Two days in a row!

Now let us return to the cool, crisp days of autumn--and my October Bead Journal Project. I worked virtually every day on the bead-encrusted border, and completed that part somewhere around Oct 25th. The remaining fiber art part of the project is, however, as yet incomplete--still, I wanted to share the beading with you.


The Sabbat that falls in October is of course none other than Samhain (pronounced SOW-in)--or Halloween. Prior to starting this project, I had been looking through back issues Somerset Studio to get holiday card inspiration. I stumbled across an article where all of the projects were done with a yellow, orange, red and indigo pallet and the colors just jumped out at me! I knew I wanted to use this color scheme in something--then, as I was discussing ideas with myself in my journal, the "AH HA!" moment hit!

This months technique is bead embroidery/encrusting--I absolutely adore the texture in this technique and while it is very time consuming, i would definately do it again!! For additional detail photos, check out my picturetrail.

Well, it certainly has been quite a long time since my last post. I was so excited that it was the beginning of my most favorite month of the year--i do love October--mine and my daughter's birthdays are in October--i love the fall colors--and of course, Halloween.



Unfortunately, in the middle of this October, I became a victim of the collapsing economy and I lost my job. Everything in my life seems rather unstable these days, so I am grateful for the ability to create. Art is an outlet and it is therapeutic.

The cover of the current issue of Cloth Paper Scissors caught my eye the minute I pulled it from my mailbox--it held a picture of the most adorable, sparkly snowmen made from re purposed bottles--I knew I had to make some of my own!

If you know me, then you know I hoard all sorts of things that I anticipate being included in some fantastic project--sometimes I have an idea of what I will do with the treasures, other times I simply must save them, knowing that their purpose will reveal itself to me eventually.

A variety of spice jars, the tins from tealight candles, funny little metal things i can't describe and all sorts of artsy odds and ends came together in a swirl of frost and snow (ok, maybe it was glitter) to remake themselves as thirteen "Snowpeeps" :)

Through a newsletter from a local stamp and scrapbook store, I discovered that one of my favorite artists, Tim Holtz, was doing "12 Tags of Christmas" on his blog. I adore all of his techniques and while I don't have ALL of his products, I simply couldn't resist trying my hand at this tag!!

So, Happy Mid-December, and I will try not to stay away so long ;)

October!!!!

YAY!!! I'm so excited that October is here!!! The best month in the the year!!! Beautiful fall colors!! Mine AND my Emma's birthdays!! Crisp cool weather!!! And the biggest and bestest--HALLOWEEN!!!! This weekend the decor will literally explode around the house!! In addition, I have plans for re-decorating Emma's room---are you out there Emma??? Start thinking about what you want to do!!!

I've started on holiday card designs, and my October BJP is ready to get under way!

Let October begin!!!

September BJP Complete!!

Wow! I finished my page with time still left in the month! I am, however still working on her permanent home--i've decided to build her a shrine :)

While Samhain and Yule are two of my favorite celebrations--Mabon holds the most personal meaning for me. The celebration of the Autumnal Equinox ushers in the start of fall (my FAVORITE season) and the zodiac sign Libra (which I am). I reflect each year with the balance of night and day, on the balance I seek in my life.

This month's page pays homage to the colors and bounty of fall, and the goddess holds the Libran scales of balance. The beading techniques I worked with were bead embroidery (running stitch and couching) and french beaded flowers.

the ideas for Oct, Nov and Dec pages are already flowing!! Have to write and draw it all out before they escape me!

For additional detail photos, please visit my picturetrail: mariasangel

September BJP coming along!

This month's beady project is coming along nicely! Time consuming, but I'm really enjoying it! I've been practicing my bead embroidery on the letters, and I've started making some French beaded flowers (still to be finished and attached--) I think at this point, I am about half way through--please leave comments and let me know what you think and any suggestions!

Pocket Dollies

It certainly feels good to have gotten a considerable amount of art done this weekend! I've been very eager to continue on this month's BJP, but I had a swap to complete--so that is what i did! YAY! I had to make nine dollies based on a pattern sent to us by the swap hostess. Mine are inspired by the Russian nesting dollies, but since they are flat, thay have a pocket on the front and on the back. In the front pocket is a mini paper dollie and in the back pocket is a tag with the artist's info on the back.

Still figuring this blog stuff out & the BJP!

Ok--i have to say I am REALLY excited that I figured out how to add buttons to my blog! Woohoo! and it actually works!! :D

So, August has come and gone and I've written next to nothing--shared no pictures--I went into August with many fears that I won't get into, but it is now September and things are ok...

So back to that button I added--yes folks, I've joined a year-long project! I hear you gasping in surprise--"You?? the one with a thousand and one WIPS and UFOs???" yeah--me--so it will be a challenge! I'm always game for a challenge!!! For your part, you head shaking sceptics, I expect you to encourage me, hound me and in general mock me if it seems that i am losing ground with this project!! Can you handle it??

I've started an actual journal to accompany this project, and have been writing down plans (which have already changed several times) sketching out ideas and basically talking to myself--so right now, here is what i know so far:

1. my theme will be the Wheel of the Year, with the additional four months being the elements (air, fire, water and earth)
2. as a mixed media and textile/fiber artist, each month's piece will incorporate a different beading technique as embellishment on a fiber art collage
3. the main "page" per month will be in the Gothic arch shape, 10" tall by 6"wide at the base. This will be the center arch of a triptych--

I have my ideas ready to go for September's arch, and am currently working on this and trying to finish up a swap that is due the 15th--yikes--no more swaps after this :D

Seriously--i will get some photos up soon :D