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LOOKING FORWARD TO HUGGLETS 2013 £4.50 $8.50 Feb/March 2013teddy bearteddybeartimes.comtimesteddybearamerica.comKnit allamapulloverISSUE 203 PRIZES GALORE ● Experts Two new international ● Artists photographic competitions ● News

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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. 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 BasleSWM_Anz_TeddyBaerTimes_Rennstrecke_185x85mm_E.indd 1 10.12.12 13:45 The Fun Just DoubledSunday 19th May 2013 The Hilton Hotel 2013 Sheffield Sunday 17th November 2013 10.30am to 4pm Following the success of the November show The Great Yorkshire Teddy Bear Event will now be twice ayear, held in the city’s Hilton Hotel on the picturesque quayside, the event will feature 50 of the top TeddyBear Artists from the UK and overseas. Check out the teddy bear making supplies room, try your luck inthe amazing charity artist bear raffle, or just relax with your new found bear friend in the lovely “Cafe Cino” See You There! Check out our website for all the details and full exhibitors listwww.thegreatyorkshireteddybearevent.co.uk teddybeartimes.com 3

teddytimbees arcontentsIssue 203 - Feb/March 2013Editor: Jill Mundy 6 Bears with special seasoningEmail: [email protected] 9 Rebecca Lewis of Pepper Bears seemed destinedAssistant Editor US: Allison Croat to be a bear artistEmail: [email protected] All about imageAdvertisement sales:UK office: Maria Fitzgerald Brewins’ Bruins’ new photographicEmail: [email protected] bear artist awardsUS office: Sara Vix 12 So you want to make bears for a living?Email: [email protected] Jean and Bill Ashburner from Bear Bits reveal just how far their artistry has come in twenty yearsDesign: Wendy Crosthwaite 18 The Great Yorkshire Teddy Bear Event Julie Shepherd reports from theSubscriptions: north of EnglandUK: [email protected] 22 Aussie shopsUS: [email protected] A new series from down under by our own Wendy WalkerContributors: 24 Bears from Out of the ForestAndy West, Jill Byron, Charlotte Caldwell, How Denise Purrington of Out of the ForestTobi Bear, Julie Shepherd, Wendy Walker, Bears was bitten by the Bear BugMonica Spicer, Sylvia Young, Jacky Fowler, 28 Winter Bear Fest 2013Sue Quinn, Gay Wimpory, Carol Mann, Plan a great day out at one of the world’sJoanne McDonald, Amanda Middleditch most popular bear fairs.and Julie Tatchell 31 Colour to ‘dye’ for... A look at how colour was introduced toPublished by ashdown.co.uk fabric in the early daysISSN 0961 - 0944 32 Line of little llamasDistributed to the news trade by Comag. Any fashion conscious ted would love to wear this beautiful sweaterTo reach us: 33 Bears in the Woods move their day outCall us on +44 (0) 1903 884988 An exciting event, not to be missed, filled withOr write to: The Editor, Teddy Bear Times, bears, prizes and lots of funUnit 5E, Park Farm, Chichester Road, 35 Will you be my Valentine?Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 0AG A preview of the Vectis February ‘Valentine Sale’Email: [email protected] with plenty of bears to tempt all tastesFax: +44 (0) 1903 885514 36 We’re having a partyInternet address: www.teddybeartimes.com Two young polar bears celebrated a jointUS office: Ashdown Inc., 68132 250th Avenue, birthday party in the HighlandsKasson, MN 55944, USA.Tel: 507 634 3143Email: us [email protected] rates:1 year (6 issues)UK: Sub £27, iMag £20US: Sub $66, iMag $29.95Europe £38; ROW £442 years (12 issues)UK: Sub £52US: $125; Europe £72; ROW £84(all prices include postage/shipping)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 Waiting (not so) patiently welcome Nancy Dontigney manages to bring her creative ideas to light through teddy bears. BRRRRR. It’s been very chilly outside Teddy Bear Towers lately and we have even seen some42 Excellence In Bear Artistry snow. I am sure many of you have seen a great Awards 2012 deal more, as your winter wonderland photos A new photographic competition proved very popular have proved.44 Teddy talk The end of 2012 saw the introduction of some Beary news exciting new awards for bear artistry and we look at two of them in this issue. We also have reports46 Teeny tiny teddy bears from two favourite shows and look forward to The work of Canadian bear artist Hugglets’ Winter Bear Fest. Cheryl Brown With so many talented bear artists out there,48 Album we are spoilt for choice in this issue with stories Bears in a winter wonderland from the UK, USA and Canada offering bears of many styles and sizes.53 Teddy talk An extra page of news from One bear artist team who everyone knows is the bear world Jean and Bill Ashburner of Bear Bits. They are celebrating 20 years of bear making this year and54 Bear doctors have some exciting things in the pipeline. Some of the ways that bears can come under attack If the weather gets too bad to venture out- side, we have a bear pattern by Ukrainian artist56 My own bear collection Oksana Skliarenko and a delightful knitting pat- Our resident expert Jill Byron introduces some of the tern from Gay Wimpory to keep you busy. special bears in her hug All the regular features are here too. Why not59 Once a crafter, always a crafter send a few photos and tell us about your hug? Sue Munden of Bramble Cottage Bears talks We would love to meet them. about how she became a bear artist Well, keep warm and let’s all look forward to60 Stepping it up some cheery spring sunshine. Kelly Graham pushes above and beyond with each new piece she creates Jill62 Dear Julie 70 Diary of a bear artist Tips and advice from our resident Life is very busy and Andy struggles bear-making expert with computers and tidying up64 Through the shop window 72 From the other side A wide variety of bears are at A husband’s insight in to living with The Teddy Bear Shop, Cheshire a busy bear artist66 From Ukraine with love Cover photo: A cute alpaca teddy pattern Leo by Shantock Bears from Oksana Skliarenko68 The Scottish Bear Fair 2012 The bear facts from this recent fair, now well established in Troon

artist profileBseeaasrosnwinitgh special MontiRelatively new to bear making, success has comequickly for Rebecca Lewis of Pepper Bears whoseems to have been destined to be a bear artist By Jill MundyRebecca Lewis has always been America. Once my son was a little older A lot of Rebecca’s friends and fam- a massive teddy bear lover and I trained to become a teacher; I have ily received bears for Christmas that first would enjoy painting bears and worked as a supply teacher and teaching year and they were all very kind with the making them into greetings cards across different Art and Textiles course at comments she received back from them.for a hobby. As a child, Rebecca was Sixth Form Level.” This encouraged her to continue with bearalways creative and constantly had a pencil making although it wasn’t until she visitedin her hand. This continued through During a period of illness, Rebecca Hugglets bear fair for the first time thatschool and into college before studying decided to have a go at creating a bear she was inspired to extend the bear mak-BA (HONS) Textiles and Surface design herself “…so I clicked onto Google, ing from a hobby into bear artistry. “Theat university. “It was while at university bought myself a starter kit and got stuck amount and variation of bears there wasthat I had the opportunity to visit design in. Of course from that moment I was amazing. It was from that point I knew Itrade shows both in the UK and Europe hooked and decided to carry on.” wanted to sell my own work. I approachedand also sell work to companies via these local shops to sell my bears for me sotrade shows.” After this, Rebecca worked The bear making was a great distrac- I could test the market to see if peopleas a freelance greetings card designer tion from her health difficulties and helped would buy them. Each time I created awhilst her son was young. “This meant Rebecca through a rough period. “My bear I would feel so excited to meet him orI was able to work from home and send health is not 100% and occasionally I have her which would then inspire the next bearwork out to companies in the UK and bad days; however the bears always put a as I had so many ideas of ways in which smile on my face and give me something to develop. I still feel this way today; each Thatcher and Harriet to focus on.” bear seems to have its own personality that develops as I make it. Bear making really is an obsession; it’s a way of life. I am sure any other bear artist would agree.” Rebecca’s family have all been fantastic in supporting her bear making. “I have dragged both of my parents across the country to various bear fairs; as a visitor and to exhibit. My partner has also sup- ported me massively. He too has travelled across the country with me to exhibit at different locations. Not to mention that as he is a chef, the wonderful food he makes for me while I am up to my eyeballs in stuff and fluff is very much appreciated.” Rebecca sometimes thinks that if it wasn’t for her partner cooking delicious meals for her, that she would forget to stop working and eat. “He does look after me!” Whenever Rebecca and her partner go6 teddybeartimes.com

artist profileLittle Fred and Little TedBento bear fairs, their dog Pepper also travels materials other than mohair. This bear as if someone has owned them for a whilewith them. “She is our real Pepper Bear also placed second in his class. I have to and taken them everywhere.”and the inspiration of my beary name. I admit I was very pleased with myself athaven’t yet managed to persuade my 15 my first attempt. I have bears entered into The bears vary in size from about 10cmyear old son Ben to come to a Teddy Bear other competitions including the Brewins’ to the largest Rebecca has created at aboutFair with me. Who knows maybe one day Bruins NTBAA Photographic competi- 31cm in height. “I currently like to usehe will!” tion. Myself and the bears have our fin- mohair, alpaca and viscose furs to create gers and paws crossed.” my bears. I was recently commissioned Rebecca has been a full time bear to create a couple of memory bears usingmaker since November 2011. If she is not The style of bear Rebecca creates var- thick towelling material from a dressingmaking personalised bears to order, she ies. Some are very traditional and others gown. This fabric gave a lovely result,is experimenting with new patterns and rather contemporary. “I do like to experi- although using the furs still has to be myfurs; and adding to the bears she takes to ment and come up with new creations so favourite.”fairs or to sell online. “Or creating bears I would never like to say I have an actualfor competitions. The first competition I style, although I do love to make them Rebecca finds inspiration can comeentered was the Brewins’ Bruins National look as though they have been well loved; from anywhere. “I love to look roundTeddy Bear Artist Awards. I submitted markets for old little trinkets that I couldtwo different bears. A traditional style Victoria, Peter NTBAA 2012 2ndbear, undressed, who placed second in his place 1940/50s bear and Maxclass and a 40s/50s style bear made from teddybeartimes.com 7

artist profile Just for fun...Theodore 2nd place NTBAA •Name five facts about you that2012 traditional teddy bear are not bear relateduse when bear making. These are always as I feel they are one of the most important •When I was three years old I decideda great place for inspiration as you never parts, I really have to be careful.” to give my pet goldfish breakfast. Iknow what you will find.” then proudly went to tell my sleep- Rebecca has a special name for her ing parents that the fish had eaten its Rebecca’s main source of inspiration workroom. “I usually spend most of my breakfast. My Mum found the poorthough comes from bears she owned time in the spare room, or as we now call thing floating upside down in its tankthroughout her childhood (“and adult- it, The Pepper Den (or the bear room). that was now filled with strawberryhood”) or seen in books. “Over the years I However I tend to take over the whole yogurt!!have adopted and loved so many styles of house. Sometimes I stitch in front of thebear. I like to mix and match my favourite T.V or maybe sitting up in bed. I even •I like to travel and would love to oneelements of these bears, developing the take the bears with me if we go out for the day visit South Africa, the birth placesize of their paws, ears and tummy.” day or on holiday.” of my partner and see Giraffes and Elephants out on safari. When she first started to make bears, Rebecca tries not to collect bears her- •Although I love to be by the seaRebecca would follow the pattern, com- self but does have a few by various artists (especially somewhere hot) I hateplete the bear and that would be it. “As my plus every bear she owned since being a sand, it makes me cringe.bear making has developed, I have found child. “The first bear I made sits in pride •I love pigs and would one day like tothat the actual making of the bear is only of place above the fire place. He reminds keep them. I also love ducks; whateverpart of the process. It is as though the me of the first feeling of satisfaction and mood I am in ducks will always cheerbear is a canvas to develop a character and excitement I felt when I created each me up. It’s the way they quack at eachpersonality onto. Creating the face and stage, from the first leg to the finished other, they sound like they are havingdeveloping the bear’s personality has to be bear.” a mothers meeting. So I guess I willmy favourite part of bear making. I love have to have a few ducks to go withadding the finishing touches and making Rebecca admits to having a favourite the pigs.the bear become a whole little character.” bear that she has made so far. “Theodore, the bear who won second place in The •I like to cook but my partner is a Like many other bear artists, stitching NTBAA 2012 Traditional style bear fantastic chef and creates the moston the ears is the part that Rebecca enjoys undressed. He has now been adopted and delicious food so I tend to leave thethe least. “I can never seem to be able to part of me wishes he was mine. However, cooking to him. It is like eating out in adecide if they are in the right place or the I know he has gone to a loving forever restaurant every night. Of course I amright size. I think the ears can be vital to home.” biased but it’s true. I am a lucky girl,how the bear’s character is developed and As for the future, Rebecca says: “To be •although my waist line disagrees! Buttons happy, healthy and surround myself with What is your favourite TV show/ the people I care about - which includes movie? making my little furry friends.” I guess I have to admit I like to watch One day she would love to have a Home and Away plus American com- Teddy Bear Workshop, open to visitors, and that could double as a small shop. •edies and I love a good Rom-Com Currently Pepper Bears are sold from If you were stranded on a desert Rebecca’s website www.pepperbears.co.uk island, which five things would you and through her Facebook page, where have with you? she receives a lot of the personalised bear My teddy bear, water, a good book requests. “I also like to exhibit at bear fairs to read (or my Teddy Bear Times), a and craft fairs across the country.” You can towel to sit on (as I hate sand) and sun find out where Pepper Bears will be, to cream. meet them in the fluff, by visiting the web- site. Pepper Bears can sometimes be found •If you could have any other at Apple Pie House in Gloucester and Brewins’ Bruins Bear shop in Swanage. TBT career in the world, what would it be and why? An architect; I have always loved the idea of designing my own home, amongst other things. Creating spaces the way I want them; some to be functional, some to be fun and oth- ers to be relaxing and comforting. Or an illustrator as this was the first job I would say I wanted to do when I grew up. Although, I did tell my Mum when I was about seven or eight years old, whilst sat drawing Forever Friends, that I would like to have my own bears when I grew up!8 teddybeartimes.com

COMPETITIONIaMllAaGbEoutBrewins’ Bruins’ new photographicbear artist awards were a greatsuccess By Jill MundyF ollowing the success of day and age are fundamental democratic and open to every- The competition is also the NTBAA (National if artists are to be successful body worldwide. designed to encourage collec- Teddy Bear Artists in promoting and selling their tors to get involved and have Awards), this year sculptures via the web, social Each entrant has to sup- their say. Any registered usersaw the introduction of the networking or by magazine/ ply set photographs, showing on the web site can rate andnew NTBAA photographic media publications. front, face and side elevations. comment on any photographscompetition. This is designed to help the and even contact the artist Although it is impossible, viewer understand the whole directly. Unlike the NTBAA which for example, to judge weight, form, and also to help theis unique in being the only filling, texture and stitch/ viewer make better compari- To make this a truly demo-worldwide competition that fabric composition by a pho- sons between the entrants. The cratic and fair competition, thejudges completely “In The tograph, the NTBAA “In final photograph is a “Free winners were judged by you,Fur”, the NTBAA photo- The Fur” competition covers Style”. This allows the artists the public. However the com-graphic as the name suggests is these aspects. It is important to be totally creative with their petition was monitored by anthe photographic competition to design a photographic com- sculptures and photographic independent administrator whothat enables artists to concen- petition that takes seriously as skills.trate on design, aesthetics and many issues as possible, whilstphotographic skills that in this making the competition fair, TOP AND LEFT: Nancy Santander, El Taller de Violeta, Spain ABOVE: Vicki Fletcher-Baggaley, Baggaley Bears, UK ABOVE RIGHT: Penney Ahmed, Seamore Collectibles, USA RIGHT: Elena Zomchak, Handmade by RusaLena, Spain teddybeartimes.com 9

COMPETITION Miniature Teddy Bear Undressed WINNER: Christine Vallerin, Poudre d’Ours, France SECOND PLACE: Vicki Fletcher-Baggaley, Baggaley Bears, UK THIRD PLACE: Lisa Gibbs, Briar’s Bears, UK Miniature Teddy bear Dressed WINNER: Lisa Gibbs, Briars Bears, UK SECOND PLACE: Penney Ahmed, Seamore Collectibles, USA THIRD PLACE: Lisa Young, Boogaloo Bears, UK Teddy Bear Undressed WINNER: Nancy Santander, El Taller de Violeta, Spain SECOND PLACE: Paula Stammers, Tickety Boo Bears, UK THIRD PLACE: Christine Vallerin, Poudre d’Ours, France Teddy Bear Dressed WINNER: Nancy Santander, El Taller de Violeta, Spainensured fair play and this year •If anyone has any ideas SECOND PLACE: Elena Zomchak, Handmade by RusaLena,there was only one disqualifica-tion for attempting to cheat. or suggestions for the 2013 Spain Photographic Competition, Unfortunately with any Brewins’ Bruins, the organisers THIRD PLACE: Rosie McKee, UKcompetition, everybody cannot would love to hear from you.win, but competing encour- www.brewinsbruins.co.uk Teddy Bear Friendages ideas and creativity and 01929 425402 TBThopefully is fun for everyone. WINNER: Elena Zomchak, Handmade by RusaLena,After-all, self-achievement isjust as important and every Spainperson’s creative efforts withinthis competition should be SECOND PLACE: Elena Zomchak, Handmade by RusaLena,commended. Spain All winners of the 2012NTBAA Photographic THIRD PLACE: Vicki Fletcher-Baggaley, Baggaley Bears, UKCompetition received specialcommissioned trophies, and ABOVE: Christine Vallerin,entry into the “Hall Of Fame” Poudre d’Ours, Francethat is always on display at BELOW AND LEFT: Elenawww.picturecompetition.com/ Zomchak, Handmade byntbaa RusaLena, Spain FAR RIGHT: Paula Stammers, Tickety Boo Bears, UK BELOW RIGHT: Nancy Santander, El Taller de Violeta, Spain10 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

Deb Canham Artist Designs [email protected] Agents Brian and Myrna Somers 020 8954 5956 Deb will be exhibiting at the Teddies 2013 show at Kensington Town Hall on Sunday 24th February. Her stand Number is 75D. Deb will have some one of a kinds, some very small editions and items that are not available in stores. Also new an instructional DVD on `Making Miniature` - everything you ever needed to know about working small. www.debcanham.com for more info Facebook page—Deb Canham Artist Designs t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 11

bear bitsbSoeayrosufowr aanlitvtiongm?ake Bear Bits celebrate a double decade and share how far their artistry has come with an aspiring new bear artist By Jean AshburnerHello Mrs. Ashburner, might be a good idea to sell some of your early designs in order to raise the capital toFirst of all, I’d like to tell you that I am completely fascinated by your unique buy more fabric”! (I can’t think why!) Not only was this practical, as it created moredesigns and your combination of science and art. Your bears are absolutely space and tested the market; it also made economic sense and was the beginningstunning and the attention to detail is simply incredible. I’m quite young – still of Bear Bits because we had to choose a name to put on the labels. Notice weat University but I so want to make a living in the ‘bear world’. How do you didn’t attempt to choose something stylish or fashionable as a ‘new brand’ (no-onecome up with ideas for your bears? Do you have a special machine for sew- was thinking of a brand) – there were sim- ply bits of bear all round the house and theing the material your bears are made of? I’m also interested in knowing more name made Bill smile but it has served us well, as it’s proved memorable.about the business aspect of your company. How do you advertise your busi- Initially Bill’s role was purely advisoryness? What is your market? What skills do you think are essential to success? and encouraging but he gradually took over more and more of the jointing, thenWhat have been the most challenging and most satisfying aspects of your the stuffing and when, in 1996 I was turning away orders because I physicallyoccupation? Lastly, do you have any advice for other potential entrepreneurs in couldn’t make more each week, it became obvious that there could be enough workthe plush animal-making world? for two of us. That was when Bill gave up his teaching post so it’s been ‘us’ for theThank you for your time and consideration. majority of the 20 years. KathrynBest regards, Having to generate enough income from making bears to pay all the bills isDear Kathryn said that we’d have a small, internation- quite scary and, looking back, we were How great to get your email. After 20 ally renowned business making bears for probably very fortunate in terms of timing. the Collector market! I keep saying we I ‘fell’ into the bear world not long afteryears of professional bear-making and – that’s because although I started mak- the talents of bear artists, skilled and crea-probably near the end of my ‘time’ in ing bears on my own, my husband Billthe bear world, it’s exciting to hear from was supportive from the start. He was TOP LEFT: Beorn 1994/5 – the very firstsomebody on the verge of starting out. particularly proactive in suggesting: “It little bear on all fours that jean designed.The very first specialist bear fair that we His design is very naïve and you can see hisdid was The Winter BearFest, February ‘teddy bear roots’.1993 so the same fair in 2013 will begin LEFT: Cecilia 1994 – as a variation of theour 20th anniversary. Our bears have teddy bear Jean and Bill made a series ofchanged in style considerably since I beautiful female teddy bears, usually sold ‘infirst started experimenting. You found the fur’ but occasionally wearing an antiqueour website so will have seen our current day dress.range of realistic bears but by clicking thearchive button you get right back to theearly 90s and see that I was only workingon traditional teddy bears. The change tothe more natural has been gradual. If you’d asked me (or us) in the early90s what we’d be doing/where we’d be20 years later, I’m sure we wouldn’t have12 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

bear bitstive makers who wanted to give the classic TOP LEFT: Vladi and Vostok – 2 It helps you work out what your individualteddy bear an added new twist in the UK, bears from 2000. There is now a style or unique selling point could be andwere being recognised. At the same time, double neck joint and Vladi also has there’s nothing like seeing a collector’sthe hobby of bear collecting was really wrist joints for more poseability. face the moment they fall in love with onecoming in to its own and new arctophiles LEFT: Bibi 2007 – The ‘soft’ side of of your bears. In the days before websites,were on the hunt for something different Bear Bits – a really simple, cuddly the way to get your bears in front of moreand distinctive. The infrastructure of the bunny. collectors was via shops around the coun-bear market was also expanding so there RIGHT: Maia and Pavali – mother try or fairs.were more shops, magazines and fairs as and cub from 2008. Pushing thewell as an increasing number of collectors. ability to pose Bear Bits bears in Doing fairs takes time, finance forI say ‘fell’ because it all developed from amazing positions to the limit! The travel, and maybe overnight stays; if youa hobby; there never was a business plan neck joint has been improved, Maia sell to shops they promote your bears weekand a lot of our success has been the result has wrist joints and both have little in and week out but need a good discountof making the right decision at the right magnets in their paws so they link from your normal retail price or may offertime – being able to evaluate where you together when close enough. ‘sale or return’. We could only make ourare objectively is really important. business financially viable by ensuring for bear making was bought second hand that we sold (though fairs or mail order) Do I have a special (industrial) sew- for £25!! The sewing machine’s biggest at least two thirds of our production our-ing machine – no. The machine I use is enemy from the bear making point of view selves so just one third of our annual out-just a fairly standard one - it will do a few is fluff. put went to a few high quality bear shopscomplex things such as blind hemming and we’ve always been incredibly grateful(useful for curtains) but spends most of As a consequence of all that trimming, to them. Before 2000, and the launch ofits life just going backwards and forwards. tiny bits of fluff can always be seen in the our website, the only way to get collectorsMaking bears is pretty undemanding in air when shafts of sunlight flood the room to send for our catalogue was by handingthe stitch department and, as long as you and others get drawn into the guts of the them information at fairs and backing ittrim the pile from the seam allowance machine by the jagged edges of the ‘feed up with advertisements in magazines.before you pin pattern pieces together, dogs’ when actually sewing. If you’re goodyou’re not sewing anything really thick. about giving your machine a thorough You’re young and probably useIn terms of quantity, it all comes down to clean out regularly and ensure that you use Facebook already. We could apply for ourhow many bears can be made in a week. sharp needles, there’s no need for it to be bus passes (if we didn’t keep forgetting)Basically it’s not many, so the machine anything special. and haven’t ventured into the ‘F’ worldwon’t be working that hard; particularly yet but probably should, as it’s obviously aas it won’t be doing anything while you’re You ask about our ‘market’. If you’re great method for getting information outdoing all the other bits like embroidering, going to put a lot of love, skill and time there (definitely a case of do as I say ratherstuffing, jointing etc. Over 20 years I’ve into producing something really specialprobably got through about four sewing then you need to get it in front of peoplemachines and none of them have cost who will appreciate it – and that meansmore than £100 - the first one that I used collectors. When we first started we didn’t even know about specialist magazines, fairs and bear shops and only heard about those aspects when we did our second ‘craft’ fair. However, I think that this was a good thing because when you first start designing you’re not an expert. You might have the skills to put a bear together very well but you need feedback from people other than ‘friends and rela- tives’ so seeing whether people will part with money for your designs at a non-spe- cialist event is an excellent apprenticeship. t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 13

bear bitsthan do!). A good website is essential and LEFT: Yuri-ka 2010 – you can design your own, you can ensureif you’re really good then you should be the advent of our new, it’s got that essential ‘brand USP’ (uniqueable to make your own. Ours is probably a really subtle, open selling point).bit ‘creaky’ now as the language it’s writ- mouth. You’re definitely going to need good ten in has been long since surpassed but photographs for your website and promo it still loads quickly and we can update it material so photography skills are essen- easily – those two things are really impor- tial, together with a reasonably good cam- tant. It’s no good having a brilliant website era (and a tripod) but, as with the sewing with lots of flashy features if it takes so machine, this does not have to be a ‘top long to download to some people’s com- of the range’ digital SLR. A basic under- puters that they think their machine has standing of light levels, size of aperture, frozen. depth of field and shutter speed is really useful, as is being able to use a camera It’s important to remember that bear that you can move off Auto or Program on collectors may spend their money on bears to Aperture priority. rather than the latest IT equipment! It’s a question of balance for you too. You need I regularly offer thanks to ‘digital’ technology because I can take a series both good equipment of shots of our bears and immediately and a willingness to review them to see if I’ve got something keep up to date with good. In the ‘dark ages of film’ you had new technology - in to both pay and wait for the results to be the end it saves processed, maybe only to find that the time. Advertising nose was slightly out of focus or that you is important and if needed more light. The ability to use a good photo-editing program is also invalu- able for refining your shots and composing advertisements. Personally I think that we all start out as bear makers and then, as we start to develop our own unique style, maybe we become bear artists – though that is a term that I prefer others to give us rather than claiming it for ourselves. In reality, even at this stage, we haven’t stopped experiment- ing and learning; you’re always thinking, LEFT: Peter 2012 – our award winning bear with all the Bear Bits features – 3D quilted pads, naturally shaped embroidered nose, wrist joints, open mouth, airbrushed shading plus the new feature of the body being loosely filled but supported by an armature ‘back- bone’ so that he’s really flexible but doesn’t ‘collapse in a heap’! BELOW: You can almost date a Bear Bits bear by the style and shape of the nose: left 2002; right 2012.14 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

bear bits LEFT: Hamish 2012 – the development of the bunny into a more realistic hare with a double neck joint, wrist joints, wired ears and long legs! ABOVE: Pad embellishment has also developed. Left 2000, right 2012 BELOW: Bear Bits through the ages – left: Bunbury designed 1992; middle: The Caramel Bear 2002; right: Arthur 2011.“How could I incorporate this feature or the bills. Once it’s a business, the design artistry is involved in creating somethingimprove that?” Finding your own ‘niche’ and development time, that was so much that matches the realistic image - it’s thein the bear world is important, but be fun and so exciting when it was a hobby, selection of materials, the way they are putprepared for that niche to change over the disappears as you strive to make and sell together, the nuances of design; the atten-years – there’s so much that can inspire enough bears to keep your family and the tion to detail but keeping it subtle so thatand it’s only limited by your own imagina- bank manager happy! You must make the image suggests rather than insists. Ourtion and skills. Initially I just wanted to what is successful but your mind fills with realistic bears definitely have a place inmake beautiful, traditional teddy bears but what you would like to do. Evolution of the world of teddies, but I think that theyyou soon realise that so do a lot of other design may be slow! should always have soft, friendly faces thatpeople so it’s important to work out what give the illusion of a natural bear but stillyou personally can add. Richard Steiff I have a huge love of real bears, so that make them very lovely companions.may have designed from real life but he is the inspiration and it’s a constant chal-came up with something quite cuddly. lenge to design something which does As for advice, I think the most impor-Having studied biology, I wanted to intro- them justice. To create the image that’s tant thing is to hold on to your dreamsduce a more natural look but I realised in your mind you need to have the range and hang in there if things get toughthat we had to win over both collectors of skills and mastery of the techniques – persevere - but that doesn’t mean thatand retailers. needed at your fingertips so you must keep there won’t be times when it’s best to ‘walk experimenting and learning. Considerable away’ or leave what you’re trying to do. Back in 1995, having noticed that ifI made a teddy bear with slightly morenatural proportions and face it sold morequickly, when I’d put forward the pos-sibility of making a more natural lookingbear, one retailer said, “A bear on all foursis a bear on all fours; they stand on theshelf, they don’t sell well.” OK so it’s gotto be realism with flexibility – that wasthe challenge but then the market was forteddy bears. Although I wanted to pushboundaries you have to decide how far youcan go – what will the market accept, whatwill collectors pay for? Since leaving oursalaried jobs, our bear making had to pay t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 15

THE BELVOIR Little Bittie Bears BEAR FAIR 17th March 2013 Barnstone Country ClubBarnstone, Notts NG12 3QN10am - 4pm Tel: 01159 892334 littlebittiebears.com email: [email protected] great day out for the whole family Michelle Nunnery phone: 850-258-8421 Bearpile name is Little Bittie Bears Bears toBeCaorsllteocCtollect We are stockists of: • Charlie Bears • Steiff • Deb Canham • Teddy Hermann • D’Lyell Bears • Teddy Bear china • T-shirts and more…………… See the latest arrivals on StaAndrt1is8t Bears Deb Canham Charlie Bears Steiff and more www.bears2collect.co.uk Tel 01480 860376 Email: [email protected] www.bears2collect.co.uk Tel 01480 860376Mary Dowd Bears Gylls BearsEmail: [email protected] BFF (Best Friend Forever) Bartie Bristle - 2013 Bears of Distinction See you at Hand made using sparse dusty gold mohair; BFF represents the Hugglets lifelong love that a teddy will bring to his owner and the very necessary service that Bear It In Mind provides in terms of cleaning, restoration and repair. East Bend, NC 27018 (336) 699-4782 www.gyllsbears.com [email protected] 0208-366-1836www.yadtel.net/~mgdowd/Noble FabricsPink elephant by Olga Orel 6 inch Black bear 7 inch. Designed by Anna Tsymbal This is the seventh Bartie in the annual range and will be handmade to order. BFF Bartie costs £95.00 inc VAT.Pattern £10 also available as a kit Pattern £10 also available as a kit Come and meet him at Hugglets in February on the Bartie Ventures Stand 98.www.worldmasters.ru/user/oreltoys www.aniteddys.blogspot.com Contact Bartie Ventures on 01590 612097Telephone: 0116 2477845 www.stores.ebay.co.uk/noble-fabrics or email: [email protected] t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

BEAR BITS Huckleberry •Simple accounting and book-keeping time. No way - it’s just that having made a hare 2011 mistake (lots in our case) and looked back, (via a spread sheet or similar) you always know what you should haveSometimes, when you’re struggling to done or been like and I’ve tried to remem-work out how to develop some new fea- •Budgeting ber for next time! The two decades haveture for a bear and it keeps going wrong, •Other IT skill - such as word process- been amazing; there have been highs andyou’ve probably ‘befuddled’ your brain lows; we’ve met so many wonderful peo-and it’s ended up in negative mode so the ing, desktop publishing, website design ple, made new friends, been to some superbest thing to do is leave the problem tem- and management. places and are continually grateful for allporarily and ‘sleep on it’. So many times, the interest, encouragement and supportin that situation, I’ve woken up the next •Helpful characteristics - To be success- that we’ve had. You have all this to lookmorning thinking – maybe I could try it forward to – good luck, may the ‘bears’ bethis way... and it’s worked out! ful it helps if you are: with you! Frequently the best learning comes •Passionate about what you want to Jean & Bill Ashburnerfrom mistakes; perhaps even having toaccept that the wonderful bear that you’ve achieve; enthusiastic; enquiring; deter- PS: Towards the end of 2012, having putmade is so complex that it’s simply not mined; inventive; artistic; observant; accu- all our experience into possibly the bestcommercial. We came into bear making rate; self disciplined; bear we’ve ever made – we won two inter-with lots of experience from both hobbies national competitions – the Realistic Classand teaching so there have been loads of •a perfectionist – to get to the top the in each of the Excellence in Bear Artistrytransferable skills. My Mum always used and the French Teddy Bear Awards. We’reto say, “If someone offers to teach you a phrase ‘that will do’ must not exist; planning to mark 2013 by making 20skill or technique, grab the opportunity very special bears over the course of theeven if it doesn’t seem relevant at the time; •flexible and open minded; objective; year - some may look back to designs fromyou never know when it might be useful” •able to be self critical and evaluate but the past; some will include the details andand that bit of advice has proved invalu- techniques mastered more recently; mostable. not destructively; will be OOAK (though I think it’s pos- sible that the collection might include a•Essential skills – not all absolutely •able to think laterally – if it doesn’t work couple of very small editions) and some of these special bears will be taken to eachnecessary from the outset but need to be this way/with that... how/what else...; of the major fairs that we attend duringgained quite quickly the year – the 20 special bears will not all •able to review and renew – we must be available at once. A few of the 20th•Sewing skills – both hand and machine Anniversary collection will be displayed•A basic knowledge of textiles, threads, change and revitalise at different stages, for the first time on our website (so that otherwise there’s a tendency to become too collectors who cannot attend fairs have afibres and their properties tough, too hard and too weary. To renew chance). We will be taking the first two yourself (or your business) is like reload- of those 20 to the Winter BearFest at•Pattern design for 3D shapes ing; a chance to re-establish your priorities Kensington Town Hall on February 24th.•If you want to make versions of real ani- and recognise what you’ve learned at one If you can’t get there, do keep an eye on stage so you can use it in the next. our website. TBTmals, then you need a basic knowledge oftheir proportions, anatomy and features •able to not take yourself too seriously www.bearbits.com•Photography and you need a sense of humour i.e. the Two traditional teds•Photo editing ability to laugh at yourself or see the funny from the early years•Simple management skills such as pri- side of things is essential but above all you of Bear Bits. must love what you’re doingoritising, target setting and time manage-ment And then we all need a little bit of luck – ours was the big break we were•People/communication and social skills given (having initially been turned down) with the offer of that stand at the Winter BearFest back in 1993! You asked the questions and I hope I’ve provided some answers but now I’m worried that maybe I’ve made it look as if, as we’ve managed to keep Bear Bits at the top for so long, we’ve got all the character- istics listed and done the right thing every t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 17

show reportThe Great YorkshireTeddy Bear Event 2012Bear artists and enthusiasts alike headed to thenorth of England for fun, food, fur and fundraising- as well as some amazing bears By Julie ShepherdT he third Great Yorkshire Teddy meticulously created, each with a personal- sum of £376 for The Sheffield Children’s Bear Event, which supports the ised name tag. Some found it hard to resist Hospital. Sheffield Children’s Hospital, took the temptation to dive right in - and were place in the luxurious Sheffield stunned by the lovely gifts they found. Doug Hyde had donated one of hisHilton Hotel on 18th November and pieces of art for auction. Our auctioneerthis wonderful fair continues to go from Nestling in amongst the tissue paper for the evening was the incomparablestrength to strength. It must be said was a beautiful little Christmas decoration Graeme Miles of Apple Pie House. Hethat this is due in no small measure to kindly donated by Deb Canham, a very worked the room like a true professionalthe absolutely boundless energy and useful diary had been gifted by Apple Pie and the hammer finally went down whenenthusiasm of the organizer, Katherine House and Katherine had also enclosed the bids reached £280 - another amazingHallam of Katie Rae Bears. a piece from her jewellery range, Teddy amount raised for Katherine’s very worthy Bear Bling. It was a lovely start to the cause. But the fun of the Event starts the weekend.night before. Katherine also organizes a And there was a very special first thisGala Dinner within the hotel and over the The world renowned artist Michelle year - the dinner hosted the awards cer-years this has attracted more and more Lamb of One & Only Bears had kindly emony for the prestigious new competitioninterest. This year the dinner played host donated one of her stunning bears which - The Excellence In Bear Artistry Awardsto 70 diners and what an evening it was! was raffled during the dinner. There was - which is sponsored by Bear Basics. one very happy lady within the room when The tables were exquisitely decorated her winning ticket was drawn - and quite a BELOW LEFT: A very Christmassy bearand as an extra surprise, each diner was few disappointed ones! But no-one could from Katie Rae Bears.thrilled to find a goody bag waiting for remain disappointed for long when told BELOW: A stunning collection bythem. These beautiful bags had been that the raffle had raised the fabulous Puzzle Bears.18 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

show reportABOVE: Alvaro the friendly alligatorfrom Chatham Village Bears.ABOVE RIGHT: A delightful collectionof Kaz Bears.INSET RIGHT: A seasonal bunny fromJu-Beary Bears.RIGHT: Little cuties from Thingummy & Co. After dinner, Susan Davies of Bear poured through into the various halls con- the time to make any bears at all but sheBasics, stood at the lectern and started taining a truly fabulous range of bears. had a beautiful array of her instantly rec-the ceremony by giving an insight into ognisable creations to choose from.the background of the competition, which The fair is arranged over several con-had been in the planning for a number of necting suites within the hotel and on I had a quick word with Sue ofyears. entering the lobby, visitors were greeted Mabledon Road Bears, who had also been with a stunning array of bears that had beavering away creating a table full of She then began to announce the win- been generously donated by many exhibi- delights, including some completely newners. Each category was introduced and tors for the raffle in aid of the Sheffield designs - which were gorgeous.images of the three Judge’s Choice final- Children’s Hospital.ists were projected onto the big screen. The Attercliffe Suite was serving as aFinally, Susan announced who the public And that wasn’t the only opportunity to dedicated bear making supplies room andhad chosen as their winner. win a beautiful bear; there was also a free it was hard to tear myself away from the prize draw for the chance to win Conrad, a wonderful displays of fabric. I know, as George Webber of Chatham Village massive Charlie Bear who was at the door my other half keeps telling me, that I haveBears was on hand to make the presenta- to greet visitors. enough fabric to last until I am 190 but Itions - beautiful personalised trophies and do find it so hard to resist. And there wasa basket of flowers for each winner. Kaz Bears were also located in the temptation everywhere I looked! lobby area, and as usual had a stunning It had been a truly fabulous evening display of bears, each with a ‘take me Susan of Bear Basics had her usualand after all the excitement, there was still home’ expression. beautiful choice of fabulous Schulte fursthe fair to look forward to - and what a with her and opposite was Tracey of Sewday it was to be! Opposite was the stand of Katie Rae What & Stuff It. If you couldn’t find what Bears - I’m not sure how Katherine found A very long and patient queue formedwell before the opening time of 10.30. Thecouple at the head of the queue arrivedat 7am to make sure they would be in thebest position to adopt the bear of theirdreams and another collector, when chat-ting to Katherine, mentioned that they hadtravelled all the way from Cornwall espe-cially for the event! When the doors opened, collectors t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 19

show reportyou were looking for here, I don’t know ABOVE LEFT: A merry Christmas from to take part in two bear making workshopswhere you would. Mabledon Road Bears. - Andy from Barbara Ann Bears gave a ABOVE: A wonderful selection of Scruffie fabulous bear making demonstration and As I wandered past the stand of A Bear Bears by Susan Pryce. Rita from Woodland Teddies was on handBy Kim I spotted an enormous bear sitting LEFT: Enchanting elephants from to share some of the secrets of needlefelt-in the corner of her table. It was Big Bear Country Bears. ing.- and he was doing his best to live up to BELOW: A magical display by Blee Bears.it – he was absolutely huge! Tickets for the Artist Bear Raffle were a lot of attention and many were flying off being purchased at an amazing rate, so Then my eye was caught by the gor- the table. much so that by just after 2 o’clock fivegeous little bears on Ju-Beary Bears stand whole books of tickets had been sold and- they all had such sweet expressions, as Maria Blee of Blee Bears had made an an announcement was made that suppliesdid the little bunny I spotted sitting right absolutely stunning little shop front dis- had run out. Luckily an exhibitor hap-at the front. play for her stand - it perfectly evoked the pened to have a spare book with them, so magic of Christmas - and it seems I wasn’t came to the rescue, but within 20 minutes Chatham Village Bears had made their the only one who felt that. When prizes that was sold out too!usual trip from over the pond to showcase for the best Christmas-dressed stand wereyet more fabulously imaginative designs. announced, Maria was the very deserving The day just flew by and the crowdsI was particularly taken with an alligator winner of some beautiful flowers. kept coming. There was a wonderfulnamed Alvaro who had such an endear- atmosphere and when I spoke to Katherineing expression despite his rather ferocious The other winning exhibitor was just before leaving, she told me that col-looking teeth! Country Bears, who had also decorated lectors had been enthusiastically telling her their stand beautifully. I had already paid what a wonderful day they had spent and Lisa Wills of Bears Upon Soar was Clare a visit and snapped a couple of pho- that they couldn’t wait for the next Event.busy chatting to enthusiastic collectors tos of her gorgeously expressive elephants.when I managed to snap a couple of pho- Clare’s prize was a £50 gift voucher kindly I think that’s a sentiment echoed bytos of her truly stunning realistic bears. donated by Bear Basics (lucky girl!) and a everyone lucky enough to be present -Her detailing is just exquisite. I remember bottle of bubbly. either as an exhibitor or a visitor.falling in love with one of Lisa’s bears sev-eral years ago and always make sure that I There was also the amazing opportunity And the Event raised over £1,000 forvisit her stand to see her latest creations. the Sheffield Children’s Hospital - an absolutely amazing achievement made Anita Weller of Puzzle Bears was in her possible by the generosity of so many.usual spot and had a beautiful display oflittle bears and friends, a testament to the If you couldn’t be there in person, Imany hours she spends happily ensconced hope you have enjoyed sharing the Eventin her favourite chair stitching away. through my experience. However, noth- ing can beat being there yourself, so make And Bry of Thingummy & Co had a note in your diary for the next Greatobviously been burning the midnight oil Yorkshire Teddy Bear Event which will betoo - I love her unique little bears and taking place on 17th November 2013.elephants. They were certainly attracting Can’t wait that long? Well in that case I have some very exciting news for you! Due to popular demand there will be TWO Events next year...the first Great Yorkshire Teddy Bear Event Spring Fest takes place on 19th May 2013 and it’s sure to be another magical day. I’ll be there...will you? TBT20 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

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aussie bear shopslFainnddidnogwbneaurns dinertheWendy Walker visits Nana’s Teddies& Toys and discovers Australia’sbiggest range of collectable bears by Wendy WalkerIf you are into Collectable in stock. They import unusual ists, including Lexie Haworth, artist bears can be admired and Bears or maybe just bears from most of the world’s Dee Glossop, Jenny Round, adopted. starting a new collection, leading bear makers - many Wendy Walker and Aliane then you really should of their bears you will not see Ferreira. Leading Teddy Bear com-take a look at this truly elsewhere in Australia. panies like Charlie Bears andamazing teddy bear store,  These artists create bears Deans of England, Steiff,owned and operated by Dave Some of the most quirky with massive character and Hermann and Grizzly fromRobertson. The showroom and innovative designs in the appeal and one just can’t help Germany and others world-boasts thousands of unusual modern bear world are waiting but fall in love with them. wide, licence artists’ designs,collectable teddy bears and for you to adopt them right They also take the word “art” then make limited edition runscan be found lurking in the now. The huge showroom is to new and excitingly different of them. This gives the artistspicturesque Blue Mountains overflowing with beautiful levels. a much better exposure and theof New South Wales - mohair teddies, which have bears can be produced underapproximately a one hour drive been lovingly designed by Each bear design has a their guidance at a much lowerfrom Sydney’s central business leading international bear art- character and a presence that price - a fact appreciated bydistrict.  ists including Janet Clarke, truly reflects the artist’s indi- collectors right around the Barbara Anne Cunningham, viduality. Over 1500 of these world. Nana’s Teddies & Toys is Jill Baxter and Lisa Wills and limited edition and collectableAustralia’s largest teddy bear Chloe Wilson. Also availablespeciality bear shop with over are one of a kind, hand made15,000 bears and plush animals bears by leading Australian art-22 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

aussie bear shops Nana’s is also recognised “Teddies on Parade” event at greatly discounted prices. as the largest stockist of the where they can get together These lucky members are fabulous Charlie Bears ranges at the store and see the latest treated to fantastic door prizes and carry every Charlie Bear bears from leading suppliers and free gifts with purchases design currently available, with when they attend these events.TOP: Seaton by Jenny Round over 1000 Charlie Bears inof Round-A-Bout Bears, Seaton stock, including many older Membership to Nana’sis one of many 1/1 Sailor Bears designs that are now quite hard Collectors Club is offeredJenny made for Nana’s Teddies to find. FREE on completion of your& Toys. first purchase, so why notABOVE: Norman a 1/1 Lexie Free collectors club join over 28,000 very happyHaworth original. Nana’s also has a very members around the worldBELOW: Smidge by Wendy in 34 countries and be a partWalker, an exclusive edition of 5 exciting Teddy Collectors of Australia’s biggest Teddybears for Nana’s Teddies & Toys. Club which offers members a Collectors club.RIGHT: Marco by Alaine Ferreira, permanent discount on all pur-Marco is one of a series of chases, plus great “Members If you adopt a teddy fromunusual long necked bears. Only Specials” every month, in Nana’s Teddies & Toys you are their very informative e-mailed assured of a quick delivery as club newsletter. Members also they ship daily to anywhere in get to enjoy a regular monthly the world and are open 9.00 - 5.00, every day of the week. TBT •If you are visiting Australia you can take a trip to their huge mega store at: 21 Great Western Highway, Brooklands Village, in Blaxland, New South Wales or see their 15000 plus teddies and animals in a huge on line catalogue at www.teddys.com.au. Phone: +61 2 4739 0677. Email: [email protected] t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 23

artist profileBears from Outof the ForestHairdressing just wasn’t cutting it for DenisePurrington, so she decided to try cuttingfur and has never looked back By Jill Mundy Iwonder how many of us can empathise with someone who feels they have always been creative but wasn’t sure exactly what they were best at. Denise Purrington of Out of the Forest Bears is one such creative person. “I have always been an artist, loving to draw but didn’t know where my niche was. Desperately trying to find my way, I tried everything from woodblock dolls to children’s clothing and hats.” This continued for a period of just over two years. Then in mid-1995, the receptionist of Denise’s doctor invited her to a teddy bear show in Burbank, California. “Let me tell you, I was in complete awe and totally blown away. I was hooked and knew this was what I was going to do for the rest of my life.” Quite a ‘eureka’ moment. Denise had already made a couple of teddy bears from a purchased pat- tern which she redesigned to make her own. “The first one looked just like a Schnauzer. I still have him and his name is Harry. I have kept him for good luck.” Denise took herself excitedly back to the drawing board and managed to create enough bears to attend her first teddy bear show which was the Linda Mullens show in San Diego, in the winter of 1996. “I was thrilled to sell most of these first bears. I haven’t stopped since. It was then that I got bitten by the Bear Bug and I don’t think I’ll ever be cured!” Denise’s mum was a keen stitcher and craftswoman and taught Denise to sew as a child although she said she didn’t really have the patience for it. “My passion was always for drawing – so it’s quite amazing24 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

artist profilethat I now sew for a living!” of supply storage is in this room as well Prior to bear making, Denise had and the rest is scattered throughout our tiny apartment.”been a hairdresser for around ten yearsbut just didn’t find it as fulfilling as she Hand sewing is done sitting on thehad expected. So she swapped hairdress- couch. “In front of the couch is my won-ing scissors for fur and a sewing machine derful coffee table that stores all of myand set up her new business. “I lived hand sewing and painting supplies. Itin California then, when I was married has drawers and shelves for five storageto my son’s father for nine years. I have baskets. It’s so nice to be able to easily putbeen back in Washington since 1988 and everything away when I’m done sewingI live in Bellevue, where I was born and for the night. And I do mean night – Iraised.” Denise shares her home with her am, and always have been, a night owl. It’sboyfriend Dean, who she has known since pretty common that I work till three orhigh school and her Yorkshire Terrier four in the morning.” A link on Denise’sMonty. Her 26 year old son moved back website www,denisepurringtonbears.comto California last year and Denise misses takes you to a virtual tour of her studio.having him around. “This was part of a project undertaken by a Seattle area photographer in a quest to Denise is lucky enough to have her own photograph the studios of every Seattlestudio space. “The cutting and any sewing artist.”machine work is done in my studio, whichis a modified dining room. A good portion Photography is a big hobby of Denise’s t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 25

artist profiletoo. “I have done quite a few photo illus- times I’ll see a photo of a real bear some- bears are mostly one of a kind and havetration art pieces. You can see some of my where that I just have to try to recreate.” evolved quite a bit since those early days.work in my Etsy shop.” Denise also enjoys “I think I mainly have a lot more varietytaking long walks on the beautiful trails When Denise started out she made of designs than I had back then. The thingin her local area and she has an interest in quite a few limited edition bears. Now herinterior design. One very creative lady. As for her bears, Denise doesn’t feelshe has a particular style. “I love to changethings up all the time. I create realistic,whimsical and fantasy bears – and I lovetrying new ideas and experimenting.”Denise recently did just this, with a com-pletely new venture. “After having the ideain my head for about three years, I finallydecided to get to the drawing board withmy idea for my new Shadowbox PuppetBears. I have completed two so far andhave had a good response to them.” Thesebears are traditional bears except for theirhand-sculpted paper clay arms and legsand they are strung in their shadow boxes,ready to entertain. “I’ve had such a blastwatching this idea come to life.” For her more conventional bears,Denise uses mohair, recycled fur coats andvintage finds that she searches out frommarkets and charity shops. “I just love tocreate whatever is in my head at the timeor bringing a collector’s idea to life. Theideas usually just come to me and I’ll sitdown and sketch immediately. Sometimesthe inspiration could be a special themeor a newly acquired vintage outfit. Other26 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

artist profileI enjoy most is bringing a new design to Just for fun...life and receiving wonderful emails from •Whatmy new Bear Moms and Dads. Besides is your favourite TV show ormy son, this is one of the most satisfying movie?things I have ever done in my life. I am sohumbled and honoured to be able to create •DtThhainengcWinoagnlkWHinoigtmhDeTehaaendd,SPtGararosrje.dcetnRTuenlewviasyio, nanayn-dthese little creatures and to see the joy theybring to so many people.” hisalIavf neydow,uiwtwhheiycroehusf?itvreanthdiendgsonwaoudledsyeortu A box of everything needed for making An avid bear collector herself, Denise bears; a blender for smoothies; a minihas around 50 very special bears. “Most •fridge; a TV and a generator forhave been made by good friends. They blender and mini fridge! runningmean so much to me and most have a the TV,story behind them.” Apart from her first woroIfduyeldoaudyo)cuoonuclhadodtsareek?aemthdreinenpeer odpaltee,(awlihveoever bear, Harry, Denise has kept another iPdreeassidIehnatvOebfaomr oausrocoI ucnoturyldasnhdarJeeftfhetwo of her own creations. “One is called Bridges – just because I’ve had a hugeWinston and the other is the first realistic crush on him for years. I can’t think ofbear I made, called Denali. I have kept •who the third person would be.them all for good luck and to remind me You’ve just won the lottery; what dohow far I’ve come.” you spend it on? SfwpcaaiOroaelsniltfcnothdtcihpeIbMoveltweuayu..woycrSinsuao.yetlnnodtiowIdeu’nddee,esodrnIbfn.tufwuoyalMoyrttyeuhyteahlitadnseohrgissodfswtamoeamotrgheauiowilslyaldoasnkbtsobdinuoedodtafitnaaghobegsoefeindoomtMotdefesot.rfefShnrodcoe.eramyr Denise makes around 40 bears eachyear and absolutely hates running behindwith her orders. She sells through herwebsite, Etsy, eBay and occasionallythrough shops. “I think, as with mostbusinesses, there are always strugglesand learning curves. Perseverance is theanswer. When things get tough, reinventyourself. I believe it’s very important to tryand keep up with the market. There arenew artists coming along every day.” Infact, this is really Denise’s motto forthe future. “To stay fresh – I hope andpray I can do this forever.” TBT t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 27

hugglets previewWFeisntt2e0r1B3earPlan a great day out at one of the world’smost popular bear fairs. Here is a tasterof what you will see By Jill Mundy ‘Faraday’ by Susan Pryce of Scruffie Bears Come and see us at Hugglets, hall 4 stand 126. 01244 534724 www.scruffiebears.com F ebruary 24th 2013 is a date firmly in any bear artist’s or arctophile’s calendar. Once again, this year’s Hugglets Winter Bear Fest takes place at Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street, London under the attentive eyes of organisers Glenn and Irene Jackman. With over 170 stands and thousands of bears for sale, visitors are sure to find the bear of their dreams just waiting to be adopted and taken home. Bear makers from all over the globe will be bringing a selection of their bears and other collectables. Countries include those as far afield as USA, Ukraine, Australia and Japan as well as many more European countries closer to home and of course the UK. A full list of exhibitors can be found on the website www.hugglets.co.uk along with details of tickets. Hugglets has been bringing together bear collectors and businesses since 1987 and every year there is always a huge buzz about this event. Here we give you just a taster of some of the wonderful creations to be found at this year’s Winter Bear Fest. I’m getting my shopping list ready – are you? ABOVE: PandaBunny by ThreadTeds28 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

huggletsright: Mr Velvet the mole by ShantockBearsBELOW: One Lump Or Two Kevinton Bears t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 29

01244 534724 Originally built in 1654, www.scruffiebears.com this charmingly restored church now plays host to a veritable army of limited edition teddies and gollies. Open 11am to 5pm, Thurs to Sun. Come visit us at Join us for a clotted creamHugglets stall 125 tea while you decide which bear to take home. The Old Church, Mockbegger Lane, Ibsley, Hampshire BH24 3PP. Tel: 01425 489090 www.stmartinsgallery.co.uk ARE YOU A BEAR ARTIST? Would you like your bear to appear in our artistGALLERY? If so send us your bear - we will take great care of him - and we will photograph him on your behalf and feature him in Teddy Bear Times www.shantockbears.com For more information contact Maria Fitzgerald on +44 (0) 1903 884988 or email: [email protected] Would you like to be a featured artist? This opportunity is available with Teddy Bear Times and will give you the perfect way to promote your business to our worldwide audience. Call Maria on 01903 884988 or email: [email protected] for details.30 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

feature ‘CDoyloeu’ frotro... Coloured fabrics are easily available these days but how was it for the early bear making compa- nies when they wanted to brighten up their bears? By Joanne McDonald, Vectis Auctions When Richard Steiff first bears in vibrant hues of purple, cerise, bears in even, bright colours are extremely dreamed of creating a child’s green, yellow, red and blue. Many of the few and far between. toy bear he looked to the miniature variety included hidden secrets With the desirability factor pushing many sketches he had made such as internal powder compacts, lipsticks up prices, it is no wonder there have been of real bears in Stutgart Zoo during his or sewing kits. several cases in recent years of ‘fake’ tinted time spent there as an art student. The British companies such as Chiltern, teds. In previous decades, to dye a bear posture, movement and colour of the Merrythought, Chad Valley and Deans, successfully would have incurred taking its. corresponding Steiff toy releases initially now having access to better machinery, to pieces, dyeing the individual parts then remained faithful to these ‘wild’ bears, began to include colour in their catalogues reassembling it, which as anyone who has being in dark brown, blond and grey. and retained them in their ranges until attempted this process will tell you, it is Historical events meant that the teddy many of them closed. nigh on impossible to recreate the same bear craze went global and by 1908 Today vintage coloured bears are prized original features of the bear. Advances customers were demanding something and sell for a premium. There are several have resulted in bears being able to be ‘dip fresh. Steiff ’s mohair supplier Schulte factors for this – dyed’ which just involves immersing the had been able to perfect dying mohair to 1. Low production numbers – Offering whole bear (or selected areas) in the dye, retain vivid colour without any bleed, not a specific colourway was always a risk for brilliant if you are a bear artist who wants an easy task with natural wool fibre, but producers as it relies on personal taste and to be individual but not good for vintage Schulte had always risen to previous tasks fashion. To minimise the gamble compa- teds. from Steiff. This meant Steiff were able to nies would offer maybe only one or two When looking to buy coloured bears ship ‘Two dozen dressed bears in blue and shade options each year. there will almost always be a shade varia- pink, mixed sizes’ to Harrods in London. 2. Having to be dyed and made col- tion with age – this is a good sign as genu- The next unusual request was again for ourfast raised production costs which ine wear is difficult to reproduce. Examine the British market in 1912, for black when passed on to the consumer meant paw and foot pad; very rarely are these mohair to fulfill the order for 50 dozen these bears retailed at a higher price, again an exact match. Appraise joint areas and Steiff mourning bears in the wake of the reducing the potential market. backs of ears which tend to hold the origi- Titanic disaster. 3. Colour, especially vibrant colour, is nal vibrancy. If you are suspicious and you The next few years looked so promis- prone to fading in the sunlight and chang- have permission to do so (or own the bear) ing with the release of the imaginative es are much more noticeable than try to tease out some of the filling at a fin- ‘Bear Dolly’ - having a white head on neutral colours – surviving ishing seam. Fillings are NEVER an exact and coloured body in red, green or match to coloured mohair; this would be yellow. However the outbreak of an indicator that something is amiss. I will WWI unfortunately put paid to more repeat again any good auction house such creativity until the 1920s. as Vectis or reputable dealer will stand The roaring twenties brought by a description or receipt. music, mayhem and colour. Other Coloured bears toy companies sprang up to meet make a wonder- demand, like Schuco (Scheyer & ful focal point Co) who looked to ingenuity to for a collection, prosper, releasing a plethora of happy hunting! t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 31

knitting pattern llinlaemofalsittle Any fashion conscious ted would love to wear this beautiful sweater which would look good in any colour By Gay WimporyYou’llneed brown yarn and change to 4 First row of chart: Work 5 mm needles and light brown stitches in light brown, 2 in n One 50g ball of DK in light brown yarn, and work 24 rows in stock- cream, 3 in light brown and 2 in n One 50g ball of DK in dark brown ing stitch. Cast off 3 stitches at cream. n One small ball of orange and a few strands of cream beginning of next two rows for armhole shaping. K2 tog at each Repeat this three times, then for the llamas. (It is better to have one strand of yarn end of each knit row 4 times. knit 3 stitches in light brown. for each llama.) n One pair of 3 ¼ mm needles Work 14 rows and cast off. Work using the chart until n One pair of 4 mm needles all four llamas have been com- Front pleted. Using just light brown, To fit a 45 to 50 cm (18 to 20 Abbreviations work 8 rows.inch) bear approximately. Cast on 49 stitches on 3 ¼ K1P1 = knit 1 purl 1 mm needles with dark brown Cast off 3 stitches at begin-Tension Square K2 tog = knit two together yarn. Work 6 rows of K1P1 rib. ning of next two rows. Decrease one stitch on following two knit Using 4 mm needles and Back Change to 4 mm needles and rows. Purl one row.stocking stitch, 6 rows by 6 stocking stitch.stitches will measure 2.5 cm Cast on 49 stitches on 3 ¼ For neck shaping - next row:square, (1 inch). mm needles and work 6 rows in Increasing 1 stitch at each K2 tog. knit 14, turn. Work K1P1 rib in dark brown. Break end of the first row, work 4 rows 10 rows. Cast off 4 stitches at stocking stitch in orange DK. beginning of purl row. Work 2 rows in dark brown. K2 tog at neck edge on next Change to light brown and work 2rows. Purl 1 row cast off. from chart. Return to the rest of thePX X XX XX K KP XXX XXX K K XXXX XXXX ** KP XX XX XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXP XXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXXP XX XX XX XX XX XX XX XX** = Start from here as knit row. Alternate rows are purl. (The chart only shows two of the four llamas.)32 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

Bear FeStiVaLstitches and cast off 9 stitches. Collar Bears in the WoodsWork to last 2 stitches, K2 tog. move their day outWork as first half of front. Using dark brown yarn and 3 ¼ mm needles cast on 10 An exciting event, not to be missed,Sleeves stitches and work K1P1 rib for filled with bears, prizes and lots of fun 14 rows. Make two the same. By Mary Millom Cast on 30 stitches on 3 ¼ Cast on 7 stitches at endmm needles. Work 4 rows in of next row. Continue on these The well established and populargarter stitch in dark brown. stitches until 39 rows have been Minstead Teddy Bear Fair is moving! Change to 4 mm needles and completed. Cast off 7 stitches at Just four miles down the road to thelight brown, and work in stock- beginning of next row. Work 14 bustling tourist town of Lyndhursting stitch rows, then cast off. in the New Forest. Lyndhurst is well served Increase 1 stitch at each end by public transport and frequent coach tripsof fifth row and every following Making Up bringing tourists in as part of their sight-fourth row until 36 stitches on seeing tours of the spectacular National Park.needle Join up shoulder seams and Work 5 rows straight. Cast off side and sleeve seams. Pin collar The original teddy bear fair has developed into the3 stitches at beginning of next to neck and down the opening in Hampshire Teddy Bear Festival. This year will feature antwo rows. the front of the jumper. Put one entertaining talk by Bunny Campione. The talk, on the evening K2 tog at each end of next 4 side of the narrow part behind of Saturday 18th May, prior to the fair, will consist of anec-knit rows. the other at the bottom and dotes about the ‘Antiques Roadshow’, famous and less-famous Knit 6 rows straight and cast secure. teddy bears and a competition where the audience can placeoff. three teddy bears in order of value. This will be a fun evening Sew in the ends from the lla- and the £12 tickets will allow free entry into the teddy bear fair mas and your pullover should be the following day. Concessionary tickets are available at £10. ready for placing on your bear. TBT On Sunday, as part of the teddy bear fair, all the entries received for the 2013 National Teddy Bear Artists’ Awards will be on display. This is now the only competition where all the entries go before the Judge and then go on to be viewed by the collectors. There is no photographic round which eliminates the majority of the entries. The proud winners will also be dis- playing their rosettes and plaques which will be presented by Bunny during the morning. The accolade ‘Teddy Bear Artist of the Year’ will carry a unique and valuable Trophy. This year the trophy is a cut glass fruit bowl. The bowl itself is a work of art, manufactured by V Mayer and Son who were mak- ing for the Imperial and Royal Court of Austria. The glass bowl is mounted in hallmarked silver and dates from the Secessionist period of the late 19th/early 20th century. The mounting features delightful garlands of flowers suspended around the rim. The new venue for the Hampshire Teddy Bear Festival and the Autumn teddy bear fair formerly located at Minstead, is a modern Community Centre with full facilities including cater- ing and subsidiary rooms. There is a large car park adjacent to the Centre and motorway transport links are virtually the same as the previous venue. Brewins’ Bruins, the organisers, are very excited about this new location and are already receiving bookings from exhibi- tors for trade displays. The tickets for the “Evening with Bunny Campione” are also being snapped up quickly. •Should you wish to take part in this exciting festival, tickets may be ordered from www.brewinsbruins.co.uk or telephone 01929 425402 or write to 5 Mermond Place, Swanage, Dorset BH19 1DG. t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 33

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 BSB Bear www.stores.ebay.co.uk/BSB-BEAR-SUPPLIES supplies email:[email protected] Tel: 01752403515 Visit us at the Devon Bear Festival, Sunday 17th March 2013, Newton Abbot RacecourseDEVON BEAR FESTIVAL SUNDAY 17 MARCH 2013 10.30am - 3.30pmNEWTON ABBOT RACECOURSEFor new, artist and antique bears,bear supplies and other bear essentialsFULL DETAILS IN FEATURED ARTICLE IN THIS MAGAZINE & AT KINGSWEARBEARS.COM Pepper BearsHand Crafted Artist Bears By Rebecca Lewis Perfect as a unique gift, to celebrate a birth, wedding or anniversary. Or just because you want one! Commissions accepted [email protected] www.pepperbears.co.uk 07816398135 www.facebook.com/pepperbears34 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

sale featurewill you beVmalyentine?? Still have present money to spend? Read on for details of the Vectis February ‘Valentine Sale’ with plenty of modern and vintage bears to tempt all tastes By Joanne McDonald, Vectis AuctionsOne of the best things about a ‘Dragons’.  are well represented. This time we have Vectis Doll and Bear Sale is the If you prefer some rarer pieces including the Wedding variety of items on offer. We Party and Walt Disney Convention Bears sometimes don’t know what will realism, the Bear as well as a vast assortment of ex-shopbe arriving until a few weeks before the Bits work with its stock to tempt you. sale when a delivery will bring cries of multi way neck joint enabling the bear to‘Oooooo’ and ‘Ahhhh’ as boxes are opened look up or down will definitely be of inter- Vintage bears include a Chiltern Ting-and contents revealed. est , as will the pair from Amy Young – a-ling-a- bruin in magnificent condition, Bohemian Bears: each have poly - sculpted 1930’s Chiltern, Merrythought and The February Sale offers a wonderful noses, teeth, tongues and claws. Deans. And just what all bruins want forselection of artist creations you would be Traditional artist bears are also on their next teddy bear tea party is a breath-hard pressed to see at any Bear Fair. Small offer with a good range of Karin Conradi taking choice of vintage tea and diningscale mohair creations by Lillian Trigg are (Conradi Creations) who epitomise rotund sets, cutlery and accessories in variousadorable; with clothes in matching scale teds who need to be held! The Bisson bear scales. There is also a majestic early Steiffprint, ribbons and hats. Each mohair ted by Gail Thornton provides a bit of a hand- lion on wheels, glorious Triang rockingis intricately stitched having aged brown ful as you will need two to lift him as he is horse with a miniature version too!leather pads and is accompanied by a wonderfully weighted.cross stitched tag. Smaller again is the As with most Vectis Sales, Steiff limits Who will you choose to be yourWee Scone vintage clown by the extremely Valentine? TBTtalented Diane Kennedy.  Deb Canhamcollectors will go wild for the selection •The Vectis Dolls and Bearof offerings from ‘The Alice Collection’,‘Punch and Judy’, ‘Have a Heart’ and the Sale will be on 19th February 2013, for more informa- tion contact Kathy Taylor [email protected] or visit www.vectis.co.uk t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 35

REAL BEARSwA eP’AreRThYavingThere was something fishy going on in the Highlandsrecently as two young polar bears celebrated a jointbirthday party with two giant iced fish cakes Courtesy of the Highland Wildlife ParkCelebrations and a strong smell of Keepers quickly realised that for their first constructed two cakes. The ice cakes were fish were in the air on December birthdays together, only one thing would complete with fish and topped with a few 5th 2012 as The Highland do…a joint polar party, fit for these two tasty sardines as an extra birthday treat Wildlife Park threw a special joint boisterous boys in their six acre bachelor and were sure to go down well with the5th and 4th birthday party for two very pad enclosure! birthday boys themselves.special animal residents. The UK’s onlypolar bears on public display, Arktos and At over 450kg each, making them Douglas Richardson, AnimalWalker, turned another year older. amongst the largest four and five year Collection Manager at Highland Wildlife olds in the Highlands, these youngsters Park, said: “There is a slight age gap Walker welcomed his new polar play still have a little more growing left to do. between the boys. Arktos is now five andpal, Arktos, earlier this year and ever Growing boys need their food, so to mark Walker is just a year younger at four yearssince, both bears have become inseparable. their fourth and fifth birthdays, keepers old. They quickly built up a strong bond Walker and Arktos36 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

REAL BEARSfrom the word go, taking to each other Arktosextremely well and since that initial intro-duction last April they have been spending Polar bear essentialsthe vast majority of their time together.They can often be spotted splashing and •Polar bears have 42 razor sharp teeth and their canines are larger and longer than anyswimming in their pond, wrestling play-fully and even feeding nose to nose – they other bears. Both their carnassials and molars are sharper and used for shearing and bit-definitely have a healthy competitive rela- ing, not for grinding, due to polar bears being almost exclusively carnivorous.tionship that you’d expect from two youngbears. •Underneath their thick, white fur coat – perfect camouflage for their snowy surround- “There are only a few days between ings – polar bears actually have black skin, ideal for soaking up the heat of the sun’s raystheir individual birthdays, so for their firstbirthday together we thought it would only •These majestic animals are the land giants of the Arctic and have no natural predatorsbe fitting to throw them a joint birthday •Extremely strong swimmers, their large paddle like front paws are slightly webbed –party. Walker and Arktos both love theirfood, and this means they can sometimes their rear legs are only used to steer when swimmingget a bit feisty if one is getting fed beforethe other. However, to stop any food envy, •Perfectly adapted to living in freezing temperatures they have fur that grows on theirthe birthday bears will be able to sink theirteeth into their very own birthday ice cakes paws helping to insulate them against the icy cold surface they walk onfilled with lots of different fish and toppedwith some of their favourite treats, includ- Walkering sardines. t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 37 “They are both still sub-adults and itwon’t be for around another two years orso that both males are fully grown and sex-ually mature. But as male polar bears aremuch more sociable there are still manyyears of wrestling and chasing one anotherto come for these young polar bears!”•Arktos was born on the 30th November2007•Walker was born on 7th December 2008•Walker arrived at Highland WildlifePark in 2010 from Rhenen Zoo in theNetherlands•Walker was joined by Arktos in April2012 from Hannover Zoo in GermanyAbout the Highland Wildlife Park The Highland Wildlife Park isowned by the Royal Zoological Societyof Scotland (RZSS), a registered charity.It specialises in Scottish species, past andpresent, and other cold weather adaptedanimals from around the world. In June 2012 the Highland WildlifePark celebrated its 40th anniversary.Opened in 1972, the Park covers 200acres and is located within the CairngormsNational Park. TBT

ARTIST PROFILEwaiting (not so)PATIENTLYThough patience is not her strong suit, NancyDontigney manages to bring her creativeideas to light through teddy bears By Allison Croat Patience is an elusive She was a Licensed Veterinary virtue. Many people Technician for almost 20 years, would love to have then owned a small motel more patience, but with her husband for several unfortunately, it eludes years. After they moved to even the best of us. Nancy Florida (where they still cur- Dontigney admits to being rently reside), they purchased someone who would love a a water-delivery business. Now bit more patience, especially both Nancy and her husband with her teddy bears: “The are retired, allowing her to biggest difficulty I have when spend plenty of time creating making bears is waiting for the her bears. bear to be finished. I have no patience—I want the idea in Inspiration comes from my head to magically appear many sources. “I have been before me.” inspired by children’s books, nature, and of course my two Though Nancy is unable Dachshunds,” says Nancy. to summon up a finished bear “My husband and I frequent by magic, the end results are estate and garage sales where always wonderful. Her pieces I find items that spark inspira- are made from mohair and tion. Recently, I had a wonder- feature glass “google” eyes ful find: a small fire engine. A and needle-felted noses. When fireman and his dog are now asked, Nancy says she has no on the drawing table.” Nancy’s formal training. “I have been piece Amelia was inspired by sewing since I was a child, and a wings pin found at a flea some of my skills were learned market. through trial and error, some through sharing with other Once inspiration has hit, artists.” Nancy gets to work creating. “I have a room called ‘The Being a bear artist hasn’t Critter Room.’ The walls are always been Nancy’s calling. lined with shelves that hold ABOVE: This sweet little clown will cheer up anyone’s day. Emmitt is five-way jointed and stuffed with Fiberfill. He has been lightly shaded around his eyes, muzzle and paws. His ruffled collar and clown hat were made especially for him. LEFT: Inspired by a wings pin found at a local flea market, Amelia wears a distressed leather aviator cap and measures 9 inches tall.38 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

ARTIST PROFILEABOVE: Dodi wears a brown and pink polka dot dress made just forher. She measures 10 inches tall and is made from pink hand-dyedmohair.ABOVE RIGHT: Grady was created with dark brown mohair tipped inblack. He measured 6 inches tall and 7 inches from nose to tail.RIGHT: Leisal is a little Dachshund in the Puppy Grrls series. She wascreated with short rust mohair, is five-way jointed and is filled withFiberfill. She also has some encased bb’s in her tummy for weight.both critters I have made as ten inches, it will be sewn bywell as ones I have collected. I machine. Anything smaller isfrequently work spread out on completely hand-sewn. Onethe sofa in front of the televi- evening might find me sew-sion.” ing in front of the television, the next jointing then stuffing, One unusual tool graces then making accessories orher workspaces.“Since work- clothing.”ing for a veterinarian in the1980s, I would not be without Nancy goes above andmy surgical hemostat. It’s great beyond making a plain bear. “Ifor getting that little piece of make the sew-in labels for mystuffing way up where it is creations as well as designingneeded and for pulling needles and printing my hand tags.through thick areas.” Then there is the computer work, which sometimes I enjoy When in her workspace, the but sometimes feels like acreating begins. Nancy says chore.”she makes one bear or crittera week. She starts by going Thankfully, the enjoyablethrough her patterns, and once parts of being a bear artistshe has decided the size of outweigh the occasional blogthe piece, she draws the pat- update. Nancy mentions antern and cuts out the material. exciting event that occurred“If it is a larger bear, say over at a past bear show. “Bob t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 39

Haitch Bears “Monica‛s Attic Treasures” TO ADVERTISE INHand Crafted Artist Bears teddytibmees ar Tel No : 07701077141 “Lady Sarah”, the newest ‘elegant lady‛ pattern please call Email: designed by world known bear artist Monica Spicer. Maria on This booklet/pattern has 60 pages with 288 step by 01903 [email protected] step photos and instructions to help you create this or email charming bear, her outfit, and all her accessories. [email protected] Please check my web site for more details: www.monicasattictreasures.com.au WESTIE BEARS Wild, Wacky but Wonderful! contact Andy on: [email protected] 01403 241381 www.westiebears.com All the beary best bits... You can get all the best bits of Teddy Bear Times with our digital downloads at www.craft-club.com BEAR MAKING BEAR MAKING feature stand proud of the surrounding fabric and BEAR MAKing really draw the eye. DpleeaarsJeulihe,elp Me! all nervous about mistakes at this stage if When you are happy with your layout, scissors are very good), taking great care And I have also seen bears with seams is probably worth cutting out a full pattern carefully draw round the pieces using a fine not to cut the pile, but just the woven back- that have been closed using a thread that is i.e. 4 leg pieces, two body pieces etc from permanent marker pen. ing. a totally different colour to the fabric backing cardboard so that you can lay out the whole - making a really striking feature of the seams bear before marking out. Cut out just inside the pen line using a The boring bit? for all the wrong reasons! So colour match small pair of sharp scissors (embroidery Now for the boring bit - when all the your thread carefully. Teddy Bear Times resident expert, Julie pieces are cut out, take the time to trim Neatly closing the seams is one of those Shepherd, is here to answer all your the pile from the seam allowance, but be almost invisible tasks that should be taken bear-making problems very careful! If you cut a little more than the very seriously - if it is done well, no one will seam allowance your bear will have very probably notice. But if it is done badly, it will By Julie Shepherd wide partings along all his stitching, so err really detract from your bear and could very on the side of caution. It’s much better to likely be the only thing that someone remem- spend half an hour picking the seams later bers about your bruin. on than overdoing the trimming now. Ladder stitch is a very simple stitch, and Raffles does not have pawpads but he with a little practice it should be easy to mas- does have shaved mohair footpads - so you ter, will give you a beautiful result every time will need to trim the pile away from the foot- and, if it is done really well, it should be virtu- pads before sewing them into the leg. ally impossible for even you to find the seam once it is completed. It consists of taking T ime to tackle some more of those is ‘yes’, you’ve got good foundations to the correct joints. Body a small stitch from each side in turn, which problems! It’s lovely to hear from build on. But even so, a first bear that is self- The creating of a kit bear will give you a Create the darts where marked at the creates the ‘rungs of a ladder’ in thread you, so please keep your questions designed can be quite difficult, as you won’t across the opening (please see the photo). coming - and remember, there is no have any previous bear-making experience to full understanding of the processes involved top and bottom of the body pieces - these When the thread is then gently pulled, the such thing as a silly question - if it’s causing guide you away from any potential pitfalls. - and will give you invaluable experience that will give the finished body a little fullness. two edges will come together, the thread will you problems, I’ll do my best to help. you can put to good use when you sit down Once the darts are completed, pin the sides disappear and an almost invisible seam will So you might want to consider making to design your own bear. together and stitch from A to B, then from form. The first question is from a budding bear your first bear using a kit - this has the bonus C to D. Turn right side out. maker. of having all the problems removed for you. Many years ago when I was bitten by the So you should never have an unsightly The pattern provided will produce a balanced bear-making bug, I used a very traditional kit arms seam again! I’ve never made a bear but would really design and the designer will have chosen an to create my first ever bruin. My second was Pin the inner and outer arm pieces like to have a go. I want to create my appropriate mohair, the right size of eye and made using a commercial pattern and my I haven’t been making bears for long, own design, so can you give me some choice of dense distressed mohair. together taking care to match them accu- but would really like to have a go at add- advice? rately - if they are a little bit out you’ll prob- ing some shading to my bears. What’s FACE FACTS the best way to go about this - do I need Whilst I admire your enthusiasm, I can’t Julie Shepherd takes a Tugging at the heartstrings magical ‘aaahhhhh’ look about him. As ably find that the finished to buy an airbrush and compressor to help wondering if you might find your first look at the most There will be something about that usual, an awful lot of it comes down arm twists slightly. get a nice finish? I’m a bit worried about bear a little easier to complete if you use a appealing part of to taking your time and paying careful When you are spending lots of money in case I don’t commercial pattern - so perhaps I can ask your bear - the face! particular bruin that tugs at your heart- attention to detail when completing every happy with the fit of like the result. What would you do? you to consider a couple of questions? Do strings and makes a connection with aspect of your bear - but when you come the pieces, sew you have much sewing experience and have W hen I first began to you - even if you are looking at several to completing the facial features, this is from E to F. If you’re new to airbrushing and really only you studied teddy bear patterns? make bears I remember identically constructed bears from the even more vital. Turn right planning to experiment at this stage, I agree being told by a collector same limited edition they will all vary side out and that the idea of a big financial outlay is very If the answer to both of these questions that when choosing a in small and subtle ways - perhaps the Let’s face it, however beautifully made using the awl daunting and probably unnecessary. But if new addition for her hug, the deciding nose will be stitched in a slightly different the rest of the bear; if the face doesn’t to make a hole you find you love the extra ‘something’ that RIGHT: Joint should be a snug fit, as in the moment came as she asked herself the shape, the eyes will be spaced differently appeal you just won’t notice the perfect where marked, using this technique brings to your bears, limb on the left question ‘does the bear speak to me?” or it could be the positioning of the ears. paw pads, wonderful mohair and beautiful insert the 35mm you can always invest in a compressor later BELOW: My ‘how to design’ articles from bows. joints. You can on. previous issues At the time I wasn’t too sure exactly But whatever the differences, as a now stuff the arm what she meant by this - but it wasn’t result of the endless variations that arise I’m going to look at each of the but use only small One reasonably inexpensive way to give long before I understood completely and I from a hand-crafted item, each bear will features one at a time and give you amounts of stuffing airbrushing a go is to buy one of the little kits now know beyond any possible doubt that have an individual look that is all his own. some tips to ensure that your bear has at a time - too much that can be used with canned air. It should when you see the bear you will know it. And it’s this look which will single him out a balanced and pleasing look - but won’t be quicker as it be enough to give you an idea of whether as being ‘the one’ for you. please remember these are only general or not you want to explore this technique guidelines. Once you know the ‘rules’ you will probably form lumps further. The ahhh factor can begin to bend or even break them to and pockets which will need So how to create a bear with this develop an individual style of your own. to be removed and repeated - and The kits are fairly basic, and you will have pay particular attention to the paws and limited control over the flow of the ink, but shoulders. it’s a good starting point and is perfectly Puckered paws are not the look you are adequate for adding detail around the edges hoping to achieve and if the shoulder is not of paw pads. You may find it easier to add facial shading by hand, as this will give you 60 | TEDDY BEAR cluB inTERnATionAl | february greater accuracy. t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 43 36 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m Copic produce a basic kit, and their mark- ers are available in a huge range of colours 60-63_TBCI 180.indd 60 22/12/2008 20:28:13 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 59 35-37,39-41_TBT 184.indd 36 16/09/2009 09:39 how to KEEP INFORMED! 28 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m Get expert articles on everything 27-29_TBT 186.indd 28 w w w. J U L I E S H E P H E R D . c o m not always the case. As you work, however from bear artists to making bears careful and diligent you are, there may be at the click of a button. 01730 810878 tiny differences that occur. While you would imagine that a millimetre here or there isn’t www.hobbyworld.tv40 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m going to have any impact on the finished article, unfortunately you would be wrong. A little bit out here and there can add up to a big difference so always check the look of the limbs by eye to make absolutely sure that you are happy with them and make any adjustments that are necessary. I want my bear to stand on his own - how do I achieve this? You will need to consider the height of your bear and the size of his feet. Obviously getting a very tall bear to stand on very small feet is going to be a challenge so you may need to make the feet bigger. As any movement will make him unstable, he will need to be very firmly jointed so using nut and bolt joints will probably help. Adding shot to his feet will keep him upright, but be sure to keep the base of the foot flat. This will allow as much as pos- sible of the pad to stay in contact with the surface he is standing on. You might need 19/02/2010 15:46

ARTIST PROFILE ABOVE LEFT: Bonnie always keeps her bunny close and won’t go anywhere without her. Standing 10 inches tall, she is made with sparse mohair and is five-way jointed with discs, bolts and lock nuts. Bonnie and her bunny won 2nd place in the 2010 Taiwan Teddy Bear Creative Awards. ABOVE: This set of 4 was inspired by the little compasses on their name tags, and is called NSEW. North, the Polar Bear, was created with alpaca. South, the Koala, was created with alpaca and mohair. East, the Panda, is also alpaca and West, the Grizzly, is mohair. They are wearing coffee-dyed tags with their names stamped and the mini compass glued on. BELOW: Jefferson salutes the parade as it passes. He has some pel- lets in his feet for weight so he can stand on his own. He is wearing a red, white and blue collar and holds a pinwheel. We have an art that has‘survived thousands of years,’and so shall the teddy.Denver and Dawn Wells from hope for the future of bears.Gilligan’s Island were guests “I believe teddy bear makingat a bear show I participated is a creative art form. We havein. One of the other artists was an art that has survived thou-asked to make a Gilligan bear, sands of years, and so shall theand I was asked to make a teddy.”Mary Ann bear!” Looking a little bit nearer, Nancy still attends shows Nancy is already planningthat are within driving dis- her calendar for next year.tance of her home on Florida’s One of her yearly bear shows,Space Coast. Though there Bright Star’s Tampa show, is inare no local doll or teddy bear February. She is also consider-clubs near her, Nancy says that ing entering some competitionswith the internet, “I feel like I and finding more shows to do.belong to a worldwide group of “I can create whenever inspira-teddy bear artists.” tion strikes, and enjoy every minute of it.” When asked what she lovesmost about teddy bears, Nancy Even without a large quan-says, “Teddies seem to speak a tity of patience at her fingertips,universal language. There are Nancy manages to wait for theso many styles and interpreta- end result, just like the rest oftions, but they always bring a us. And we are (not so) patient-smile to your face.” This uni- ly waiting for her next lovingversality is what gives Nancy teddy bear to be made. TBT t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 41

competitionAExrtciestllreynAcewianrdBse2a0r12At the Gala dinner for the recent Great YorkshireTeddy Bear Event, prizes were awarded for thisexciting and popular new competition By Julie ShepherdThe Excellence in Bear Artistry lanche of entries to a shortlist of three first a trickle, soon turned into a veritable Awards, an exciting new finalists in each of the ten categories, torrent as the closing deadline approached. competition which was launched Susan invited four of the best known faces Entries from all corners of the globe were at Hugglets Winter Bearfest in within the bear world to act as judges. received - Sweden, Taiwan, Canada andFebruary, has been in the planning for Australia to name a few.several years and is the brainchild of Susan The highly respected and extremelyDavies of Bear Basics. well qualified judges for 2012 were The judges then began the difficult task Gregory Gyllenship (Gregory Bear, UK), of assessing each entry, awarding points For some time Susan had felt that there Linda Benson (Benson Bears, Tasmania), for composition, design and techniques,was a need for a new avenue through Michelle Lamb (One & Only Bears, workmanship and overall quality.which artists could showcase their most USA) together with Irene Jackman ofcreative designs, designs which are Hugglets. These points were then combinedincreasingly incorporating advanced tech- to give each entry an overall score. Theniques. And so The Excellence in Bear Not surprisingly, the new competition entries achieving the highest three scoresArtistry Awards, or EBAs, were born. received a very enthusiastic response from in each category were awarded a Judge’s artists around the world and entries, at After very careful consideration it wasdecided that in order to ensure that eve- Above right: Macen - Wendy Walker,ryone who wished to participate could do M. E. Bears.so, the competition would be based on Below left: Dappi - Lynn Bowie,photographic entries, as are many other Madabout Bears.very highly respected competitions around Below: Starla - Jenny Johnson, Threethe world. O’Clock Bears. Below right: William - Sue Smith, And in order to whittle down the ava- Kesseys Bears.42 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

THE CATEGORIES & NOMINEES: competitionCategory 1: Undressed Miniature Bear 3.5ins (9.5cms) or less Above: Just the Two of Us - Yvonne Andrew of Bebbin Bears.Nominees: Macen by Wendy Walker (M E Bears) Australia - Winner below: Dickens - Yvonne Rufus Willoughby by Brenda Power (Duffyantiques) Canada Andrew, Bebbin Bears. Wesley by Maria Blee (Blee Bears) UK bottoM: Thaddeus - Cheryl Hutchinson, Bingle BearsCategory 2: Dressed Miniature Bear 3.5ins (9.5cms) or less t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 43Nominees: Sadie May by Brenda Power (Duffyantiques) Canada Dodge by Natascha Sabo (Lefty Bears) Germany Lilibet by Ruth Bowman (Flutter-By Bears) UK - WinnerCategory 3: Undressed Bear 4”-12” (10cms-30cms)Nominees: Speedwell by Ann-Marie Dodd (BearMeToo) Sweden April Fool by Paula Carter (All Bear) UK Dappi by Lynn Bowie (Madabout Bears) UK - WinnerCategory 4: Dressed Bear 4”-12” (10cms-30cms)Nominees: Mr Pickwick by Elanor Andrews (Shantock Bears) UK Austin by Ann-Maire Dodd (BearMeToo) Sweden William by Sue Smith (Kesseys Bears) UK - WinnerCategory 5: Undressed Bear 12.5”-18”(31cms-45cms)Nominees: Summer by Yvonne Andrew (Bebbin Bears) UK Chino by Kim Russell (Russell Bears - right) Australia - Winner Truly by Jenny Johnson (Three O’clock Bears) UKCategory 6: Dressed Bear 12.5”-18” (31cms-45cms)Nominees: Nat Silver by Katherine Hallam (Katie Rae Bears) UK Seymoura by Chloe Johnson (Je Suis Lugly!) UK Thaddeus by Cheryl Hutchinson (Bingle Bears) USA - WinnerCategory 7: Undressed Bear 18.5” (46Cms) and aboveNominees: Dickens by Yvonne Andrew (Bebbin Bears) UK - Winner Dante by Jenny Johnson (Three O’clock Bears) UK Roscoe by Julie Shepherd - UKCategory 8: Realistic Animals and BearsNominees: Sierra by Lisa Page (Arcas Designs) UK Kaela by Silke Bormann (The Mountaineers) Germany Peter by Jean and Bill Ashburner (Bear Bits) UK - WinnerCategory 9: Other Soft SculptureNominees: Just Like That - Shelly Allison (The Rabbit Maker) UK Starla by Jenny Johnson (Three O’clock Bears) UK - Winner Ditsy Mouse - Elanor Andrews (Shantock Bears) UKCategory 10: TableauxNominees: Dorothy and Friends by Katherine Hallam (Katie Rae Bears) UK Sacha by Maria Collins (Puca Bears) Germany Just the Two of Us by Yvonne Andrew (Bebbin Bears) UK - WinnerChoice Award and a place in the online Teddy Bear Event Gala Dinner whichPublic Vote which took place from 1st was held in the Hilton Hotel, Sheffield onSeptember to 15th October. 17th November 2012. The final results of the Public Vote Each of the very worthy category win-were announced at a glittering awards ners received a beautiful personalisedceremony hosted at The Great Yorkshire crystal trophy. TBT

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 0AGNational Teddy Bear Artists’ FREYA IS the latest one of a kind cre-Awards Helps Children In Need ation from Kat Vardy of Brierley Bears. She is Kat’s very first moon-gazing hare. By Mary Millom Standing at approximately 9.5” tall, Freya is made from soft cream faux fur,TEDDY BEAR fans will recall the winning Jacqui and Lesley and the bear be donated and has cream ultrasuede inner ears,bear in the 2012 National Teddy Bear Artists’ to the 2012 Children In Need Appeal. black glass eyes and a perle cottonAwards, which had called for a bear rep- nose. She is fully jointed and is filledresenting the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Lesley saw this as a golden opportunity with heavy weight polyester fibre, withThe winner was made by one of the best to make a substantial donation some stainless steel balls in her tummyaward winning artists in the country, Jacqui for extra weight. Her face and the tipsWickenden. The Award winning bear was of her ears have been carefully handthen used in a display competition. This shaded to resemble an arctic hare.competition had been organized by SwanageTourist Information Centre for the best and an initiative to promote teddy bear art-Jubilee display window. Lesley McLintic’s istry to a wider public. The winning entry wasteddy bear shop, Brewins’ Bruins, duly won an excellent medium for this purpose. Thethe competition and was then filmed for BBC bear was made in white alpaca and dressedSouth Today. in a copy of the official Diamond Jubilee gown. Lesley, who does such a fantastic jobevery year in organizing the Awards, then To promote excellence in teddy bear art-came up with a bright idea. After a discus- istry to the full, Lesley then agreed to give ansion with Jacqui, it was agreed that the cost interview on BBC Radio Solent, followed upof the bear should be shared between with press releases published in local papers. This has undoubtedly resulted in long over- due recognition of the National Teddy Bear Artists’ Awards and all that this fine organiza- tion promotes. The climax of the whole endeavour came when the bear was finally sold on the Children In Need Ebay site. The bear started with an opening bid of 99p and rapidly pro- gressed to the magnificent sum of £690. Discussions are already in progress with the BBC for a new teddy bear promotion for next year’s Children In Need Appeal.44 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

TEDDY TALKDevon Bar Festival 2013 for all visitors and a resident café. Number” with the winner voted for by visitors There has been a great buzz in the to the fair. Last year saw the very first Devon BearFestival organised by Sarah & Steve Davis of bear community about this fair & many The 2013 Devon Bear Festival will beKingswear Bears. The Festival took place at exhibitors have quickly signed up to open to visitors from 10.30am until 3.30pmNewton Abbot Racecourse and was an over- attend. There will simply be hundreds on Sunday 17 March 2013. The entrance feewhelming success with many bear collectors of bears to choose from, whether you is £2.50 for adults, with free admission forflocking to see the exquisite bears, fabrics & prefer new bears, artist designed or under 14s.accessories that were on show. antique. For further information & the latest news Having received a very positive reac- If bear making is for you then you about this wonderful event, including antion from the exhibitors & visitors to the fair, will marvel at all the fabulous Schulte exhibitor list, please visit the website www.Kingswear Bears are delighted to announce fabrics, hand died mohair, bear mak- kingswearbears.com , or search Facebookthat the next DEVON BEAR FESTIVAL will be ing accessories and patterns that Bear for Devon Bear Festival.held on Sunday 17 March 2013. Basics of Somerset and BSB Bear Supplies of Cornwall will bring along. The Devon Bear Festival looks forward to The fair will once again be held at Newton Once again the Devon Bear Festival will welcoming you.Abbot Racecourse which is a very conve- feature a prize draw. The three prizes will benient location with easy road access from the £50, £20 & £10 vouchers from the Festival •Sarah & Steve, Kingswear Bears, 2a TheA38 & A380 (just off the M5). If you prefer organisers to use at any one of the stallsto arrive by train then Newton Abbot has a exhibiting on the day. Square, Dartmouth, Devon, TQ6 0AArailway station within three quarters of a mile As the Festival falls on St Patrick’s Day, www.kingswearbears.comof the venue, on the mainline from London the stallholders’ competition will be to design Email: [email protected]. a bear around the theme “Three is the Magic Tel: 01803 752632 Facebook: Devon Bear Festival The venue also offers ample free parkingHelen’s ‘Ice Bear’ wins at the 2012Cornwall Christmas Bear FairHELEN CLENNEL-White of Button Meadow Bears, Beacon Park, Plymouth, produced‘Ice Bear’ to win ‘The Best Christmas Bear’ Champagne Competition. Helen standsproudly with ‘Ice Bear’, her engraved silver trophy and bottle of real champagne. Helenis flanked by the joint organisers of the 2012 CORNWALL Christmas BEAR FAIR,staged at Lostwithiel Community Centre on Sunday 18th November. On the left Richard Butler - on the right Ian Dawson’ both of Westcountry BearFairs, based at URCHINS Bear Shop, which is now at Tintagel. Once again the Fair,now in its eighth year, was highly successful, well attended and thoroughly enjoyed byall exhibitors and visitors. Well over three hundred enthusiasts attended the 2012 CORNWALL ChristmasBEAR FAIR, at Lostwithiel Community Centre on Saturday 18th November, which hada real festive atmosphere, and a great number bought bears of all sizes and types,new and old. Several brought in teddies to be valued by Tricia of Teddies of Trenode.Other bears were brought in for restoration and a number had to be hospitalised by DrCassy at The Teddy Bear Hospital, Boconnic. All stall holders reported that they hadhad a thouroughly enjoyable day and many, a very profitable one. BSB Supplies from Plymouth, [Sharon Aish] did an excellent trade in all teddy bearrelated supplies, materials and accessories. Both Charity stalls - Cornwall HospiceCare and Animals Asia - were also very popular and reported good interest and sales.The free Teddy Prize Draw went down very well with the visitors and three of themwent away with Polar Bears, courtesy of URCHINS Bear Shop, now based in Tintagel.•For further Information: Please contact Richard Butler 01503 230851 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 45

artist profile Tteedednyybteinayrs Canadian bear artist Cheryl Brown not only works with clay as a medium, she makes her bears in miniature By Allison CroatNot everyone can look back after ished piece is always worth the time she Columbia, Canada, and looks over a quiet a day of work and say they love puts into it. “It is such a wonderful feeling treed tract of land. She begins by working what they do. Cheryl Brown, watching each sculpture come to life and on her one-of-a-kind pieces, which she however, is not one of those seeing how different their personalities sells not only online, but also in gift shopspeople. turn out once the fur has been applied,” and year-round Christmas stores. says Cheryl. Her task is made even more As a full-time miniature artist, Cheryl difficult by the size of her pieces. “Each After a bear is created, she carefullyis able to spend her days working on her of my creations are from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 adds fur a little bit at a time. Once thepassion. Her passion for bears stems not inches tall!” fur has been applied, she adds any extrafrom professional teaching, but from pieces, such as bows, hats, scarves, wings,within. A self-taught polymer clay artist, Cheryl loves making her bears in mini- etc. When the bear is deemed complete,Cheryl creates her bears from clay before ature and is always looking to the future.adding the fur, which she notes can take a All of her pieces are one-of-a-kind, and ABOVE LEFT: A miniature polar bear wearsvery long time. she is very excited about selling to a a winter toque and enjoys some Christmas worldwide audience. “Currently,” she says, candy. This little creature measures 3/4 inch It was only after working with other “I am working on creating jointed bears tall.mediums that Cheryl came across polymer and quarter-scale doll’s house miniatures.” BELOW LEFT: Cheryl says monkeys haveclay. “I created little bears and bunnies for With all of this planned, it is clear Cheryl always been one of her favourites. These littlemy children out of home-made playdough. likes to have a full plate; she also intends monkeys are swinging their little baby in aI was at a local craft store one day and to teach a class at her local Arts Counsel in blanket, and reminds Cheryl of swinging herpurchased polymer clay. I liked it right the future. little grandson.away! It was much easier to work with and BELOW: An adorable field mouse holds acame in many different colours. Adding So how does one set about creating basket of roses. Standing 1 inch tall, this littlethe fur came much later.” tiny teddy bears? Cheryl’s workplace is mouse was made without using any moulds in the front office of her home in British or paints. No matter how long it takes, the fin-46 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

artist profileCheryl takes her own photos of each piece. dren have given to her. Her mother also ABOVE LEFT: This sweet miniature mouse These little wonders are a joy to every- offers much in the form of inspiration. wears a beaded headband and sits beside a “My mother was a wonderful artist,” says basket of flowers. She was designed entirelyone. In fact, they are so great that Cheryl Cheryl. by Cheryl’s imagination.still has a few of her own pieces that she ABOVE: These miniature grey bear bookendscannot part with. “I still have a Noah’s It was her mother who first taught were created for a dollhouse child’s room.Ark filled with teeny tiny animals and a Cheryl how to make They have adorable bright blue noses.miniature winter scene of bears playing in figures out of paper LEFT: Polar Bear Fairy stands a tiny 3/4 inch-the snow.” mache when she was es tall, and is hand-made from polymer clay. younger. Though she The fur is viscose, which was added a little bit While miniature collectors all love started out making dif- at a time to give it a soft, plush look.Cheryl’s work, she admits that her ferent animals, Cheryllittle grandson is her biggest fan. says she has always loved THEBEARfacts“When he comes to visit he always teddy bears. “When Iwants to go into my work room and was five years old, I saved Cheryl’s Little Creationslook at all the new figurines. Then he Cheryl Brown - Mission, B.C.,gives them each a kiss!” money I made working Canada. after school in my Dad’s Website: www.cherylslittlecreations. Along with loving each and every shake and shingle mill to comfigure, her family is a huge support for purchase a little bear with Email: [email protected]. In fact, she says many of her long fur that you could brush.” cacreations are from ideas that her chil- And so her love of bears continues Available on: Ebay today. Though each piece she creates is Available on: Etsy small, it overflows with a passion that bub- One-of-a-kind collectable minia- bles forth from Cheryl. The future looks tures. Bears, other animals and bright for this larger-than-life miniature characters for all occasions bear artist. TBTRIGHT INSET: The Miniature Panda Fairywith colourful wings was created out of poly-mer clay. The viscose fur fibers were appliedto make it soft and fluffy. This little creaturestands 3/4 inch tall.RIGHT: Eeyore has been made using polymerclay. After he cooled from being in the oven,fur was added. Here he sits waiting for hisfriends to come and play. t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 47

Winter wonderlandREADERS’BEARS The best thing when the weather is bad is to try to enjoy it. And your bears certainly did. Here are some of them having some wintry fun. As the weather starts to improve hope- fully it will dry out too and we can get our walking boots on again. If you have photos of your bears using any form of transport, do send them in. Email your pics to jill@ ashdown.co.uk or post them on the TBT Facebook page. This charming bear is Gemma sent us this called Egel. His winter picture of her wonderful hobby is collecting nuts green bear, appropriately from the countryside. named Sprout. He had to He’s looking forward battle with the elements to roasting them later. in order to have this Thanks for the pic Fiona photo taken. Norry Finicky Snottykat had great fun on his toboggan with his friend AnnElise.Careful! Finicky Snottykattries to get to grips with thesnow on the road. Thanks toMaureen May for the photos48 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

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