Sunday, April 11, 2010

Pride and Celebration

I've already done an April Bead Journal Project piece (see a few posts down if you missed it), but April is such an eventful month for me that I couldn't put everything into just one piece.  So this is my April BJP piece, part 2.

This piece is called "Pride and Celebration" because I have so much to be thankful for in my life.  This project is my reflections of me.  First, I chose the colors based on inspiration from a peacock.  Bright blues, greens and gold, with a little bit of purple thrown in.  I was drawn to the shape of the swirl, but I don't really know why.  Robin A. had some insight on this when I met with her, so maybe she will share her thoughts. 

I celebrate April 18.  Due to my illness my family and I had been living apart for about 2.5 years.  Last April 18 we moved in together as a family again.  It has been nothing but a joyous home life, and our one year anniversary is important to me.  April 21 is my birthday.  I am officially 39, and I will hereafter be 39!  Because it's my birthday, I've been reflecting on me.  I take pride in who I am, perceived flaws and all, and I celebrate my talents and accomplishments.  I feel that I am a talented beader, I am an awesome mom and wife, a great cook, a good friend among other things.  I have a lot to offer as a unique individual, probably because of my morals and values that I was brought up with.  And April 17 is the date of the first class I will be teaching...it marks my progression as a beader and is something I was wanting to accomplish.  I'm hoping that it goes well and that it is the first of many more to come in the years ahead.

I did have difficulty managing the 15/0's for the entire background.  They always prove to be a challenge to me, and I guess the only way to get better is to practice, practice.  The colors in the photo were kinda washed out.  The background is an aqua blue/green, and the colors in the swirls are very vivid and bright in person.  I'm just not that great of a photographer.  I did try to adjust the colors in Photoshop, but I'm not that proficient with it yet, either.

I am very proud of my peyote stitch around my paua cabachons!  I'm not a peyote stitcher, so this was quite an accomplishment for me.  I was very happy with how nice and neat the peyote came out around the paua.  Oh, and I certainly can't forget to say thank you again to Robin for the gift of the beautiful shell sequins that added some confetti to my party.

So here is "Pride and Celebration", pride in myself and celebration of my April milestones.



By the way, if you live in the Phoenix area and want to take my class, there is one or two spots open.  Email me at indigosbeads@live.com to get more info.  Hope to see you!!!

19 comments:

beadbabe49 said...

Your work just knocks my socks off, lisa...it's so clearly in your own "voice"!

Bellesanbeaus said...

Miss Lisa... gosh that is just so stunning! Well done doesn't come close! And by the way sugar...your an awesome friend!!! Big hugs and congrats...now its time to party!!!!! Big hugs Beth

Anonymous said...

Awesome!!!!!!!

Jan said...

This whole piece is awesome, I can't believe how much work must have gone into it. You have done a fabulous job with it. Thanks for sharing a bit of your story with us, I am happy that your life is at a good point right now. Yay for you!! I truly mean that. Keep it up.

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

Lisa
This is a magnificent post.

I saw your beading in my blog roll and the picture drew me in and captured me.

What is so magnificent for me is the commentary that accompanies the piece. You are so comfortable with yourself, and confident! in your beading skills but MORE importantly your life skills and your personal relationships.

When reading I felt so proud of you. I don't know why because I know you only as a cyber acquaintance. I think because you are a woman who has gone through a lot and is achieving goals that you have set for yourself.

I have a deep respect and admiration for you. I feel sure that you will have many more teaching opportunities offered to you.

Warm regards,
Carol

Bobbi Ann said...

Oh Lisa, how wonderful and outstanding of a piece this is Sweetie! Wow, it's breath taking!
Out of all your gorgeous work so far I have to say that this is by far my most favorite piece of yours.
You've been through so much and now you have your wonderful family, new adventures in teaching and your beading. Yep, it's time for Celebration now and not only must you and your family be proud, I am to! As another woman, a mother, a friend and knowing that ones health may at times be hard on a relationship, you've over come that and now are ready celebrate your 1st year anniversary. Congrats to you Lisa! You must be very happy and so proud! Then it's almost your birthday...what a excellent month this is for you!
Wow Sweetie, awesome post, and a very incredible piece!
Hugs...
Bobbi

sydsider said...

So much joy in this piece. It is so beautiful.

Carol Creech said...

This is just gorgeous, Lisa! I'm also very drawn to swirls and the colors here are fabulous. Amazing work. And a big congratulations to you on your 1 year anniversary and a happy early birthday to you!! What a wonderful way to celebrate your milestones in April.

Mary-Frances said...

Happy Birthday! I'm also an April 21st birthday! So, beading and our day go together.

What a fabulous piece for a celebration!

Cyndi L said...

Happy birthday (coming up) and many many congratulations on getting your family reunited! What a great anniversary that is :-) The piece you made is gorgeous as always. I can sure see why you had to make more than one!

DVArtist said...

HI Lisa, and happy early birthday. I already knew it was coming up. :)
I love this piece and so happy that you used the 15/o. Looke fantastic.
Nicole/Beadwright

Dees said...

Lisa, this piece is stunning! I love what you've done with the peacock theme&colors and the swirls. I also love the idea of just adding a page to april!

Girl, you have travelled a long, hard road and have come to a point of celebration. You deserve every bit of festivity! I am so proud of you, your ability to find the joy in your life and embrace it. I will take it as an example!

Have a blast this second half of april.

Robbie said...

OK, this one is my favorite! Until you do your next one! Love this piece and the movement is wonderful!!

Crazy Mama said...

i try to send everyone a personal note back, but a few of you had a "no-reply" for the email address. so...

thank you to mary-frances...and i hope you have a wonderful b-day too!

carol creech...yes, aren't swirls fun?! thank you for the compliments and the congrats on my milestones.

dees...you know you are a gem. thank you!!!

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Robin said...

Take it all in, Lisa! Isn't it grand to have all these wonderful, supportive (and well-deserved) comments on your blog? The thing about you is that you're so totally authentic, spiraling outward and at the same time drawing in energy. Bravo!

Happy birthday, happy first year reunion, happy teaching, happy sequin sprinkles!!!!!

Hugs, Robin A.

Kali said...

Lovely piece and a great blog, too! Thanks for sharing your work and your thoughts. And you've inspired me to try peyote stitching some cabochons. The swirls have sort of a paisley feel (one of my favorite patterns).

Crazy Mama said...

thank you, kali. i'm glad you have enjoyed my blog. i hope you come back to visit again! if you've never tried peyote around a cab, look up i think peyote and cabachon on youtube and you'll find a great video on how to do it. that's how i learned. if you can't find it, email me and i will find it and send you the link. thanks for your compliments on my swirls piece!

Kali said...

Thanks, Lisa! I'll look up the video. And I'll definitely be back again. :)