Showing posts with label bjp01 january. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bjp01 january. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
January is done!
I am very happy to report my January (yes I know, I am behind) piece is finished. If you would like to look, pictures can be seen on my blog, A Beadiful Mess. Thanks everyone that looks! Now gotta get a start on February. I hope to get caught up soon!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
January is Finished!!!
I struggled a lot with this new direction for my work... For better or worse, I'm on a pathway and am sure it will improve with each month. You can see January here.
Congratulations to all who are finished already! My goodness, it seems there are more of us on schedule than in previous years. Yay!
Robin A.
Congratulations to all who are finished already! My goodness, it seems there are more of us on schedule than in previous years. Yay!
Robin A.
January piece completed!
Yay and with an entire day to spare! I've written a bit more about my thought process...I can't wait to do more. I guess the thing I'm loving about doing the same thing each month is it gives so much room to explore, be forgiving with yourself and be excited with the results (which I am this month!).
Thanks for all the comments on my blog so far - it's fabulous to have support:
http://www.frequentlywrongbutneverindoubt.com
Thanks for all the comments on my blog so far - it's fabulous to have support:
http://www.frequentlywrongbutneverindoubt.com
Friday, January 29, 2010
What a fabulous first month!
I got behind on my reading this month, and only today was I able to get around and visit all the blogs of people who finished their pieces. I hope I didn't miss anyone! I promise to try to do better next month and visit you AS you post rather than all in one big rush at the end of the month :-)
I'm making a bead embroidered cuff bracelet for each month this year. I've cut out all my pieces, although some of them may end up changing if a month comes along and my mood changes. I decided to start with the brightest riot of colors for one of the dreariest months, January. My son and his family just moved to Guatemala yesterday, back to the orphanage where he was working when he met his wife (one of the daughters of the directors). They took my one and only grandbaby with them...I couldn't persuade them to leave her with me ;-) Anyway, I chose the bright colors because I knew I'd need a bit of cheering up.
Here's a LINK to my blog where you can see a picture if you'd like.
I'm making a bead embroidered cuff bracelet for each month this year. I've cut out all my pieces, although some of them may end up changing if a month comes along and my mood changes. I decided to start with the brightest riot of colors for one of the dreariest months, January. My son and his family just moved to Guatemala yesterday, back to the orphanage where he was working when he met his wife (one of the daughters of the directors). They took my one and only grandbaby with them...I couldn't persuade them to leave her with me ;-) Anyway, I chose the bright colors because I knew I'd need a bit of cheering up.
Here's a LINK to my blog where you can see a picture if you'd like.
Friday, January 22, 2010
January beading finished
I finished the beading for my january piece and just uploaded a pic to my Blog.
I can´t believe I already finished the first piece, but it was so much fun and I can´t wait to start the february piece. Now I´ll take a look at all the other pieces so far.
Karin
I can´t believe I already finished the first piece, but it was so much fun and I can´t wait to start the february piece. Now I´ll take a look at all the other pieces so far.
Karin
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
My January 2010 Is Done and Posted
I finished my January piece. You can view it here. The second attempt I should say for January. It is a lengthy post but I learned a lot from this one.
I hope you enjoy....
I hope you enjoy....
Thursday, January 7, 2010
First Experiences
I just had to report on what happened when I first began to work on my January piece.
I considered a lot of shapes and sizes for my BJP pieces this year. At the last minute I created a diamond shape from a 4" x 6" rectangle. As soon as I had it cut out I knew I had finally hit upon the right one for this year. I already had a color palette in mind for January too. However, when I finally sat down to actually stitch, my preconceived plans didn't work out. I kept at it, looking further in my stash for something that "spoke" to me. Well, I wasn't prepared for how loudly it was going to speak! All I stitched down were a few charms and some seed beads but I really felt like some wiser part of me was communicating with me. I hated to put down the work when I had to stop for the night. I haven't been able to pick it back up again yet either but I have a new directive to accomplish first: create a dedicated spot for my beadwork. In the past it has always shared time and space with my quilting activities. No more. I'm taking over another room in our little house so I can move the computer and then use that spot for my beading.
If you want to read the blow-by-blow account of all this it's covered in the last four or so posts on my blog: From the Magpie's Nest.
I considered a lot of shapes and sizes for my BJP pieces this year. At the last minute I created a diamond shape from a 4" x 6" rectangle. As soon as I had it cut out I knew I had finally hit upon the right one for this year. I already had a color palette in mind for January too. However, when I finally sat down to actually stitch, my preconceived plans didn't work out. I kept at it, looking further in my stash for something that "spoke" to me. Well, I wasn't prepared for how loudly it was going to speak! All I stitched down were a few charms and some seed beads but I really felt like some wiser part of me was communicating with me. I hated to put down the work when I had to stop for the night. I haven't been able to pick it back up again yet either but I have a new directive to accomplish first: create a dedicated spot for my beadwork. In the past it has always shared time and space with my quilting activities. No more. I'm taking over another room in our little house so I can move the computer and then use that spot for my beading.
If you want to read the blow-by-blow account of all this it's covered in the last four or so posts on my blog: From the Magpie's Nest.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
My January Journal
OK, so I cheated before we left for Florida by starting on my BJP project for January! But isn't enthusiasm great! You can read about my progress in my blog post today. Sign me a warmer Robbie...now is sunny but 'cool' 34 degrees Florida! Beats the 3 degrees back home!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
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/
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/
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Welcome Everyone to the 2010 Bead Journal Project!
We begin the third year of the BJP with 287 members, many of whom are returning to the project after participating in either or both of the previous years! A special warm welcome to our new members! For you, it may seem bewildering or even a little scary. Not to worry, you’ll soon find your groove. The BJP blogs will help, as you can post questions here any time.
To both returning and new members, please read the following guidelines! I believe they will help us all to stick with our commitment to this one-year project!
Relax and have fun with it! Bend the rules a little if you need to. The commitment you’ve made is 100% for YOU, for your own benefit and enjoyment. So, each month, as you begin your piece, try to please yourself… not me, not the other members, not your beady friends… YOU!
There are only three basic rules… A. Make one piece a month. B. Include some beads on each piece. C. Make all 12 of your pieces the same size/shape.
If your initial plan/idea doesn’t work for you, change it! In the past two years, I notice some members dropping out because their plan/idea was too ambitious or sometimes because it suited the first few months but didn’t fit well after that. You are free to make changes anytime during the year.
You don’t have to apply a theme to your work, although some find working with a theme very compelling. But, if you start with a theme and later get tired of it, feel free to let it go at any time.
Consistency will naturally happen. You do not have to strive for it. Actually, it’s not a problem at all if your work seems inconsistent!
The BJP is non-competitive! Each and every piece is valid. Each and every piece has merit. Each and every piece is an important step in your personal development as an artist and craftsperson. Each and every piece is an accomplishment! We are a supportive group, encouraging each member to do what works for them in the best way they can. Try to look at your own work with the same non-judgmental eyes that you would use for the work of others in the project.
There are no BJP police! You don’t have to post pictures. You do not have to report to anybody that you finished your piece each month. You can bend the size rule (that all 12 pieces should be the same size and shape) if it will keep you active in the project. Although we encourage you to do one piece per month, you can start a month’s piece early, do two in one month, skip a month… again, whatever it takes to keep yourself active.
There are many possibilities to explore each month! You might try visual journaling or telling the story of your life during this month in a visual way. You might set yourself a learning goal, such as to try one new technique each month. You might consider using your BJP pieces to “get out of the box” and experiment with colors, design and/or style. You are free to set your own goals for the year’s work, if you wish.
If you’re looking for inspiration, I suggest looking at the member pages on the BJP website, here and here. You are eligible to have your own member page when you have completed 8 pieces for this year. Also, I posted pictures of 42 of my favorite pieces from last year’s BJP on my blog, here.
Don’t stress about finishing… about how you will finish each month’s piece or what you will do with the year’s work. Some members have a clear idea of what they want to make with their pieces at the end of the year; many do not know at all. Some will create a wall hanging or a book-like assemblage, while others may not make anything at all with their pieces. Either way is fine. Remember, the real payoff of this work is doing it each month!
You are not required to have a personal blog or website. You don’t even have to take pictures of your finished pieces. All of that is voluntary. However, it’s my impression that those who do post about their BJP experiences and progress on a personal blog seem to develop a wonderful sense of support and community with other BJP members. So, although it’s not required, I do encourage you to give blogging a try.
The BJP blogs are your link to the group! We do have a few guidelines about the blogs as follows:
1. We have three BJP blogs because Blogger limits every group-blog to a maximum of 100 authors. To accommodate all of us, we have divided the group into three equal sub-groups. You are assigned to one sub-group and are able to write a post on that blog only. However, I encourage you to follow and read all three blogs!
2. All posts must be relevant to the BJP. In other words, please don’t post text or pictures about other beadwork you are doing on the BJP blogs. However, when you believe it would be of interest to most BJP members, you may post a sentence or two about a non-BJP topic and a link to a post about that topic on your own personal blog.
3. Please do not post pictures of your monthly pieces on the BJP blogs until after April 1st. The reason for this is that some members prefer not to be influenced by other member’s work until after their own style is set a little. You are welcome to post pictures on your own blog (if you have one) or on our Flickr page at any time. During the first three months, you are welcome to post a link on the BJP blogs to pictures posted elsewhere so that those members who are non concerned about being influenced can take a look. After April l, you may post pictures of your BJP pieces here on the BJP blogs.
4. Please, no movies or sound on the BJP blogs! We want to keep it easy and fast to download. Also, since we’ll have well over 1,000 posts by the end of the year, we have to be mindful of Bloggers “space limits.”
That’s about it, folks! Thanks for taking the time to read through these guidelines. If you have any questions, feel free to post them on the BJP blog or email them to me. Now it’s time to pick up some beads and get started!
Again, welcome everyone! I am in awe of you all for making this commitment and I totally look forward to getting to know you and seeing your BJP pieces!
Beadily yours,
Robin Atkins
Founder of the BJP
To both returning and new members, please read the following guidelines! I believe they will help us all to stick with our commitment to this one-year project!
Relax and have fun with it! Bend the rules a little if you need to. The commitment you’ve made is 100% for YOU, for your own benefit and enjoyment. So, each month, as you begin your piece, try to please yourself… not me, not the other members, not your beady friends… YOU!
There are only three basic rules… A. Make one piece a month. B. Include some beads on each piece. C. Make all 12 of your pieces the same size/shape.
If your initial plan/idea doesn’t work for you, change it! In the past two years, I notice some members dropping out because their plan/idea was too ambitious or sometimes because it suited the first few months but didn’t fit well after that. You are free to make changes anytime during the year.
You don’t have to apply a theme to your work, although some find working with a theme very compelling. But, if you start with a theme and later get tired of it, feel free to let it go at any time.
Consistency will naturally happen. You do not have to strive for it. Actually, it’s not a problem at all if your work seems inconsistent!
The BJP is non-competitive! Each and every piece is valid. Each and every piece has merit. Each and every piece is an important step in your personal development as an artist and craftsperson. Each and every piece is an accomplishment! We are a supportive group, encouraging each member to do what works for them in the best way they can. Try to look at your own work with the same non-judgmental eyes that you would use for the work of others in the project.
There are no BJP police! You don’t have to post pictures. You do not have to report to anybody that you finished your piece each month. You can bend the size rule (that all 12 pieces should be the same size and shape) if it will keep you active in the project. Although we encourage you to do one piece per month, you can start a month’s piece early, do two in one month, skip a month… again, whatever it takes to keep yourself active.
There are many possibilities to explore each month! You might try visual journaling or telling the story of your life during this month in a visual way. You might set yourself a learning goal, such as to try one new technique each month. You might consider using your BJP pieces to “get out of the box” and experiment with colors, design and/or style. You are free to set your own goals for the year’s work, if you wish.
If you’re looking for inspiration, I suggest looking at the member pages on the BJP website, here and here. You are eligible to have your own member page when you have completed 8 pieces for this year. Also, I posted pictures of 42 of my favorite pieces from last year’s BJP on my blog, here.
Don’t stress about finishing… about how you will finish each month’s piece or what you will do with the year’s work. Some members have a clear idea of what they want to make with their pieces at the end of the year; many do not know at all. Some will create a wall hanging or a book-like assemblage, while others may not make anything at all with their pieces. Either way is fine. Remember, the real payoff of this work is doing it each month!
You are not required to have a personal blog or website. You don’t even have to take pictures of your finished pieces. All of that is voluntary. However, it’s my impression that those who do post about their BJP experiences and progress on a personal blog seem to develop a wonderful sense of support and community with other BJP members. So, although it’s not required, I do encourage you to give blogging a try.
The BJP blogs are your link to the group! We do have a few guidelines about the blogs as follows:
1. We have three BJP blogs because Blogger limits every group-blog to a maximum of 100 authors. To accommodate all of us, we have divided the group into three equal sub-groups. You are assigned to one sub-group and are able to write a post on that blog only. However, I encourage you to follow and read all three blogs!
2. All posts must be relevant to the BJP. In other words, please don’t post text or pictures about other beadwork you are doing on the BJP blogs. However, when you believe it would be of interest to most BJP members, you may post a sentence or two about a non-BJP topic and a link to a post about that topic on your own personal blog.
3. Please do not post pictures of your monthly pieces on the BJP blogs until after April 1st. The reason for this is that some members prefer not to be influenced by other member’s work until after their own style is set a little. You are welcome to post pictures on your own blog (if you have one) or on our Flickr page at any time. During the first three months, you are welcome to post a link on the BJP blogs to pictures posted elsewhere so that those members who are non concerned about being influenced can take a look. After April l, you may post pictures of your BJP pieces here on the BJP blogs.
4. Please, no movies or sound on the BJP blogs! We want to keep it easy and fast to download. Also, since we’ll have well over 1,000 posts by the end of the year, we have to be mindful of Bloggers “space limits.”
That’s about it, folks! Thanks for taking the time to read through these guidelines. If you have any questions, feel free to post them on the BJP blog or email them to me. Now it’s time to pick up some beads and get started!
Again, welcome everyone! I am in awe of you all for making this commitment and I totally look forward to getting to know you and seeing your BJP pieces!
Beadily yours,
Robin Atkins
Founder of the BJP
