All caught up - just in time!

I've been behind in getting pages done, but I am all caught up - just in time for the new year!

Check it out on my blog.

Happy New Year everyone!!!!

Idea For Future BJP!!!!

The Bead Maven, Scarlett Lanson, of Beadwork Magazine writes a post about the BJP here and shares that she is unofficially participating along with us.

Here's a detail of her page. She beaded a cover for a blank book journal.

For those of us who like to write, sketch or paint journal entries, this is a fabulous idea! We could bead journal covers for each month and at the same time journal in the book. At the end of the year, we'd have 12 beaded journals filled with our thoughts and ideas for each month during the year. I might give this a try next year!!!! Sweet, huh!

Happy new year, everyone!

Robin A.

December page finished

I've added the last stitch this afternoon... Just in time !

You can view it here

Happy New Year !

Hugs
Caroll

November page finished

Hello,

I have finished my November page. It was more difficult to catch his personnality than the others, but my son is enjoyed by this portrait, so ...you can see it http://www.flickr.com/groups/871696@N21/pool/
Also I want to say Thanks, many thanks for all your comments . I was touched.

Dec done, January start

Here's a teaser picture (a first for me) of December's page. You can read about it and January's start here. Joan Cromley

December page completed.

I've finished up my December page. We've been snowed in (well more like iced in) for a bit over a week now which gave me a LOT of time to work on it. It's here if you'd like to see it.

Diane

Pam T Is Doing OK

Most of you have had some correspondence with our BJP Registration Angel, Pam T. If you've been following her blog, you know that she had a double mastectomy and lymph node removal surgery on the 19th. Her December BJP is a visual journal of her unexpected diagnosis and rush into surgery and next chemo followed by radiation.

I'm writing today to let you know that she's home from the hospital and doing reasonably well. She even sent a "group email report" today in which she joked a bit... "I still have drains in (ugh) and I am really quite sore and stiff and I feel like I am walking around like a robot or something trying not to move too much, but I guess the positive here is that I am moving, right?"

She is extremely appreciative of the support, prayers, healing thoughts, etc that she has received from BJP members. She hopes you'll all be diligent about getting regular checks/mamograms.

I'll post a progress report again in a week or so. In the meantime, if you wish, you can leave comments here or on her blog.

December Bead Journal Project

I've posted my December quilt on my blog http://focus-on-fiber.blogspot.com
Sandy

December Turtle is here!

My December entry for the Beaded Journal Project is complete and at my blogsite... www.atawhisper.blogspot.com . Go have a peek!

Nov BJP

I just posted my Nov piece. Check it out. http://julesbeads.blogspot.com/

PEEKABOO

.. look who's here! :o)

/Satu-Marja

Boo

Dec 19. These are my two ghosts that I decided to make for my Nov. bj project. A girl ghost and a boy ghost. Can you tell the difference??? This was fun to do and took longer than I thought it would take. All those beads.....Love it. Evelyn Wilde

Queeny

Dec.19..... This is my October piece and another page for my book. Eveyln Wilde

November finally finished - on to December

November was a very difficult month for me in many ways, including my seemingly inability to get my November BJP completed. Since I've been snowed in the past couple of days I managed to finish it and move on to December. My November page is primarily about conflict and I certainly was conflicted working on it.
The finished page is here.

skeleton

My October piece is done. Was fun to do. How many skeletons in your closets????? Lise

Ice Water Goddess

Most days I have to cross the South Saskatchewan River that runs through our city of Medicine Hat. I have been watching the ice forming on the river and had the idea of making my November piece from the river slowing icing over. Lise

Haunted House

Dec . 18 Hello everyone, The project I chose for bj2008 came about from a story my granddaughter, Reanne, wrote for me several years ago about Halloween. As I enjoy making Cloth books I decided to make this book for her as she graduates from High School this year and this will be a gift for her. My pages will be 12x12 inches.The story is about a little cat who goes to a farm house to catch mice. He doesn't know that it is Halloween and be encounters the biggest mouse he has ever seen. I will be putting her original printing and spelling in this book . I think it will make a grat grad gift . Evelyn Wilde

Autumn Leaves

Dec.18 This is my Sept. project. Autumn is my favorite season.... the colors are so beautiful. I hope that my representation of what my eye sees will be pleasing. I chose to make all my pieces 8x10 inches. so they will be easy to frame. Please go the flickr to see a closeup and other pictures. Lise Pederson

I am happy to say that I have been working away at my November and December pages for the BJP.  November was a hard month with the unexpected death of my m-i-l.  She had a bowel blockage on a Friday night, went to the emergency room, and within 6 days she was dead.  A real shock to our family.  She was the last parent among all the siblings and their  spouses.   So my November block ended up a tribute to my husband's family.  Here are sneak previews of both of these blocks.  See it on my blog here.  You will also see my December block.  It was a fast one and I really enjoyed it!

blog

Sorry about the spelling mistakes. Thought my spelling check was on and did not check my spelling. My blog address is funkybeading.blogspot.com/ This is just a test to see if I can get on my blog from BJ08. Lise Pederson

Hello everyone, We have been checking out all of the beautiful work on the blog posted and finally will be ready to put our on. We will be taking pictures tomorror and I will try out my blog. Still very know to this so hope it will work. Evelyn and I have our projects done for Sept. Oct. and Nov. so will have this on the blog by Wednesday of this week Lise

Jean's October Page

My 5" x 5" October Bead Journal Project was
done before Thanksgiving. I didn't post it
because I didn't know what kind of flower it
was. Hope someone know the flower, email
or leave a comment.
Peek at jean's blog.

My December BJP done

Hi fellow Beaders...........

Here's a sneak peek at my December BJP. You can check it out on my blog.
I am mentally fighting with blogger this morning to get the pic to enlarge on my blog so you can see the details, so if it doesn't enlarge when you check it out, stop back and hopefully I will have rectified THAT issue.
A few things I want to share here:
First of all - I am strongly encouraging every one of you, if you have been lax on your health care maintenance, mainly your self-breast exams, clinical breast exams, mammograms and pelvic exams - IF you "feel" something not quite right, if you have any question at all - call your health care provider! PLEEZ don't put this stuff off. You could possibly avoid lots of heartache for yourself, your family and your friends.
Second, our BJP world is a wonderfully kind and compassionate group and I thank all of you who have been cyber-supporting me. It means more to me than I can express!!!!
Third - have a great Holiday season - and give extra thanks for family, friends and even the smallest things in your life that are good. I know I am.
pam T

Notes to Self - Spammed

Hiya, everybody. My Glass0Beads.Blogspot.com got spam all over it. I've reported the pearls from China and spent 2 hours yesterday cleaning it up. I am safe and sound but I have added a level of security to getting comments over there. All comments must be approved by me. I don't know if I needed to do this but, until I feel secure again, I'll leave it in place.
As for September and October and November, they are complete. I can't remember if I've posted the pix of November at Glass0Beads but head over there anyway.
One last thing. I celebrated my birthday in bed with Flu, near tears with the pain in my joints. I am on the mend and could have used the 2 hours yesterday to better effect.
Helene ~ Glass0Beads

December

I have not had much time to devote to my project this month, but it is coming along . Hope to be through by next weekend. I really enjoy the challenge and seeing what you are all doing. This is great fun. See my block on my blog.

Little something to confess..

Hello beaders and greetings from Finland!

You have all been so industrious doing fine, wonderful BJ-pages and I can only congratulate you for that and in the same breath to confess that I'm left behind! :o/
Besides that I've had a change of heart (literally) about to my pages. Originally I was thinking to bead hearts, because it's really "my thing" but then at the last moment I chose differently and started with base sized 3,1×5,3 inches. That's not for me and in a way I've put myself on the spot with that choice . So it's a time for a fresh start for me.
Atleast I have a lot of ideas to my yet unborn beaded hearts... That's something, right?! :o) Hopefully I'm getting there where you all are, with the smile on my face!

Happy beading to everybody!
Satu-Marja

December is done...

Hi folks,
My December square for the BJP is finished. You can see it here:
http://beadyshenanigans.blogspot.com/

Jeanette Shanigan
http://shanigansbeadshenanigans.com

October BJP...

I had finished my October BJP a few weeks back, but I didn't post it as I am finding it impossible to get a good picture using the mobile phone camera. I had planned to buy a digital camera - but the plan had to be shelved this month. So I decided to post anyway, so that I can get on with November and December. When I do get a camera, I will photograph everything again....
Here's the link to October BJP.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who commented on, gave suggestions and encouraged me on my September BJP :)

Jes

Name That Tune.......

is the theme this year. Each page will have one, sometimes two or three, songs depicted on it.
I'm revealing the songs depicted in the first one, but at the end of the 11 months, the names of each song and corresponding month will be revealed!
So pop over to Flickr to see No 1.
Remember it's my interpration of the songs, so you may not guess correctly, then again you may!
Nospoj - Dinah

I'm BADDDDDD!

Ohhhh my but Robin is not going to be happy with me at all, hey I'm not myself either!!! See I signed up for this 12-month postcard journal project with a whole load of ensthusiasm and honest intentions and even planned out the whole YEAR's pages along with the write ups and where am I????

Yeah, you guessed it, not even the first one completed!!! BUT I have started it and am working on it in amongst the other projects on the go too!!! I've even pulled out the leaves for the October page too so hopefully that won't take as long as September's BUT November is another that might take some time putting together! I've decided I'm getting a photo album that holds two 4 x 6 photos/page and pulling out the inside divider sheet and that way you can view the fronts and the back blurbs (they are all preapred ready for print offs) too! I'm not sure about putting them into a wall hanging - this will have to suffice for now.

I just have to get going on these and they'll get done, not sure if on time though!!!

Rose Anne, Winnipeg, MB, CANADA

My november piece is ready.

Hello everyone,

My beadpage for November is ready. You are welcome if you like to take a look:
http://soebeadsalot.blogspot.com/
Thank you!

soe

Coming out of hiding covered in beads

I have three pages to share, click on the picture to see them all


Ellen @ DollieBead

Me again

Hi everyone...I am adding in a sneak peek of my November BJP here. I was mentally beat by Blogger the other day and couldn't get it to work, so am making sure I can do it!
and it looks like it worked.... yay!
One technical question while I am here, has anyone done bead embroidery adding in paper? You know, like the fancy paper at all the scrapbooking places now? and then add in fabric and beads?
here's a link to my blog (again)....

In the Nick of Time!

I've amazed even myself that I was able to complete my November BJP Turtle...I've been so behind for the past month...hurray...and with one day to spare too! You can go see her at www.atawhisper.blogspot.com

November complete

Hi everyone... hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!
I was trying to put a "teaser" pic in here for my November page, but can't quite figure out my (new) program. so will just add my link and you can drop in on my blog.
And I just need to apologize to anyone who was in and around Minneapolis earlier this week driving... if you were swearing at a red Durango driving around like an idiot, that was me. LOL!
On to December.... :)

Oh! Yeah! Photo's

I will have at least Septembers ready for you too look at, but in the meantime here's a teaser, not BJP, but a Christmas Present for my best friend. The full pic and story is on my blog
Sisterfour http://sisterfour.blogspot.com/

Pictures!!!

Yay!! In a few days, as of Dec. 1st, we can start posting pictures of our BJP work here on our three BJP blogs!!!

Although pictureful posts are fun, we will probably want to restrict ourselves to BJP related images because by the end of the year there will be upwards of 2,000 posts and we don't want to get shut down because of going over our allotted space. Please keep posting other beautiful pictures on your own blog and please post links to them on the BJP blog when you feel they would be of specific interest to BJPers.

Last year we got in the habit of cropping the pictures of our finished BJP pieces and posting these little sneak-peek images (enticing hints of the whole piece) here on the BJP blog along with a link to our own blog or Flickr page. That was really fun... to see just a little part of the picture was like a wrapped present at Christmas! Like this... don't you just want to check it out?


It's my October piece from last year's BJP. See here for more... ;>}

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I am so thankful for this project... for all of you and for the great abundance of creativity and inspiration flowing from your BJP work!!!

Big hugs to all, Robin A.

September page...

at last done... Have a look on my blog.
Sorry for the very late start. I'm a beginner and I'm really intimidated. There are so many talented people beading for this project. Thanks for sharing your progress.

November

I've posted a photo of my November piece on my blog. http://focus-on-fiber.blogspot.com
Sandy

been very slack

Well, I've been so slack with this BJP - LOL I've got 3 months worth in various stages of being beaded sitting on my desk. Life has been very busy this year and I find that before I know it 3 months have passed and I haven't gotten any further with what I started!!! So ... I've resolved to finish at least September's one this week. I promise I will start posting piccies soon on my blog .. please forgive me everyone.

December

I am working on my December block. It still has a long way to go. You can see it at my blog.

November finished

Hello fellow beaders.

My November page is finished.
You can view it here.

Happy beading to all
Hugs
Caroll

October page finished

Hi everyone,

I am really in late... sorry. I made it a firt time and was not happy with it so I had to start again. You can see my october page at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/muriel86/3042827157/

November finished

Posted here if you wish to have a peek. I enjoyed this one so much and once I got started, finished in just one day!!!

BJP

Well, I pretty much gave up on the BJP thing because my first one was at a store and I thought that I hadn't taken a photo.....

So, I've now found the photo of my "first" entry, of course.

I had purchased some leaf beads from Ebay a long time ago and didn't end up using them. I finally found a use...

November piece

My November piece is finished; it can be seen here: http://beadyshenanigans.blogspot.com/ Thanks for looking and commenting.

Jeanette Shanigan
http://shanigansbeadshenanigans.com

November Swirls Done

My post of my November BJP piece is here. I may be on track with my BJP, but a lot of other things are falling behind! Joan Cromley

October Beaded Turtle FINISHED...

FINALLY...I've finished the October BJP...I'm about a week late...but feeling better from my hospital ordeal and subsequent recovery...and the October 'turtle' is finished...I haven't named her yet...but I think it will be something having to do with the Opal...or Fire Opal...or something...see and read more about her at my blog...
www.atawhisper.blogspot.com
Have a wonderful week!

Design decided

It seems I'm doing nature things in my pages, so swing by my blog to have a peek at the design I'm thinking about for November. I really hate it when we have to fiddle with the clocks and it makes me grumpy when the light starts to go so early - what wonderful therapy is making bead plans!

Month - October Tidbit

I have made a piece of glass bead artisan jewellery: specifically a brooch. Head on over to my Glass 0 Beads blog tomorrow - Oct 12 '08. By the afternoon I should have my pix taken and posted. Today my camera battery is being recharged. I need a back up battery and I am hoping I'll get it for Christmas.
I have a request to make for everybody. I am playing around with photography, trying to find that perfect (well, perfect for me) combination to get me a really good picture.
When it finally gets photoed and posted, I would like people to give me their opinion of the pic. I can't grow in a vacuum and your opinions will help me get better pix.
That's it. That's all I want!! (not asking for much, is she ~~ oh, no, not much) I would be very thankful for your help.
Come back tomorrow.
~~ Helene ~~Glass0Beads

I'm a bit behind. I haven't finished my October turtle yet...but hope to have it done in the next few days. I was in the hospital for about 5 days with about a 2 week recovery time...so haven't done a lot of beading...and what I did do was 'catch up' work...which includes the October turtle. Please pardon my tardiness...

October BJP finished

A little bit less late than september, my october page is done ! If you want, you can see it here

Sylvie

November Finished

After getting off to a fast start, I came to a halt in October due to a cut on my hand, but it has healed and my November block is finished. You can see them on my
blog

My today's blog post

You are invited to have a look at my today's blog post.

Sabine

Downunder Catchup

G'Day All,
I've been so busy with life and health issues I'm way behind but I know I'll catch up - got bogged down last year also but managed to finish with everyone.
I have three pieces started Sept through to November and working as much as I can on all.
Why? I hear you say, 3 started none finished?
Because I didn't want to become bored and start changing halfway through each piece, this way it keeps everything fresh (for me).
Still off the ciggies, it's hard but worth the effort.
Hope you are all beading on, haven't been on the computer too much as this was one of my inhaling sites - trying to change one old habit means other things need to be changed too!
Will post finished product's next month on Flickr. Yeah I'm not a peeker but will look at all then.
Cheers
Nospoj-Dinah

October Page is finished

My second JDD (i.e. October piece) is in existence!

I am using the abbreviation JDD in order not to disclose the secret for those who are strong enough not to take previews. Anybody there?? For the rest of you, i.e. the curious, undisciplined (like myself) BJPers out there, here is the peep show.

Sabine

Unbelievable, September piece finally finished

It's true, I have finished my september piece. If you want, you can see it here !
It was long, but I have started again my work 3 times, I wasn't satisfied with the result.
And now, go to the October piece !

October finished

I finished my October piece a couple of days ago, but didn't get around to posting until today. Enjoy a peek on my blog if you wish.

Hey guys! How is everyone? I updated my blog, feel free to take a look: http://julesbeads.blogspot.com/

October

I've posted a photo and details for this month's piece on my blog http://focus-on-fiber.blogspot.com

Better late than never

I finished my September piece. I also launched my blog which is not really finished, but at least it holds my first post. You are welcome to have a look if you like to.

Sabine

Just to let You know...

Hello fellow beaders!

Yes - I'm happy to say that I got my October page finished.

:o)

Take care!

I'm BAAACK

I' m Back. Have you missed me? I've been a very busy camper and I've been 'off the grid', so to speak. But I'm back now.
I did finish September and it was a bracelet. All coiled wires and I had so much fun doing it.
Now I'm on to necklaces. I've made a couple of them. And I love them both for different reasons. Will you visit me to see them? Helene

Leaves

I have been mostly looking at the blog this month, but am making progress on my November piece. It has fused fabric again, this time in the shape of leaves, that I hope will look like leaf people when finished.

BJP Octobre 2008

My Octobre page is ready. You can see it here. Thank you for taking a look!

soe

October

For those of you who want to take a sneak peak, my October project is here.
Jacquie C.

October finished

Hello fellow beaders,

My October page is finished.
You can view it HERE

Happy beading to all
Caroll

October is DONE!!

I am very pleased to let eveyone know that my October BJP is DONE!! Anyone who wants to look can see it here. I had a blast making this fun-filled page. Nothing serious on this one! I am now focusing on November....

Denise Here

Hi Everyone,
I am finished my September page is you want to go have a look. I am concentrating on Goddesses and this month was Sarasvati. I plan on putting her information on the back, probably in writing. I haven't started October's yet but I have a plan and my goal is to get it started before October ends.
You can go here to see my page and also to meet Henry!
cheers, Denise

October finished

My October piece is done. See it here: http://beadyshenanigans.blogspot.com/

Jeanette Shanigan
http://shanigansbeadshenanigans.com

Hi everyone

My October page is done; you can see it here if you like. This month went way easier than last month, thank goodness!
Everyone's journal pages are looking fabulous, keep up the GREAT work!

pam T (WI)

Slow start

And probably even slower execution - I've only been able to take photos and do sketches/studies of this month's piece so far - but I think I have the image settled in my mind - may carve out some time to do the background tomorrow. My blog is here .

October Finished

I am amazed at myself! I've finished October! I was so afraid that I would run late again this year. But I did reduce my size by almost 3/4. From 6" square to a mere 2-1/2" square. And I am not beading as fully..... but I am happy with what I have come up with. Feel free to go see it at my blog.

September finished

I finally finished my September page. It is here on my blog if you're interested.
Lots of great work being done by everyone, now on to October!

A look I like

I am new to blogging and posting pics to the net, so I've been struggling to find a look I like for my blog in addition to getting comfortable with doing bjp and putting my work out for people to see. :) I finally settled on a look I like (I think) and have started posting pics of my work in progress. You can take a look here if you want.

Happy Beading!
bohemiangirl

Hello everybody

Finally, I managed to create a blog! You will find my first works in ribbon embroidery, my last creations and ... my project for the BJP 2008!

The link : http://amalgamestextiles.blogspot.com

For the September page, I have some stitchs to do and I shall present it soon.

I was absent these last four weeks, and I have only just consulted the three blogs ... your works are magnificent!
Congratulation to all of you !

Angela and Susan - MD BJPers

Last week I got to meet Angela P (2 years BJP) and Susan E (new BJP member this year) while teaching in Baltimore, MD.

As we stitch through the year, we connect on the internet, realize how much we have in common, get to know and like each other... That's a very special part of the BJP... Then, later, to meet in person is so easy. It's like we already know each other... the shyness and formalities of meeting evaporate into instant bonds. I love it!!!

Pictures here on my blog.

I'm lovin' everybody's Sept and Oct BJP pages... The bar is very high!

Robin A.

September page done

Finally, I am able to post to the BJP blog to say that September page is done. I'm new to the BJP and quite new to bead embroidery, so the September page was a real learning experience( = made some mistakes) :).
Pictures are here.

Jes

October page completed.

I'm glad to say that my October page is finished. It was a challenge and I'm glad it's done. It's here if you'd like to look.

Diane

October page is moving along!

I am posting regular updates on my blog for anyone who wants to follow along. I am also having a "freebie Friday" give away! How is everyone coming on their October pieces? Is everyone busy planning Novembers piece? I cant believe how quickly this is going. To think we are almost halfway through the month of October!

Voila

My September piece is finished. Not a whole lot of beading on it, but it has been a busy month for me. Here's a sneak peek for those looking.

jacquie

My September page is done.

I have completed my September journal page. You can see it here: http://beadyshenanigans.blogspot.com/

Jeanette Shanigan
http://shanigansbeadshenanigans.com

Things That Go Bump in the Night

My Oct page is done, you can see it here. This one went so fast!
Joan Cromley

My September Project

I have my September project done...I did however submit to a scrapbooking event and won't get it back until October 15th. Which gives me time to do the one for October. Bah!

Woo hoo - September's done!

I finished September! Forgive the pic. I'll look for tips on taking better pictures before I post October's piece. :o) If you want to take a look...here it is.
bohemiangirl

October is started

Going with a Day of the Dead theme. Fabric is sewn, now to select beads.

Finished September!

I have finally finished my September page. I ended up making a change..... the light ring of beads stuck out too much, so I traded them out for a darker set that blends more with the rest of the piece. Now, on to October!

September Project - Happiness!!

Hiya, everybody. I was wondering if I would be left in your dust with an unfinished September entry. I have avoided disaster and, as luck and Lady Serendipity would have it, I got 2 bracelets and a pair of earrings, some nice additions to my artisan jewellery.

I learned 2 new techniques in September. And a new resolution or two.

• With each month's project I will be adding a pair of earrings.
• Don't be so petulant: don't throw the baby out with the bath water: hold my mouth differently before I decide the piece is completely useless.

I started a list of all the items of artisan jewellery I could make and discovered there are enough that I can double up some of them. For example, a set of 6 buttons can join a pair of cufflinks; shoe clips can join a brooch.

Well, now October faces me. Bit by bit we are nearing my favourite season: winter. I even think I know what I want to do for December/January, the 12 Days of Christmas. It takes us from Christmas in December to Epiphany in January. I won't do too much thinking right now: I'll let my brain percolate the ideas. It always works best that way.

Well, that's what I think.

Helene

September page finished

Hi everyone,

I am new to the BJP, new to blogging too, French, 50 years old and doesn't speak english well...Luckily, it's more easy for me to read and understand english . So I admit, I have used bits of your entries and my post is a patchwork of yours...Pardon!!
Even if I don't leave beautiful comments, I read all the posts and look at your blogs. I am often impressed, many are so talented!
If you want to see it, my september page is here. I have changed my mind many time and finally decided to dedicate the BJP to those I love. I have began by my father, musician, trees and birds lover, handyman ( I have used 'discs?') and always punctual ( so I have recycled hand of his old watch).
Sorry for the gibberish and thanks to Robin, Diane and all.

Muriel

Gentle Reminder

Please remember that the Bead Journal Project Blog(s) is just that - for Bead Journal Project posts - not other news. I hate to be snarky but I've received several emails lately with complaints about posts not related to the Bead Journal Project. I realize that many people are excited to share information, but just as many come here only to read about the BJP. Please respect the purpose of the blogs as well as other participants and keep your entries related to the Bead Journal Project only.

Thanks for your understanding.

Diane

My Sept Page

Blogged all about it
since I am new to the beading thing, I hope you will check it out and give me some feedback!
thanks
Sheba

#1 Done

I just finished my first BJP...for September...you can see her picture and read a little about how she came to be at my blog http://www.atawhisper.blogspot.com/

I think this is going to be fun!

Beading done!

I finished the first piece last night and you can see my little september man on my blog today.
http://didi-beadwork.blogspot.com/
Kiwi Diane from New Zealand

Finally Started

I finally felt that I could start on my new BJP block.  I have been waiting for my hands to heal from over-use during August.  Now I have about 75% of my block finished, so am very happy.  I ended up using a very small format for me.... only 2-1/2" square.  You can go see my progress here.  I am pretty pleased even though I got such a late start on this year!

September's page is finished

YAY! It's here. I learned from last year to finish as I go so I sewed a sleeve in the back of this piece so it will hang. I'm way excited to see twelve of them lined up!
On to October!

Diane

Beginning

I am beginning to start work on my November block. I am really enjoying this challenge. Thank everyone for their comments and support. I am also enjoying everyone elses work too. There is a lot of talent out there and I am so glad to get to see so much of it. I live in a rural area, only recently got the internet and love being able to do this project.

Finished

I have completed my September block. It is in memory of my son Tony, who passed away in September 2005. You can see it and details on my blog, , I enjoyed working on it very much.http;//knotsewsquare.blogspot.com

I finally chose a size and shape!

OK, I know I'm late, but I'm finally getting started. I chose a size and shape last night and beaded for an hour. I like how things are going, but I won't put a picture on my blog until I finish. I'm just glad to get started before the month is over! And I just found out that I don't have to work all day Saturday like I was scheduled to, so I might be able to finish on time. Wish me luck!

bohemiangirl

playing catch up/making progress

I finally finished my last page for the 07/08 Bead Journal Project - I don't know why but I kept procrastinating about finishing it - Now to finish the edges of the pages and bind the book.

I also have made some progress on my September page. I'm really hoping to have it done by the end of the month and now that the rains have arrived in Western Washington, I'll probably have more than enough 'in the house' time to get it done.

My blog is here if you'd like to take a look.

Diane
http://mountainsaltstudio.blogspot.com/

September complete!

Hi everyone - my September page was a HUGE chore for me, but here it is if you would like to see!

pam T (WI)

My september piece is ready. If you would like to take a look: be welcome. Thank you.

soe

September

I've posted by September piece on my blog http://focus-on-fiber.blogspot.com It's nice to be part of the group again. Sandy in La Center

2008 BJP September Page

My red flower pin and page is finished. Check it out on
my blog.

September page completed

So my embroidered photo from a Shogun's garden in Tokyo is done. I've put up before and after shots on my blog. http://m-bellishment.blogspot.com/

I shouldn't be surprised, working in the print industry, and having taken photography courses when photos don't really look like there subjects, but what can you do. I hope the idea is still clear, even if the photo isn't great...

Adding the BJP button

Can someone please let me know how to add the BJP button to my own blog and also how to make just the one word the link to your own blog. I have been catching up with others and really love the fact that there is a button on the blog to identify them. this is my blog which is slowly coming along and will have more pictures in a couple of months after I move to broadband. http://didi-beadwork.blogspot.com/ Diane

FINISHED!!!

Septembers page is DONE! I am so happy, I wanted to share with the group. You can check it out on my blog if you care too! I will be doing a Halloween Give Away tomorrow too for anyone interested! Check back then for details! Have a great day everyone! I am off to plan Octobers page. Wish me luck!

BJPers are The Best!

I just want to thank everyone that takes the time to look at all the different blogs and leave comments. It may not seem like much, but it's incredibly lifting!
Joan Cromley

Hello

I wanted to pop in for a visit, just to let you know how beautiful work you have done.
I've visited in many of your blogs and sites, and it's been a sight for my sore eyes! Lovely!
Everyday I'm more thrilled about this BJP, not only because of the project itself, but for the ppl I get to know and what I can learn from you.

I'm slowly starting to make a plan on my October piece. Before that I emroidered a bracelet cuff as a snack to improve my appetite. (althoug it couldn't be any better than it already is... ;o)

And greetings from Finland to all of you. It is getting bit chilly here and trees are getting beautiful autumn colours.

Take care!

Satu-Marja

I have nearly completed my September block, need one more thing for it, so I am working on October for now. This sure is fun. It gives me the push I need to create a little each day. See my progress on my blog.
Betty R.

Info Requested re: Site Build It

Hiya, all. I am in search of information. Who among us has heard of the Site Build It product from SiteSell? I want to learn what's bad about it. And if there is nothing bad about it, too. Can you help?

I am trying to do my 'due diligence' fact finding first instead of my usual last and teary kind.

All help, gratefully appreciated. Thanks ...Helene...

PS - If I have just broken a rule, I am sorry. I'll learn that too, the hard way. ...H...

September page under construction

I always bite off more than I can chew...

What with a full-time job, and 2 university courses each requiring an average of 12 hours a week of class time / homework / research / darkroom, I don't know how I will ever finish a single page for the Journal.

But the page for September has been started.

Unfortunately, I'm making this post from work, and the photo I'm using as the base for my page is at home, but at least I can give a little background.

I was recently in Tokyo, Japan, visiting my brother and his wife's family, and while playing the tourist, we visited a former shogun's private garden, right in the middle of Tokyo! There were times as we walked through the forested portions where the buzzing of the cicadas was nearly deafening! And try as I might, I couldn't manage to capture one in a photo... :-(

But toward the south end of the garden there is a small lake, with a tea house built on pylons in the center. So I managed to take a number of photos of this wonderful setting, several of which show the tea house in the middle ground and skyscrapers in the background, and the idea started to percolate that one might work well as the basis for a journal page.

But what would I do with a photo in the way of beading? Well, I could print it on card stock, and stitch on transparent beads, to create a physical texture. Initially I had thought of was beading the entire portion which is not modern buildings or sky, but once I actually started to work with the photo I realised the tea house would be lost, so I have decided to only do the trees, trying to take into account the actual texture of the trees (eg. pine needles as bugles...) as much as possible.

Hopefully the whole process can be finished in time!!! I'm supposed to be beading with a friend on Saturday, and hope to get a good section done then.

Wish me luck! ;-)

Sept Page Finished

...for now. I want to add more darks and of course decide on framing, but I think the framing needs to wait for the end of the year, so I can see all 12 together. Pix on my blog.

1 down, 11 to go!

My Sept piece is done, you can see it here, along with the explanation.
Joan Cromley

I Know Everything and Just Learned Something

JEEZ - This learning and growing ( I just typed 'groaning' ) IS making me groan. First I didn't understand how this whole thing was done. Next I had several fights with memory wire (still stinging after those battles). Now I discover it's okay to post pix on my Glass0Beads.blogspot blog. Oh, I can't tell you how much typing that will save me.

I've been visiting blogs this evening and I am awed by the creativity and capability of these here beaders. I know a thing or two about bead jewellery making and bead embroidery. I'm not bragging, I've been at it for over 40 years - experience counts for something, doesn't it?! The work of the beaders I've visited is exquisite. My hat's off to you talented people.

I wanted to leave a message with some of you but couldn't find anything appropriate beyond WOW to say. It's not easy to shut me up.

Lastly, a note to the people who responded to my arthritic post: a2Susan, Diane, Kathy, and Sabine. Thank you for your kind words. My hands are still swollen but I've dropped the meds dose and should be at my beading table tomorrow. And I will be taking pictures for everybody to see. Again, thank you for your encouragement.

Glass0Beads (aka Helene)

Getting Started

It's great to see so many people starting and even finishing their Sept. pages. For those of you who are still unsure how to get going, check out the FAQS section on the homepage. Several people who participated last year wrote advice based on their experiences.

September BJP

For those of you interested, I have a progress update on my blog I hope everyone is moving right along on their September pages! I will have some time to look around tomorrow and see what everyone is doing! Tracey

September Notes - Phoenix Rising

I have arthritis in my hands and right now I'm in the midst of a flare up - that means my hands are screaming in pain. And it makes sense: I need my hands right now because I have decided to make a cuff bracelet using memory wire. Those of you who have used memory wire can understand that using the stuff is painful just thinking about it.

My 1st effort and shaping memory wire into a cuff shape took several efforts but I did manage to get the shape and secured it with crimp tubes. I let it sit overnight and the next day I had the piece explode in my face. A shower of black beads went to the 4 corners of my PigPen (aka workroom, aka studio, aka office). The beads are still where they fell: I'll pick them up bit by bit.

I resigned myself to a change in design. The initial rib has been worked on it and, while I was writing about it elsewhere, I came up with another idea about shaping memory wire.

Well, the result is I have 2 cuff bracelets on the go. I've left both overnight and won't touch them again until tonight at the earliest. Pictures are posted on Bauble Babble. ...Glass0...

September page progress

I finally decided on my theme & page & have some pictures of my progress so far, on my blog Dollie Bead

Ellen aka Dollie Bead

Unstable finish of beads

Sorry, I have forgotten who of you raised the question of beads not being colourfast. That's why I am writing this post instead of a comment. On September 10th, Jean Campbell wrote an article on this subject in the newsletter "Beading Daily". Here is the link to the respective Interweave Press website: http://www.beadingdaily.com/blogs/daily/archive/2008/09/10/how-to-keep-the-finish-on-metallic-and-dyed-beads.aspx

Sabine

Another progress picture

I don't always do progress pictures but I thought it would be fun to do it for this page. There is still lots to go on this so if you are interested, feel free have a look! Denise's Blog
Cheers, Denise

September page finished

Hello fellow beaders

My September page is finished.
You can view it HERE

Happy beading to all
Hugs
Caroll

Using Labels and other reminders

So - it's me again. Now that we are in full swing, I'd like to repost some info from Robin:


Labels
For this BJP year, I've already determined the acceptable labels for your posts. Please stick with these labels. It will take a few posts to get them all in the index. In this post, I've added all the months. If you post about your work for a specific month, you can use the appropriate month label for it.

When you post, click on Show all at lower right of posting box, and choose appropriate label(s) from the list shown.

The reason to limit the possible labels is because it's easy to get too many labels (confusing) or ones that are too long (hide the down arrow).

Hope this is OK with everyone. If you feel it's important to add a label, please ask Diane M. (our blog master) about it. Thanks!

Please note... there are too many of us to label posts with our names. Instead, please sign every post with a link to your blog, website or email, as I have done below.

Robin A.

Blogging Tips

Hi - it's me again - the blog "angel". There are a lot of new folks joining us this year and it's been requested that I post some information about easy ways to post to Blogger, so here goes -

* If you want to add a link to your blog (or any other website) in your post: Click "New Post" Type your entry into the box. Highlight the words you want to link to by left clicking the words and dragging the cursor over them. They will turn blue. Then click the icon that looks like a green circle with a link on it. A window will pop up that says "script prompt". In that window type the URL of your blog. For example, the URL of blog #1 of the 08 Bead Journal Project is "http://www.08bjp.blogspot.com"

* If you want to add a photo to your post do the same steps to make a post but click on the icon that looks like a photo (the 2nd one from the right). From here you can either upload a picture from your computer by using the buttons that says "browse", finding the picture on your computer, the clicking 'upload the image'.

OR

to use the 'add an image from the web" feature, type the URL of the picture into the box and click 'upload the image'. The URL of the picture can be found by right clicking the picture and going to 'properties'.

* If you want to add the Bead Journal Project to your blog -

First 'right click' on the button and save it to your computer.
Then on your blog, go to 'edit layout'.
Pick "add a gadget".
Then pick "picture"
In the 'link' field type http://www.beadjournalproject.com
In the 'image' link chose "from your computer" and upload the graphic you've saved.
Click "save" and you're done.

I hope this helps - If you need help, feel free to email me.

Diane
http://www.mountainsaltstudio.blogspot.com

About beading foundation

I haven't got that much experience, so I'd like to know about your beading secrets ;-)
I've mainly used Lacy's stiff staff as my foundation, but now I'm wondering if there might be a different alternative to it . Sometimes stiff staff turn into too hard surface to bead into, if there is glue on it. Any exprience of that?

• What kind of beading foundation are you using ?
• If you're beading on a fabric, is there something to consider about?
• What kind of paper would do a good foundation? Or is there any?
  

Thank you !
Be..ad happy!

Hi from France

Hello everyone,

I'm a new member and I'm very exciting by the BJP challenge. By the way, there's two challenges for me. The beading one of course, and the second one is speaking english !!!
So, I will apologized for my english. I haven't write something in english since a so long time. I promise you to do my best.

As I registred at the BJP, I asked myself what kind of beading work can I do ? .......... and after a long long brainstroming (ho my poor head), nothing comes . And on monday the 1st, the day when the BJP started, the day of my birthday too, when I woke up, the solution appeared to me : I will tell the story of a year !
For me, each month is full of different feelings and emotions, depended on the lightness, the weather, the everyday life, the events of the moment. May be a little bit ambitious, but as Anne Marie says before, "if it's complicated, I love it..." I hope I will manage to do it.

Only a few words to introduce me : I'm a new textile artist, only two years experience. I'm not healthy enough to keep a job, so embrodeiry and now art textile bring me alive. But don't be mistaken, I'm a joyfully personn.

I don't have a blog, and I'm working to have one ... I will inform you

Enough speaking now, let's take fabrics, needdles, beads, ribbons, anythings else and let's go...

September page started

I finally started my September page yesterday. It's on my blog if you'd like to take a look.

Diane

Sept started

I've got all the planning done, and my Sept piece started. You can see it here.
Joan Cromley

September - Translations

I've just met Satu-Marja from Finland. I visited her blog and translated the Finnish into English. Aren't I clever?

No, not so clever after all. Google has a tool that does the translating for you. The quality of the translation is not really top drawer but it's good enough that you can understand what the conversation/blog entry is all about.

It's a great way to learn about other cultures and bring the people of the world a bit closer. Fear is dispelled by knowledge and the translation tool is a step in the right direction.

At least, that's what I think. ...Glass0...

Notes to Self - Crimp Beads and Bead Embroidery

State of Brain: Manic
There is so much I want to accomplish today. Some of it is done. But there is so much more to do and I'm going to have to break off in less than an hour to get dinner out of the way.

One thing I got done is to add to my blogs: http://Glass0Beads.blogspot.com and http://BaubleBabble.wordpress.com.

What makes that so important? There's a new book out there for bead embroiderers and since I've read some of the entries of my fellow beaders here at the BJP08 who want to discover the techniques of adding beads to their embroideries, I thought you might like to look it up.

And I learned how to make my own crimps thanks to Melody MacDuffee's work with the people of Krodo District, Ghana, West Africa. I feel so liberated from having to pay an arm and a leg for commercial crimps. And the story of her Soul of Somanya Project is uplifting. See what it's all about by visiting my 2 blogs. ...Glass0...

September

I am working on my September Piece. I am sure my work can use a lot of input from others. I am already thinking of what to do for October. My block for this month is in memory of my oldest son who died from lung cancer in 2005. This is a hard month for me and working on it has brought me much pleasure. We miss him a lot. He had one child and she loves to craft like I do. I can't wait 'til she comes and sees my block. I have two other children and they are very supportive of me and all the time I spend in my sewing room, so is my husband. He has put up with me for a lot of years.
Thanks for the opportunity to do this every month and I look forward to learning new and wonderful things.

My first BJP baby

Hello BJP friends!

How are you?

My name is Satu-Marja and I'm from Finland. BJP is all new to me and I'm soooo excited about this that I got my first BJ-page done today.

I started with something primitive almost childlike piece, but it goes without saying that I enjoyed doing it, and that's the main thing, right?!

I wish you all very creative and enthusiastic beading moments!

Returning Member

Hi from the Pacific Northwest of the US. I am a returning member of the BJP and so excited to think of the few hundred of us, all around the world, working on the same project.

Last year my page was heart-shaped and though it was fun and sometimes a challenge, I'm going to do 5 x 11 inch rectangles this year (no more curves and points!). Last year was my first attempt at bead embroidery and was a year full of learning for me. I've still a lot to learn and this year I plan to focus on technique and incorporating more texture into my pages.

I live in a semi-rural area (it was rural when I moved here, not so much these days) of Washington State with 4 dogs, 6 cats and a goofy musician. I have one grown son who was married this past spring and work at a community mental health center during the day and do most anything that involves fabric the rest of the time.

I'm happy to be back and can't wait to see everyone's work!

Hi from up north in Wisconsin...

Hello everyone..... pam T (or pamtru) here from Wisconsin ..... such incredible enthusiasm from our participants for the start of the 2008 BJP! Wow, this takes quite a bit of time scheduled in the day to read all the blogs and keep up with everyone! I am awed once again by the art I am seeing.
I am a self-taught beader who has an incredibly short attention span, thus the happiness when I finished the 2007 BJP and actually signed up for a 2nd year!
I'm very much looking forward to getting to know everyone and bead my way through the year, hopefully learning more about me... (oh yeah, along with beading and techniques) as we go.
My firm belief in life is that things just ARE, life just IS and everything turns out the way it is supposed to.
Here's to an exciting and beadiful year!
pam T

'Bad Liz' is Profound

I think therefore I am - Rene Descartes
I am therefore I am good enough - Bad Liz
Yes, Bad Liz, I agree. You are profound. And I would love to adopt it as the unofficial caption to the 2008-09 Bead Journal Project.
Warmest Regards
Glass0

Blogger Troubles?

It appears that quite a few people did not receive their invitation to become authors on the BJP blogs that were sent last month. If you did not receive your invitation, or if you know someone who did not receive theirs, please email me and I'll fix you right up.

Diane
diane.moore at gmail dot com

Started September

I am happy to say I've gotten a good start on my September page. You can see it here:bits of beads and fiber. Thanks for having a look!
Cheers, Denise

Inspiration for the journal

As a practise first attempt at blogging I set up - http://kretakat.blogspot.com/ Here I'm going to keep a diary of our move to the country village of Amari, in the middle of the island of Crete (already live on the north coast but in the middle of the busy, touristy area so am looking forward to some peace and quiet to get on with my textile work).
Hope you like the photos of the area, I'm hoping they will inspire me!

Hi everyone

Just checking - am very new to blogging, it's been hardwork so far but am so looking forward to starting the project it must be worth it!
Kath

Am I here yet?

Hi everyone! I have been trying to get the hang of blogging since the end of August and with the help of pamtru over this w/end I just might have it!
Anyway, I am really anxious to get going on this project, and I have my plan already and set to go---I am so happy to be among all you creative people and looking forward to seeing everybody's work. I was so impressed with the entries for the 2007 BJP and can only imagine how spectacular 2008 will be!
Just to announce myself--my name is Barbara, but my co-workers years ago dubbed me barbiq. I am an ultrasonographer and I work full time and I try to unwind by beading and quilting in my spare time. I live in northwestern Connecticut--very woodsy and picturesque although I was a city girl originally from Hartford, CT--a small city but a capital city just the same--and I still work there. I hope to touch base with some of you if not all in the near future. So here's to a very interesting and creative year--can't wait!!!!

A cautious start

I made a start on my September page & posted to my blog (scroll down to after the TIF post). A quick question - is there an easy way to look at the blog of the person who posts here or do we have to always include a link to our blogs?

I wondered how it would work - September's page is actually thoughts carried over from August - you may think I'm daft, but I really worried about that and now that I've started, it's no problem at all.

Old stuff popping up

In my last post I said that a good old search through the stash always uncovers something that you had completely forgotten about. That was prophecy. I found something wonderful: A clothes-peg apron that my grandmother once embroidered for me. In some places it is worn and torn beyond repair, but I could never throw it out. There is not enough intact fabric left to do twelve BJP pieces with, so I will integrate a little into each piece. The embroidered part will be cut out and used for something else.

Have I finished my first piece? No. There are still 27 days to go in September, plus the rest of this day ... But I have done the machine sewing, and a LOT of thinking until late last night, because, having arrived at a certain point, I found that my original plans for part of the piece would never work. Thinking always works - I found a solution.

The thoughts you think during and because of the BJP that you might never think without it ... The selfmade little problems, and the selfmade great solutions ...

I am off to instal my brand-new scanner to do something with very old stuff (also BJP-related). Please cross your fingers/hold your thumbs that I can tackle the installing!

See you, Sabine

Practice Page

For anyone who cares too look, I have posted my first ever bead embroidery piece that I did last month to see if i could actually "do" bead embroidery. Comments or constructive criticisms are welcome! Tracey
http://abeadifulmess.blogspot.com/

Flickr Group

A lot of people participated in the flickr group last year and it was a lot of fun so I've set up one for this year.
- HERE IS THE LINK -
Come and join in the fun!

Diane

This Is Australia Calling

G'Day Everyone,
So glad to be back on this great journey with you all.
I really enjoyed my little beading holiday and can't wait to pick up needle and thread again. I've got lot's of plans for this years BJP and have decided on a theme, but that dosn't mean I'll stick with it.
The only thing I can promise is to keep my size the same as last years - 4"x6", I found this size was workable for me and not too big that it was daunting.
I took a big step- in the right direction- during the break and am now smoke free!
Coming up for 10 weeks now. Feeling pretty good and hope to stay that way.
It's a beautiful spring day downunder and I'm off to start my September page, I've got some really pretty beads just waiting to be coerced into something, hopefully, wonderful!
Cheers
Nospoj - Dinah

Grateful Thank Yous

Thank you both, Sheba and A2Susan. I did say my brain was missing. I've been fussing and feel a right fool now. Thank you for taking me out of my misery.
What's really good is I have already started working on a bracelet for my sister - in the colours she sees when she hears the word 'Spain'. She's saving up for a trip there.
I'll say no more about the project until I've more to say.
And thank you both again.
Glass0

Umm...

I don't think I'm going to be good enough for this....pretty sure not....eeep! Thinking about trying anyway....

September piece

Well here I go. I have started on my piece for September. I decide on a finished 8inch square. I hope by the end of the year that I'm not sorry about that. My friend Phyllis, who got me into this, will probably go smaller. I don't really have a theme for each block, but this first one will have very special meaning to me. I enjoy quilting also and hope it is Ok to include small amounts of it in my work. I look forward to the time when I can see everyone's work. Happy Beading.

Hi from VA

Hi everyone!
I'm not new to beading, but I am new to the bjp. I'm excited to be trying something new and have no idea what I want to do! I haven't chosen a size or a theme and I think I'm on option overload because there are so many possibilities! I'm hoping to use this "journaling" to teach myself to slow down and enjoy the moment. I've been dedicating more and more of my life to my job and running on fumes for about 18 months now, and I know I need to slow down.

Thank you for this idea and giving me a way to work through my transition and a built-in support group! I can't wait to get to know everyone!
bohemiangirl

September Project

State of brain today: missing
Okay, I got up early this morning to find out what this month's challenge is and had major grumpiness because my 'machine' wasn't working. Can't find where the month's subject is. Is this normal? Or am I missing something that is at the tip of my nose?

Do I have to wait for end-of-shift today to learn this month's topic? Is there a special place I need to visit? I've visited BeadLust and the home of Bead Journal Project 08. I've sifted through blog entries from o7-08 and o8-o9. I've looked in my inbox. I can't find anything resembling a monthly subject.

Please, somebody, put me out of my misery. What am I not doing that I should be doing?
Glass0

Ready to start again

Hey all, I'm back & ready to go for another 12 months..

I have chosen a smaller page size this year & have my display for them sorted, at least I think I do LOL

Welcome to all the new BJP members & the returning members as well, what an interesting year we have ahead of us

You can see my blog & my pages from last year's BJP here

Ellen aka Dollybead

Ready to go !

Hello fellow beaders,

Tomorrow is September 1, official beginning of 2008 BJP !!!
Reading all the posts, I feel that a great enthusiasm is spreading all over :-)
Thank you, Robin, for the joy of creating you give to us.

I'm ready and if you want to see the materials I have choosen, just jump to my blog.
I'll not tell you what is my theme for this year, I want to manage some surprises ...

Happy beading to all
Hugs
Caroll

Hello from Wisconsin

Hi ! I am Jean from Wisconsin. I am a
beader and photographer. I have a blog
link.
I joined 2007 Bead Journal Project last
year. I am glad that I didn't give it up
after my third project as it was so much
fun.
I am done with my last project~ May Page
about a week ago.
I might change the theme or size. You will
have to wait and see.

Hi from Toronto, Ontario

Hi everyone,

I'm a fiber artist with a passion for textures, techniques, fabric, beads and paint. If it's new, I love it...if it's complicated, I love it.......if it involves drawing, I avoid it.....LOL! I love to play and am looking forward to joining all of you on this journey. I've decided on the shape, but not the theme. I expect that will evolve as the calendar turns. Too much thinking makes my head hurt, so I'm looking forward to a spontaneous and intuitive project. I don't have a blog yet, but if you want to see some of my fibre work (with some beads, sprinkled in), you can check me out at my fibre art group site, www.fibreartstudios.com . Click on my name, and you'll be able able to see some of my work. I hope to start a blog. No, not in the near future, but hopefully before the end of the project.

Anne Marie - Toronto
www.fibreartstudios.com

Greetings from Everett WA

Hi Sheba aka Cynthia here. I am kinda sorta new to beading. I have been creating art fabric collage/ quilt type things for a few years that are often embellished with some beads, buttons and trims. My friend Diane (our blog angel) inspired me with all her wonderful hearts from last year.

I am a middle school art teacher, dog mommy and newly avid triathlete. and I blog about all of this! So you can find me lots of places on the web.

I will be posting my progress on my main art blog here

I look forward to all the great eye candy this year!

First timer

I am new at beading and am looking forward to learning a lot from this challenge. I live in a small town in rural NC and have worked in a small independent drug store for 39 years. My dear friend suggested we do this bjp, so I'm going to give it a try. I look forward to seeing everyone's work also.
Betty

Excitement Around the Globe!

I've been creatively in the doldrums for the last few months... so bless every one of you for your excitement about starting the BJP!!! It's highly contageous, thank goodness, and has lifted my spirits considerably. Today I've set aside time to dig through my stash of fabrics and beads to pick things I love for September's piece. I don't know what it will be, don't have a theme... haven't even decided on the size yet... I'll just start and see what happens. Yay!!!

So many of you have fabulous ideas for this... I've so enjoyed reading your posts on all three of our blogs. Also, thanks to those leaving comments... and to the returning members who are generously sharing their wisdom and experience. This is so fine!

If you'd like to see the smallest BJP pieces from last year, you can check here on my blog and scroll to the bottom of the post. I posted some thoughts about the size of our pieces here on Blog #2.

Thanks for being here... thanks for your enthusiasm... thanks for posting!

Robin A.

Three Blogs?

I must have missed something..... why are there three blogs..... each seems to have currently dated entries.... what is the scheme of things there?  Are we supposed to choose one and stick with that one only?  I don't want to miss ANYTHING!  I would like to have blog numbers be sequential in terms of dates, but these seem to be continual.  Thanks.

KrispiS

Ready ... steady ...

My predominant sensation at present is: ANTICIPATION. (Do some of you remember the fantastic way the leading character in the film Rocky Horror Picture Show, Frankenfurter, articulated the word An-tici-pation?)

The countdown is running:

29th August: Concentration on BJP plans is intensifying.

30th August: At last I will switch from theory to practice - make the pattern, get my stuff together. What a shambles: Where is this material, where is that tool? I always consider myself so well organized, but when it comes to the point, the big search starts ... Searching has one advantage: You always find great things that you had completely forgotten are in your stash.

31st August: Some weeks ago, I bought a very nice plastic container, without having a particular use for it in mind, I just liked it - and it was cheap. From now on, its purpose is clear: It will hold all my BJP stuff by and by. Provided that the basic paraphernalia have already been found and are now sitting in that container, should I let my itching fingers have a go at a prototype?

1st September: GO!!!

Best wishes for a happy start,
Sabine

A Beadiful Mess Blog link

OOPS!!!! here is the link to my blog:
http://abeadifulmess.blogspot.com/
Told you I was new to this!

A Beadiful Mess

Hi Everyone! I am so excited to have stumbled upon the 2007 Bead Journal Project! I gave it some serious thought and decided to take the plunge and sign up for 2008! I have been telling myself that "someday" I will learn bead embroidery...well guess what? September 1st is that "someday" and I couldnt be happier about it. I have decided to make it easy on myslef (I hope) and do a 4 1/2" X 5 1/2" rectangle to be made into a book somewhere down the line. I didnt want my project to be too small nor too large so I thought since Lacy's Stiff Stuff also came in this size (wink!) this is my dedicated size. I havent a clue about the type or style I will do, I guess time will tell!
About me: I am in my 40s, from Wisconsin (born and bred) retired due to medical issues from General Motors, a first time Grandma of Kileigh Lynn (the most beautiful baby in the world) and have 3 grown children of my own - all of which you would know if you visited my blog :) I have my hubby and my dogs to keep me company and lay at my feet while I bead (dogs - not hubby!) Anyway, I am thrilled to be a participant and cant wait to see what everybody comes up with! Good luck and may the creative juices flow for everyone! Tracey

Hello from Ottawa!

Hi Everyone!!!
I am a BJP participant from last year and really look forward to the challenge I've presented myself this year!
Last year I focussed on techniques and different stitch or bead combinations. It made for some very interesting beading and I beaded on a 6 X 6 inch square. I didn't feel compelled to fill up the square, and hopefully I'll get the pictures up on the website this week.
This year, I'm focusing on more of a theme project. I want to bead 12 different Goddess's withing a circle mandala. I have cut out a circle, with a flat bottom and am trying to include all different colours. My beading surface is a quilt sandwhich with two layers of fiber between beautiful different materials from my local quilt shop. The material is a large part of my inspiration and I feel no obligation to worry about filling in all the spaces.
I am going to add information about each Goddess on the back of each page. I am really looking forward to this project and love the idea of doing a unified theme this year. I loved how last years project turned out and look forward to another 12 wonderful pages!!!
Have fun beading Everyone!!!

Hello Introduction

Hello Everyone,
I'm wildly excited about this BJP year and have been trying to decide format, style, technique, theme, background, size for my pieces. I started an experiment based on weaving techniques using some favourite colours and think that is what I'll use as technique, exploring the possibilities. The "default" size will produce finished pieces about 6x4 inches, based on my smallest tubular frame. I worry that I don't have enough beads to complete the year but that's probably just stash angst and magpie mentality, after all, I have a whole box drawer full and there's always the shops and the internet to order more.
Potted history: Grew up in Montreal, moved to Toronto (10 years), Bermuda (6 years), SW England. (16 years). Spent many years in Information Technology as a Technical Author and Quality Manager before retiring in 2004 to S of France. Have always stitched but only dabbled in beading. Love colour and abstract forms. New-ish to blogging at http://fibrefan.blogspot.com/
Wishing all 260 of us loads of joy in this endeavour, and looking forward to a year of growth and pleasure in sharing.

Eager to Start

OOOOOOOOO It's killing me. It is just 5 more get-ups to September and Labour Day and I am wiggling with excitement. I've visited some of the blogs from the 07-08 series and found some really talented beaders out there. It didn't help calm me down. If anything, it has me even more excited to get going. Any chance at a sneak peek? Huh? P-LEEEEEEEEEEEEZE.
Oh all right!! I'll wait. But it will be on your head if I start doing something early. I won't be held responsible for my own actions.
Helene in Toronto

Greetings from Down Under Diane

Hi I am Diane and currently working full-time as PA to the Principal of a secondary school, building a new house on my back lawn (prior to subdividing) and wondering what size I am going to make my pages. I live in Stratford, New Zealand which is a rural town on the West Coast of the North Island. I have been beading since 1991, when I made my first beaded tassel with a courturier and passementerie designer in Melbourne, Australia.
Faces will be a feature with my pieces I am certain as I recently purchaed 10 tiny face beads and I have been looking at faces and goddesses which are on my blog didi-beadwork.blogspot.com
Inspiration has come for the first one with a painting by NZ Artist Frances Hodgkins and the wonderful watercolour effects she obtained nearly 100 years ago with her work. Keeping an art journal as part of this process will be fun and something I have taken to in the last couple of years.

Welcome everyone to the 08/09 Bead Journal Project. I am Diane Moore, the moderator of the blogs (or blog angel however many who know me personally might question the angel part). If you have any questions or problems with the blog, feel free to email me and I'll try my best to help.
In the next few days I'll be adding a sidebar to the blog with a list of labels for your posts. Robin developed these so there would be some consistency within the blog especially for people who wanted to see a specific thing, say everyone's page for a certain month, or people who are asking for technical help.
I am a returning Bead Journal Project participant and am anxious to get started on the coming year. Last year I did heart shapes but I'm thinking of rectangles this year. If you are interested in seeing some of the work people did last year, there is a group on flickr with lots of great photos.
Again, welcome to the BJP - I'm certain you'll have an amazing year!

New Year

Well, I'm back for another year of beading. I'm Sandy and I live in the woods east of La Center, Washington. Last year I did postcards that I made into a book. This year it will be journal quilt size using batiks. Hi to all who are returning and welcome to the new people. You'll enjoy it.

Greetings from Malaysia

Hi,

I am Norazihan a new member to BJP. I can be called Nora (which many of my foreign friends use) or Zihan (which is how my local friends call me by), I'll answer to either one.

I'm from Kuantan, hot and humid year around. August/September is the month of Independence for Malaysia. This year the majority Muslims will start the Ramadhan fasting early September. The celebration of Eidul Fitri will be early October. I will celebrate my birthday early September too. In the months of November and December we would have heavy tropical monsoon rain. It will be cooler and a lot wetter. I will bead my BJP around these events.

But then again, I'm not sure. I'm very nervous to begin. I hope I will overcome this fear of not putting up to standards and start my BJP. Plus, I've also Eidul Fitri dresses in line to bead embroidery.

My bead blog is Sulam Sayang (Love Embroidery)

Intro - Joan C.

This summer has gone so fast - it doesn't seem like it should be time to start again! I'm a returning BJPer. My journal pages from last year are mounted on a stretched fabric square, and this year's pages will fit inside the square, so 2 years displayed together when it's done. That's determined my size for me - about 3x4". Last year was about defining my "style" of beadwork, this year it will be color and stitches. Last year someone had a post about trying new colors - you picked 3 numbers, and they corresponded to a list of colors (I think it was like 100!). I'm going to number my colors and randomly pick 3 for each month. How I put them together will be the challenge.

Personal info: I live "upriver" in Skagit county WA. I think we must smell beads in the air, so many beaders are out here in WA! I have 2 daughters, the oldest starts kindergarten in 2 weeks. My DH works insane hours, so the cost of daycare was more than I was making - this is the first summer I haven't "worked" since I turned 16. I've done various crafts since I could hold a needle. I want to be a bead artist when I grow up (whenever that may be).
Joan Cromley

Big hello from Australia

Hi there ... my name is Maryanne, live in sunny Queensland, Australia - I'm mummy to 3 beautiful ones, cranky hubby LOL, and avid beader. I sort of fell into this craft just over 2 years ago and I haven't looked back!!

Can't wait to get started on this and I look forward to seeing all your creations.

Take care
Maryanne

http://2beadornot2bead.blogspot.com/

Hi From Calgary, AB

Hi there!

Found the project while wandering around the net...looking forward to it.

Cheers!

- Gail

Greetings from Calgary, Canada

Hi,
I'm really excited to be participating in BJP! I found the project via another project website but can't remember which one. I've been beading for about 25 years most of that has been self-taught or learning from books and magazines. It's only in the last 10 years that I've been able to do any classes. I haven't yet decided on the size or shape of my project. I'm hoping that will come with the first bead project in September.
I'd started my own blog in July but somehow managed to get locked out. It's taken me a while to get back in but I'm willing to try again. My blog is feathercreations.blogspot.com. [I have yet to figure out how to hyperlink things when adding messages.] I'm hoping to add to it more now that I've figured out how to get back in.
Cheers,
Mary Donnachie
Calgary, AB Canada

Greeting from the Northwest corner of Washington

Hi there!  My name (nickname) is Krispi Staude and I live on a little island in NW Washington with my husband in a log house in the middle of a forest.   It's remote and touristy, but we love it!  Unfortunately when you live in a touristy town, people think you do touristy stuff all the time..... alas.... we also have to work either in the tourist industry, county government, the schools, or other support agencies of businesses in our town.     

I participated in the first BJP, and was very happy with my pieces as we went along and in the final product.  This year as I was preparing for our county fair, I was surprised that I didn't have very many quilty things to enter.... I KNEW I was busy, so where were all the things?  Well, as you may have guessed, the time and energy went into the bead journal project.  I entered my final product in the Textile Department and won a blue ribbon!  Many people commented on how wonderful it was.   That made me feel good!  You can keep up with my stuff at my blogspot.

This year, I haven't decided on my format or theme.  I have entertained quite a few possibilities, but not sure which to actually commit to.  Time will tell...... Later!  CIAO!