I finished my November Bead Journal Project page this weekend. It is Blue Abundance. That seemed like a good theme for November. I chose to express abundance by “overbeading”–using more beads than there was room for on the page. Trying to make the work more three-dimensional was a challenge. But that’s a big part of the fun. Because I really love the color blue, I loved making this page.
Technical Details:
I used Lacy’s Stiff Stuff as a foundation. I painted it blue with Dye-na-Flow.
The beads are 11/0s, Delicas, 13/0 Charlottes, 15/0s, 6/0s, 8/0s, bugles, cubes, drops, and a few odd shaped beads.
There are several types of fringe, a ruffle, and some volcanoes. (What’s the real name for that stitch?) There are also a couple of stitches that came from a book written in Japanese that my daughter gave me. Neither of us could read the directions, but the diagrams were great!
It is 2.75 inches by 2.75 inches.
I used both Nymo and C-lon thread.
What I Was Thinking:
I am fortunate to have an abundance of wonderful family and friends. My material needs are met. I want to remember at Thanksgiving to be grateful for all I have and to remember to share with those in need.
Issues That Came Up:
- This page showed both the advantages and disadvantages of the small size.
- I had a few other things to do during November so the small size gave me time.
- But I wish I had had more space to include more beads and more stitches.
- I was surprised to see so many dark blue beads on the page when it was finished.
- I still have a rather abundant stash of blue beads, but I have identified a need for more 15/0 medium blue beads.
Now it’s on to Christmas projects!
14 comments:
I love all those blues together.
Happy Thanksgiving, enjoy your family.
Blue abundance indeed! I like your November page very much. It shows that there is an endless range of blue hues and bead finishes, plus so many possibilities of stitching beads to a base. Absolutely beautiful.
Sabine
This piece is very dreamy. It is very calming to look at. Julie C
Abundance, indeed!!! You nailed it, Marty! I love blue beads too, but for reasons I totally don't know, I rarely use them. This piece of yours makes me happy... I think of big blue skies of summer, of beautiful blue lakes in MN, of the Blue Man Band, of beautiful indigo-dyed fabrics... Yummm!
I think I invented the "volcanoes" and have always called them "barnacles." Because of teaching for so many years and because of my books, I think the term "barnacle" is pretty well known for this form. Yours show up more in the in-progress shots from your previous post than they do in your finished work.. guess that's what happens with abundance, but who cares... the whole thing is just fabulous!
Robin A.
Barnacles! Of course! Robin, I learned to make them in a class you taught at the Chicago Quilt Festival a couple of years ago. And it's been downhill from there! Whee!!!!
Marty S
Terrific page, Marty! Loooove those blues. For some reason, I tend to buy more subdued blues unless I'm doing something oceany.
Arline
Great page, Marty! love the texture.
Abundantly beautiful, Marty!!
I'm so glad you took a few shots from the side view. It shows the dimensions and textures so much better than the front on shots. I think Blue Abundance is a perfect name. But maybe you could fit a few more beads on?! No just kidding - it's great.
What a wonderfully lush page...awesome!
Hi Marty
Thanks for your nice comment on my blog. Your pages are gorgeous ! I love your work.
Abundance it is! Very pretty, great textures and shades of blue. That's how I feel about green!
Oh this is wonderful! I wish I could do a totally bead encrusted piece, but I'm afraid my hands would be numb forever if I did. Thank you for visiting my blog and your nice comments on my Nov BJP! Marva
It's a very beautiful piece and soothing to look at.
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