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HUGGLETS TEDDIES 2013 - PREVIEW INSIDE £4.50 $8.50 Aug/Sept 2013teddy bearteddybeartimes.comtimesteddybearamerica.com NTBAA Award winners NEW BEAR collections Take your pick from the latest new designs ●Charity bears ●Old bears ● Patterns ISSUE 206

teddytimbees arcontentsIssue 206 - Aug/Sept 2013Editor: Jill Mundy 4 Teddy talkEmail: [email protected] 6 Keep up to date with the latestAssistant Editor US: Allison Croat beary news and eventsEmail: [email protected] 8 Now we are six …Advertisement sales:UK office: Maria Fitzgerald Green Party, hosted by House of Bears Bath,Email: [email protected] is now six years oldUS office: Sara VixEmail: [email protected] Highland gatheringDesign: Wendy Crosthwaite Silly Bears indulge in a Midsummer’s Day eventSubscriptions: 12 Blazing the holiday trailUK: [email protected] Knit a blazer style jacket for your bear -US: [email protected] perfect for summer evenings 14 Twenty years of Bear BitsContributors: Jean and Bill Ashburner have beenAndy West, Jill Byron, Julie Shepherd, revisiting their archiveWendy Walker, Monica Spicer, Sylvia Young, 18 Modern times, modern tastesSue Quinn, Gay Wimpory, Joanne McDonald, Vectis auctions notice a turn in favour of theAmanda Middleditch and Julie Tatchell more modern style of bear 20 Capturing hearts everywherePublished by ashdown.co.uk No matter where you are, it’s hard notISSN 0961 - 0944 to love Wanda’s bearsDistributed to the news trade by Comag. 24 Still mad about the bears Making, competing and organising fairs -To reach us: Lynn Bowie is a busy ladyCall us on +44 (0) 1903 884988 26 A creative escapeOr write to: The Editor, Teddy Bear Times, When life gets tough for Anna Long,Unit 5E, Park Farm, Chichester Road, she creates bears to calm downArundel, West Sussex, BN18 0AG 28 Taking teddy bears everywhereEmail: [email protected] Martha Burch finds it hard to leave allFax: +44 (0) 1903 885514 of her bears at homeInternet address: www.teddybeartimes.com 32 Rest weary paws in style Phylls Bears Chairs are the perfectUS office: Ashdown Inc., 68132 250th Avenue, place to rest your bearsKasson, MN 55944, USA. 36 New bears seek homesTel: 507 634 3143 Silver Tag Bears - a new range of bears fromEmail: us [email protected] Suki Gifts International LtdSubscription rates:1 year (6 issues)UK £29; US $66; ROW £46iMAG £43Add the iMag Digital Library to yoursubscription for only an extra £38 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

38 It’s Bedlam in Jo’s house welcome Jo Humphrey manages to find space and time to create her Bedlam Bears - just! HAVE YOU booked your summer holiday yet? Maybe you’ve already had it. It takes such a lot of planning and40 Springfest 2013 there are often arrangements to be made for those left Julie Shepherd reports from another behind such as pets...and bears. Sue Quinn found two Great Yorkshire Teddy Bear event cheeky little furry characters had stowed away in her lug- gage but decided to make the most of having them with42 Bears everywhere her. You can read about the fun they had on page 48. A preview of one of this year’s Hugglets festival One of our readers has a whole collection of bears that have adopted her as she has travelled to different44 Hampshire Teddy Fair places around the world and one particular bear travels A new venue proved very successful for with her still. If you come across any bears when you are this year’s Bruins Brewins event out and about this summer, do send a photo. I would love to see them.48 Bear and Bunny on holiday Sue Quinn finds a couple of cheeky stowaways just Someone else having fun while celebrating the arrival couldn’t bear to be left at home of summer is Julieann Bruce and the Silly Bears team who once again hosted an afternoon of pure indulgence54 Antique bear bargains complete with bears, artists and musical accompaniment. Jill Byron finds that not all antique bears In fact there have been many special events recently, need to cost a small fortune. from all over the UK and beyond. We have reports from some of the bear fairs and bear artist awards that have58 Clowning around taken place. We know you won’t be able to resist making Eben from this pattern by Kim Endlich It is exciting to think that Hugglets’ Teddies 2013 is only a couple of months away and we have a taster of62 Dear Julie some of the beary delights you can find there this year. Is Expert advice for your it too soon to start making a shopping list? I know I had bearmaking better start saving...64 A Haven of tranquillity However you spend your summer, I hope you enjoy it Sylvia Young meets the creative and the sun shines, wherever you are. team behind Haven Bears Jill66 Doctors on call The Bear Doctors recently enjoyed taking 72 VIBs of Hong Kong their bear hospital out and about Reader Marion Brennan introduces some rather special bears68 Curtis and the Dambusters How one bear marked the recent 70th anniversary 74 My workroom of the World War 2 RAF raid Ruth Bowman invites you to her creative space70 Diary of a bear artist Andy West meets the Queen at the supermarket checkout... Cover photo: Amereti made by Emelia Pollard of Higgys Bears

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 0AGHelen’s ‘Cuddle Bear’ winsHELEN CLENNEL-WHITE of Button Meadow Cassy at The Teddy Bear Hospital now at Mohair Bear MakingBears, Beacon Park, Plymouth, produced Trematon. Supplies have expanded..‘Cuddle Bear’ to win “The Best SummerBear” Competition. Helen stands proudly, All stall holders reported that they had THIS YEAR is proving to be a successfulwith ‘Cuddle’ in her hands, flanked by had a thoroughly enjoyable day and many, a year of growth for Darren and Lanie whothe joint organisers of the 2012 Cornwall very profitable one. BSB Supplies of Oreston, run Mohair Bear Making Supplies. EarlierSummer Bear Fair, staged at Lostwithiel and Bear Basics of Wincanton did an excel- this year, in March, they became theCommunity Centre on Sunday 23rd of June. lent trade in all teddybear related supplies, UK wholesale distributer and partner to materials and accessories. Both Charity stalls LouBear Mohair of South Africa. On Helen’s left is Richard Butler, with her - Cornwall Hospice Care and Animals AsiaChampagne - on her right is Ian Dawson, - were also very popular and reported good Their large stocks of Schulte,with her Engraved Silver Trophy - both are Helmbold, South African mohair fabricsof Westcountry Bear Fairs, now based at interest and sales. The free (over 300 fabric types to choose from)Urchins Bear Shop at Tintagel. Teddy Prize Draw went down and 100’s of rolls of faux fur have inevi- very well with the visitors and tably encouraged their move into new Once again the Fair, now in its 10th Year three of them went away with larger, more suitable premises.at Lostwithiel, was highly successful, well bears courtesy of Urchins Bearattended and thoroughly enjoyed by all Shop, now based in Tintagel. The new property has a showroomexhibitors and visitors. Well over three hun- where customers are able to viewdred enthusiasts attended the Fair, which •For further Information: Please samples of the many hundreds of fabricswas at Lostwithiel Community Centre, and and crafting components they supply.had a real summery atmo- contact Richard Butler 01503 Being modern premises, there is nowsphere, (in spite of the weath- 230851 fully disabled access so everyone iser!). A great number bought more than welcome to pick up orders orbears of all sizes and types, seek advice and view the fabrics.new and old. Several broughtin teddies to be valued by They would like to take this oppor-Tricia of Teddies of Trenode. tunity to thank all their customers toOther bears were brought in date for their valued support, especiallyfor restoration and a number throughout the move which has takenhad to be hospitalised by Dr considerably more time and effort than predicted.Pudsey’s Friend Competition •For more details, contact them throughIN 2012, the teddy bear that won the NTBAA Class represent-ing the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, was donated by Brewins’ their website http://www.mohairbear-Bruins and the artist Jacqui Wickenden to Children in Need. makingsupplies.co.uk or alternativelyThis bear gained widespread publicity and was featured on two Unit 3, Horton Court, Hortonwood 50,radio programmes as well as Teddy Bear Times. She was even- Telford, Shropshire, TF1 7GY.tually auctioned on the BBC Children in Need ebay site, raising a fabulous £690. Tel: 01952 604096 The BBC Children in Need mascot, Pudsey Bear, needs a friend. Brewins’ Bruins, Bear huntwith the blessing of the BBC, has devised a competition to find that friend. Hobbyistsand more experienced artists are invited to enter this competition. JUST FOR a bit of fun, we have hidden this picture of a little bear There will be a nominal entry fee (£5) that will also be donated to Children in Need. somewhere on one of the pages inTrophies will be awarded for first, second and third placed winners. The winning artist has this issue. Don’t forget to hunt for it whilebeen asked to donate their entry to Children in Need. This will achieve two aims. One is you are reading your favourite magazine.to gain maximum publicity for the winning artist and the other to raise what will hopefully Answer will be printed next time!be another high sum for the charity. The organisers are already promoting the competi-tion and Radio Solent have agreed to feature the event in their programming. All theentries will be displayed on stage at the Brewins’ Bruins Hampshire Teddy Bear Fair on20th October 2013 in Lyndhurst.•Further details: Brewins’ Bruins tel 01929 425402 or e-mail [email protected] teddybeartimes.com

TEDDY TALKCharlie Bears arrive Meet the new Tillington Bearsat Teddy Station Yes! An exciting new range of bears from Tillington…. We know they’veTEDDY STATION, one of the largest always been cute but some of these cubs are also cheeky and full of fun. Theystockists of collectable bears in Essex, have the Tillington pose-ability in the double neck joints and extra flexibility inare pleased to announce the imminent all four limbs, so they can stand like real bears, sit up like cuddly teddies or liearrival of the very popular and collect- down for a nap. With their happy faces and lively eyes, they just call out to beable Charlie Bears. Owner, Steve Kohler taken home and loved. Of course, they can growl – but it’s only play. Comesaid “We have been on a waiting list for and see the whole family of baby bears at Hugglets!some time and are set to become oneof the largest stockists of Charlie Bears •Tillington Bears: Tel: 01487 843384. www.tillingtonbears.co.ukin Essex.” Gund competition winners Already a primary stockist of Steiffbears from Germany and bears from one SO MANY of you wanted to add one of these gorgeousof the oldest English makers of bears, bears to your hug but sadly there can only be two winners.Merrythought, Teddy Station has also These lucky people were among the manymoved into the highly collectable market of you who knew that Gund was formedof dollhouses and miniatures, including in 1898 and will soon be the new ownersthe German handmade Reutters por- of a fabulous Gund bear.celain pieces. Not forgetting their roots,they still have a large selection of make Well done to Miss Patricia Kendrickyour own bear and cuddly characters of Stafford and Julie Kenny fromavailable. Littlehampton. Teddy Station would also like to wel- Have a Bear-B-Q to help our Armed Forcescome Anita Finning’s Pod bears. A localbear artist from Canvey Island, Anita, MILITARY CHARITY Help for Heroes are encouraging you to organise a Bear-B-Q thispreviously entered and placed in the summer and raise funds to help wounded members of the Armed Forces. To join in theBBA awards, has returned to creating fun, all you need to do is register your event with them at www.helpforheroes.org.uk andbears from a break due to work com- hold your event by by 28th July 2013.mitments. She said: “I can’t begin to tell Why not invite your friends round or get together with your local pub, sports club or workyou how much I’ve missed it!” colleagues for this very worthy cause. Once registered, Help for Heroes will even email you some recipes so get cooking and remember - no bears will be hurt in this campaign! Anita creates her bears from her ownpatterns and uses 100% mohair, or Your photosalpaca. Each bear or ‘creature’ is a oneoff and always has a cute ‘Belly Button’. WE HAD so much to squeeze into this issue of TBT that we just didn’t have room for theThey generally have claws, although this Album. Please keep sending photos of your bears and what they get up to this summer.is not the rule. We will try to print them in the next magazine. Bears are part pellet filled and theclaws, hand mould noses, belly buttonsand open mouths are made from poly-mer clay.ABOVE: Steve with Freddie and Jasper. teddybeartimes.com 5

CHARITYAnoRwE SwIXe…House of Bears Bath are hosting Green Party 2013 – SaturdayOctober 5th. A Teddy Bear Artist Event celebrating children’sliterature in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support By Sue Gardner-KingshotFrom ‘Noddy’ to ‘Peter wonderful world of teddy bears Pike; Samantha Potter; Pan’, from ‘Peter House of Bears opened it’s Beatrix Harries; Susie James; Rabbit’ to ‘Alice in Irene & Mike Whittle; Sue Wonderland’, House doors in Bath six years ago Quinn; Linda Willetts; Lynneof Bears owner, Sue Gardner- in October, and what better Farmer; Maria Blee; AileenKingshott, has always had way to celebrate Sue’s love of Terry; Elanor Andrews; Junea keen interest in children’s children’s literature and teddy Kendall; Carol Birkeland-books! bears than with a Teddy Bear Green; Karen Elderfield and Artist Event in celebration of Emelia Pollard. Having studied English children’s literature. The themeLiterature as part of a degree of ‘Childhood’ being inspired New for this year’s eventcourse (many decades ago!) by the AA Milne story ‘Now will be the involvement of We Are Six’ Rikey Austin, author of the Sue’s love of literature has ‘Alice Bear Shop’ stories, whomore recently (well 10 years As in past years (this is will be donating one of theago in fact!), led her to the House of Bears fifth event), characters from her books as a many talented teddy bear art- Raffle Prize for Macmillan. ists will be getting involved One of a kind ‘Charity with the ‘Green Party – 2013’ Bears’ are once again being House of Bears is also hop- helping to raise funds for donated by British teddy bear ing to have a range of the ‘Alice Macmillan Cancer Support. artists with the proceeds from Bear Shop’ books and charac- So far, with loyal support from the sale of these bears being ters for sale at this event. teddy bear artists and custom- donated to Macmillan Cancer ers alike, House of Bears’ Support. The Green Party 2013 takes events have raised £2,798.32! place on Saturday 5th October, Regular House of Bears at the House of Bears shop artists taking up the challenge in Broad Street, Bath. From of taking inspiration from 10.00am – 5.00pm, entrance ‘Childhood’ to create their to this event is FREE – dona- characters include: Christine tions to Macmillan Cancer Support are welcome! TBT •For your invitation, please telephone House of Bears on 01225 443091. They are open 10.00am – 5.00pm, Monday to Saturday. Or email [email protected]. •For up to date information on this event, check out the Events Page of the House of Bears website www.houseofbears-bath.co.uk and ‘Like’ their Facebook page.6 teddybeartimes.com

New Beary Collectible... 6 sensational Limited Edition character bears Only 1,500 pieces of each bear available worldwide Made from luxurious multi-tonal plush fabrics Fully jointed to increase poseability Heavily weighted with beans Individual carry box and tissue paper Hand numbered Certificate of Authenticity Exclusive Silver Tag Bears fabric logo on left foot padVisit our website www.sukigifts.com to find your local Silver Tag Bears stockistor call our friendly Silver Tag Bears team on 023 8024 0848 for further information. Saturday 10th August 2013 Good selection of Steiff Limited 10am until 5pm. Editions and plush, Held at the Charlie Bears, Jellycat, Fuzzynation, Premier Inn, Trentham Gardens Gorjuss, The Gruffalo.(a 3 minute walk away from One More Bear). We also have a huge selection of Suitable for beginners, here you Artist Bears from around the World. will be spending the day with Beatrix Harries and be taught skills about bear making. At the end of the day you will walk away with your very own Beatrix Bear (13 inch Panda) which has your own finishing touch to it!Course bear similar to picture. The Cost is £110.00 which includes your own 13 inch bear, lunch is also included as well as refreshments throughout the day.204 Trentham Retail Village, Stoke On Trent, Staffs ST4 8AX • 01782 698306 [email protected] • www.onemorebear.co.uk teddybeartimes.com 7

silly bearsHighland gatheringof the beary kindA splendid afternoon was had by all whoattended An Afternoon of Pure Indulgenceat Silly Bears Midsummer’s Day Event By Lara LutfyAs 2pm approached on Saturday less grey, and the place is generally buzz- nised in Scotland to signify the dawn of the 22nd of June, the soft ing, with tourists trying to catch a glimpse another great Scottish event... the begin- soothing melody of March of some of the most treasured wilderness ning of the Highland Gatherings. of the Teddy Bears could be and some of the most spectacular coast-heard musing in streets surrounding lines the country has to offer. It is however This was the third consecutive year thatSilly Bears decadent period styled abode. not only tourists who celebrate the wealth this dedicated team of teddy bear loversThe selection of this particular day is of the land at this time of year, it is also a hijacked the coming of Midsummer’s Daychosen in tribute to the longest day of the time of great significance in terms of local to hold an extravagant event and invite allcalendar year reflecting, and in celebration tradition marking a date that has been held their patrons to join with them in sharingof, the height of summer, and has sacred for centuries over...Midsummer’s the delight of the summer season! Theinspired Silly Bears to host an Afternoon Day! Midsummer’s Day has been recog- Midsummer’s Day Event has become theof Pure Indulgence at their lavishly runaway favourite of all Silly Bears annualdecorated teddy bear haven in honour of BELOW LEFT: Silly Bears staff admiring events and after the success of the last twoMidsummer’s Day. Wookey by Karen Brentnall of Kaz Bears years, this niche Scottish shop have really BELOW: Renowned Scots fiddler Paul refined the event and resolved to encour- Scottish Summertime ushers in a time Anderson with young collector Kyle Strachan age the best of the Scots character andof great excitement in the Highlands, the BELOW RIGHT: Collector Gillian Bacon joviality to all who don their doorstep oncountryside is alive, the cattle roam the from Yorkshire adoringly holding Timothy by this day!hills, the fields are in bloom, the horizon is Gregory Gyllenship of Gregory Beartainted with a little more blue and a little The essence of the success of this par- ticular event has been the result of two key8 teddybeartimes.com

silly bearsABOVE: Silly Bears lavishly decorated teddy are deemed worthy of attendance. Julieann so talented team of Silly Bears collec-bear haven. commented enthusiastically: “Having Paul tive artistic team. For the Midsummer’sBELOW RIGHT: The exquisite pieces from here with us again today is such a treat for Day Event, ten of Silly Bears artists fromsome of Silly Bears International artists. everyone. Over the years we have become around the world had been invited to cre- such good friends and we could not have ate a collection exclusively for the event.factors. The exquisite collections made befriended a more loyal ambassador in Julieann spoke openly over the collectionexclusively for this special event by ten the promotion of Silly Bears amongst the displayed here today: “It was such a dif-leading artists from around the globe, and Highlands Royalty.” ficult decision in selection of ten artists tothe guest appearance and captivating per- showcase their work to our collectors forformance of renowned Scots fiddler, Paul Once over the threshold, whilst casually this event as we have some, if not all of theAnderson. All this is then advanced by enjoying a strawberry or two and relax- leading bear-artists from around the globethe wonderfully warm welcome provided ing amidst the catalogue of Paul’s finest supplying Silly Bears to date. The artistsby Silly Bears staff offering all the best in music, the collectors took avid interest selected have excelled themselves and weScottish hospitality to enrich an afternoon in the ever-immaculate displays of bears are privileged to have their work grace ourspent with a host of splendid characters on show that day. The shop was filled to shop displays.”and teddy bears. the brim with the multi-national and ever At the Afternoon of Pure Indulgenceguests arrived to, and were subsequentlyserenaded by, the perfectly poised notesplayed by the legendary Paul Anderson.There are not enough ways to do justice inwriting to convey the honour it is to havePaul present at Silly Bears residence. Paulis a man who is most likely seen at themost high society events and gatherings,and in these terms you cannot get muchhigher society than playing to a privateaudience in front of Her Majesty theQueen as part of a collective career. Paulhas an artistic repertoire which is amongstthe finest known of this generation andhas personally composed over three hun-dred pieces of music, really confirminghis place in the history books. As a manof local stock and standing within theAberdeenshire area he is actively involvedin the Highland Gatherings, with a deepseated passion for the promotion of herit-age within the area, and this extends tothe promotion of the instrument he israrely without, offering violin tuition toyoung aspiring musicians. It is a rare andunbelievable privilege that this fine musi-cian finds the time to grace Silly BearsMidsummer’s Day Event with his musicalmastery, and a testament to friendship thateven comparably small and humble events teddybeartimes.com 9

silly bears The exquisite pieces from international ABOVE: An outstanding collection of five a new style standing bear called Timothyfavourites Cheryl Hutchinson of Bingle pieces from Jenny Johnson of Three in classic honey gold mohair.Bears, Kelly Dean of Mole Island Bears O’clock Bears.and Michelle Lamb of One & Only Bears BELOW: Collectors took avid interest in the The Midsummer’s Day Event was alsowere the centre of anticipated excitement. ever immaculate displays of bears on show. an advantageous platform to showcase andFor the occasion Cheryl had made three introduce three new artists to Silly Bears’bears, two of which were in a new smaller her new style panda design in the essence artistic team in 2013; Karen Elderfield ofstature design, including the petite cutie of Wookey, and Lisa Wills of Bears Upon Britannia Bears, Dawn Jellis-Jones of OldSkippy at a mere eight inches; Kelly had Soar providing the most masterful grizzly Post Office Bears and Shelli Heinemannfashioned three seated character bears bears who received the most avid atten- of Potbelly Bears. These exciting newincluding the enchanting Elliot, and tion! And not forgetting longstanding additions were the recipients of greatMichelle brought the grace and beauty of favourite Gregory Gyllenship of Gregory electric excitement and representative ofthree magnificent traditional bears includ- Bear who crafted two traditional bears and the range on offer from Silly Bears froming MacKenzie, in her Sunday finest! miniature, to modest, to maximally sized wonderful creations. The centrepiece of From our homespun this new collective was the Potbelly Bearcohort, an outstand- named Shy, a demure and sweet bear in aing collection of five hand-dyed pink alpaca who was a fittingpieces from Jenny tribute for the summer season.Johnson of ThreeO’clock Bears were The collections at Silly Bears haveon display with the always had a lasting presence but nonenew style miniatures more so than those on display here at thein the form of, Ciara Midsummer’s Day Event! The combinedand Darby, who were experience complied with old favouritesof pivotal importance; and new introductions amidst the back-Karen Brentnall of Kaz drop of charming company, decadentBears provided the first delights and concert worthy music, alltime hands on look at amplified and honoured the spirit of the day and made it so much more than even Silly Bears staff could have hoped for! Julieann expressed graciously: “On behalf of myself, and my staff, I wish to thank all our discerning collectors for making today such a marvellous day. I am overwhelmed by the repetition of kind words about my business, my girls and Silly Bears upstand- ing presence in the teddy bear world.” The Afternoon of Pure Indulgence was, as the name suggests, a rather grand and fitting celebration, and an excuse to invite all patrons to visit in the height of the summer and to put on a display of the best the North East Scottish Coast has to offer by way of our much loved teddy bears. The afternoon really was a beautiful way to pass the day away and allow everyone to catch up before the summer claims every- one for their own individual pursuits. As patrons said their farewells, arrangements were made and diaries were in hand to mark the Silly Bears next event which is held on Saturday 5th October, by way of the Autumn Afternoon Tea Party. To all who have yet to venture over the doorstep of this dedicated collectable teddy bear shop, it should go without saying that the trip would be well worth the distance travelled! TBT10 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

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KNITTING PATTERNbHlaOzLiInDgAYthTeRAILThis smart-casual, blazer style jacket is just perfectfor summer evenings or cooler days. Make it for agirl in a pastel shade and reverse the fronts By Gay Wimpory•The jacket will fit a bear between Cast off 3 stitches for armhole. trast yarn and work 4 rows. Work 4 rows in *Knit 1 row. main shade and cut off contrast yarn.18 and 20 inches tall. *Next row: knit to last 3 stitches. K 2 tog, knit 1. Change to the larger needles and workYOU’LLneed Repeat these rows until 22 stitches 22 rows straight. remain. ■ One 100g ball dark blue DK, Cast off 11 stitches at beginning of next Cast off 3 stitches at beginning of next (main). Small amount of golden row, K 2 tog. Work to last 3 stitches, K 2 2 rows. yellow DK, (contrast) tog, knit 1. Continue as before until 9 stitches K 1, K 2 tog to last 3 stitches, K 2 tog, ■ One pair of 3 ¼ mm needles remain. K 1. ■ One pair of 3 ¾ mm needles Knit 12 rows, cast off. ■ Four brass buttons Knit one row. Left front Repeat last 2 rows until 12 stitches ABBREVIATIONS remain. Knit 1 stitch, knit 3 stitches tog, knit K = knit Work as right front until 4 rows have to last 4 stitches, knit 3 stitches tog, knit 1. tog = together been completed in main shade. Cast off.Back Make button holes: Collar Cast on 40 stitches on larger needles Knit 18 stitches, cast off 2 stitches, work Pick up 8 stitches from right front, 30and work 16 rows in main shade and garter 6 stitches, cast off 2 stitches, knit to end. stitches from back, and 8 stitches from leftstitch. front. Work next row, casting on 2 stitches Armhole shaping: Cast off 3 stitches at over the 2 stitches cast off on the previous Knit 3 rows.beginning of next 2 rows. row. Knit 2. Increase 1 stitch by picking up loop between next 2 stitches. Knit to last 3 Row 1: K 1, K 2 tog, K to last 3 stitches, Work 8 rows straight. stitches, increase as before, knit 2.K 2 tog, K 1. Knit one row. Repeat button hole again. Next row: knit. Next row: cast off 3 stitches for armhole. Repeat last 2 rows until 60 stitches. Repeat these two rows twice more. Knit one row. Cast off loosely. Work straight until 22 rows have been Repeat shaping as right front from *completed and knit 9 stitches. to end. Making up Work 16 rows on these stitches. Castoff. Return to rest of stitches and cast off Sleeves Turn back both fronts and sew collar to15 stitches for back neck. Working on last first 5 stitches of cast off on9 stitches, work 16 rows and cast off. Cast on 40 each front. This creates stitches on the revers for the collar.Right Front smaller needles. Sew up seams, sew Work 3 rows in gar- in ends, and attach but- Cast on 34 stitches on the larger ter stitch in main tons.needles and work 4 rows main shade and colour. Place on your bear.4 rows contrast colour. Cut contrast colour He will now be ready forand continue using main colour only. Work Change to con- his holiday: cruising or sit-16 rows. ting in the sun. TBT12 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)The only race track in Basle.SWM_Anz_TeddyBaerTimes_Rennstrecke_185x85mm_E.indd 1 Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel | Museum, Shop and Restaurant, daily from 10 until 18 Steinenvorstadt 1, CH-4051 Basle | The building is accessible by wheelchair. www.toy-worlds-museum-basle.ch Toy Worlds Museum Basle 10.12.12 13:45 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 13

celebrationTwenty yearsof Bear BitsTo celebrate twenty years of bear making, the award-winningJean and Bill Ashburner have been revisiting their archive tocreate some retro designs alongside some new ones By Jill MundyThere are times in one’s life – those As some of you might know, Bear Bits and, as it becomes a business, quite a lot major birthdays, anniversaries came into being in 1993 as that was the of apprehension and one that when you etc. which just have to be first year of full time bear making for Jean. take the plunge, you have no idea whether acknowledged and that can’t be The ‘day job’ was once that of a teacher you’ll succeed – it’s definitely an adven-passed by on the nod with a flippant, and making the occasional teddy bear ture.“Fifty something – and the rest. Well, lots had been a hobby that, just like Topsy,more actually! ... You’re only as old as you grew! It’s a route many hobby bear mak- Jean’s mother used a lot of maximsfeel ... etc.” 2013 is just such a year for ers have started out on; a journey begun and one that she quoted frequently was,Bear Bits and Jean and Bill Ashburner. with excitement, enthusiasm, anticipation “Luck is opportunity combined with preparation.” Everyone needs a bit of luck above right: Cecilia – one of the beautiful female bears from the early years of Bear Bits that will be an inspiration for an Anniversary special. LeFt: Donovan – a wonderful, incredibly soft, brown bear was the sixth of our anniversary bears - 67cm. beLoW: Asha – One of the future anniversary bears will be based on this delightful little bear, with wobble joints and magnets in her paws, from 2007. beLoW right: Henry – a lovely traditional teddy, was the third anniversary bear - 59cm (23in).14 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

celebrationalong the way but it really helps if you’reprepared and therefore able to take fulladvantage of the unexpected. The bit ofluck as far as Bear Bits was concernedwas being offered a stand at the 1993Winter Bear Fest in the February, justthree months after the initial applicationhad been made and initially given theusual, “Interesting, good quality, but we’re above LeFt: Didi – a medium sized, pale brown bear - was the seventh of our special 1/1 20th anniversary bears - 38cm. above: Big Daddy – a magnificent large grey bear was the 4th anniversary bear - 56cm. LeFt: Chander – was the first of our special 1/1 20th anniversary bears and an Asian Moon Bear - 52cm (20.5in). putting you on the waiting list” reply! Turning a hobby into a business presents some challenging problems: “Where, oh where was that preparation when it was really needed?” Once the business is set up, time is money and that’s needed to make bears. Hindsight is a wonderful thing; look- ing back Jean can see that running a business needs a far greater skill set than what’s required to simply make bears. Of t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 15

celebration small business (especially when it includes a couple of recessions). Many come and go in much less than that time, so how have Bill and Jean done it? Studying the way that their style has altered over those years, the immediate answer might appear to be to keep changing but there’s more to it than that – there is a ‘look’. Collectors say that they can recognise a Bear Bits bear (whether old or new) from across a room – they have developed something uniquely personal to their crea- tions that appeals to many who see them. What’s interesting about Bear Bits is that throughout the two decades, as well as attracting new collectors to buy their bears, they have kept some of their original fol- above: A bear with a silver claw - yes, real silver so very special. This bear is relatively small but made in 24mm dense black mohair so there has been a lot of trimming. above right: Maka – a brown bear - was number 5 of our special 20 - 45cm. right: Comparison of eyes and nose 1994- 2002 Cecilia and ‘The Caramel Bear’.course there are people out there who willkeep, or sort out, your accounts for you orcomplete your tax returns but if you cando it for yourself, it can save quite a lot ofmoney. Some of the other useful skills aremore tempting for a creative individual tomaster – photography, photo editing, desktop publishing etc. have all been worththeir weight in gold and helped Bear Bitsto become a recognised ‘brand’ in theteddy bear world. Twenty years is a very long time for a16 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

lowers with them, including a few who •To be first in the queue, celebrationbought their very first Bear Bits teddy in1993! Jean suggests that although they you can see Bear Bits at of this will be explained on the News pagehave changed from making teddy bears these forthcoming events: of their website.to those that look more natural, the look July 20 & 21: See-Bären Festival,has remained very similar. The relative Inselhalle Lindau, Lindau Bodensee, Jean says that looking back at theirproportions of the triangle made by the Germany former designs has been lovely, as haseyes and the nose have stayed the same, September 8: Teddies 2013, looking out the old patterns and readingwhether teddy or realistic and where the Kensington Town Hall, London notes that she made about a particularnose was once quite a large rectangle, now October 19 & 20: Euro Teddy - Essen design. When they made Henry, basedthe same area is occupied by one that’s Germany, Messe Essen, Congress on one of their very early big teddy bears,intricately embroidered in a natural shape, Centre South, Germany they were so surprised by the amount ofcomplete with nostrils. November 17: Great Yorkshire Teddy time he took (in comparison with the very Bear Event, Hilton Hotel, Sheffield detailed and complicated bears that they So what are Bear Bits doing to mark make today) that they decided to sell himtheir twenty years of creativity? In addition at the 1996 price – good news for oneto making stock for fairs, private ordersand some for a very few shops, they began lucky collector!! The delight-2013 with the intention of making twenty ful little bear Asha, fromvery special one of a kind bears, to be 2007, with wobble jointsreleased at different times throughout the and magnets in her pawsyear. and nose, will be the inspira- tion for another. These special bears have an additionalcard with the Anniversary logo on the In readiness for makingoutside, a photo of the bear itself on the some of the retro bears, theyinside, together with affirmation of their have collected things like aplace in the twenty e.g. 1/1 and 4 of 20. beautiful, antique day dressSome of the twenty are in the Bear Bits (to be worn by a teddy bearcurrent style, while others are retro and like Cecilia) and a small brasslook back to an earlier time in their his- memorial disc from 1915tory. In order to solve the problem that engraved for a bear, so ensur-those which are put on the website could ing that each of these unique anniversarybe ‘grabbed’ by the first person to spot bears will be very special. If you are goingthem, Jean and Bill have said that some to any of the fairs that Bear Bits attendwill be auctioned via eBay and that details and get there early, you may see one of them! TBTabove: A polar mother and cub in ivoryalpaca. t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 17right: Duffy, a walking black bear ofmedium size, was the eighth anniversary bear.

SALE REPORTModern times reflect modern tastes Vintage style may be popular in our high streets and homes but at the latest Vectis auction, it was the more recent bears that proved most popular By Jo McDonald of Vectis AuctionsThe June Doll and We do not often see bear ing at Hugglets Teddy Bear at auction. We can also take in Bear Sale at Vectis making materials in the auc- Fair at Kensington Town Hall bears, associated items or any Auctions was certainly tion but when we do, they on Sunday 8th September toys you wish to sell. The best an eventful one! are always extremely sought and The Scottish Bear Fair thing I find is that it providesHistorically, of all the different after. Lots 80 to 84 comprised at The Concert Hall, Troon a great opportunity to catchtypes of toy sales Vectis hold, mohair, alpaca, fur, joints, felt, on Sunday 3rd November. up with collectors and just talkthese are the best attended ultra suede, patterns and bear This gives you an ideal oppor- about bears – my favouritein the room as collectors making book; everything you tunity to bring along items thing!like to see the difference would need to make your to be identified, valued andin expressions and know if own bear. The lots with the ask questions about what is The next Bear and Dollthey will bond with the bears largest variety of mohair involved in buying or selling Sale will be on Tuesdaybefore purchasing. This proved most popular with lot 6th August. Come andsale was exceptionally well 83 selling for £60 - almost four see a remarkable collectiongraced, so much so that extra times its pre-sale guide price. of over 200 Steiff Limitedseating had to be drafted in Edition pieces from the 1980’sto accommodate the throng of Reinforcing the current to present day, European androom bidders. taste in collecting saw some US exclusives plus the usual prices for the older bears in Pandora’s box of vintage, artist, The sale reflected the shift the Classroom Collection manufactured and bearabilia. TBTin taste, as in recent years there being quite static apart fromhas definitely been a move in the identifiable manufacturers. •For more information pleasetoy collecting to more modern Vintage items of superior qual-pieces and this pattern followed ity, coloured, labelled or more contact Joanne McDonald orin that the large selection of unusual will always achieve Kathy Taylor on 01642 750616.endearing plush Charlie Bears good prices but the more runattracted the most attention. of the mill, unidentified bearsThe subsequent bidding was are a little out of favour.fast and furious with manyCharlie Bears equalling their On the roadoriginal RRP and some well again!exceeding it. Good qualityartist bears remain strong, One of theofferings from Bisson Bears, best thingsBurlington Bearties, Beatrix about this roleBears and Christine Pike get- is getting outting bidders in a frenzy. The and about, withBear Bits realistic, multi-joint- Vectis attend-ed bears were greatly admired, ing many toywith lot number 224 achieving fairs all over thethree times its initial estimate. country. We will again be exhibit-18 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

The Attic Window BEARS AND DOLLSHandmade in the Highlandsof Scotland.Tel: 01687 462 000Mob: 07534743825Web address: www.theatticwindow.co.ukE-mail: [email protected] Noble Fabrics BAERCHEN BUDDY 4.5 x 7 inch dog. 8 inch Bull Dog. Pattern £13, kit £41 Pattern £13, kit £32Telephone: 0116 2477845 includes ready made clothes www.stores.ebay.co.uk/noble-fabrics 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-SUPPLIESemail:[email protected] • Tel: 01752403515 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 19

artist profilecapturing Ehveearrtyswhere No matter where you are in the world, it’s impossible not to fall in love with Wanda Carson’s inquisitive teddy bear creations By Allison Croat Having a full-time job can often bear…without the doll. It was after this hold people back from pursuing sale that Wanda began making bears things they love. Wanda Carson, alongside the dolls. however, has never let her career get in the way of her creations. She spends It was in the early 90s when Wanda her evenings working on bears, and will took a weekend bear making class with even get up early to put in an extra hour Diane Gard. Here, she learned how to of creative time before work, then uses design and make collectable mohair bears. her weekends to fully immerse herself in She had previously been using synthetic bear making. This may sound exhausting, furs, and it took her three months after the but it’s the best way Wanda has found to class before she could get up the nerve to incorporate bears into her life. cut her first piece of mohair and finish the bear she designed in class. Hailing from “the cornfields of Illinois,” Wanda got hooked on teddies After discovering artist bears, Wanda via doll making. “Our local Altrusa Club became fully hooked on the bear making sponsors a yearly Christmas Craft Sale at world. She says she cannot choose just one the high school, and I would make soft artist that she most admires, but says that sculpture dolls to sell there,” she recalls. she is “humbled by the talents and ingen- During one sale, Wanda had a doll that ious works of art of the many excellent was holding a teddy bear. A lady came bear artists today.” She claims her husband up to her and asked if she could buy the has always been her biggest fan, and that he still inspires her, as his spirit lives on20 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

WESTIE BEARS Phylls Bear s Chair sWild, Wacky but Wonderful! Teddy and Dolls Bespoke Furniture contact Andy on: [email protected] [email protected] 077950 75532 01403 241381www.westiebears.com                                w w w. J U L I E S H E P H E R D . c o m 01730 810878 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 21

artist profileinside her heart despite his passing away in under her protection.2008 of cancer. But family isn’t the only Her husband isn’t the only familial place Wanda finds inspira-influence on her bear making. The one tion. Oftentimes, it can comebear that she cannot part with is named from a fabric, or a photographTyler, after her grandson. Made from depicting something entirelysand-coloured mohair, he has original non-bear related. Even unusualshoe button eyes, felt paws, and wears or ordinary objects can be useda child’s pair of black wool pantswith suspenders. She has airbrushedfeatures on him, and uses him as hersignature bear. “When my grand-son is older,” she says, “I will givethe bear to him. But only when heknows how to take care of a preciousnamesake.” Until then, Tyler is22 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

artist profileto tell the story of a teddy bear. “I like the maker only part of the time.” TBAI in New York. Between the travelchallenge of a competition where a theme, One of Wanda’s favourite tools holds and online shows, her bears are makingbook title, or subject is to be depicted the rounds. Beyond her shows, Wandathrough a teddy bear creation,” notes a lot of sentimental value. “It’s a stuff- has sold to shops in the state of Iowa, andWanda. ing stick that my father whittled with his even to a shop in France! People all over pocket knife from a piece of cedar. It has the world are being captured by Wanda’s Even when inspiration hits, it’s not a good sized handle which narrows down loving bears.always easy to find the time to craft her to a smaller diameter for stuffing.” She’sdesigns. In her early days of creating, used it so much, in fact, that it has taken And Wanda has been captured by bearsWanda notes that late nights would find on a nice sheen from the oils of her skin. herself. After all, “Who can’t resist a cute,her at the sewing machine trying to sew fuzzy little face?” she asks. She hopesquietly so as not to wake the rest of the Only recently has Wanda started sell- that teddy bears will always be a favouritefamily. Now, she fits in her bear making ing bears through online shows. She notes friend to a person of any age, to “bring abefore and after work, and lets the week- that “it takes just as much effort to get the smile, a huggable comfort, and a familyends be more leisurely creative time. bears photographed and listed as it does heirloom to cherish from days gone by.” to set up for a travel show. The upside Like many artists, she is worried that the Time isn’t the only constraint on is that I can do it in my pyjamas from younger generation is in danger of missingWanda’s creativity. Discipline also plays the comfort of my home.” She does get out on the joys of teddy bears. But she,a part. “I work all day with a computer out of town for two shows every year, the along with her personal assistant Jackson,keyboard, and some evenings after work Philadelphia Doll and Bear Show, and is doing everything she can to prevent thatI find it hard to use my hands to work from happening.with the bears.” Thankfully, some timespent outdoors helps her unwind from a No matter what each day brings,long day’s work, and then she is able to do Wanda keeps making bears. “It makes thesome work with the bears. effort all worthwhile when I know that one of my creations has captured the heart of When she does manage to find the a collector. A teddy bear is an emotionaltime to create, she works in a small space purchase which lifts the spirit.” TBToff the family room. “It’s centrally locatedin the house, and easily accessible to the thebearfactskitchen, family room, and bedrooms.” Theroom is stocked with mohair and fabrics, Carson Creationsbuttons, ribbons, and some curious items Collectible soft-sculpture teddythat have caught Wanda’s eye as some- bears and friends by award-winningthing that might add character to a bear or artist Wanda Carsonits costume. Website: www.carsoncreations.net E-mail: [email protected] Wanda doesn’t work alone. In fact, Phone: 1-309-769-5278she has a personal assistant! His name Address: 14085 E. 2000th Street,is Jackson, and he’s a yellow and white Macomb, IL 61455 USAshort-haired cat. “I found him, or maybehe found me, as a lost kitten,” she recalls.“He is an absolute joy and a mischief t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 23

artist profiletShtiellbmeaardsaboutWhether enjoying her new workshop, competing,creating or organising The Scottish Bear Fair -Lynn Bowie is still just Madabout Bears! By Lynn BowieI’m a bearoholic. There, I said it. the town, housing many different crafts. having given up my job in stage manage- Having been making my Madabout The studios are mainly open Thursday, ment with a touring theatre to look after Bears for over fifteen years now, I am Friday and Saturday so it’s best to check my children. My sister was already mak- even more engrossed with the fabulous with the individual artists before setting ing bears and encouraged me to have aworld of the teddy bear than ever before. out, although I am there most days. I go...and I have never looked back. I amI have recently become part of “Craft will also be running bear making classes so inspired by individual pieces of mohairTown Scotland” based in West Kilbride, a later in the year with the help of my sister that I have been known to name themlovely little town on the south west coast who, although no longer making bears, even before the design is drawn and cutof Scotland and this has revolutionised my is a Toby award winning artist who made out! These days my patterns have beenworking day. under the name “Brodie Bears”. I’m sure streamlined though. My bears’ heads lots of collectors still remember her. The would often consist of eight pieces but not I now have my own studio, a fabulous classes will be held in West Kilbride, eitherlight and airy space and a perfect work- in my studio or in the Barony Centre, theing environment in which to create. It hub of the Craft Town Initiative. A beauti-also means that people can visit (there fully converted church which, as well asis a little kitchen so the kettle is always having working and gallery space, alsoon!) and indeed visit the other studios in houses a wonderful café!BELOW: Placed second in class at Stafford. I started making bears back in 1998,24 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

artist profile My bears’ heads would often consist of eight‘ ’pieces but not any more - not if I can help it!any more - not if I can help it! years ago, by Steffi McIntyre of Candi ABOVE: Blustery day - won its class and Another first for Madabout Bears Bears but in it’s second year moved to Organisers’ Choice Award at Staffordthis is year is that we will be attending Troon, mainly because of the lovely venue,our first show in the States. I was hon- free parking and good transport links. I I can assure you much jollity (and food!)oured to be invited to the Teddy Bear took over when Steffi had to step down for is had.Artist Invitational show in New York family reasons. It’s such a great place toin August and I am beside myself with hold a bear fair. I really do enjoy all aspects of my bearyexcitement. As well as being a fantastic New for this year will be a “best world; being part of Craft Town Scotlandthree day convention, it is where the Toby dressed table” competition for stall holders and having my own studio in which toAwards are presented and I was delighted - for a free table at next year’s fair - and create my Madabouts, meeting collectorsto have received a Toby nomination this there will be door prizes and giveaways at fairs, entering competitions (a good wayyear with my cat, Biscotti. This should all and possibly a brooch making class the for people to see your work in a differ-take me neatly to the end of the year when day before...watch this space! As many of ent environment) and organising the fair,it is, once again, all hands to the pump for the exhibitors travel quite a distance and although the latter is the most stressful asorganising “The Scottish Bear Fair” in stay over on the Saturday, there is now I feel very responsible for everyone, exhib-Troon. a tradition of meeting up for a meal the itor and collector, having a great day.Every year I am overwhelmed by the night before and it’s lovely to get togetherquality of work brought by the exhibitors. in a social rather than work environment.  If there is anything left of me in 2014,Again we will have a wonderful array of see you all at Hugglets! TBTfabrics and supplies brought by SusanDavis of Bear Basics and the ever popu-lar Graeme Miles will be travelling fromGloucester with many fabulous offeringsfrom Apple Pie House. As well as awardwinning artist bears, this year we haveold bears brought to us by the fabulousBourton Bears and Christopher’s Chairswill be attending to your bears’ posteriorneeds! As in previous years we will beoffering free valuations and also a freebear repair consultation. All this and awonderful café with home baking. It istruly a fabulous day out for any bear lover.This will be the fourth consecutive yearthat the Scottish Bear Fair will have beenorganised by Madabout Fairs. Originallyit was started in Glasgow about seven t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 25

ARTIST PROFILEA creativeescapeWhen life gets tough for Anna Long, she doesn’tlet it get to her; instead, she creates tiny teddybears to help calm down By Allison CroatSometimes, transitions come her family is extremely supportive of her she says. As a mother of four, and working naturally. For Anna Long, the creations. Once, her computer crashed part-time, Anna’s life can get hectic very move to bear making stemmed right before an online show. Anna was quickly. “When my children are in school, from crocheting doilies. “I was dismayed, thinking she was I have more time to devote to my bears.crocheting doilies for a specialty shop going to have to withdraw.online, and during an internet auction But her husband, who issearch one day, I came across crocheted always encouraging her in herbears. I became addicted from that endeavours, promptly helpedmoment.” And that moment turned into get her photos uploaded in theanother moment, when she began needle- nick of time, allowing her tofelting bears, and that transformed into do the show.sewing her tiny teddy bear creations. Anna names her daughter Measuring four inches or less, Anna’s Olivia as her biggest fan.tiny bears have made their way into her “She even helps me pick outlife, and the life of her family. In fact, fabrics and dress colours,”26 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

ARTIST PROFILECreating bears is my escape.” that she struggles with making larger THEBEARfacts Working as a nurse specialising in bears. “I would love to make larger bears,” she shares, “but I struggle with larger Made by Anna - Anna Longintravenous therapy, Anna notes that she noses. I am also not good with a sewing Email: [email protected] working with her hands, which machine.” And so she makes miniature Facebook page: www.facebook.definitely comes in ‘handy’ when making bears with all her heart poured into them. com/MadebyAnnaher small teddy bears. Her focus is on the Website: www.madebyanna.face of the bears: “I love an expressive The small outfits that her bears wear blogspot.comface,” she says. “Creating bears has been are hand-made by Anna, either crocheteda wonderful outlet for me. I often catch or sewn. Even the wings that accompanymyself smiling while creating.” some creations are hand-crafted. Each small piece is hand-sewn from Anna’s own And her creations make her collectors design, and over the past nine years, shesmile, too. Though she’s never received has perfected her miniature bear creations.formal training, hours and hours of experi- Now, she wants to try something new, andmentation have given Anna the skills and make some vintage-designed bears.techniques she needs to go above andbeyond in creating her small wonders. Wherever her bear-making takes her,Inspiration comes to her often when she Anna is sure to elicit many more smilesis on a run, though she notes that the “sad with her miniature teddy bears. After all,faces” of her English bulldogs also offer who can resist such tiny teddies? TBTinspiration. A typical day in Anna’s life is extremelybusy. She begins with a run, because itis on runs that ideas come to her. Theafternoon is spent stuffing and assemblingbears, and the evening is used for sewingand crocheting. “I am the type of personthat always has to be doing something,”Anna notes. She names toothpicks as hermost valuable tool, as they assist in stuff-ing her tiny treasures. Selling online has become a way of lifein the bear world, and Anna has jumpedright in. There has been one bear thatshe has sold that she wishes she hadn’t,and though she has tried many times toreplicate it, she admits that she can neverexactly duplicate a bear’s face. “They seemto take on their own little face.” Little face, indeed. Anna has revealed t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 27

artist profileTaking teddy bearseverywhereWhy leave bears at home when you can takethem with you everywhere you go? Well, maybenot the whole bear, just pieces of them By Allison CroatA s a full-time bear artist, Martha antique textiles that had been too damaged Burch finds it hard to leave her to sell, and I turned them into little quilted work at home. Especially when teddies,” she recalls. These bears became she’s usually covered in it! She Christmas presents for her family one year,has found that when she’s in creative but Martha had made too many. She putmode, fur often flies around and lands the extras in her mother’s antique shop,everywhere. “It’s on my clothes, in my and sold out of them that same day.water glass, in the car, and everywhere Igo. In essence,” she says, “my bears are Though she has done some customwith me everywhere. Or at least parts of dressmaking in the past, Martha is nowthem.” a full-time artist dedicated to her teddy bears. She says it can be difficult combin- Martha has been making bears, and ing home life with her career. “When youtaking them with her, since 1984. Her are self-employed, your business takes overmother was an antique dealer, and they your life,” she admits. “I find that it is aused to do Folk Art Shows all over matter of discipline to work regular hours,the United States. “I started out using and remember that what I do is work.” Often, Martha enters into “full creative mode” where it feels more like playing, tory!” shares Martha. “I really try to keep and she loses track of time. “I have to all like parts together, but it often gets remember that the dog needs walking, and away from me and I wind up in a ‘nest’ of dinner needs making.” Even when fully bear-making things.” immersed in home life, her bears stay with her. There are many things that inspire Martha to enter full creative mode. When asked to describe her workspace, Subscriptions to several magazines that two phrases come to Martha’s mind: feature different art forms are especially organised chaos, and disorganised chaos. inspirational to her. Sometimes, all it takes She works in a large basement area with is a unique trinket at an antique store or lots of storage and different stations for art shop to bring about a project in her different parts of the process: jointing, mind. Often, however, inspiration comes sewing, cutting, etc. But when full creative in her dreams. “Sometimes a full-fledged idea comes to me this way,” she shares. mode hits, the fur hits the fan: “It looks like an explosion in a teddy bear fac- LEFT: This bear is part of my Threads series. The fabric is made from different yarns which are stitched onto a canvas backing. Then I cut out the pattern and sew as usual. I make these bears in almost any colour range, and they are about 12” tall. ABOVE: Aewyonn is a one-of-a-kind creation, and is part of the Forest Series. She is 18” tall, made of mohair, a featured a hand-needle-felted bird. Aewyonn won a Bears and Buds Ursa Award this year.28 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

artist profileABOVE LEFT: Owl is about 10” tall and madeout of antique wool fabrics and new “fuzzy”trims. This owl has an antique metallic breastinsert. These owls are each one of a kind andhave jointed heads and wire feet.ABOVE: Aunt Sage is a 15” mohair bear withan armatured neck and wired arms. She isdressed in antique fabrics that are raggy, andmakes her living as an herb seller.LEFT: Corgie is one of my dogs. He is about8” long and 4” tall with a needle-felted face.“My husband is used to me popping out started.” And she has come an extremelyof bed and running for a notebook when long way.this happens.” The bears that Martha creates are great Her husband is indeed very under- fun to view and admire. “I love costum-standing. He is very supportive of her ing,” she says. In fact, outfitting the bearcareer, as is her immediate family. She often takes longer than making the actualdoes share that her extended family does teddy! The costumes are well thoughtnot understand that what she does is work, out and implemented, down to the mostnot just a hobby. But she doesn’t mind, minute detail. For this reason, her cos-she keeps on making beautiful teddy bears tumed bears can cost up to $600 (£380).anyway. Undressed bears range from $75 to $200 (£50 to £130). Self-described as the “consummate trialand error person,” Martha knows that One of her newest endeavours is a lineshe can do anything she puts her mind to. of bears made of varied yarns and threads.Because she started making bears early on, “I take a group of 7 or 8 complementingthere were no classes available yet to teach yarns, gather them up, and stitch them tothe skills and techniques used in this field. a canvas ground, essentially making my“It took a few years to be happy with mystyle, and that style is always changing,”Martha reflects. “I do have a box of hid-den rejects to remind myself of where I t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 29

artist profile ABOVE: Here is Punkin Patch, a 13” bear made from an old wool coat. I then needle-felted the pumpkins on his tummy and nose.ABOVE: This is the Lionbrarian and his little friend Mousie. The lion isabout 16” tall and made with a mohair body and head, but a plushmane and tail. The mouse is made of mohair.BELOW RIGHT: This is Ramblewood, an 18” mohair. I created thecostume and he is fully dressed underneath as well. This bear has ahand-needle-felted owl and kitty.own thread fabric.” From this fabric, she “When the piece was fin-creates the bear. “I’ve also been making ished, the lady stood look-wool bears from recycled wool coats and ing at the bear with tearsadding needle felting to the tummies for running down her face. Itan interesting new look.” made me remember why I love doing what I do.” Martha’s spectacular bears havefound homes in several museums around There is always love involvedthe world. The Quinlan Museum in with teddy bears that keeps art-California, the Korean Teddy Bear ists going day after day. WhenMuseum, and a Japanese teddy bear asked what she loves mostmuseum all have some of her creations. about bears, Martha replies,Yet it isn’t these large-scale operations that “I love the fact that teddymean the most to Martha, it’s making spe- bears allow people to havecial orders for customers out of something a little bit of closeness andthat holds meaning for them. warmth in a wildly busy world. You can’t be crabby The most touching moment she’s had if you love teddy bears.”began at a show. A lady came up to her With each creation, Marthabooth with an old coat, eyeglasses, and keeps a bit of the unhappi-a photo of her mother who had recently ness of the world at bay.passed away. “The coat was her mother’sfavourite, and the lady asked me to make She shares her teddy bearsa bear and dress it like the photo using with the world at bear shows.the items she gave me,” Martha recalls. Though she says she doesn’t attend as30 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

artist profilemany shows as she used to, she still man- fabrics, like her coordinating yarns.ages to make the rounds. Shows include And so Martha continues to makethe Dolls 4 All in San Diego, severalBright Star shows, the TBAI show in bears using her 1950s Singer sewingNew York, the Quinlan Doll and Bear machine in her (dis)organised chaoticshow in Philadelphia, and several local workshop. She fully appreciates the art-shows in Wisconsin, where she resides. istry behind each creation, and hopes to pass along the love of the unique to others. When she’s not at a show, Martha will “One of my mantras is ‘buy somethingsometimes teach a class. Sometimes she that is hand-crafted.’ If we encouragedoes simple one-day classes, but other that, people may begin to remember thetimes she will teach a three-day design value of art and hand-made, one-of-a-kindworkshop. “If a club or shop sponsors work.” TBTme to come and teach, I will usually doa class,” she notes. She also holds small,informal lectures at her local library “toshow the wonderful world of teddy bears,especially artist-made teddies.” It can be difficult trying to make alarge quantity of bears. Martha says thatfinding supplies is quite a challenge atthe moment. “The mohair suppliers havediscontinued some of their furs, so it isalways a challenge to find the right coloursand textures for certain projects.” Becauseof this, she has reverted back to usingrecycled plush coats and other interestingABOVE: This is Stitch in Time, one of my Time Series bears. So far I have created 12 differentones including: Time Flies, Making Time, Can’t Find the Time, Bed Time, Time to Go and oth-ers.  Each is a tongue in cheek interpretation of the phrase. This one is 16” tall and made ofmohair. The costume is my own design.ABOVE RIGHT: The Sea Wizard is 18” tall, and is made of mohair with an armatured neck andwired arms. I designed the costume to look like the sea. He is accessorized with real shells.RIGHT: Raggs is a 16” mohair bear with an armatured neck and wired arms. This bear isdressed in antique and vintage fabrics, and is a rag seller. t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 31

BUSINESS PROFILERest weary New ideas often happen in the mostpaws in style unlikely of places and when Phyll was buying a new bear for herPurchasing a new bear for her hug led collection earlier this year, shePhyllida Turner to a new business certainly didn’t expect to be drawing up aventure - Phylls Bears Chairs business plan in the next few days. Always good with a needle and thread, Phyll was By Jill Mundy purchasing a bear from Jenny Johnson of Three O’clock Bears and happened to32 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m show Jenny a photo of her latest project - a dog bed. Now this was no squishy cushion on the floor but something rather more substantial and grand. Jenny thought that a lot of teddy bear collectors would like to have something similar for their bears - and that was Phyll’s ‘eureka’ moment. “It all started there really. I made a few chairs and, with some encouragement, took a stand at a local teddy bear fair. There was quite a bit of interest there and I have more fairs lined up later in the year.” Before giving up work when she had her three children, Phyll was a tailoress and the skills she learned then have been key to her craft. “When my youngest went off to school, I began to feel the need to get back to work but needed something to fit around the children. I applied for a job making curtains and learnt everything I needed to know. This was back in 1977 and it is still my full time job.” Phyll makes the beds in her spare time and said: “I am just one of those people who needs to be busy!” Now self-employed, she makes her cur- tains in her workshop which is in a busi- ness unit close to where she lives. Once her daytime hours are finished, she then spends some time designing and making

BUSINESS PROFILEher chairs and beds. “Everything is made just a few hours to complete from theto order at the moment. I am happy to design process to assembling everythingcome up with other designs if the custom- together. All those tailoring and finish-er has ideas that are different from what ing skills are definitely being put to goodI already produce. I enjoy the variety and use. “All the chairs are hand made usingthe fact that they are all so different.” bespoke fabrics and they can be made in any size.” One of Phyll’s friends has asked herto make a chaise longue for her cat. “I’m What about Phyll’s own bear collec-very good at coming up with ideas, espe- tion, which was where this story began?cially if someone suggests something - I “My bears are probably in every room inget an idea in my head and can’t wait to the house. You can often hear my husbandget it into production. The circular bear saying: ‘Not another bear!’ but I just lovebed was originally requested as a bed for a them.” She doesn’t collect bears by anycat too. I think you can get about 12 bears particular artist or of any one style. “Juston it, depending on their size.” the ones that call out to me. You can see Making the chairs has quickly been t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 33honed to a fine art, each one taking Phyll

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some of my collection in these photos. I business profilereally like arranging the bears around thefurniture.” bear to take home!” As the business is so new, Phyll has lots The chairs and Phyll’s contact detailscan be found on Facebook under Phyll’s of hopes and aspirations. “I will always beBears Chairs as there isn’t a website just looking to come up with new ideas andyet. “But it is something that I would like designs. I would like to supply all bearsto have very soon as I think it would help with chairs.” So if your bears are look-the business to grow.” The name of the ing for an upgrade on their seating, youbusiness was chosen by Phyll’s grandson. know where to go. Don’t worry if you’re“He is nine and loves coming to the bear not sure quite what they are looking for,shows with me - he usually ends up with a as Phyll will definitely be able to help. “I have thousands of ideas and unlimited enthusiasm.” TBT thebearfacts Phylls Bears Chairs Teddy and Dolls Bespoke Furniture [email protected] 077950 75532 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 35

TEDDY TALK neSwEEbKeHarOsMES If you’re looking for a new range of bears for your hug, Silver Tag Bears from Suki Gifts International Ltd could be perfect By Jill MundyT eddy bear design has always duced by the Company and I spoke to Lee been a passion for the Product Thresher, Product Development Director, Development team at Suki Gifts to find out more about what inspired the International Ltd. Collectively, the creation of this wonderful bear collection.team has over 40 years’ experience indesigning and creating unique character TBT: So Lee, firstly tell us a bit feedback, the team and I started to designteddy bears and plush products, many of about Suki Gifts International Ltd. a collection of teddy bears that would fulfilwhich are now owned and take pride of Lee: “Suki has been in existence this need and hopefully achieve much more.place in homes around the world. for 18 months now and most of the It also gave the team a great opportunity team worked for soft toy manufacturer to feed our passion for creating new teddy Silver Tag Bears is the first Limited bears.”Edition collectible bear range pro- Russ Berrie (UK) Ltd prior to joining the company, which is great, as it means TBT: Was there anything specific that deter-36 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m that the product development mined the direction of the concept? team has a huge amount of Lee: “We spent a huge amount of time previous experience in design- researching and talking in-depth to our cus- ing new products and in par- tomers to identify what was important to ticular teddy bears.” them when considering adding a new mem- ber to their teddy bear family. After combin- TBT: And why did you feel the ing this feedback with our previous knowl- need to develop the Silver Tag edge and experience, we established that Bears collection? there are three ‘must have’ key elements. Lee: “From day one, we have continually Firstly, each bear has got to have the ‘Aaah received feedback from our customers factor’. It’s all about the bear’s character and consumers alike, telling us that and look; he or she must create that instant they are finding it increasingly dif- bond with its new perspective parent from ficult to find high quality, individual the moment they set eyes on each other! teddy bears that are collectible, Secondly, the bear has to have individual unique in design and that have ‘something special’ about them. Based upon this

TEDDY TALK and time again, until all six characters were perfect. It was so rewarding to see each character naturally evolve and develop their own individual characteristics. To be honest, it was almost like each bear was telling us when we’d got them right… they really do talk to you.”characteristics which are unique in terms of TBT: And what are the key is very elegant and made ofthe materials used to make him/her and also features of each Silver Tag ultra-soft fabric, she also wearsthe attention to detail on distinctive features Bear? a beautiful woven silk scarfsuch as muzzle shape, paw pad definition, Lee: “There are so many to around her neck. Other bearstrimming of materials and so on, whilst at the mention. Firstly, each bear Mark, William, Christopher andsame time retaining traditional elements such is hand crafted, limited to Ethan all have their distinctiveas a pronounced hump on their back. Finally, just 1,500 pieces world- features and characteristics,we found collectability to be very important wide and comes with a which is why it is so difficult toand wanted to ensure that we created a hand numbered Certificate have a favourite.”range of bears that people will want to col- of Authenticity. All bearslect. Once they buy one bear from the range are made from exception- TBT: Where can bear collectors buy theand see the quality, we hope they will also ally high quality fabrics and Silver Tag Bears?give the other bears a good home.” include beautiful multi-tonal Lee: “The bears will be in-store from early plush. We’ve added an August and our website www.sukigifts.TBT: How did you come up with each Silver exclusive Silver Tag Bears com has a full list of stockists that have pre-Tag Bears design? fabric logo to the left foot ordered the range. Alternatively, consumersLee: “The team spent countless hours brain- pad of each bear in order can call our Silver Tag Bears team directly.”storming, designing and re-sampling each that bear collectors canteddy bear pattern, tweaking them time identify our brand when TBT: And what’s next for Silver Tag Bears? they see it; this also adds Lee: “Well, we have just finalised the next to the collectability. Other collection of six new bears and we are so key features include excited with how they have turned out… joints to the bears head, Freddie is amazing! These will be released arms and legs and later in the year and we we’ve also added lots have an on-going of beans to the rump, legs and arms to give development them poseability. Naturally, each bear comes program into 2015 with a traditional pronounced hump on their and beyond.” TBT backs. Oh, and of course, to ensure that the bears have a safe journey home, each one will be wrapped in exclusive Silver Tag Bears printed tissue paper and placed in a gloss printed carry box… complete with air holes to ensure they can breathe.” TBT: So who’s your favourite? Lee: “Oh that is such a dif- ficult question to answer as it changes daily. Today it is Ellis, he is a cheeky chap and I love the white dots that feature on his nose. Olivia is a close sec- ond though as she •For further information contact: Silver Tag Bears Team: Tel: 023 8024 0848 Website: www.silvertagbears.com Email: [email protected] t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 37

ARTIST PROFILEIt’s Bedlamin Jo’s houseInbetween working and looking after her family,including a dog and two cats, Jo Humphrey managesto find space and time to create her Bedlam Bears By Jo HumphreyIdesign and make bears under the husband, Simon, and have one daugh- over nine inches. name Bedlam Bears. I’ve actually ter, Mina who is 18, both of whom are Mohair is my fabric of choice, though been making bears since 1997 when similarly artistic. We share our house in I traded under the name Humphrey Cheshire with Jet, a 12 year old black I have dabbled in some lovely, tippedbears but took a break to raise my labrador; Ash, a 13 year old tabby cat and plush in gorgeous pinks and purples. Itdaughter and pursue other careers. Now, one year old Luna, a black kitten. is these fabrics that inspire me, as I firstlyafter needing a distraction to help me out fall in love with a piece of mohair andof a brief spell of depression, my bears Apart from bear making, I love art, then think about the design later. But ahave been reborn as Bedlam bears! drawing, reading and films. I have a fab pretty accessory or ribbon can similarly workspace in my conservatory, made for be a source of inspiration. Dressing or Having always been creative and me by my lovely hubby, with a long work- accessorising a bear is my favourite part ofspending three years at art college, mak- bench where I can lay out my mohair. creating and my least favourite is sewinging bears seemed the perfect outlet for my There is plenty of storage space too for on the ears, closely followed by positioningartistic needs and was therapeutic at the keeping everything tidy and to hand. the eyes.same time. Bedlam bears currently have two collec- My bears have evolved quite a lot from I currently create bears on just a part tions ongoing; one which is quite brightly faux fur in the beginning, to differenttime basis, though I would love to do it coloured with needlefelted faces; the other types of mohair, with more detailed andfull time. I work in retail for the remain- is more traditional. I tend to make bears distinctive faces.der. that appeal to my own tastes for colour and cuteness and rarely make anything I can probably make between 25 to 30 I have been married for 21 years to my bears in a year, all handsewn, as I’m use-38 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

ARTIST PROFILEJust for fun... •GWuaFillalkevinremgtovDdseheaoldTw,oA/rmmosoevcriiecrea-enpIHyloofivlrmreosrT.hSetory and •wwviesitIrifhteIAUcrerFoeaOual.lsd5a1bn,edaisnthvmiesyniboIletchofeourrldhaatdelfalliysh, oiImbwsiofeutshlsdeeyd•tloovIsfeeI tecoombuyeldnahanamaveeutoahnnoyrt;hoietthwferooruncltdaorebf eear,abImowoaokzu.inldg•tfoamIrfeiIlnywoaovnandtethb. euyloattelorvyeIlywooludldviclotookriaanftheroumsyeless with a sewing machine! My bears are Five fun facts about me:sold on etsy, and other online stores but Iam happy to work with collectors direct to 1) I’m obsessed with zombiescreate a one of a kind bear. 2) I love the colour purple 3) I’ve written a children’s book One of my favourite bears that I have but am still looking for a pub-made is Bentley, who went off to live with lisher.a collector in Canada. I don’t keep any 4) I once illustrated a book onof my own bears as I would probably get UFOs.carried away. For this same reason, I don’t 5) I’d love to design a bear forcollect bears made by other artists. That Butler and Wilson, as I lovesaid, I do have Woody, a lovely Charlie their fun, quirky jewellery.Bears panda, who sits in my bedroom. Iadmire the work of LJ bears and the love-ly little creations at Honey Pot bears. As Bedlam bears were only reborn inthe early part of 2012, I hope to buildthe business this year, get my bears intoa few shops and maybe even create myown website. When I originally started making bears back in 1997, computers THEBEARfacts weren’t commonplace in the home so the only place to sell was at fairs around the Twitter: @jojohumphrey country. Selling on the web has opened up Blogspot: bedlambears.blogspot. a whole new world for both collectors and co.uk artists. Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/ Bedlambears I love to network on twitter and face- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ book, so if you are a fellow bear lover, pages/Bedlam-bears tweet me for a chat! TBT t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 39

SHOW REPORTIntroducingSpringfest 2013You can never have too much of a good thing,so this year has seen this super autumn eventrepeated in the spring By Julie ShepherdAs I am sure many of you know, launched a Springfest too! Katherine was in her usual position Katherine Hallam of Katie Rae The first Great Yorkshire Teddy Bear with her very distinctive Katie Rae Bears. bears is the organiser of the Great Despite being so busy organising the new Yorkshire Teddy Bear Event Event Springfest took place on 19th fair, she had a breathtaking display withwhich is held at the Sheffield Hilton May and as everyone fully expected, her, so she had obviously been burning theHotel each November. was a resounding success. As with the midnight oil. I don’t know how she does November fair, all profits from the day it! During the short time that this event were donated to the Sheffield’s Childrenshas been on the bear fair calendar it Hospital, a cause very dear to Katherine. Karen Brentnall of Kaz Bears alwayshas gone from strength to strength and has an absolutely beautiful display of bearsthis year, in response to enthusiastic The day started well with eager collec- and this fair was no exception. Karendemand from exhibitors and collectors tors queueing in anticipation long before was so busy when I first passed by that Ialike, Katherine has doubled the fun and the 10.30 opening time and eager for thought I would come back a little later the fun to begin. On entry, each visitor for a photograph. When I did, her stand received a door ticket which didn’t just had been virtually picked clean - with just give entry to the show, but to two prize two bears remaining! They were both gor- draws which took place during the day, geous and I’m sure they both found new each with a prize of £50. homes too. Visitors also had the opportunity to My eye was caught by two little complete a slip for entry into the free prize dogs on the stand of Sue Shillingford of draw for Gertrude, a beautiful bear who Mabledon Road Bears. She told me that they met on their way in. they were a new design which was proving to be very popular with collectors - and I Once inside, the main problem facing collectors was where to look first! The fair is split over several interconnecting halls and I had trouble choosing the way myself. But I decided to be methodical and had a wonderful time wandering from room to room feasting my eyes on the fantastic array of fabulous bears on display. In the entrance lobby there was an amazing selection of beautiful bears which had been very generously donated by many artists to help raise even more for Katherine’s chosen charity. Katherine’s mother was kept busy selling tickets to eager collectors throughout the day, all hoping to be lucky enough to win their favourite bear when the raffle was drawn at 3pm.40 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

SHOW REPORTcould see why. They were absolutely ador- nose. How very romantic! Frank was very day. I fell in love with one particular littleable and were both awaiting collection as kind and let me practically rearrange his chap who was perched on top of a pile ofthey had been adopted already. entire table so I could snap this beautiful books - he was just so heart-melting! bear. The way in which a stand is decorated The day just flew past and very sooncan really draw the eye and this is an art I always enjoy visiting Anita Weller of it was 3pm and time to draw the rafflethat Pipedream Bears has mastered per- Puzzle Bears. Anita absolutely loves fairs which created a lot of excitement amongstfectly. Jan and Sue’s display made a won- and chatting to collectors so she was in her the lucky winners. Then Katherinederful vintage backdrop for their beautiful element. She had obviously been work- announced the winner of the door prizebears which hark back to a bygone era. ing very hard in order to have a stunning bear - Gertrude was won by a delighted selection with her on the day - and judg- little person who was actually smaller than I just couldn’t help myself - I just had ing by the enthusiastic collectors who were the prize bear!to wander into the Attercliffe Suite. Susan gathered around her stand I would sayDavies of Bear Basics had a mouthwater- that her hard work was paying off. I man- All too soon it was 4pm and the showing display of beautiful Schulte fabrics aged to get a photo of a very patriotic flag- closed, stands were packed away andavailable and on the other side of the room waving trio who were just gorgeous. goodbyes made as the exhibitors and col-Tracey James of Sew What & Stuff It had lectors set out on their, in some cases, veryanother stunning array of temptation. Did I wandered past Bobby’s Bears and my long journeys home.I succumb and buy any- eye was caught by two wonderful drag-thing? Well, what do you But if you missed this exciting newthink? ons. These very unusual show, don’t worry. You won’t have to wait creatures were beauti- a whole year for the opportunity to attend In the Tinsley Suite fully created and far this fantastic venue as the next Greatthe very distinctive from being the ferocious, Yorkshire Teddy Bear Event is takingand colourful bears of fire-breathing beasts of place on Sunday 17th November.Barbara Ann Bears mythology, had a verywere out in force and friendly ‘take me home’ This fabulous show also incorporatescreating a lot of interest look in their eyes. a Gala dinner on the Saturday night dur-with eager collectors. Beatrix Harris of ing which the winners of the prestigious Beatrix Bears was another Excellence in Bear Artistry Awards will be Rita Haywood of who had obviously been announced.Woodland Teddies working very hard to createwas busy chatting some special pieces for the You certainly won’t want to miss all theto customers when fun so make a note in your diary. I hope toI passed by - Rita see you there! TBTis an absolute mineof information andalways happy todispense plenty of advice. Lateron in the day I was able to pop into theMasterclass Rita was hosting and foundher surrounded by keen pupils eager toabsorb her expertise. In the Open Arch Suite I was dazzledby the very colourful and unusual crea-tions by Janine Knight. Janine createsbears and bunnies from printed fabricwhich gives them a very modern twist. On wandering into the Victoria QuaysSuite, I saw Frank Webster’s table packedwith his beautiful and instantly recogniz-able bears - my eye was particularly drawnto a absolutely stunning white bear witha beautifully embroidered heart-shaped t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 41

HUGGLETS PREVIEW-itT’sEDalDmIEoSst2h0e1r3e...Note the date, book your train ticket andget ready for one of your beary favouriteautumn events By Jill MundyRemember, remember, the 8th of one’s wish list. Not convinced? Well, here know and others may yet to be discov- September is an important date are just a few of the bear artists taking part ered. From bears and rabbits to gollies for your diaries this autumn as this year. and dogs, artists such as Higgys Bears, artists and collectors from all Tillington Bears, JCW Bears and Littleover the world head to London’s The many international visitors include Piggies Originals will have most tastesKensington Town Hall for ThReAdTeDs from the Netherlands and catered for. If you are a miniature bear col-this year’s Hugglets Teddies lector, Teeny bears and Jan’s Tiddy bearsFestival. Between 10.30am Everyn Rose all the way from Japan. will no doubt be on your list of artists toand 4.00pm, hundreds of Among the homegrown exhibitors, visit while Tweedies offer some ratherpeople will visit the festival you can expect to find a whole interesting mice alongside their bears, alland I’m sure most, if not all, host of artists. Some you will made from tradition Shetland and Welshwill be going home with at fabrics.least one new purchase to ABOVE RIGHT: Higgys Bears.add to their hug. LEFT: Teeny Bears. Then there are artists like Lynette Weaver, who paints the bears made by With more than BELOW LEFT: Tillington Bears. Joan Shaw of Gold Teddy Bears. And of150 stands, there BELOW: Everyn Rose by course there will plenty of opportunity tomust surely be some- Masako Kitao, Japan. purchase supplies, kits and patterns if youthing to fill every- BELOW RIGHT: JCW are a bear maker yourself. Bears & Furry Friends by Jacqui Wickenden.42 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

HUGGLETS PREVIEW ABOVE: ThReAdTeDs by Berta Hesen-MInten, the Netherlands LEFT AND BELOW LEFT: Gold Teddy Bears by Joan Shaw and paintings by Lynnette Weaver RIGHT: Jan’s Tiddy Bears BELOW: Little Piggies Originals It promises to be yet another great dayout. Hope to see you there! TBT•A taster of exhibiting artists’ bearsare pictured here. For a full list ofexhibitors and ticket information, takea look at the Hugglets websitewww.hugglets.co.uk t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 43

SHOW REPORTNTETDBDAYA BaEt AHRamFEpSshTiIrVeAL An amazing display of bears and talent were on show at Lyndhurst Community Centre in the New Forest recently By Mary MillomA weekend in late During the interval there was an winners that were able to attend. A review of the May and I was lucky audience participation competi- Being an international competi- 2013 NTBAA enough to visit the tion, similar to the ‘Antiques tion, many competitors were Hampshire Teddy Roadshow’. There were three from countries that are thou- By R E McLintic LBIDSTBear Festival. It has evolved teddy bears: basic, better and sands of miles away.out of the Minstead Fair and best. The basic bear was by Another great competitionmoved a few miles down the Deans; the better was an early It was a great opportunity to has been and gone. Lyndhurstroad to Lyndhurst. Lyndhurst is Steiff worth around £800 and see all the competition entries. Community Centre provideda traditional market town and the best was a marvellous bear These were displayed the full far superior facilities and abovehas become one of the places by Farnell that Bunny valued at length of the stage area and all, access. All the entries werethat visitors to The New Forest around £3000. Everyone I spoke enthusiasts were able to get very again displayed on stage forNational Park stop at for tea to enjoyed the talk and we hope close to the fabulous creations. everyone to enjoy. This mustor a longer stay in the many it is repeated next year. Anyone who took part in this be one of the few competitionshotels and guest houses. The NTBAA display deserves to be that collectors and enthusiastsvenue for the Fair is the modern Sunday was the day of the proud of their achievement. I can see completely. None of theCommunity Centre with its Fair. It was bigger than ever heard nothing but admiration entries are excluded by pho-large room, stage and facilities and the exhibitors’ stands were from the visitors. The next fair tographs. NTBAA organisersfor catering. There is parking kept very busy. There was a with the competition is a whole believe that if you have made theadjacent to the centre for around balanced mix of artists, factory year away now but if you missed effort to enter, then your beartwo hundred cars. made bears and a good selec- this May’s festival then I urge you should be available for viewing. tion of materials for bear mak- to get along to the Autumn Fair Unfortunately a few bears were The highlight on Saturday ing. Teddies were brought in for on 20th October at the same again ‘Not as Schedule’ andwas the talk given by Bunny valuation and some were handed venue. I can’t wait! were not judged. This happensCampione from ‘Antiques over to specialist restorers. every year, which is a great pity.Roadshow’. Bunny is the expert Bunny Campione was present I urge would-be competitors toon the show for the Teddy for the best part of the day and read the Schedule and RulesBears and Dolls category. She visited each of the exhibitors. carefully. The winning entries arehas a relaxed style and gave The NTBAA Awards Ceremony already posted on the Brewins’anecdotes about the Roadshow was very popular and Bunny Bruins website and I will try tothat you wouldn’t normally hear. made the presentations to the give a resume as to how the winners were chosen. The first section with numbered classes was open to all: Class 1: A bear representing a garden- er – Dressed and accessorised, 20 – 40cms. A well supported class where the Winner, Pauline44 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

SHOW REPORTClass 1 - 1st Class 2 - 1st Class 3 - 1st Class 4 - 1stClass 5 - 1st Class 6 - 1st Class 7 - 1st Class 8 - 1stCollison – Xipi Totec, scored traditional teddy. Some excel- Class 6: and it was revealing to see justboth for the bear, who was a lent entries were received how artistically the pattern wasrustic looking fellow, and the and the pictures speak for A set of two or more charac- interpreted. Mandy Rowe tookdress and accessories. The sec- themselves. ‘Sloppy Joe’ ters with at least the main char- first place and Linda Peters, ofond and third place went to Ann with his slightly underfilled acter being a bear - dressed and Lindi Bears, second. Both hadReed of Ann Made Bears and body made by Sonia Hall accessorised (maximum exhibi- introduced additional features inMichelle Doig of Padfield Bears Scott, was a very worthy tion area 45x45cm). The first and around the eyes that maderespectively. first prize winner. Sonia kindly three in this class were all excel- them stand out from the rest. donated her bear to the prize lent entries. The third place went Third place was awarded to SallyClass 2: draw held on the day of the fair. to Lisa Young (Boogaloo Bears) Louise Thomas of Down to the Second place was awarded to for her amusing entry of campers Woods Bears. An artistic interpretation of Lisa Young and third to Hana in the woods with a very largeone of the following: Gorillas, Porizkova of the Czech Republic. bear rather close for comfort. The next section was tochimpanzees, Mandrill apes Lori Simon designed ‘Tabitha’ encourage artists who mayand orangutans, 25 cms and Class 4: holding her favourite teddy bear, be hobbyists or who had notabove. We put this class into the utilising unusual fabrics. The entered a high level competitioncompetition because in previ- Miniature Bear, dressed and Winner was Jacqui Wickenden with any success. The entriesous years, lots of entries were accessorised, 10cms or less. with her “Alice in Wonderland” received were certainly of veryreceived for this type of animal The Winner was Natascha Sabo stars. high quality and the NTBAA willunder the “Friends” category. with her detailed bear featur- include this section in futureThe Winner this year was Hayley ing an open mouth and clothes Class 7: competitions.Walker with her lifelike Mandrill and accessories she had madeape. This animal is now endan- herself. Kiyomi Elworthy of An artistic interpretation of a Class A:gered in the wild. Cuddlekin Bears took second Rabbit or Hare - dressed and prize and Lisa Young won third. accessorised, 25cms and above Traditional Teddy Bear -Class 3: (excluding ears). Again won not dressed or accessorised, Class 5: by Jacqui Wickenden with her 20-30cms. The Winners were A traditional Bear – not beautiful “Queen of Hearts” rab- Sarah Killworth, Gill Cattrolldressed or accessorised, 20cms Hippie Teddy Bear represent- bit. Sadly the only entry in this (Bowerbird Bears) and Lindseyand above. We included this ing 1960’s flower power. Dressed class.class because we feel it is impor- and accessorised, 25cms andtant not to forget the roots of above. Also a very well support- Class 8:this wonderful vocation – the ed class - great fun and some stunning entries were displayed. Teddy Bear Pattern Jana Masarikova was the winner - Craft a teddy bear with her spaced out, guitar play- using the supplied pat- ing hippie. Closely following was tern. The bear should Kay Cooper’s flower power bear be made to scale and third came Laura Majusiak - dressed and acces- of Cobblestone Creations from sorised. A novel idea for the USA. a class; everyone had the same starting point t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 45

Gylls BearsBears toBeCaorsllteocCtollect Mary Dowd Bears Jan‛s Tiddy Bears Bears of Distinction See us at Hugglets, stand 100We are stockists of: Artist Bears Charlie Bears • Charlie Bears Deb Canham • Steiff Steiff • Deb Canham and more • Teddy Hermann • D’Lyell Bears • Teddy Bear china • T-shirts and more……………See the latestarrivals onStand 18www.bears2collect.co.uk East Bend, NC 27018 (336) 699-4782 www.gyllsbears.com 07889 794637 Tel 01480 860376 [email protected] 0208-366-1836 [email protected] www.janstiddybears.co.ukEmail: [email protected] www.yadtel.net/~mgdowd/ Hidden Cove Bears www.bears2collect.co.uk Tel 01480 860376 Email: [email protected] Softly Bear Pawwww.fjhannaybears.com Blog: http://somethingmisty. www.hiddencovebears.co.uk blogspot.com/ [email protected] Kitao “Everyn Rose” Hugglets Teddies 2013 Email: [email protected] Tel: 01626 853251 (Hall 1 stand no. 57) Pipedream Bears ARE YOU A BEAR ARTIST? BY JAN CARDEY WEBSITE: www.bearsandpugs.com Would you like your bear to appear in our EMAIL: [email protected] artistGALLERY? TEL: 01612858254 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 TimesEmail: [email protected] http://www.facebook/ com/masako.kitao For more information contact Maria Fitzgerald on +44 (0) 1903 884988 or email: [email protected] t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

SHOW REPORT teddytibmees arnow available on the Class A - 1st Class B - 1stteddytibmees arClaimWIN ONE OFTWO FABULOUS BEARS FROM GUND15/02/2012 10:03Class C - 1st Class D - 1st yo£4.50 $8.50 June/July 2013 FR1E4EDayurteddybeartimes.com trialteddybearamerica.com Charlie BEARSBest Friends Club 2013 Two great patterns ●Vintage bears ● Celebrities ● ArtistsISSUE 205 Agostinelli. It was difficult to separate these entries and all Untitled-3 1 were first class bears in the true tradition. Bare Cub Designs01_TBT 205.indd 1 14/05/2013 17:24 Class B:Enjoy both subscriptions and single issues of Teddy Bear Miniature Teddy Bear – Collison - second and AllyTimes magazine. dressed and accessorised, Loughrin Raidel - third. These 10cms or less. Unfortunately three entries would have heldSUBSCRIPTIONS only one entry. However Angela their own in the equivalent OpenAs issues are released, they’ll be available online in the McGinn’s Miniature was very Class. All featured needle felt-My NOOK Library section of your account, NOOK and worthy of first place. Her cro- ing and developed the providedfree NOOK app. Your default credit card will be charged cheted bear was very detailed basic pattern into a work of art.monthly. If you’re a first time subscriber to this publica- with needle felted features, astion, you’ll receive a FREE 14 day trial. You may cancel well as a crocheted dressing Finally the NTBAA Teddyanytime during your free trial by clicking on “Manage gown and night cap. Baby bear Bear Artist of the Year. This wasSubscriptions” in your Account or My NOOK Library, and was exquisite. won by Jacqui Wickenden (JCWyou will not be charged. Bears) for her Mad Hatter and Class C: March Hare. Her charactersBUY CURRENT ISSUE bore more than a hint of the lat-You also have the option to just purchase the current A set of two or more charac- est film starring Johnny Depp.issue of Teddy Bear Times - just click on the “Buy ters with at least the main char- Lots of design in the hare andCurrent Issue” button. acter being a bear - dressed and in the clothing and accessories. accessorised (maximum exhibi- A colourful and interesting setSubscription £2.99 per month tion area 45x45cm). The winning that displayed the creativity andDelivered: Monthly entry by Christine Vallerin, was imagination of the original writingIncludes 14 day FREE trial a joy. The tableau told it’s own by Lewis Carroll. TBT story with the whole family ofSingle issue £3.99 per issue bears off to fix nesting boxes in the woods . Second place went to Marina Barmatova with ‘Friends Forever’. Class D: Teddy Bear Pattern - Craft a teddy bear using the sup- plied pattern. The bear should be made to scale - dressed and accessorised. Three lovely bears took the awards: Marina Barmatova - first, Pauline t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 47

FEATUREWith suitcase packed, I prepared myself to leave thebears behind for a few restful days without them... By Sue QuinnThe intention was to have wood to make a raft and a very a peaceful holiday in good raft it turned out to be! the sun with nothing However, Bear and Bunny to do but laze on the decided to let their new holidaybeach or beside the pool but chums (newly needlefelted!)with the discovery of two test out the raft in the swim-naughty stowaways, that could ming pool before taking anynever happen! chances. Bear and Bunny had crept Bear sensibly had swimminginto my suitcase and even lessons in the pool instead,smuggled in picnic baskets, using a little lifebelt - fortu-deckchairs and all the other nately it did keep him afloatparaphernalia to enjoy a good and he didn’t take too long toholiday! It was just as well that dry in the baking sun. As heI had a little room to spare or hadn’t had the foresight to takethere might have been trouble a swimming costume, I had toat the airport when weighing make one for him. Bunny wasin. very jealous, so a bikini had to be made for her too! While they explored thebeach and had fun, I was sent It was Bunny who wasoff to find pieces of drift- the most active and Bear was had after all kindly let Bear usually happier sitting in his and Bunny go away in their deckchair napping, despite place. (They will probably get the nagging from Bunny who their chance later in the year.) was trying to persuade him to try out the new red silk kite. Next time YOU go on holiday, check your case very He did become very lively carefully to see who is hiding at the thought of another in there - bears and bunnies picnic though and happily are always keen to have an rummaged through the adventure! However, if you are picnic basket for the sand- like me, then encourage those wiches. little stowaways and enjoy your holiday that little bit more. Postcard writing can be a chore but they did prom- After all, lying on a sunbed ise to send one home to can be a bit boring after a little Mr Jones and Daisy - they while..! TBT48 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

GaArLtLiEstRY To have your bears featured in the gallery email [email protected] (UK/Europe) or [email protected] (US) Naughty Nigel An ewxcwitinwbTgey.ntle:iTlwl0iinlr1algin4tngo8egn7otbof8bene4aaB3rrss3ef.r8acom4ros.Tuilklington

artistGALLERY Bedlam Bears Cobblestone Creationshttp://bedlambears.blogspot.co.uk/ http://www.cobblestonecreations.net/http://www.bearpile.com/artist/1990 [email protected] ThReAdTeDs ® XXNELoWn!g!!Pile Teeny Bears www.threadteds.comhttp://www.teenybears.co.uk/ [email protected] 02380 446356 The source for: artist bears mini fabric patterns & supplies