Friday, February 06, 2009

Cute little alien?

***Edited to add photos of my grandson receiving his little gift*** (see below)



My grandson's birthday is this weekend, he's turning 8 years old. He is the one family member (other than the mister) that takes an active interest in my bead work. When he visits, his first stop is usually my bead station to check out my latest creations. He will examine each piece, front and back and openly shares his thoughts. I thoroughly enjoy each and every exchange.

So, a few weeks ago, I was at his house and he brought out this little plush toy. And said, "Grandma, I thought you might like to bead this." It about melted my heart. The fact that he looked at something and thought about me and beads brings me great joy.

With his birthday coming up, it provided the perfect opportunity (and inspiration) to add beads.



This little guy is about 2 1/2 inches tall. I opened him up at the bottom and added as much stuffing as I could manage and sewed him back up before I went through my bead stash throwing in whatever I thought might work.

I added an orange Swarovski margarita bead for one of the eyes and a single 15/0 bead for the other. The little sash thing across his body is wonderful tiny vintage sequins held in place by lime green size 15/0 beads on the front and turquoise charlottes on the back. The turquoise beads on the front and used in the spiral on the back of his head are size 11/0 true cuts. I could not resist adding the little glass sneakers. All photos are clickable for a larger view.



A special little alien for an exceptional little boy. This grandma couldn't be happier!



24 comments:

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

HI
Your grandson sounds like my youngest grandson who is also so very thoughtful and interested in my projects. What special guys they are.

This little alien was a perfect project. Does your grandson ever bead? I taught mine how to crochet when he was about 6.

Amazing how a child can make our world, isn't it.

Dulcey said...

That is GREAT! What a great kid, and kudos to you for making him something to treasure.

*~tabby~* crooked heart art said...

hi grace
what a wonderful heart warming piece-your grandson sounds like a wonderful boy and has a fantastic grandma!!
as always thanks for sharing grace
enjoy your day
x's & o's :)

abeadlady said...

Sounds like your little guy takes after his Grandma. There is no joy like a grandchild. What a good eye he has. Great project.

Arline

Quilter Kathy said...

HI Grace
Just stopped by to say hello and see what beautiful treasures you are creating! Thanks for the inspiration! Your grandson is a gem...hope he enjoys his special gift!

Timaree said...

He's going to be very happy with what his Grandma made for him. It's not easy finding things guys will like but it doesn't mean they don't want something beaded.

pam T said...

This is adorable, Grace! How special of a little guy like that, picking out something for his Grandma to bead? precious!

KV said...

You are the best grandma ever!!!


Kathy V in NM

Doris said...

This is absolutely the cutest little alien I have ever seen. And your grandson sounds like a very special little boy. How fun to have somebody like him to share your art with.

Denise said...

So cool to realize that he knows you can bead anything!!! Love the little dude! Take a picture of his face when he sees it - I'm sure it will be priceless.
Thanks for sharing.
Cheers, Denise

beadbabe49 said...

aw...it's a great piece and a wonderful story...what a good relationship you have with your grandson!

Dot said...

This is a beautiful post Grace. I loved reading it and can tell you ; and your grandson hasve a beautiful relationship.

I think that is so cool that he is interested in your beading.

And your beaded alien is gorgeous (love him).

Dot xx

Padparadscha said...

Wow, that's a sweet request from your grandson, and I love how you beaded that alien !

Pursuing Art... said...

Ah, Grace...how sweet is that...it would melt my heart too!!! The fact that he is just turning 8 yrs old and is interested and likes what you bead...is so cool. For him to spot this and think of you is awesome!

What a pleasure to bead this just for him. He is SO cute and a little mini-version of all the softies! The colors are perfect (so apropos for an alien), love the eyes and those sneakers! It is absolutely ADORABLE and makes me smile! I just know he smiled 'big time' too and will love and treasure it!

You are such a special Grandma, Grace!!!

Hugs my friend...~Lisa

Robyn Coburn Writer/Artist said...

How delightful, and it worked out so well too.
Thanks for visiting Dolls:Crafting and Costuming and turning me on to a bunch of new blogs to explore.

best wishes,
Robyn C.

girlgonethreadwild said...

Grace,

on the road still, but had to chime in.. this lil alien captured my heart .. OUT OF THIS WORLD fab-you-lous!!!

He'll treasure this always.

xo, me :)

Cathie said...

Oooooh Grace. In our lifetime - we only get but a handful of moments that stop our heart and make us feel, way down deep. THAT I'm sure was one of those moments - when someone you hold so dear - unbknownst even to him, probably - recognized you and your talents in such a heartfelt and touching way. All I can say is, "Awwwwwwwwww." XO

Ellen said...

What a delightful wee man he looks a lot like his grandmama - the doll is adorable too

Anonymous said...

I bet u are the bestest nanna in the world,in the eyes of one little man. Your alien is a little treasure.

Carolee said...

What a great gift - truly adorable!

Just dropping by to tell you you won my little star box offering for the One World, One Heart giveaway. Shoot me an email at carolee@kingofmice.com with your snail mail address and I'll get this on it's way to you. :)

Thanks so much!
~ Carolee

Beth said...

Hi,
I am going back and visiting the blogs from OWOH and I just wanted to say that I think your beading is very beautiful! And so cool what you did for your grandson. I know he will treasure it.
xoxooxoxox

The Lone Beader® said...

That is awesome! I plan on making an alien (and some robots) in the future, too! Guess I'm just a big kid!

Unknown said...

You are incredible! I love all that beading.....Melinda

GraceBeading said...

Thank you so much for all the comments and kind words my heart is smiling.

Carol - he has not yet tried his hand at beading, I'll be right here to encourage him if/when that day comes!

Leaves of Grass

This is what you shall do: Love the earth and sun and the animals, despise riches, give alms to every one that asks, stand up for the stupid and crazy, devote your income and labor to others, hate tyrants, argue not concerning God, have patience and indulgence toward the people, take off your hat to nothing known or unknown or to any man or number of men, go freely with powerful uneducated persons and with the young and with the mothers of families, read these leaves in the open air every season of every year of your life, re-examine all you have been told at school or church or in any book, dismiss whatever insults your own soul, and your very flesh shall be a great poem and have the richest fluency not only in its words but in the silent lines of its lips and face and between the lashes of your eyes and in every motion and joint of your body - Walt Whitman