I feel excited!

I do feel excited that it finally has started! Going on a journey always has this long and tedious preparation before you actually embark... Yesterday as I went over to the store to purchase a backing for my january piece I found just the perfect colour felt. At that moment I felt: this is it! I am curious as to what lies ahead but am in no hurry.... the road is more important then the destination.

One day Alice came to a fork in the road and saw a Cheshire cat in a tree. Which road do I take? she asked. Where do you want to go? was his response. I don't know, Alice answered. Then, said the cat, it doesn't matter.


Lewis Carroll (1832-1898) English mathematician and novelist.

Quesion....

I have a question. I cut out all of my pieces for the year in advance. I wasn't thinking, I guess, and I cut everything to an exact 4 x 4 square. The thing is, I wanted to do a 4 x 4 square again this year. Can I still? Or do I need to go with a smaller size like a 3" square or a 3 1/2" square?

Also, I have posted a challenge I think some of you may be interested in on my blog. From what I've read so far in some of your posts, it can go along with what we're doing here.

January 1st and we can begin?!

Hi Everyone! Where is my mind? I'm sitting at the pc looking at all the posts and it dawns on me that today is the day we can start! Wow! It really is January 1st. It just snuck up on me. Wonder if anyone else was caught off guard. I posted earlier that I didn't have the foggiest idea what I'd be doing but I do now. I'm so glad I decided - that is half the problem. Now I can get going although probably not until tomorrow, since it's late for me. I forgot to give my blog last time, so here it is if you'd care to look: http://heidibeads.blogspot.com/

Happy New Year to all my BJP friends, I'm looking forward to being inspired again this year.

Heidi in CT

Ready to start!

I cut & pasted this from my blog

I've finally decided on the size of my pieces for the Bead Journal Project. My pieces are going to be 6"x9" and will be displayed on a rotating basis on a trifold mini-quilt stand I found at Nancy's Notions. I don't have a theme. I'm thinking that, at the beginning of each month, I'll riffle through my fabric stash until a piece "speaks" to me. Once I have a background fabric, I'll fuse it to Peltex and let my creativity loose...whatever will be, will be. When the piece is finished, I'll cover the back with fabric, add a hanging sleeve, and it'll be ready for display. I have to do my lesson plans tomorrow (nothing like putting off unpleasant tasks until the last minute) but should be able to choose my January fabric base by Sunday. WHOO HOO! I'm excited!

Sara

"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." (Dr. Seuss)
http://universeaccordingtosara.blogspot.com/

Members' Blogs

Good morning and Happy New Year's Eve,

Is there a way to compile a database or list of all the members' blogs/websites?  It would be wonderful to be able to click and view.

Thanks!

Hello....Getting Ready!

Hello! I'm Kelly M from IL. I'm in my second year of the BJP. I watched from the sidelines the first year since I missed the deadline. I'm a stay at home Mom to 3 girls, I babysit 2 toddlers and by April, a baby. My husband has been home for over a year due to lack of work from his job as a conrete truck driver. Last year presented plenty of challenges for me, and I was so glad I had joined the BJP. It was the best therapy I could have gotten ~ LOL. Thank you Robin!

Last year I chose a 4 x 4 square since it was my first attempt at bead embroidery. I learned SO much! I chose a theme "Reflections of Me" and really learned a lot through that as well. No matter what was going on, I tried to find the positive. When I couldn't, my BJP friends always could, which helped beyond words. You can find that all here in my blog

This year, I thought of challenging myself and going to a bigger piece. But, I think I'll probably stay the same size or go smaller (it's still a challenge to go smaller ~ you have less of an area to put everything you want on there lol). And , I'm thinking of keeping the same theme too, since it was so theraputic for me. Well, obviously, I'm still not sure yet what I'll do. I do know that I'll be cutting ALL my pieces at the same time this year though. Last year I cut them out month to month and was off by just enough (a hair) to not work for my final project.

Well, I'm actually off to make my decisions and get started measuring and cutting. I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone is doing, reconnecting with last years friends and meeting new ones!

Hello again :-)

Hey folks!  I've spent a fair amount to time thinking about what to do for this year.  The first year, I made postcard sized pieces that reflected each month's full moon.  Last year, I did smaller pieces, very simplistic, based upon heart designs and verses from the Psalms...both because I knew I'd be pressed for time and also because I just felt I needed an easier year.

This year, I'm aiming for middle ground :-)  I spent a few weeks just mulling it over, and then decided upon embroidered cuff-style bracelets.  I've cut out all the pieces for the year, but I may end up changing some of them.

I can't WAIT to really get started.  I asked my daughter to buy me Robin's newest book for Christmas, and I think it arrived the other day.  I swear I didn't peek, but R's return address was on the package ;-)

Best to all ~
Cyndi
Beading Arts

Hello from a snowy Europe

As I look out of my window the world is getting whiter and whiter by the minute. We haven't had this much snow in The Netherlands for about 30 years! Opening my mailbox and finding the invite to joining this BJP blog made me feel like the white outside is somehow a reminder of the 12 blank canvases I will use to bead my story.

Before I even signed up I had a preset idea of what it all had to become after I was done. Those who know me a little from my blog know that letting go is not my strong point. Still, I have let go of my idea and at this point have not the slightest clue as to what is going to happen over the next year. To be honest, this has made me happier than I would ever thought it could have. Even before starting, being a member of the BJP has tought me a life lesson and helped me discover something that I hold dear.

For the past weeks or so I haven't touched a bead, just listened to what thinking of january brought me, looking around for inspiration, and a little pondering about my material. I can't wait to start my journey... ah well, I guess it started already somewhere in september. I wish all of you a very, beady 2010.

Yeah!!! I'm in! I'm so excited about this. I've narrowed down my ideas, and believe I've decided on one. Now I need to get my materials together, so I can get started. Did I say how excited I am about this?! LOL!

Michele