TBT214

artistGALLERY Julianna Naydina WUhWnuihqmWtutmape.nJsacNe:os/ml-t/leAweocrtRwpitoiTibwneWlsce.fteahOosacRtbnoedKyubmjcSuohaloHidaykOeon.ucnbPreoa.CahmreOsa/rwMt!ith

artistGALLERY Bumble Bears by Fiona Wells Traditional bears made with love. Phone : 02380326663 Email : [email protected] Web: www.bumblebears.co.uk Wishing you all a very merry Christmas from Lynn and the bears www.madaboutbears.com

artistGALLERY Bear Patch Bears One of a kind handmade traditional bears created by Kathryn Gugniewicz Tel: 07824508302 Email: [email protected] Web: www.bear-patch-bears.co.ukBears ‘N’ CompanyBy Ingrid SchmidEmail: [email protected]

artistGALLERY TBTimes2015Advert:CMYK 05/11/2014 11:24 Page 1 Teeny Bears BellBears by DoreenSwift by Tina Brooks [email protected] 020 8778 0217 Tel 02380 446356 www.teenybears.co.ukHugglets stand no, 109 in basement

artistGALLERY

fair reviewTeddies2014As the last few days of summer fade into the long dark eveningsof winter, it can bring on ‘pre-winter blues’ - but a visit to aHugglets festival is guaranteed to provide the perfect antidote By Julie ShepherdS unday the 14th September Just after 10 o’clock Glenn Jackman did was a beautiful day, perfect the traditional ‘chocolate run’ - a gesture for a gathering of like minded which is always much appreciated - and at enthusiasts and as usual, the 10.30 the doors opened and the fun began.quality of the exhibitors and the fabulouscreations with them couldn’t fail to lift the Where should I start with my tourspirits of everyone. of the halls? As I looked around I was absolutely spoilt for choice so decided to The queue had built to its usual epic just see where my wanderings took me.proportions long before the doors opened One of the highlights of this year’s festi-at 10.30. The first few determined col- val was the chance to not only admire thelectors arrived in time to bag a seat at fabulous work of Michelle Lamb of Onethe head of the queue - some were in & Only Bears, but to actually meet theplace more than two hours before open- artist in person. Michelle had made theing time and were happy to sit chatting in long trek from across the pond to bring aeager anticipation of the delights ahead. wonderful selection of her pieces to a very ABOVE: A little diva by Diddy Cottage Bears. LEFT: A perfect tiny bear and hobbyhorse from Flutterby Bears.56 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

fair reviewABOVE: An irresistable bear from Julianna phants, giraffes, two very cheeky squirrelsNaydina. but my favourites just had to be the twoRIGHT: A stunning bear and friend by Button cute little hedgehogs!Meadow Bears.BELOW RIGHT: Great-Grandad by Emilia Any of you who regularly read myPollard of Higgy’s Bears. show reviews will know I have nothing but admiration for artists who create mini-enthusiastic Hugglets audience. Her crea- ature bears so I am always spellbound bytions are even more stunning ‘in the fur’. the tiny miracles made by Louise Peers.To be honest, I would have liked to have Her work is truly staggering - the sizesgrabbed a very large bag and taken all of so small but each little creation so perfectthem home with me! in every way. I couldn’t resist snapping a photo of a beautiful tableaux of a hedge- Just across the aisle I saw a very cute hog and his two little friends, completelittle bear looking at me in a cheeky way. with a wonderful carriage in rich autumnalI couldn’t resist a closer look and found shades. Just gorgeous.she was just as adorable up close. She wasthe creation of Emma Meredith of Diddy And while on the subject of mini-Cottage Bears - and she was surrounded atures, I can never resist a good browse atby equally wonderful companions. She was the stand of Nicola Perkins either. She isimmediately added to my ever lenghten- another who truly has a gift for miniatureing list of ‘bears I would like to take home making - and her stand is always beauti-with me’. fully decorated to complement her tiny bears. I then couldn’t resist a quick rum-mage amongst the glorious selection Julieanna Naydina has a truly uniqueof mini bear fabrics which covered the style - and it was proving very popularThreadTeds stand. So far I had managed with collectors. Her stand was laden withto resist the urge to buy any (to be honest, wonderful bears, each with a very uniqueI could feel myself weakening). But if youpreferred your fabric in bear form, there t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 57was a mouthwatering selection of bruins tochoose from too. Kitty April Handmade had a standpacked with little critters; there were ele-

fair reviewbut utterly heart-meltingly endearing stand had virtually been picked clean! bears and before I even reached herexpression. Luckily there was one bear waiting to be stand, I had been told about a wonder- collected, so I managed to take a photo ful piece entitled the ‘Pigeon Fancier’. I love the work of Millisea Creations before she disappeared too. Unfortunately, when I reached Ann’sand am always excited to see what is new stand, he had been collected but there- and the selection never disappoints! It Lisa Wills of Bears Upon Soar had a were plenty of other fabulous creations forwas very difficult to choose a favourite beautiful selection of her instantly recog-piece but I think it had to be the giraffe, nisable bears with her. The detailing of the TOP LEFT: A very elegant lady by Fionaas just looking at him made me smile. I foot and paw pads is amazing. I think my Wells of Bumble Bears.was equally smitten by his little donkey favourite had to be a huge bear who had TOP: A beautiful tableaux by Louise Peers.companion. been created with twelve joints, making LEFT: Who could resist this pair from Millisea him endlessly poseable. Creations. A visit to the Essential Bears’ stand is TOP INSET: The Teddy Bear Times editor inalways a must, so I made my way there The display of Button Meadow Bears action.and once again I was bowled over by the was very eye-catching and again it was ABOVE: The gorgeous Sea Urchin Pincushionbeautiful artistry on display. Another very very difficult to choose a favourite but from Essential Bears.difficult decision to choose my favourite I think the white bear with hispiece but I think it just had to be the Sea beautiful detailing was just irre-Urchin Pincushion. Beautiful in every sistable - I loved his little mouseway. friend too. I had a chat with Paula Strethill-Smith Fiona Wells of Bumble Bearsof Schultz Characters. I love her work always has a beautiful displayand was particularly taken with a little cat of dressed bears with her andbut then I spotted a very handsome fox, today was no exception - herresplendent in a fabulous outfit, which very elegant lady bear wasmade it impossible to choose a favourite. stunning in every way and the detail of her clothing was Jackie Wickenden of JCW Bears had, breathtaking.as usual, created a wonderful display ofher realistic animals and amongst them I Ann Reed of Ann Madespotted another absolutely beautiful fox so Bears is another artist whoI couldn’t resist the opportunity to take a produces beautiful dressedquick photo. I stopped for a quick chat with SueJennings of Teddybuys and just loved hergorgeous array of bears, particularly herlittle bears, who were beautifully displayed. I arrived at the stand of KatherineHallam of Katie Rae Bears to find her58 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

fair reviewABOVE: A pyramid of beautiful little bears fabulous creations on display. You reallyfrom Teddybuys. need to see them all for yourself.RIGHT: A wonderful display fromThReAdTeDs. But don’t worry if you missed TeddiesBELOW RIGHT: Katherine Hallam of Katie 2014; you can make up for it by making aRae Bears with one of her fabulous creations. note in your diary for the Winter BearfestBELOW FAR RIGHT: The beguiling Salome by which will take place on 22nd FebruaryAnn Made Bears. 2015.me to snap. I chose the beguiling Salome You really won’t want to miss it! TBTas my favourite. t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 59 I had a quick chat with Ruth Bowmanof Flutterby Bears. As always, her stun-ning little bears were stitch-perfect inevery way. How she does it, I just don’tknow. Emelia Pollard of Higgys Bears hadcreated a handsome traditional bear tocommemorate the centenary of the begin-ning of the First World War and he wascertainly a very fitting tribute. And finally, late in the afternoon, Imanaged to catch up with the Teddy BearTimes team who had been kept very busyall day on their stand. I popped out to seethem several times but it was nearly 3.30before I managed to have a word with Jilland Maria and persuade them to pose fora quick snap before they had to get backto work. But all too soon the dreaded announce-ment came that the Festival was closing. Ifyou’ve ever been lucky enough to attenda Hugglets Festival, you’ll know that theday simply flies by. As always, I’ve onlybeen able to give you a small taste of the

pattern An elephant called Audrey Dainty, elegant and petite, just like a famous actress she shares her name with, Audrey will make a delightful addition to any hug Designed by Susan Leigh, Bearleigh BearsInstructions Cutting out space for the neck joint; this is to place the T-pin through when you are jointing the head.Before you start: Check the direction of the pile of the Turn right side out. fabric. Position the fabric wrong side up and•Read all the instructions carefully. place the pattern onto the fabric, making Legs: front and back•Make a photocopy of original pattern, sure that the fur pile runs in the direction shown by the arrows on the pattern. TIP: To be able to tell the differencepaste it onto cardboard and cut out OR trace between the front and back legs and theonto template plastic and then cut out. Trace around the pattern pieces with a front of the legs, I mark the legs with different thin permanent marker or a gel pen, marking colour cotton, using small tailor tacks, at the•A 5mm seam allowance is already includ- joints, openings...etc. With Alpaca or viscose, front of the legs. I also mark the front legs I use a water based leather adhesive on the with ‘F’ in a different colour cotton.ed. edge of all the pieces. With right sides together, pin and whip•When using alpaca, I use a leather based Be sure to reverse the pieces as indicated stitch from the toe upward around the leg on the pattern pieces. DO NOT CUT YOUR and down to the heel, leaving an openingwater adhesive around the edges of my fab- FABRIC UNTIL YOU ARE COMPLETELY where indicated. Back stitch same. Markric pieces to prevent fraying. I do this before SURE THAT YOU HAVE MARKED OUT ALL the footpad as indicated on the pattern andcutting out the pieces. THE PATTERN PIECES AND ARE HAPPY match these markings with the ones on the WITH THE LAYOUT. lower edge of the legs; pin and whip stitch.You’llneed Then back stitch same. Turn right sides out Cut out your pieces with small pointed and repeat for the other legs. n Felted mohair: 1/16th metre scissors, taking care to cut only the backing Ears & Footpads: Ultrasuede and not the pile. Ears n 8mm glass eyes Remember when pinning the pieces Place the two ear pieces right sides n Artificial sinew for attaching eyes together with the right sides facing to take together. Pin and whip stitch from C around n Matching sewing thread care to push any pile that sticks out away to D. Back stitch same. Turn right side out n Joints: 10 x 20mm wooden discs from the cut edge. and turn the edge in on the straight side of the ear and close this seam with a ladder 5 Small T-pins If you are using fabric for the inner ears stitch. Do not end off this thread as you will n Soft stuffing (poly, wool, noil, and paw pads, please line them with a light use it to attach the ears to the head. Repeat interfacing to give the fabric a little more body. for the other ear. whatever you prefer) Head Assembling Tools Head n Cardboard or template plastic, Firstly, sew the darts together with a back stitch. Taking the two side head pieces, right Stuffing the head: Starting with the nose glue, paper scissors sides together, pin these together and whip and using small pieces of polyester filling, n Fine Laundry pen or gel pen stitch from A all the way around to B. Then pack the head firmly using a stuffing tool. n Small bladed, very sharp scissors backstitch from A to B. Turn right side out. Take extra care to stuff the nose firmly. The n Hand sewing needle head and especially the nose need to be firm n Stuffing stick or chop stick Body and evenly stuffed. Do not stuff away without n Doll needle for attaching eyes n Pliers or cotter-pin turner Place the body pieces together and pin. n Awl Whip stitch and then back stitch, leaving n Sinew openings where indicated. Also leave a small n Leather Glue60 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

patternt e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 61

pattern THEBEARfacts Copyright 2014 Bearleigh Bears Bearleigh Bears 1880 Pomeroy Road, Bannister, NSW, Sydney, Australia, 2580 Website: www.bearleighbears Email: [email protected] t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

patternmoulding the head as you go to retain theoriginal shape of the head.Eye sculpting head and as close to the disc as possible. Stuffing body, arms and legs Repeat for the other eye. When happy with the shape and firmness Using small cotton ball sized pieces ofof your elephants head, you can do sculpting Check to see that the eyes are in the cor- polyester filling, pack firmly right down intoto form the eye sockets for the elephant’s rect position. When you are satisfied, take the tips of the paws and crutch of the ele-eyes. Thread a long doll needle with artificial one end of one pair of threads and do a phant and into the neck with a stuffing tool.sinew and make a small knot on the end; couple of backstitches, then do half a double Add slowly until you have achieved the firm-anchor the sinew in the stuffing in the base wrapped knot. Pull the free thread up, (the ness that you want for the elephant. Closeof the neck. one that you didn’t do the back stitches the openings with a ladder stitch. with), sinking the eye into position with gentle Then push the needle through the head pressure. When you feel that the eye has If you would like your elephant to freeand come out where you think the eyes settled in the socket, do a few more knots. stand, then make sure that the elephant isshould sit. I usually use test eyes to mark the firmly stuffed. Small glass pellets in the feetposition first. Take a small stitch and then go Repeat the process for the other eye. will also assist your elephant’s balance.across to the other side and do a small stitch Before you sink the threads, make sure thatthere and come back to the first side. Repeat you are completely happy with the placement Your elephant is now complete.this 3 or 4 times pulling the sinew tight as and symmetry. Then sink your knots. Give Congratulations. Place a kiss on its nose andyou go. Push the needle back through the them a tug and the knot should sink into the welcome it into the world, giving it the namehead and out at the neck and end off your head. The threads can then be cut off close you have chosen. TBTsinew in the stuffing of the head. to the fabric. Making Audrey’s skirt When this is complete, run a gathering Attaching the stuffed headstitch around the base of the neck with a to the body Cut a strip of tulle or lace 70cmstrong thread or artificial sinew. long by 5cm wide. Join the short sides Push the T-pin through the small space together and sew. Gather the one end Take a 20mm fibre disc, place the T-pin left on the top of the body. Complete the and attach to your elephant. Make surethrough the disc, and then place into the assembly by placing the 20mm disc onto the that the gathers are spread out evenly.head. Pull up the gathering thread as tight T-pin. Open out the T-pin as far as possibleas possible and tie off a couple of times with and then roll each side down onto the disc I attach the skirt to the elephant withreef knots, making sure that it is secure. with a cotter-pin turner as tight as possible. a running stitch. I go around twice. UseThread the ends of these threads onto a long any decoration to cover the top of thedoll needle and sink into the head. Attaching arms and legs skirt if you wish. I sewed a trim on the top of the netting and then attached aTrimming the fur on the face Make a hole with an awl at the markings flower in front of her ear. for the joints. Place an arm disc onto a T-pin With this elephant I have not done much and insert this assembly into the arm with the Making Audrey’s tailtrimming as the fur is close to the shape of T-pin extending out of the joint hole. Insertthe head. I have trimmed a little in front of the the T-pin into the arm hole marked on the I use either perle thread or strandedeyes. The rest is up to you. Just remember, body (be sure that the arm is facing the cor- thread. I take 6 pieces of thread aboutonce the fur is cut you cannot get it back. So rect direction). 20cms long each. Thread these into thedo a little at a time. You may add colouring back of her body, where her tail shouldto your elephants face at this stage. I have From the inside of the body, locate the be. Make sure the ends are even.used decorating chalks in a slightly darker T-pin and place an arm disc onto the T-pin. Separate into 3 groups of 4 threadscolour than the mohair. Then open out the T-pin as far as possible and start plaiting the threads. When you and roll each side down onto the disc with a have reached the desired length, placeAttaching the ears cotter-pin turner as tight as possible. Attach all threads together and tie a knot. Trim the other arm and both legs in the same the ends to the length you desire. Pin ears onto head in the desired position manner.and then take a couple of stitches at eachend of the ear to hold them in place. Do thisby catching a little bit of head fabric veryclose to the base of the ear and then thesame on the corner of the ear. Repeat thisat each end a couple of times. Then, using aladder stitch across the back side of the ear,sew each in place and then sink your threadinto the head.Setting the eyes The location will be determined from yoursculpting. Make small holes with an awl.Thread one eye on a decent length of sinew,thread both ends of sinew onto a long needleand insert at the eye position, exiting at theback of the head, as low as possible on the t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 63

Onwards &BEAR DOCTOR upwardsOur bear doctors look forward to new hospital Big repairs for Big Tedpremises in 2015 and have an enjoyable visitup country to Merrythought Our first patient arrived at our clinic at MerrythoughtW By Amanda Middleditch and Julie Tatchell wearing a bobble hat andelcome to another c1953 who needed a few nose with his tummy shrouded inchapter in the stitches and a well-loved plushy bandages. His owner was‘Tales of the Teddy who needed new paw pads. A disguising the fact that this poor old chap had no ears!Bear Doctors’. It huge thanks to Ruth who made On further investigation we could also see that Bigalways seems to come as a us feel at home and even gave Ted had acquired a pair of blue eyes that were neversurprise when we realise we us chocolate! We will be back in his. Under his bandaging his seam had come apartare writing for the Christmas Ironbridge on 7th March. and his Kapok stuffing had severely broken down andedition of TBT again. As one We also took the was spilling out.year passes and we look on opportunity to call in on Although no longer work- ing, his squeaker was dis-with excitement to the next, is it Teddy Bears of Witney covered near his left hip and his owner requested that thisonly us that exclaim: “I just don’t and received a lovely should be put back specifi- cally in the ‘left heart’ positionknow where it went,” or “where time you hear welcome from Jan on of his chest.did those last few months go?” from us we hope our arrival. It was a So let’s start at the top! We began with a repair underAnd yes, we are looking forward to be able to delight for us to have the his chin. The seam had come open and he was, again, los-to 2015, especially as things will share some pho- chance to look around ing stuffing which had caused his muzzle to collapse andbe changing a bit for us. tos from our new the beautiful shop we crumple. By gently filling his muzzle and head with newAfter eight years of being ‘headquarters’ had heard and read kapok, we were able to see a much clearer shape andin shop premises on Beaulieu and we are looking so much about. As you can the remnants of drop stitch- ing at the sides of his nose.High Street, the New Year finds forward to making many new see from the photos, we met This suggested to us that Big Ted was indeed an oldus moving to another studio! memories there. Aloysius, Alfonzo and Theodore Merrythought bear. Further confirmation came on theWe will still be offering all the In the meantime, what have and we do have to confess to discovery of holes and fading on his paw pads where websame services but will be letting we been up to? Well, we had making a couple of small pur- stitching would have been. There was also a faded patchthe retail side of the business yet another wonderful visit to chases for ourselves...go, except for our own prod- Merrythought where we held The photo is of Jan hold-ucts which will still be available our clinic in the shop during ing the original Dottie from theonline. We will take with us Ironbridge Heritage Day as Teddy Bears of Witney col-some very special memories we did last year. We returned lection, from which a beautifulof both people and experi- patients to customers we met replica has been produced in aences, such as five Teddy Bear back in March (one features in limited edition run of 60 pieces.Festivals, four Christmas Teddy the case studies) and admitted Now on to our case stud-Bear Festivals, some more, including a beautiful ies for this edition. The first isa teddy chain Granpops and a rather delightful a Merrythought c1940 whoaround the village Merrythought duck. was unrecognisable. Then twofor Children in Outpatient surgeries included English bears (brother and sister)Need and Bartie a Chiltern with an upside down and part one of a VERY largeBristle bungee nose, a Chad Valley Cubby Steiff bear project. TBTjumping from THEBEARfactsa chimney forCystic Fibrosis, The Bear Doctors: [email protected] or call aided by the 01590 612097. Available for demonstrations and advice Beaulieu Fire clinics by request. Please contact us regarding private Brigade. Next collections.64 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

BEAR DOCTORWhat doesn’t need repairing?Often amazed at what these poor bears have had to put CASE STUDYup with, Julie and Amanda have their work cut out with anold Merrythought, a set of twins and a larger than life Steiffon his right paw where a label we are able to replicate it but it much that he took a lot more was attached to his internalwas originally stitched. is unusual to have to replicate work. (His owner has now been frame by a large nut and bolt! red! instructed not to kiss him if she Now that we were 100% is wearing lipstick!) When fin- We started by openingsure that he was Merrythought, Both bears were stuffed with ished, the bears looked much seams at the base of hiswe could confidently make him foam rubber chippings. Honey more like twins again and went head and top of his back,new ears that were appropriate was the more fortunate of the home, with Honey sporting a then we borrowed adjustableand were in the correct position. two with her stuffing remaining pink ribbon and Growler in his spanners from the lads atWe replaced his blue eyes with in good condition. Growler, on tartan as requested by their the Activity Centre next doorglass amber ones, which gave the other hand, was in need of a owner. (much to their amusement)him a softer expression much complete re-stuff as his stuffing and, between the two of us,more in keeping with his age. was starting to cause damage It takes two... got the job done. We alsoHis tummy was then lined to due to deterioration. We needed replaced the existing washersadd strength to his frail fabric: to make two new noses and As is becoming a bit of a with slightly larger ones fornew stuffing was added and his their owner remembered that habit, we received yet another stability.squeaker replaced as requested. they had black suede ones origi- very large Steiff studio piece forThere was a repair required on nally. Honey needed a few small repair. (This time it was a bear It is important to rememberhis right wrist and the missing darns to her tummy but Growler and not a lion). He was not very that when we are asked toclaw stitches were added using escaped the need for any. old but did have some serious undertake such large jobs asthe webbed design. He was problems. Now living with a this, it always takes both of usthen cleaned and ready to go Next came the clean- young family, this bear had been to carry out the repairs, duehome to his delighted owner ing process. Both bears had used as a sofa-come-trampoline to the weight and bulk of the(below). really beautiful mohair but poor and as a result, his internal pieces. Growler had been kissed so metal frame had snapped atDouble trouble both ankles and his head had Following this, we began come off. He was also rather the cleaning process… It is Our next patients arrived sticky in places! Sharp metal here that we will stop for thistogether, although one had ends had pierced his ankles and issue and leave you with theclearly seen more ‘loving’ we had to address these first. thought of us in our rubberthan the other. The twins were gloves with said large bearEnglish bears c1950. Growler We began by opening the lying across the table. You willneeded new paw pads. We seam around his footpad and have to wait until next time forwere able to tell from his sister removed the stuffing for ease the pictures.Honey, that his originals were of access. We were then ablemade from red Rexine. Although to put the metal back in the Until then we would likewe can no longer buy Rexine, correct position and bind to wish all our readers a very them in place. Stuffing happy New Year. TBT was replaced and the paw pad re-stitched. We then worked to repair the dam- age to the fabric on his ankles where the metal had cut through. Next we set about replacing his head. This was no mean feat when you consider the disc in his neck was the size of a large dinner plate, not to mention that inside his body it t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 65

bearMAKING By Julie ShepherdPlDeaesareJhueliel,p me to...Bear making top to toe this monthas Julie reveals the secrets of earpositioning and ponders paw padoptionsW elcome to another perfect when I pin them on, ABOVE: Sew the ear pieces then turn the ears right side problem-solving but absolutely awful by the together very carefully. out. You might find it easier to session. Hopefully I time they are stitched. Why RIGHT: Using longer pins will get a good finish if you turn in will be able to find is this? Help! hold the ear securely in place. and stitch the base of the earsolutions for all those annoying BELOW LEFT: Pin firmly in together before pinning it tolittle issues that can get in the Well if I had the answer to place before stitching to avoid the head. This gives you moreway of the pleasure of bear- perfect ears every time I would movement. control over the accuracy of themaking. be a very happy person! I’m amount of fabric which is turned quite happy to admit that sew- stitched and/or stuffed. under. In this issue I’m going to ing ears on is my least favourite If the head has not beentackle the problems posed part of making a bear - and for When pinning the ears onwith the choice of paw fabric, all the reasons you list. very accurately stitched it will use pins which are longer asbut I’m going to begin with the be slightly out of shape or if this will give a more securequestion of how to position the How to overcome the prob- the stuffing has been added placement. Experiment withears. lem? There are a few sugges- unevenly that too will distort the various positions as you’ll be tions I can make which may head slightly, so you could be very surprised at the difference• I’m enjoying making bears help but there is no magic trying to achieve a perfect finish just a small adjustment can answer. on an imperfect base. Always make. When you are happybut I really struggle to get take great care over these two with the look, use more pins tothe ears looking right. They But before I start I have to tasks. secure the ear along the lengtheither seem to be differ- tell you that sometimes the of the base.ent sizes, or they look very problem with the ears doesn’t But even if the head is per-uneven when they are in actually have anything to do fect there are still plenty of pit- This should minimize theplace. And most annoying with the ears at all - it can be falls when it comes to the ears. chances of the ear shifting as itof all, sometimes they look the way the head has been is sewn in place. As you com- Always take great care when plete the stitching take the time cutting out and stitching the ear to check that you are happy pieces together. If there are any with the way the ears are look- discrepancies created at this ing - it’s much easier to unpick stage, they will come back to haunt you later on. Sewing just slightly off the stitching line will mean that the ears are slightly different sizes which will give an uneven look. Once the stitching is com- plete, pick the seams carefully to free any trapped pile and66 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

bear makinga couple of stitches as you LEFT: Cashmere has a very paw pads is wool felt - this stretch in it so you shouldn’tgo than it is to finish and then luxurious finish. is a heavier type of felt not to have any problems. The finishdecide you aren’t happy and BELOW LEFT: Ultrasuede is be confused with the thinner gives a rich look to the com-have to undo everything. available in a rainbow of colours. synthetic fabric which is readily pleted paw pads. BELOW: Wool felt in a choice of available in craft shops. Wool Finally - and I have heard this traditional shades. felt is available from specialist If you are really stuck, youtip but am not sure it’s a good teddy bear making suppliers in can always use the same fabricidea - if the fabric you are using some fabrics don’t work so well a choice of traditional colours for the paw pads as you arehas a long pile and you feel one for you. which is perfect if you are creat- using for the bear. If you areear looks slightly bigger than the ing a traditional bear. working with a very unusualother, you could try trimming a Leather can be quite dif- fabric and you feel the finishedvery tiny amount from the length ficult to work with - it has some But if you are looking for bear will be spoilt by addingof the pile on the larger ear. stretch to it, it’s quite tough to something more unusual, it is another colour or fabric, you sew (you’ll probably need a possible to find it in a wider could use the same mohair My concern is that if you’re special leather needle) and if choice of colours although it will either trimmed or reversed.not careful you could find that you make a mistake and have be more difficult to get hold ofyou trim too much and it will to unpick your stitching you’ll and you’ll have to shop around. And finally, you could choosechange the look of the ears as probably find that the leather is something more unusual. Toone will have a longer pile than permanently marked. Years ago I wanted a very mention just a few options, Ithe other. But you could try this particular shade of dark red for have seen bears with fabuloustechnique if you have some Ultrasuede is a lovely fabric a special project and I had quite paw pads created from denim,spare fabric and are prepared to to use and is readily available a job to find it. When I did find velvet, printed cotton or tapes-make another ear if it does not in a rainbow of colours so I’m the perfect colour, I had to order try. All give a very unique look.go according to plan. sorry to hear that you’ve had it from America but I got exactly problems with it. There is, as what I needed so it was well So there really are no hard So as I said, there is no easy you say, some stretch in it worth the trouble. and fast rules - the choice isanswer to the ear problem - and but this shouldn’t cause too yours.I still loathe sewing them on! much of an issue. From your Cashmere is another lovely description I wonder if the foot fabric to use for pawpads and Well, that’s all for this issue.•I’m not sure which type pad was slightly bigger than it again is available in a wide Please do keep your questions needed to be. choice of colours. It has the coming and I look forward toof fabric is considered best added bonus of having no more problem solving next time.for paw pads. There seems Cutting the accurate size isto be quite a choice and it’s very important - if the pad is Until then, happy sewing! TBTa bit confusing. I have tried slightly too big for the base ofusing leather and ultrasuede the leg you’ll find it necessary tobut they both seem to be a ease it to fit which will give it abit stretchy. I’ve found them slight fullness. This will be madequite difficult to work with worse when the filling is addedand when I’ve stuffed the as it will fill out the fullness andfoot it seems to bulge out at cause it to bulge.the bottom. To overcome this problem You can create paw pads you could try cutting the padfrom almost any type of fabric just a fraction smaller than theso the choice is entirely up to measurement of the base ofyou, but you have found that the leg. The traditional fabric for t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 67

artist profileIf at first youdon’t succeed...If Shelli Quinn had not been so determined to tryagain and get it right, bear lovers may not have hadthe pleasure of the aptly named Potbelly Bears By Holly Simmons W hat’s in a name? Quite a lot actually, if you think about it. Creator of Potbelly Bears, Shelly Quinn, thought about it too. “I’ve only been Shelli Quinn since 2013. I spent most of my bear making career as Shelli Heinemann, because while my sons were minors still living at home, I wanted it to be obvious - to them and the world - that I belonged to them and they belonged to me, via our shared surname. It was always a conspicuous plan to drop ‘Heinemann’ and take the married name of Quinn once my youngest left the nest and 2013 marked that time.” This year marks a ten year anniversary for Shelli as she started making bears in 2003 and selling them in 2004. “It’s very exciting! I’m so incredibly grateful to my customers these last 10 years, for making such a magical anniversary even possible. I just don’t have adequate words to express how much I appreciate them.” Pot Belly Bears began with a simple love of craft. “I’m a creative person. I like ‘making things’ so I’m always eyes wide open, seeking some new artsy project to try. Years ago, propelled by that creative urge, I bought a commercial teddy bear pattern at a big box fabric store. My intent was to hand-craft a cute toy for my sons to hug or display.” However, Shelli soon began to won- der if she had bitten off more than she could chew. “Mohair yardage wasn’t locally available; neither was the hardware required to joint a bear ‘professionally’. So I bought plush fleece (big mistake), stuff- ing and thread and went to work, hoping68 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

artist profilefor the best. I thought it was going to be psychology at UCLA, with an unofficial the world.”easy.” emphasis on autism. After graduation, I Returning home to the US, the couple worked as a rec program supervisor for It was a lot more challenging than she developmentally disabled adolescents. married and moved to San Francisco,imagined. “All those curves and pieces! I’d planned to seek an advanced degree where Shelli dabbled in corporate admin-And when I was finished, the outcome was in Clinical Psychology but ended up in istrative jobs. “Working downtown, in thea shocking disappointment. So disappoint- Zurich, Switzerland instead.” City by the Bay, in the tallest of skyscrap-ing, in fact, I felt I HAD to try again. ers, rubbing elbows with bigwigs wearingBefore this, I’d always experienced at least Shelli’s fiance had been relocated there Armani, was absolutely exciting and glam-a little success, a little ‘afterglow’, at the by his firm and he invited Shelli to go with orous. Yet it didn’t feed my soul.”end of a given artistic project. But with him. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime oppor-this bear? Nothing. It was so unsettling, tunity, too amazing to pass up. I spent a Shelli decided to take a lesser-payingI just could not sit still and accept such a wonderful year in Zurich, travelling and job as a teacher’s aide, applied to gradu-wonky, unattractive end product!” meeting incredible people from all over ate school and ended up back at UCLA where she earned a Master’s degree in Shelli was not to be defeated so she did Education and a teaching credential. “Asome research online, in the hope of get- month later, my first son was born. I’dting a better outcome with teddy number always wanted to be a dedicated at-hometwo. “That’s when I discovered the world mum, so that’s exactly what I did - forof artist bears. They were so cute; so full the next 20 years. Best job ever. Our sec-of charm and personality; so different ond son was born two years later. Then,from the ‘toys’ I imagined teddy bears to after a few years, my boys and I relocatedbe. They were objets d’art. They made to Chico, California, where I made mybeautiful room accents. Some even looked first bear in 2003 - and married my bestalive! I was instantly hooked. I started friend.”devouring online tutorials, then bought alibrary of bear making books from a claus- Selling successfully, especially online,trophobic, musty, used book store down- requires not just a desirable product buttown, which (surprisingly) had quite a few some marketing know-how too and Shellion their shelves, many out of print. was on the case. “As I developed my bear making skillset, I sort of insidiously devel- “They were real treasures. Within a oped my graphic design skillset too, whichweek I was making my own patterns and, I’ve used from time to time, not just toafter a dozen or so completed bears - each enhance my bear business but to generateone an improvement on the last - I felt a design-based income. My trade nameconfident I had something sales-worthythat others might like too.” In the background to all of this creativeexcitement is Shelli’s career. “I’ve had atruly atypical educational and career path,which has allowed me to live a really inter-esting, rich and textured life! I studied t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 69

artist profileis Potbelly Design. I’ve designed fabrics hatch and grow - but oh, the noise when old-fashioned, which is just how I designfor Spoonflower and even won a weekly they get chirping! We just recently lost our them to be. In 2013, I introduced a linecontest (with an Etsy tie-in). You can also beloved Shepherd mix Maggie to heart of Potbelly Bears ‘Old Timers’ with blackfind t-shirts, tote bags, phone cases, etc. failure. That was beyond hard.” button eyes, muted colouring and dis-featuring my design work at Society6. (I’m tressed finishing. I’ve described them asthinking of reopening my design studio in When it comes to making bears, Shelli ‘careworn bears with a vintage look andthe near future. Anyone out there need a is pleased to have her space in the Potbelly a charming folk art feel’. I number themnew logo or banner?).” Bears studio, a dedicated creative space instead of naming them. They’ve been located in an office five minutes from her very successful for me, which has been As mentioned, Shelli is married to her home. “I share the office with Tim, who lovely.”best friend, Tim, who is a marriage and works across the hall. Off and on, over thefamily therapist. “We’ve been together 15 years, I maintained a home-based studio When Shelli first started out mak-years; married 11. Now empty-nesters, but again and again I find I’m just more ing bears, she was hugely inspired by thewe live in a too-big-for-two house that disciplined when I actually ‘go to work’ expressive, wide-eyed bears of Michellewe don’t keep quite clean enough, in the somewhere else.” Lamb’s creations. “She ultimately becamevery charming university town of Chico, a friend and mentor to me and her sup-California. Between us we have four pre- When asked if bear making is a full port was kind, instructive - and invaluable.cious sons - His: Jeb (28) and Zack (24) time occupation, there was no hesitation. Her generosity of spirit is astounding. I’mand Hers: Toby (21) and Noah (19). “Full time in theory, part time in practice! a huge fan, still.”They’re incredible kids and we love them I work really deliberately and carefullywith all our hearts.” and slowly; refuse to call something ‘done’ Not wanting to sound cliched, Shelli until I’m absolutely 100% satisfied; and can’t help but be honest when she says Home is shared with, in Shelli’s words, am easily distracted by new project ideas, inspiration for her bear designs comesthe world’s sweetest and most slobbery the lure of coffee breaks, sparkly things from everywhere. “When you’re looking,dog (chocolate lab, Hunter) and two very and any opportunity to spend time out- you find it.”friendly lapcats, Jinx and Rascal. “At our doors.”shared office space, where Tim sees cli- She loves warm, woolly, natural fabricsents and I make bears, we keep Society A typical Potbelly Bear is a mid-sized like mohair and alpaca and leans heavilyFinches. They can’t seem to stop making ‘teddy bear’ style bruin, featuring big, towards neutral colours. “I love anythingbabies, which are so fun to watch as they hand-coloured eyes and modern finishing. that’s cosy! My favourite paw pad material “They’re not even a little bit realistic or is wool felt, although I also use suede and leather on occasion.” In comparison to her early creations, Shelli can see lots of progress. “They’re better proportioned, for sure, and the fin- ishing is much more sophisticated and ele- gant. My nose embroidery has improved a lot over time too; new bear makers, don’t despair...It comes around! Over the years, I’ve also settled on certain materials that feel comfortable both to work with and as a representation of my aesthetic. And without question, the more bears I’ve made, the more I’ve developed a unique70 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

artist profile‘Potbelly Bears’ look. That’s true for all enhance your life, you can find them on A little extraartists, I think. The act of creating itself is Shelli’s website, www.potbellybears.com, Please tell us five things about youwhat, over time, moves artistic works away occasionally on eBay, and via Silly Bears, that are not teddy bear related:from being just some rote exercise in tech- the exclusive UK retailer of Shelli’s 1. I type over 100 words per minute.nique, toward a true expression of their Potbelly Bear designs. tIboAOhcauOelodstrLeueemfldrdIo,nidnrsisne-’ottscablteopnaelnoytnvsaMtoesmnsreibspsemalyasstmeyisbonaebntggyopehaintruif!ng)tmegurssaosdenpfedtewateetnaorddmre,lomitn(chliuikanksetgmt, ecreator. That can’t happen quickly and 2. I’ve never beenthere’s just no rushing it. It requires time.” She has been lucky (and obviously tiful than Santorini, anywhere more beau- talented!) enough to produce award win- Greece. Time is something Shelli is using to ning designs over the years but these arecontemplate and develop a new line of in Shelli’s own hug. “I’ve been so blessedbears. “Still forming conceptually in my to receive several awards for my bears,head is a line of bears featuring smaller, including Golden Teddy, Toby (Industry’santique-inspired, yet contemporary bears Choice) and URSA awards. I have keptwith bright, fun, animated finishing and my award winning bears as mementoes fortiny little eyes. This will be a separate enti- myself and my family and display themty from Potbelly Bears. I’ve even picked proudly behind glass, next to their ribbonsout the company name and registered it and trophies. It never stops being a thrill,(but shhhhh, it’s a secret for now).” to have received those honours.” As far as the current bears are con- As for other bears in her hug, thesecerned, the finishing is the part that Shelli are quite different to the Potbelly Bears.enjoys most, especially needle-sculpting “Interestingly, although I make contem-and shading the face. And she also enjoys porary bears, I collect bears with a veryfinding just the right accessory. “I like the vintage feel.”natural fibre textile to be the focus of myfinished bears so I tend not to clothe them Well, if variety really is the spice of lifeper se. Instead, I add an accent or two, and the last ten years are anything to gooften at the head or neck, to set a mood.” by, Shelli has managed to find the perfectIf pushed to find something she doesn’t balance, with a variety of places to callenjoy it’s probably machining. “Time at home, careers and lifestyles, all blendedthe sewing machine is really a means to an together with love and creativity. Here’send for me. It just has to be done.” to the next ten years of Potbelly Bears and the possibility of some new varieties in the With nothing being put up for sale not too distant future maybe. TBTuntil Shelli is completely happy with it,production levels vary and have doneover the whole of her career. “It has reallydepended what else was going on in mylife at the time. I’ve made as many as50 and as few as five bears in one year.I’m never trying to manipulate supply ordemand - I’m just living my life, enhancedby bear making.” If you think a Potbelly Bear could 3. I really, deeply loathe broccoli. I wish I didn’t. I like the IDEA of broccoli - I just can’t stand the smell. 4. I have a powerful, probably addiction to Pinterest. Find me unhealthy, pinterest.com/potbellybears there at: 5. I’m born and raised in California; our BaesndtraudtUineoC,uatLrnwAimmo, awabslrhcoiseowrttensheoaburgeeraritJzreszoa.leymPabesnerhadaarre.JpIos‘Bastertupeihnnidsn’-e the universe has been telling me something all along... THEBEARfacts Potbelly Bears and other cheerful things www.potbellybears.com t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 71

artist’sdiary withAndyWestOh dear, Andy’s got himself in a right spin. but first I need to push the coffee to one side so I don’t accidentally knock it over.With so much to do it all becomes a bit of The coffee is luke warm so I decide to put it in the fridge to turn into iced coffee for later.a blur and ends in a tangled heap As I head towards the kitchen with theSunny smiles and warm greetings to American customers and we agreed that coffee, a bear commission comes to my you all for this festive season and I suffer from A.A.A.D.D. (Age Activated attention that needs to be wrapped and happy bear hugs for 2015! I hope Attention Deficit Disorder) posted off. I put the coffee on the work sur- the Christmas fairy brings you all face and discover my reading glasses thata multitude of new bears for your hug and To explain this I will tell you about a typi- I’ve been searching for all morning.that you and yours might eat too much, cal Westie Bear day and how this conditiondrink too much and laugh too much! manifests itself: Confusion reigns As per usual the run up to the holiday The family have gone to work/school. I I decide to put them back in my deskseason goes by in a blur of fur, stuffing look out the window and see that the gar- but first I must wrap that bear up. I set theand rushing to the post office to post off den needs watering. As I turn on the hose, glasses down on the work surface, reachorders. Christmas in our house is usually a I look at my wheelchair and decide it needs for the bubble wrap and notice the remotefamily affair with everyone joining us for the a clean. As I turn to get the detergent and control for the TV, realising that tonight,Crimbo period. polish, I notice that the post has arrived. I when we watch TV, I’ll be looking for the decide to go through the post before I wash remote but won’t remember that it’s on the As per usual over Christmas, I am my wheelchair. I put the junk mail in the bin kitchen table. So I decide to put it back inbanned from my bear studio or even talking under the table and notice that the bin is the lounge where it belongs but first I mustbear talk! Well, last year I managed up until full. So I decide to put the bills back on the wrap up that bear. I reach for the bubbleafter Christmas lunch when the kids spied table and take the rubbish out first. But then wrap again and knock over a vase of flow-me sewing a bear head in the corner of the I think, since I am going out to the dustbin, ers. So I put the remote back on the workroom (well if you have a design idea you just I could go down the road to the post box surface, get some towels and wipe up thehave to act on it don’t you?) and I may as well pay the bills first. spill.Syndromes and disorders I take out my cheque book and see that Then I head down the hall trying to I only have one cheque left in the book. remember what I was planning to do. I often wonder if I suffer from the ‘busy My extra cheques are in my desk, in mysyndrome’ as my productivity does not bear studio which is upstairs, so up I go to Getting nowhere fastalways match my busy-ness/rushing my workroom/bear studio and to my deskaround. where I find a cup of coffee I’d been drink- At the end of the day: the garden is still ing. I’m going to look for my cheque book not watered, my wheelchair is still dirty, the I was explaining this to one of my bills are still not paid, there is still warm cof- fee sitting on the work surface, the bear is still not wrapped up, there is still only one cheque in my cheque book, I cannot find the remote, I cannot find my glasses and I cannot find the house keys. Then I try to figure out why nothing got done today! I am really baffled...I know I was busy all day and I’m feeling really tired. I realise this is a serious problem and I’ll try to get some help for it but first I’ll check my emails...Do me a favour; this article is for anyone who knows me, because for the life of me I cannot remember who I sent messages to... Don’t laugh if this is not you yet, your day is coming! Ever decreasing circles My problems are not just around the house but also in my work room. When I am bear making I usually have a dozen or72 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

■ Andy West of Westie Bears is an award winning artist based in Horsham, West Sussex.He started making bears as therapy to cope with a disability. He is well known for hisminiature bears and is a British Bear Artist Award winner. He has also been a semi finalistin the Barclay Trading Places Awards and was winner of the West Sussex County TimesBusiness Award. In 2008 he was awarded Bronze in the Barclay Trading Places Awards.so bears on the go at any time. My daygoes from one bear to another so hencebits of bear getting misplaced (I oncesewed a bear’s ears inside its tummy...don’task!). Is this really me misplacing the bitsor is the evil bear fairy stealing the bits!?!Usually the missing bits turn up in the mostunlikely places, like my sock drawer forexample. I have even been known to popout to the shops with a needle and threadand a bear limb dangling from it! Well I am sure that many of you arethinking to yourselves, “How does he everget any bears made?” So here’s a typicalweek:Monday: Recovering from a successful I have found lots of inspiration from two so-gracefully, down a wall which I bounceonline show at the weekend. Several bears sources: World War One memories and off and end up in the gutter with my noseneed to be packed off to new homes and children’s books of the 40’s and 50’s. down the drain. The force of this makes mymessages replied to for people who would nose swell and the fire brigade have to belike some of my more punky creations. As my regular readers will know, I also called to free me! So embarrassing - I must get inspiration from people watching. Well learn to concentrate on my driving! But everyday I try to give my self some recently, I attended a local ‘vintage years’space to let my creative juices flow and tea dance. This was such an inspirational Friday: HID has heard of my latest wheel-today it is pandas; pink pandas! The only event as people had dressed up and the chair stunt and I am banned from going outissue is that Lily the cat is asleep in the colours and flow of the fabrics just had my on my own for the next month. (That’s whatmohair trunk and every time I try to move bear making brain working overtime! Watch you get for marrying a school teacher...her, I get a swipe from her claws (you can out for the ‘war years-inspired’ collection, maybe she will send me to my room tosee who the Westie Bears boss is!) soon to be designed and created. write some lines!)Tuesday: With bears cut out, I make the Thursday: As you can see from my arti- Today I need to work on my websiteheads first, as the completed head always cles, my life and business is a whirlwind of www.westiebears.com updating the pagestells me what the bear would like to be. busy-ness and drama, so life is never dull: etcSometimes the head remains in the work-room for some time before it tells me who it Today is no exception. I have some Then it is back to creating. As the fes-would like to be (one customer commented orders to post off to customers so off I go tive season draws to a close, I shall start tothat the rows of heads reminded her of a to the Post Office. think of Valentines day, Easter, Spring andmedieval torture chamber!) another fun year of bear making. Sometimes I forget that I’m in a wheel- This afternoon I am giving a talk to the chair and think I am in a Formula One car, I hope you and yours have a bearyNational Doll Makers Guild. Hopefully I will as I get up quite a speed (especially going Christmas and New Year and I hope 2015spread the love and joy of bear making (not down slopes). Well....on my way in to town is a year full of love and joy for us all.to mention challenge their smile muscles). It I am getting up quite a speed but also notis always a pleasure (but also a big respon- watching where I am going (as Mini bear hugssibility) to share the joys of the art of bear usual I am concentrating onmaking. my people watching skills) and (and mAeowxnxdfryom Lily) I fail to see a little old lady inWednesday: Joy of joy, some of my new front of me. I swerve and slam [email protected] have been born. I always think on my brakes which throws me www.westiebears.comthat my latest bear is the most fantastic! out of my chair and I slide, not- No time for admiration though...morebears need to be born. So it’s back to the workroom and moredesigns. Sometimes it is the fabric whichinspires me, sometimes it’s a photo froma magazine/newspaper but just recently t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 73

featUre happy holiday SEASON Two great friends pool their creative talents to assemble the perfect winter wonderland display By Jill MundyI t’s definitely been looking a lot like Joy lives in Gloucestershire but when Christmas in the workshop at Ann she comes to London we meet up at our Made Bears, with a Christmas tree favourite café and, over a cup of coffee or scene and some wonderful seasonal two, we plan our next project.characters joining in the fun. So it was on a sunny day in June when Ann Reed has enjoyed making all the we turned our thoughts to Christmas. Joybears but the accessories are made and is a self confessed foodie so she was recall-arranged by her good friend Joy Tinkler. ing the wonderful Christmas Markets of her childhood in Denmark and we decid- “Joy and I love Christmas. Joy makes ed this would be our centrepiece. Nextor finds most of the accessories and we asked Chris of Christopher Chairspaints the scenery. We start planning in if he would make a 4ft high Christmasthe summer and I have two tables at the tree, with shelves to display bears on.Lostwithiel Fair so that I can use one for a At the bottom of the tree I made FatherChristmas scene. Christmas’ workshop, with him making the toys with the help of his Elf. His Santa suit hangs on the wall behind him, ready for Christmas Eve. Speaking of our plans to my 97 year old mother-in-law Mary, she remembered her childhood in Scotland when Hogmanay was more celebrated than Christmas and the Bagpipes welcomed in the New Year, so Stewart made an appearance. ABOVE: Stewart with Bagpipes - 30 cm tall. He has flexible arms so he can play his Bagpipes. LEFT: Phileas Fudge - 30cm tall to the top of his hat. He has flexible arms and legs, so he can sit down when he gets tired selling all his delicious sweets and cakes.74 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

artist profileRIGHT AND BELOW: FatherChristmas - 29cm tall, he hasflexible arms and legs, so thathe can sit or stand. I’ve madehim two outfits: everyday andChristmas. After Joy finished making Phileas RIGHT: Charlie the Hot Chestnut Man - 24cmFudge’s confectionary delights, we thought tall. He has flexible arms for posing.it would be good to have another streetseller and so along came Charlie Chestnut, badgers carol singing, our scene was set.roasting his chestnuts over the brazier. So now it’s October and we sit in theAlong with two bears drinking theirChristmas cheer from steins and some café making plans for 2015 - but I’m not going to tell  you...it’s a surprise. You’ll just have to wait patiently until next year.” All the bears will be travelling with Ann to Lostwithiel on 23rd November and Hove on 7th December. If you’re going too, do stop by the Ann Made Bears stand for some Christmas cheer and say hello. TBT t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 75

FEATURE when opposites ATTRACT Graffiti loving bear with street cred meets elegant, well-educated fashionista - of course it’s true love! By Karolina RogaT he story starts on February 14th the window display”, as often happens in the city too. To tell the truth, he is a real several years ago. Walking down shops. Of course the rescued Teddy-bear city animal. We cannot understand where the street in a very cold city I saw, refused to go with me clothed in the crazy he learned about the American Basketball in the display window of a shop, a girl-dress. So, not to shock anyone with League, when he started to make streetvery browned-off Teddy Bear’s face. Why his nudity, I had to put him in a paper art and from where he knows everythingcould be the Teddy Bear so enraged? bag. The shop-assistant ensured me that about the latest New York street fashion.“Everyone will be infuriated, me being he would be able to breath freely.such a macho bear but wearing these While travelling we saw many art gal-clothes” the very angry brown bear seemed Entering the bag, he said: “Thanks leries. He was always with us. However,to say. Indeed this macho bear in the shop- for saving my reputation. One day I will when we wished to contemplate the oldwindow was wearing a rather girlish dress. pay you back.” When I asked his name, masters he preferred the modern art andHe seemed to shout: “Help me! Quickly, he answered: “When you took that dress the industrial. Nevertheless, he came withbefore someone sees me.” off me, I felt like a newborn. I heard that us and although he complained all the today is Saint Methodius’ day, so from time about our old-fashioned interests, Without thinking too much I entered now on, call me Metody.” he learned a lot about the history of art.the shop. I wanted to take this bear We told him that this knowledge wouldwith me and put some trousers on him. He has never told me what his previ- be useful for him one day. Of course, thisInitially, the shop-assistant wanted to give ous name was. Moreover, you cannot even macho-bear does not like to confess inme a similar bear but I wished to save this mention his pre-Medoty days. It is for- public that he knows art history and thatpoor Teddy-boy from the shop window. bidden, if you’d rather not experience the he visited the most important museumsFortunately, the sales assistant was human anger of a bear. Grrr. in Europe. He has his image as the coolenough to give him to me without saying: macho guy and he needs to save his face.“But he is only a part of From mountain pass to city street At home, when he came out of the One day he told us that we are very old-fashioned: “But what can I do? bag, I realised that I had to deal with a bear of a strong personality. I though that I had rescued the teddy-bear but it was quite the contrary. He was the one who had chosen me. He accepted my husband too and from that day he became the leader of our team. He is very fond of travelling. Therefore, we have to take him on journeys all over the world. He has never complained about our globetrotter life. He does not mind sleeping in a tent or carry- ing all his things in a rucksack. After all, he is a bear. He adores the forests and moun- tains. But wild nature is not the only environment he likes. He is keen on76 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

FEATURENo-one is perfect. I like you but I want to the crown heads in Europe. Indeed her a little. Under her influence he dressed inhave teddy-bear friends – the more nor- manners are highly refined. She knows ‘white-tie’ for the first time in his life andmal ones.” As he is up to date with all the several languages, including old Greek visited La Scala Theatre. Lasica is knowntechnological news, he opened his personal and Latin. Every Thursday she plays as the one with perfect style and a renais-facebook account (www.facebook.com/ bridge in perfect company. She organises sance sense of proportions and of course,metody.dzwiedz). It wasn’t long before he courses in calligraphy, piano and embroi- she always wears clothes appropriate forhad made 800 friends. Not only teddy- dery. the occasion.bears. Among his friends you can also findmonkeys, sheep, turtles, moose, giraffes... We could not believe how our Metody Perfection demands hard workand some humans. He is very friendly and found a common language with her (and Lasica’s character is not easy going,welcomes everyone. how she tolerates all the habits of such a modern bear). Well, people do say that especially when you have to sew herA certain style opposites attract. Anyway, we are sure that dresses. She is a perfectionist; she does It is not easy to find clothes for Metody we are the witnesses of true love. not accept compromise regarding her evening-dresses, which I have to prepare(especially after his traumatic experience). Weasel Lasica does not want to change quite often. One could say that sometimesWhen he came to our house he had only Metody but sometimes she corrects him she really goes to excess, especially whena paper bag. Since then I have needed to she demands that I reconstruct all thefind clothes for him. First of all they were details of historic costumes in her evening-not to be ‘girly’ (of course). Moreover, his dresses. Her aim is always to be the mostsize is non-standard with respect to the glamorous one.pret-a-porter fashion, although he oftensaid: I’m not fat, just furry and muscled”. It is hard to satisfy her sense of fashion.I can hardly ever buy clothes for him in Often, after I have had to shorten some-a shop. Usually his clothes have to be thing, line something, broaden, unstitchmade-to-measure. I am very lucky to have and resew again, and introduce manystudied fashion; however it is a real adven- other corrections which she decides atture for me to design clothes for such an that moment, she says: “It was not easy...untypical and demanding client of modern but I did it.” I don’t like to complain butdress. I am close to wasting my patience when she tries on an evening-dress and I hear: Regarding Metody’s clothing habits, “I beg your pardon. Are you kidding me?he agrees to wear anything under one These clothes make me fat!”condition - that it is ‘cool’. He likes to beactive so the clothes cannot constrict his She is so very demanding. The fabricmovements, therefore he prefers a com- for her dresses must be of the highestfortable and loose style. Baseball caps, big quality. She prefers silk, lace and velvet.T-shirts and sporty shoes, this is Metody’s Sometimes she comes back home inspiredstyle. He is a fan of graffiti so he usually by a dress she has seen on a famous celeb-chooses clothes in bright colours. rity or, horror of horrors, in a picture in a museum; she insists she has the same butNew beginnings better. When I ask: “How is it possible I thought that Metody would never that the perfect dress could be better?” she responds with Mona Lisa’s smile: “Mywear a suit but the situation changed dear, of course it will be better, becausewhen, one sunny day, Metody brought a it will be on me and furgirl to our house. She was the beautiful, classy, chic andlovely Weasel Lasica. She was a real ladyand to our surprise, Metody was able tochat with her about the music of Bach orRembrandt’s masterpieces. They becamevery close and we did not really noticewhen one day lovely Weasel Lasica movedto our house. But a new era in our lifebegan: the era of Metody and Lasica. What may I say about Weasel Lasica?I do not know much about her life beforeshe met Metody. Nor do I have anyidea how old she is. As everyone knowsit is not elegant to ask a lady about herage. She claims that she was the modelfor Leonardo’s painting ‘The lady withermine’. She said that she comes fromItaly, was born in Florence and knows all t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 77

FEATUREsuits everything... fur is the new ‘black’. This is how I became a painter of ani- They complement one another well. ForAnd don’t ask me how to amend perfec- mals whose real character is underlined instance, no-one could believe some timetion! You are the designer. Find a way.” by the fashion elements they wear. The ago that Lasica could wear a sporty dressSometimes is not easy to be a tailor of a furry animals have something noble in and go with Metody to the mountains.real lady. their faces that wants to be represented On the other hand, no-one would have with precious accessories. Of course the expected Metody to wear a white-tie and For Lasica, just a visit to the museum last word about which element correctly go to the opera. It has to be true love.is a good occasion to have a new luxury reflects the personality of a given modeldress. If I suggest that a new elegant dress belongs to Lasica, who has a perfect They often go to the beach or take longis perhaps not suitable for that occasion, knowledge of animal nature - and she is walks around the city together. After oneshe responds kindly but decisively: “Of never wrong. such excursion they were both excited andcourse it is appropriate. Besides, you are full of inspiration. But they rememberednot here to give the suggestions. Just do My furry clients in the pictures some- the trip in completely different ways.it.” times wear a turban, a helmet or bon- While Lasica referred to the beautiful net. Additionally, other elements such as baroque palaces, colourful plants and The most difficult days for a personal plumes, pearls, bows and all the riches amazing seashore, Metody was excitedfashion designer are when Weasel Lasica offered by fashion, together with the hyp- about some new graffiti he saw on the wallsuddenly mentions something at the last notising eyes of a Persian or British cat, of a garden and the ruins of the old indus-minute: “After tomorrow I’m going to form a perfect artwork. trial factory in the port. When they go to aVenice. Find something suitable for me to bar, Lasica usually orders tea in their bestwear.” Then I do not sleep all night, try- Compare and contrast porcelain cup while Metody asks for colaing to guess what she means. Moreover, At first glance, the animals in clothes in a can. It oftens ends up that it is LasicaLasica’s style does not finish with dresses. who drinks the cola. These little habitsShe is known to be meticulous about her and jewellery seem to be too much of a only enrich their relationship.accessories. She brings something new contrast but it turns out that they can formhome from each journey; the lace umbrella a perfect composition. The same might People usually think that teddy-bearsfrom Paris, an elegant hat from Rome, be said about Lasica and Metody. Their are toys for children. However, my experi-shoes from Milan, a bag which she found relationship is full of contrasts; however, ence says that the situation can be quitein the London sales. they make a perfect couple. Lasica repre- the opposite. Nowadays teddy-bears are sents high culture while Metody is a direct quite liberated. They have their onlineFashion or art? and sincere guy. shops, their facebook profiles, their maga- When I ask why she loves fashion zines, their portraits, their friends. In such a situation the roles are blurred.so much, she answers: “My dear,fashion is an art. You, as a painter, So watch out when you buy your nextshould know it very well”. Indeed, I teddy-bear - he may completely changeam a painter. I paint pictures using your life. TBTthe traditional oil on canvas tech-nique and I started to paint portraits THEBEARfactsof animals in clothes, being inspiredby Lasica. Her idea that the luxury www.catenface.comclothes look perfect next to fur fired Email: [email protected] imagination. After her suggestion, Facebook: catenfacemy web-page is called www.catenface.com. Ah well, Lasica has alwaysinspired painters.78 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

SHOP PROFILEA kingdom of bears andadventurous elves!There’s a little magic happening on the westcoast of Scotland; step in to a bearywonderland at Cuddly Kingdom By Sylvia and Kenny YoungC uddly Kingdom, run by Vanessa from the Charlie Bears collection, which Reminiscing Banks and Rebecca Welsh, is a are a lower price range and are more Rebecca recalls that as children, with shop situated in the craft town of suitable for children. This has helped in West Kilbride, on the west coast increasing the client base as well. When only eighteen months between them, theyof Scotland. With the advent of Christmas people have come into the shop they can used to sneak into the room and play withalmost upon us we wandered in to Vanessa purchase a good quality bear for a child the elves on the Christmas tree, creatingand Rebecca’s world of cuddles, hugs and that’s value for money too,” informed different lands and adventures. “Thisall things bear-like to discover what these Vanessa. helped in developing our idea into real-dynamic sisters had been up to in the last ity,” said Rebecca. “We started by look-wee while. Inspiration ing at how we could make the product Cuddly Kingdom was established nine work. How we could reproduce the funIsabelle Lee collection that we felt at the time. We began draw- As you enter into the shop you are sud- years ago. During this time, Vanessa and ing the pictures of the elves and then Rebecca have experienced many transi- wrote the book together about the elves’denly amazed to see such an eclectic mix tions both personally and professionally. adventures. We utilised the training,of furry faces peering at you, with that which we had to aid the development ofwistful and charming look, which tempts As a shop and internet business it has our product.” Vanessa’s first degree is inthe arctophile in to thinking about mak- developed over the years. This includes Retail Management and her post graduateing room for just that one more delightful products from birth upwards as well as for diploma is in Trading Standards whereasbear. Now suppliers of Charlie Bears they the avid arctophile. “While watching our Rebecca’s degree is in Journalism.have the exclusive right, within this part children develop we reminisced about ourof Scotland, to have the opportunity of own childhood together. We always had a ManufacturingIsabelle Lee’s mohair collection too. passion for soft toys and with the growth “It’s not just about having an idea…” of our business we were inspired aboutBears in the kitchen producing our own toy,” said Vanessa. said Rebecca, “…it’s also important to Cuddly Kingdom has, over the years, know how to go about marketing your product.”broadened its other ranges including acollection of Steiffs who gaze out from Vanessa agreed that it had to be some-their deluxe cabinet as well. Melissa and thing that would work. “Although we wereDoug activities have proved popular for both excited about the project we didn’tthe developed mind; these include wooden fully realise just how much work lay aheadkitchen appliances to suit a small child or of us.”a medium to large sized bear!Bearhouse bears Cheeky Elves “Our families have grown personally. With tongue in cheek Vanessa andWe’ve both had new babies in the last Rebecca recounted that over Christmasthree years so we’ve got a special range in they had observed their own children’sour shop for babies too,” said Rebecca. behaviour and asked their children wheth- er the elves were watching. “Elves are In addition, there are “Bearhouse bears, t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 79

bearmarket Suffolk ABRACADABRA TEDDY BEARS.......20 Advertisers’ index PADFIELD......................................52 ALL BEAR......................................53 PENNBEARY. ................................. 26BBaMeeecat tthreosn ANN MADE BEARS.........................26 ELLENDER’S CRAFTS.....................26 PEPPER BEARS..............................50 at Jeffries BARRON BARS..............................49 FLUTTER-BY-BEARS.......................52 PHYLLS BEARS CHAIRS.................37 Station Garage, Bacton BEAR ATTACK USA.........................21 FUR ADDICTION.............................48 PIPEDREAM BEARS........................46 Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 4HP BEAR BITS.....................................37 GRANDMA’S TEDDIES TEDDYBEAR POTBELLY BEARS..........................23 Telephone: 01449 781087 BEAR PATCH BEARS......................53 MUSEUM.......................................34 ROLIE POLIE PUPS.........................26 Club Store BEAR SHOP (THE)..........................23 GUS DESIGNS................................49 SANDRA KUNZ..............................46 BEARLEIGH BEARS........................23 GYLLS BEARS................................26 SILLY BEARS..................................84 Stockists of Steiff, Deans, Merrythought, BEARLY SANE BEARS.....................37 HIDDEN COVE COLLECTIBLE STINE-TEDDIES..............................54 Leebert, Shoebutton Bears, BEARS ‘N’ COMPANY.....................53 BEARS...........................................26 TEDDY BEARS OF WITNEY...............3 Hermann and Jellycat. BEARS BY SUE QUINN...................45 HIGGYS BEARS..............................49 TEDDY ONLINE SHOW/WHO IS WHO IN Visit our website: BEARS TO COLLECT......................26 HUGGLETS. ..................................... 2 BEAR MAKING...............................37 BELL BEARS..................................54 JAN’S TIDDY BEARS......................50 TEDDY STATION...............................7www.bactonbears.co.uk BOWERBIRD BEARS.......................54 JULIANNA NAYDINA.......................51 TEDDYBUYS...................................53 BRAMBLE COTTAGE BEARS...........47 JULIE SHEPHERD...........................20 TEDDYTUMS..................................26 Follow us on BRENDABEARS..............................50 KATIE RAE BEARS/ INFINITY TEENY BEARS................................54 BUMBLE BEARS.............................52 CONCEPTS LTD.............................21 THE TOY GARDEN..........................20 To advertise in these columns BUTTON BEARS.............................26 LAURENT BERGMANN....................55 THREADTEDS................................46 please call Maria on CORNWALL/WESTCOUNTRY BEAR LES PETITS LUTECIENS..................47 TILLINGTON BEARS.......................46 01903 884988 or FAIRS............................................20 LITTLE SCRUFFS OF EVESHAM......47 TOY WORLDS MUSEUM BASLE......23 CR’S CRAFTS................................37 MADABOUT BEARS........................52 VECTIS AUCTIONS LTD.....................7 email [email protected] DIDDY COTTAGE BEARS.................26 MAMMY & DAUGHTER...................47 WESTIE BEARS..............................20 for more details DRAGON TOYS................................7 MARY DOWD BEARS.....................26 YOYO BEARS.................................49 MINKITZBÄREN..............................50 NIKKEL BEARS...............................37DANCe LIKE NO-ONE IS watching Love Taylor Swift? Then you’ll love this exciting new app for the iPad, iPhone and Android phones and tablets. It’s a magazine like you’ve never seen before. It’s full of stunning photos to swipe, fab features to flip, and videos to watch. It’s fun, it’s fabulous, it’s fully interactive and best of all it’s totally about Taylor, the ‘nicest pop star on the planet’. Just search ‘Swiftie’ in the App store or Google Play. 100 per cent unofficial80 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

SHOP PROFILEconsidered to be a bit cheeky. They had to have examples of their work available on Reward charthave a mischievous and cheeky look,” said the website and we chose Natalie Smilie The reward chart for the children is aRebecca. because she was able to work both with traditional materials and CGI. We sent a visual element to the package encouragingExploration picture of the elf to her and laid out what positive achievement, however small it may How did Rebecca and Vanessa go we wanted the castle to look like as well as be. Each achievement is a positive step, where the text should be placed.” which is reinforced by a sticker. So byabout sourcing the right manufacturer? the child placing a sticker in the book, to“Luckily we come from a family which Under three’s acknowledge that achievement, helps themowns businesses so with their help we Rebecca said that, “The story had to be build a positive reinforcement.explored a variety of contacts that couldhelp us with the manufacturing process.” developed not only for older children but Another side to the book is developing for under three’s as well. We wanted the space where families can have a time of Vanessa recounted that, “Finding some- younger end of the market to have some- reading a story together and help the childone who could capture what we wanted thing, which they could be involved with,” create their own adventures. How doeswith our product was vital. It was a proc- the product reflect the character of Cuddlyess of elimination for us as well. We then The interactive part of the product Kingdom? “Cuddly Kingdom’s ethos hasspecified the type of plush we wanted for is essential for the sisters and the elf has always been and continues to be one of funour product.” more to him than meets the eye. “It’s more and adventures centred around and within than producing a cuddle toy; it’s a product the castle.” In addition to this, the sisters were for the whole family to bond during thevery precise about how they wanted their Christmas period and beyond. Rebecca and Vanessafinished elves to look so the interpreta- ‘Elf Adventures’ has its own standtion of the elves’ faces was important to “The activities were purposely shapedthem too. The choice of colours, through to incorporate involvement with the family. alone website.the Pantone range, were selected as there The children are encouraged to registerwere so many types of reds and greens to “Spending time together and havingchoose. Of course the all important safety fun. Making lasting memories with chil- online and join the elf community andstandard was something that is a must dren,” said Vanessa. name their own elf. The product caterswhen selling merchandise for children. for girls and boys and the merchandiseRebecca informed me that, “We have the has either a girl elf or a boy elf. The agesafety certificate for the product as well.” ranges of the product are two fold from 0 to 3 and 4 to 10 years. Indeed, the sisters have meticulously focussed on creating a fun and educational package, which will aid the development of both the children’s psychomotor skills and cognitive develop- ment.The book Additional characters Concerning the activity book the sisters So did they have any plans to develophad to find an illustrator who would be their own bear? The response was one ofable to produce the type and quality of interest but for now they are keeping anymaterial they wanted. They came across such future development firmly under lock‘The Bright Agency.’ “The Illustrators and key. So watch this space. TBT t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 81

myWORKROOMCOLLECTOR’S NEWS ■ We take a peek into the creative dens of bear artists around the worldIt’s human nature to be nosy so join us aswe find out where bear artist Yolanda Levylikes to create her beautiful YoYo BearsWhen an injury on duty as complete the design before photo- gives her studios a good clean. a law enforcement officer graphing the finished bear.” “They start off tidy but quickly get brought an early end to messy with tools, fabrics, thread fur and Yolanda Levy’s career with So what keeps Yolanda going dogs everywhere until I am finished withthe Los Angeles Police Department, she as she spends time on each floor? the design. I immediately clean up andneeded something to bring her comfort. “I like to listen to music while kick my dogs out of the studios because I work; jazz, latin and R&B. I I cannot stand to start a new design in a Her family gave her a teddy bear who also enjoy company. My husband studio that is messy with things and hascheered her up when she wasn’t feeling and four dogs hang out in my studios animals everywhere.”well and saw her through some dif- all the time. If my grandchildren comeficult times. “When I felt well enough” to visit, they generally know where to Having two creative spaces seems toYolanda remembered, “ I started to make find me! Everyone hangs out to socialise work very well for Yolanda. In fact, shebears for myself. My YoYo Bear career with me - it’s a wonder that I get any couldn’t think of a better place to work.started from there.” work done with all of the traffic. I love it “My dream workspace is what I have though.” now. Two different studio areas to design She has now been in the teddy bear and create my work in and have com-industry for 22 years and is lucky enough After each bear is completed, Yolanda pany as well.” TBTto have not one but two studios in herhouse. “The first floor studio is where Just for fun...the magic starts and ends. It’s where I •If you could have a comedian,create all of my designs and decide onfabrics and accessories to be used. I then actor or singer to keep you com-go to my second floor studio to select my pany while you work, who wouldfabrics, returning to the first floor to cut it be?out the design.” Once the design is created, Yolandatakes all the pieces back to the upstairsstudio for sewing. “Once the pieces areassembled, I take everything back to thefirst floor studio where I accessorise andABOVE RIGHT: My first floor studio.BELOW: Me in my second floor studio. I would have the Latin singer Santana •with me in the studio. His music is very upbeat and good to work to. Name one thing that is banned from your studio. Smoking is definitely banned from my •studios. I like a smoke free home live and work in. and environment to What is the soundtrack that best describes your space? ‘This is Who I Am’ by singer Heather •Headley What is one thing your work- space couldn’t do without? I must have a good of bear fabrics. supply and variety82 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

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