. I hope you like it. And a Happy Early Thanksgiving to everyone!

November Done!

My November Harvest Rune is done, & you can see it here!
Everyone is doing such great work! You all are inspiring! I've commented on as many blogs as I've been able to, & hope to do more after the crazy handmade holiday rush!
Warmest aloha,
CC

On to November...

I was making incredible progress and then Bam! The Last Husband lost his job and I lost momentum on anything un-related to worry. Of course, I know worry won't solve anything so I'm back to beading.... You can take a look here if you'd like.

I'm working on my Nov BJP

Hi all,

I'm working on my November page and am making use of some fruit beads I've had for many years, they will be perfect in and around my cornucopia. To see the progress check out my blog. WWW.nightbeaderatlarge.blogspot.com

Here's to a very happy Thanksgiving for everyone!

Beadily yours
Susan Feldkamp
nightbeaderatlarge.blogspot.com

November progress

Hi Everyone!

I've been gone a week... got almost caught up reading the blogs today and will finish the others tomorrow. The work you are doing is VERY impressive... and often both touching and meaningful. Thanks for keeping up and for posting about your work!

I just posted some in-progress pictures of my November page here. I'm pretty excited about it!

Hugs and cheers to all,
Robin A.

October page is finished!

Hi all - I just posted my October page on my blog if you'd like to take a look and read about it:

http://purplepaintsmuse.blogspot.com/

I'd love to read any comments you have! Thanks, Marva

September's Page is Finished

For those of you that are looking at photos, I have finished September's page.
Take a look here.

I don't always have time to leave comments on your blogs but I am looking and what I see is outstanding. The creativity that is outpouring from this group is overwhelming. I hope to have more time for commenting by the end of the year, until then know that I am admiring.

Carry On!
Brenda

October Complete

Phew! Finally finished my October BJP called "Spirit". You can check it out on my blog...Plays with Needles.

October Finished

Just wanted to let you know that yes I am alive and well and that I did finish my October piece. October was a busy month with a couple trips, a party at our house and most importantly a very welcome homecoming. Now that my husband is once again home and we are starting to settle back into life maybe I will be able to keep up with my blogs and e-mails, for those who have been waiting I apologize for the delays. ~Angie

My BJP Blog
My Main Blog
My Web Gallery- Includes photos of both of my BJP pages
Artistic Kreations and Passions- my website

BJP Website (my 2007-8 pieces)

October Done

I have my October page (both versions) done and you can see them here. Hope you all have a great November now.
Timaree

October page finished on time

I posted the picture of the finished page for October on my blog.

Arline
http://sharedstuffbyarline.blogspot.com/

October Completed on time ...

I just got the picture up late this month :) There are a few posts, if you'd like to look at those regarding this month's piece.

Thanks!

Bobi

My October contribution

Click here to see my little beaded diamond. I love what I can do with scrap fabric. Thanks to Beryl Taylor for showing me how to do this fun little thing.
Belinda
Aurora, IL

Squeeking it in...

Now I *know* that it was a good decision for me to make small and simple pages this year. I made it this month, but just barely ;-) LINK

October Progress

I just posted two updates on my Oct. page on my blog.

Arline
http://sharedstuffbyarline.blogspot.com/

October Begins-Does Not End

I posted a short note on my blog www.nevertoolatetohavefun.blogspot.com to show my idea for my October project and my un-progress. Beading has been done, but not enough and too much to finish this week, especially since Iwill be at the Houston Quilt Show the remainder of the week. Just wanted to stay in the loop and keep myself honest throughout this 2008 project. I have loved seeing all of the different September projects. What a fun thing to do to stretch your creativity.

Thank you to everyone

I had to post again tonight. I was checking a few more of your pages as I had some time that I have not had recently. I am so inspired. Your work is awesome. I have learned about bead journaling from looking at everyone's pages so far this year. And the imagination we all have, my goodness, we are good! And some of the creative ways some of you are doing the journaling...bracelets and dolls! I can't say enough how inspiring it is.

It seems as if, for me anyway, that the journaling just comes...I am not really sure how to say this, just comes naturally I guess. It amazes me how much can come out in our beading.

I want to say a special thanks to Robin A., for her work on this project again. I was so moved reading about your pages and seeing your work Robin. Thank you for sharing and supporting all of us.

Thanks to all of you that read and post on everyone's blogs. We are truly a community. Since so many of us work alone, it is nice to have this group. And for those of you on this blog, don't forget to check out the other blogs!

Nancy K.

October page

Good evening,

I have had a great beading weekend. I have finished my October page. You can see it on my blog.

Happy beading everyone,

Nancy K.

October's BJP is Finished

My October page is complete and you can view it on my blog. I love fall even though we don't see lots of color changes in our desert fall, I made some beaded fall leaves to surround my October photo. Not much change in my photo yet but I plan on taking a photo each month as the year goes on. Now I've got to start my October doll, behind again :-)

Beadily yours
Susan Feldkamp
nightbeaderatlarge.blogspot.com

October cuff is done!

You can see this months offering at my blog I only 'sort of' like this one. It looks good as a cuff, but was pretty simple to sew...lots of monochrome. Enough with the light blue! Thanks for checking it out. K

September - 2008 BJP

Hi everyone, it is nice to be back and checking everyone's work out. As always, some amazing work that you all do. Welcome to all the new members. I started September in September but had computer problems that kept me from posting pictures. I am about 2/3 done with October. My trick this time is I used a smaller page. Last year it was 4" by 5", this year it is 2 1/2" square. I thought at first it would be too easy, but it is actually challenging in getting just the right placing of beads, angle, etc. I am having a great time with my October page.

I have September posted (and page # 8 from the last BJP!)

Happy beading,

Nancy K.

October Ladybug page

I finished my October page. It's on my blog - please stop by!

Denise
Flickr

If blogger will co-operate, I will post my finished October piece at http://beadfluff.blogspot.com so you can view it if you'd like.
Mary Timme

Sept and Oct Finished!

For those of you who are looking, I've posted both Sept and Oct, finished, on my blog here. They are both quite personal and reflect my emotional state for the past few months. I tried to explain about it in my post.

Thankfully, the BJP has kept me going and feeling happier. I do so enjoy reading all the blogs and being inspired by the wonderful work you all are doing! It's a blessing in so many ways!

Robin A.

Hello,
I have started on the October BJP.
If you would like to see what I am up to you can find it here at my journal
http://mlmhm45.livejournal.com/ along with some other things I have been
up to.

Edited to fix the link sorry it was not working.

Thanks for Looking
Michelle

Hi, I'm completely behind, so much has been going on in my life, I've been working a second job, which meant I had no time for the last couple of months, then our old dog died and we got a new kitten. I went to Rhinebeck (NY Sheep & Wool Festival) and took along what I needed to get started on my September page, but was so fascinated by the little coiled baskets I learned to make in the class I took that I spent all my free time making those.

I'm thinking that I could actually make them for my BJPs because they do incorporate beads, you can add beads as you make them and add beaded embellishments.

But I need to settle on something and start making my pages.

October page

I actually finished the beading part of my page more than a week ago but had been waiting on news in order to name it. The news was not as I hoped or imagined, but the beading still applicable.

It seems I am seeing so many pieces for October that are particularly emotional - I am wondering if it is just me because I am feeling so sensitive right now and noticing them more.

Feel free to stop by my blog if you want to see my October page.

Thank you,
Grace
GraceBeading

Revealing A Little More About Me

First..Hello to everyone! Thank you Robin. I am enjoying this project so much. I completed my October Page and you can see it here. Please visit. And brouse around the older posts if you have an extra moment.

Carol

It's taken awhile but....

I finally finished September's page and began October's. The most important thing? I have a plan for the entire year and I've made this year's BJP something I can complete (as opposed to last year's which got way out of hand and finally put in a box somewhere where it may never see daylight). You can see it at my blog

I've entered my September, 2008 beading for the Eyes Have It! on http://beadfluff.blogspot.com posted today.

October Done!

Hi, all! Just to let you know that my October rune is done. You can see it here if you want! Busy this time of year, so sorry I haven't made many comments on everyone's blogs, but there sure is alot of good work going on out there!
Warmest aloha!
CC

Introduction

Hi, my name is Brenda, I live in Minnesota, I am the webmistress, and this is my second year participating in the Bead Journal Project.

Fall is a very busy time of year for me, so I have just started my September page. I hope to be caught up by the end of the year.

As I start on this year's project I can not help but think about starting last year's project. From that moment to this moment it is impossible to explain the changes in me, in my thoughts and in my art/beadwork. It has been an amazing journey.

I wish for you all that same amazement.

October BJP

I just posted my October BJP on my blog http://heidibeads.blogspot.com/ and a few calendar dolls from Beaded Art Dolls and even the bead gift that came in the mail from Denise - a big thank you hug to you. Happy Columbus Day! Thanks to everyone who visits - it's such inspiration.

BJP Button

I don't know who made the BJP button that we put on our blogs. I'm trying to find out how big a photo (no. of pixels) was used as I'd like to know how to make one of my own. If anyone has made a button could you let me know how big they should be?
Timaree

You are GREAT!!!

I just wanted to thank the other artists here for their inspiring work and their cheerleading skills! :) I feel so at home here and am very glad to be a part of this project.
Now I need to do something about my poor blog...-Theresa in Tucson

October BJP Complete

This month's BJP is finished. It pretty much shows my daily struggle to accomplish things, both what I want to do and what I have to do. Some days I get it all done, sometimes nothing. Almost always I feel I'm running around in circles which makes me "crazy". Also, October is my birthday month, and being a Libra it's my thing to try to balance. Sometimes, I'm not so good at that, but I do try.

I've seen the beautiful work submitted so far for October. A few times I wanted to just hold on to this months page, save it for another month, and do a Halloween themed page (one of my favorite Holidays). But, this really seems to fit me now, so I kept it. Hopefully soon, I'll get it together and will be more organized. If not, look for the possibility of seeing another "crazy circle" in upcoming pages.

I still have time this month, maybe I will do a Halloween piece to add to my decorations. That is, IF I can find time to do one.....

If you want to take a peek, you can find my page and a full description here.

Thankyou!

To all those who stopped by my blog to offer helpful suggestions I give a big THANK YOU!! You helped me out a lot. And if you stop back again you'll see what I've decided on.
Timaree

Lost Muse

Finished my September page, finally. Check it out on my blog. As you can see, it is not encrusted like many of my previous pages were. Had a serious case of beading blahs, but it seems to be over now, so full speed ahead.

Arline
http://sharedstuffbyarline.blogspot.com/

BAD GIRL...get to work!

No, that's not for anyone but me! I have my September heart sketched out, the material cut to shape, and the colors chosen, but I have yet to work on it because of the extreme craziness of my life, and the fact that I've uncovered yet another addictive behavior: kumihimo!

So, my apologies to all, but I promise that I will have both September's and October's hearts done by Halloween!

Anna

Not one, but two per month!

I've decided I'll try doing two pages per month - one more artistic, the other more of a journal/intuitive expression of my life right now. Thanks for your suggestions Robin!

See my blog for my Sept pieces, with one with beaded edges, the other mounted and framed.

For October, I spent a while planning out the artistic piece and worked on some samples - and promptly screeched to a halt when I realized I'd misplaced a hank of multi-colored beads I'd planned to use. Guess that project will have to wait a bit longer, until I've used more of the supplies I already have.

For now, its back to the drawing board. I have added a number of photos of completed and nearly-completed projects to my Flickr album.


Denise
Flickr

Uh oh!

I have had an Uh Oh! moment. It's kind of connected to those senior moment kind of things. I have a question on the size of my pages. If anyone is interested in giving their opinion I could sure use it. For all those who say their opinion is never listened to I am willing to hear your suggestions. I don't guarantee I'll do what you suggest but I will listen. I'd really appreciate you coming over to my blog and helping me out.

Timaree

October in Progress

I've started my October page and I'm pretty happy with it after tearing out several hours of work. :( Anyway, my theme for the month is Day of the Dead. I'm stretching myself because it's the first time I'm using something I actually drew. --Theresa

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

Completed September BJP

I've completed my September BJP called Returning Home. This is my first year participating and you can find it on my blog Plays with Needles. I really enjoyed viewing all of your completed pieces and "listening" to your stories. Thank you.

October: Getting Started

I have started my block for October, I am going out of town this weekend and wanted to have the painting part finished so I could take it with me to work on. If you want to see it you can check it out on my BJP blog. I want to thank everyone for all of the great comments and say once again that I am amazed at how we are doing and all of the wonderful diversity already showing for this year.

Angie

Lagging

I am ashamed to have to admit I am lagging behind already. For about the past month, I have gone through a beading slump. Didn't stop entirely, but seriously lacked motivation. However, I have now kicked myself in the B***, and will be beading regularly from now on. I should be caught up with my WIPs by the end of October, including my BJP pages. Hate when this happens.

I'm impressed by all the pages I have peeked at so far. Nice eye candy out there. Keep it up, and I promise I will catch up shortly.

Arline
http://sharedstuffbyarline.blogspot.com/

September Bead Journal Project -A Newbie Says Thanks

I want to thank all of you who have made comments to my September project. It is so encouraging to a new member of this wonderful inspiring group. The work presented on the various blogs is so inspiring and wonderful. Well I never have met a "bead" I didn't like, except those ones in the lot who get stuck on the needle. Aren't they always the ones on the bottom of the needle? I am checking out all the post that I have time for on the blogs. 2008 will be a wonderful year!!!!
www.nevertoolatetohavefun.blogspot.com/
Well I do need to find a new word - other than wonderful - put "awesome" in those spots.

September Page Is Mine!

Hi Everyone.

Thank you Robin for sponsoring this project. I hope you know how much you are loved and appreciated. I have just completed my first page and have really enjoyed the beading. I am also actually surprised at how creative my mind can be. And its been a wonderful experience meeting other beaders who are participating. Please visit my blog to see my first page.

September complete

Hello I have completed my September project. It has really been a blast so far. If anyone would like to see it It can be found at my livejournal.

http://mlmhm45.livejournal.com/

Thanks for looking
Michelle

September Bead Journal Project - Done

I just posted my completed September 2008 Bead Journal Project. It turned out better than I expected, except for finishing the edges. Since I have no idea yet where these projects are going, I am going to just wait for final edging. It finished 4 1/2 inches -I think I may be a little ambitious on this size to do it all year, we'll see! Being my first year - I hope to learn a LOT. If you want to see my project go to http://www.nevertoolatetohavefun.blogspot.com/
Thanks for looking. See you in October. There are some fantastic beaders on this journal.
Brenda

Not BJP related, but bursting to share!

Night before last, my oldest son called at 11pm to tell me that he and his wife were expecting their first baby-my first grandchild! I'm going to be a Granna!!!

We are very excited for them both-they will make wonderful parents, and I am very much hoping for a little girl (three boys, go figure) to spoil, and so are they.

I just had to share!

Anna

September page is done!

I have really shifted directions this year. Instead of working on techniques, I've decided to work on symbolism and expression. I've chosen a simple heart design and a phrase or verse from one of the Psalms to be the unifying themes for each month, and the size is tiny...just 4x4. And each page is very very simple. I like it...it's soothing to make them.

You can see the first one on Jewelry&Beading if you'd like :-)

Last Year's Beading Finished

I have finally finished my May page for last year. If you are interested you will find it here . I am pleased with it and have new plans for finishing the pages. Now I need to go get my pic on the web page.
Timaree

September beading done

There's an image of my September piece on my blog . I'm going to be doing a cuff bracelet each month, keeping the projects small enough to finish and have them be a nice collection at the end.

September page

I have completed my page for September. I enjoyed working on this one immensely, the colors are bright and happy and it allowed me to work through some stress from my job. If you would like to take a peek, you can see photos on my blog.

I'm thoroughly enjoying viewing all the pages to date and reading about the processes of others as they embark on their journey for the year.

Grace
GraceBeading

September page is finished!!!!

My September page is finished and I'm glad that I still have a few days left in September cause I still haven't finished all my pages from last year!

If you wish to see my piece visit my blog page

http:/nightbeaderatlarge.blogspot.com

Beadily yours
Susan Feldkamp
aka Night Beader

Sept page complete!

I've completed my first page with time to spare! How bout that! mariasangel --a big thank you to everyone who posted comments :) I am working on getting comments posted back to you ;)

Maria in Chicagoland

September Update from Madeline

I have made some changes to my blog and posted an update on my September piece. I actually was able to follow Diane's instructions and successfully added the project button to my blog. For someone who is new to blogging this is a huge success. Another way I am building skills by taking part in this project.

I have my September entry partially completed and have not even begun to prep for my October piece. I am thinking based on my theme that I will need to go and look for some fabric and beads since, if I stick to my theme, I will need to buy supplies since it is not a color palette that I normally work in (at least I can look forward to the supply shopping--maybe that will help to motivate me). I am usually drawn to the cool colors and this will require me to move to another warm color (the orange family) which will be a stretch for me. To see a more detailed note on my September piece go to my personal blog.http://maddiemibjp08.blogspot.com/

First BKP project Sept08

I am a BJP newbie. I am very excited about this project. I cannot wait to see how my work and other people's work changes over the course of a year. You can see my September project here. Please feel free to post a comment on my blog.
Belinda aka crazyartgirl
Aurora, IL

Introduction

Hi,
I'm Michelle M from Florida. I'm 46 a mother of 2 and Grandmother of 1. I was very inspired by last years BJP and am very excited to be a part of this years. You can see what I am up to at my journal.

Michelle

September Part 1 -To be Continued

Just so excited about working on this September project that I have posted a little preview and story to begin this journey. My goal is to improve my beading and creativity each month as we go along together.
The beading has been so peaceful - I recently purged my sewing room - it had gotten overwhelming. Now I have places to work on projects and know (well pretty much) where my things are and what I have. Actually I went from one room to two rooms so it is even better. My journey can be found on my blog at:
http://www.nevertoolatetohavefun.blogspot.com

Brenda

September BJP08

Yay. I have finished my September page. You can see it on my blog if you want. Now that I am done with that I get to take a look at all the postings on these three blogs. See ya.
Timaree

Hi from one of the Kentucky gals

All I can say is that it's amazing to be part of this project - how exciting! I've settled on a tag shape for my base and had my September almost finished. But my Dad's unexpected surgery last Monday sent me back to the drawing board (literally). You see, my dad is in the advanced stages of Alzheimer's so my September BJP will be for him.
So I'll be stitching this weekend with a post soon to show my work in progress.
Diana Welte
along the Ohio River in Maysville

Intro and progress

BJP newbie here :) I heard about this project just days before the sign up closed and I knew I had to join! Luckily there were still a few spaces left!! I had some swap obligations to complete, so i had a late start on this month's project, but it is going well and I am happy with it so far. Please visit my blog for my intentions for the year and to see what I've done so far--suggestions welcome!!

I have really been enjoying visiting everyone's blog and seeing the beauty in the sheer variety of ideas!!

Maria from Chicagoland

Introduction and where I am going

Hello my name is Angie and I am a returning BJPer. I am afraid that in most of my life I seem to be behind except my beading (got to have priorities).

I kept meaning to post an introduction here but just didn't get to it. The photo is a close up from one of my pages from last year. I live in Southern Maryland and have beading since 2003. I love bead embroidery. Last year I combined photography and beading this year I am combining mixed media, painting and beading.

I started planning the background for this piece in May and started working on it in June. The background will probably take me most of the year to complete. I am working on each of the 12 blocks that will go onto this background in it's month. I have finished September's block and it is on my blog. I am including information on the techniques I am trying, symbolism and what my piece means to me.

For those who want to know what I have been up to I am including links below to my BJP posts in the order they were written and my web gallery and website.

July 1- A Seed Germinates
July 4- Goals For A New Year
July 7- A Sapling Takes Root In Purple Dirt
July 10- Trying New Techniques/Collaging my World
July 13- How Do I Do It/ It's A Secret
July 16- Like Leaves On A Tree: Plenty Of Ideas
July 19-Painting My World/A Tree Takes Form
July 21- Ever Tree Needs Leaves
July 24-Leafing Out
July 27- The Tree Is Planted And Gets More Leaves
July 30- A Secret Takes Shape
August 2- A Door Takes Form
August 6- Stitching Up A Fern
August 10- Ocean Waves
August 14- Getting To The Roots Of The Matter
August 18- Moss at the Roots of My Tree
August 22- Stitching Grass
September 7- A Mountain Of Strength
September 12- Honu Swimming (September block)
September 14- Honu in Beads (September block finished)

My Web Gallery- Includes photos of both of my BJP pages and Susan Plager's Graduation.
Artistic Kreations and Passions- my website

BJP Website (my 2007-8 pieces)

Done for Sept.

I've completed the September BJP, photographed it and finally got it on the computer. If you'd like to see it you can visit my Blog here.

I have to say, even with me being tramatized by my mistake, I really enjoyed it. I learned a valuable lesson (always good to learn) and am anxious to get going on October' page. This is quite relaxing, I must say.

If you do end up checking my page, please let me know what you think. Do you think it needs to have the edge finished or should I leave it as is?

September Rune Done!

Hi, fellow beadniks! I've finished my September piece & you can see it here if you're one of the lookies! I'm so glad I picked a smaller size this year as I have alot on my plate.
Been checking out everyone's blogs, & even if I haven't had time to comment on them, I just think everyone is doing incredible work! Yea for us!!!
Warmest aloha,
CC

Working out the Kinks!

I have been thinking about how to work my BJP the way I wanted to work it and today I finally decided that I just had to do a sample! I'm planning on doing a butterfly a month, with a different colour from the colour wheel for each month. This will be a 3-D piece when it is finished at the end. You can see what I've been doing at my blog.

I'm off to find beads.

Cindy Kuo
IL & Hong Kong

Getting Started

It's great to see so many people starting and even finishing their Sept. pages. If there are still people out there who aren't sure how to get going, remember that there are some tips in the FAQS section of the homepage. Check them out and see if any are helpful to you.

October 2008 BJP Finished

I know this is crazy, but tonight I finished my October piece.

I am so concerned that something will come up and I will fall behind in this year's project that I bead every minute I can on this so I am at least in good shape if something should come up. With DH being hospitalized and other health issues, I guess it is best to just bead when you can.

Anyway, as per my September post, my focus for this year are little birds -- each month a new bird and when all are completed they shall share nest space in a large grapevine wreath that will hang above our fireplace.

If you take to take a "peep", just click
HERE and I hope you will enjoy her.

Jackie Y in Illinois
My Blog

Change

September being my birthmonth has always been a time of reflection for me; to review the previous year - cherish the blessings and reaffirm the lessons of simply living life. It is also the progression of Alaska's "obscenely green" summer into the slower pace of winter, when we stop our frenetic pace and get some much needed rest. Autumn's rust slowly creeps down the mountain sides only to be replaced by a dusting of snow. Change is at hand, gladly welcomed by me (the one who's husband comes home to find the living room rearranged, yet again...).
As a first year participant, I look forward to raising my artistic & technical skills that this sort of project encourages; it is also a chance to create a physical, concrete representation of what my life held for me at this time last year, and what it currently holds. A blending of my emotional & physical naivete' last year with all the things that I've learned of human nature and the challenges of fighting breast cancer. This month's piece I've titled "Grief & Loss; Love & Redemption" and captures the essence of change, the overall theme I've chosen for this project. Live fully, love fiercely, laugh often, and bead happy!
:o) Jennifer J.

My September bjp

Hi all, I've been working away on my project for September. I have chosen 10" x 10" blocks which are done in "encrustation" the trapping of objects between muslin then embellishing with threads and beads.
Go to my blog to view my almost finished block. Still needs more beading.
http://threadsnfiber2.blogspot.com

Patsy

Been busy stitching!!

See my blog for TWO BJP pieces (still got to decide which is final size) & a semi-finished UFO.

Denise

Using Labels

So - it's me again. Now that we are in full swing, I'd like to repost some info from Robin:


Labels
For this BJP year, I've already determined the acceptable labels for your posts. Please stick with these labels. It will take a few posts to get them all in the index. In this post, I've added all the months. If you post about your work for a specific month, you can use the appropriate month label for it.

When you post, click on Show all at lower right of posting box, and choose appropriate label(s) from the list shown.

The reason to limit the possible labels is because it's easy to get too many labels (confusing) or ones that are too long (hide the down arrow).

Hope this is OK with everyone. If you feel it's important to add a label, please ask Diane M. (our blog master) about it. Thanks!

Please note... there are too many of us to label posts with our names. Instead, please sign every post with a link to your blog, website or email, as I have done below.

Robin A.

Blogging Tips

Hi - it's me again - the blog "angel". There are a lot of new folks joining us this year and it's been requested that I post some information about easy ways to post to Blogger, so here goes -

* If you want to add a link to your blog (or any other website) in your post: Click "New Post" Type your entry into the box. Highlight the words you want to link to by left clicking the words and dragging the cursor over them. They will turn blue. Then click the icon that looks like a green circle with a link on it. A window will pop up that says "script prompt". In that window type the URL of your blog. For example, the URL of blog #1 of the 08 Bead Journal Project is "http://www.08bjp.blogspot.com"

* If you want to add a photo to your post do the same steps to make a post but click on the icon that looks like a photo (the 2nd one from the right). From here you can either upload a picture from your computer by using the buttons that says "browse", finding the picture on your computer, the clicking 'upload the image'.

OR

to use the 'add an image from the web" feature, type the URL of the picture into the box and click 'upload the image'. The URL of the picture can be found by right clicking the picture and going to 'properties'.

* If you want to add the Bead Journal Project to your blog -

First 'right click' on the button and save it to your computer.
Then on your blog, go to 'edit layout'.
Pick "add a gadget".
Then pick "picture"
In the 'link' field type http://www.beadjournalproject.com
In the 'image' link chose "from your computer" and upload the graphic you've saved.
Click "save" and you're done.

I hope this helps - If you need help, feel free to email me.

Diane
http://www.mountainsaltstudio.blogspot.com

September Page is finished!!!

I'm so proud of myself! My September page is finished! I undoubtedly will get behind before the year is over but for now I'm done early! My page is not encrusted with beads, more of a mixed media book page, wish I could totally encrust it with beads like you all do, it's so beautiful, but my numb hands are giving me fits so I can't do that for now....... Let me know what you think. Hopefully it's not too off the wall for the BJP. :D Marva

I guess a link would help: (LOL)!
http://purplepaintsmuse.blogspot.com/

Finished September

I just posted my September "page" on my blog if you'd like to take a look.

http://heidibeads.blogspot.com/

Having fun trying to keep up with everyones post. I'm amazed. It's going to be a wonderful year.

Mounting/Finishing BJP pieces

I happened across a link I wanted to share with some cool suggestions on mounting fiber collages that may change my BJP plans, as it has opened up some new possibilities and ideas for finishing my BJP pieces.

A call for entries has gone out for next year's Fiberarts For a Cause project - Collage Mania 2009. "All materials are acceptable, but collages must contain some fiber (paper, fabric, or other fibrous material). There are no restrictions on content or style. Art quilts are, of course, acceptable." All entries must measure or be finished to a size of 10x8", but they provide a FAQ on acceptable mounting options if your collage is not 10x8".

By the way, I did finish my first Sept piece, plus two more (all different shapes and sizes, however...). No pictures, posted yet, either. plus the FAQ I've linked to may change things altogether. So, I'm really not very far along in the making-a-final-choice-in-the-size-department. I'll keep you posted.

On the Move

I am on the move! On my blog you can see the start to this year and how close to done I am on the last page of last year. I've been trying to get around to see everyone's blogs. There are a lot! I will get to yours if I haven't yet. I don't intentionally leave some un-looked at. We are in this together.
Timaree

Linked Hearts Cannot be Broken

Well, it seems as though my muse was with me over the weekend...I took a couple of days at a hotel, partly to regain my focus in the aftermath of the past 5 weeks, partly to meditate on what I need, what I want in and for my future, partly to draft, if you will, the ideas for my BJP. It was a successful weekend in all regards.

I have basic sketches of each of the twelve hearts I will be beading over the course of this project..each will begin with a hand formed copper wire heart frame...within each frame will be suspended a beaded heart, most likely bead embroidered...attached to the copper framework with red threads.

These twelve hearts will be connected, or linked, together at the end of the project for a neck piece...one which I pray will never be worn...a symbol of healing, a symbol of hope, a symbol of love conquering all.

I'll be posting images on my personal blog, www.annasplaceofholding.blogspot.com , and will begin with sketches of each heart.

I've found that there is hope at the bottom of Pandora's box, and I embrace that hope.

Anna

I finally made up my mind

Okay, I finally made up my mind on the size of my BJP pieces, 6" x 6". I decided not to do the crazy quilt squares because my carpal tunnel is giving me fits, maybe next year. :) If you'd like to take a look at the start of my project it's here:

http://purplepaintsmuse.blogspot.com/

I hope everyone is having an awesome weekend!
Marva

September

I've completed my piece for September. I was struggling with so many ideas and thoughts, as well as size and material. It's funny how things just fall into place just when they are needed! I settled on a finished piece of approx. 4.5 X 4 ... a little more information on my blog, http://faeak.blogspot.com/
There is also a photo on there.

Have a wonderful, beady week!

Bobi

Stumped even before beginning...

I thoroughly enjoyed looking at the beautiful creations of last year's BJP. I am thrilled to be a part of it this year.
So many things are going through my head right now-too many things, maybe? Here it is, Sept. 6th and I STILL don't know what I want to do! I'm trying not to panic---hoping some fabric and beads will clue me in. But right now there's a lot of static going on in my brain and the reception is hazy!

A Huge Mistake and a Do Over

Over at my blog I am trying to keep an update of my learning process and my journal pages. If I could just remember to grab my camera....

I explained, painfully, of the mishap I had with my first page. I wasn't happy with the bezel I had done, but had decided to leave it anyhow so you could see it and hopefully, share tips for my next time. I finished beading my design (it didn't take as long as I thought) and was all ready to trim the excess and put the backing on. I know you are supposed to be careful here and I really thought I was. But....I did trim the thread. In a few places it seems. Loose beads everywhere. I ended up pulling out the stitching and will have to redo most of my stitching. While I was at it, I pulled out the bezel stitching I didn't like too. Turns out, I didn't need to bezel anything, according to a book I looked at, which was probably why it was floppy.

I considered scraping the whole thing and starting over with a new page, but this was my first one and I wanted it to be the first page. So after letting it sit for a couple of days out of sight, I am going to re-work it. It will be a tad smaller than my stated size, but that really can't be helped at this point.

Lesson one I learned: Do NOT trim your piece in the evening without great lighting.

getting started

I've decided to do a monthly cuff bracelet, each piece will be about 1.5 or 2 inches by about 6 inches long. I want to keep it small so I don't go all off the deep end and overwhelm myself each month, but I challenge me to finish each piece so it's wearable. Then, of course, I elaborated by writing a note that said "snap each bracelet to a back ground so it can be wall art"and "rubber stamp a title" Yeah..you can see why I need to keep it simple.

I'm excited to be a part of this very cool project, I followed last year's BJP and really enjoyed seeing the bead art!

The Dreaded "D" Word....

I'm thinking about one of my BJP pages and of all colors, I would really like to use a nice bright fuchsia and lighter tones, but of course, aren't nearly all pink to fuchsia beads dyed? Horrors! Who wants to put all that work into a project and have the color change right before their very eyes? So my question is for all the experienced bead embroiderers out there - have you dared to use dyed beads in your work, or even galvanized (not the new Toho permanent finish) for that matter, and did the color/finish hold up or did you regret the choice? Has anyone found a pink to fuchsia bead (preferably size 15/0, Japanese manufactured) that is color fast? Have you ever dyed your own beads? Does anyone have a not-too-complicated technique or bead treatment that aids color preservation that they are willing to share? Any advice would be dearly appreciated....

Greetings from the Pineapple State!
I'm so excited to be a part of the project this year and to see all the wonderful ideas and creativity of everyone come to life. I have been studying Hinduism lately, a culture and religion so joyful and rich with wonderful symbols, that these studies have now become the inspiration for my BJP. I haven't had a chance to read all the posts yet, so I hope I'm not duplicating anyone else's ideas, but there is so much to explore I'm sure many of us could choose this subject and still create many unique pieces. Warmest good wishes to all for a prosperous year of beading and creativity!

I've laid out my new plan for BJP 2008 and posted it on my website for blogging at http://beadfluff.blogspot.com/ if you'd like to come and take a look here.

Hi, I'm new to BJP. When I found it last year, I knew I wanted to do it. I still have no idea what I'm going to do, so I think I'll just pick a size square or rectangle and start on my September page.

Blogger Troubles?

It appears that quite a few people did not receive their invitation to become authors on the BJP blogs that were sent last month. If you did not receive your invitation, or if you know someone who did not receive theirs, please email me and I'll fix you right up.

Diane
diane.moore at gmail dot com

New To A Challenge

How exciting to try to join such a talented group of beaders. I hope when this project is through that I will make my original beading teacher - Nancy Eha- proud of my efforts. As some of the others I am also new to blogging and hope to keep a record of my efforts as part of my blog - http://www.nevertoolatetohavefun.blogspot.com .
Happy beading.
Brenda

GraceBeading - returning participant

Hi fellow beaders!

I am a returning participant and very excited about the coming year. It is so nice to see so many returning and very inspiring to see new names and to visit the blogs that go with them.

I don't know what came over me this year, but I decided to do something a bit different that what I usually do when I bead. For my pages last year, which were approximately 4 inches by 6 inches, I started with heavy duty Pellon and basted my fabric of choice for each month as they came. I backed each piece with ultrasuede (adding a bit of fiber fill) and finished the page with either a picot or pointed edge stitch so each one is a finished piece on it's own and can be displayed independently on my wall. I came to really like that method and the process. I became very comfortable with it. So that means... time for a change!

Now I'm stepping way outside my comfort zone. This time around I chose and pre-cut all the fabric pieces for each month. They are all 3 inches by 3 inches. I decided to go back to the way I first learned bead embroidery via Robin and Amy's book "Beaded Embellishment". I have attached my fabric to a piece of paper to act as the stabilizer for my beading.

I had forgotten how much I love the way it feels in my hands. The fabric drapes more and feels wonderful and heavier as more beads are added.Once I have all 12 pieces completed, I'm going to attempt to sew them all together. I don't sew and I'm not sure how I will pull this off. I did have the forethought to at least allow a small margin of fabric around each piece in order to sew them together.It looks GREAT in my head and I did manage to transfer the idea to paper, but I'll just have to see if I can move the image in my head through my hands and into the beads.

If nothing else, I know I will learn something (or lots of things) and I'm sure I'll have a blast along the way.

It's such a privilege to be included in a project with so many talented folks!

Grace
aka GraceBeading

Newbie checks in

Hi, I'm Paula T. and am one of the many new people this year. I'm not very experienced, but expect after this year that will change. I haven't started September's piece yet, but have an idea that I think will work. Reading the posts here helped a lot, thanks!

Flickr Group

A lot of people participated in the flickr group last year and it was a lot of fun so I've set up one for this year.

- HERE IS THE LINK -

Come and join in the fun!

Diane

here we go!

Have started my BJP page for September. Also made an introductory post about it and my overall goals for this year. It's very cool to be back into the spirit of things with some shifted goals and aspirations for what I hope to accomplish. The more time passes the more special and invaluable BJP becomes ...

Fixed Blog Link ~~~~

Sorry link didn't work in the previous post ---

Hope it will here.

Beadingram's blog

Jackie/IL

BJP ~ September 2008

Gosh, it is only Sept. 1st and I am actually finished with my Sept. piece and almost done with my October one.  

DH has been hospitalized a lot the past month and while it was a stressful time, my beading kept my sanity -- and I was able to finish many pieces including Sept. BJP while spending many hours at the hospital.

I have posted photos of it to  my blog if you care to take a peek. 

http://beaded-creations.blogspot.com/

Jackie/IL

Jump Start

Sorry, I can't wait until September actually arrives. I've settled on my own journal page parameters (5 X 10 inch vertical pages, only recylced & upcycled materials, and a new technique each time); they may seem ambitious, but really, I have lots of stuff and could rattle off 12 techniques to try off the top of my head.

So I'm starting today. And before I sound too self-righteous, rest assured I WILL get behind as the year progresses or I'm not the queen of missed deadlines.

I am reveling in having a focused project that is just for me! And I love that these pages are small, requiring a small space in which to work--nothing to put away before everyone can eat supper. Sometimes stealing minutes here and there is a good way to work.

My best wishes to all the participants--may you be mostly filled with inspiration most of the time--after all, this project could be a bit like chocolate--little bits of pure and joyful self-indulgence at just the right times in your life.

Kolleen aka KQuiltyBee

Beaded Buttons for 07 BJP

Just posted a picture here (on my blog) of Lunnette's buttons from last year's BJP. I love what she did with them! How clever can you get!

Robin A.

Intro

Hi all!
I am so excited about being a part of this project. I have finished my first crazy quilt square; I'm using crazy quilt blocks as my background, so to speak. I decided upon 11 inch squares because I only had so much of the muslin and I am trying to use what I have. You can see my work at my blog (http://bethsneedleworkstash.blogspot.com ). My goal is to learn some new beading techniques along with crazy quilting. Look forward ot meeting everyone.

Hi y'all! I'm MizDenise, from Augusta, GA -- home of the Master's Golf Tournament each April (think Tiger Woods in a green jacket surrounded by beautiful blooming bushes and trees). I've been embroidering off and on since childhood and have recently begun making art quilts, mixed media pieces and fabric postcards. Despite no art background or training , I am often the "crafts lady" (and baby holder) at summer camps and church groups - thus the "MizDenise" name!

I have been lurking on a number of beading/quilting/crafting forums and websites for a couple of years, reluctant to risk rejection by sharing my creative efforts online. Realizing that being a part of a caring group would jump-start my growth, I recently took Sharon Boggon's "Studio Journal as a Designers Work Horse" class and had a great experience with everyone sharing our creative explorations and encouraging eachother. Reading the 2007BJP blog, I see the same encrouaging community, and so ....... (drum roll, please!) ..... I'm going to take the leap into the wider web community by joining this year's Bead Journal Project.

Although I am feeling a bit intimidated with opening up to the whole world, I'm going to also open (and hopefully use!!) the private blog I started a while back . I also have a flickr account with pictures of my recent efforts. I am very excited about the opportunity to be a part of the challenge and also to really use my new studio journal to design and plan my pieces. I am also looking forward to getting to know each of you - many of whom I've been watching from afar as you participated in the 2007 project.

MizDenise
Blog - Fetching Fibers
Flicker - MizDenise

Hello from a Brand Newbie

Hi all, I'm Kelly from Illinois. I am a beader and have my own website selling my creations. I am a Mom to 3 girls and happily married for 12 1/2 years. I do a bit of babysitting for some friends as well ~ which takes up most of my days. I wanted to join in on last years BJP but was a bit late. That was about the time I wanted to try my hand at bead embroidery. I know how to do regular embroidery and other forms of stitching but this was different.

Why I want to learn this? Last year my in-laws needed help clearing out some stuff from their basement. I had heard for years about a trunk full of "Grandma's Beads" being down there somewhere. Well, I have it now. I went through it all. Grandma used to hand bead clothing in the early 1900's. She stored a ton of beautiful beads. Mostly seed beads. I really wanted to learn how to sew these onto fabrics. This is how I ran into the information on the BJP last year. Now, I won't touch those beauties until I know what I am doing. Then, it's one of a kind gifts for all the ladies in my husbands family using Grandma's beads.

I read and re-read all the BJP posts from last year (to get hints and tips) and stared at all the beautiful work as well (to get an idea of what I would need to do). I am so excited to start and be a part of this years project. I practiced and practiced. At first, I was going to do a 4 x 6 but when I saw those tiny little beads on that size I panicked! So I adjusted to a 4 x 4. I already have my plans for the first two (maybe three) months of squares. As for the very end on what to do with them all when finished? Well, I have an idea. You'll have to wait patiently for it though.

One thing though. I can not for the life of me do the back stitch. I know! It's the most used stitch. I just doesn't work when I do it. I kind of made up my own way though. I call it the backwards back stitch. It does work and the beads stay ~ they are VERY hard to pull out. But they are secure and it goes pretty fast for me. Hope that's OK.....

Looking forward to getting to know you all and learning as I go.

Wow Again

Hi Everyone! I just got back from a wonderful day on Block Island with my family. It's so beautiful to sit on the rocks, watch the boats, people and animals and dream. I will be remembering yesterday in middle of the winter for sure. I am amazed, I'm gone one day and boom - 260 people and lots of messages to read and catch up on. This is going to be an exciting year. With just a few days left until we begin, I have settled on a shape and I'm actually prepared for month 1! No theme, I'm just going to let it flow. Pick one bead and go from there. I'm so happy to see so many returning beaders and so many new people. I want to say hi and I can't wait to "meet" you all. For those of you who don't know me, I'm a beader of all of one year. I learned from Robin's books although it helps to re-read them after you have some beading under your wings because it makes more sense. The more I bead and try new things the more I seem to like it. It is very relaxing for me. I have a simple blog at http://heidibeads.blogspot.com/ I'm going to try to be more deligent this year. We'll see - cuz I'd rather be beading:)

Can we modify the "comments" setting for this blog?

I'd like to put in a plea for changing the comments setting to "Anyone can comment". I can't leave comments because I don't write a blogger blog anymore, and I want my link to go to my real blog. I can't use "Open ID" because my blog is a network blog, not a personal one.

Last year we had the setting "Anyone can comment". If we're worried about auto-bot spamming, we could add word verification. Thanks for considering it!

It is a privilege to be included among so many talented individuals from around the world. Just think, we are all bound by a common interest in a particular medium, one in which each of us would create something wonderfully different, given the same exact materials.

I have been fortunate enough to have taken classes from our "founder", the incredible Ms. A, whose work and inspiration have challenged me to participate in this project. As a relatively new beader, I look forward to seeing the world through the work of others and learning more about myself on the journey.

Susan U/SU

http://handcraftedwhimsy.blogspot.com/

getting started

Hi everybody it's Acey (Alicia R-S) from Massachusetts. Am really thrilled about starting another year's BJP commitment. The past few months have been super challenging and at times I have wondered what it will be like to "bead through" the process involved with a lot of changes that aren't all pretty. Have also wondered if I would have the necessary stamina to keep up but now that it's time to begin I am putting my doubts and concerns aside to just take a leap of faith. My theme for this year is Squaring The Circle. I will be working with 9 x 9 inch art quiltlets. Have set certain design goals that will help me continue to grow creatively and develop a sharper skill set for visual self-expression. It's very inspirational just reading through everyone's introductory posts.

Welcome everyone to the 08/09 Bead Journal Project. I am Diane Moore, the moderator of the blogs (or blog angel however many who know me personally might question the angel part). If you have any questions or problems with the blog, feel free to email me and I'll try my best to help.
In the next few days I'll be adding a sidebar to the blog with a list of labels for your posts. Robin developed these so there would be some consistency within the blog especially for people who wanted to see a specific thing, say everyone's page for a certain month, or people who are asking for technical help.
I am a returning Bead Journal Project participant and am anxious to get started on the coming year. Last year I did heart shapes but I'm thinking of rectangles this year. If you are interested in seeing some of the work people did last year, there is a group on flickr with lots of great photos.
Again, welcome to the BJP - I'm certain you'll have an amazing year!

I am so jazzed!

Hi all - I'm new to the BJP this year and so excited to get going! I've been into quilting, as well as crazy quilting so I thought this would be great to learn and add to my CQs. I'm also into altered art, collage and mixed media, drawing painting and I've been making beaded jewelry for years so this was just too tempting! I've had a couple of initial questions that I got answered, thank you for your help. I'm vacillating between doing 4" x 4" squares or 3" x 3" squares, I'll have to make up my mind pretty quick! I would love to do a 10" x 10" crazy quilt square for each month but I figured that would a little too much for my first year, so maybe next year. :D I love the totally bead encrusted look but will not start off with that, maybe I'll work up to it, we'll see. I don't have a theme, I figured I'd just follow my muse and ride by the seat of my pants! My blog is:

http://purplepaintsmuse.blogspot.com/

if you'd like to stop in and take a look.

Thank you to all who made this possible, what an awesome idea!

Marva

I'm ready to start

Hi,
My name is Arline and I'm a returning BJPer. I'm very excited about starting another year with BJP. I learned so much over the year and my skills improved radically. I also gained in self confidence.
I am a retired RN and am loving retirement. I help out several days a week at our local bead shop and am active in the Central California Bead Society. I have been published twice in the Tierracast Catalog online.
Bead embroidery is my obsession and I'll probably continue until I can no longer hold a needle (many years in the future, I hope).
Hello to all my friends who are returning and welcome to all of you who are just starting. Remember, we are not in competition, so if you have questions, ask away. Someone will have the answer.
Arline
http://sharedstuffbyarline.blogspot.com/

Newbie BJP'r intro

Hello all. I am just reading all the intros and just thought I would introduce myself. I live in a western suburb of Chicago, IL. I am married just over 11 years now with 2 kids, 5 and 9. I teach 6th grade. I don't sleep much, I am painting something or sewing something instead.

Someone in one of my Yahoo groups posted that this was going on. I investigated and thought this would be a lot of fun and challenging. I normally work with a lot of metal and am a technique junkie. I am a mixed media artist that has recently started working with a lot of fabric and with beads. I am working on my stitches and beading this school year. I am cutting way back on swaps and other art endeavors due to family commitments and going back to school (after school is over for the day). Beading is something that I can do while watching TV with my kids or while waiting around as soccer/cheerleading mom. I find that I need a challenge so my mind won't turn to jelly while watching cartoons and other kid shows (not by choice). I am always way out of the box and this project is a perfect way for me to stay out of it.

blog

Belinda - Crazy Art Girl

Muse Inspiration

It came to me!! I have always been interested in Astrology so I have decided to bead the signs, very simply as I am a beginner in bead embroidery. I would use the simplistic symbols and add the astrological name, date range, as well as characterists associated with the sign. I would try to bead using the colors associated with the sign.
I need suggestions as to what material I should use to bead on. I am thinking circular as astrological charts are done this way. I thought maybe I would use Aida cloth, but upon further reflection would it be too restrictive as far as detail? Let me know what you think, please.


Penney in AZ

It's finally time!

Hello from Iowa--I've been waiting for the Bead Journal Project to start for so long. I was all set in June after lurking on the 2007 blog forever, or so it seemed.

I am going to work in a 6 x 12 inch format with a vertical format. Also, I am going to try a new technique each month, unless that just drives me crazy, and then I won't.

I first started beading on fabric as a way to be able to work around my family instead of being tucked away in the sewing room. Now the dining room is my sewing room, so being together is no issue, but I still love beading--I love the hand work, I love collecting the beads (my bead stash rivals my fabric stash!), and I love working on relatively small projects. Plus, sewing in the dining room is a hassle when one must put it all away in order to feed everyone!

I'm so glad to be a part of this. Thank you to all who have made it possible for the rest of us to be here.

Kolleen
KQuiltybee

Hello from Alaska!

I'm a newbie beader AND newbie BJP'er. I am excited and honored to be a part of this amazing project. To be included in this group of folks with so much talent and creativity is amazing and a little intimidating! I look forward to growing and experimenting and seeing all the wonderful pages created over the coming year.

Bead-On!

Bobi

Greetings Fellow Beaders

Hi, this is Madeline from MI and I am a 'newbie' to this project, although I did follow it vicariously through a fellow guild member who sort of challenged a few of us to get involved. When I saw the info in Beadwork magazine I realized the deadline was fast approaching if I was truly going to commit to this. So far, first challenges overcome, I actually signed up and have figured out how to set up my own blog account so I could post on the BJP 2008-2009 website.

Thus far I have chosen a size/shape for my pieces (4"X 4") and have cut out and begun work on my first page. I have a general concept for the year but it is open to change as the mood and events unfold. For this month I am doing a piece based on the root chakra. It is interesting to see how it is unfolding.

As for a little background of how I got into beading--I started beading roughly 10 years ago and started with stringing. Shortly after I discovered by talent for beading I decided to openly lay claim by joining my local bead guild so I could hang out with other artists. It was there that I then discovered bead embroidery. I have been dabbling in bead embroidery for about eight years now.

Greetings to my fellow BJP members!

Hello everyone. My name is Karen Park and I have 2 obsessions - beads and tea. Oh dear, did I say 2 obsessions? There are a bit more than 2, I'm afraid, like fiber (I love hand painted yarn), polymer clay (I'm wild about mokume gane patterns) and wire/metal/PMC (I'm dying to make my own clasps and charms).

Besides my art interests, I also work at a retail mail order tea company (my day job) and talk to folks all over the country about tea everyday. It's a lot of fun trying all of the new teas that come in every week. I write a tea review on my blog, Art and Tea, every Saturday morning. Tea is more than just an interest for me, it's a daily practice, a way of life. I love the ritual of it. And, of course, the taste of the tea!

I've been beading and making jewelry for about 15 years now. I especially love bead embroidery and anything freeform. Right now on my blog, I'm documenting how I create a freeform bracelet.

I was a member of the 2007 BJP and am almost finished with all of my pages. My plans are to create a wall hanging with them. For this new year, I've decided to do something entirely different and make either beaded journal bracelet cuffs or cloth dolls. I know that I need to commit to one of those ideas very soon!

Thanks for listening. I'm looking forward to hearing the stories of other beady kindred spirits, reconnecting with existing friends and making new ones!

Hi Everyone!

Hi Everyone! I can't believe it's almost time to start again! With all the rush to get school supplies, end of summer party and the August birthdays (and we have a lot in our family), I'm amazed. I want to welcome all the newbies to the group and say hi again to all my old friends from last year. I'm so excited about this year's project and have lots to work through. I still can't make up my mind on what shape BUT I do know that it will be smaller - last year everything was 5x7". I might do circles on squares of fabric and make it into a wall hanging at the end of the year. I have a few more days to decide now don't I? Thank you to all those who have set this up. This is going to be a WONDERFUL, FUN year! Oh, I noticed that there was someone else from CT - how exciting!

Clueless In Kaua'i!

OK...every time I try to add the 2008 bead button to my blog, it just takes me back here! Would someone please explain how this clueless wonder can get it over to my blog?!
Thanks!
Warmest aloha,
CC

ON YOUR MARKS, GET SET...

...ACK! I'm so excited to get going on this! I feel like a horse at the starting gate! I've already posted some stuff to my blog. If you're a "looker" you can check it out here. If you're waiting until the end of the year, don't look yet! ;) But I've posted my theme, plan & some patterns there!
I also started a new label on my blog called 2008 BJP so if you hit that label you will only come up with the BJP stuff related to this new year...and can avoid all my other ramblings!
I'm just so excited about this next project, I couldn't wait to say ALOHA!!! ;)
And welcome to all the new members! Hi to all the returnees!
Warmest aloha,
CC

hello to everyone!

Hello to all the participants of the BJP! I am Susan (a2susan) - there are 10 Susan's listed this year! a2 stands for Ann Arbor (MI) squared, kind of corny, but there you have it. I love to bead and have been doing so for about 10 years now. I like seed beads and lately, bead embroidery. I also like all sparkly beads, like crystals. I mainly make jewelry, although I really love the embroidery because it's a different way of expressing myself.

Even though I've had all summer to think about this year's project, I'm still not sure what size and shape I'm going to be doing. If you're still wondering about this, go to the FAQS page of the main website and check out suggestions and tips people have. And please feel free to send me tips or put them in the comments section and I'll have them added.

I look forward to renewing friendships and making new friends this year!

beadinspired.blogspot.com