Wow. I'm loving everyone's pieces. I, unfortunately, haven't been able to start mine. Life has been full of curve balls so far this year, and beading (or anything creative, for that matter) have been put on a side burner. I have a couple of things promised to people, two of which are now late, and three are due in a few days. Those have to be done first, then I can start on my BJP project.

Because of starting so late, I'm rethinking my size. I'll still do the paisleys, and white is my January color, but I think I'll size it down a couple of inches. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed about it all. I hope to start in the next week or so, and will post on my blog when I've got more to show.

Construction assistance, please

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.

Following the Inspiration

Hello,  my name is Angie and this is my third year with the BJP.  I started a series of posts called Following the Inspiration for anyone who is interested in following the path I have taken from original germs of ideas, through the what ifs, the trials and finally to the end idea.  I have been delayed in posting to it do to a move during the holidays and lack of internet access.  Once I get all of the posts for that series I will start with the posts for this years BJP.  If you are interested you can go to: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4.  I would like to say I am really glad that we are doing the BJP again and say Hi to all the returnees and Welcome to all of the newbies.  

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 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.

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/