Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Bead Journal February

February's sculpture begins with a 2"x6" piece of Lacy Stiff Stuff as my beading canvas. I specifically chose a small piece for several reasons; (1) this is my first time joining Robin Atkins' Bead Journal Project and I know nothing about bead embroidery, (2) I did not want to consistently fall behind and get discouraged, (3) I wanted to commit to posting my progress
each Wednesday on my blog, and (4) my life is full--I am blessed with the luxury of living my passion of creating and selling my art. I work in my studio daily, take classes and workshops, attend guild and club functions, work as a monthly volunteer at the local gallery/store, do research, write a blog, submit work to magazines, enter art competitions, do charity work, teach, do two art fairs a year, photograph, exhibit and sell my work through various venues, and I try
to attend a retreat or two each year (budget permitting)--so I knew I could not handle anything larger and keep my commitment, and lastly, (5) I wanted to be able to display all 12 pieces in a mosaic wall hanging, so anything larger would not allow me to do that. I have also found that this size is accommodating my experimenting with combining other mediums with my beading. I am learning from each piece.
In February's piece, I'm using size 11 glass seed beads combined with vintage sequins to sculpt the tree. Some of the branches were beaded to stand out from the tree because, goodness knows, I have to have dimension. I painted the background with permanent markers. The Lacy Stiff Stuff is porous enough to allow the blending of colors. I am giving it a light spray of "Preserve Your Memories II" acrylic protective coating to seal it.
January's piece was so cathartic for me, I think it may have set the basic formula for the rest of the year's pieces. The Bead Journal Project has become very healing for me. I find myself processing and expressing feelings in a positive way through these monthly pieces. As Martha would say, "It's a good thing."

14 comments:

Carol Creech said...

Love this, Marlene. The colors are great - so bright and energetic. And I love the organic shape of the tree, etc. Great piece!

Marlene Brady said...

Thanks Carol! You know how I appreciate your encouragement. Thanks for taking the time. -Marlene

Crazy Mama said...

i really like the colors and the use of buttons in your project is really neat. Nice job!

Marty S said...

It's beautiful! I love the color combination.
Marty S
Crackpot Beader

Marlene Brady said...

Thank you Lisa and Marty.

Anonymous said...

So beautiful, Marlene! Love the bead work! I agree, the colors are vibrant...they pull you in. Awesome work! Miss you at the guild meetings!

Anonymous said...

It's wonderful!!!!!!!!!!

Unknown said...

I love your tree! It is fantastic that you are being so inspired and cruising right along, especially with how busy you are with everything else in your life.

Marlene Brady said...

Thank you Lupe, Barbara and Whytefeather. I appreciate the encouragement.

Robin said...

Yay, Marlene!!! Your purple tree is totally delightful... makes me happy! You are wise to keep the size manageable. I love what you did with the markers on the stiff stuff! If you feel like sharing, I'd really like to know more about the meaning of this piece and in what way it's healing for you...

Robin A.

Marlene Brady said...

Thank you. I am just starting this Feb. piece and by next Wed. I hope to post the inside and by the Wednesday after that, the completed piece. Like last month's piece, you can't tell much from the cover, but it will be what's inside that counts. I had started BJP thinking I was going to do all these pretty little pieces and, just the opposite has happened. It has taken on a life of its own and become extremely meaningful to me because I can bead unexpressed emotions in new and creative ways I have never tried before.

bbdyevr said...

Mar,
I am loving this tree! colors, beads, painting on the fabric, all of it!
Doing great as always!
Hugs, Deb

Julie said...

Your work is just lovely. I love the drawing and the quote of Jan. I is such a great idea to have it be like a matchbook. Your jFeb piece is delightful to look at. Great work. Julie Cook

Julie said...

I just love your work. The matchbook idea is so great. Julie C