Moobie Grace Designs: 2012

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Gone Crazy, Be Back Soon!

Good grief...it's been over two months since my last post!! I don't really have an excuse, I'm just juggling creating jewelry, my Etsy store, art shows, and homeschooling a learning disabled child. Throw the holidays in to the mix, and I always seem to be running short on time.

Photo credit: DISfunkshion Magazine

Since my last "blow through town" I've been fortunate enough to have two of my creations published in Bead Trends Magazine - December 2012 & January 2013. Please visit Northridge Publishing to see an array of gorgeous artisan creations!!

December 2012 Issue

Bead Trends - January 2013

Like I said, we've also been busy with holiday shows, and just wrapped up our last show of the 2012 season!! Now comes the time for brainstorming, new techniques (NOT three days before a show, Tania!!!), and working on next year's displays.

As much as I love forging metal, assemblage, and just about every bead known to man, my first love will always be polymer clay. I've backed off of using it lately, mainly because it's SO TIME CONSUMING (see first paragraph for reminder), but also because I have such wanderlust for other mediums. I won't even begin to mention the negativity surrounding polymer clay itself. But, starting next week, it's time to rekindle the romance! :)

Here's just a few examples of what I fell in love with almost 3 years ago...Geez, has it really been that long??

All photos property of: Moobie Grace Designs

Lord willing, I won't be too out of practice, and I promise to keep in touch!

Monday, October 8, 2012

It's Gone To H*** in a Handbasket

My blog, that is.

I have good intentions, I swear, I do, but lately life, family, and the dreaded "real world" has been throwing me curve ball after curve ball...and I am NOT the athletic type!

So many changes, so little of me! My oldest just moved in to her own apartment...60 miles away. For those who haven't been down this path before... let me tell you, life is so much easier when they are 2!! Cherish those temper tantrums, laugh at them even...you're going to need the memories to get you through the teen & "I'm an adult" years! Emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausted, yes...but all is well, she's moved in, is safe, and I suppose in a way we're both starting a new chapter in our lives.

As if that wasn't enough, I've also been getting everything lined up to homeschool my youngest daughter for a while now. With a learning disability such as dyslexia, and an education system that is rapidly going down the tubes, it really was the only sensible option to be able to teach my child to read...in the best way for HER! I've learned that while I can take a stand and not back down when it comes to fighting the public education system, that my own child is losing ground, and suffering in the process. So, I did what any self respecting Mama does, and I packed up my toys and I am going home...just as soon as the school board acknowledges my Notice of Intent!!!!

My muse has been put on hold for the time being. Between holiday shows, getting my Etsy store loaded for the holidays (still on the to-do list), taking inventory to the stores I consign with, and my "active" children, blogging time has been cut out! Hopefully, once the homeschooling bell rings, I can be back full force, just as soon as I play judge, jury and executioner over the "who gets Lauren's now vacant bedroom!"

Thanks for putting up with my Houdini acts...

Hugs,

Tania.

Friday, August 17, 2012

The Charm Barn - Link Challenge Reveal

Sweet Peggy from The Charm Barn organized a pretty cool challenge! I'm always up for a challenge, so I immediately signed up. Peggy sent all of us these cool links. I was giddy when they arrived, but upon opening the package there they sat taunting and mocking me.

I had no clue what I could create. My beading/designing experience didn't include anything like these...and there the links sat on my studio table for a good couple of weeks. I finally decided that they weren't going to get the best of me! I knew I wanted something for autumn...Something to wear with bulky sweaters and jeans. Here's what I came up with:

I used a good helping of the links (drilled a hole in each end), patinaed a brass filigree stamping turquoise, and added a molded polymer clay flower in a yummy pumpkin hue accented with copper finish. From there, I wanted to mix metals and selected brass chain and a large copper hand forged swirl/clasp. Simple, yet enough of a statement piece to catch the eye...even with all of those bulky autumn clothing.

Please check out Peggy's blog for all of the participants and vote for your favorite creation!

Thanks Peggy!!!

Saturday, August 11, 2012

6th Bead Soup Blog Party - 2nd Reveal

FINALLY!! The 2nd reveal of Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Blog Party!

Just a refresher...My partner is Jenni Connolly of Victoria, Australia! Jenni sent me this fantabulous bead soup! I was giddy when I saw this focal:

And I'm not a red girl, or a heart girl now that I think about it...but this resin & copper heart is gorgeous!

And the rest of the delicious ingredients:

Jenni's own lampwork, copper chain, clasp, cord ends and red coral, labradorite and gray sari silk.

Now, on to the main event!!

The day my soup arrived, I had just come back from a girly outing which consisted of picking up the dress shown to wear to my next show...as soon as I opened my soup package, I knew "other forces" were at work and that I had to create a piece to wear with this dress!

Oh, where do I start? Jenni's gifted labradorite, coral rounds, gray silk and connectors. From there things went a little crazy, and everything but the kitchen sink wound up on this piece. Branch coral, druzy, pearls, tribal charms, souvenir spoon bowl, antique lace, Zambia coin, quartz point, salwag, tree branch from a fallen tree in my back yard, and lots of waxed linen!!

Big, bold and not for wallflowers! I know it's not everyone's taste or style, and it's a little busy to say the least, but I love HUGE jewelry and I'm in LOVE with it!! Did I mention I live in a tiny-rural-farmland-southern-the place that time forgot-town? Guess where my next show is? As my husband so kindly stated: "Baby, you are going to get a lot of strange looks, prayers said for you, and too many "Bless your hearts" to count!" My reply was "How is that different from any other day?" Him..."you win!" ;)

Next up was using the focal...

Again, I wanted different...and this WIDE cuff bracelet was born! I drilled another hole in to the focal and went to work sewing and beading. There's some more of Jenni's sari silk, coral and labradorite, as well as quite a few antique buttons, lace, copper chain/charm. I love the tattered feel of it!

I couldn't neglect the awesome lampwork beads, copper chain/clasp that Jenni sent me. After two "busy" pieces, I toned it down a bit...but kept it large (I usually only ever wear one piece of jewelry at a time, and tend to gravitate towards a bold piece).

My own floral polymer clay focal in gray & terracotta & Jenni's lampwork bead hangs on a tree branch from my yard (fell during those nasty storms that affected almost the entire east coast) that has been dried, painted, sealed and drilled. I added the hand forged chain and clasp from my soup. I've already worn this and received LOTS of compliments!

And a simple pair of copper/lampwork earrings:

I had a bracelet put together that used the remaining lampwork, but I just wasn't happy with it, and took it apart last night...it just didn't do Jenni's beads any justice!!

So, that wraps up my BSBP reveal. As always, it was so much fun! Thank you Lori for all the hard work and attention to detail a swap of this size entails!!

Now, run along and check out all of the other participants in the 2nd reveal!!

Hostess, Lori Anderson, Pretty Things

Adlinah Kamsir, Dream Struck Designs

Adrienn Lukacs, Raszputyin Designs

Agata Grygiel, Cytherea Bijoux

Alenka Obid, Pepita Handmade

Amy Dickerson, Damyjo Designs

Amy Schmidt, Amy's Treasure

Amy Severino, Amy Beads

Ana Krepel, Cat's Pajamas, Dog's Tuxedos

Andra Weber, Andra's Joyful Journey

Andrea Trank, Heaven Lane Creations

Anke Humpert, Anart Island Studios

Ann Rishell, My Critical Eye

April Grinaway, Brooklyn Bead Goddess

Ashley Bunting, Miss Ashely Kate

Astrid Boyce, Astrid Boyce Beads

B.R. Kuhlman, Mixed Mayhem Studios

Barb Fernald, Barbara S. Fernald Jewelry

Barbe Saint John, Saints and Sinners

Beata Benkone Meggyesi, Beahobbi

Brandy McNair, Bella Vita Handmade Jewelry

Bryna Lumb, Bryna's Bead Box

Carmen Lau, Little Maketto

Cate van Alphen, Fulgorine

Cathie Carroll, Cathie Carroll's Studio

Cathy Khoury, Touch Jewelry

Christina Stofmeel, Feng Beads

Collette Collins, Fire Fly Myst Artisan Jewelry

Courtney Breul, Beads by Breul

Crystal Thain, Here Bead Dragons

Cynthia Abner, Created Treasures

Deana Hager, Just Deez'Art & Life

Debbie Davis, Natural Treasures by Deb

Debbie Phenes, Deb Joy Sing

Debbie Rasmussen, A Little of This, A Little of That

Dhea Powers, Java Bead

Diana Welte, Lilyweeds

Dita Basu, alankarshilpa

Dorota Zeranska, gdymamczas

Dot Lewallwn, Speedie Beadie

Eleanor Snare, The Magic Square Foundation

Elisabeth Auld, Beads For Busy Gals

Ema Kilroy, Ema K Designs

Emma Todd, A Polymer Penchant

Eva Sherman, Eva Sherman Designs

Evie and Beth McCord, EB Bead and Metal Works

Francy Inman, Francy's Studio

Ginger Bishop, lilmummy likes...

Giorgia Rossini, Jo in Wonderland

Ine Vande Cappelle, Jewels by Ine

Iveth Caruso, Creative Atelier

JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions

Jackie Ryan, Kydo Jewellery

Jeannie Dukic, Jeannie's Blog

Jelveh Jaferian, Jelveh Designs

Jenna Tomalka, Twin Birch Studio

Jenni Connolly, Jenni's Beads

Jennifer Van Horn, Jennifers Jewels and Junk

Jo-Ann Woolverton, It's a Beadiful Creation

Johanna Rhodes-Nash, Fire Phoenix Creations

Joyce Blair, Bent Wire West Coast

JuLee Wolfe, The Polymer Penguin

Karen Vincent, Swallow Tail Jewellery

Karin Slaton, Backstory Beads

Kayla Potega, The Eclectic Element

Kim Dworak, CianciBlue

Krafty Max, Krafty Max Originals

Kris Lanae Binsfeld, Cherish Designs by Kris Lanae

Kristen Latimer, MJM Jewelry Designs

Kumi Fisher, Malie Kai Designs

Kym Hunter, Kym Hunter Designs

Lennis Carrier, Windbent

Leslie Wayment, AA Beads & More

Linda Florian, Lilys of the Valley Jewelry Creations

Linda Murphy, Bonita Bead

Lisa Johnson, Whimsey Wonders

Lisa Lodge, Pine Ridge Treasures

Lisa Sittniewski, Love, Yesterdays

Lois Moon, Que Onda, Q'Town?

Lola Surwillo, Bead Lola Bead

Lorelei Eurto, Lorelei's Blog

Lori Bowring Michaud, Artfully Ornamental

Lori Callahan, Dancing Wire and Beads by Lori

Lori Finney, Using My Beads

Marcia Dunne, The Alternative Foundry

Margareta Saari, Mags-koruja

Maria Horvath, Horimarika Beads

Marian Hertzog, M's Place

Mary Ellen Parker, BeeTree by m.e.

Mary K McGraw, MK's Creative Musings

MaryLou Holvenstot, time2cre8

Martha Aleo, Ornamento

Maybeline Tay, The Jewelry Larder

Megan Collins, Churchy & Her Sailor

Melissa Meman, Art. Life. Love.

Melissa Mesara, One-Eared Pig Beads

Melissa Muir, Kelsi's Closet Jewelbox

Paige Maxim, Paige Maxim Designs

Pam DeBoer, Purple Notes from the Studio

Pam Farren, re-maker

Pam Hurst, Pam Hurst Designs

Patricia Handschuh, The Color of Dreams

Patty Miller, CabariBeads

Penney Klapoth, Faerie Acres

Regina Santerre, Regina's Writings

Rhea Freitag, starrgazer creates

Rochelle Brisson, A Creative Chelle

Sabine Dittrich, PerlenDschungel

Sandra McGriff, Creative Chaos

Sandra Neights, Petalo Azul

Sandra Young, It's a Bead Life!

Sara Oehler, SoftFlex Girl

Saturday Sequins, Saturday Sequins

Shanti Johnson, Sunshine Bliss

Shari Replogle, Plays With Paper

Sonya Stille, Dreamin' of Beads

Stefanie Teufel, Stefanies Sammelsurium

Tammie Everly, TTE Designs

Tania Spivey, Moobie Grace Designs

Tanya Wiles, Tenebrous Hollow Studio

Therese Frank, Therese's Treasures

Tina Holden, Polymer Clay Bytes!

Toltec Jewels, Jewel School Friends

Tracey Nanstad, A Beadiful Mess

Tracy Choy, BumbleBeads Designs

Valerie Norton, Hot Art

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

The Next Stop On The Art Bead Love Tour Is...

Next Stop on The Art Bead Love Tour is...

SUBURBAN GIRL STUDIO!!!!!

Congratulations Diana!!!!

Monday, July 30, 2012

Remember When...

It's almost that day...AGAIN!!!

How can one date on the calendar invoke so many emotions?

I'd never felt contentment and peace until July 31st, and yet exactly a year later I never knew just how much a heart could break.

I gained a best friend, and lost one...all on the same wretched date.

Our Wedding Song - Remember When - Alan Jackson

I never realized how true the words were...

Most days, I just wish I could completely erase this date from the calendar forever, July should only have 30 days! But in the end I know it wouldn't change the outcome. I've realized everything truly is balanced in life.

For every laugh, there's ultimately a tear that's yet to fall, and, for every moment of happiness, there is tragedy waiting just around the bend.

It took me 30 years to learn a few things:

1. Don't let words and feelings go unspoken, you just might not have tomorrow (or another 5 minutes) to express them.

2. Give thank-yous, hugs, kisses. Apologize and forgive when needed, or you'll regret it for the rest of life (trust me on this).

3. Let your guard down and let those who care in every once in awhile, being tough doesn't get you anywhere (ok, I haven't learned this yet).

4. Leave behind more than you took from this world.

5. Life does go on. You may not like it, and it definitely will never be the same, and often you'll wonder how the world hasn't come to a screeching halt. Tomorrow the sun will rise...with or without your blessing.

6. But most importantly, just love. This world is too short for ugliness, arguing, cold shoulders and vindictive acts.

These are the lessons I've learned in the past 7 years...as much as I wasn't ready to learn most of them...

Happy 8th anniversary Christopher! - July 31st, 2004

Still missing you Momma! - April 9th, 1946 - July 31st, 2005

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Bead Soup Blog Party - 1st Reveal

*Looking to enter the Art Bead Love Tour? Click HERE!!

Today is the first reveal of Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Blog Party!!! Lori's "bead baby" has become SO huge the reveals have been broken down in to 3 groups!! Because Lori's awesome like that, and didn't want to leave anyone out! Really. She's a doll on SO many levels!

Just remember to come back August 11th for my reveal...where my husband's comments included (but are not limited to) "Are you freaking serious?" "Remind me to walk 10 paces behind you when you wear that!" "Baby (he NEVER uses my name), are you frustrated with life in general?" I got a little "creative"...the same old, same old...just gets old!!