Sneak Preview...

I've finished all my turtles...and had decided to do hands for next year's BJP starting in January...however...the hands grabbed me and I'm already two into them...sooooo...I've rethought my idea/pattern for next year's BJP...you can see it at: www.atawhisper.blogspot.com ...in the meantime...I have a few more hands to work on!

My August triangle - As The Sun Sets

I couldn't finish the current BJP year, with anything other than the setting sun. It's my first attempt at visual journalling and also my first extensive use of encrusted bead embroidery. My skills have grown and I've learned to pay attention to the whispering words of my muse. I lost an old friend quite suddenly this month. She loved the sun and the black speck signifies her being enveloped by it's warmth. The original pallette was much softer, but as the temperature got hotter outside, so did the colours. Don't worry about the sun setting on this BJP year, as it's sure to rise again in 2010. I'd like to thank Robin for her constant encouragement and all of my new friends for their comments and enthusiasm. My plan is to enter this piece in a Canadian National Juried Quilt Show in 2010. Of course that means that I actually need to do some quilting to showcase the beading. LOL!

Bead stitches include the boucle or bocche stitch (discussed in my previous post), stacked stitch, short fringe (on the sun) and free form beading. I used 8, 11 & 15 Japanese beads and 11, 2cut czech beads for sparkle (the darker pink). Sadly, I just couldn't use my variety of odd beads on this one. They just didn't fit the scheme. See you in 2010!!

July Triangle - Along the garden path

This triangle shows my love of colour, flowers, techniques and combines them with a passion for photography . It's also about the paths you choose in life and illustrates that while some just seem to stop short, others are crystal clear and lead directly to your goals. Well, directly might be the wrong word, as nothing in life is ever perfect or straightforward. Paths often curve before they reach their destinations, leading you towards interesting sights, unforseen problems and exciting adventures. This little garden is all about life!

The seed beads are mainly size 11's, with some 15's and 8's thrown in for effect. I also used bugles (2's), pearls and crystals. I used peyote, bocche (also called boucle-a stitch mentioned on another group), stacked, fringe, loops and Robin's wildflower stitch. The curved path is made of size 11 seed beads couched over a slightly flattened braid.

FINALLY!

"Patriot"...my July BJP turtle is finished...you can see him on my website... www.atawhisper.blogspot.com ...

Another finished, one on the way

Another month is done and I have still not completed April or May but July is on the way. Just needing a face. I have been making an indian elephant with african ears this month so beading has taken a back seat except for making christmas decorations for the classes I am teaching this month.
see more at http://didi-beadwork.blogspot.com/
Diane, New Zealand

Another garden triangle - June

I love to visit my friend's house when the poppies are in full bloom. Sure they are brash and blowsy, but oh so very delicate. I try to photograph the quality of the light glowing on the scarlet petals, but alas my quest is in vain. Am I tilting at windmills, or will I be able to capture their essense at some time in the future? What is it about these beauties that seems to pique my interest? A simple pleasure. One that's fleeting, but oh so rewarding. Is it any wonder that poppies were chosen as a universal symbol for remembrance? Did you know that the poem, "In Flanders Fields" was written by a Canadian field surgeon? Do you realize that this is the only poem I will never be able to forget? I can recite it just as clearly now, as when I was a small child. Rather than a trick of simple repetition, I prefer to think that it is something that left a pure and lasting impression on my soul.

The poppies are made with freehand circles of silk and organza, topped with french knots. Beading was done with backstitch, stacked stitch, Robin's ruffle stitch and free form edging. I used 8, 11 & 15 seedbeads, bugles, a few sequins and odds 'n sods of beads and crystals.

February finished

Hi everyone,

Really I am a turtle! Nevermind (??) I arrive :-) slowly but surely!!
You can see my page at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/muriel86/3689580191/
This one is for my mother, she loves music, opéra, littérature , flowers and she would love to see 'Carmen' at the Opéra de Paris.
I am not a doll's spécialist so it was a little adventure for me, but it was so fun !!
Perhaps I'll add a fringe at the bottom of the page...

My April BJP is done!

I have finally finished my April BJP! I am so happy with the end result. If you would like to take a peak at it here is the link to my blog. http://abeadifulmess.blogspot.com/

It's "Belle"

Here is Belle...my May turtle...find her at www.atawhisper.blogspot.com !

It's time for my April triangle....

It's April, it's spring and it's about time! My eyes are filled with the the fresh greens and acid yellows of my favourite season. It's all about hope, renewal, rejuvenation and the element of change. Time to watch the buds push their way out of the earth, the leaves unfurl, the grass turn green and sun warm the earth. It's also time to put away all the heavy sweaters and take out the capris. Sure, it's not quite time for summer clothes, but at least we can start dreaming. Yes, it's also time for taxes up here in Canada. But that's another story! On a personal note, it's time for me to re-evaluate my priorites and to buckle down and work to my plan. Time flies, and I want to make sure that it doesn't pass me by .

Finally...March Turtle

March's turtle is here...finally...I'm working on May...take a look at www.atawhisper.blogspot.com
Have a lovely day!

January done

I have finished January page,
http://www.flickr.com/photos/muriel86/3465789032/
This one is about my DH, originating from Brest, he is also a fan of motorcycles, and likes a lot comic strips. Do you know Gaston Lagaffe? It's a famous 'bande dessinée in France and Belgium, if you know it, perhaps you recognize 'la mouette rieuse' , the laughing gull !

February Finished and posted

My feburary man is finished
and here is a little teaser for you to see.
January and March are coming along
with netballs, leis, Mickey Mouse ears they'll be

Finished in time for April to close
With travel, Easter, weddings and birthdays
Being events that are coming so inspiration flows.
Into little men, goddesses and muses for 2010.

Diane Lithgow, New Zealand

Tada! March is done!

The latest addition to my triangle pool is March. It's all about friends....new friends and old friends....

It started with another serendipity moment. I purchased a couple of books from my new friend, Robin and then started experimenting with a couple of her stitch combinations. Of course, I liked them so much, that I decided to use them on my March piece. Isn't it lucky that I actually stitched them on a triangle? Okay, that started me on a search for complimentary embellishments. I found a bag of shells from my friend Wendy, some purple pearls for my older sister (it's her favourite colour), green beads for my younger one and the face from a play date with Cheryl & Deb. I grew up in Vancouver, B.C. and I love everything about the ocean. Granted, the shells would be different, but the feeling is exactly the same. I remember the sound of the waves, the smell of the sea, childhood memories, seaside adventures and the total feeling of calm that washes over me as I gaze out over my oldest friend.

March 2009 finished

Hello fellow beaders

My March page is finished.
You can view it here

Happy beading to all
Caroll

Dec & Feb nearly there

I have posted halfway pictures of December and February men with January to come later.
http://didi-beadwork.blogspot.com/
Diane Lithgow, New Zealand

The first six months

Robin asked me to take a picture of my first six triangles, so here they are. Again, not the best picture (too much sun and too many shadows), but it is a work in progress. BTW, this is my current favourite configuration. I thought that I could add the other six triangles around the outside edge and then alternate with textured fibre pieces. Of course, I'll probably change my mind many times, so stay tuned. The current background is a dark green taffeta from a recycled prom dress. I think that I paid $5.99 for it at the thrift shop. I just love a bargain!

February piece

Yipee! February is a time of celebration. My nephew and his wife (after many years of marriage & doctor's visits) have announced that they're having a baby. While the symbolism in this piece is not obvious, I tried to give it a party atmosphere. Included are painted teabag yo-yo's (Tetley, of course), three shells from an old necklace of my mother's (she's no longer with us, but loved babies so would want to be a part), an acrylic painted washer (for the masculine element), purple pearls (my sister's favourite colour) and a mixture of miscellaneous beads, including hearts and flowers (because I'm rooting for a girl). BTW, the teabags were used, but I did dry and empty them before painting. The picture is a little dark, due to my taking it on a dreary rainy day. I promise to post again when the sun is shining.

First page of the new year finished

Here's a tease for you all of my January page & you can see more of it here



Ellen aka Dolliebead

Second January Page

Today I used the excuse of snow to stay home from the office and finish my 2nd January page. Now I need to let my fingers heal up before I start February (or learn how to use a thimble).