June's Project Is Done

It's done. I finished it yesterday. I'm not sure how I'm going put them all together when I'm done. I was thinking of putting a backing on the pieces and extend them off to the left of each piece fold it over and bring it up very close to the beads then use grommets to make holes to bind that way. I think I saw someone had done that already. I liked that idea. Thanks. I'm very happy with the way this piece came out. I'm going to journal about it another place because I think it has a lot to say that I'm not ready to share with anyone yet. I think a separate "writing" journal might be a thing to do with this whole project. Have a wonderful weekend everyone. Oh and for those who celebrate - HAPPY 4TH OF JULY! I probably won't post until after that. Bead on...............

Can't Believe the Month is Almost Over?!

Wow, I looked at my calendar and was very surprised to see that it is the 26th already. Where has this month gone? I'm amazed. Here's a picture of my BJP for June as of right now. I think I figured out how to make it right side up so maybe everyone won't have to lean left this time. Hope you enjoy it. Looks like I have two bags that I'm carrying on either side of my hand. Weird. I'm enjoying the repetition of the stitches and relaxing as I go. I noticed at the begining my stitches are really tight, they are loosening up a bit now that school is out. I have been thinking about my inner child (as Robin) mentioned. I know she's screaming to get out. We'll see what happens next...........

Little child

Hum, Robin thought that maybe my hand is my inner child's hand who didn't get what she wanted when she was younger. That hit a nerve. "Little Heidi" has been an issue for a long time and I have been pushing her back in. I'm not sure I want to know what she wants to tell me. Does that make sense? Maybe she'll come out in the pages. If anyone out there has any inner child ideas to get her out and me not be afraid, please feel free to let me know. thanks. Thanks for all the wonderful comment, too. I'm off to spray my outdoor furniture with that fusion stuff. I have to do it with my glasses off so I don't get paint spray back on them. It's a funny site, me trying to spray something without seeing it - kind of like everyone lean left! Keep on Beading

Thank you

Thanks ladies for your very nice comments. I had some helpful hand suggestions. Yes this is my first piece and yes that is a tiny mirror in the middle about an inch or so wide. I still need to finish the bezel but it'll come. Thanks again.

Well, I got the picture posted but it's sideways. Everyone lean left when you look. Next time I'll try to have it straight up.

My Hand

I finally got a picture taken of my Bead Journal Project for June. Not sure what's going to happen next. I started out thinking I would do a 4x6 format but after tracing one of my preschooler's hands I realized that I wasn't going to make it all fit. So now it's a 5x7ish size - what have I got myself into? There might be less beads next month. I have no idea where the red nails came from - they just happened. Maybe I wish I had them?! Funny. I'm progressing little by little. Every time I sit down, I pick up the beads. I'm loving the process, can't say I love the hand but it may grow on me when it's done. Maybe someone can tell me what it means. Any art therapists out there?

First Post

Hi this is my first blog ever. I'm not even sure what will happen here but anyway...I've joined a marvelous group of beaders in the Bead Journal Project. This is a year committed to beading one page per month for an entire year. My pages started out as 4 x 6 inches but have been upgraded by a wedding invitation envelope. So I think I'm at 5X7 now. I have been working on my project daily. I started out frantic and working really hard on this project. I realized a few days ago that I was stressing about the page. I have since talked to myself and others and have realized that this is supposed to be fun! So, I am breathing slowly and playing with beads daily but inbetween life.

I probably should introduce myself - I'm Heidi. I live in Manchester, CT with my husband, son and our dog Milo. I'm a preschool teacher. We just got out of school last week! We graduated off our little ones and will welcome a new group in September. We are just a preschool - no day care so I work 8 - 12:30ish. Not too bad. I love my job. I teach basic beading at Beads East and make art dolls and other things.

I will try to post some pictures soon.