Hooray for BJP 2011. It has aken me some time to get started on BJP 2011, not for lack of ideas, but the lack of ability to edit and select ideas. I began by choosing several different fabric samples from Spoonflower.com, which was difficult because they have so many beautiful fabrics by wonderful designers. But I finally managed to narrow the choice down to 14 samples. One for every month with 2 left over.
I knew I wanted to do something different this year. 2008/09 was my first BJP year and I made a lampworked bead for each month as my inspiration. In 2010 I used 'found' objects donated by friends and family. This year the fabric is the inspiration, but I also have some other goals. The first is to just have fun and just try things, even if they might seem silly. Another is to revisit some of the bead embroidery stitches I learned the first year. Last year was all back and running stitch.
But the biggest challenge will be knowing when to stop. Last year was easy, I covered the whole piece. This year, I want to learn to look at my pieces and learn what 'finished' looks like.
Is January's piece finished? I'm not sure. It is balanced, not too crowded, has lots of movement. Let's just say it is a work in progress. I liked making the coiled wire coils, and planting them with 'feet'. The sun is an inspiration at this time of year, when we just don't get enough of it!
Thanks for looking...
