TBT210

NEW CUPDADDLYDCINOLGLTECOTNIO’SN FCRHOAMRCITHYARBLIAE UBEBALRESS £4.50 $8.50 April/Mayteddytibmees arteddybeartimes.com PRIZE-WINNING PATTERN FOR YOU TO MAKE OLD BEARS Restoration or conservation?ISSUE 210 STEIFF Bear award winners Celebrate110 years of the bears with the buttons in their ears

teddytimbees arcontentsIssue 210 - April/May 2014Editor: Jill Mundy 4 Teddy TalkEmail: [email protected] Bear news near and farAssistant Editor US: Lauren NielsenEmail: [email protected] 6 Button it! 8Advertisement sales: The story of the SteiffUK office: Maria Fitzgerald button in earEmail: [email protected] office: Sara Vix Creature comforts fromEmail: [email protected] Charlie BearsDesign: Wendy Crosthwaite Meet the characters in the brand new collection 12 Working for teddy bearsSubscriptions: Find out why Thelma Craghead of TC FolkUK: [email protected] Originals loves her bear businessUS: [email protected] 16 Welcome to the bear room A drizzly Saturday afternoon wasContributors: responsible for Beary Special BearsAndy West, Julie Shepherd, Monica Spicer, 20 Brewins’ Bruins NTBAASylvia Young, Sue Quinn, Joanne McDonald, Photographic AwardsAmanda Middleditch and Julie Tatchell Once again, the competition proved extremely popular 22 Bear with a story to tellPublished by ashdown.co.uk A lost bear’s story inspired aISSN 0961 - 0944 beautiful paintingDistributed to the news trade by Comag. 24 Animal inspirations into Little Bittie BearsTo reach us: Michelle Nunnery gains inspiration fromCall us on +44 (0) 1903 884988 the great animal kingdomOr write to: The Editor, Teddy Bear Times,Unit 5E, Park Farm, Chichester Road, 28 Vectis April sale bringsArundel, West Sussex, BN18 0AG showers of bears…Email: [email protected] The forthcoming April sale has something forFax: +44 (0) 1903 885514 every bear collector, whatever your preferenceInternet address: www.teddybeartimes.com 31 Bears of the forestUS office: Ashdown Inc., 68132 250th Avenue, Lynn Clapham’s passion is clear when it comesKasson, MN 55944, USA.Tel: 507 634 3143 to making her Brimbin Forest BearsEmail: us [email protected] 36 Lets have a pic-nicSubscription rates: Pass the sandwiches and meet Nicole1 year (6 issues)UK £34.50; US $66; ROW £49 Woodward of Pic-Nic-BearsiMAG £43Add the iMag Digital Library to yoursubscription for only an extra £32 per year.Postmaster: Send address corrections to Ashdown Inc,68132 250th Avenue, Kasson, MN 55944, USA. CanadaPost International Publications Mail - Sales Agreement No.546038.All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part withoutthe written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Alleditorial contributions in the form of articles, letters andphotographs (b/w or colour print or transparencies) arewelcomed by Teddy Bear Times but cannot be returnedunless accompanied by a stamped addressed envelope.In any event the publisher can accept no responsibility forloss or damage to contributions. Material is accepted solelyon the basis that the author accepts the assessment of thePublisher as to its commercial value.All material submitted to the magazine for publicationin whatever form is accepted solely on the basis thatcopyright in the work will be vested in the publisher whoassumes all rights worldwide, in all forms and in all media.© copyright ashdown.co.uk

40 Telford Teddy Bear welcome & Doll Parade 2014 A look ahead to Springtime and Christmas I LOVE springtime...the flowers and catkins, the lambs with Telford Teddy & Doll Parade in the fields here at the farm and of course the days are longer and (we hope!) warmer. It’s time to dust off the42 Dear Julie barbecue and even start thinking about a picnic or two. Resident expert Julie Shepherd solves your bear making dilemmas That thought leads me nicely to our pattern this issue which comes from Nicole Woodward of Pic-Nic-44 The Teddy Bear Museum Bears. Rosie the elephant is her award winning entry A new online museum gives the opportunity for the Pudsey’s Friend competition run by Bruins’ to share your collection of teddy bears Brewins, (featured in TBT 209). You can read all about Nicole’s journey into making bears and other creatures47 Restoration project on page 36. Creating a new bear or restoring a precious one? Decisions, decisions for Elaine Hirst of edenbears Many of you may remember the story of the little bear found abandoned at Bristol airport in 2012 with52 A change of heart just a photo of some children and a touching message Talented bear maker Anke Komorowski advises never on the back of it. Airport staff have worked tirelessly to to dismiss something unless you’ve given it a try search for the bear’s owner and happily they will now been reunited. Artist Sandra Busby found the story55 Don’t put all your eggs irresistible and has captured the soul of the story in in one basket! a painting. She shares her side of the adventure with Little crocheted baskets perfect for TBT. a big egg hunt this Easter We would love to hear your story if you or your56 TOBY Awards line up bears have had a wonderful adventure. Maybe you own Find out who got the a special bear that was abandoned somewhere waiting votes in 2014 for you to rescue him; or perhaps you have lost a bear too and then been reunited. Why not send me some58 Bear With Me photos and tell me a bit about your adventures? It’s always good to hear there is a new bear shop in town And if you make your own version of Rosie, I’d love to see a photo of her too. Email [email protected] or60 A balancing act of care post it on our facebook page. Julie and Amanda try to discover how best their work should be described Jill62 When old becomes new 68 Rosie the baby Asian elephant Karen Brady’s love of antiques shines Nicole Woodward offers TBT readers the through in her “old” teddy bears chance to recreate Rosie the elephant65 Bear mail 74 All the fun of the fair A reader’s story ends One Hampshire town gets ready for the with a challenge 2014 Alton Teddy Bear Festival66 Diary of a Bear Artist Andy finds himself blushing when trying to get at the bare facts Cover photo: Frappe by Helen Gleeson, Bare Cub Designs

teddyTALK ■ If you have any news that you would like included in Teddy Talk please contact us by email: [email protected] or by writing to Teddy Talk TBT, Unit 5E, Park Farm, Chichester Road, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 0AGBears and a spa - all New teddy bear fair from Dolly’s Daydreamsin one weekend! WIN DOLLY’S DAYDREAMS have added aWin a fantastic VIP package to the Great brand new venue this year for Teddy BearYorkshire Teddy Bear Event Spring Fest 2014 exhibitors - on Easter Sunday 20 April at the internationally acclaimed NewarkTHE GREAT Yorkshire Teddy Bear Event has Showground, Lincoln Road, Newark,teamed up with the Sheffield Hilton Hotel Nottinghamshire NG24 2NY (very close tofor a chance to win a VIP package including the A1/A46/A17 junction). This inauguralearly entry into the Show which takes place event will take place in The Cedric Fordon 18th May 2014. Pavilion, overlooking the Main Events Ring and the fair will be open from 10.30am to Simply buy your entry tickets online at 4pm.www.thegreatyorkshireteddybearevent.co.ukand you will automatically be entered into the The venue is on the ground floor, withprize draw. level access and there’s ample free park- ing on site and in-house catering. Look for The Lucky Winner will be treated like a the AA signs posted on all major approachVIP with overnight luxury accommodation for roads.two at the Hilton Hotel Sheffield with break-fast, dinner on Saturday night, full use of the Also for your diary, Dolly’s Daydreamsfantastic on site leisure club with a spa treat- have two other dates in 2014 of interestment and early entry into the show. to teddy bear enthusiasts. Sunday 20 July and Sunday 26 October at Kelham Hall With over 50 exhibitors offering fantastic & Country Park, Kelham, near Newark inartist bears, antique bears, specialist teddy Nottinghamshire NG23 5QX, on the A617bear shops, teddy bear jewellery and more to Mansfield.you are certain to have a fantastic weekend. Now in its 20th year, the Kelham Hall At only £3.50 per ticket - What are you Triple features teddy bear exhibitors inwaiting for!!........ Good Luck The Carriage Court and The Gilbert Scott Wing. Open to the public from 10.30am to 4pm, there is ample free parking on site and the new restaurant is open all day. Mbeaadrsabout making THE RECENT bear making course held in The Barony, hub of Craft Town Scotland, in West Kilbride was organised by Lynn Bowie of Madabout Bears and taught by her sister, Ali Morton of the Toby award winning “Brodie Bears.” It was a great success, thoroughly enjoyed by all who took part and more courses are planned for the future. Lynn will also be running smaller classes from her studio, also in West Kilbride. Madabout awards Lynn is also thrilled to share some news with TBT read- ers: “I am over the moon to have received not one but two Toby Industry Choice Awards this year with ‘Pola’ and ‘Serendipity’. Now fingers are crossed for the Public’s Choice Awards, to be voted on later this year.”4 teddybeartimes.com

TEDDY TALKSmall is beautiful Bear Bits going for goldWE COULDN’T resist sharing these JEAN AND Bill Ashburner of an international panel at Teddyimages from Helen Gleeson of Bare Bear Bits are delighted that Baer Total at the end of April. FullCub Designs. Frappe was a winner their entry in the Golden George details of the Golden Georgein the recent TOBY Industry Choice Awards 2014 ‘Nature Bears’ Awards can be found on theAwards. Helen said: “I thought I would Class has been nominated as Teddy Baer Total website.send in a couple of photos of the mak- one of the top three entries.ing of tiny Frappe; he might not look They are keen to repeat their Jean said: “The Goldensmall but he sure is - more fluff than success of 2013 when they won George Awards are held in highanything else...” with their bear ‘Peter’. esteem by bear makers because, although the first round is from Frappe is entirely hand-sewn and This year, competitors were photographs, the final decisionsfully lined for strength, from reclaimed allowed to enter a pair of bears are made by an internationalvintage furs. Helen’s cubs have been so the Bear Bits’ entry, entitled panel of judges (some of whoextensively scissor sculpted to bring ‘Polar Moon’ featured a moon are excellent bear makers) whoout those signature style fluffy cheeks. bear and a polar. The polar was do actually inspect each of the the very same bear that TBT fea- nominated entries.” I’m sure all Each cub takes many hours to cre- tured on the cover of issue 208. TBT readers wish Bear Bits theate. They are gently filled with Majestic best of luck in the judging.Merino wool noil and steel shot for All entries will be judged byweight.•You can see more from the TOBYawards on page 56. Bear hunt JUST FOR a bit of fun, we havehidden this picture of a little bear some-where on one of the pages in this issue.Don’t forget to hunt for it while you arereading your favourite magazine. Answerwill be printed next time!Last issue we hid it on page 23. teddybeartimes.com 5

FEATURE Button it!After 110 years, the infamous Steiff button is underthreat. So what is the story of this icon? By Joanne McDonald, Vectis AuctionsOn Thursday 16th January this several hundred registered trademarks ing a blue painted shell, when they were year, the European Court worldwide covering the word ‘Steiff ’, thought to be using up old stock. Its many (EGC), the General Court ‘Button in Ear’, the button itself and tag manifestations have included the metal pin in Luxembourg rejected the which will all remain protected. We may having an underscored ‘f ’, the word Steiffapplication by Margarete Steiff GmbH see other companies attaching brand iden- in capitals, scripted letters, lentil shapedfor a ‘Positional Trademark’ which aimed tifiers to ears but none will have the other or flat, all these help determine a set timeto protect the characteristic button in inimitable Steiff marks. period of assembly.ear described as a ‘shiny or matt button’.The General Court ruled that trademark When the jointed teddy bear was Other manufacturers have also usedprotection could not be granted as launched in 1903 it did not have a but- small protrusions as branding; Bing,buttoning the label to the ear of a bear or ton or other insignia. The metal popper F.A.D.A.P, Pintel, Hermann, Petz, Mutzliother soft toy ‘lacks distinctive character’ which depicted an elephant, followed in in and Steevans to mention a few, althoughand does not in itself enable average these have been mainly located on thecustomers to recognise the product’s 1904 when Franz Steiff came up with body.origin. the idea to prevent counterfeits being passed off as being created in the In the late 1920s and 1930s British What will this mean to our beloved famous Giengen workshop. manufacturers Chad Valley, followed bySteiff products? In real terms you will Merrythought, both used studs in thenot notice any change to Steiff as the case The primary bruin to carry the ears of teddy bears. It is thought problemscentred on the specific way a trademark is symbol was model ‘Teddy Bear 5328’. with Steiff over the button patent saw bothsituated on a product and Steiff applied to the Patent Office who companies cease to use them. Those usednot the mark itself. Steiff refused the patent for the button. Ever by Chad Valley and Merrythought werehave a huge portfolio of tenacious, Steiff took the case to court metal rivets covered with printed celluloid who accepted the application on the 20th in blue, white or yellow. Being brittle, the December 1904 and saw it legally protect- celluloid often flakes away leaving a ‘blank ed from the 15th May 1905 onwards. button’. Many an over excited owner has Whilst the button has remained a mistaken their British 1930’s bruin for constant, the size and design has altered an ‘early, rare’ and highly valuable Steiff over the years and this can be an invalu- blank button ted. able indicator of age. Directly after the elephant came a blank button utilised in The positioning of the Steiff stud may 1904 to 1905 holding a white cloth label have been deemed to be ‘not exceptional’ behind. Steiff again resorted to these blank by the EGC but Steiff aficionados world- buttons in 1948 – 1950, with some hav- wide know unique design and quality when they see it, with or without a trade- mark! In this, the 110th anniversary year since the Steiff ‘Knopf im Ohr’ was introduced, Steiff will no doubt be ‘marking’ the occa- sion and as regard the ruling, they are tak- ing further steps. TBT • [email protected] teddybeartimes.com

www.teddybear-museum.co.uk Teddy bears from 1900 to 1950s An on-line resource for collectors to compare their teddy bears to others Teddy bears with no identification mark or label are classed as “similar to” We would love to showcase your bears so that others can see them We have some lovely visitors already!If you would like to have your teddies for sale at nocharge please get in touch. Contact [email protected]

new collectionCcrheaartulriee cBoemarfosrts fromEveryone needs a good friend and those CharlieBears are no exception. Meet the characters inthe brand new collection By William MorrisJanuary is always a very sad time club as I wasn’t allowed any pets. Initially CAVEY at the Bearhouse in Cornwall I got all our neighbours to bring their with so many of our favourite pets round to my house. Mum and Dad characters in to the collection. characters heading towards teddy eventually got so fed up of my constant The cover star this year of the 2014bear retirement in order to make way for nagging that they introduced Benji Thethe new collections coming through. Our Shetland sheepdog in to the family. The catalogue is Linus the Lion, one pet that Isadness is soon taken over in February Morris household today is not only full would love to have at home. He will takewith absolute excitement and anticipation of teddy bears but we also have two cats pride of place in anyone’s hug – I have toas we launch the brand new collection - George and Mia, three Cocker Spaniels say my favourite of the whole collectionof bears for our collectors to adore. But - Beau, Saskia and our most recent little this year to me; he is just perfect. With hishang on a minute - what about all these puppy Captain Puddlemaker (Puddle for long golden mane and wonderful expres-animals? short), not to mention an aviary full of sion this king of the jungle is a big softy birds and a pond full of fish, so it makes really. Charlie has always said that bears need perfect sense for us to introduce lots morecompanions and for years now she has cre- From lions to guinea pigs. Cavey isated a number of Polar and Panda bears, LINUS actually named after a very good friendeven Rabbits, Dogs and Cats but never of mine but up until now I had neverexperimented so much with different char- known that the name for guinea pigs is inacters until this year. After a year out on fact a Cavey and you can join the Caveythe road our collectors gave us so much club. This little fella was a delight to playfeedback as to what they would like to see around with the colours and with so manyin the collection and presented us both adoring fans of little Cavey, I am sure hewith a number of exciting challenges – we will have some brothers and sisters join uslove the bears but can we have some dif- at a later date.ferent animals as well? How about a lion,what about a badger? We even got asked No Charlie Bears collection would befor a guinea pig. truly complete without some bouncing bunnies as Charlie and I used to have So with all these ideas under our hat we a large family of lops and Netherlandstarted work and what fun we had. Hereat Charlie Bears we will never bring any- Dwarfs and what a lovely pair inthing out until we think the design Tangle and Picnic; with theiris perfect so quite a few designs wired ears and soft plush theydid get left on the shelf to be will melt your heart. Charlieworked on at a later date. Don’t says that Tangle has a realworry, they wont sit there forever, magical whispy look about himthey just need a little more va vavoom. Animals have always been veryimportant in my life and in fact asa youngster I had my very own animal8 teddybeartimes.com

new collectionTANGLE whereas Picnic is based around GORDON a hare with slightly harder fea-PICNIC: tures and longer limbs but justROXIE as soft. Rabbits have always proven extremely popular within our plush col- lection and are ideal as a guilt free treat at Easter. Not since Ronnie the Red panda, who was launched six years ago in 2008 and retired in 2010, have we attempted to bring out a sister/girlfriend for this little fella but then came along Roxie. It just goes to show that when you wish hard enough dreams do come true Ronnie! BANDIT whilst there we marvel in the many differ- ent animals – imagining them as a Charlie After a visit to Paignton Zoo, Bears character - so along came Bandit Charlie once again had pandas on the brain and we spent who stole our hearts. Based on a ring what seemed like an age with tail lemur and an absolute first for Charlie Bears we found it exciting and the Red Pandas watching challenging to create this cheeky chap how they moved and study- and in our eyes he is a perfect playmate ing their colours. The Red for any of your Charlie Bears collec- Panda was one of the most tion. We are sure that children highly requested characters and adult collectors alike to come out of retirement will soon be taken in by and we waited a while until Bandit’s charms. we got the look just right Having already intro- so that there was a clear duced Brock in difference between the two the mohair collection characters. we couldn’t As you can resist creat- probably guess ing another badger in the plush but we a trip to the wanted to do something a little different zoo is one of than the traditional black and white that our favourite we all associate with badgers in the wild. pastimes and So after searching on the internet we were thrilled to stumble across a collection of pictures of Golden Badgers which we thought would be perfect for our brand new character Gordon. Badgers often make an appearance in the field at the bottom of our garden which until recently we were completely unaware of until our neighbour called to tell us to have a look. We have just had a recent addition and the baby cub was quite visible for us to see. After missing a year of not having a giant standing bear in the collection we had to make up for it by bringing two heavily requested bears out at the same time. We have never done either a Panda or Polar bear in such a large size and we teddybeartimes.com 9

new collection wanted to celebrate this by making them TIGGS limited to just 1000 pieces world-IVORY wide of each. Standing at 31inches more of his secret collection friends. (77cms) you can really feel the pres- The secret collection may also appearINDIA ence of either of these two. After throughout the year in very limited num- launching at the Harrogate trade bers on www.charliebearsdirect.com. TBT10 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m show in July 2013 to our stockists, we realised we had oversold the limit by • For Further details please contact nearly two times and as such we had to Charlie Bears at The Bearhouse heavily allocate all our stockists to E: [email protected] make it fair for everyone world- Tel: 01566 777092 wide. So please keep a close look out as they may be as rare You can visit our website to as “hens teeth” check out the full collection or find The kitty cat collection your nearest stockist at has been created at Charlie www.charliebears.com Bears – Alley Cat has already made her debut on the QVC KORKY February show and a further little puss cat will be available through the best friends club in May as a collectors edition called Professor Pawsalot but just for now, feast your eyes on Tiggs. Loosely based on our own two cats Mia and George, he almost has a pantomime feel to his design with his bent playful paws and pink button nose. “Like most kittens he will require an awful lot of your time,” said Charlie, “and is currently in cuddle training at the Bearhouse.” Kennett, named so after our trip to the Kennet River Road in Australia to see Koalas in the wild, was launched in 2013 and was our very first Koala bear. After making only 3000 of this little character he did in fact retire within 12 months of his launch due to restrictions on plush and is one of the fastest selling bears within the Charlie Bears collection to date. As we know, so many collectors missed this little fella, who also made an appearance just recently on BBC’s EastEnders, we just had to bring out his little brother Korky, who we expect will be just as popular. All of the above characters including some more of their tra- ditional teddy bear friends from Charlie Bears will be making an appearance throughout the year across the world at our stockists so please keep an eye out. If you can’t get out or want to have a sneaky peak please don’t worry as you can just tune in to QVC The shopping chan- nel on 16th and 17th April where a certain Mr. Linus will be making his roaring debut appearance with me and a few

TheTeddy Bear Artist Event 2014 Sunday 15th June 2014 The Civic Hall, Stratford-Upon-Avon 14 Rother Street, CV37 6LU 11:00am - 4:00pm Entry for Adults: £3.00. Accompanied Children under 16: Free. ‘A Celebration of Bear Artistry’ Registered Charity Number 225971 A fabulous charity raffle in aid of the British Heart Foundation. Homemade refreshments. A wonderful display of the entries in the Exhibitors’ Challenge. Parking nearby, and within walking distance of the train station. An amazing collection of artist bears, all under one roof!!www.teddybearartistevent.co.uk t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 11

ARTIST PROFILEWorking forteddy bearsTeddy bear artist, Thelma Craghead of TC FolkOriginals loves her bear business for many reasons,but one in particular stands out above the rest By Lauren NielsenT eddy bears are our friends and created. “I was lucky enough to have my colours to what she has chosen. She uses a companions, but it is not often that sewing room remodelled earlier this year. variety of fabrics, but her favourite mate- they are our bosses. This, however, I now have beautiful matching white rial for bear making is medium-length, is the everyday reality of Thelma cabinets, a laminate wood floor, lovely softCraghead of TC Folk Originals. “I enjoy yellow walls, and all of my sewing tables average density mohair. While shethe pleasures of working for teddy bears,” are a nice blue. I can go into ‘bear land’ works, Thelma gains inspirationshe says. “They always seem to have a and get lost for hours!” she exclaims. This and instruction from her bears.smile and understand when you need a is where the magic happens in designing “As I am putting it all together, Ilittle more time to make something just her bears. start to see a finished bear in myright! Best bosses ever.” mind’s eye. As I work with the Thelma starts her work by selecting bear, he will tell me what he wants A newly remodelled workspace is the what colour and type of fabric she is in and needs,” she says.perfect place for Thelma’s bears to be the mood for, then adds other textures and As you might imagine, working for teddy bears requires a very spe- cific bear-making process. Thelma prefers to work on one bear at a time from start to finish instead of work- ing on several bears at once, as many other bear makers typically do. She has an entirely unique process of making her bears. “I do not make them in the conven- tional way of cutting a bear out completely, ABOVE: “Lucy and Anna Rags”, a little girl pushing her rag doll in a stroller. ABOVE LEFT INSET: “Molly Bakes a Cake”, features a bear holding a red bowl with chocolate cake batter in it and licking her wooden spoon. LEFT: Edward & Rosie – features a 13” boy bear and a 10” girl bear that went on a picnic together. Both are mohair.12 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

ARTIST PROFILEsewing him all together at once, and then sewing the body before attaching ABOVE: “Keeper of Keysstuffing him all at once,” Thelma shares. it to the already finished head. She and Grounds at Craghead“I start with the head, cut it out only, sew continues with each leg and each Hall” features Angus, a 14”it together, stuff it, make the eyes, nose, arm, attaching them to the body as mohair bear, and Fergie,mouth, and sculpt it through the stuffing they are completed. “At this point,” his trusty 5” mohair dog.in the open neck.” she says, “I can tell if the arms and RIGHT: A 19” mohair legs are in their proper places and Little League Baseball After she adds the disks and closes the are even on the body.” Bear with glove ball andhead, Thelma works on cutting out and bat. t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 13

ARTIST PROFILE ABOVE: Snow boys – features a 9” bear holding up his 7” brother, who is putting a hat on their snowman. Bears are free standing and balanced to hold each other up. They are both from sparse mohair. LEFT: “The Slingshot” features a 12” Japanese silk fur bear holding a slingshot. The last step in her process is stuffing and closing up the body. Thelma uses this specific process because it allows her to see the bear as it progresses. “I know if I need to make any changes to colours, accesso- ries or clothing as I go along. I also know what needs to be done to balance him while he is being completed so he will be able to stand on his own,” Thelma adds. All of Thelma’s bears are accompanied by stories about who they are and what they are doing. “These stories become part of the bear’s presentation. I like my bears to be able to perform everyday tasks,” she says. “As an example, if I say a bear is a golf player, then she will be able to stand by herself, hold and swing a handmade golf club, carry her handmade golf bag and have a handmade golf course to play on.” Thelma’s husband, Mike, also takes part in her teddy bear adventures. “Mike runs the websites, photographs the bears, and hand makes all of the wooden and metal accessories for the bears,” Thelma tells us. “But most significantly, he is very supportive and understands the bear world and its importance to me,” she adds. Mike and Thelma work together to make every- thing for the bears by hand, which is very important to both of them. Besides working for her bears, Thelma has a deep love for all crafts and tries to incorporate as many crafts as possible in her bear making. “Sometimes making the accessories and clothes is just as much14 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

ARTIST PROFILEfun as making the bear itself,” she states. TOP LEFT: “Stop and Smell the Roses”Thelma has several other hobbies besides features a 22” plush bear learning to enjoybear making. “I also love to paint, and if I life. He has a rose and a pair of glassesdon’t get to read for at least an hour every altered to fit his face.day, I feel cheated!” she adds. Alongside ABOVE LEFT: A 16” plush commissionedTC Folk Originals, Thelma also runs a bear playing golf.crafting website called Craft Tales that ABOVE: “The Sailor” features a 14” plushshe hopes to update with several new craft bear dressed as a sailor holding a boat.projects she has been developing. RIGHT: “Peter Bear’s Bed Time Story”, a 21” plush bear in pajamas waiting for There is nothing that is more reward- Christmas with a book, hot cocoa, & quilt.ing for Thelma than to work for her bears. He has open & close eyes.Thelma’s favourite part of making teddybears is “watching the little scraps of THEBEARfactsfabric that are sewn together and stuffedcome to life.” And for Thelma at TC TC Folk OriginalsFolk Originals, working for her bears by Created by “TC” Thelma Cragheadbringing them to life is the best job in the Website: www.tcfolk.comworld. TBT Email: [email protected] t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 15

FEATUREBwEeAlcRomReOOtoMtheHow a drizzly Saturday afternoonbecame responsible for a newbear making business By Maria Deaville-HarropBeary Special Bears are one of sit beautifully however you decide to dis- How it all began… a kind (OOAK) artist bears. play them. Like most people I had a bear as a Lovingly handmade, traditional style, jointed bears. As each bear is created they start to child. He was quite a large black bear Each Beary Special Bear has five move- take on a personality of their own and only called ‘Krischov’. I then had a Paddingtonable joints made with cotter pin joints, once they have received their eyes and Bear, that I still have today.beautiful glass eyes and a handmade poly- nose, do we actually know if they are malemer clay nose. or female. But it wasn’t until a dull and drizzly Saturday afternoon in November 2011, The most popular size is 12”-14”, All our bears come with a certificate after flicking through the TV channels foralthough we do make bears that go from of authenticity and proudly wear a token something to watch, that I ended up on6” to 22”. Most bears are weighted in around their neck in the form of a bell, the shopping channels. They were show-their bottoms/tummy and feet, so that they key, bow, scarf, pocket watch or other little casing some beautiful bears; fascinated I trinket. continued to watch the feature and even thought about buying one to sit in the I love commissioned work, it’s the chal- chair in my study. lenge of making a bear to match someone else’s ideas; I have had many different I resisted the temptation but also had requests and always enjoy being able to get the idea that I could try and make one really creative. myself. After all, I could sew reasonably well and I had some left over fur fabric Overseeing all the work is Max, my Make no mistake these Beary Special Bears ‘have a life of their own and can get up to all ’kinds of mischief! Head Bear. He checks all the work for quality and creativity, so that each matches the customer’s specification. Max is an integral part of the team at Beary Special Bears, so much so that he even has his own Facebook page where bear fans can follow his many adventures. Make no mistake these Beary Special Bears have a life of their own and can get up to all kinds of mischief!16 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

2014The Great Yorkshire Teddy Bear Event now has two fantastic events Sunday 18th May 2014 & Sunday 16th November 2014 The Hilton Hotel, Victoria Quays, Sheffield, S4 7YB Join us for the Teddy Bear Event of the North. Featuring over 50 of the top Teddy Bear Artists from the UK and overseas. Come and see our teddy bear making supplies room, try your luck in the amazing charity artist bear raffle, enjoy the free teddy bear making mini workshops or just relax with your new found bear friend in the lovely “Cafe Cino” Check out our website for full details and exhibitors listCOMPETITION www.thegreatyorkshireteddybearevent.co.uk TIME Simply buy your ticketsonline for your chance to WIN a VIP GYTBE Package for 2 Prize includesLuxury Overnight Stay inc Breakfast & Dinner at the Hilton Hotel, Spa Treatment Early VIP Entry into the Show Check out the website for full details.....

featurefrom some cushions I had made earlier in I made another and another and another thebearfactsthe year. All I needed was a pattern; there one…and most recently, it has lead to thewere plenty to choose from on the internet. opening of the The Bear Room at Slater’s Tel 07946 706 866After a couple of days my first bear, Henry Village in February this year! [email protected], was born! www.bearyspecialbears.co.uk I really am so lucky that I have been  Unfortunately, I wasn’t satisfied and able to turn a wonderfully therapeuticthought that I could do much better. So hobby into a Beary Special business. TBT18 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

Delightful collectible bears lovingly handcrafted from the finest quality fabrics, specialising in turning vintage fur coats into heirloom bears. www.bearleighbears.com Email: [email protected] • +9 61 438016714. (Australia)Probably the only royal palacein Basle.INAUGURAL EVENT!SWMB_Anz_TeddyBaerTimes_Palast_185x85mm_E.indd 1 Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel Museum, Shop and Restaurant, daily fromNEWARK SHOWGROUND 10 until 18 | Steinenvorstadt 1, CH-4051 Basle The building is accessible by wheelchair. LINCOLN ROAD, NEWARK www.toy-worlds-museum-basle.ch NOTTINGHAMSHIRE NG24 2NY Toy Worlds (ON A46, JUST OFF A1) Museum BasleSUNDAY 20 APRIL 10.02.14 16:51 The fair will take place in The Cedric Ford Pavilion, overlooking the Main Events Ring of the Showground, Discover your and will feature artist, vintage & collectors bears & inner child related items, limited & open editions from leadingmakers, bear making supplies, books & magazines, etc. Quarterly Sales Teddy bears, toys & dolls Plus dolls, dolls houses & miniatures. For free valuations contact: Open 10.30am to 4pm. Ample free parking on site. Tracie Vallis 07976 592898 AA signposted. Level access. In house catering. [email protected] Entry £3. Senior Citizens £2.50. Children FREE! (Half price entry for all adults from 1pm). chiswickauctions.com 1 Colville Road, London W3 8BL 020 8992 4442 DIARY DATE: SUNDAY 20 JULY t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 19 THE KELHAM HALL TRIPLE KELHAM HALL & COUNTRY PARKKELHAM NG23 5QX (on A617 to Mansfield)Dolly’s Daydreams 01945 870160/07860 517048 www.dollysdaydreams.com www.facebook.com/dollysdaydreams

competition resultsBrewins’ Bruins NTBAAphotographic awardsOnce again, the Brewins’ Bruins NTBAA photographiccompetition proved extremely popular, with bear artistsfrom around the world submitting entriesE ach entrant has Winners of the 2013 competition Santander (El Taller de Violeta) to supply a set Spain. of photographs Class: Miniature teddy Class: Teddy Bear 3rd: Milly - Ann Hutchinson (Ann showing front, bear - undressed Undressed Hutchinson Bears) Australia.face and side elevations.This is designed to 1st: Nils - Christine Vallerin (pou- 1st: Dimitri - Laurent Bergmann Class: Teddy Bear Friendhelp the viewer make dre d’ours) France. Nils is 9cm (LovableBears) France. Dimitri is abetter comparisons tall and made from German curly beautiful OOAK Soft Sculpture. He 1st: Flicker - Paula Drage, UKbetween each entry. mohair. Five way cotter pin jointed, is 54cm/21 inch tall and weighs Flicker sits at 19” tall. He’s madeThey are also invited he’s filled with poly fill and steel 3.3kg. He is made with luxurious from luxury plush. He’s 3 wayto submit a ‘Free Style’ shots. He has ultra suede paws faux fur and has lamb leather for jointed (head and arms) with aphotograph, allowing and English glass eyes with a the paw pad. needle and scissor sculpted facethe artist to be creative white underlay. 2nd: Frank - Sarah Killworth with hand shaded details.with their sculptures and 2nd: Olly - Vicki Fletcher-Baggaley (Sarah K Bears) UK. 2nd: Fat cat - Olga Ruchkina,photographic skills. (Baggaley Bears) UK. 3rd: Snow Rose - Nancy Russia. 3rd: Tiny Tina - Ann Hutchinson Santander (El Taller de Violeta) 3rd: Molly - Leny van der Eijk All entries were voted (Ann Hutchinson Bears) Australia. Spain. (Lediteds) Holland.for by visitors to theBrewins’ Bruins website Class: Miniature teddy Class: Teddy Bear Dressed Class: Teddy Bearand the top three in each bear, dressed Beginnerof the six categories can 1st: Elizabeth - Helen Clennel-be viewed in their online 1st: Gingerbread - Vicki Fletcher- White (Button Meadow Bears) UK 1st: Hugo - Christine MetcalfeNTBAA 2013 Hall of Baggaley (Baggaley Bears) UK Elizabeth is a 12” bear made from (A Bear Named Jack) UK. HugoFame at www.brewinsbru- Gingerbread is one of a kind, Alpaca. She has wire armature is only the second bear Christineins.co.uk 3.75” and made from white and and a locking spine so she can be has designed and created and ginger long pile fabric. posed in different positions. Her therefore holds a special place in Details of the 2014 2nd: Clara - Vicki Fletcher- paws, feet and muzzle are hand her hug.competition can also be Baggaley (Baggaley Bears UK. needle-felted along with her nose, 2nd: Sky Blue - Rebecca Hinderfound on the website 3rd: Lucy - Ann Hutchinson (Ann which is sealed. (Becky’s Bears) UK.or you can email ab@ Hutchinson Bears) Australia. 2nd: Teddy Nico - Nancy 3rd: Fluffkins - Tania Hobbs (Ladybrewinsbruins.co.uk Pendragon Bears) UK20 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

BSB Bear Supplies Please visit our ebay shop to see our exciting range of bear supplies, lots of lovely hand dyed mohair available. Give my Facebook page BSB BEAR Supplies a ‘like’ to be entered into my monthly draw for a chance to win a piece of mohair www.stores.ebay.co.uk/BSB-BEAR-SUPPLIES email:[email protected] • Tel: 01752403515 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 21

FEATUREBear with astory to tellHow a bear found in Bristol Airport’s departurelounge in 2012 inspired Sandra Busby’s emotivepainting and is finally to be reunited with his family By Jill MundyBristol’s story the over 50s. A copy of the paper was sent much of it is left untold?” This beary charming story has a fairy- to Robert Glyn Baker by his ex-wife and The bear sank forward and gazed at the Robert recognised ‘his’ bear immediately.tale ending. When staff at Bristol Airport He had been travelling through the airport photograph he kept so closely to him... butfound an antique bear left behind in the on his way to Cyprus, where he still lives, as I sat with him for many quiet hours, hisdeparture lounge, they found him hard and had thought the 100 year old family story unfolded before me...’to dismiss. ‘Bristol Bear’ as he became heirloom was lost forever.known had one eye and a floppy ear and Sandra wanted to share with TBT howwas found in a bag, along with a black The ‘Dora’ in the photograph was this special bear became part of her story.and white photograph of two children. On Robert’s aunt and it was his mother Glynthe back of the photo was a handwritten who gave Bristol Bear the stripey paw “My mum is the queen of newspapermessage: “With dearest love and kisses to pads you can see in the image, along with cuttings! Oh yes - If there is somethingour darling Daddie from your loving little a new nose. in the newspaper that she thinks I oughtdaughters Dora and Glyn.” to see, she will be certain to cut it out But the two will soon be reunited and strategically place it where I am most Staff at the airport spent more than thanks to the perseverance of Jacqui Mills, likely to see it, the next time she pops ina year searching passenger records in in charge of Public Relations at Bristol for a cuppa.an attempt to find two passengers with Airport, and other caring staff, plus thenames to match. They also made a public chain of events leading to the newspaper I don’t read the newspaper you see - tooappeal in the press for help and several article arriving in Robert’s hands. busy in my own little bubble pretendingbear experts came forward. They were that everything and everyone is lovely...finally able to establish that ‘Daddie’ was Sandra’s story Yes, ignorance is bliss, if not always theNicholas James Baker, who sadly died in When Sandra Busby, artist and avid best way to be...Baghdad during World War 1. painter of bears, heard about Bristol Bear, Anyway, it so happens that one of her Fast forward to the end of 2013 and she found the story hard to resist and infamous newspaper clippings was allthe story was covered in a newspaper for made contact with Jacqui Mills about an abandoned bear... and of course, if you read the article in issue 201 of TBT Regular readers of TBT will remember featuring previous bear paintings I have that we featured Sandra’s work in issue done, you will know that I will always be 201. Sandra read Bristol Bear’s story and interested in a story about a bear... felt compelled to become a part of it too. The following extract from her blog is just The poor balding fellow had been the beginning... ‘Here before me, sits a well travelled old bear, with such a fascinating story to tell... and yet he is almost entirely lost for words... “I really am lost, you see?” He mum- bled... “Oh, you poor, dear fellow...” I pon- dered as I nibbled the handle of my paint- brush.... “How am I to tell your story if so22 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

FEATURE But when I arrived the next day, I saw that the bear had slumped forwards dur- ing the night and appeared to be gazing longingly at the photograph. This had my heart melting and I decided that this was obviously what he wanted to say, so I hon- oured that and simply built my composi- tion around him, just as he was. I chose genuine, vintage items to go with Bristol Bear to help tell his story without the use of words... The lace pet- ticoat draped over the battered old suitcase is just like the one that the child (Dora) in the photo was wearing... maybe this was Dora’s luggage...? The sticky label on the suitcase has the first part of Dora’s name scrawled on it, in the same handwriting as is written on the back of the postcard - inky finger prints, scribbles and all! But part of the name has been torn away. This is to depict without words, just how close they were to finding the real owners and yet also how far... The world war coins refer to the chil- dren’s ‘Daddie’ aka Nicholas James Baker. He was sadly killed during World War One in Baghdad, just a month after the photograph was taken. And of course the reference to Bristol Airport on the tag was a must, since this had become a significant part of the bear’s story!abandoned in the departure lounge at Kidnapper or something... Anyway, several Fame and fortuneBristol Airport. He had only one eye and emails later, Jacqui very kindly trusted me I had no idea at all just how famous thepart of his left ear was hanging off - but he with Bristol Bear and he embarked on yetwas 100 years old and the fact that he was another epic journey via courier, all the bear was becoming until I was some wayfar from perfect and had been very well way from Bristol to me! towards completing the painting.loved, for me only added to his appeal. Often, the hardest part of a painting is While I was doing some research on I put the cutting to one side and coming up with a nice composition. And the internet about the studio in which thecouldn’t help but wish I could paint him. the fact that my time was limited with photograph had been taken, I discoveredHe would make the perfect model for my this particular bear had me all of a fluster he had been on news networks around thebear series, since I do particularly love when he arrived. I took him carefully world. Suddenly I felt quite terrified abouta bear with a story to tell. But it never from the box, along with the old photo having him in my care! But I also realisedoccurred to me to actually ask until some that he came with and sat them upon my just how honoured I was that Jacqui hadweeks later. studio table. When I left the room, he was trusted me with him. I was really sad to propped up against the wall and the photo see him go when I had completed hisPlease may I look after this bear? lay in front of him. My plan was to look at painting. I couldn’t help but bond with the He had been on my mind for so long possible compositions with a fresh head in little chap. the morning.and eventually, as I was completing anoth- I took the painting to Bristol Airport toer bear painting, I thought I would dare show Jacqui and she was so thrilled. As ato ask the question...So I emailed Jacqui thank you for letting me borrow the bear,Mills at the airport, who had been on I gave the airport a framed limited editionthe case from day one. I asked if, while print to hang in their heritage lounge, asshe was looking for the owner, I mightbe able to borrow the bear for a while. a permanent reminder of Bristol Bear’sNaturally she was guarded at first...but story - which is just as well, since heshe did her research and checked out will soon be reunited with his owner,my blog, to make sure I was a real art- Robert Baker.ist and not some kind of Teddy Bear I have been so lucky to have been involved in this fascinating story and I am thrilled that thanks to Jacqui’s relent- less efforts, the Bristol Bear mystery finally has a very happy ending.” TBT t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 23

ARTIST PROFILEAnimal inspirationsinto Little Bittie BearsGaining inspiration from the great animal kingdom,Michelle Nunnery’s Little Bittie Bears demonstrateMichelle’s diversity and talent in the teddy bear world By Lauren NielsenMichelle Nunnery of Little Bittie filled to the brim. “I go to work full time, she tells us. Michelle continues, “My fam- Bears first became interested come home, make dinner, clean up, put ily loves to see all of the new creations.” in teddy bears at the age of the little ones to bed, then start to work on five when she received her first bears until late at night,” she tells us. Her own dogs are a big inspiration toteddy from her grandfather in Germany. Michelle. This inspiration can be seenShe still has that teddy bear, and her love After the long days at work, Michelle in some of her dog creations like Mitsy,for it grew into a love for making her own works on her creations from the comfort Stormy, Cupcake, and Chloe, to name ateddy bears. And so, in 1992, Michelle’s of her couch. The work she does on her few. Other animals that are found in theteddy bear making journey began, and she creations, however, does not interrupt her wild further inspire Michelle’s creations,has been making bears ever since. home life. leading to a wide variety of creations. These include cats, moose, owls, giraffes, As a full-time Engine Manager in In fact, it is very easy for Michelle toPanama City, Florida, Michelle’s days are combine her home life with teddy bears. “My biggest fan is my daughter Jessica,”24 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

ARTIST PROFILEbears, and many other animals. Each animal has its own name andmany of them wear necklaces with bells orcharms on them, making them even moredistinguishable and loving. While all ofher creations are special to Michelle, shecannot stand to part with her raccoons. Looking at Michelle’s animal creations,their wide innocent eyes will make yourheart melt with one look. This, perhaps, iswhy Michelle loves teddy bears so much.She tells us, “They make me feel happy onsad days.” While Michelle’s love for teddy bearsbegan at a very young age, she did notstart making bears until later on. She has t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 25

ARTIST PROFILEdeveloped her skill throughout the years “They are some of the nicest people I haveand perfected her style. In the beginning, ever met and I have made some very good“I just made them from scratch by looking friends in the bear world that I could notat one of my daughters’ stuffed bears,” she imagine ever being without!”says. With the support of the teddy bear “Of course,” Michelle continues, “in world behind her, Michelle Nunnery andthe beginning they looked pretty funny, her Little Bittie Bears will continue onbut after years and years of practice, they their teddy bear journey with plenty ofgot better.” She sells her creations on inspiration left to fuel future creations. TBTBearpile, Ebay, Etsy, and on her website.Each piece ranges in price from 100 to THEBEARfacts220 dollars. Little Bittie Bears While making her pieces, one of the Michelle Nunnerymost important tools Michelle uses is her Email: [email protected] scissors. With plenty of creations Phone: 850-258-8421under her belt, most of the work on her Web: www.littlebittiebears.combears comes easy to Michelle. The trickypart in making her creations is workingwith the little paw pads on her variousanimals. Michelle also has a bright outlookfor the teddy bear world. “I think thereis a bright future for teddy bears!” sheexclaims. “Each year, they seem to bemore and more unique.” This stays truefor Michelle’s work as well as she is work-ing on a new creation: a hippo. Little Bittie Bears is well and thrivingdue to Michelle’s hard work and the sup-port of teddy collectors and fellow teddyartists. “I would like to thank all of mycollectors over the years,” Michelle says.26 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

Vintage Teddy Art... By Artist, Sandra BusbyPainter of Vintage Teddy Bears in a Contemporary Style. Perfect for any Bear Lovers home. Limited Edition £80 Double Mounted, Giclee Prints plus postageSilk Screen Varnished Follow my blog on Fine art Paper (details below) Editions: 195 Or my Facebook Actual image Size: page at:Approx 32cm x 42cm Sandra Busby, ArtistEmail: [email protected] ◆ Telephone: 07841376465 ◆ Blog: www.sketch-mad.com www.amazon.co.uk/Ted-Friend-Magic-Jumper-Part-ebook/ dp/B00H9A9SIE t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 27

sale previewVectis April sale bringsshowers of bears…Vectis Sales are always a chocolate box of delights and the forthcomingApril Sale is no exception. Whatever your preference - hard or softcentred, dark or light, you’ll find something to satisfy your hunger By Joanne McDonald, Vectis AuctionsE very Vectis Doll and Bears Sale Atlantic Bears has a large contingent of Steiff Group of Three and this one is no exception. It is nice however to have a few ofthe rarer limited edition pieces we havenot seen before at auction. The SteiffFairy-tale bear is one of the exclusive clubeditions available to members who entereda lottery to enable them to purchase apiece. Crafted in soft green, dense, shortpile mohair which is reminiscent ofvelvet to the touch, the bear has intricateembroidery work flowers in purple hues, Steiff Fairy covering her body, arms and legs. Paw Tales Close pads are in complementary shades of Up of head heather, which match her stitched nose and wings attached to her back. She has beautifully delicate organza wings with airbrushed detailing. As with other ‘lottery’ pieces they have patinated Steiff steel buttons, certification, hard bound books and the most exquisitely produced display boxes with coordinating lined fabric or printed scenes inside. Design wise these are unchallenged as ultimate collector’s examples (with the exception perhaps of the 125 Carat Bear). II Veneziana and Haute Couture from the same series are also available in the sale. Another exceptional set from Steiff is the Wedding Party and Vectis are pleased to offer the complete array. Limited to only 500 pieces, the party was headed by the Bride and Groom wearing authentic dress from the era of Bavaria’s “Fairy Tale” King Louis II. The bride’s dress has a bodice of black moiré worn as an outer28 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

sale preview Charlie Bear Group of threeSteiff Club Special EditionsSteiff Animal Shoppe exclusive, is equally elusive. ZoeGroup Shot has long pile curled mohair and is decorat- ed with a collar housing a ‘Zoe’ name plate to the front. She has a melting expression and commands attention. Amongst the assortment of artist bears there is a treat from Loris Hancock who is one of Australia’s finest soft sculpture arti-garment, underlayed with linen, lined lar of tiny bells around her neck.in cotton and has silver-coloured lacing. One of the hardest to find pieces,Beneath this is a shimmering green silk she stands at only 6” high andcamisole also lined with linen. Her stiff would therefore be easy to sneaksilver cap shows that she is still unmar- into any collection. Her larger com-ried. Elaborate petticoats and leather shoes panion, another Toycomplete the outfit. Loris Hancock Grizzly Bear Not to be outdone, the groom is intraditional attire with leather braces, pouchtype belt, elaborately designed shirt andholding a bouquet of flowers for the bride.The pair is followed by family membersBride’s Mother and Father, Grandfather,Boy and Girl friends, the Milkmaid,Shepherd and Huntsman who are allcelebrating in style. All of these bears areintricately costumed in national dress,including lederhosen and dirndl and cot-ton dresses. The revellers are all set for aparty, they just need a venue… Steiff ’s long established associationwith The Toy Shoppe in Richmond, USAhas resulted in some of the best limitededitions on the market. Reminiscent ofearly Steiff bears, the stunning Isabella ismade in pale pink alpaca and wears a col- t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 29

sale preview Old Bearssans. Her compositions have not only won always distinctive, even if they Schuco Miniaturesa global army of fans but many awards have been in the wars a little,and when you see one of her creations like one of the chaps we have Steiff animals will delight auction goers;close up you can appreciate why, as the in the sale. He is seated in this sale sees some of the most sought afterdetailing and workmanship is second to his own specially made chair models such as the fabulous ‘Nelly’ snailnone. The grizzly bear in the sale with its (which at his age he well 2410/08 produced from 1961 to 1963, theshaped, inset pads and open mouth, belies deserves). A delightful humorously named ‘Eric’ the Bat 1310/00,its small size. Yes/No with original ‘Tucky’ the turkey 1310/00 and more. cloth ribbon to its Steiff animals make wonderful displays For the more traditionalist collectors, chest will also be on and are sure to generate conversation.the three Atlantic teds should more than offer. Amongst theappeal. Created in the Scottish highlands Merrythoughts, the As with all sales you can bid live on thethese admirable bruins are influenced by Panda with its regis- day and all lots can be viewed free online,early Steiff with centre seams, long arms, tered design label and approximately two to three weeks prior towood wool filling and humped backs. amusing features is the date of the sale which is on Monday sure to tempt. 14th April. TBT At Vectis we know if a company is pop-ular due to the amount of secondary bears The menagerie of •For more information on these or anywe receive and the manufacturer of the of the lots, please contact Joannemoment still seems to be Charlie Bears. Steiff Toy Shoppe, McDonald or KathyThese are well represented with classic USA Exclusives Taylor on 01642versions, limited editions and Isabelle 750616.issues, most accompanied by bagsand boxes. Prices on Charlie Bearproducts remain strong. The vintage section is of morefascination to collectors who prefer abruin who has seen a bit of life. Thiscomprises Chad Valleys including acuddly Cubby, Chilterns incorporatinga pair of Ting a Lings and a 1930’shook nose version plus an unusuallonger pile, dark brass colouredmohair Pedigree. Schucominiatures are30 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

ARTIST PROFILEBears ofthe forestWith a love for many different animals, LynnClapham’s passion is clear when it comesto making her Brimbin Forest Bears By Lauren NielsenAs a teddy bear artist and animal returning to England. Now, Lyn and her lover, Lyn Clapham has travelled husband Dave live in Australia where she all over the world. Originally runs her own teddy business, Brimbin from England, Lyn first moved Forest Bears, out of her home.to South Africa where she startedshowing dogs. Over a thirty year period, “The name Brimbin Forest Bears cameshe has owned and shown Old English about because Brimbin Forest is a realSheepdogs, American Cocker Spaniels place and is more or less my back yard,”then Lhasa Apsos. After twelve years Lyn said. “It is actually a nature reservethere, she moved to New York where she at the end of my road and has a variety ofworked at a cat shelter for two years before wildlife, including koalas.” Lyn’s interest in making teddy bears t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 31

ARTIST PROFILE long before I was getting done in the evening in the lounge while drawn toward the vintage watching TV,” she said. “And yes, I do style bears where I felt I get distracted sometimes and end up with could be more creative,” pieces sewn to me! The jointing, stuffing, she said. and everything else is usually done in the rumpus room.” Greatly inspired by her collection of antique Lyn does have two separate bear-related bears and from flipping rooms in her house however; one where through books on she keeps her contemporary bear collection vintage or antiquegoes back to 1997 when she came across a bears, Lyn nowteddy bear magazine in a store. “I am self concentratestaught and jumped straight in with a pat-tern and a piece of mohair. I am very craft on the vintageminded and love working with my hands. style. “I’mThere were plenty of misses before I got proud of the facta few hits and started working on my own that I am able to make the bearsdesigns and styles.” look much loved and worn out, as if they have just come out of the Lyn started off making contemporary attic.”and very colorful bears. “But it wasn’t All of Lyn’s bears are com- pletely hand sewn, which she feels gives her bears ‘more of a personal touch’. Lyn has no specific workroom and works on her bears all over her house. “The sewing of the ears is32 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

ARTIST PROFILEand the other where she keeps all of her causes many a groan when I have tomohair, other bear supplies and her collec- do it.” But with the challenges of beartion of antique bears. making, Lyn has learned some use- ful lessons. “Practice makes perfect. When the bears are completed, Lyn Never give up! If something is notsometimes enjoys knitting up an outfit for coming together, then walk away andthem. Each of her bears also has a special come back to it in a day or two andcompanion when going off to a new home. try again,” she said, with a smile.“I’m known for the little green Muranoglass frog companion, of which there She continued: “If it doesn’t lookare six different poses, and these always right after you have made it, justaccompany the bears to their new homes.” make small changes. Make it again and then compare the two. If it still Bear making has not been without its doesn’t look right, then kick it intofrustrations for Lyn. Stuffing the bears “... the garbage—which I have done quite a few times as I am my own worst critic!” always changing.” And with the Brimbin Forest nearby, While bear making is one of Lyn’s pas- sions, she is also a devoted animal lover. “I Lyn Clapham’s bears will continue to have the privilege of quite a few visitors to thrive and prosper alongside of the other my property such as wallabies, possums, animals that call the Brimbin Forest their sugar gliders, blue tongue lizards, parrots, home. TBT birds of prey, owls, and the odd snake or two!” she told us. These exotic animals are not the only ones who feed her love of animals. She also has two dogs; a Miniature Smooth- haired Dachshund named Amy and a Norwich Terrier named Millie. She also gives credit to her dogs when making her bears. “They also act as my quality con- trollers!” she exclaimed. In the future, Lyn hopes that her bears continue to progress in concept and style: “For the future, I would like to think my bears will look a little different from what they are today. Creating bears is a form of progressive art and ideas and styles are t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 33

SATURDAY 5TH APRIL 2014 teddytibmees ar Pudsey Civic Hall, Pudsey, West Yorkshire LS28 5TA now available on theFree Parking • Refreshments • Repair Advice • Free Valuations teddytibmees arPADDINGTON’S CHARITY BAUBLES Open 10.30 to 4.00 Clai£4.50 $8.50 Feb/March 2014 Admission £3.50 (Accompanied children 50p) FR14mDayoyurteddybeartimes.com EE trialteddybearamerica.com For further information contact the organiser, PATTERNS Debbie Woodhouse on 01530 274377 or 07973 760881 ●Cuddly bear pattern ●Easy knitted dress www.dollandteddyfairs.co.uk SHOW REPORTS Two very popular fairs Fuzzies Fluff n Stuff are back in business We are a retailer of Charlie Bears, Swarovski & Austrian crystal hanging crystals and jewellery, general, fantasy & new age gifts and collectables. ISSUE 209 Telephone: 01706 372562 Option 4 01_TBT 209.indd 1 New range from Email: [email protected] Untitled-3 1 Silver Tag Bears Website: www.fuzziesfluffnstuff.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/FuzziesFluffnStuff 14/01/2014 15:24 15/02/2012 10:04THE BEAR EMPORIUM Enjoy both subscriptions and single issues of Teddy Bear Times magazine.Sheffield’s Specialist Bear Shop and Teddy Hospital Bringing Hugs to you since 2002 SUBSCRIPTIONS As issues are released, they’ll be available online in theCharlie Bears We stock a wide range My NOOK Library section of your account, NOOK andIsabelles of collector bears, free NOOK app. Your default credit card will be chargedSteiff cute and cuddles, monthly. If you’re a first time subscriber to this publica-Merrythought Artist bears, etc. tion, you’ll receive a FREE 14 day trial. You may cancelTeddy Hermann anytime during your free trial by clicking on “ManageDeb Canham Repairs and Subscriptions” in your Account or My NOOK Library,Alice’s Bear Shop Restorations and you will not be charged.Artist Bears undertaken. BUY CURRENT ISSUE BearAway service You also have the option to just purchase the current available. issue of Teddy Bear Times - just click on the “Buy Current Issue” button. Subscription £2.99 per month Delivered: Monthly Includes 14 day FREE trial Single issue £3.99 per issue 43 Bridge Street Killamarsh, Sheffield S21 1AH Tel: 01142 482010 www.bear-emporium.com34 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

 ALTON TEDDY BEAR FESTIVAL Saturday 21st June 2014 High Street, Alton, Hampshire. GU34 1BA   10am till 4pm  Bear Artists, Bear Making Supplies, Kids Story Time, Bear Doctor    + so much more.   For more information or to book a stall - Telephone: 01420 82203  E-mail: [email protected]  Noble Fabrics   LITTLE BEAR “MARYSIA” 6,5 INCH KIT & PATTERN LITTLE HAMSTER “BRUCE” 11 CM PATTERN & KIT New website: www.noblebearsandfabrics.co.uk Telephone: 0116 2477845 www.stores.ebay.co.uk/noble-fabrics © GUND 2014 The World’s Most Huggable Search for Gund UK on Facebook Enesco Limited, Head Office & Customer Services, Brunthill Road, Kingstown, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 0EN Tel: 01228 404022 Fax: 01228 404041 email: [email protected] en4379-gund-teddy-bear-times-feb14.indd 1 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 35 26/02/2014 16:00

artist profile ‘After making that first bear, the thrill of creating furry friends ’has become an addiction.36 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

artist profile Lets have a pic-nic Never mind marmalade sandwiches... the bears and furry creatures made by artist Nicole Woodward are surrounded by Champagne By Jill MundyAs a young girl, British bear artist band have two Cornish Rex cats and a creative really. I love to experience live Nicole Woodward of Pic-Nic- Weimaraner and moved to France ten music and visit the theatre or art exhibi- Bears remembers standing in the years ago. “I am lucky enough to have an tions when I can.” kitchen of her parents’ B&B, art studio here for my painting and lastaged about five or six, while her mother September I exhibited two of my paint- Full-time passioncooked breakfast for the guests. “I was ings in the centre of Paris!” The bears are The bear making began around 14persistently demanding to know from my kept well away from the paint, however. “Imother how to thread a needle and how make my bears in the lounge in the winter years ago and Nicole blames her husband.to sew. I recall that we made a pact - if and on the terrace in summer.” “When I first met him he collected artistI were to help her serve the breakfast to bears and limited edition bears. We werethe guests in the B&B dining room she After graduating from university, in Covent Garden, London on a weekendwould, after the guests had gone out for Nicole worked as a designer, creating break when he spotted a bear that he fellthe day, show me how to sew my first the 3D forms and artwork for inflatables in love with but just couldn’t afford.” Herstitches.” This persistence has stayed with then as a colour separation artist on prints husband was so touched by this particularNicole and is probably one of her greatest for Laura Ashley fabrics and wallpaper. bear that Nicole decided to have a go atassets. “More recently I have been involved in making him something similar. “ interior design, trompe l’oeil, bespoke Moving on a few years, to the age of murals and have even designed capsules Until recently, bear making was a part11, Nicole received a rabbit dressed in for a champagne house.” time activity for Nicole but she believesVictorian style clothing for Christmas. “I that might be about to change. “Now thatwas so inspired that I raided my mother’s As you can already tell, Nicole is a very I have just opened my business Pic-Nic-scrap fabric bag and had a go at making creative person and as well as painting, Bears in France, I hope that it will be fullone myself - and I’ve been sewing ever enjoys reading, cooking, problem solving, time.”since.” swimming and gardening. “Anything Although Nicole is firmly settled across The name ‘Pic-Nic-Bears’ the Channel, there will always be a partcomes from a variety of inspira- of her heart here in the UK. “I was luckytion. “My husband used to joke enough to have been born in the beauti-with his daughter when they ful heartland of Wales, which will alwayspicked me up from work that they be my home. When I was 18 monthswere ‘pick-Nick-ing up, as he old, my parents emigrated to Papuaoften calls me Nick. I thought Iwould use that, as well as referenc- New Guinea and we stayed there for aing the Teddy Bears’ Picnic song while before returning to Wales.”and the British love of eating apicnic on a summer’s day, to create Since then, Nicole has travelledthe name for my bears. It also has extensively, taking in most of the warma persuasive element, urging you to European countries, Hong Kong, thechoose my bears!” Dominican Republic, the Maldives, Cuba, New York City and Egypt. “At Now living in the Champagne the age of 18 I got on a plane to Newarea of France, Nicole and her hus- York with £18.00 and $30.00. I met a Dutch girl at the airport and we both waited for hours for our connecting t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 37

artist profile fer the results when I work with cotton, silk, linen, mohair or alpaca.” The firstbus to New York attempts at making bears were made fromState - we were both less than perfect materials in Nicole’sworking for Camp eyes. “I couldn’t afford the high qualityAmerica. I put the materials then so I used knitted syntheticDutch girl on her bus, materials which produced inferior results.bid her good luck and My work is still experimental but I amwaved farewell, only to able to arrive at a more satisfactory conclu-end up the next day at sion. I push my ideas now further thanthe same destination as I did, as my experience gives me greaterher!” They have been confidence. I spend hours perfecting ideas,firm friends now for shapes, forms and details.”more than 20 years. “Ibelieve in fate and my Movement is an important factor ofown instinct - and it has the design too. “I try to make my designsled me on many adven- capable of numerous positions so that thetures.” soft sculpture retains its interest in the different positions and shapes it is able to This love of adventure form.”and travel is intrinsicto Nicole’s life and even Nicole’s bears are available through herher bears. “My bears are a melting pot website, at shows, festivals, markets and,between old bears that my husband and I more recently, in a shop called Lessly Artlove and my new ideas. Having a respect in Joinville, France. She estimates thatfor heritage, tradition, quality and a pas- she currently makes between 40 and 50sion for arts, crafts and history, these influ- bears a year. “I love the whisper of a newences manifest themselves into my bears.” idea as it floats into my mind. I enjoy theA natural process challenge of making my idea a reality.” Nicole always aspires to use naturalmaterials of the best quality. “I enjoy thechallenge of recycling materials or usingup scraps, as I find that this approachopens up new possibilities and pushesmy creativity in unexpected ways. I havetried using synthetic materials but pre-38 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

artist profileOccasionally, though, ambition gets the Just for fun...better of her. “Sometimes I get frustrated •What is your favourite TVat my human limitations; that I cannot show orwork and work without eating and sleep- movie?ing. I’m not too keen on jointing, as itseems to take forever before I can get to THEBEARfacts •wVBfaIaahrrIevatmfan,omytjphuooiirwyrsSiuetteotwo,ocurAfakyoilltemducGarhl’snysodidnooaDbgudraereanddLDctriioinfauqee?mvluaaaied,sani,IpndPbdrtlooeCeoegrcovtfrusoiraeamrmSwlineaomwencde.tiieatashtr.yyie,a,Ms,ythe best part - making the face.” •hiMIsawlIuavfosenyeudowuld,umiwtgwhaohenyiicdnroehtuoths?fitetvhreeNanatahdtricioenhndgiavsoleGsnwaoaolfluedtrlhyedesyeVor&utA www.pic-nic-bears.com •wsiMpehIhywfao,ystnoerewewuawoidncuigtomlhdubysloidotexlabbh, roepaco?evhkneas&aragnnpeydraposlioetshrt,teehanranttcdoIamcmreoyueusrldi,c. As her husband is the bear collector [email protected] •tNSCioahontas.ioktunemsapleTeraduresestiCginnocmfoopnrastnheyervoaRrtoiowynaolraknindgrefosrtothrae-of the family, Nicole doesn’t have a You’ve just won the lottery - whathug of her own but would succumb if bears have a funny way of seeking you out. do you spend it on?a bear impressed her enough and she Like many others, the experience has not pwtMhleietahktbhimneagatyrhasha;uwvgseoborahinknesgdlhpooeanpdndaaabnlhoodenvlpgseuindmpgivpyioongurgtaterhtdahogelmiedpeafe.oyor -could afford him. “I have personally been without its challenges. “My life hasonly ever bought two bears for myself been a box of chocolates; some good, someas they captured my imagination not so good but it’s been an interestingand I admired the quality and craft journey. I have experienced problems inthat had made them. I have bought life and in bear making, as I’m sure mostquite a few bears for my husband people do. I find that to reflect on thethough!” problem and to take a long walk helps to evaluate the situation. Working out how As for her own creations, there to overcome the problems, get advice, dohave been one or two favourites. “I some research and draw up a simple, steploved a bear I made called Angel; by step plan, mixed with persistence, usu-I wanted to keep her but a collec- ally gets you through. Persistence pays ator was able to persuade me to let perfectionist!” TBThim have her for his collection.I’m also rather attached to Rosie,the baby Indian elephant, and to Fizz. Ithink that’s because of all the work andtime it took to develop the patterns frommy own ideas. My husband has one of mybears, called Victor, that I made while hewas away.”Looking forward With the bears now being made as abusiness, Nicole is hoping to be able tocreate many more bears from her ownideas. “Through my creations, I hope tobe able to find out more about myself andmy ability to create. Last year I entereda bear competition for the first time andfound the experience challenging but alsoinspiring and rewarding. So I intend toenter more competitions this year.” Becoming a bear artist may not havebeen something Nicole envisaged but t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 39

SHOW PREVIEWTelford Teddy Bear &Doll Parade 20142014 heralds two new dates for the Telford Teddy Bear and Doll Parade.The Springtime Parade will now be held on 30th March 2014 and theChristmas Parade will now be held on November 22nd 2014 By Carrie BrooksW ith the show now Both events are open to the Telford train station being only Darren. “As a craft supplies in it’s third year, public from 10.30am and close five minutes walk away, via safe company we work daily at the hosts Darren at 4.00pm. The venue is The pedestrianised paths. Inside, grass roots of the teddy bear and Lanie from Park Inn, Foregate, Telford the exhibition halls are big and doll industry. We strive toMohair Bear Making Supplies Centre, Shropshire, TF3 4NA. and spacious and there is easy advise and encourage new tal-are grateful for the regular Tickets are £3.00 children access for everyone. The Park ented bear and doll makers tosupport gained from the £1.00, infants under five free. Inn now boasts the new RBG become successful new artists.exhibitors and visitors from Or admission is free with a Restaurant and Grill, so you When you visit our show youall over the UK, who have copy of the ticket in this maga- could make a day of it and will be greeted by some famil-helped make the event two zine. (see page 21) treat yourself to a delicious iar and popular faces but wevery enjoyable days out in the lunch. promise you will also see lots ofavid bear and doll collector’s If you are visiting by car new faces never seen before oncalendar. there is ample parking. Visitors “Our show has something by foot have the advantage of to offer everyone!” said the fair circuit, making our event a truly exciting day of discovery...” If you fancy having a go at bear or doll making, there will be a huge array of bear and doll making supplies, patterns and fabrics available, includ- ing German Schulte,40 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

SHOW PREVIEWHelmbold and South African mohair and all receive trophies to take Ted Friend and theand hundreds of faux furs. home and treasure. Magic Jumper Darren and Lanie have discov- The winners of the winter awards A POOR orphan, Dan Wilson, gets a surpriseered family members do not always were Maria Deaville Harrop of present one Christmas in the shape of a bigsupport the collector’s passion for Beary Special Bears (pictured above yellow teddy bear but little does he know thatbears and dolls. So they always try right) -1st prize winner. Liz Walker the real surprise is much bigger than he couldto make sure there is something for Watts of Wacky Walker Bears - 2nd ever have imagined.everyone. The venue is large enough prize winner. Michelle Nicholls ofto support and encourage local crafts Orkid Bears - 3rd prize winner. The teddy is a magic helper of Santa Clauspeople and this adds diversity and and must return to his home in the strangesurprise to what the event has to offer. The next event is set to delight all World in Between and reclaim his stolen MagicEach exhibitor is personally selected visitors. Whether your purse is large Jumper or risk the evil witch Blacky, and herbecause their work is unique and or small there will be something won- unstoppable army of Ex-Men, taking over thehigh in quality. derful waiting for you to add to your World in Between and Dan’s unsuspecting collection... TBT Common World. During the day all attendees areencouraged to personally vote for •For more information visit our Protecting them on this adventure is Tedbest in show in ‘The Shropshire Bear Friend’s super strong alto, Ted Foe, but canand Doll Artist Awards’. The display website www.telfordteddybearand they get the jumper back and reach Santaof entries never fails to dollparade.co.uk before the bear’s magic energies fade and thesurprise everyone and is Telephone: 01952 604096 witch is victorious? The race for survival is onalways a wonderful exam- as two very different worlds collide. The onlyple of quality craftsman- certainty is that young Dan’s life will never beship. The awards are free the same again.to anyone who wantsto enter. The votes are Right from the very beginning this storycounted and the win- draws the reader in and for anyone who stillners announced at believes in the magic of Christmas, child or3.30pm. The first prize grown-up, it offers a roller coaster ride of anwinner receives a free adventure to save Santa Claus and his home,table at the next event Miracle Island. The book has a humorous feel and there are colourful descriptions of Dan’s family that will have adults smiling and children giggling. We meet many wonderful characters including an infamous pirate named Captain Bluenose and his band of cut-throats, a Viking Chieftain named Ivar Badaxe and his band of raiders, plus a mad monk, a witch and a dragon. There are lots of play-on-words which will amuse all ages and the book is a truly fun read. Part of a new two part fantasy, mainly for children in the 8 to 12 age range, although there is plenty here to entertain any age group and there will be some parents out there that will enjoy reading it to younger children. The author is Peter Cafferty and the teddy the book is based around is his childhood teddy bear; a late 1960’s Wendy Boston teddy. •Available via Amazon Kindle at £0.77 http://www.amazon.co.uk/ Ted-Friend-Magic-Jumper- Part-ebook/dp/B00H9A9SIE t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 41

bearMAKING By Julie ShepherdPlDeaesareJhueliel,p me to...Welcome to another session of problem solving. Inthis issue I will be tackling the tricky subject of abear that just will not sit up straight and giving adviceon essential tools for a new bear makerI ’ll start with the misbehaving the bear together and stuff I suspect that this is a prob- bear! him. lem which you are going to find very easy to solve once you•I’m new to bearmaking and When I sit him on the understand why it’s happening. table he seems to leanhave only made three bears backwards and his feet lift There are two causes for- all from kits, but I’m finding off the table. It is almost as this and your problems may bethat they don’t seem to sit though he is toppling back being caused by either or per-properly. I’m obviously doing and he won’t sit up straight. haps a combination of both.something wrong but I have The only way to stop this isno idea what. I follow all the to bend him forward, which So to start with the firstinstructions and everything spoils the look of him. Why cause - jointing - and there areis going perfectly until I put is this happening? two areas here that can cause this problem. ABOVE: The leg joints should When you joint the legs to be roughly on the centre of the the body, if the joints are not body. placed accurately the bear will BELOW LEFT: Your bear should sit on the backs of his legs sit with both feet on the table. rather than his behind and this BELOW: A bear should sit on makes him slightly unstable the base of his body as well as when sitting. his legs. And if the joints are placed even if you have marked the too near the back or front of the position of the joints, it’s a good body, the legs will splay out or idea to check visually before toe in and this again can cause completing your bear. your bear to sit awkwardly. Ideally the leg joint should be When he sits down, is he placed roughly on the centre sitting on the base of his body line of the body piece. or just on the backs of his legs? Does the position of his legs You are using kits and the look pleasing? patterns will probably have the joint positions marked on the So remember, to get a per- pattern and, if so, I am sure fectly balanced result the joints you will have transferred these should be placed so that your markings onto the fabric and bear sits on the base of his used these as a guide when placing the joints. But however careful you are, tiny discrepancies can creep into your work as you sew, so42 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

BEAR MAKINGbody and the backs of his legs. I have a special pair that I ABOVE: Scissors you feel comfortable with are some of the mostAnd the leg joints should be use for nothing other than scis- important tools in your workbox.centred on the body. sor sculpting the facial features ABOVE RIGHT: You can never have too many pins. - if this is a technique that you But even after you have intend to incorporate into your places. ers. I have a home made setmade sure the jointing of the bears, I would advise you to do My other stuffing tool is a (yes, I’ve raided that tool boxlegs is spot on, there is yet the same. again) comprising of a spanneranother trap waiting for you if very old, very blunt cross-head and a ratchet screwdriver. Whileyou add weight to your bears But do look at other scissors screwdriver which I ‘borrowed’ I find this works well for me, youby using steel shot. If this is too - there are spring-loaded from my other half’s tool kit may find that a proper set ofnot added carefully it can make versions available which take years ago. As it is so blunt, it’s tools makes life easier.even the most perfectly bal- the strain out of using them, perfect for stuffing but I wouldanced bear tilt. or using bigger scissors might never recommend using a new But you will find as you suit you better. It is a question screwdriver as the end would progress with your bear making When adding shot, it is of finding something that you be quite sharp and you would that all sorts of strange thingsalways a good idea to enclose it feel comfortable with and which risk piercing or tearing your fab- are helpful and you will developin a little pouch - use something works for you. ric when using it. your own and very personal setlike a fine muslin to make a little of tools.bag to contain it. By doing this Pins are, of course, essential Gradually building a selectionyou are able to control where but try to buy some that are of quality sewing threads is also Another of my D-I-Y tools isthe weight is placed. quite fine as if they are too thick a good idea. As you buy differ- a cable knitting needle in a plas- they can be more difficult to ent fabrics you will probably buy tic cork - brilliant for enlarging Always make sure that the use. I use fine pins with glass the thread to match but in addi- the joint hole when using nutshot is added to the lower heads as I find the heads make tion it’s worth investing in a few and bolt joints.tummy area - if you add it to them easier to grip. And take it reels of off-white/ivory shades,the rear of the body this will from me - you can never, ever beiges, browns and perhaps And last but not least, aalter the centre of gravity and have too many pins! a black. It will be surprising teasel brush. Essential for givingyour bear will naturally fall back- how many fabrics will work your bear a good brush whenwards, being pulled over by the A good selection of needles with these basic colours and it he is completed.added weight. will stand you in good stead solves the problem of having too - buying packs of assorted the fabric but no thread - which I hope this will help you with Adding the shot to the needles will allow you to discov- can be extremely annoying! the beginnings of what I’m suretummy allows the extra weight er which type of needle works will become a very interestingto be balanced by the legs, best for you. And don’t forget, Another essential piece of kit box of tools.keeping your bear sitting pretty! you will need different needles is a ball awl - this will allow you for different tasks. I use a fine to poke a hole in the backing of Well, that’s all for this issue. I’m sure that if you follow needle for hand sewing but pre- your fabric when you are joint- Please keep those questionsthese simple steps, this will be a fer something more substantial ing your bear without the risk of coming and I looking forwardingproblem of the past for you. for embroidering the nose. That tearing the fibres. It will also be to more problem solving next is my personal preference but very handy for making holes time.•I’m new to bearmaking and you may find something com- for your bear’s eyes too. pletely different works much Until then, happy sewing! TBTloving it, but I would like to better for you. If you are going to usebegin to build a set of tools nut and bolt joints you willto help with my new hobby. You will also need some spe- need to invest in a jointingDo you have any advice as cialist needles for inserting the kit and these are availableto what I should buy? eyes - I have a selection or 3”, from bear making suppli- 5” and 7” dollmaking needles I’m so pleased that you are for this purpose.enjoying your new hobby but Ihave to warn you that it is very A stuffing tool will be moneyaddictive! well spent too - I have one which really comes in handy There are a few tool box when making a bigger bear as itessentials that will make life so helps to push the stuffing into allmuch easier and top of my list those annoyingly hard to reachof essentials are some reallygood scissors. I have several ABOVE: A very handy stuffingpairs. Personally I have chosen tool and awlsto use small scissors for every- FAR LEFT: My joint set: athing I do and I have at least ratchet screwdriver andthree pairs on the go at any one spanner..time. I find their size suits me LEFT: A good selection ofperfectly when cutting out as needles is always very useful.the short blades make it veryeasy to avoid snipping the pileas I work. t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 43

FEATURE MThUeSTEeUdMdy Bear The internet is a great place for sharing information, so what better place to share your growing collection of teddy bears By Hilary Pauley of Grandma’s TeddiesT he online Teddy Bear Museum there must be thousands of beautiful old Hugglets on 23rd February). has been developed from being bears in people’s homes, unseen by anyone Over the last few weeks many collectors given a teddy bear and a teddy but their own family and friends. bear book from my daughter- have chosen to ‘showcase’ their bears onin-law for my birthday two years ago! So the idea of sharing my bears online the site for other people to see and, moreFrom that day on, a hobby became a was born. My knowledge of bears was recently, we have had visiting bears forpassion and a steep learning curve. A very raw, my photography even more so sale.collection of teddy bears has now grown and my word processing skills shocking.which I will leave as a keepsake for my However, undaunted, my enthusiasm The success of the site was perhaps agranddaughters. didn’t wane, although it did waver from surprise to us all. We now have about 20 time to time! sections or ‘collections’ and have separated Having collected these lovely bears, I out the bears that are for sale to makeneeded to record and organise them which The site was launched at the begin- them easier to find.I did on a website put together by one ning of February and I was staggered atof my children. Having seen the website how well it was received. The teddy bear A lady from Canada, Sue Howard, hasgrow, it seemed a shame that only I was fraternity are such a friendly bunch, even showcased some beautiful bears: Steiffs,enjoying it. It then occurred to me that if I haven’t met any yet. (As I write this, Bings, BMC, Farnells and so many more. I’m planning to put faces to names at It’s so good for us all to be able to see them. Two of the restorers, Edenbears and Bygone bears, are showcasing bears that are their own or on behalf of their clients; yet another selection we wouldn’t have seen. Over a dozen visiting bears are for sale44 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

FEATUREfrom Diane’s Dolls and Bears, with lots in Pauline Cockrill’s “The Teddy Bear cannot identify, we will start them in themore on the way from other people in the Encyclopedia” Page 113 and 117. unidentified collection until someone tellsbear business once they are photographed us who they are. Please tell us if you areand their descriptions written. We are trying to stay with bears from sure of an identification so that we can the first half of the 20th Century (1900 to amend our details accordingly. People have been very generous with 1950). The older the better!their photographs, Teddies of Trenode and Do send us photos if you have anyMarigold Bears being amongst the first. Bears with buttons and labels are easy interesting bears or if you have a bear toOnce Upon a Time bears and a number to put into a section. It’s the rest that sell. Some of the bears have fascinatingof others are on their way. There has been I’m struggling with. I’ve learnt a great pasts! Perhaps we will become the Rightgood advice from two of the well-known deal in a very short time but nothing Move of the bear industry - a hosting siteauthors of my bear bibles, and Pam beats years of experience. I’m hoping for for all to see your lovely teddy bears.Pudvine has been a star! Pam has specified lots more help and advice along the way.that many of the bears can’t be identi- We would love to hear from you. TBTfied by photo as they have new eyes, nose The ‘unidentified’ collection will nostitching and been restored in many ways doubt host a great many bears, either tem- • Visit www.teddybear-museum.co.uk to seeand unless you’re holding them in your porarily or permanently.hands, it’s difficult. the updated collections and bears for sale. If you have a bear whom you or we People whose names I am beginningto recognise as experts in the Teddy Bearfield have been generous in their encour-agement. I look forward to meeting manypeople in the industry to drink in theknowledge that I lack! The next phase of developing the web-site is:1) to add more links to other people’s sites2) to continue to add more bears for peo-ple to reference to3) to add visiting bear collections in makeswe haven’t yet got4) to add visiting bears for sale across arange of makes and price ranges We welcome your bears, particularlyif they are not easy to find and thereforemost of us are not familiar with them;and if they are old, pre-1959. I made anexception and put three 1960s bears onthis morning which I bought in the lovelyWitney shop. The actual bears all appear t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 45

Mary Dowd Bears Bears toBeCaorsllteocCtollect We are stockists of: • Charlie Bears • Steiff • Deb Canham • Teddy Hermann • D’Lyell Bears • Teddy Bear china • T-shirts and more…………… East Bend, NC 27018 (336) 699-4782 See the latest [email protected] arrivals onwww.yadtel.net/~mgdowd/ •StandA1rt8ist Bears Charlie Bears •Deb Canham Steiff and more Thank you for my nomination for the TOBY Industry’s www.bears2collect.co.uk Choice Awards. Tel 01480 860376 Email: [email protected] www.bears2collect.co.uk Tel 01480 860376 Email: [email protected] Hidden Cove Bears MADE FOR MEMORIES Worldwide Delivery of Steiff, Charlie Bears, Bukowski Bears, One off Irish Bears and Unique Irish Baby Bear Gifts Sandra Czaja Teddy Bear Hospital www.hiddencovebears.co.ukwww.notchlokbears.com www.bearessentials.ie [email protected] [email protected] ✆ +353 499523461 Tel: 01626 853251 Mobile: +353 877610537 ARE YOU A BEAR ARTIST?Phylls Bear s Chair s Would you like your bear to appear in ourTeddy and Dolls Bespoke Furniture artistGALLERY? If so send us your bear - we will take great care of him - and we will photograph him on your behalf and feature him in Teddy Bear Times [email protected] 077950 75532 WESTIE BEARS Wild, Wacky but Wonderful! www.westiebears.com contact Andy on: For more information contact Maria Fitzgerald on [email protected] +44 (0) 1903 884988 or email: [email protected] 01403 24138146 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

FEATURERestorationprojectLife is a balancing act, especially when you aretorn between creating a new bear or restoringa precious one By Elaine HirstL iving in the seaside town of enquiry a day. lots of ideas in mind ready to be trans- Morecambe, Lancashire, England, I deal with many types of bears and ferred onto paper and subsequently turned my name is Elaine. I am the into 3D mohair soft sculptures. Now, if person behind an increasingly as a result I’m continually expanding my only there were 48 hours in a day! TBTpopular Teddy Bear Hospital which has knowledge about vintage bearsbeen in operation since 2008. and bear identification. One of the biggest bonuses is I get to When time allows, I also do what I set meet lots of wonderful old bearsout to do at the very start of my journey with so much character and a- that is, design and craft my own bears story or two to tell through theirunder the name of edenbears. scars and ailments. I have met some lovely people who own these When, in 2007, I first started making bears too.bears and people got to know what I wasdoing, I would often be asked if I could One of my pastimes is reading, mostlyrepair an ear or re-stitch a nose on some- about the history of bears. I read lots ofone’s forlorn old Ted. books on Teddy Bear collecting and have quite an extensive library on the subject. It soon became apparent there was My knowledge has been built up and con-a call for this type of work so I set up tinually grows through both reading and the practicalities of the repair work I do. a special page on my website dedicated to the repair and It’s a bittersweet situation as I love to restoration of bears and be able to help old and infirm bears. I’m cherished friends. It far too soft to see them left in a hopeless wasn’t long before I had state of disrepair but the flip side of this to put my own designs means I have very little time to advance on the back burner in my own designs. order to keep up with the demand for repair work Every year I get a few commission and it’s never ceased. requests for an ‘edenbear’ - it’s a breath of My Teddy fresh air to be able to indulge my passion Hospital has gone for bear making and channel my creativity from strength in a slightly different direction. to strength over the As a member of the Guild of Master past six Bearcrafters I also try to make time to par- years and ticipate in various bear making challenges. I rarely have This too, gives plenty of food for thought time to focus on and allows the use of imagination with no my own designs. I boundaries. now get, on average, a minimum of one repair I love to create mainly traditional bear designs and I’ve always been particularly inspired by the vintage bears I repair. I’ve t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 47

GaArLtLiEstRY To have your bears featured in the gallery email [email protected] (UK/Europe) or [email protected] (US) Beary Special BearsTahrSeheBtaaoaBnfnlfeMddoewamwradorwirasnfRiwdahsao.@eibrGokebtemiarneaSatd,aredTySr,(i5sytOlNaispo5OetpeEneweAcarDci’Kclsa.iasa)lTVbstlaebyietlrlllleateea0iarsg7sjurtoe9s.ncbi,4.ndcoeS6teo.aetu7r.orduk0sLnk6,byelme8oRa6veor6i,sna..gdl,y

artistGALLERY Dark Alley Cats by Veronika Lozovaya DfaAwnReepmKba-agsAilie:tlle:ev:wye/rww2o5wnw6i.kwf9aa.6dclo7eaz1brok1ova4oall3kye4a.yc4@-od6amo6ol6/llsp.?c.acroegomfem=sh/

artistGALLERY w w w. j u l i e s h e p h e r d . c o mTillington Bears Hunter from BrendaBears Lovingly made by hand from high quality materials. by Brenda Parker Tel: 01487 843384 www.brendabears.com www.tillingtonbears.co.uk [email protected]