Well, here it is the middle of March and I am just getting my February Bead Journal page done!!! Better late than never!! I was inspired to work all in white for this months page, partly to commemorate our snowey month of February and partly because I just finished an all white piece for a fabric page swap that I am participating in. To find out more about the book page swap, you can go here. To see the Shades Of White Page that I created for that swap, go here.
(To see close ups of any of the work just click on the picture.)
There is something about working all in white that I really enjoy. There are so very many shades of white and it is so prevalent in all things old and dear. I love vintage linens and laces in all shades of white and cream and ecru. I collage a vintage Damask linen dinner napkin (actually a very small portion) with a variety fo laces and trims and then I created a puffed heart from a reclaimed silk scarf in a "barely there" shade of pinky white. The heart was very nessesary as February is the month of valentines and the heart shape is one that I use very often.
To look at this bit of silk that I used for the heart, all by itself, one might say that it had a slightly pink tinge, but next to the pure white of the other components, one can see the color pop from the collage.
Here you can see some of my favorite bits of tatting tucked in around the heart. Of course some wonderfully creamy and tiny vintage buttons had to be nestled into the corner as well! I am determined to use some of my most treasured bits and pieces in these Journal pages as I will be able to enjoy them and share them rather than hiding their beauty away in some forgotten box or drawer.
I outlined the leaves with tiny white glass pearl beads and tucked in some real fresh water pearls and more tiny buttons.
I thoroughly enjoyed working on this page and I am now ready to get rolling on my March version. I am going to try to incorporate new techniques into each work from now on. After reading the blog posts of the other artists participating in this project, I ahve been inspired to push myself a bit more to learn something new. Thanks girls, for spreadiung the BEAD LOVE!!!!
I am thinking that I want to celebrate the appearance of the little green shoots and leaves in my garden. We actually hit 60 degree temps the other day and with the rain that we are getting now, Spring will be rolling in at break neck speed. With all of this in mind, I really want to learn to create Russian Beaded Leaves. If anyone has an idea where I might get some instuctions I would really appreciate the heads up and any input that you would be willing to share! I do know that Susan, over at Plays With Needles has some wonderful pictures on her blog. If you ahve not visited Susan's blog, it is not to be missed. I could sit and absorb it for hours at a time!
Happy Beading all and have a great weekend!!!