I had a feeling that using a 7 by 7 inch square for my BJP page was going to require lots of beads and lots of tiny stitches to cover the whole thing in beads. It did. I wish I had thought to take a picture of the back. This is the first time I have tried using beads in this way. It is a very textural piece and I like that. I can close my eyes and "walk" the labyrinth with my finger by using the stepping stones to find the entrance and the beaded walls to keep me on the path.
I surrounded the labyrinth with the things that I would want around my own labyrinth if I was lucky enough to have one. The sound of moving water is soothing, so a near by stream would be perfect. I love flowers and would want them close at hand. I also hate shoes and would want the whole area covered in soft grass or moss so I could walk barefoot.
There is a whole list of things I could have done differently. The colors are what I like the least. I used the same colored beads for the labyrinth path as the area that surrounds it. The main difference between the two areas is the texture created by the stitches.
I read on another's BJP blog that they were unhappy with parts of their page and had planned to put it away for a bit. I think that is a good idea.
July's page is not going to be all beads! I want to try the other techniques I have seen so many beautiful projects. The main theme of July has developed to be the dogs in my life.
How does this relate to a study of seven? Cody is the black lab (actually he is a lab/golden retriever mix) in this picture. He was born in July of 2000. So he is 7 years old in the 7th month of 2007. The other dog is named Sky and is a mixed breed with some Australian Shepard. She has their short tail and wonderful energy. She also keeps asking for a flock of sheep to herd., but happily herds Cody and balls.
There is more to the July page. I want to work with the fabric and beads and see what happens. More of this page will be posted as it develops.
19 comments:
What a beautiful labyrnith. My fingers itch to follow it as well :) I actually like the same colors for the labyrnith as the grass surrounding it. It feels like a beautiful transition from free flowing nature into a place of spiritual focus. And you do have a labyrinth, a beautiful one you created with your heart and imagination and I hope you enjoy journeying there with a trace of your finger.
I agree with Trilly, I love the fact the color didn't change going into your labyrinth. It is a wonderful piece, very peaceful.
Sunni
Turned out great! I love the richness and depth of color and the tactile nature of it - makes you want to touch it and trace the labyrinth.
I know what you mean about trying new things for July. It's so inspiring and mind-opening to see everyone's work and then use that inspiration to take your own work in new directions.
You created a wonderful space with the different techniques you used to fill in the labyrinth. I had to run my fingers over it and trace the path. I like where it took me. Great work!
I also beaded every inch of my June page. It is a ton of work! and time!
After seeing your piece I think it was worth every stitch.
Can't wait to see your dogs in the next page. My dog has become one of muses, she is teaching me there is always time to play.
This piece is wonderful!
Kathy V in NM
i think it's perfect! Perfect bead choices for a perfect place!
this is great! I like your subject matter---and the balance in your design and the colors are excellent...simple, but elegent. I also am beading my whole design---in fact, it never occured to me to just partially cover the design with beads or to only use the beads for accent...so I'm still working on my June page...
I love this piece. I immediately "walked" the labyrinth with my cursor. Great work!
I think it's beautiful. And the colors being the same work out well too. It creates a feeling of continuity that goes beyond the labyrinth. The texture gives all the difference you need. I wouldn't change a thing unless you could put a freebird flying the path. ;)
Your July page sounds great. How could it not! with dogs in it? Can't wait to see it.
I don't even know where to begin with my praise for your labyrinth!
My parents went to several famous labyrinths in Europe (Elderhostel program) years ago, and returned totally smitten with them ladden with books and pictures. Then a neighbor built on one her property and a nearby church also. I got the bug, and immediately thought about beading a finger labyrinth.
Never got around to it, and now don't need to... because YOU'VE done it so perfectly!!!! Flowers, stream, and stepping stones at the entry... you've absolutely captured the essence of labyrinth... you have your pathway to inner harmony and peace forever!
I love how your labyrinth turned out! I could see myself in your special place, so peaceful, Lillian
What an amazing piece! I get such a spiritual, peaceful feeling from looking at it. I think the colors are perfect for your subject and very textural as well. There is a spiritual center in a nearby town where I have taken workshops and they have constructed a large labyrinth out in the field. It holds such magical energy as does your piece. Thanks for sharing. -Karen
Aside from the artistry, which I love, you get kudos from me for all the sheer labor you've put into this piece! I KNOW exactly how long it takes to bead a 7x7 square and I bow to you!
I am eager to see your page about dogs - I have 3 big furry kids that 'help' me bead - I worry about the aussie/malamute mix though - he thinks he needs to EAT the beads if I drop them.
I have always loved labyrinths. Always! This is something I wanted to do but not for the BJP. Actually I really do like the fact you used green! It's the PERFECT choice. You have given not only me but lots of others the feeling as if we are truly in a labyrinth. If it weren't green, I don't think it would draw as much, but who knows. I really liked how you used black to separate and tone things down to make it look precisely what a labyrinth looks like! Kudos to you!!!! I have a Chocolate lab who was born July 2000 and his name is Jove. Named after the God of Rome (Lightning). It's very appropriately named for him. He's 105 lbs. A beast but active! Talk to The Lone Beader... she's incredible when it comes to beading dogs... she could give you some advise I'm sure! I'm still sadly not into the June page yet. I have everything ready but just need to get the colours I want together and get it going.
Thanks so very much for your comment on my polka dot project. That meant a LOT to me since it's the first time I really struggled with a lot of 'fears' and overcame it! Thank you! Smile
A few of my comments never made it, this was one of them. It is stunning and so peaceful. You did a fantastic job of beading.
I have enjoy seeing your labyrinth path emerge. Liked hearing about the sounds, smells as well as textures that you associated with this project, this made it very dimensional.
I look forward to seeing more of your work.
I might have written it to you before: Labyrinth has been a mayor interest of mine. The idea of walking yours with my finger awakens it. Beautiful work. Enjoy!
:-Tally-:
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