TBT223

teddytimbees arCOLLECTABLEBEARSANDOTHERFURRYFRIENDSfree pattern inside £5.99 JUNE/JULY 2016 ISSUE 223 www.teddybeartimes.com All the top bear writers Old bears to collect Knitting pattern FFAabCulEouSs MEET THE ARTIST: BEREGUOD BEARS 06issue 223 9 771759 908046 >

Once upon a time...available from your Charlie Bears stockist. further information: 01566 777092 www.charliebears.com

London International Antique Doll, Teddy Bear and Toy Fair Antique and Vintage Dolls, Teddy Bears and Toys 1750s-1950s – 200 Years of Childhood With valuation and restoration advice from Dot Bird and Daniel Agnew Seminars Saturday 19th November 10am-4pm By Bunny Campione, Sue Pearson, Eric Petit, Andrew Greetham, Sarah Holmes, Rebekah Kaufman, Gillian Trotter, Rachel Gotch, Olivia Bristol and others Tel: 07875874854 Email: [email protected] www.200yearsofchildhood.co.uk Including A Gala Dinner with Champagne reception and a Piano Recital by Jena Pang

74 June/July 2016 ● Issue 223 theinsidetrack To reach us: Call +44 (0)1903 884988. 6 THE TEDDY BEARZAAR 46 MEET THE ARTIST Or write to: The Editor, Teddy Bear Times, PO Box 2258, PULBOROUGH RH20 9BA Bear news, gossip and celebrations Ellence Bears by Ellen van Bakel Great Britain email: [email protected] 8 MEET THE ARTIST 48 THE BEAR DOCTORS Website: www.teddybeartimes.com US office: Ashdown Inc., 68132 250th Edith creates Kledi-Bären More sensitive repairs Avenue, Kasson, MN 55944, USA. Tel: 507 634 3143 12 BUSINESS PROFILE 55 GINO’S BEARS email: usoffi[email protected] ProBaer is a true family business Recognising fire fighters Editor: Jill Mundy email: [email protected] 16 MEET THE MAKER 56 MEET THE ARTIST US Editor: Lauren Nielsen Email: [email protected] Petra’s Bereguod Bears Robert Newsham of Bobby’s Bears Advertisement sales: UK office: Maria Fitzgerald 22 CHARLIE BEAR CHRONICLES 58 BEAR PATTERN Email: [email protected] US office: Sara Vix Best Friends Club 2016 Bentleigh by Susan Leigh Email: [email protected] Design: Richard Jennings & 24 MEET THE MAKER 63 FAIR REPORT Wendy Crosthwaite Penny’s Seamore Collectibles A taste of Hugglets Winter Bearfest Subscriptions: UK: [email protected] 30 MEET THE MAKER 66 DIARY OF AN ARTIST US: usoffi[email protected] Published by ashdown.co.uk. ISSN 0961 - 0944 Susan Leigh from Bearleigh Bears Some special celebrations Distributed to the newstrade by Comag. Subscription prices: 33 THE GROWLER 68 MEET THE ARTIST One year: (6 issues) UK £42; US $74.99. European and worldwide prices will be A selection of readers’ paw post Heir bears from Jane Woodward adjusted to local currencies. See online for details at www.teddybeartimes.com or 34 OLD BEARS 70 DEAR JULIE please call +44 (0)1903 884988. All of our subscriptions are handled by us at TBT. Muffy and the VanderBears Bear making tips and tricks www.teddybeartimes.com 36 MEET THE ARTIST 72 SHOW REPORT Postmaster: Send address corrections to Ashdown Inc, 68132 Minky Bears by Brenda Mize Teddybär Total 2016 250th Avenue, Kasson, MN 55944, USA. Canada Post Interna- tional Publications Mail - Sales Agreement No. 546038. 38 OLD BEARS 74 MEET THE ARTIST All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher is prohibited. All editorial June teddy bear and doll auction Ingrid Mommers and Bieske Bears contributions are welcomed by Teddy Bear Times but material is accepted solely on the basis that the author accepts the as- 40 MEET THE ARTIST 76 KNITTING PATTERN sessment of the Publisher as to its commercial value. All material submitted to the magazine for publication in Linda Ellen creates Bear-i-ety Bears Dungarees for active teds whatever form is accepted solely on the basis that copyright in the work will be vested in the publisher who assumes all 42 SUMMER GALLERY 78 MEET THE ARTIST rights worldwide, in all forms and in all media. © copyright ashdown.co.uk Bears in lace, ribbons Ronny Lang of Rola-Bären and bows4 TEDDY BEAR TIMES 80 FAIR PREVIEW 44 OLD BEARS Looking ahead to Gateshead Discover Bully Bears 82 BEARY LAST WORD Rebekka’s Golden George experience

abearybigwelcome 30 8 16 Apart from being a friend, a good listener and a great comfort when needed, teddy bears can be a real con- versation starter. Have you ever been on a train or sitting in an airport and seen someone clutching a teddy bear? You can’t help but start talking to them. I know someone who has two small teds that shetakes everywhere with her - to family celebrations,on holiday, picnics and other fun activities. They sitquietly, soaking up the atmosphere and watchingeveryone - just imagine the stories they could tell. If you’re doing something special this year, dolet us know about it. And if you send us a photo, youmight see your bear in our holiday photo gallery. Reading an old issue of TBT the other day, I wasreminded of how important provenance is in thelife of your bear. Whether you’ve inherited an heir-loom from a family member, purchased a rare bearat auction or have a favourite bear that means a lotto you, all are special. The article recommendedthat we all keep a record of our bears so that ifwe pass them on to someone else, they know thebear’s story as well as how much it meant to us. There are some very special bears in this issueof TBT so what are you waiting for...enjoy discover-ing them. Till next time Jill & the team08 Have your collection featured 78 in TBT.We’d love to see your favourite bears. Email 5T E D D Y B E A R T I M E S [email protected] for more details.

THETEDDY BEARZAARBEAR AND CRITTER NEWS, GOSSIP, FASHION, AND MORE. EMAIL [email protected] Cseoelsumdobuubsle Jpuasnt dwahsaet aDtO? Following on from Pandas may eat as winning a TOBY award, many as 60 dif- Columbus, by Dagmar ferent varieties of Seibel of ds-baeren, bamboo but there picked up a Golden is little or no knowledge of George award in the what other things pandas may eat and why. category 2/Master- Tian Tian and Yang Guang, the UK’s only two giant pan- class at Teddybär Total. das, based at RZSS Edinburgh Zoo, are helping scien- Congratulations to all tists at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh research Golden George 2016 into what pandas actually eat and the benefits. winners! Dr Linda Neaves, head of the RBGE team, said: “This will help refine understanding of giant panda habitat, how it might change and provide valuable infor- mation for conservation of wild panda popula- tions”. See the bears at Newby HallbMiigniabdoveonktsu, res gTerededtyings Author and broadcaster Gyles Brandreth is a life-long collector of teddy bears. With aBear artist Helene Andresen has collection amounting to hundreds, previouslycreated these charming mini books, at the Teddy Bear Museum, Stratford-upon-each one telling the story of a big Avon, Gyles has now allowed them to be onadventure undertaken by two of her permanent display at Newby Hall, Ripon,bears. Join Sniff and Cousin Emil asthey take a trek through the Austrian North Yorkshire. We will have a full reportAlps or explore the in the next issue of TBT but if you’re in thecoast at Boltenha- Ripon area from May 28th, do call in andgen in Germany. visit the bears, which include some very famousWith lots of photos furry faces.inside, each bookmeasures only If you’re looking Did you know…?10x10cm - fitting for a special cardpockets perfectly! for a beary spe- The well loved song ’The cial friend, Andy Teddy Bears’ Picnic’ was of Barbara-Ann originally an instrumental Bears can help piece, composed by John with his wonder- Walter Bratton in 1907. ful, hand-drawn Lyricist Jimmy Kennedy greetings card added words to the tune designs. Look out some 25 years later, in for more informa- 1932. tion in a future issue of TBT.6 TEDDY BEAR TIMES

By popular demand, meet the Bunnytums! Woodland felt hooksMaureen Hawkins from the feel of her bears dyed mohair. These unusual woodland hooksTeddytums has been (heavy with varying Full details at www. look utterly charming displayedthrilled with the growing weights of steel shot and in a hallway or child’s bedroom.popularity of her Bun- big, squidgy tummy). teddytums.com or call Made from felt, the sweet animalnytums! The result of two 07969 985075. heads are mounted on a piece ofseparate commissions Maureen now regular- tree wood with bark around thefrom regular collectors ly makes Bunnytums in Meet the Bunnytums exterior. A metal hook is attachedof Teddytums, Maureen sizes ranging from 6-15 at The Great Yorkshire to the wood – ideal for hangingwasn’t sure at first. But inches and ensures she Teddy bear event - 22nd a coat, dressing gown, keys or athe instructions were has a small selection at May; Kettering - 29th bag. There is also a picture hookclear - do the same look/ the shows she attends. May; Nottingham - 29th on the back so you can hang im-face of a Teddytum and August and Hugglets - mediately on a wall. Display them Colours can be tradi- 11th September together to make a striking trio of tional or whacky/hand woodland animal hooks. Please note, due to the uniquePolar bears to breed PAWS FOR nature of these items, the size and THOUGHT finish of wood will vary.Two polar bears at the Highland Fox: Height 19cm Width: 12cmWildlife Park, Kingussie, are being “Bears sleep Depth: 12cm approx.introduced to each other for the by day. At Rabbit: Height 25cm Width:first time with the hope that they night they 12cm Depth: 11cm approxwill breed. Male Arktos (pictured in stay awake to Deer: Height 20cm Width: 13cmtransit) and female Victoria will live chase away Depth: 10cm approxin adjacent but separate enclosures bad dreams.” £12.99 each from The Oak Roomuntil the signs are right that they are ready for a fullintroduction. Jesse O’Neil Summer bear fairs and sales Douglas Richardson, Head of Living Collections atthe Park, said: “We fully expect to see them showing June 4: Teddy Bearzaar, Gates-an interest in each other right away. Whether we wait headuntil Victoria comes into full breeding condition before June 19: Cornwall Summer Bearmixing them together will depend on how they react to Faireach other in the build-up to that key point.” June 18: Alton Teddy Bear Festival June 21: Vectis Teddy Bear & Fine Doll Sale August 6-7: Online show, Bright Star Promotions August 29: Nottingham Bear Fair September 3-4: Niesje Wolters Doll & Teddy Bear Fair, Bruge September 11: Hugglets Teddies 2016 7T E D D Y B E A R T I M E S

MEET THE ARTIST Edith’s heart belongs to the classical and vintage Even though she has had a life-long love affair with music, it is bears that have stolen the heart of Edith Lodes-Nowotny of Kledi-Bären BY HOLLY SIMMONS THE BEAR FACTS: t all began with Gustel. In They had a white face and red nose. It was a great time Kledi-Bären i 1992, Edith Lodes-Now- and I was very successful by Edith Lodes-Nowotny otny came across a teddy with them but one day I de- email: [email protected] bear pattern at a craft cided it was time for some- web: www.kledi-baeren.de store while looking for other thing new. However, over items. “I made the bear from the past few years a lot of8 TEDDY BEAR TIMES the pattern and called him customers have asked if I will Gustel,” said Edith. “He was make the clowns again. Let’s a giant of 50cm. A few weeks wait and see...maybe I’ll try it later I found a teddy maga- again some day. zine...and so the passion started.” “I only use high quality materials for my bears, such as German mohair and Edith lives in Nuremberg, northern German glass eyes. All of my bears Bavaria where she shares her home are OOAK. Sometimes I use 100 year with her husband, daughter and two old mohair. It is not easy to get and is miniature dachshunds called Pauline difficult to work with but a bear made and Miss Amy. “Miss Amy is a little from this material is just wonderful.” devil. She takes every opportunity to Pauline and Miss Amy have a little steal items in my bear studio.” input to the designs too. “I like to take time with the bears’ facial expressions This is where Edith creates the as I think this is what makes them bears she sells under the name of special. My girlfriend always says my Kledi-Bären. bears have the same faithful look as my dachshund ladies and when I look “I have always been creative and I at my bears, I can see Pauline or Miss have a passion for music. I have played Amy in their eyes. the French horn since childhood and “I have been making little funny now play in a very good amateur ducks for about a year now. Perhaps orchestra. But I can really express my they will soon have company from feelings with bears. That gives me so another animal...I’m working on that at much pleasure.” the moment.” Edith takes her Kledi-Bären to a In the mornings Edith goes out to variety of shows in Germany, Switzer- work but afternoons are devoted to land and the Netherlands. If you can’t the bears. “My heart belongs to the get there, you will find Kledi-Bären on classic bear. I make miniatures as well Edith’s website www.kledi-baeren.de as larger bears. My bears are between or on Bearpile. 10 and 32cm but my favourite size is 16cm.” This is quite different to when Edith first made her bears. “I used to make a lot of clowns that were around 10cm.

KLEDI-BÄREN SHOWCASE 9T E D D Y B E A R T I M E S

KLEDI-BÄREN SHOWCASE10 TEDDY BEAR TIMES

KLEDI-BÄREN SHOWCASE 11TEDDY BEAR TIMES

BUSINESS PROFILE Creating bears inspired by family values Take a trip with TBT to Gronau, Germany and visit family-run business, ProBaer, where teddy bears are most definitely part of the family BY JILL MUNDY alking through the walk around. fabric was demanded and so ProBaer Also on display in the looked for a mohair producer. SchulteW doors at ProBaer became their main supplier in 1994. HQ you are instantly workshop are many pro- The key supplier to Steiff, Schulte is greeted by teddy totypes for the patterns one of the best known bear companiesbears, carefully arranged on and kits that have been in the world.an old treadle sewing ma- produced. It is a wonderfulchine table and a sideboard. collection of bears plus a It was hard work, visiting fairs to sellKeeping them company are few other creatures, such their materials with children in towtwo carved wooden bears and as a caterpillar, pig and (two boys as well as Jane) and lookinga framed drawing of a bear cheeky rat! after all the finances and administra-called Mary-Anne...more about her tion themselves. In 2001 the companylater. It is a warm welcome. Humble beginnings moved to Leipzig, Germany and then, when larger premises were needed, to On entering the workshop, your The ProBaer story began in 1992, Münster, where they are based today.eyes are instantly drawn to the rolls in The Netherlands, as the result of a ProBaer have become the biggestand rolls of mohair. It really is an Alad- combination of circumstances. When suppliers of mohair in Western Europe.din’s cave for bear makers and those Mr and Mrs Rademaker snr were With the inclusion of Helmbold, theyaccompanying us on our trip were expecting their daughter, her cot was now offer more than 400 mohair, cot-wide eyed, like children entering a ready and waiting for her arrival, com- ton, viscose and synthetic fabrics.sweet shop. plete with a teddy bear named Mary- Ann. Once Jane was born, Mary-Ann Family values From the prestigious ‘Prada’ series became a very well-cuddled teddyby Schulte, so named because the bear and over time, much of her fur The company is still very much afashion house made a few coats from wore away. family business but these days, nowit for one of their collections, to the that Mr Rademaker snr has officiallysparser mohairs, to the glossy viscose, Keen to repair the beloved teddy, retired, his son Frido has taken overthere is a fabric from either Schulte or Mrs Rademaker hunted around for the running of the company. Frido hasHelmbold to suit every taste in colour, suitable fabric. It was during this more than enough experience to doshade and length of pile. Some fabrics process that she discovered mohair, this as he has been selling bears and the world of bear making and the fabrics with his parents since he was are favourites to reorder but huge popularity of the industry. An 12. Mum and Dad are still an inte- others are exclusives. Every idea began to form. At the same time, gral part of the business, with Frido’s month PoBaer has a ‘special’ her husband lost his job when the mother designing the majority of the mohair that is available for premises he worked at burned down. patterns. Ironically, although it was that month only. Once the Together they took the plunge and Jane’s bear that was the inspiration month changes, the fabric started ProBaer. for the business, she opted not to be gets put away upstairs in the involved and is a lieutenant in the army, In the beginning, fabric was mostly rehabilitating soldiers after deploy- ‘museum’ room. This room imported from England, at a time when ment in places such as Afghanistan. contains many early bears, bear makers were mainly working photos, fabrics and awards with cotton fabrics. But a longer lasting and is a wonderful place to12

BUSINESS PROFILE 13TEDDY BEAR TIMES

BUSINESS PROFILE However, family members still Most things are still done in-house components, to a wholesale marketinspire some of the bear designs. Mrs - publicity and marketing, printing, and also by mail order.Rademaker has designed a unique administration, etc. and everyone isbear pattern for each of her grandchil- proud of how this family business has You will find Frido and his team atdren. The father of the child chooses developed. There is a small team of many bear fairs throughout Holland,the type and colour of the mohair, designers who help to create the pat- Germany and Belgium, where theywhich will be used exclusively for that terns for the bears and new designs will be happy to meet you. But be surepattern and no other. The latest addi- are regularly available alongside best to save plenty of time for browsing, astion is Finn. He wears his name with sellers. The top selling kit is Billy - so their stand is always busy!pride around his neck, as do each of cute in his cap and trousers!the other bears created for the grand- ● To find out more or to order achildren. ProBaer supply their fabrics, pat- free mail order catalogue, visit terns, magazines and kits, plus their www.probear.com14 TEDDY BEAR TIMES

For forty years we have chosen the best bears to offer our customers, which is why we are the leading shoppe for these premier, world-class Teddy bears.1 800 447-7995 Call todaywww.TheToyShoppe.com FtoRrecEeiEve catalogs 15TEDDY BEAR TIMES

MEET THE ARTIST Traditional bears inspired by vintage treasures Using skills learned from her mother, Petra’s Bereguod Bears have traditional style and a little vintage inspiration BY JILL MUNDY THE BEAR FACTS: itting at an old sew- which is very heavy. That’s why it stays on the kitchenEtsy shopname: BereguodBears S ing machine, making table, which my fatheremail: [email protected] dresses for her dolls, made.”facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bereguod Petra van Rooijen-From: Wolvega, The Netherlands Postma watched her “I love beautiful colours mother making beautiful and soft yarn (Malabrigo bears. Aged 11 and curi- is my current favourite) ous, Petra wanted to know and I have a big collec- more and so her mother tion of pretty lace, ribbons taught her to make bears. and old glass buttons. I put “The first bear I made was them in old tins. I prefer so much fun that I never stopped! After mohair that looks a little vintage too. a few bears, I started to make my own Looking through them is all the inspi- patterns too.” ration I need to think of a new bear design.” That was a little over 20 years ago So Petra’s bears come in many and Petra still spends most evenings colours but also in various sizes. “I love and weekends making bears. Her making bears under 30cm but when I job at an energy company keeps her started, I made miniature bears around busy the rest of the time - as does her 5cm tall. The biggest I made is Elliott, one year old son, Jort. She shares her a big furry one. He is 43cm (17.5ins) home in Wolvega, The Netherlands, tall. There are no clothes on him - that with her son and husband, Tom. When is quite rare for my bears. But I love she needs some ‘me’ time, Petra heads the fabric so much, he doesn’t need for a spot of gardening. “I love stuffing anything else.” flowers in vases throughout the house. The process usually starts with a Unfortunately, our son likes to ‘pick’ piece of mohair that catches Petra’s them from the vases, so I have to place eye. “Then I find matching yarn and them up high.” cotton fabric in my boxes full of pretty stuff - I already know in my head by Bereguod Bears are fairly traditional, now what the bear will look like.” perhaps with a little vintage style, and Because Petra is busy with family life almost always wearing a garment hand and a job, she doesn’t manage to make knitted by Petra. She chooses to work many bears but guesses at around sitting on the couch and listening to three or four a month. She sells them tv because: “...watching tv and mak- via her Etsy shop or Facebook page, ing bears does not go well together!” as she doesn’t have time at the mo- When it comes to machine sewing, ment to attend fairs. Petra moves to the kitchen. “I work with an old antique Pfaff sewing machine16 TEDDY BEAR TIMES

MEET THE ARTIST 17TEDDY BEAR TIMES

MEET THE ARTIST She doesn’t have a bear collection of her own but enjoys looking through magazines and Facebook. “I have kept only one of my miniature bears. He sits in a little wooden house in my son’s bedroom. There are so many talented bear artists but I think my favourite is Anna Koetse.” There have been a couple of stand- out Bereguod Bears. “I made a prince and princess a few years ago...I still love them. They were time consuming but so much fun to make. Then, almost a year ago, someone asked me if I could make a white bear, a polar bear, for decoration in a nursery. I had never made anything other than a traditional teddy bear but the first attempt suc- ceeded!18 TEDDY BEAR TIMES

MEET THE ARTIST “I drew a polar bear first, then madea pattern from the drawing. The photothe baby’s mother sent me of the babywith the bear I made was so beauti-ful and makes everything about bearmaking worthwhile.” And if Petra needs to relax, sheworks on her latest bear. “I can justforget everything when making bearsor knitting.” You can tell from Petra’s story thatfamily values are a big part of herlife. “I love spending time with myfamily. That is most important to me.But I hope to make a lot more bearsand sell them all around the world. Ifeel very proud that lots of bears goto places I will probably never go tomyself.” 19TEDDY BEAR TIMES

ARTIST BEARS 8a CROSS STREET,STEIFF SAFFRON WALDENMERRYTHOUGHTHERMANN ESSEX CB10 1EXCHARLIE BEARS +44 (0) 1799 527222ISABELLECOLLECTION MAIL ORDERHANSA TOYS WORLDWIDEBABY GIFTS INTEREST FREEAND MUCH MORE! LAYAWAY SECURE ON-LINE PURCHASING www.abracadabra-teddies.comKAonentsae Welcome, have a peek at mywww.annakoetse.com website and see what other items I create. If you have any questions or comments, please contact me. Cheers, Anna Edinburgh Imports: Your North American  Sole Distributor of Schulte® Mohair. New Ownership & New Location!Everything you need for your bear and critter making needs! The world’s finest Alpaca, Mohair, Silk, Synthetic, and Viscose fabrics–old time favorites and some new and exciting ones! Visit our website to signup for our mailing list with updates and monthly specials. Hours: Monday – Friday 9am-5pm PST 58406 Joshua Lane Yucca Valley, CA 92284 Phone: 310-370-5800 www.edinburghimports.com20 TEDDY BEAR TIMES

SUNDAY 19TH JUNE 10:30AM - 3:30PMTHE COMMUNITY CENTRE LOSTWITHIEL (A390)Featuring up to 50 stands of outstanding bear artists, vintage and antique bears, teddy bear shops and bear making supplies. 21TEDDY BEAR TIMES

CCHHARROLNIEICBLEEASRIT’S WITH GREAT EXCITEMENT THAT WILL INTRODUCES THE NEW BEARS FOR THE CHARLIE BEARS BEST FRIENDS CLUB 2016M ay is a very exciting the Best Friends Club and mohair. No Charlie Bears col- time here for Char- should be the crème de Due to the popularity lection would be complete lie Bears as not only la crème of what Char- without at least one mouse is the sun starting lie Bears has to offer and of recreating some of our so this year we have cre-to shine (hopefully), it’s also should contain some of her most wanted bears from ated a further two and inthe time that we launch the favourite pieces as a spe- the last 10 years within our order to meet most budg-brand new Best Friends cial thank you to our loyal 10th anniversary collection ets we have created oneclub for the next 12 months. collectors. Ever since 2007 we decided to give a Best in mohair (Sugar Mouse), we have created some Friends Club place to one who is part of our minimo Although Charlie Bears wonderful, some wacky but of my favourite bears, Ko- collection and limited tofirst created 12 wonder- all truly special bears for jak, who has been rescaled only 1200 pieces world-ful bears in 2006, the Best this collection with charac- from his original size of 20” wide; and the other inFriends Club was launched ters from plush to minimo down to his ‘little brother’ plush named Hickory whoin 2007 to offer collectors to very limited Isabelle mo- size of just a touch over 14” finishes off a set of threesomething a little bit spe- hair pieces and all of them (or 12 bear paws as we mice (Dickory and Doc)cial, maybe even a sneaky have earned their place say in Charlie’s world). The created by the wonderfullypeak in to what is to come firmly in the history books original Kojak is so hard to talented Alison Mills.and over the years both for Charlie Bears. find on the secondary mar-Charlie and I have worked ket these days and costs Something new, some-very hard to build a club This year sees a team of so much that we wanted to thing old and most certain-that showcases the very five brand new bears who give people an opportunity ly something blue! Charliebest of what we do here at have made the club honour if they missed out to own at has created this year twothe Bearhouse. with some of the hottest least a close relative of this more truly spectacular lim- bears around in both plush wonderful character. ited edition Isabelle Col- Charlie once said that22 TEDDY BEAR TIMES

lection pieces exclusively long time without seeingavailable to club members new bears!”.in the shape of Donatello,limited to only 400 pieces, I have to say that evenwho will be available I am kept in the dark withfrom February 2017 and, Charlie’s secret cupboardcan I believe I am saying as I’m not so good withthis,YES it’s Anniversary secrets, as many collec-Symphony, limited to 500 tors will know. The secretpieces, who will finish off cupboard is back this year,the club year in April 2017. due to the popularity of its launch in 2015, with some When I asked Charlie more characters but who“so is that everyone that knows what the cupboardis in this years club?” she will reveal this year?looked back with her allknowing smile that usually For further details aboutmeans “I have some more the club or to download ansecrets up my sleeve”. I application form, pleasenormally give out a big sigh visit www.charliebearsdi-and she normally responds rect.com or give headbearwith “well 12 months is a a call at the bearhouse on 01566 777092. 23TEDDY BEAR TIMES

MEET THE ARTIST Teddy bears that sit in your hands and hearts From admiration to creation, Penney M Hamoud of Seamore Collectibles has created her six inch bears with a little bit of flair and a whole lot of love. enney M Hamoud of Seamore BY LAUREN NIELSEN Have you had any real disasters while creating your bears?P Collectibles is originally from make bears and paint all the time as I Petersham, Surrey, in the UK, but wanted to spend time with my daugh- Not real disasters, but I did dis- now lives in Connecticut. She ter and husband. As relaxing it can be, cover I am extremely allergic to realhas worked as an Office Manager of sometimes it is stressful as well.You fur coats. I was given a beautiful foxa dental office for 28 years and runs see this bear in your head and visu-her teddy bear business on the side. alise it and it doesn’t quite come fur coat to make 7 heirloomWe chatted with Penney to learn more out the way you wanted, so for bears for a Grandma to giveabout her artist bear business: a longtime I would just make to her grandchildren. I had to heads–poor little guys! work outside in the fresh airWhen did you first discover your because I couldn’t control thelove for teddy bears and the artist In the past two years I sneezing and allergic asthmateddy bear hobby? have become my daughter’s attack I developed. Needless “MOManager”. She is a Natural to say I will not be making About 9 years ago after I found out professional photographer and any more of them again.my friend collected Boyd’s bears and I have been helping her startshe had dedicated a whole room to a new business venture. Now I Have you ever had anythem. can spend more time devoting unusual requests? my attention to recreating bears, I did have a particular client whoCould you tell us a little more about helping her organise consulta- was passionate about ladybirds/bugs.this discovery? Was this what led you tions and go to photo shoots. So I was able to create 11 differentto start your business? types of miniatures for her. It was so What do you love most about teddy much fun to design them all. And she My friend had an extensive collec- bears or creating teddy bears? was thrilled with her very own person-tion of bears that filled up her living alised bears.room. I loved the way that they looked. I love to create the faces first toI was out shopping one day and determine whether they are going Do you have your own collection?picked up a magazine whilst shopping to be boys or girls. Then the bodies I have a Steiff and a Merrythought.with my husband. He challenged me next. And presently it is their hats.to make one.Yes indeed I did. I have My daughter is the collector…sheto laugh as I still have it and its legs are What do you think makes your collects my bears and won’t part withon backwards. So I guess I was des- business special? them on occasions. I do, however, havetined to start a new adventure. all of my winning competition pieces. Great people skills, being promptShare a little more about yourself! with your emails, courteous and of Any interesting plans for the future? I would say I was given a gift with course, ever evolving new creations. Create, evolve, and enjoy makingmy hands. I have always painted and Do you have special equipment or the little characters. I will definitelyoriginally started off at craft fairs and techniques? stick to bears under 6 inches tall forstores painting glassware. I have had a the moment, and I am also developingcouple of art shows. I found I couldn’t Since I can paint that does come in Steampunk Bears. handy and from time to time I will pick up a paintbrush for detailing.24 TEDDY BEAR TIMES

SEAMORE COLLECTIBLES SHOWCASE 25TEDDY BEAR TIMES

SEAMORE COLLECTIBLES SHOWCASE26 TEDDY BEAR TIMES

SEAMORE COLLECTIBLES SHOWCASECreate, evolve, and enjoy making the little characters. 27TEDDY BEAR TIMES

Teddytums ad_Layout 1 20/08/2015 17:01 Page 1Teddytums! Bears with Attitude Tel: 07969 985075www.teddytums.comHidden Cove Bears Bears tBoeaCrsotloleCcoltlect WESTIE BEARS Artist BearsWe are stockists of: Wild, Wacky but Wonderful! Charlie Bears• Charlie Bears www.westiebears.com • Steiff Deb Canham• Deb Canham • Teddy Hermann • D’Lyell Bears Steiff• Teddy Bear china • T-shirts and more…………… and more www.hiddencovebears.co.uk See the latest contact Andy on:[email protected] arrivals on [email protected] Stand 18 Tel: 01626 853251 01403 241381 www.bears2collect.co.uk Tel 01480 860376 Email: [email protected] www.bears2collect.co.uk Tel 01480 860376 Email: [email protected] 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)Donna Griffin www.DonnaAndTheBears.com28 TEDDY BEAR TIMES

CR’s Crafts Mary Dowd Bears BBMaeeecat tthroesn at JeffriesTeddy Bear, doll & Craft Supplies East Bend, NC 27018 (336) 699-4782 [email protected] Station Garage, Bacton, Stowmarket, Suffolk crscraft.com IP14 4HP. Telephone: 01449 781087 www.yadtel.net/~mgdowd/ 877-277-2782 Club Store P.o. Box 8-ti166 Stockists of Steiff, Deans, Merrythought, Leebert, leland, ia 50453 Shoebutton Bears, Hermann & Jellycat. CR’s CRafts Catalog Visit our website: $4.00 U.s., $5.00 Canada www.bactonbears.co.uk $7.00 otheR CoUntRies (U.s. fUnds only) Follow us on or get it fRee by placing an order! 29TEDDY BEAR TIMES

MEET THE ARTIST Susan inspires others in her little piece of heaven Designing bears and passing on her knowledge is a passion that shows no signs of fading for Susan Leigh of Bearleigh Bears BY JILL MUNDY THE BEAR FACTS: usan Leigh’s journey into bear knowledge that I have learnt over the years. It is my passion to teach and Bearleigh Bears S making began in 2002 in South share with others the great joy and ac- email: [email protected] Africa but really got off the complishment that I have enjoyed over web: www.bearleighbears.com ground when she moved to Aus- the years. I would love to help keep the Call: +9 61 438016714 (Australia) tralia with her family in 2004. “My hus- craft alive so that my grandchildren will band went to work, my two daughters still be able to learn it if they choose to.30 TEDDY BEAR TIMES went to school and I could only clean I do sometimes have to pinch myself the house so much. I needed to get out when I stand up to teach in front of a and meet people. I had just started to room full of ladies as I was petrified of learn how to make teddy bears before speaking in front of the class when I we emigrated from Johannesburg and was at school!” I managed to find a shop called Teddy Bits in Baulkham Hills, Sydney and Susan describes her creations as joined a weekly class.” ‘classical, modern bears’. “I tend to make more miniature bears but once After attending the classes for a in a while I like to make a few larger while, Susan started working at the ones. My favourite fabric is alpaca. I shop and hasn’t looked back since. love creating chubby cheeks and am more able to do this with alpaca as it is “About two years ago we moved to lush and thick. I also love recycling vin- a small farm in Bannister, New South tage mink coats into heirloom teddies.” Wales, about two and a half hours from Sydney. I am very lucky to have a Over the years, Susan’s techniques whole room for my craft here. Although have become more refined and she it’s still a work in progress, everything is proud of the quality finish she feels is to hand in my craft room and I am all her bears have. She still has two of able to leave everything where it is her own bears at home. “My very first when I am finished working, close the bear, Mushroom, who inspired me door and start again straight away the to start designing my own patterns, next day. But I also like sitting in the and Bella, the bear that won my Toby lounge to sew sometimes so that I can award. She reminds me of what I am enjoy the company of my husband and able to achieve and encourages me to dogs. I feel like I live in heaven.” grow as a bear maker.” From the early bear making classes, Susan takes Bearleigh Bears to a few Susan progressed to a design course shows, enters online competitions and with Jennifer Laing and then in 2008, sells them through her website. She is began designing her own bears determined to continue to prefect her under the name of Bearleigh Bears. skills and designs and hopes to start Now Susan runs her own classes and experimenting with making different workshops. “I love to share all the

BEARLEIGH BEARS SHOWCASE 31TEDDY BEAR TIMES

BEARLEIGH BEARS SHOWCASE of5TS8uutrtsonBhaementno’lsaotpkldveeaeeiggsolyehingens -32 TEDDY BEAR TIMES

the growlerGIVE YOUR BEAR A VOICE. ‘GREAT GROWL’ OF THE MONTH WINS A HERMANN BEAR. EMAIL [email protected] the dark Spanish plea Birthday boyDear Growler Dear Growler, Dear Growler I am hoping you may be We have recently re- I thought I would send youable to help me. My daugh- turned from a long holidayter has a black bear, it is in Thailand and found our a picture of my ‘Ted’ who cel-about 11 or 12 inches tall, fabulous issue of Teddyhas black curly hair, black Bear Times waiting for us ebrated his sixtieth birthdaynose and blue eyes. It is complete with Smart Bear’solder than 40 years - I know letter. at the end of last year. Hethis because the lady whogave it to her is over 50 and A lovely lady sent us an and myself are the same ageshe gave it to my daughter email when we were away42 years ago. which my husband read on and he has seen me through his iPad but somehow it dis- As you can see from the appeared and we cant re- childhood, teenage yearsphoto, it has a gilt chain trieve it now we are home. Iaround its neck. We think would love to hear from this and into adulthood. He isthis was attached to a bottle lady again and she mustof perfume and we think think me so rude for not pictured here with his dog- GGRREOAWT Lthe bear came from Ger- replying to her. This is the gy brother Bobby. It wouldmany but we are not too down side of computers! be lovely to see them bothsure of that. Can you help please? in your magazine, and a I am hoping readers may Best wishes,be able to help me in my great belated birthday present for Ted.quest to discover where Ann Hobbsthis gorgeous bear came By the way I absolutely love the new look Teddyfrom or who the maker was. If you replied to Ann regarding her letter in issue Bear Times - packed full of wonderful articles and Kind regards 221’s Growler about her hug in Spain, please make furry delights. Chrissie contact again. Ann and the bears would be very grate- Beary best wishes, Please contact Teddy ful..Bear Times if you think you Helen, Ted, and Bobby the dogcan help Chrissie Baby’s lost bear Happy birthday Ted - we hope you like seeing Dear Growler your photo in The Growler I am writing this email had some free time to try post on Facebook www.fa- regarding a Teddy Bear to do a little detective work cebook.com/riane.langton/ that was lost on a flight trying to trace another one posts/10156718639860128 from the Canary Islands to for them. Manchester in the North of Kind regards England. I saw the post on Apparently they pur- Facebook and don’t know chased the bear from Mid- Mark the family concerned but Point Cafe on Route 66 from their gift shop but they no Thank you for sharing longer stock this item. this with TBT Mark. Since we received your letter, we I think it was made by have followed the Facebook Crista Bears; I was just story with interest. The post wondering if anyone might has received more than know were this family could 32,000 shares but as far as buy one again? we know, the bear is still missing. Here is the link to the 33TEDDY BEAR TIMES

OLD BEARS Muffy and the VanderBears Take a trip back in time to the 1980s to discover the origins of a bear family that has been loved by so many BY JO MCDONALD, VECTIS AUCTIONSplayful, amusing, overly endear- the VIB (Very Important Bear) series and siblings, she needed someone of ing, with a hint of escapism. based on real famous people with the her own age to share adventures with That is the only way to de- company basing its headquarters in and this came in the guise of Hoppy scribe the life of Muffy Van- Chicago, Illinois. the rabbit. Being the same size andderBear and her family! Muffy is a similar shape, the two friends coulddiminutive, blond plush teddy bear In 1983 Barbara was looking to de- even share outfits as Muffy’s ward-that made her debut in 1984. velop a whole variety of characters; robe developed to rival anything this resulted in the VanderBears with Imelda Markos had. Developed by Barbara Isenberg, the first release being Classic Velvet.writer of a hardware column for the The family included father Cor- Each year saw a new Muffy re-New York Times who, after shop- nelius, mother Alice and twins Fuzzy lease, and all the family, with col-ping for her young son, saw a gap and Fluffy, all wearing coordinating lections including – Back to School,in the market for a bear that would black velvet formal wear with white New England, North Pole, A Taste ‘Obe hardwearing and appeal to both lace trims. Muffy was a later edition in Honey, Wild West, All Paws on Deckadults and children. Together with 1984, being the smallest at 7” but cre- and English Tea. Some were furtherher brother Paul Levy she launched ated in the same soft, golden plush as developed to create furry additionsthe North American Bear Company the rest of her kinfolks and dressed such as:in the mid 1970’s, starting with Albert in a delicate white Christening gown. ● Lulu, Muffy’s faithful pup (in specialthe Running bear, developed from She soon proved to be the most Scottish MacFluff)an old sweatshirt. Other ranges of popular and the focus of the series. ● Purrlie, the calico catfabric-based teds followed including ● Oatsie, Muffy’s one trick pony Although Muffy had her parents34 TEDDY BEAR TIMES

OLD BEARS● Bruce the Moose There was a Muffy Collectors Club the new born and infant market. The● Farm Friends (ready for the hoe with exclusive pieces such as ‘The recent collection entitled ‘Downtondown) Patti Cow, Mary Lamb, Rudy Princess and the Pea’ and ‘Muffy the Abbey’ included all the TV SeriesPig, Lucy Goose, Webster Duck, plus Little Mer Bear’. favourites of Lady Mary Crawley,Bud and Rose the baby bunnies Violet Crawley, Cora Crawley, Robert To celebrate her 30th Anniver- Crawley, Mrs Patmore and an Ed- Of course all these friends needed sary in 2014, NABC collaborated wardian Bride and Groom. These areoutfits and accessories too, especially with Steiff to produce a 7.5” mohair not marketed as Muffy, and being 12”Lulu and Purrlie who have enough to version of Muffy holding a birthday are slightly larger, but they have thefill a walk-in closet! cake entitled ‘Muffy Takes the Cake’, unmistakeable golden fur and design limited to 1500 pieces. features of the original Muffy Bear. Like any good, old money, Ameri-can family, the VanderBears are espe- These days Muffy has taken a The future of Muffy, Hoppy and hercially fond of their formal occasions well-earned back seat at NABC who relatives looks uncertain but we wishand the outfits such as ‘The Grand are targeting most of their releases to her well and hope to see her bringVander Ball’ are perhaps some of the out more collections in the future.best. Although the majority of Muffy,family and friends were a standardsize and type, NABC did, on occa-sion, release larger and mohair ver-sions of the family, often as a specialor limited edition piece. 35TEDDY BEAR TIMES

MEET THE ARTIST Old fashion new bearsA life-long love of teddy bears and admiration of mink fur led Brenda Mize tocreate Minky Bears, specialising in bears made from up-cycled mink coatsb renda Mize of Minky BY LAUREN NIELSEN tern part to make them more durable. Bears was born and Each creation consists of 21 different raised in New England mink, it can be difficult to find pieces. Once the pieces have been but has lived most of a perfect mink coat to use. cut, I hand-stitch everything and use aher life in Texas. In addition to “The pelt must be supple, the cotter pin/disc for jointing the bears.her artisan bear-making busi- fur clean and ideally it needsness, Minky Bears, Brenda is the to have long guard hairs. The “Minky Bears are filled with aowner of Beacon’s Glow Collectibles. longer guard hairs make for a mixture of old-fashioned wood wool prettier bear or hare.” excelsior (just like in turn-of-the-centu- “Like most people,” Brenda told us, Combining her home life and teddy ry bears) and a wool/poly blend. Their“I’ve always loved teddy bears. They bear work is simple for Brenda. “My noses are made out of Polymer clay.”are one of the simple pleasures in life.” wonderful husband has always sup-As a child, she also used to admire ported my artistic endeavours. He was Brenda makes sure that each andbeautiful mink coats worn by well-to- the one that came up with the name every one of her bears has a distinctlydo women. “It never occurred to me ‘Minky Bears’ for my vintage fur teddy different face to represent its personal-where those coats came from,” she bears.” ity. Her signature mark with each crea-added. Inspiration for Minky Bears comes tion is adding a necklace with either a from looking at the work of others: Swarovski crystal heart or a miniature Loving teddy bears and admiring “Both online and in Teddy Bear Times,” bottle filled with ‘magic dust.’mink coats, in addition to Brenda’s life- she noted. “I am always on the look-long interest in crafts, was the spark out for uniquely coloured mink coats. Distinct personalities can only bethat led to Brenda trying to make her I try and picture in my mind what the created with the correct tools, I nowown bears. “I purchased a set of teddy finished teddy or hare will look like.” wear a leather thimble on my thumbbear patterns online,” Brenda said. A workspace takes the form of a while sewing each Minky Bear. The“This led to the creation of my first beautiful marble table (that also dou- thimble does a great job preventingMinky Bear, Quincy, over the 4th of July bles as a formal dining room table), pricks with the barbed needles usedweekend in 2012.” Since that weekend, with all of Brenda’s work materials or- for hand-sewing the teddy bears.”Brenda has refined her process and ganised in plastic crates to keep eve-learned all of the ins and outs of mak- rything at hand whenever she needs When making these bears anding her own teddy bears. it. “Occasionally, I will sew my Minky hares, Brenda holds to her belief that Bears while traveling with my husband persistence pays. “If you are getting Brenda’s preferred material to on a long trip,” she added. flustered with one particular task, justwork with is mink: “The beauty of a Minky Bears themselves are small walk away and come back to it thereal mink fur is unsurpassed – so soft, creations, only about 6 inches tall and next day. It is amazing how far a bit ofshimmery, silky, and lush.” Addition- weighing in at 4 to 6 ounces. They are patience pays - it allows you to find aally, every vintage mink fur Brenda has the perfect fit for sitting in the palm of new perspective and achieve success.”used has been recycled, converted a hand.from unused fur coats into heirloom The creation of Minky Bears does As for the future, Brenda thinks thatpieces that will be treasured for years include some special techniques. teddy bears will become even moreto come. Brenda told us: “I line each mink pat- popular with time: “Teddy bears pro- vide relaxation and enjoyment. They While Brenda loves working with will always remain a much-loved friend and collectible to both young and old.”36 TEDDY BEAR TIMES

MINKY BEARS SHOWCASE 37TEDDY BEAR TIMES

OLD BEARS Rolling along for a wheelie good auction! Bears on wheels, famous names from famous makers and hundreds of Steiff Bears - what more could a bear lover wish for? Don’t miss this sale BY JO MCDONALD, VECTIS AUCTIONSj am packed and brim- Toy Shoppe, based in Rich- name plate inscribed ‘Zoe’ the Pooh and Harrods not ming over with every mond, Virginia. Created and their second cub ‘little’ to mention a Grotto full of conceivable type of in rich, red blond mohair, Max. All come complete Christmas ornaments and teddy bears you could he is reminiscent of early with certificates and their sets including the completewish for - that is the only Steiff with black eyes, long embroidered drawstring nativity. There will be overway to describe the June limbs and wool felt pads. bag favoured by American 1000 Steiff items in the sale.Teddy Bear and Doll Auc- He was soon followed by collectors.tion at Vectis. a companion in the shape Vintage bruins with a of Appolonia, so named in There is also a com- celebrity status will also Steiff collectors will be honour of the Steiff founder. mand of wheeled animals be making an appearance.in their element with the In softly curling beige mo- including the brown bear, This sale includes the con-range on offer from tiny col- hair, she wears a feminine elephant, polar bear and tents of the Devon Doll Mu-lector club bears, to ample lace collar around her neck harder to find mohair pan- seum, lovingly put togetherarmfuls. One such bounty and a chain with an image da. All are in mint condition over several decades bywould be the fine Max- of her sweetheart Max. The with boxes and certifi- Rachel Karslake.You mayimillian, one of the largest family was soon added to cates. If you are looking to not immediately recogniselimited edition teddies ever with Zoe in blond mohair complete a Steiff set there this name but her daughterto be produced by Steiff who was adorned with a are offerings from Beatrix Jo Wood may be more fa-and made exclusively for leather collar, having a Potter, UK Collectors, Mu- miliar, being the ex-wife ofAmerican toy retailer, The seum Collections, Winnie the Rolling Stone’s Ronnie38 TEDDY BEAR TIMES

Wood. Ronnie often visited that roll off the tongue in the way. RAF bear Jim isthe studio and museum in a who’s who of the best. The Vectis Sale will now dapperDevon and I am sure he There is a fine selectionwould not have been able of collector’s bears from be on Tuesday 21st June You may recallto resist giving these guys Deans, Merrythought, 2016; for more information Jane Evans’ storya hug or two. They prob- Charlie, Hermann and please contact Jo McDon- in issue 219,ably had a lot in common, other manufacturers too. ald on jo.mcdonald@vec- about Jim, herall being of British origin, tis.co.uk or Kathy Taylor treasured RAFseen plenty of action and From more recent years [email protected] bear and his badstill much in demand. What is Muffy VanderBear and repair. Here is an update.stories they could tell! her family. A wonderful plush ‘It’ bear from the “I received Jim back Good quality artist North American Bear just before Christmasbears are always popular Company comes with 2015, beautifully cleanedand the ones in the next an endless wardrobe and repaired by thesale are from some of the of clothes, accessories, ladies of Bear It In Mind.best makers from around friends and family. With And what a fantastic jobthe world – Dany Baren, a motto of ‘Life is one Big they have done.Michael Baren, Bear Bits Dress Up’ you know youand Hovigs are names are in for fun and frolics all He doesn’t smell any- more, the stitching can- not be seen in his back and the paw repairs are much more sympathetic to his colour. He still wears his red ribbon with pride, as he does his medal. Considering that the bear was very nearly lost forever by the first repairer, you can im- agine I was extremely worried about sending him off again but Julie and Amanda assured me he would be care- fully kept and stored until they were ready to start the repairs. They also advised me I could call to check on progress at any time. I was delighted when I received a phone call advising me he was ready way before the expected time. It was a wonderful feeling to have him back just as I imag- ined I would do the first time. I am so pleased and would certainly rec- ommend the wonderful ladies of Bear it in Mind. Thank you!” 39TEDDY BEAR TIMES

MEET THE ARTIST Passionate bear-making in a variety of styles Florida artist Linda Ellen Brown-Trinckes focuses on making a variety of one-of-a-kind, lovable teddy bears with her own bear business, Bear-i-ety Bears BY LAUREN NIELSEN THE BEAR FACTS: reating teddy bears is little bear. A smile crossed my face as I covered it back up Bear-i-ety Bears C “a blessing, a gift and a carefully. I continued to make Linda Ellen Brown-Trinckes compelling madness all the ‘improved’ bear and then email: [email protected] at the same time,” says another and another.” web: www.trinckesmusic.com Linda Ellen Brown-Trinckes, a teddy bear artist from Ocala, Now, Linda has her own40 TEDDY BEAR TIMES Florida. By day, Linda is a real- teddy bear business called tor but her true passion lives Bear-i-ety Bears. “I call them in creating and exhibiting her Bear-i-ety because I like variety. artwork, from teddy bears to paintings I never make exactly the same thing to music and more. twice,” she told us. She especially loves creating expression and personality Linda’s beginnings with teddy bears on the faces of her bears. “I also write started in California in 1983. She was poetry about teddy bears and original shopping with her son and passed a songs that my wonderful husband cre- toy store window with a Steiff teddy ates music for,” she added. bear displayed within. “My son had Ideas come to Linda easily and urge a fit wanting that bear. I didn’t have her to make them into teddy bears. “I enough money with me to buy it so I am inspired by everything I see and promised to make him a teddy bear.” do in life, by the people I meet, by the beautiful music I hear,” she said. Later that day, Linda stopped into the It is because of this constant creative fabric store and bought some faux-fur energy and inspiration that it is easy material and a bear pattern. “I spread for Linda to combine her home life and out the pattern but saw that it needed her teddy bear making business. to be modified to resemble the bear “My home is filled with my creative my son wanted, so I changed the de- work and part of each day is spent sign, cut out a bear and began to sew painting, creating teddy bears and it up,” Linda shared. Much of the bear animals, singing, and writing,” she ended up being stitched by hand. shared. Linda works on her bears and other creative projects in a combina- “When I was finished,” Linda con- tion study and art room. “There are tinued, “I was not happy with it. Una- cabinets with many small drawers ware that my son’s little eyes had been housing little parts and accessories watching me, I threw it in a drawer and for the bears, a tall cabinet for mohair began to make another one with more fabrics, colourful boxes are stacked on changes to the design. The next day, top with more supplies, a closet filled I looked for the one I had thrown in with supplies and an antique oak table the drawer but it was not there. I went up to my son’s room. Under the cov- ers, wearing his pyjama top, was that

BEAR-I-ETY BEARS SHOWCASEis perfect for cutting out bears.” The Bear-i-ety Bears run from 3.5inches up to 25 inches and are alwayshand-stitched. They are usually madeout of mohair but Linda has usedreal fur in the past too. “My favouritematerials include vintage lace, antiquejewellery and beads, beautiful mohairand unique little accessories for thebears.” As for tips for other bear artists?“Try to better your previous best.Never seek to compete with otherartists but do your own thing. Put yourown ideas, love for the bears you cre-ate and your heart into what you do;your bears will reflect your personalityand your creativity.” For the future of Linda’s business,she plans to continue taking her ownadvice and making her bears the bestthat they can be, continuing to createtheir one-of-a-kind look and sharingthem near and far. 41TEDDY BEAR TIMES

Ribbo Gina Boykin Bereguod Bears42 TEDDY BEAR TIMES

Michelle Lamb Chichibearsons&bows It’s time for summer balls, prom dresses and party frocks so we’ve found some bears who wear frills, lace and other frippery with styleEllence Bears VickyLougher 43TEDDY BEAR TIMES

OLD BEARSThis Bully’s a bit softand loves a cuddleDiscover the history of the House of Nisbet and the famousBully Bears with Andy Greetham of Bourton Bears BY ANDY GREETHAMb ack in 1953 Peggy Nisbet In 1975 Canadian Jack Wilson be- founded Peggy Nisbet Ltd, a came chairman of Peggy Nisbet Ltd company which made collect- and changed the name in 1976 to the able dolls. She started working House of Nisbet.from her home in Weston Super Marebut moved to larger premises in the During the following year the Housetown within a short space of time. of Nisbet launched their first range of teddy bears designed by Peggy’s Some time after establishing them- daughter, Alison Nisbet. This initialselves in their new home the Peggy range saw a classic Nisbet designNisbet factory burnt down in 1970 and available in different sizes. Jack Wilsonthe company had to relocate again, to went on to marry Alison Nisbet.an industrial estate in Weston SuperMare. The company spent ten years in In 1979 the well-known actor Peterthese new premises and then moved Bull, who was internationally known forto a Victorian building in Dunster Park, his love of bears, was approached byWinscombe on the Avon and Somerset Jack Wilson to help design a specialborders. bear. Jack had heard that Peter Bull this beary character, and Nisbet made thought most modern bears were not many versions of Bully Bear throughout appealing to those who loved all the the 1980s. traits of the traditional bear - the long muzzle, humped back and the soft These included the original Bully golden fabric we all relate to the old range,Young Bully with his hat and teddy. collar, Bully Minor who was only nine inches tall, Harrods Bully with his Most of these features were taken green hat and Harrods book, Captain from one of Peter Bull’s own bears, the Bully with his Captain Bully hat, Hol- famous Delicatessen bear renamed lywood Bully in his Hollywood t-shirt, by deed poll to Aloysius after he shot Woolly Bully with his knitted green and to fame starring alongside Anthony white scarf and hat, and Tribute Bully, Andrews and Jeremy Irons in the dressed in a copy of Peter’s sweater, popular television series Brideshead made to commemorate the death of Revisited. Peter Bull. The Nisbet Bully Bear was born and he was launched in October 1980 at the House of Commons where the prototype was auctioned for charity and was purchased by the Marquis of Bath. Peter Bull went on to write chil- dren’s books about the adventures of44 TEDDY BEAR TIMES

All the bears produced were in lim- on occupations they thought would with the limited edition number andited editions with the exception of the become extinct, the Zodiac range of this should match the card tag usuallyoriginal range and these limited edi- bears and the most famous of all - the attached to the bear’s arm. Often thetion bears are much collected today. first replica Delicatessen/ Aloysius limited edition certificate would be bear in two sizes complete with his attached to the rear of the bear in a Nisbet went on to publish The Teddy British Airways flight bag. plastic wallet.Bear Book written by Peter Bull, also ina limited edition that is prized among The House of Nisbet later produced With the Nisbet name gone as wecollectors today and a must read for further ranges of limited edition bears know it, these bears are becomingserious teddy collectors. and continued for a while with the Ni- very collectable and can be found sbet range after the take-over in 1989 at teddy bear shows and on eBay. So The success of the Bully bears en- by Dakin UK. keep an eye out, as they could be acouraged Nisbet to try many new de- good investment and they make asigns which included the the House of One of the ways to identify a Nisbet wonderful addition to any hug.Louis Nichole range of bears dressed bear is the embroidered label on thein beautiful long lace gowns, the foot of the bear with the NCC crest. La- ●www.bourtonbears.comEndangered Species Bears modelled bels were also sewn into the side seam 45TEDDY BEAR TIMES

MEET THE ARTIST Ellen creates vintage-style beauty from simple basics A talented needlewoman, Ellen van Bakel has been turning basic materials into beautiful Ellence Bears for around 20 years BY JILL MUNDYEllen’s favourite holiday destination: a s a child, Ellen van Bears have a traditionalNot too far away - I can’t miss my Bakel would watch look although they do vary;studio and my bears. And I always her mother make some have very long noses,take some work with me. dolls. Growing up which gives them a unique around her mother’s doll charm. studio, where her mother gave workshops in doll Her very first handmade making, it could have been bear is still in Ellen’s pos- inevitable that Ellen would session - something to look make dolls herself but it back on with fond memo- was teddy bears that stole ries. Inspired by anything her heart. “My mother made and everything, Ellen said: dolls and ran workshops for over 20 “What I enjoy the most is years and for the last few years, we making something out of nothing - worked together - she with her dolls just basic materials. All my bears are and me with my bears.” Ellen’s mother completely handmade by me from my still goes to bear fairs with her, even original designs, so you know you are though she is now nearly 80. getting an original Ellence Bear.” You can find Ellence Bears at vari- Ellen herself is mother of two chil- ous bear fairs in Europe and via El- dren and grandmother of three and len’s website, where you will also be she lives with her husband Kees in tempted by some of the other beautiful Aarle Rixtel, a small village near Eind things Ellen creates. A glance down the -hoven in the Netherlands. She offers contents draws you to a whole host of her own workshops, in bear making, patterns and kits for making an Ellence as she has a lovely studio in her attic at Bear of your own; gorgeous clothing home. It seems the ability and passion to provide your bear with the perfect to teach needlework skills to others wardrobe; and various additional items has been handed down from mother to - Ellen certainly has a talent for acces- daughter. sorising as well as bear making. The attractive vintage-style boxes, metres Ellen’s bears have a very vintage of pretty lace and angel wings all suit look and many of them wear the most the Ellence Bears style perfectly. Many beautiful vintage-style outfits which of the items are also made by Ellen Ellen also makes herself. “When I who is certainly one talented lady. first started making bears they were made from linen. I painted them with ● Make sure you don’t miss the next five coats of paint and a varnish. Later issue of TBT when we will have a bear I started to use mohair and viscose pattern by Ellen for you to make. to achieve my unique style.” Ellence46 TEDDY BEAR TIMES

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theBEAR DOCTORS+++ +BY AMANDA MIDDLEDITCH JULIE TATCHELL ++ +Royalty, rabbits and acouple of surprisesSome clear vision was needed with our recentcase studies who all revealed a surprise ortwo once we got inside their furT his time of year is a favourite one. Summer still feels new and Bristle.You may remember us telling you Our case studies this time include a full of anticipation with plenty of about our competitions in the last issue. Nookie Bear. There will be plenty of you who remember dear old Nookie but for As another opportunity to win some- those of you who haven’t, let us enlighten you. celebrations to look ahead to. thing, we will be including a competition Nookie Bear became famous in theAlthough Her Majesty reached a re- in our anniversary feature which we plan 1970’s as the ventriloquist puppet for the entertainer Roger de Courcey. He mademarkable 90 years of age back in April, to write for the August/Sept issue of TBT. regular TV appearances and was a fam- ily favourite with his subtle innuendoJune is the month for the nation’s official We will be offering one of our 2016 Party and comical facial expressions. He had a very gruff voice and liked singing. Duecelebration. There will be lots of picnics, Bartie Bristle bears to a lucky winner! to his popularity, it wasn’t long before Nookie Bear puppets became availabletea parties and street parties to attend Keep an eye out in the next issue for to buy on the high street and over the years we have seen a few in need of aand plenty of cake to be consumed! details on how you could win him. little help!We have marked the occasion in our Well, that’s enough of the new bear Our second bear this time is a lovely old Chad Valley bear who spent ratherown special way by creating a beauti- news: on to the old! too long in the loft; and finally, a beautiful English mohair rabbit – quite a charac-ful Bartie Bristle in the Queen’s honour. ter.Made using antique cream, long Schulte Case Studiesmohair, Bartie Bristle ‘Happy Birthday Let’s start with Nookie Bear. He ar- rived at the studio clutching one of hisYour Majesty’ comes with a ‘made in legs and with one eye stuck in a boss- eyed position! He was in desperate needBritain’ ribbon and dust bag. We will of a good clean and his rosette had be- come detached. To help Nookie with hisbe auctioning this special bear and all eye problem we had to investigate inside his head. As mentioned in our introduc-details will be on our Facebook page if tion, Nookie was a ventriloquist dummyyou are interested. Remember, there isonly one and this time he is our slightlylarger size.June also sees the return of The AltonTeddy Bear Festival. Now a very popularannual event, with something for every-one to enjoy and a wonderful family feel,we can safely say summer is definitelyhere!As we continue with our own 10year anniversary celebrations, we haveincluded a lovely photo of one of ourwinners. This very happy lady won aPrincess Charlotte limited edition Bartie48 TEDDY BEAR TIMES

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and had a pull cord on his back which THE BEAR DOCTORS termined him to be from the 1950s. Heenabled the user to move his eyes. was quite a large fellow and despite all body had also been slightly stretched his problems we could see a very hand- Once we were inside we discovered out of shape but we were able to gently some bunny was going to emerge.that both eyes were attached to a cord address this whilst re-stuffing him.which were, in turn, attached to a single Whilst doing this we discovered a lovely We started with his ears. Firstly wecord which passed through the hole in example of a Chad Valley Grunter (non- had to make a pair of wire frames. Thesethe back of his head and was secured working) and we were delighted to see were originally used to add shape andby a plastic ring. One of the cords had the instruction panel still in place. (See support and to allow the repositioning ofbecome a little overstretched, hence his photo). the ears. When replacing wire supports,wonky eye. We were able to rectify this we like to wrap them in felt to protectand Nookie will able to pull his funny The next job was to cover his paw the outer fabric from wear. We insertedfaces for many more years to come! pads. We chose a quality wool felt in the the frames into the ears and re-attached closest colour we could find to the origi- them to his head. The next job was to re-attach his nal. We replaced a few missing clawleg. Due to the added complication of stitches and gave him a lovely clean Next we moved on to his arm. As withNookie being a puppet, we had to ac- before returning him to his delighted the Chad Valley bear, we had to replacecess his jointing by going between his owner. the joint but were able to use the origi-inner body and his outer fur. Once in, nal discs. Once everything was back inwe discovered that his discs, although Easter surprise place, all that remained was to give himsimilar to those of cotter pin joints, had a much deserved clean. This was quitebeen secured using rivets. These had And now to our surprise!! (Well it was a task but his beautiful mohair was asimply sheared off and, unable to re- a surprise to us.) A very tired Easter delight to work with as you will see fromplace using the same method, we were Bunny arrived shortly after the event, his after photo.able to replace with a cotter pin. He was needing much TLC.now treated to his clean and pamper, In the next edition of TBT we willhad his rosette reattached and his This lovely English rabbit limped in share some of our thoughts and experi-eyeballs polished! Result – one happy after a busy Easter with one arm de- ences of darns and wrinkles!Nookie Bear. tached from his body, one ear detached ● www.bearitinmind.com from his head and the wire framework Tel: 07867 787795 broken in his other ear. With his plastic moulded nose and googly eyes, we de-Repairing vision Happy Birthday Your Majesty Our next patient was a lovely, early Bartie Bristle ‘HappyChad Valley bear with super huge ears Birthday Your Maj-but no eyes. He had been kept in a loft esty’ comes with afor many years which had caused him ‘made in Britain’to become very squashed and out of ribbon and dust bag.shape and also caused damage to hisleg joints. Surprisingly his mohair was To celebrate thein fairly good condition but he did have 90th birthday ofsome signs of previous moth damage Queen Elizabeth II,and a few places which needed some the Bear Doctors willsmall repairs. He had considerable be auctioning thisdamage to his muzzle but fortunately his exclusive Bartie Bris-original nose stitching remained intact. tle in June. Don’t miss your opportunity to We started at the top. We decided to own him.repair his muzzle by lining and darn-ing. It was too weak to just darn. Once Find out more atstrengthened with the inner lining we www.facebook.com/were able to re-stuff it with wood wool, BearItInMind/thus bringing back the lovely shape ofhis face and head. A small darn to theback of his head and a new pair of am-ber and black glass eyes and we wereable to move on to the rest of his body. The confinement of his storagecaused his leg joints to bend and breakand we decided it would be best toreplace the whole joint in both legs. His50 TEDDY BEAR TIMES