January 2010 BJP AMD

My 2010 bead journals will be in an ambitious 6" X 6" mixed media format. Gulp! My intent is to once again push the envelope and incorporate a variety of techniques & found objects into these pieces. My creative cues for January were taken from the Toronto Bead Society "Bag of Beads Challenge" & a "Bare Naked Postcard" swap, I participated in on the Fiber Art Mixed Media, Ning Group. Techniques and materials included are as follows: - intuitive landscape made from an acrylic paint monoprint; angelina fibres; hand embroidery; free motion machine embroidery; handmade, heat distressed fabric/paper bead; back stitch; stacked stitch; boucle/bocce stich; brick stitch (some diamonds I made years ago, originally intended for a bracelet); Robin's wildflower stitch; and a simple fringe. The central motif was bezeled with Robin's stacked stitch method. Some of the more unusual elements include the friend gifted zipper pull & a copper coloured paper faster (thanks to Cheryl & Deb), buttons from the family button jar, a Canadian penny, a marble, metal beads from a thrift shop find & the copper pipe cap from the BOB challenge. This last item was drizzled with alcohol ink & smashed with a hammer! Very therapeutic! My starting theme is reuse, recycle & reconnect with the environment. I'm not sure that I'll stick to it all year, but it's an enjoyable start to my journey.