Well, today is the end of one of the most challenging years I have ever had. I finished my September page a couple of days ago. It was the last of twelve pages that I have worried about, prayed about, and worked my fingers (old though they may be) to the bone for. Actually, that is at least a partial untruth. This year has been heart wrenching at times, but I wouldn't have traded it for any amount of money. I feel like I have learned so much about beading, and more importantly, about myself. It has been a voyage of discovery indeed.
The joy I have received from sharing such an experience with my fellow beaders and artists is unmeasureable. To thank Robin for starting this project somehow does not seem enough. If you multiply all my questions to her by 200+, it's a wonder she even had time to bead or write her book. The friendships formed during this year, I hope, will continue for a long time. I know I have become hopelessly addicted to reading blogs and will continue to do so. Thank all of your for sharing your knowledge with me.
I finally feel like I'm accomplishing something. I just finished my last BJP page and will post pics shortly. I also finished my BFAC doll yesterday. I just have to take pictures and send her off in the mail. I have a feeling that is going to be a little difficult for me. It's like letting your child go off to school for the first time. I had no idea when I started the Bead Journal Project a year ago, what an impact it would have on my life. In many ways it changed how I think about my art. I love bead embroidery and I am constantly trying to think of new ways to use it. I also hope to incorporate more things into my BJP pages in the next year. I want to explore using different fabrics, papers, etc in my work. I also want to add some polymer clay and found objects.All in all, I'm a very happy camper these days.
This is a picture I took some years ago along the Big Sur coastline of Central California. The rugged cliffs and multicolored blues of the water greatly appealed to me.
It was a cool, very windy day and the fog was slowly coming in. If you have never driven Highway 1 along the California coast, you have missed a rare treat. The road is narrow (just two lanes) and very winding, but well worth the trip. The scenery is outstanding and you may catch a glimpse of whales, sea otters, or elephant seals if you're lucky.
Almost done! The butterfly represents my turning 65 in April. It's called "Free to be Me". Working on this project this year has shown me more of who I really am. I think this is a good thing. LOL.
The May page is just called "May Flowers". I have to finish my September page and I will be done for this year. I am already looking forward to BJP 2008. Many ideas buzzing around in my head already. Too many projects to finish between now and then though. It seems like I can't stop signing up for each new thing that comes along. Oh well. That's me all over. At least I now have the time to work on them as much as I want to. 
This doll has been such fun to do. I hadn't done a flat doll before. Of course, the required purple beads were no problem for me. I love purple. She is a challenge doll in the Beaded Art Dolls forum on Yahoo. It is a lively group who freely share their expertise with newer beaders. I'm very glad I joined the group. Soon I will be starting a new doll from a swap with others from around the world. Can't wait
to
see what kind of kit I get. It should be fun. I still must put the backing on this doll with a picot edging. I'm getting to be quite expert at that with all the pins, pendants, and BJP pages I am doing.
Here is another pendant I made. I've discovered these things are very addictive. I no sooner get one finished, than I want to start another. Soon Mother's Day will be behind us and I m
ust make myself settle and finish my BJP Pages. sometimes it's very hard to work on the big things when the little projects are calling. 
This is a pin I made for my DIL's mother. She and her husband are ardent Raider's fans. I don't understand the attraction myself, but each to his or her own I guess.
This is a pin I made for my friend Lynn's birthday. She has a beautiful blue blazer that this will compliment. She has been a good friend to me for some years now. We have enjoyed traveling together, going to bead shows and taking classes at the coast. Right now I'm very envious of her. She leaves soon to visit her family in Minnesota and then on to the Bead & Button show. I know she will have a great time taking classes and shopping.
I recently finished these pieces. The first will be a secondary raffle prize when the Pink Artist doll "Love Squared" is raffled off this coming fall. The pendant is approximately 2 1/2 inches across and has fresh water pearls and gemstones embedded in
bead embroidery. The necklace is Russian Spiral.
The two pins below are the beginning of a line I hope to market eventually. It will consist of pins, pendants and possibly earrings and barrettes. It is such fun doing these small items and so rewarding to see them take shape. They will all be one of a kind. I never did like having to make the same thing repeatedly. They will have gemstones, crystals, and perhaps some unknown items included in the bead embroidery.
The joy I have received from sharing such an experience with my fellow beaders and artists is unmeasureable. To thank Robin for starting this project somehow does not seem enough. If you multiply all my questions to her by 200+, it's a wonder she even had time to bead or write her book. The friendships formed during this year, I hope, will continue for a long time. I know I have become hopelessly addicted to reading blogs and will continue to do so. Thank all of your for sharing your knowledge with me.
