Hello to bead friends, old and new...

What a joy to be participating in the Bead Journal Project once again and to view all the beautiful hand work that is starting to unfold.  It's been such a treat to see so many returning BJP'ers here, but it is also very exciting to see all the new participants...this will be some kind of year!

And all the new BLOGS?!  My goodness, it's enough to keep a gal glued to the computer all day - so much to look at, so much to learn.  I finally dove into the blogosphere myself and haven't regretted it for a second.  My primary goal was to create a place to share this yearlong Journal project, but I'm weaving the rest of me into it as well, it seems...

Come on over & have a little read on my fledgling blog, Sweetpea Path, if you'd like to.  There's only a small handful of posts so far but there's some description of my process for this year, the materials I'm playing with, stuff that's inspiring me.  I'm thick in the middle of working on January, so if you're not wanting to view finished pieces yet, don't worry, you won't find that on my blog  :>]]

Best to all,
Christi C.
Sweetpea Path

It's Great to Be Back!

Hello, everyone! I'm Marty S from Western Michigan. This is my second year in the BJP. Although I was a little apprehensive starting last year, I found the BJP very rewarding, both in process and product. It was a real treat to see everyone's wonderful beading and to feel that I got to know some of the other members. I know from the posts so far that 2010 will be another wonderful year.

After considerable dithering (It happens to the best of us...), I decided to stay with the same size page for another year. A 2.75 inch square worked very well. It was large enough for design variety but small enough that I could complete each page and still have time for other projects. Well, except for the February page, but I had good intentions and a rationalization that confused nearly everyone.

I use Lacy's Stiff Stuff as a foundation, and I paint it to match the main color of the beads. I lean strongly toward a monochromatic palette, but I may try more color variety this year.

My blog is Crackpot Beader. Come on over if you want to see what I've been doing. I haven't started on the January page, but I just posted a new little beaded doll. And I'll have another doll up tomorrow when there's better light for a photo. It's cold and snowy outside, but warm and welcoming at my blog.

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

Just saying Hi

Hi, I'm Jacquie...I live in California and have signed up for the second year. I am sooo excited to do this again. I didn't finish all my pieces from last year, and yes they are still in the works... I'm thinking I may do my tag style design once again, but a bit smaller. That could change though if some outside inspiration hits me! Just wanted to introduce myself and say Hello I'm looking forward to another year of meeting new friends and perusing the eye candy. Here's a bit of what I did last year. That is my bead journal only blog, but my main blog is here which has 'all about me and my family as well as day to day activities

Back again & raring to go!

Welcome all newbies and all returning BJP-ers!  I am Cathy W in Texas.

I was fortunate to learn about the first BJP days before registration closed & have been a member all three years.  This year is the one I aim to finish one BJP PER MONTH as per the original idea of this group.  I am a frequent behinder, in fact am rushing to get enough of last year's BJPs finished so I can add them to the webpage ... hoping to do so before this third time around gets started .... or maybe will get there during the first month.

Like others, I too have a blog, Winter Wanderings, for my many fiber explorations.  I have been a crafter since childhood days and a quilter since finishing college eons ago.  Now I'm discovering other areas to dabble including felting and beading.

I have learned many things about beading and about myself with BJP -- but I'll not list all the lessons learned here, other than I am not a bead-encruster, though I totally am in love with the look of heavily beaded pieces! 

I am looking forward to this third year around and wonder what new things I will learn this year.
Thank you to Robin and Pam and all the other important helper-bees behind the scenes with BJP.  I love this experience, even if I run a bit behind (this could be the year that my perpetual behinded-ness changes ... at least I hope it is!).

Now let me return to my 2nd year of BJP-UFOs and get those finished .... I'll be in touch again!

Round 3

Hello my old and new beading friends! Old not as in age since old only means 3 years old! Yes, it's my 3rd year. I'm excited to see new "faces" and comforted that I recognize some of my previous year's "faces". For you newbies, I'm Heidi and I live in Manchester, CT where right now it's actually snowing. Two days ago it rained so hard that it melted away 6 inches of snow from last week. Anyway, I'm excited to begin a new year. I have yet to decide what I'll be doing, other than beading my little heart away. Size and shape - no clue but I do have a few days to decide, right? I started bead embroidery when I found Robin (God Bless you!) and her website and then the BJP. I started out with 5x7 pages, last year I did 4 inch circles and this year, well we'll find out together. I learned a lot from doing the last few BJPs and the number one thing is to not get overwhelmed, don't feel upset if you get behind or if you're work isn't just right. This isn't a race to the finish line, we have lots of time. This where we get to practice new things, learn from each other and get inspired from everyone's posts. I remind myself to breathe and enjoy the meditation of it all. I love when Robin says, if you get stuck - pick a bead and sew it on, then pick up another one and sew it on - it works. I'm so glad to be on this journey with all of you and I can't wait to see what this year brings. It's gonna be greaaat!

Happy New Year to all! Hugs - Heidi

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

Hello from Azerbaijan!

Dear friends, I 'm Konul (Koni) from Azerbaijan.
I'm very happy to be here  for next year. I know there 'll be long, hard working , and  creative year for me here with all of you. I 'm new in bead embroidery, but as I knit and crochet over 15 years, hope to learn much.
Thanks to Robin and organizing group.
My blog and my hand works

My oops

I can quilt but I can't spell! I corrected blog address in my original post but here it is again: http://www.robbiespawprints.blogspot.com/ I create mainly art quilts and I've always added some beading to my work! We've lived in the small village of Goodrich, Mich (between Flint and Detroit!) since 1996. Looking forward to the BJP as a first timer!

Introducing myself

Hi Everyone,

My name is Kathleen and I live in Australia, this is my first time participating in the Beaded Journal Project ... so I am really looking forward to the year ahead, both from the projects I will create and interacting and getting to know most of you too!

Btw, my blog is called WhimsiGals

How do I put my name on the sidebar???

Hi from Germany

This is my first time doing a 12 months project and I´m thrilled to be part of this wonderful group of creative people. Thanks to Robin and her co-workers for organizing!
I haven´t yet decided exactly what to do, but tend to combine needlefelting and beading in some way. I definitely want to create flat pieces that can be bound to create a big colourful book at the end of the year.
Can´t wait to start...
Karin
http://creaworx.blogspot.com/

Focusing on spirit dolls

Inspired by Robin (I took her class in Denver last year) - I've decided to focus my first year on Spirit dolls for several reasons. First, I've never worked in any dimension and I'm interested in that process, second, I like the idea of taking the same shape and transforming it in very different ways each month.

I have two HUGE goals this year tho. One (and probably my most challenging) is to finish my piece every month. You see, I'm NOT a finisher. I've picked a ton of ambitious projects and only finished a handful. So, I'm very very excited about this.

My other goal is to "focus" my art and my creativity this year and I hope this allows me to explore that!

I look forward to getting to know all of you - and if you want a bit more about me, I've been blogging for six and half years over at http://www.frequentlywrongbutneverindoubt.com

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

First Timer!

Hi, I'm Robbie from cold, snowy Michigan! This is my first year with the BJP and I'm really excited. I've started on my January journal and will finish up after we arrive in Florida the 1st of the new year! I'm also showing the progress of my work on my own blog. I was so inspired with pictures of the past year or two from the BJP and I'm looking forward to seeing and reading about this years work! oops..forgot to add....I'm going to be creating a journal size (8 1/1" x 11") piece for the BJP and my theme is Art of Nature. I'm also going to include some form of 'doodling/zentangling' in my free motion quilting and/or in my beading. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Speedie here

Hi I'm Dot & this is the third time I'm doing this great project. I got a little side tracked last year as I was doing recycled theme, but it got me into doing things that I really hadn't thought of before. And yes! I still need to get the pictures to the web mistress over at the BJP website from last year!

This year, I'm still working with the recycled theme, but I'm turning my eyes to a group of beautiful blue glass jars that contained face cream. I hated to throw them away as they are so lovely. So I'm doing my 12 months on a project called either Hidden Treasures or Secret Treasures. I've already found a group of things to put in my new treasure boxes. I found the arm bracelet from my birth, a necklace my great grandfather gave me (a little worn with wear), the first ring my spouse gave me, and my class ring & pin from High School. It is fun just to go through boxes of junk finding such things. I have no idea what else I'll find, but the journey will be fun.
dot

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.

Season's Greetings from Not-So-Warm-and-Sunny Florida

2010 will be my first year participating in the BJP.  I've read many of the 2008-09 blogs and looked through the flickr photos and been inspired, encouraged, motivated, amazed, and intimidated by the creativity, talent, skill, and beauty of the projects.  I'm hoping that one of my numerous vague ideas will "click" over the next week of two so that I have some sort of direction.  I can't wait to get started!

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/
universeaccordingtosara@gmail.com

Happy Bead Embroidering Season's Greetings

I'll step up to the beading podium next after my friend Pamela and out myself as another dedicated beading enthusiast. I'd like to expore a couple of themes over the year and so i've chosen a template for myself which will allow me to explore several ideas at once, and not get bogged down in the "blank page syndrome". I've already made a start on a December trial run and so far it's working well.

I want to thank the lovely Anne Marie for suggesting that i join up here and also thank Robin for all her enthusiasm and bead mastery which has led her to set up this venture which we can all share. May i wish everyone Happy and Healthy Bead Embroidering in 2010.
cheers, Kaite from Bathurst, Australia

Beading Beginnings....for 2010

I've decided to bite the bullet and join this group. It's a decision not taken lightly as I have promised myself that 2010 is the year where I am more considered about where my creative time goes. Beading is an activity that quietly settles my mind when I get uptight about deadlines - a meditative step to nourish my creativity.

My plan is to make a monthly beaded brooch. Being smallish it should be achievable but also enjoyable. So here goes - 2010 beading fans, here I come!

Pamela, from Sydney, Australia.