Happy New year

Hello,

First of all, I want to wish you a wonderful creative New year.

I'm really late and I've only finished my square #11 for the 2009 project.

You can see it here

Happy beading to all
Hugs
Caroll

Wow, two days in a row!

For the second day in a row I've managed to get a post up. July's page is now on my blog.

6 more months done, 2 left to go

I've had a tougher time getting my journal pages done this year than I expected. In my blog I have updated January through June. Only July and August to go!

April is Done!

April is done and only two to go. June and August
http://www.didi-beadwork.blogspot.com

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!

Another month nearly done

I have nearly completed the april piece which is me this month. This will mean that I only have three left to complete so that is exciting.
http://didi-beadwork.blogspot.com/
Diane, New Zealand

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.

May and July coming along

http://didi-beadwork.blogspot.com/
This has the latest picture of july and also hte May piece. I am hoping to finish over the weekend.
Diane

FINALLY!

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

Meet Caliopie

I'm a little behind...but my June turtle is finally here...you can see her at my blog... www.atawhisper.blogspot.com

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.

Happy Solstice!

I finally finished my May BJP page and hopefully June will move a bit faster. It is just a wonderful accomplishment though to open the drawer and see all of the pages looking back at me. We're on the home stretch now! My page is here if you'd like to see it.

Diane

June complete

I am done with June if you would like to take a look at how I am feeling this month!

Great work, everyone, on all your pages - they are truly amazing.

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 .

The hurrier I go, the behinder I get.

But I'm finally done with my March page and have a tiny beginning on April which I hope to finish by month's end. However, the sun has decided to pay us a brief visit so I'm not certain that much beading will occur this weekend. Here's March.

April done!

Hi everyone..... Finished my April BJP page, much to my delight and amusement. It makes me giggle, despite being such a true-for-me predicament. Here's a peek....

Gotta tell you, everyone's work is so absolutely gorgeous, inspiring and thought-provoking and it is always a great part of my day when I can read up on everyones' thoughts that have gone into their BJP pages. Thank you all, for sharing!

You can check out my offering for the month here.

pam T.

Pearl

My February turtle is finished...I'm just slow with her unveiling! You can see her on my blog at www.atawhisper.blogspot.com . Her name is Pearl.

March complete

I'm done with March........ I made the whole beading part of it much smaller, but managed to keep the original size of the page. Trying to fill a 6 x 9 page with beads was a task that I certainly did not think through back in August, much less having to deal with chemo brain and a total lackluster feeling on my part. Everyone's work continues to be incredible and thank you everyone, for sharing all your stories. Here's the link to my blog.... oh for heaven's sakes - forgot to put the link in at first!