Saturday, April 30, 2011

2011 BJP Revealed......finally!

























As the saying goes, better late than never! In keeping with that theme, I reveal my first piece in my 2011 Bead Journal Project. I have decided to name this series "Pieces of Me" Each month I will do a 4 inch heart shaped piece in bead embroidery to journal special people or things that have a piece of my heart. For my first page, I decided to honor my Grandchildren. I used recent pictures of Kileigh and Ethan. The picture of Kileigh was taken by family friend Catherine

Massoglia of Catherine Massoglia Photography. Kileigh was a little over 3 in this picture. The picture of Ethan was taken by my Daughter Jess after his little dude haircut! He was around 16 months in that picture. I may be biased, but aren't they just too cute?



I love the colors in this piece. I used a soft matte brown seed bead, turquoise blue seed beads, a lovely mix of seed beads, some glass rectangles in turquoise blue and some brown rectangle beads along with some soft turquoise 6mm firepolish beads. I laminated the 2 pictures and hand sewed them onto my pellon. I then edged them in beads right through the plastic of the laminate. The mix of beads I used has several shades of gold, cream, brown, purple, maroon, steel blue, soft brown, and some size 15s mixed in as well. I threw together whatever I thought would work. I think it all works well together. I added the bead mix one bead at a time. This is a very tedious and time consuming technique, but it has to be one of my favorites. I love the random look of it! Oh so worth the time it takes to me. In the very top of the piece, you will see 2 very inconspicuous flower shaped grommets. My plan is to sew the completed heart onto ultra suede and thread ribbon through the grommets to hang them.

10 comments:

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

Of course the beading is MARV!! but omgosh those kids are so pretty!! Time is flying.
xx, Carol

Robbie said...

Your theme idea is great!! And this first piece is just precious, in addition to being a beautiful beaded piece!! VERY nice!

Stepha said...

This is so darn cute. The babies are beautiful! I absoutly adore it. I cannot wait to see each one you add.

Crazy Mama said...

very beautiful!

Crazy Mama said...

came back for another look. i want to add something. i was trying to find the word and i think i got it...your mix of beads to me is very captivating. it's very pleasing to the eyes with the color and technique and just seems to add a nice base for those beautiful grandchildren. (i had to leave too quickly the first time i looked and didn't get to say all i wanted.)

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous! Beading and children!

Cyndi L said...

So darling...and well worth waiting for!

Lynn said...

I'm not biased - your grandbabies are ADoRaBLe !!!!

I was wondering how you did your background. I first thought it was netting and then I see you sewed every single bead on individually -- lordy! The effect is stunning. That seed bead mix is gorgeous!

char said...

What a beautiful piece. Thanks for sharing.

Robin said...

Sorry to be so tardy in my blog reading, but glad I found this one!!!! What a great idea for the year and a beautiful way to start. Your grandkids are adorable!