Bead embroidery newbie here: I've chosen two fabric colors to start my first BJP page. And, no, I haven't decided what size yet ;-) The darker color will have an irregular edge overlapping the light color. Should I seam it? use a fusing product? leave it and cover it with beads? The completed piece will most likely be encrusted, unless I change my mind ... again.
Will two layers of fabric and interleaving paper be too heavy to bead through? Thanks for any experience you can share with me.
Showing posts with label decisions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label decisions. Show all posts
Friday, January 8, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Hello
Hello all,
I'm another first-timer. I cut out my pieces moments ago and will put in my first stitch following this post! We'll see how much I can get done during my lunch hour:)
I'm going with a square that is roughly 2"x2". I don't know the exact dimensions since I cut out a piece of cardboard to a shape and size I liked and used that as a template for cutting out my shapes. I've recently gotten into micro-macrame, so there is a good chance that some of my pieces will include elements of that as well, even if just for finishing the edges.
I am looking at some potential (exciting and long-awaited) big changes in my life soon (trying to get pregnant, possibly moving, husband back in school, etc) so I want to spend my bead-journal-beading-time reflecting on what I want from these changes...and hopefully channel some of the stress that will inevitably come with them!
I can't wait to see what everyone is working on and look forward to getting to know every one better.
Regards,
MeganG
I'm another first-timer. I cut out my pieces moments ago and will put in my first stitch following this post! We'll see how much I can get done during my lunch hour:)
I'm going with a square that is roughly 2"x2". I don't know the exact dimensions since I cut out a piece of cardboard to a shape and size I liked and used that as a template for cutting out my shapes. I've recently gotten into micro-macrame, so there is a good chance that some of my pieces will include elements of that as well, even if just for finishing the edges.
I am looking at some potential (exciting and long-awaited) big changes in my life soon (trying to get pregnant, possibly moving, husband back in school, etc) so I want to spend my bead-journal-beading-time reflecting on what I want from these changes...and hopefully channel some of the stress that will inevitably come with them!
I can't wait to see what everyone is working on and look forward to getting to know every one better.
Regards,
MeganG
Sunday, January 3, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, December 28, 2009
A Decision and a Question
I think I've finally decided on a shape for my BJP pieces this year. This would be after considering a minimum of half a dozen options! The first year of the BJP I made journal quilts that measured 8.5" x 11." I discovered that that was too big for the kind of beadwork I really wanted to try. So I've been trying to find a smaller size that feels comfortable... but not too small. I took a 4 x 6" rectangle and made a diamond out of it. My expectation is that I can bead heavily in the center and then let the beads become more sparse as I approach the edges. Ultimately I plan to finish these the same way I would a fiber postcard. I may add a ribbon or cord so they can be hung as an ornament too. I'm finally excited - instead of nervous - about starting on the first one!
I've visited the other two BJP blogs and see that the participants are listed in the sidebar. Is there a blog mistress who will take care of that for this blog?
I've visited the other two BJP blogs and see that the participants are listed in the sidebar. Is there a blog mistress who will take care of that for this blog?
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
I should probably introduce myself . . . .
I got so excited when I got the invitation to the blog, that I didn't even think to introduce myself! LOL.
Hi everyone. I'm Michele, and I live in the High Desert of Southern California, about 70 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles. This is my first Bead Journal Project, and, as I said, I'm really excited! I met Robin at the first International Quilt Festival in Long Beach last year, and was so inspired by her work. When I first started following Robin's blog, and found out about BJP, I knew I wanted to be part of this. I anxiously check the BJP website every week! When the announcement came out that there would be a BJP 3, I rushed to sign up. And, here I am!
I wasn't quite sure how I wanted to approach this. I did know that I wanted to do each piece in a way that, once all were completed, could be combined into one large piece. I also knew that each piece would be monochromatic. I want to play with tints and shades of one color in each piece, attempting to create depth and movement with lights and shadow. I also want to work with different techniques. I've been playing with different ideas for colors, shapes and size. This morning I figured it out.
I've always loved the shape of paisleys. (I'm a hippie chick at heart!) My paisley is 4" at its widest point and 7" long. Each of the 12 paisleys will be a different color, and there will be a cabochon prominent within each piece. Once all of pieces are complete, I'll mount them on a frame-mounted canvas to hang on the wall.
I am so excited about this, especially now that I've got my idea solidified. The next couple of weeks I'll get my beads together for the first few pieces. I'm not sure what order I'll do the colors in nor exactly what colors I'll use, but I've decided to start with white. It's winter, it's a new year and a new beginning, and just because I love white!
Thank you Robin, for the inspiration and BJP. Thank you Pam, for putting all this together. And thank you to anyone else involved whose name I don't know. I am so looking forward to this (have I said that before? LOL).
Michele
Hi everyone. I'm Michele, and I live in the High Desert of Southern California, about 70 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles. This is my first Bead Journal Project, and, as I said, I'm really excited! I met Robin at the first International Quilt Festival in Long Beach last year, and was so inspired by her work. When I first started following Robin's blog, and found out about BJP, I knew I wanted to be part of this. I anxiously check the BJP website every week! When the announcement came out that there would be a BJP 3, I rushed to sign up. And, here I am!
I wasn't quite sure how I wanted to approach this. I did know that I wanted to do each piece in a way that, once all were completed, could be combined into one large piece. I also knew that each piece would be monochromatic. I want to play with tints and shades of one color in each piece, attempting to create depth and movement with lights and shadow. I also want to work with different techniques. I've been playing with different ideas for colors, shapes and size. This morning I figured it out.
I've always loved the shape of paisleys. (I'm a hippie chick at heart!) My paisley is 4" at its widest point and 7" long. Each of the 12 paisleys will be a different color, and there will be a cabochon prominent within each piece. Once all of pieces are complete, I'll mount them on a frame-mounted canvas to hang on the wall.
I am so excited about this, especially now that I've got my idea solidified. The next couple of weeks I'll get my beads together for the first few pieces. I'm not sure what order I'll do the colors in nor exactly what colors I'll use, but I've decided to start with white. It's winter, it's a new year and a new beginning, and just because I love white!
Thank you Robin, for the inspiration and BJP. Thank you Pam, for putting all this together. And thank you to anyone else involved whose name I don't know. I am so looking forward to this (have I said that before? LOL).
Michele
