Moobie Grace Designs

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Memories and Thanks Blog Hop

As usual, Lori Anderson of Pretty Things, organized not only a hop to bring us all together and enjoy each other's creativity, but also one with meaning, wrapped in love, and memories. For myself, the predictable tribute would be for my Mom, but I decided that was too easy, it didn't challenge me (been there/done that) and that I needed to dig deeper...

I drew a blank until Thursday morning. I had nada! No ideas, no plan of action, and no more time to "think on it." About that time in walked my 11 year old, demanding we get started on the day's lessons...what kid does that? Yes, that is when the good ol' proverbial light bulb went off!

She faces obstacles that definitely aren't noticeable by looking at her, or even after talking to her...they are hidden...like so many other learning disabilities, yet still affect her every second of every day. Her Dyslexia doesn't by any means define who she is, but rather forces her to try harder, view things in a different light, not to judge anyone/anything by what she sees, to look deeper within to herself to find a way that makes sense, and has a wisdom that I can't seem to fathom....things that SO many of us should learn to do! Disability? Or is it a gift that few us of can ever obtain??

Moobie Grace - December 2012. She was so proud of her "ugly" shell.

"Because if you scrape off the bumps, it looks like a rainbow!" While

she struggles with many things, I'm proud that she can see deeper than

what's on the surface!

So, I set out on a mission to create a tribute-worthy piece. It was only logical to let Grace pick out a few of the elements....okay, most of the materials! They may not make sense to you or I, but that is entirely the point! Because, try as I may, I know I will never understand what she faces, how she feels on a daily basis, or how her mind learns. What I can compare the LD to is trying to read/write in a different language every day, and nobody else having a problem doing so, and no one being able to explain the logistics...makes you think, doesn't it?

"She Believed She Could, So She Did" - Necklace

Let me break down the symbolism of each element:

Copper spirals and wavy spikes because that's how words sometimes appear to her (these were my choices in the piece).

The Labradorite & lampwork Grace picked because "everyone sees things differently."

Green jade/pearls because that's her favorite color.

The Czech glass flowers she chose because she said "I'm still pretty even though I have a LD...and so is everyone else!"

The leather dragonfly she wanted to add "because I can do anything except fly!"

The silk ribbon simply because she liked it!

* She also wanted me to tell everyone that it has three dangle charms "because it takes me at least three times to read something for it to make sense!" < Got to love a kid who can giggle and joke about their biggest challenges in life! And, that she wasn't too happy that I didn't have a mountain or a hiking bead/charm because that's what she loves to do, and does it well, I might add!

I used to raise my fist and curse the universe for dealing her such a crappy hand in life. I don't anymore. There are times when we're both so frustrated with homeschooling that the only plausible thing to do is go eat ice-cream (so we do), but there are also those triumphs that I'm that I'm blessed to be able to be a part of!

These days while I have my moments, I'm almost thankful for the Dyslexia (but not the stigma/bullying/narrow minds)...it's a hard road, but it has opened my eyes to things I was blind to before, and I thank God that Grace never has had that "blindness."

Thanks for stopping by, please take a moment to check out the other participants in the hop!!

Hostess, Lori Anderson Pretty Things

Adlinah Kamsir Dream Struck Designs

Aimee Biondolillo Aimee's Jewelry Treasures

Alicia Marinache                 All the Pretty Things
Andra Marasteanu               Handmade by Indra Marasteanu
Andrea Trank                      Heaven Lane Creations
April Grinaway                   Brooklyn Bead Goddess

Barb Solem Vivi Magoo Presents

Becky Pancake Becky Pancake Bead Designs

Beth Emery Stories by Indigo Heart

Bonnie Coursolle Jasper's Gems

Cassi Paslick Beads: Rolling Downhill

Catherine King Catherine's Musings

Cece Cormier The Beading Yogini

Chandra Leitz Juniper Goods

Charissa Nesler FireStorm Designs
Charlie Jacka Clay Space

Christina Hickman Vintage Treasures Jewelry

Christine Murrow Charis Designs Jewelry
Christine Stonefield Sweet Girl Design

Chrizette Bayman Bead Soup Mix

Cindy Wilson It's My Sea of Dreams

CJ Bauschka 4 His Glory Creations by CJ

Crystal Thain Here Bead Dragons

Cyndi Lavin Beading Arts

Debbie Rasmussen A little of this, a little of that

Denielle Hagerman Some Beads... and other things I like
Diana Gonzalez Arte y Poemas

Diane Hawkey diane hawkey

Dita Basu ankarshilpa

Donetta Farrington Simply Gorgeous

Dyanne Everett-Cantrell Deeliteful Jewelry Creations

Emma Todd A Polymer Penchant

Erin Kenny beadiful therapy

Erin Prais-Hintz Treasures Found

Gina Hockett Freestyle Elements

Gloria Allen Innovative Dreams Jewelry

Heather Marston CSW Designs

Inge von Roos Inge's Blog

Iveth Caruso Creative Atelier

Jacqueline Marchant Fiddledeedee Jewelry

Jami Shipp Celebrating Life!

Jean Yates Snap Out of it Jean, There's Beading to Do!

Jennifer Reno Musings of a Crafty Jenny
Jenny Robledo Peppa's Dream

Jennifer VanBenschoten Jewelry, Art and Life
Jessica Klaaren Cellar Door Jewelry

Jessica Murray Whimsical Monkey

Joan Williams lilruby jewelry

Jo-Ann Woolverton It's a Beadiful Creation

Joanne Browne josjewels1

Jodie Marshall Jodie Marshall Lampwork Beads Wearable Art

Johanna Rhodes Fire Phoenix Creations
John Rasmussen Rasumussen Gems and Jewelry LLC

JuLee Wolfe The Polymer Penguin

Julie Bean Blue Pig Blog

Karen Mitchell Over the Moon Designs

Karin King The Sparklie Things Blog
Karin Slaton Backstory Beads

Kat Douglas Washoe Kat's
Kay Bolton Toodles and Binks

Kelly Hosford Patterson The Traveling SideShow

Kim Ballor Vitamin C ... A Daily Does of Creativity

Kim Dworak CianciBlue

Kim Houston The Pink Martini
Kym Hunter Kym Hunter Designs

Laren Dee Barton Laren Dee Designs

Lea Avroch LA Jewelry Designs

Leanne Loftus First Impression Design

Liddy McLaughlin Liddy McLaughlin Art

Linda Florian Lily's of the Valley Jewelry & Creative Creations

Linda Inhelder Must-Haves Jewelry

Lisa Hamilton Simply Irresistable Jewelry
Lisa Suver Fancee That

Lori Bowring Michaud Artfully Ornamental

Lori Poppe Adventures in Creativity with Lorillijean

LouAnn Elwell Southpass Beads

Mandi Effron Craft-o-licious

Marcia DeCoster MadDesigns

Marcia Dunne The Alternative Foundry

Marie Covert Creating Interest

Marjorie Savill Linthwaite bennubirdrising

Marlene Cupo Amazing Designs by Marlene

Martha Aleo Ornamento

Marti Conrad Marti's Buttons -n- Beads

Mary Ellen Parker BeeTree by m.e.

Mary Govaars MLH Jewelry Designs

Mary Lindell Mary Lindell Artisan Jewelry

Maureen Connolly Mrs Beadsley's Workshop

Maybeline Tay The Jewelry Larder

Melissa Elgin The Addicted Beader

Melissa Mesara one-eared pig beads

Menka Gupta Menka's Jewelry

Michaela Pabeschitz la mar de bonita

Mischelle Fanucchi Micheladas Musings

Mona Rae Baroody Who Does She Bead She Is?

Nan Emmett Spirit Rattles -- Spirited Earth

Nancy Pedersen Something Heartfelt by Nancy

Natalie Davidson NorthShore Days
Nikki Douglas Bead It and Weep

Pam Farren re-maker

Pam, the Crazier Sister The Crazy Creative Corner

Pam Traub    Klassy Joolz
Priya Krish   Hellopalz
Rebecca Anderson               Song Beads

Rebecca Sirevaag Becca's Place

Robin Kae Reed Artistry HCBD

Rochelle Brisson a creative chelle

Rosa Maria Cuevas Helena de Troya

Sabine Dittrich perlendschungel

Sandi Volpe Sandi Volpe

Sandra McGriff Creative Chaos

Sarah Goode Pookledo
Sarah Singer String a Song of Sixpence

Serena Trent All Things Made Jewelry

Shai Williams Shaiha's Ramblings
Sharon Palac Sharon's Jewelry Garden

Sharyl McMillian-Nelson Sharyl's Jewelry & Reflections

Sheila Davis Stone Designs

Shelley Graham Turner Fabric of My Life

Sherri Stokey Knot Just Macrame

Sherry Baun Unicorns Jewels

Skylar Bre'z Brising Beads

Stephanie Haussler Pixybug Designs

Tania Spivey Moobie Grace Designs

Terri G. Blooming Ideas

Terry Carter Tapping Flamingo

Terry Matuszyk Pink Chapeau Vintage Jewelry

Toltec Jewels Jewel School Friends
Tracy Kruse Goldkisses Art

Tracy Martin Nutkitten's Jewelry

Zia Parks Anzi~Panzi's Work Shoppe

Zoe Marcin Beads, Tea and Sweets

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!!