Friday, January 6, 2012

Connie: BJP for January

I'm almost embarrassed to share this with some of you fantastic beaders, but it is a challenge project to help us improve our skills. Although I have experience in bead weaving and in creating jewelry, I have done very minimal bead embroidery and my monthly challenge is to both explore creating a sort of lace using bead embroidery on fabric and to improve my capabilities. As you can see, I have added a small bit of embroidery floss to this piece to help define the space and give it a more 'lace' appearance. Adding beads in these areas I am afraid would have been too bulky for lace. My plan is to use the same fabric throughout the year and the same 11º size and color of seed beads (unless I run out of the color or get bored with it) so I can really compare my progress through to the end of 2012.


The significance of pursuing this avenue for my BJP is that I have a great admiration and interest in lace and the many varieties being created. This is my way of studying and understanding the lines and their interactions. I have learned already that bead count and measuring out pivot points is important. I had quite a bit of time involved in this piece and didn't want to start over due to time constraints. I may try this particular lace at a later date to gauge my improvement.




I'm sorry I haven't shared my inspiration piece of actual lace, but it is a pretty common lace that many of you will recognize. Since I don't know yet what shape I want my project to be, I am working on a large cloth approximately 11" wide by 12" high. I had originally wanted to display my pieces on embroidery hoops, but decided I didn't really like the combination of the lace and round hoop. I may cut these down and attach them to a stiff product such as cardboard cushioned with batting, about the size of an ATC . Hopefully, after I complete a few more samples I will know more what I ultimately want to do with them.


19 comments:

Carol said...

Connie, I don't think apologies are necessary. This is a wonderful idea and the embroidery floss is just the right touch. There aren't any rules as to what goes into this except there should be beads! So the floss is fine, in my opinion...

Carol H, in Ohio...

Cyndi L said...

So very very pretty, Connie! You have absolutely *nothing* to feel embarrassed about!

Karin Slaton said...

I really like your first design - very elegant, classic. What will be really interesting is to see the changing character and shape of your monthly designs, all done with the same size and color beads. You've given yourself an extra challenge there!

Dee D said...

This is beautiful

Mackin-Art said...

Very nice!!!
Looking forward to seeing more.

Linda Kittmer said...

It looks like a beautiful piece of lace. Well done!

Beth Handley said...

lovely. I love lace! Great execution!

Marty S said...

I agree that it's lovely. In the years I've been involved in the BJP, I can't remember anyone doing lace like this. It's a fabulous idea! We'll all learn from you.
Marty S
Crackpot Beader

Marty S said...

I agree that it's lovely. In the years I've been involved in the BJP, I can't remember anyone doing lace like this. It's a fabulous idea! We'll all learn from you.
Marty S
Crackpot Beader

Lynn said...

OH my gosh! Fantastic. I'm a bobbin lace maker myself and a beader too - never did I think to do this! You are so creative ! Awesome job!!!

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

Hi Connie
Gosh, this really does look like lace. I can see you using this method in CQ work. This is going to be a VERY interesting series.
xx, Carol

Kay Ashworth said...

I love the delicate look of the piece. The bead color was a good choice for lace. I thought the embroidery added just the right touch. Well done.

Sara said...

You have no reason to be embarrassed! This piece is beautiful and perfectly lacy.

Suztats said...

I think it's beautifully done! It could be used in so many ways....

heidibeads said...

LACE! Wow! Beautiful. I've never tried that before. Keep up the stitching but plese don't appologize or be embarrassed.

Connie Eyberg Originals said...

Thank you all for the positive comments and encouragement! It especially means a lot to a newbie like me. What a terrific group of beaders!

Angela Grasse said...

Nice!

Magpie Sue said...

I think you've tackled a pretty ambitious project. What you may need to remember throughout the year is that we are all approaching the BJP with different goals in mind. Some, like you, want to expand their skill set. Others are more interested in exploring their inner landscape and are less concerned with technique (or have great technique at their disposal already!). Others just want to have an excuse to make something once a month. ;- ) I applaud your desire to grow and learn. Keep up the good work!

Lynn Stevens said...

WOW amazing!!!!