TBT203

artistGALLERYBears ‘N’ Company By Ingrid Schmid Pipedream Bears By Jan & Sue The bear shown is ‘Viola Vanderbilt’ 8” (20.5 cm) along with ‘Lola’ 4”(10 cm). See us at Hugglets hall 1 stand no 11 www.bearsandpugs.com Telephone: 001 647 351 6427 Phone 0161 285 8254 Email: [email protected] ThReAdTeDs ®XXNELoWn!g!!Pilewww.threadteds.com Príncipe from El Taller de [email protected] by Nancy Santander The source for: “Welcome to my beautiful world” artist bears mini fabric website: www.eltallerdevioleta.com patterns & supplies email: [email protected]

teddytibmees arnow available on theteddytibmees arTHE REAL STORY BEHIND PADDINGTON BEAR FCRl1aE4iEmDtayroiyaulr £4.50 $8.50 DEC/JAN 13 teddybeartimes.com teddybearamerica.com● Experts Make a bear● Artists● News MUSICAL BEARSISSUE 202 Vintage and modern hit the right note 01_TBT 202.indd 1 Make a wishUntitled-3 1 08/11/2012 15:49 15/02/2012 10:04Enjoy both subscriptions and single issues of Teddy Bear Times magazine. Subscription £2.99 per month Delivered: MonthlySUBSCRIPTIONS Includes 14 day FREE trialAs issues are released, they’ll be available online in the My NOOK Librarysection of your account, NOOK and free NOOK app. Your default credit Single issue £3.99 per issuecard will be charged monthly. If you’re a first time subscriber to thispublication, you’ll receive a FREE 14 day trial. You may cancel anytimeduring your free trial by clicking on “Manage Subscriptions” in yourAccount or My NOOK Library, and you will not be charged.BUY CURRENT ISSUEYou also have the option to just purchase the current issue of Teddy BearTimes - just click on the “Buy Current Issue” button.

TEDDY TALKZION (pictured right) by Robert Formon is 12inches tall and made from hand dyed mohair,with glass eyes. His entire face and muzzlehave been needle felted with wool and thenmohair has been deeply rooted into the wool. His nose and claws were created fromepoxy clay and have been hand painted thenvarnished. Zion’s paws were created fromdeerskin. He has armature in both his arms andlegs and can be posed in many differentways. He is weighted with steel shot for anice life-like feel.Bearleigh Bears has new rangeSUSAN AT Bearleigh Bears has sent thesephotos of two elephants that have just beenadded to her range of bears and other softcollectables. bearMAIL Dear TBT I just wanted to say how much I enjoy reading Teddy Bear Times and enjoy see- ing the features about reader’s bears. I wanted to ask your help with a couple of questions: Q1: My partner has set me a challenge to make a smoking jacket for our teddy (it cropped up during a conversation about Sherlock Holmes!). Do you or any readers know where I could get a pattern to make one and what sort of material I should use? Q2: I have a couple of old teddies who still get a lot of attention but are a bit worn out and need to be left alone really. Is there anyone who can make a pattern just by looking at a bear so that I can try to make another one or is there someone out there that provides this kind of service? I am not talking expensive or exclusive bears - just ‘off-the-shelf ’ ones. Thank you Denise ED: If anyone can help Denise please email [email protected] and I will pass your suggestions or contact details on to her. t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 53

TeddiesBEAR DOCTOR T iny arrived with his under attack owner last summer. A victim of an overBeasts large and small prove not enthusiastic puppy,to be a bear’s best friend his owners were unable to find a suitable restorer in By Amanda Middleditch and Julie Tatchell Oz so decided to look in this country as they wereW ith all the bustle and BFF Bartie Bristle 2013 of have discovered remarkable planning a visit anyway. The and excitement of course! similarities in the majority of pictures do not show a true the festive season these cases. Dog attack victims representation of his size - he now but a memory Back to the subject for this usually arrive with no eyes, no was only approximately sixand all the decorations pushed issue; pest attack. Firstly we nose and/or muzzle and often inches tall. Tiny was in lotsback in to the loft until the next would like to reassure you of all of the above! They share of pieces. He was one oftime, here at Bear It In Mind we our stringent methods for the similar stories of how the event the most severe dog attackare ready and eager to launch prevention of contamination occurred: more often than victims we have ever seen.in to the New Year. We don’t from moth or beetle within our not the dogs have been left Most of his body was leftworry ourselves with issues studio for the wellbeing and alone for a bit too long or have untouched but his head hadsuch as trying to remove the safety of all our visiting bears. become distressed for some been bitten off, his eyes pulledChristmas excesses from our All our patients spend a suitable other reason. Take this as a out although not eaten andhips; no we need those cuddly length of time in the freezer on warning; please don’t leave your his stuffing torn out before hislayers to fight the cold that sets their arrival. The bears are quite precious teddy bears within face was shredded (we can’tin here in Beaulieu during the happy for this to happen. They reach of your dog. Our first case afford to be squeamish in thiswinter months. Working in a simply drop in to a kind of hiber- study focuses on Tiny who trav- job!). Thankfully his ownersstudio that was originally built as nation which is really quite restful elled all the way from Australia were able to provide us witha donkey shed does have a few and prepares them for whatever and a cinnamon Deans from the some old photographs of howdisadvantages. their medical procedure will be. late 50’s. TBT Tiny had looked in his youth. At the beginning of January We wanted to include dog We set about studying thewe were thrilled to introduce attack in this feature as we pieces to establish what wentour Bartie Bristle for 2013. where and if we could still useAffectionately named BFF Bartie ABOVE: Good it. We found one ear and the(Best Friend Forever for those of example of back of his head was still pret-you who don’t know text talk), moth damage. ty much intact. Unfortunately,he joins our fast growing fam- RIGHT: the remaining pieces wereily and represents the lifelong 2013 Bartie too small or unidentifiable solove that a teddy will bring to Bristle we were unable to use them.his owner. With that in mind, The owners found it very inter-we haven’t forgotten that we esting when we pointed outpromised to return to our oldies his stuffing was actually trim-in this issue and will be sharing mings left over from his fabricsome of our experiences of pest when he was originally madeattack: moth, dog and carpet and from this we were ablebeetle! More later. to fashion a second ear. Next we set about cleaning him to Hugglets Winter Bearfest is remove all traces of dog.just around the corner and wewill be in our usual basement Using the photographsspot. provided we were able to establish that his face had This time you will have the a seam running down thechance to meet some of our centre and no gusset as younew range of mini Barties, would expect from a moreour jumbo baggy belly Bartie traditionally made teddy. After sourcing a suitable fabric for the replacement parts, as the scraps were not big enough to use for anything other than the ear, we used the relatively

BEAR DOCTORBear doctors turn to CASE STUDYInternational RescueTiny ted is restored for his long trip home Tiny on arrival undamaged back of the head as would never insist, as some of TOP AND ABOVE: Moth a guide to the size of his face. these details are very personal. damage.ABOVE: Tiny on arrival Now we could put Tiny back Tiny is now in Australia with his BELOW: Signs of moth infes-BELOW: Tiny on his way home. together. We were able to use very happy owners. tation. his original eyes and stitched Now let’s move on to pests bags or cedar wood blocks him a little nose replicating the we all need to be aware of. The and mothballs or other man original as seen in the photo- damage caused by the larvae of made deterrents. Personally graph. Although Tiny’s owner the moth or carpet beetle can we avoid the use of chemical- had had him since he was a be devastating and very upset- ly based products and recom- boy, the bear was not new ting. Such problems are not mend the natural alternatives. restricted to the antique bears. There are no guarantees with and never had two arms. We Any bear made using a natural these preventative measures were asked to leave him this fibre such as mohair, wool felt, and we still advocate stringent way. Details like this are so cotton and alpaca will be sus- checking and moving. With all important to the owners and ceptible so this includes some that said, please don’t panic although we might feel that newer or artist bears also. We and please don’t have any a correct restoration should know that moths do not like to creepy crawly nightmares. We be disturbed so make sure you promise to bring you some- mean returning our patients move, brush or gently vacuum thing more cheerful in the next as closely to their origi- your bears regularly and check issue. TBT nal state as possible, we for signs such as larvae cases, loose fur, bald patches and the telltale granular deposits left by the defecating larvae. (See photo). If you suspect infesta- tion, do not hesitate but remove him from your collection, seal him in a plastic bag and pop him in the freezer for about ten days. He won’t mind; it’s for his own good and this will kill any live creatures or eggs. Check the surrounding members of your hug and treat the same as necessary. Once this is done, expert advice may be required to deal with cleaning or repairs. The signs of carpet beetle are slightly different. The balding tends to look more like a trail through the fur and bears sitting or stand- ing on the floor are most susceptible but treatment is the same. Further methods to help deter moth and carpet beetle include stra- tegically placed lavender t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 55

vintage bears1915 pretty Farnell my own bear COLLECTION Our resident old bear expert Jill Byron discusses becoming an arctophile and introduces some of the special bears in her hug By Jill ByronIcan’t remember when or even why I recommended Phil James, who lives in the was a lot cheaper before I bought a com- decided to start collecting bears but South West. puter! I had some money in the bank then I do know that at least twelve years but I now have to save up for every bear I ago, just before Christmas, I saw a I took him to Phil, who did a superb buy. I also go to any bear fair within rea-huge cuddly bear in a motorway service job on him and when I went to collect sonable reach of us and rarely come awayarea. My husband bought him for me as a him, I got talking to Penny, his wife, who empty-handed.present and I named him ‘Alexander Bear.’ I suspect all arctophiles will know well.He sat in solitary splendour for a short She told me: “Once you have started col- I have lost count of the number oftime, after which he was joined by two lecting old bears, you won’t want the new bears I have but some stand out in mygrey teddies, which I liked because of their ones.” This has not been strictly true, as I mind, either because they are very special,unusual colouring. The trickle of bears still buy the odd nice new bear but I have or they have been a bargain at an auction,turned into a flood as I bought more and to admit that this is a very rare occurrence or they have helped me through some verymore, some from car boot sales and some now. I leave it to my husband John to difficult times in my life.from toy shops. buy the new ones for himself – yes he has become an arctophile too – whilst I collect I have two very special bears like We live in Shropshire, not far from the old ones. this. The first is Ernst, a wonderful oldIronbridge and on a visit there one day I Clemens bruin I bought from Vickydiscovered Bears on the Square and the The websites of the bear dealers are Gwilliam just after I lost my horse. I wasMerrythought factory, which was abso- addictive and I visit them most days. Life terribly upset and she suggested that Ilutely fatal. I started visiting them fre- went to the Bear Fair at Birmingham toquently and began to buy some really nice 1920s cream tipped cheer myself up. She had Ernst on herteddies from both of them. red Deans bear. stand and it was love at first sight. He has a serious but very kind face and I couldn’t The real turning point in my bear col- resist him. I bought him and for manylecting however, came when I went to a months I would go into the bear room andlocal auction, where I bought my first old sit and cuddle him before I went to bed.bruin. ‘Chilty’ was sold as a 1930s Chad He was so comforting – I would neverValley bear and came wearing his original have believed that a teddy bear could helpscarf. I saw him and fell in love with him so much but he did and eventually he tookimmediately and knew I had to have him. his place amongst my other bruins withoutHe came home with me that night, and me crying all over him every night.that was when the ‘bear bug’ really tookhold of me. Justin is even more special. I bought him from a charity shop when I was on I took him along to the Bear Fair at holiday, because he had such a lovely gen-Moat House a few weeks later and asked tle ‘bear-like’ face. He is a modern bearPam Pudvine if she could identify him for but I love him very dearly. When I lost myme. She said he was a 1930s Chiltern, not boxer bitch eight years ago, I was devas-a Chad Valley and as he was absolutely tated. Sheba wasn’t very old and she diedfilthy, with the odd moth egg still adher- suddenly and horribly. I couldn’t cope withing to him, I asked her if she knew of her loss at all and Justin slept with me foranyone who could clean him for me. She nine months until I bought another boxer56 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

vintage bearsEarly Terry’s bear. Ernst. vintage German Clemens bear 1930s Chiltern Chilty. My very first old bear.puppy, who filled the huge hole that Sheba I have a gorgeous old small red I bought four of these delightfulhad left in my heart. Without him, I don’t American bear and a lilac girl who joined characters from the ‘Rupert Bear’ seriesknow what I would have done. my hug some years ago. Both were bought from Marianne Brim at Birmingham a from Elwyn Roberts of Sad Pad Bears, few years ago. She had two different col- Local auctions have been a fruitful who has sadly given up now. oured Ruperts, Bill Badger and Edwardsource of old bears as well. One of the Trunk. All are coloured art silk Chilternsgreatest bargains I have ever had was Tim, ‘Blue’ is a superb Petz bear with a sweet designed by Pam Howells, which chimea 26 inch Farnell, bought for the princely face who came from Martin Kidman. I when shaken.sum of £20!! He had been found in a tip was browsing Martin’s site one day andand was rescued by someone who obvi- on the ‘Various’ page, this beautiful blue I always try to buy from reputable deal-ously didn’t know what they had. I was bear sat looking at me, simply begging for ers if I can, as it is easy to buy fakes fromoffered £500 for him a week later but a home. He was another ‘must-have’ and someone who may not even know it is adidn’t want to sell him. I’m afraid I bought him as well. fake if they don’t know their bears. I have also found many other old Musical and ting-a-ling bears are There are several people from whombears, including several old Chilterns, a another passion of mine. It is surprising I used to buy regularly. One of these washuge old Merrythought bear and a small, how many pandas and teddies do have a Vicky Gwilliam at Edelweiss. She used tosweet faced, early Chad Valley at these chime inside them and I try to buy these have the Teddy Bear Chest and I have hadlocal sales over the years. I love coloured whenever I see them. many really lovely bears from her, one ofbears and have many old ones in my hug.Sitting watching me in my office as I write Redford early red Small Fechter bearare two Chilterns, Tessa and Freddie, American bear. with label.one pink and one blue. They sit on thelap of Fulbrook, a large white Farnellwho I bought from Bourton Bears andwho I named after their home village ofFulbrook, where they were living at thetime. I have several other coloured Chilterns,a multicoloured ting-a-ling, whose makerI don’t know and two sixties Farnells inpink and yellow. A very pretty pink 1930s art silk ChadValley teddy came to live with me a fewyears ago. She has a sweet face, whichensured I fell for her as soon as I saw herbut she would love a blue boyfriend. Ihave seen other pink Chads but never ablue one until recently, when I just misseda blue bear exactly like her on one of thewebsites. t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 57

vintage bearsVintage Cramer bear. 1930s silver tipped Old unusual American bear. Merrythought bear from Rye.the most beautiful being a 1915 Farnell on its website. new. They are fairly recent additions butwho looks just like an old Steiff. Francesca I have a purple Chad Valley, bought on they go so well with the teddies and add ais a lovely bear and I couldn’t resist her real splash of colour to my hug. The onlyat one of the Birmingham fairs. Another ebay, two Pixie Toys bears named Jennings trouble is that there is now not enoughacquisition from Vicky was a large bear and Darbishire, a very pretty blue 1930s room for us and the bears. We’ll have tonamed Albert, who is absolutely fabulous. Chad Valley, bought from Blue Ribbon move house soon in order to accommodate Bears, a lovely little Terrys bear; an Invicta them all! Pam Pudvine is another reputable deal- bear, bought at the Birmingham Bear Fairer from whom I have also bought bears. a few years ago, a Chad Valley Peacock John has put up shelves all over theMany years ago at the Moat House bear bear and my latest acquisition, which is house, which at least ensures that they canfair, a gorgeous cinnamon Knickerbocker a gorgeous 1920s brown Bing, both of all be seen now but I really haven’t roomof hers caught my eye. ‘Theo’ is a really which I bought from Leanda Harwood, for many more.big chap but as I love the large bruins, I also at Birmingham. Leanda does havehad to have him. Pam’s prices were always some superb bears and I am always There isn’t room here to describe evenvery reasonable and she was another per- delighted when I can buy one from her. a fraction of my bears but I love them allson who was totally genuine and knew her in different ways.bears. Sadly, she also has given up and no I collect old toys, automata, pandaslonger sells them. and animals as well as the bears and have Since becoming an arctophile, I am cer- quite a collection of gollies, both old and tainly poorer financially but I’m infinitely More recently I was lucky richer in the pleasure the bears bring me,enough to buy a 1930s red so for anyone thinking of starting a hug,Chad Valley and two other red go ahead and do it. It will be one of thebears as well. These all came most rewarding things you will ever do. TBTfrom the Old Bears Brigade,which has some lovely bears ED: We would love to hear about your hugs. If you have some good, clear digital photo- graphs, (ideally as large as your camera will take them), why not email them to us with a short piece about yourself and your bears. You may see them in a future issue of TBT. Email them to [email protected] Very early Farnell and Pedigree Tingaling panda Robbie - small red German bear.58 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

artist profileOalwncaeysaacrcarfateftre,rHelen of TBT meets and chats with Sue Munden ofBramble Cottage Bears about how she first becamea bear artist and when her love of crafting first began by Helen BoothIn the South of England, This resulted in a small bear explains it’s like a sliding puz- commissions as she feels her on the edge of the made out of “fun fur” and a zle with only one empty square best work comes from her own picturesque New Forest, new obsession for Sue. to move things around. Her imagination which does not lives Sue with her son and space not only contains all her have limits or constraints as toa gang of feline fur babies. Although she mainly works bear making necessities but what someone else thinks theIn a wonderfully bijou third with mohair, Sue has ventured paper crafts, jewellery bits, gift bear should end up lookingbedroom she designs and into other kinds of natural boxes and craft books, to name like. She says that her advicecreates the bears of Bramble fibre fabrics such as the floral just a small selection of what to other crafters is “when youCottage Bears. patterned cotton which she she has stored ready to use. find your own style, stick with used to make the stunning bear it otherwise you may inadvert- Sue has not been making Rosa Lea. Everything on all Sue sells her bears through ently upset your collectors.”bears for that long - she started her bears is completely hand her website, word of mouth, One of the bears that camein autumn 2008 - but she sewn as she feels that, though and occasionally eBay. She has from this fantastic imaginationhas been an avid crafter since it does take longer, each stitch visited and exhibited at craft was Muffy which is one ofbefore primary school, learning can be placed precisely and fairs as well as showing at the Sue’s all-time favourites andhow to both knit and sew. Her the curves on a bear are a lot Brewins’ Bruins Bear Fairs at had a hard time giving himfirst ventures in selling her smoother. Sue finds inspiration Minstead Hall. Unfortunately up for adoption. Luckily, oneown hand crafted wares actu- from lots of places, including for collectors, Sue isn’t as of Sue’s close friends adoptedally began in primary school the fabric she is currently using active on the fair circuit as Muffy so she can go and visitwhen she would supply local as well as things around her. she would like due to health him whenever she likes.charity fairs with her knitted Her first jointed bear ended issues but she does recommendtoys and baby clothes. This up looking facially like one them to anyone who would like Looking towards the futurelead to her making furry toys of her feline fur babies – not to enjoy a day meeting new Sue is currently updating heras a teenager which she sold intentionally but obviously the friends and buying lots of gor- website with all her crafts andto many friends and family moggy had a big influence. geous bears. creations and has recentlyand also supplied to a market added a larger shopping capa-trader. The craft room where Sue This year Sue entered her bility. works has a natural light bulb very first teddy bear artist Later in life, Sue began and a floor standing natural competition and was privileged In an ideal world she wouldcreating bags, toys, jewellery light lamp and though it is enough to win two awards in like to expand her site to notand unique clothing which small, it is very organised. She the NTBAA. Sue doesn’t take only sell and showcase hershe sold mainly through eBay lovely bears but to sell herand craft fairs. In 2008, while friends creations - possible col-browsing the craft category of lectables, vintage and antiquesan online selling website, she too. This is a long term goalcame across a knitted bear kit though as it’s not somethingfor 99p. She enjoyed mak- she feels could just happening this so much that she did overnight. In the meantime,another search using the word Sue will continue to make herbear and discovered a book on one of a kind bears and keephow to make miniature bears. crafting. TBT t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 59

ARTIST PROFILEiStteupppingKelly Graham pushes aboveand beyond with each newpiece she creates By Allison CroatIt all began with a trade. At a doll cloth, Kelly took her first step into bear Though working from home allowed her and teddy bear show in 1997, Kelly artistry and cut into her mohair, and she’s to work on the bears while the kids were Graham traded some Muffy bears never looked back. taking naps, Kelly has stepped up her she had made for some mohair and game even more. “I can devote more timepatterns from a local teddy bear artist. Now, after retiring from doing 36 years and energy to my bears now,” she says. “IAfter a few practice bears with regular of home childcare, Kelly is able to eas- take needle felting with me wherever I go: ily merge her home life and her creating. The Birthday Surprise bears are ABOVE: Though beautiful together, the Three hoping to find out what’s in the Amigos bear, rabbit and orangutan have all box! The father stands 12 inches, parted company and gone their separate and his three boys range from ways. They are made with mohair bodies, 5-6.5 inches. They are all needle- but the rabbit and the orangutan both have felted and have glass eyes. needle-felted faces. BELOW: Oh Danny Boy plays on his bag- pipes and stands a whopping 26 inches. He wears a full Graham tartin kilt and has a working toy bagpipe. He now resides in a restaurant in NYC.60 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

ARTIST PROFILEABOVE: Sledding down the hill is Hanz, a out where to go next.”white mohair bear. He stands 14 inches and It’s fun to see how inspiration flowsenjoys the many snowy days in the RockyMountains. from her mind into her pieces. They areRIGHT: Leonardo is a depiction of Despero. whimsical and inquisitive, pulling you inHe won both the TOBY’s People’s Choice and with their playfulness. It would be easy forthe Golden Teddy Awards for his division. He Kelly to want to keep some of her pieces,is needle-felted and wears a handmade outfit. but so far she has managed to part withBELOW RIGHT: Phinneus is a large needle- her creations. “I love to share my art!” shefelted “White Rabbit” that stands 30 inches says.tall. He has a beautiful coat, cane and pocketwatch, and is a People’s Choice winner. Kelly And there is much to love about hersays that he was especially hard to part with, art, and about teddy bears. Kelly admitsas he was her pride and joy. that the thing she loves most about bears is how each one develops its own personal-in the car, on the plane—I always have ity as it is being made. “With just a slightsomething with me.” change to one part of the pattern, or the way you trim and finish the face, each There is a lot of support that comes piece becomes unique.”from the Graham home in Colorado. “Myhusband enjoys going to the shows with And with each unique piece, Kelly’sme and always compliments my work. I work becomes more impressive. She ishave two daughters and two granddaugh- currently working on more needle feltingters that are always waiting to see what I and on expanding from just bears to mak-make next. They have always been very ing other animals. Beginning with a simplesupportive.” trade for some mohair, Kelly has grown to be a bear artist you should know. TBT Along those same lines, Kelly hasnamed her husband her biggest fan. “He t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 61is very honest with me, and he encouragesme to step it up.” And so she does. Each piece begins with an inspiration.“I get a lot of ideas from children’s booksand greeting cards. And of course, I getgreat suggestions from my granddaugh-ters.” Kelly has set up shop in a convertedbedroom she calls her studio. “It has twowindows for lots of light, and plenty ofroom for my sewing machine. It also hasa nice comfortable chair, which makes it areally nice place to work.” Once she is settled in her studio, Kellybegins her creating routine. “I usually startthe day looking through old bear maga-zines or children’s books. Then I pick outone of the pieces I have started and figure

bearmaking By Julie ShepherdPlDeaesareJhueliel,p me to...More tips and helpful advice fromour resident bear-making expertW elcome to another problem page. some or all of these methods to In this issue I help you bear to stand unaided. If you decide to make the hear from an foot pads slightly larger, don’texperienced needle crafter keen forget that you will also need toto make her first bear - but I’m increase the size of the bottomstarting with a question I have of the leg too. And it can some-been asked many times. Is it times be necessary to raise thepossible to get a bear to stand height of the instep slightly towithout having to clamp him in allow for this increase in size.a metal stand? I have read that lining theYes, it certainly is.....but you footpad with cardboard canneed a little patience, so with help to keep the foot flat andthat in mind... this may be worth trying if you•I’m making a bear that I are having problems but per- sonally, I have never found thiswant to be able to stand necessary.unaided - I really don’t want If you plan to add someto have to use a stand for weight to the feet but are wor-him so what should I do so ried about keeping the shot inthat he will be able to main- the right place when addingtain his balance? Despite my stuffing, make some muslinbest efforts so far, he still inserts that are slightly smallerhas too much wobble for my than the footpad.liking. Stitch around the edge, leav- ing a small opening throughLike you, I feel that if a bear which you can pour the shot,is to stand, it is much better if then stitch the opening closed.he can do it on his own without I usually stitch across the insertthe aid of a metal stand and so a couple of times - this will formhe will need to be perfectly bal- pockets which will keep theanced. shot evenly distributed and stopSlightly larger feet will give it from rolling to one end.him a bigger area to stand on Add a very thin even layerand this will help his stability. of stuffing into the foot beforeAdding some weight to thesoles of his feet will help too. TOP RIGHT: Make a muslin footHe will need very tight leg joints insert.and it goes without saying that MIDDLE RIGHT: Fill with shotkeeping the footpads as flat as and close opening.possible is very important. RIGHT: Sew into sections to hold the shot in place. You may choose to use62 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

bear makingcarefully putting the shot-filled more time to get the perfect You will have detailed step- ABOVE: Some of the teddyinsert in place. Make sure that result will be time well spent. by-step instructions which bear making books available.it is completely flat. Gradually will guide you through all theadd more stuffing taking care •I’ve done a lot of needle- processes involved in the cre- them concentrate on the basicsnot to disturb the insert - if the ation of your bruin. As you gain of design. When you feel con-insert does start to crinkle, roll work in the past, mainly experience you may find that fident enough to try to designup or move about - stop and dressmaking, so I am not you prefer to carry out some of a bear of your own, I thinkstraighten it out before continu- a novice needlewoman but the steps involved in a differ- reading about the subject asing. And don’t stuff too hard as I’ve always loved bears and ent order but for a first bear it much as possible will help youyou need to keep the footpad I would like to try to create will be easier if you follow the immensely. You will find adviceas flat as possible to make my own. instructions carefully. covering everything from differ-standing easier - you certainly ent pattern shapes, ratios fordon’t want bulging footpads. I’ve bought a couple of Using a kit will also show the different pieces, choosingBut having said that, you will kits (I like the vintage look- you how certain shapes look the most appropriate joint size,need to stuff the leg firmly ing bears) and I wonder if when made up. As you say you stuffing evenly, positioning ofenough to support the weight this is the best way to start? have two kits, I am assuming ears to choosing the right sizeof your bear, so it is a bit of a Any advice would be very that they will include different of eyes and the best positionbalancing act! welcome. patterns and making up each for them. will teach you how a small varia- You’ll probably find it easier If you’ve never made a bear tion in shape can give a very But I do have to warn you...if you use nut and bolt joints in before, a kit is a perfect way dramatic change to the finished bear making is very addic-the legs simply as you will have to start. My first ever bear was bear. tive and once bitten by themore control over the tightness created from a kit. He was a bear bug, you will find that it isof the joint - and the tighter the very traditional little chap cre- But if when, having made up impossible to have too muchjoint, the less movement there ated from pale gold mohair and your kits and you are looking fabric. And on shopping tripswill be and the more likely your although he is very different around for your next project, you will always be on the look-bear is to stand on his own two from the style I eventually devel- don’t be put off the idea of out for ribbons and other bitsfeet. If you use cotter pins it oped, making him taught me buying a pattern and making and bobs that will make beauti-may be more difficult to tighten some invaluable lessons. some of the decisions yourself. ful accessories for your bears.the joints sufficiently. Any of the specialist suppliers Making a bear from a kit not only provide a source of Good luck - and it would be And you will also have to means that all the decisions fabulous fabrics but will also be lovely to see your first efforts, sobear ‘balance’ in mind as you have been made for you. very happy to dispense plenty please do send a photo of yourcreate the rest of your bear. Someone with experience will of advice too. They will be very bear when he is finished.Weighting the feet is a very have carefully designed a bear, happy to give you guidancegood start, but if the leg joints chosen the perfect mohair and as to which of their fabrics will Well, that’s all for this issue.are not placed very accurately selected all the components give you the most appropriate As always, please keep yourthis could undo all your good needed to create him. You will finish for the look you want to questions coming - and remem-work and upset his equilibrium. also have the advantage of a achieve. ber there is no such thing as aIf you add shot to his tummy, photo, so you’re able to see silly question. If it’s somethingyou’ll need to consider how this what your finished bear will look And don’t forget that there that is bothering you, it’s prob-could throw him off balance too. like. are wonderful teddy bear mak- ably something that is bothering ing books available which are a someone else too. So it’s not that easy but it’s ‘If you’ve constant source of inspirationwell worth the effort. and knowledge - and some of So until next time, happy never made a sewing! TBT When I am creating a bear bear before, aI want to stand, I usually com-plete him as fully as possible ’kit is a perfectbefore making any final adjust-ments. I fully joint him, stuff the way to start.arms and sew closed, I alsoadd the ears, and then I stuff Most kits contain everythingthe legs and body but don’t you will need; the only thingssew them closed so I can study missing may be the sewingmy bear and see if I am happy thread and/or the stuffing, butwith the effect. If not, I remove thread can be bought at anythe stuffing, adjust the position- haberdashers and stuffing caning of the shot, or whatever is be purchased in small quantitiesnecessary to get the result I from specialist suppliers.want. Don’t be afraid to undosome of your work if your bearis tottering slightly. In the long run, taking a little t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 63

shopWINDOW By Charlotte ColdwellThe Teddy Bear Shop If you’re looking for antique bears, or even more modern but pre-loved bears, you’re sure to find them at The Teddy Bear ShopHidden away down an as well. It was ten years ago The Teddy Bear Shop, you However, people seem to be old country lane in when I started over the way can also be certain of finding buying certain bears for a dif- Frodsham, Cheshire, and then seven years ago I a good deal, as the majority of ferent reason now. “I’m finding lies Lady Heyes Crafts took the sweet shop on too.” the bears are at an extremely that as people are collecting,and Antique Centre. What used affordable price, with most of collecting and collecting, they’reto be a farm dating back to Gill’s bears are all pre- them between twenty and forty running out of space, so to addthe 1800s is now a charming owned, meaning each one pounds. There is still a lot of to their collection they need tocollection of stores in an old- is individually chosen by interest in Steiff and people are keep the size small, and min-fashioned setting. It’s here you Gill, adding a personal touch willing to pay a slightly higher iature bears have become verywill find The Teddy Bear Shop, to her shop and can range price for their classic bears but popular.”owned by Gill Kelly, who also from the immaculate to rag- Gill says that she finds Chilternowns the Tasty Buds Sweet gedy, well-loved bears. “I tend bears to be quite popular too. Spit the Dog also sells veryShop at Lady Heyes, which is to specialise in Chiltern, Chad well, as Bob Carolgees, whowhere I met her to chat. Valley, Pedigree, Merrythought, Herman and Steiff. American Gill has liked bears since she bears go very well when Iwas a child but it wasn’t until can get hold of them, as doher late thirties that she actually European bears - the onesbecame a collector, rediscover- that have got a bit of charactering her love of teddy bears. “I about them. I tend to go forjust spotted a couple of bears jointed bears. Then, a little bitthat took my eye and rekindled more modern, I find the Bigmy interest, then I started col- Softies bears are very popular.lecting.” Gill told me. “Then I I have quite a few Gabriellecame across Lady Heyes here, Bears, and Little Folk, of Devon.which had a lot of antique and Also, with the old bears, mycollectable units but actually own preference is completelynobody selling old bears or old bald old bears. I’ll sell anythingtoys. I just decided that I could from the completely baldy onesindulge my own passion by that are loved to bits to thebuying and selling, so I took out ones in better condition, so Ia unit in the Edwardian building. do get a lot of immaculate oldSince then I’ve expanded a little bears coming through my shopbit, so I’ve got an even bigger as well.”unit now and I have my bears However, there are morehere [in the sweet shop] for sale than just bears available. “I mix in a few tinplate toys, mechani- cal tin toys and of course TV and film characters. I’ve got Nookie Bear over there and I also have vintage puppets, so there is more than bears to entice people in to the shop.” When you decide to visit64 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

SHOP WINDOWappeared with the puppet, breathe?” It really does happen sells some on eBay too but she to her customers’ needs andhappens to own the candle a lot, so I love that. And also if a believes that selling bears will Gill believes that this will be theshop next door and when bear comes...bare, I have a nice always remain mainly a face- only way her shop may changepeople see him they’ll ask Gill collection of vintage stuff and to-face business. Even if you in the future too. “If the custom-if she has a Spit the Dog toy I like dressing them up to suit can’t afford it right away, she ers’ needs change then I willfor sale. their character. It’s things like will arrange a layaway system change my business accord- that, finding the right clothing, so you can still adopt your ingly,” Gill told me. “That’s how Gill also collects bears her- that I enjoy.” bear. “Most of my business will it’s evolved so far. I get custom-self and she showed me her always be the hands-on aspect ers turning round and saying,first bear which is an old Chad She also finds that nowa- of people coming to see and “Do you ever get any so-and-soValley that she found in a char- days, people don’t worry as feel and collect a teddy bear. I bears in?” So I’ll go out of myity shop. “The leg with his label much about the label on the would offer a layaway service way to get them and then I findon had fallen off completely, he bear but are more interested in for anyone interested in buying other people also like that kindhad no stuffing left, no eyes and the face and whether he ‘talks’ anything from me and I ask for of bear.”I think I paid a fiver for what was or not. “When teddy bear col- around a quarter of the costleft of him,” Gill said, laughing. lecting first became popular in as deposit. Then they can pay So if you’re looking for“And because there was not the eighties, I don’t think we the balance over the next three antique bears at a great price ormuch left of him, I called him realised just how many obscure months. That’s what I’m happy just want to speak to somebody‘Arf-a-Bear’, because he was manufacturers there were,” said to do, and I will sell them either with a range of knowledge ononly half a bear. When I had a Gill. “We were always trying to nationally or internationally.” old teddy bears, pop in to Thebit more money I sent him off to appoint them to the top five and Teddy Bear Shop in Frodshambe re-stuffed and he’s now got now I think we accept that there The way that her shop has and you’ll be sure to find a newa squeak in him; he’s got eyes are a lot more makes of bear. I adapted so far is by adhering character that you’ll love. TBTand he’s got his old pyjamas think people go on the charac-on as well” She also has quite ter of the bear now. I try to get THEBEARfactsa few Chilterns but will tend bears that look quite different toto adopt bears that she buys each other so that they talk to The Teddy Bear Shop (inside The Edwardian Room),for the shop for a while, before the customer and go, “Cooee!” Lady Heyes Crafts & Antiques Centre, Kingsley Road,making them available for col- - they basically choose the cus- Frodsham, Cheshire, WA6 6SUlectors to buy. tomer rather than the customer Tel. 07411 317956 Shop Number: 07412 330706 choosing them.” Email: [email protected] Gill now sells more old Website: www.ladyheyes.co.ukcollectable bears since she You can ring Gill to findfirst opened, rather than the out what bears she has as she Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-5pmcheaper, modern bears, asshe’s learnt that this is wherethe main market is. However,despite the way her shop haschanged, she still enjoys thesame aspects of it. “My favou-rite part is when a customer isreally delighted with a bear andwhen they’re paying for it theysay, “Will you leave his headout of the bag so that he can t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 65

bear patternfWroITmHULkOrVaEineThis cute alpaca teddy has been designedby one of our featured artist’s from last issue,Oksana Skliarenko Translation in to English by Zhelobytska TamaraYOU’LLneed T race the pattern pieces on to side head pieces. cardboard and cut out to make Using a very fine, sharp pair of scissors, PaTTerN PIeCeS: templates. Make the number of ■ Side head 1 – two pieces pieces given in the list of pattern cut out your pieces, remembering to cut ■ Side head 2 – two pieces pieces. ONLY the backing material and not the fur. ■ head gusset – one piece ■ ears – four pieces Lay your templates on the wrong side Copy all markings on to the pattern piec- ■ body 1 – two pieces of the fabric and trace around the pattern es for placing seams and darts and mark ■ body 2 – two pieces pieces on to the fabric, matching the arrows with lines the places to leave open between ■ arms (face side) – two pieces to the pile of your fur. Pay special atten- stitching. ■ arms (back side) – two pieces tion to the direction of pieces which have a ■ Paw pads (front) – two pieces reverse ‘twin’ ie. legs, side body parts and Making up ■ Paw pads (back) – two pieces ■ legs – four pieces Head: Put the side head pieces together – ■ Tail – two pieces ARTIST PROFILE MaTerIalS: ■ aplaca or Mohair = Fuplrloomf EisaesternbcTurheteaatereendcaihnlsaotnhtueinsUgedkbretaoainrteseaaocnfhdOckchsoialldlnercaetnSedkliwaroernldkwoidaree OstSUchafschinmasiiritkxfonutdeeseiarodtnrcaaOyakKbslcclucUeiselteehnkeoiac.reasUiskirawshsnvarastrf.nsaoikgnaucoaHsfriauilnnMantadattbead.kheieeitwecdnasnoradsIaiso.ntniuaadcnsidhasubgSrnihctnbisibdrh2enuhaeasetsoeet0asrredTeeuyieSodyvr0oeettensikkt’ehr8nnsdeaooialftemdrtbfaditoisdsamchbaneyhpErraarehrcoieesuesksgnpSidoauenpalbirgroltamvulnttkeeeuovlerecicgdetotaefgedseaeisetnbshaaixtebd,thps.odielnehdtsedoiaoebdnsiiaaadsn‘ypozntoticrnyaetnnutoslbahtdmhvdusalhkbnefeaetrldeobpeartdrerihiuarryeennsregcghstaoingr-heirtgsCrOfautirtlmelinohtiekuUoeseiodTvsipoansxbnsftseakynrOh.shmdtlntysoraayiTeoklfo“ebakmayluyrrynaIit’hiiseoenstsotnnroaoahbexeimsiwntognfwraumehe’feanedanayaamiEmwdebbsicrsaltponiestuisieiirfaattv.ftlblaaferIhinyeinteeoItreotneadisharhscnbtnosehe2hKeaaieexnilenanimnuo0vhedlhnnaivtomte1sealitKtenetcvbv2Zeoahaoc..ogreiinhfileouet“feutTrswdeiosivrIedoUnnwlt,tihoteadnuco-tUbltdaekehcmbTtseatyrro.pwRahkaet”aetmAledsrerhoiltNonstaihoeenicHSpipennednoLc.tlegaeAremeoomorInTe.ussa-nsaIspOupo“hirirslteNninsYi2eeooesttetdao0sasttTiveu-sltlOu0trei.imotob”9nnrEyfyyaN-GJLitIsSalettelHebcxti“nolaooctiiMBlBclbnfcdatouAiYhwohtlougk.NriSf”uZeueoswrBeotttHylcperanoaseknriIoeEit,ftrakytsiaeidefLeirrnrwntsoonlOgdkyyettww.wnr.hcaBraam”iSefwiaaesaYacnatosiydslTthhasminarcSstekuSitalhhcvKnxtwetaianseeheeoAnhakgatctadrneocighy2iiTuyynmbnthlAe0ssyrhgptiMgdfpi0teeceIo,tsoinAiead9ymhonebfrssRnorfdwniihesACsIecwltdtaysdheiirhiav.norhterotabitswueuTgiaenlwn,medttnvnottehhdaOa.rhercetrteeehkSooiistkcnynloohhfehDossagorwdoeuweRaletgsfenlmsnwaaaidtepteUatabhos.ntlehiabi’admoe.“igsrkamuos-dtIIiwirwayumgoniaansthueokgie-anetsorenlkkeuyat.--tri- 20cm x 20cm ■ Shammy in the same colour (for 60 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 60-63_TBT 202.indd 60 paw pads) ■ Synthetic toy stuffing – 150g 08/11/2012 17:16 ■ Metal chips – two teaspoons ■ Thread in same colour for stitching ■ embroidery thread in contrast colour for nose ■ a pair of eyes (to sew on) ■ Small pointed scissors ■ Sewing needles and glass- headed pins ■ dark brown paint for shading ■ Synthetic brush #1 ■ recommended types of jointing: discs and cotter pins or the string joint-hinge66 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

bear patternhead 1 and head 2. Sew the line from A-B. earPin the gusset in place and sew from pointA to mark A on the nose. armBody: Sew the body pieces, right sidestogether with fur inside, leaving the gap for Middle part head 1stuffing your bear. head head 2Arms: At the beginning seam hand padswith back parts of arms. Next match the leg body 2details of face arms and back arms, notingthe grain, and stitch together, leaving open body 1gaps for stuffing.Legs: Place the leg pieces together andstitch, leaving open gaps for stuffing. Matchpoint X on the foot with point X on the leg.Pin with a glass-headed pin and stitch in thefoot pad detail.Ears: Join each pair of ear pieces together,sewing on the curved line.Tail: Join the tail pieces together, sewing onthe curved line.StuffingHead: The head should be stuffed veryfirmly, starting from the tip of the nose. Thisis really important for when you sew on thefacial features later. During the process of stuffing the head, itis necessary to turn it in just one direction toensure an even filling. By no means lay thehead on the table and don’t squash it. Alloperations should be done in your hands. When the head is ready, slip in the discwith the bolt and pull the fur around thebolt.Arms and legs: These should be stuffedwith synthetic toy filling and metal chips.Then slip in the jointing discs and bolts.Stuff arms and legs to the top with synthetictoy filling and stitch the gaps closed. Attach the head, legs and arms to thebear’s body. Only after that is it possible tostart with the body’s stuffing, adding metalchips first. Use synthetic toy filling to stuff the bot-tom part of the body where it joins with thelegs. Lay the bear’s belly down in to yourpalm and fill it with two teaspoons of metalchips. Stuff the rest of the body with syn-thetic toy filling. When it is firmly filled, stitchthe gap right to the end and fasten off thethread.Ears: Place the ears on the head until youare satisfied with their positioning then holdin place with glass-headed pins. Stitch, pull-ing stitches tightly to make them invisible.Nose decoration: Trim the point of thenose with small pointed scissors. Embroideron the nose and mouth then sew the eyesin place. TBT t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 67

FAIR NEWSTBehaerSFcaoitrti2s0h12Our regular reporters north of the border bringus the bear facts from this recent fair, nowwell established in Troon By Sylvia Young and Kenny YoungOn the day before the infamous rhino graced the fair. the ‘World Society for the Protection of Bonfire Night, Troon became Apple Pie House’s Graeme Miles Animals.’ At ‘The Fluffy Rhino’ stall, the Teddy Bear focal point of which raised funds for the WSPA, there the West Coast of Scotland. had again made the long drive from were a variety of collectable and artistWe, along with an array of arctophile Gloucestershire especially for the occa- bears for sale or donation. There wereenthusiasts, made the pilgrimage to sion. Their alluring range of collector’s some real collector’s items available fromthe Troon Concert Hall on Sunday 4th items included the latest must have edi-November 2012. tions from Charlie Bears to the talented American artist, R. John Wright. Teddy Although there were no fireworks dis- Bear Home also made their way fromplays, there were, however, explosive spar- Hemel Hempstead, in Hertfordshire,kling collections of bears of every shape supplying an eclectic range of collectiblescolour and size all looking for new homes. including a Steiff Winnie the Pooh andLynn Bowie of ‘Mad about Bears,’ was a nifty dachshund, which was actually aagain this year’s hostess of Scotland’s only useful brush. Susan Davies of Bear Basicsbear fair. A hotchpotch of other creatures travelled all the way from Somerset, sup-great and small enticed the collectors to plying much needed advice for novice andexpand upon their hugs. Along with a expert artists alike as well as loads of lovelyvast multitude of bears, rabbits, squirrels, mohair plus other bear making accessories.hedgehogs, unusual creations and even a The Scottish Bear Fair’s charity was68 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

FAIR NEWS‘Although there were no fireworks displays, home-made soup. The food was of fantas- tic quality and value and we’re sure thatthere were, however, explosive sparkling there were lots of sticky paws at the end ofcollections of bears of every shape colour the day.’and size all looking for new homes. Some of the other stalls at the fairan original Gabrielle Paddington bear to ‘Sweet Things’ provided catering, for included: Bear Bits, Bears By Bobbi,Russ Berrie artist bears. Giorgio Beverly the artists, retailers and arctophiles alike, Bears By Sue Quinn, Bearly ThereHills bears, originating from the 90’s, also throughout the day. They sold tasty food Hugs, Beary Tales, Bluebell Bears,graced the stall with their presence, as including delicious fresh sandwiches, mil- Bonhomie Bears, Candi Bears, Foxglovealways willing to help in a good cause. lionaire’s shortbread, ginger cake, carrot Bears, Haven Bears, Huggable Bears,Award winning bear artists, Jacqueline cake and fresh wholesome Hugs Unlimited, Kelly Bears, Madaboutand Lorna Graham, from Stranraer, Bears, Teds From The Tyne.headed up the Zany Zoo stall. Followingon from last year’s event we discovered For those interested, in taking part or visiting for next year’s event, we’re sure that Lynn Bowie would be pleased to hear from you. TBTthat Zany Zoo’s own soldier bear hadbeen purchased by a woman for her son.The boy simply would not leave the fairwithout the bear. So it was that the ZanyZoo soldier bear was deployed to his newbarracks in the heart of Scotland and hasbeen given new orders by his young com-manding officer.This year Joanne McDonald, fromVectis Auctions, was there with her bearsand she also offered free evaluations vis-à-vis antique and collectible bears. In addi-tion to this, two teddy bear hospitals wererepresented at the Scottish Bear Fair. BothZany Zoo from Stranraer and Beary Talesfrom Fife offer Teddy Bear Hospital carefor sick or injured bears. However, teddybear hospitals are actually private and arenot covered by the NHS. Nevertheless,do not worry you will not have to take outmedical insurance to cover your bear’shospital bills! t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 69

artist’sDIARY withAndyWestTrying to get to grips with computers givesAndy sore fingers so he turns to tidyingup the workroom. Easier said than doneHello, dear readers! I am so pleased book: I type one thing and it says some- my work. I am sure Matt will never be the when I hear that so many of you thing completely different (well that’s my same again. enjoy my regular ramblings. I enjoy excuse, I swear!) writing them as well. Many an At the end of the course I was sohour of blood (fingers caught between the My poor family decided something had pleased to pass the final exam and receivedkeys…and Lily the cat chasing my fingers to be done to bring Andy into the year a certificate to prove it (even though Mattas they fly over the key board), sweat and 2012. HID just happened to see an Adult the tutor passed a comment that he hadtears are spent writing them, not to mention Education course advertised ‘Business never found any student who could swearthe swearing! H.I.D. often shouts at me Documents for Beginners’. So with some so much at a computer…there you go I amnot to use bad language. But dear readers gentle persuasion I enrolled. unique!).I know that the world of computers has avendetta against me. It all started when I The first evening of my course loomed Computers are a necessary tool in thiswas at college several hundreds of years and I, like any good pupil, I turned up with day and age but I try to keep their use toago, part of the course was typing! Yes it my new pencil case and folders (I wish a minimum. My real love is the creativity ofwas the days before computers. Well, even I had thought to stash a bottle of vodka creating Westie Bears.then I could not co-ordinate my fingers and under the wheelchair). Matt, the tutor,they often got caught between the keys seemed very nice (although I think he had So, what has been happening in theof the typewriter, with the poor lecturer only just left primary school!) world of Westie Bears recently:-having to help release my fingers! HenceI was soon thrown out of the typing class I always hate the start of a course when Busy is not the word, more like manic.(no worries to me, as to this day I don’t see you have to go around introducing yourself Have any of you noticed that someone haswhat typing had to do with the course as it to your fellow pupils. I did my usual ram- reduced the hours in the day? I seem to bewas a nursing course!). bling about being a bear artist. At coffee constantly running out of time. break someone asked me “What was it like Monday: I have decided to be more Then the dreaded day came about when to be a nude model?” organised! HID has brought me a newI had to use computers in my role as a notice board for my workroom as I havesocial worker. Those were the days when “NO, I MAKE TEDDY BEARS” I blurted a tendency to write notes and orders onthe computer took several minutes to boot out with some anguish (heaven forbid if scraps of paper. These get swallowed upup and crashing was an everyday occur- I was a nude model, I would look like an by the mess on my work bench. I am tryingrence. I often used the old Westie charm overstuffed, but well-loved saggy old bear). to organise my mohairs and other fabricsto get others to type up my notes etc, but into chests and plastic containers. Thiswhen I had to do it myself the stress levels Throughout the course my fellow stu- was proving to be no mean feat as the catswould go through the roof, especially when dents were very conscientious, I tried (oh, had decided to help. Lily was trying to runthe report would vanish into cyber space! you are very trying says HID) but failed mis- off with a huge piece of mohair which wasI think it was at this time, that if my brain erably. Not only did I have trouble switching twice the size of her and constantly trippedheard the word, computer, it automatically on the computer but also caused many her up. Once I had rescued that piece ofthought panic, help or leave the country. a giggle from the group as I talked to the mohair she decided to dive under the pileThis feeling has lived with me to this day. computer, of fabric and pounce on any hand or footMany a time our dear TBT Editor has which went near the pile. It was at this pointreceived messages that have attachments “Ohhhhhhh where has it gone?” that an unsuspecting HID walked past andmissing or that cannot be opened...it’s not “I didn’t type that!”me I swear, but those damn computers “Now, where did I save it?” Lily (who was still playing hideganging up on me. These were some of the more savoury and seek under the mohair) comments I made. pounced on her with claws at Now I am a Bear Artist I need to use When it came to the Power Point class, full scratch, causing not onlycomputers as a tool for my business. It is I had great fun with the clip art sounds. You HID to go flying but mohair,great exchanging teddy chat emails world see the inner child came out of me and I stuffing and a box of steel shot!wide but again sometimes those emails found the sound of a child So I have decided when onejust vanish into cyber space! And as for my shouting “Yipeeee” butmessages on social media such as face- the only trouble was I managed to cause the sound to repeat and repeat and repeat. It took ages for the tutor to undo70 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

 Andy West of Westie Bears is an award winning artist based in Horsham, West Sussex.He started making bears as therapy to cope with a disability. He is well known for hisminiature bears and is a British Bear Artist Award winner. He has also been a semi finalistin the Barclay Trading Places Awards and was winner of the West Sussex County TimesBusiness Award. In 2008 he was awarded Bronze in the Barclay Trading Places Awards.lives in a mad house as I do, you do not tidy a full-on temper tantrum…exit builders who just tries to sleep in the boxes.up. Hence my workshop is not a mess but it are worried what a certain bear artist may do The Weekend: I have recently attendedis a creative haven of mess. next. some lovely fairs: “The New Forest Bear Festival”- what a lovely day and a special It often amazes me that when I am look- 4) Enter a certain bear artist’s son, Jack, thanks to my fellow bear artist friendsing for a particular item e.g. piece of mohair, I who with the touch of two buttons makes who put up with my constant chattercan never find what I am looking for but find everything better (note to the certain bear and giggling. It had a real festive feel-things I forgot I had from years ago. Today, artist, must watch that tricky Jack he may be ing to it, complete with mince pies andI found some old long pile mohair which working for the cyber space police). some spiced apple punch! I purchasedhas inspired me to make some little bundles a lovely wacky Boy George bear as anof fluff; not sure if they will turn out cute or Phew! Once the changes to the website early Christmas present for myself. I waspunky but knowing me they will turn out wild are made, time to chill…chocolate, chocolate thrilled to be given some wonderful pres-and punky. I do love a bear with attitude! and oh a little more chocolate. ents at the show. Julie and Amanda (theTuesday: I was concentrating on orders Thursday: making bears to restock for up show organisers) gave me a wind- uptoday which included a soldier meerkat and and coming fairs. Now, as you read this it will monkey (I collect monkeys as I nevera meerkat complete with knitting bag and be the spring but as I write this, it is the start had a teddy bear as a child but had aknitting! The Meerkats are inspired by my of Christmas. Christmas dear readers, means Jacko monkey - hence my fascinationoldest son who recently was looking at me that HID has two weeks off from her work in with monkeys, or is it that I just act like aover some boxes and I thought you look like a local primary school. This means my rou- monkey?)a meerkat guarding his home so hence my tines are changed...Meerkat designs were created! The Essex bear fair was again a lovely “I know you are busy but…” or “What are treat of festive fun and a chance to catch I am also enjoying making some lovely you doing now?” up on bear related gossip and of courselittle creations that are only one inch tall - you spend some money on mohair etc. I likeknow the saying: it’s not the size but what I will never understand you women...if I to attend these fairs so I am able to dem-you do with it! spend too much time in the workroom creat- onstrate the art and joy of bear making. ing, HID moans that she never sees me. But But most of all it is lovely seeing so many Also creating a new range for Hamleys in then, when I do spend some time with her, bears fly off to new homes and how theyLondon of little bears with their own toys. my constant babbling drives her insane! My make their new adoptees smile.Wednesday: This morning was spent family say they lost me to bears a long timerestocking bears at a local shop. This task ago (at least it’s only bears, it could have Well I had better stop typing nowshould have only taken about an hour at been a blond with long legs…ah….a boy can before this vanishes into thin air…until wemost…but as you all know Andy can talk dream).bears until the cows come home. I love get- Friday: usual panic of getting ready for the Andy xxmeet again, mini bear hugs to you all.ting feedback from the staff and customers weekend’s fairs. With help from the cat, asregarding my bears and it is interesting what fast as I pack bears away, Lily is there tryingpeople find attractive and others find not so. to get them out again or the dozy creature By the time I had dragged myself homemost of the day was gone! So, I decidedto venture onto the dreaded computer andupdate my web site www.westiebears.com.As previously stated, computers have avendetta against me, well today proved noexception: 1) We have workmen in the house plaster-ing some walls in our cellar so not only am Icompeting with dust and dirt, but constantquestions about bears I am trying to photo-graph (it does seem quite comical though,big butch builders smiling at little bears). 2) Once photographed, the photos I havetaken refuse to appear on my computerhence lots of foul language from a certainbear artist! 3) Photos at last found, I added them tomy shopping cart page only to vanish intothin air…now a certain bear artist is having t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 71

FEATUREFotrhoemr sthideeMarried to Monica Spicer of Monica’s AtticTreasures, her husband Gerry gives us aninsight in to living with a busy bear artist By Gerry SpicerHello there, I’m not a Teddy Bear Maker, I just married one. Although the signs weren’t apparent at the startI should have guessed something wasafoot when most of our leisure time wasspent checking out craft markets. Thissignificantly led to conversations (I amconstantly being assured they really tookplace) revolving around, “You know Ithink I could do this. You wouldn’t mind if I gave it a try?” Before I knew it: - BANG! She wasaway and running. Now before we go any further let mesay that I think my wife’s bears are worksof art and I thank her for putting up withmy idiosyncrasies over the years. I don’t mind the fact that on a scale of1 to 100: Teddy Bear Making comes in at 100 Cooking and doing dishes rates atminus 100. I am also aware that the artistic proc-ess is a mysterious gift, given to all butrealised by a few - and when it comes toTeddies I’m not one of the few. Now for those of you whose partnersare starting to succumb to the ‘Lure ofthe Teddy’ there are rules you must learnif you wish to live harmoniously with aperson who rapturously drags you intoan opportunity (charity) shop after espy-ing 10 to 12 fake fur coats. You make abee-line for the tired racks of second handbooks and magazines. Invariably you’veread every National Geographic that’sthere. Edging your way towards the dooryour nose registers a faint tinge of ‘Eau72 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

bearMARKETteddytibmees ar SUFFOLK 18 Elm Hill. Norwich, Norfolk NR3 1HNTo advertise in these BBaMeeecat tthreosn columns please Telephone: 01603 766866 call Maria on At Jeffries Country Clothing 01903 884988 See the largest range of Station Garage, Bacton Charlie Bears in the UKOr email her for details: Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 4HP [email protected] Order online – see our website for details Telephone: 01449 781087TeddyBearTimes.com www.bearshops.co.uk Steiff Club Store Visit Stockists of Steiff, Deans, Merrythought, www.beadmagazine.co.uk Leebert, Shoebutton Bears, Hermann and Jellycat. UK’s first ever beading & jewellery magazine Visit our website: TEDDY BEAR TIMES www.bactonbears.co.uk www.teddybeartimes.com DO YOU HAVE A TEDDY WEB www.dhminiatures.com BUSINESS AND ARE YOU LOOKING FOR WAYS TO BeadTBHIGE show PROMOTE IT? • Saturday 6th April 2013 WANT TO We have a sure fire way of increasing • Saturday 19 October 2013FIND OUT HOW? traffic to your site and of course increasing your business. Sandown Park, Esher, SurreydisocCunaslilnsl eMoouarpriteaioxtcnoisti.ng 10am - 5pmTel: 01903 884988 • email: [email protected] BOOK SPECIAL ADVANCED TICKETS ONLINE AT WWW.THEBIGBEADSHOW.CO.UK ADVERTISERS’ INDEX To book tickets online at special pre-show rates visitABRACADABRA TEDDY BEARS ................. 21 KEVINTON BEARS..................................... 30BEAR ATTACK USA ................................... 16 KINGSWEAR BEARS AND FRIENDS ........... 34 www.thebigbeadshow.co.ukBEAR BITS ............................................... 21 LITTLE BITTIE BEARS................................ 16BEAR IT IN MIND...................................... 16 M. E. BEARS............................................. 40 or call 01903 884988BEARLEIGH BEARS..................................... 3 MARY DOWD BEARS................................ 16BEARLY SANE BEARS ............................... 34 MONICA SPICER....................................... 40 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m 73BEARS ‘N’ COMPANY ............................... 51 NANA’S TEDDIES & TOYS ........................ 21BEARS TO COLLECT................................. 16 NANCY SANTANDER................................. 51BEATRIX BEARS ....................................... 16 NIKKEL BEARS ........................................ 34BREWINS’ BRUINS.................................... 21 NOBLE FABRICS....................................... 16CHRILU BAEREN....................................... 50 PEPPER BEARS ....................................... 34CR’S CRAFTS........................................... 40 PIPEDREAM BEARS.................................. 51DEB CANHAM ARTIST DESIGNS INC ......... 11 SCRUFFIE BEARS ..................................... 30DISCOVER DOLLS .................................... 16 SHANTOCK BEARS................................... 30DOLLY’S DAYDREAMS .............................. 21 SILLY BEARS ............................................ 76E. M. BEARS............................................. 16 ST MARTIN’S GALLERY ............................ 30F J HANNAY BEARS.................................... 2 TEDDY STATION ....................................... 34FLUTTER-BY-BEARS ................................. 30 THE GREAT YORKSHIRE TEDDYGYLLS BEARS .......................................... 16 BEAR EVENT .............................................. 3HAITCH BEARS ........................................ 40 THREADTEDS........................................... 51HIGGY’S BEARS........................................ 30 TOY WORLDS MUSEUM BASLE .................. 3HUGGLETS............................................... 11 VECTIS AUCTIONS LTD ............................. 11JU-BEARY BEARS..................................... 30 WESTIE BEARS......................................... 40JULIE SHEPHERD ..................................... 40

featurede Mothball’ on everything as you brushagainst, and nearly disembowel yourselfon, a hat-rack built for midgets. You onlyhave to negotiate around a table loadedwith what looks like diseased birds’ nests,past the two toddlers enthusiasticallyshredding the little golden books by thedoor when a voice next to your ear says: “Do you remember the teddy I madeabout two months ago, you know Bernard- how do you think he would look if Iused this fur?”Rule number 1 “I’m just going to duck outside, the smell maximum stress, completing a Teddy for Although you may have difficulty in of moth-balls is making my nose itch.” a 9.30am deadline, is a talent you should learn to acquire - quickly. Complementaryadjusting to the change of circumstances This approach works well, the rider shoulder and back rubs after the mealat this point of time, resist the tempta- being:- you must be able to distinguish will ensure that your name will crop uption to completely lose it and scream out and identify various teddy bits such as in statements such as, “He’s been terrificany damn fool thing that comes into your eyes, paws, ears, the nose (important). lately, especially this last week when I’vehead. had so little time, so much to do.” And Bonus points accrue if you know trust me this is a thing of value. Updating Instead, as your dazed brain disengages the difference between Alpaca, Mohair, the Teddy Web Page is a handy skill,itself from the notion of getting out the Rayon, Synthetic, Cotton, and any other although you should realize that this willdoor, focus on the words ‘teddy’ and the alien sounding terms relating to fur. This always need to be done YESTERDAY.request ‘you think’. knowledge is vital as it allows you to use the above in almost countless variations. Of course I never let it go to my head The following has a success rate of Of course if you know that Tibetan Yak - I appreciate the fact that I can play with70%. Fur looks good but is hard to trim and my computer, watch the shows I like (yes, shave, you are probably a worse basket definitely get a stereo and television for the Lean back, rub your chin thought- case than your partner. Teddy Workshop), practice my guitar orfully and try to change the vacant stare in play with the cat. In short, when the Teddyyour eyes to one of instant recollection. Bear Creative Urge strikes, day blurs intoSay something like, “Mmmm, will you be night, time-zones cease to exist, and yourmaking him with eyelids and eyebrows.” life will never be the same. Which may orThis will give you valuable breathing may not be a thought that bears thinkingspace. You can then add something like: about. TBT“It all depends on if it’s a boy or a girl.”This gives the impression you’re aware ofthe differences between unclad teddies andwant to get technical. “If you’re thinking of using it to make agirl I think it would look better in a lightershade”, is a good line which can lead into, Rule number 2 While your input into creative design is appreciated, it isn’t vital. Learn to become multi-skilled. Whipping up light non - fattening but palatable culinary delights at 11.00pm whilst L’Artiste is at74 t e d d y b e a r t i m e s . c o m

Subscribe & don’t miss a single issue Subscribe to Teddy Bears Times for one year YtymUoooKuiues’nrssnseFaufeaRrdsveEiontEuyogorglaieuitcfeittrssetsresauidegnedrhdvytoefdabowtehnaae’ryt and we’ll send you a beary stylish watch. magazine. Subscribe for two years and you’ll receive a charming 3D Silver teddy bear charm which can be added to a necklace, a bracelet or even used as a phone charm. Subscribe for three years and you’ll receive both the beary stylish watch and the charming 3D teddy bear charms! All gifts subject to change and are only available to the UK & US subscribers. Don’t miss the I want to subscribe/renew to Teddy Bear Times. Send me my free gift/s right away. one year two years three years UK’s only bear I would like my subscription to automatically renew. magazine Give me access to all digital iMag editions online for just £20 (US $29.95) extra for the year. BEST BUY*: 1 year subscription and all iMags for just £43. SAVE £3. *UK & US ONLY First Name Last name Address 1 SUBSCRIBE: Enjoy Teddy Bear Times, the beary glossy colour magazine, delivered to your door every other month. Don’t miss out on a year’s worth of bear inspiration. 2 iMAG EDITIONS: Register for exclusive access to the Postcode special iMag digital library of Teddy Bear Times. You can Tel e-mail PADDINGTON BEAR flick through pages easily on screen and £4.50 $8.50 DEC/JAN 13 have thousands of pages, a fountain ofTHEteddytibmees artteeddddyybbeeaarrtaimmeesri.ccao.mcomREALSTORYBEHIND bear knowledge, at your fingertips. Cheque enclosed payable to Teddy Bear Times OR please debit my Mastercard / Visa / Maestro Make a bear MVhiintUttahSgeIerCigaAnhdtLnmBotoEedAerRnSBUNDLE PACK: Get your subscription and●Experts Card no.● Artists Expiry 3 digit security code Issue No. Startall iMags together, and save an extra £3.00.●News Plus we’ll send you both bear gifts. ISSUE 202 Make a wish Return to: Teddy Bear Times, Freepost RCC 2791, Arundel, BN18 9BR NO STAMP NEEDED IF POSTED IN UK 01_TBT 202.indd 1 08/11/2012 15:49Untitled-3 1 Outside UK: Unit 5E, Park Farm, Chichester Road, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 0AG 15/02/2012 10:04 US: 68132 250th Ave, Kasson, MN 55944 MAGAZINE ONLY SUBSCRIPTION PRICES: UK US EUROPE REST OF WORLD I YEAR £27 $66 £36 £42 2 YEAR £52 $125 £68 £80 Call 0800 4355533 YEAR £75 £188 £101 £119 Outside UK call +44 (0) 1903 884988 Subscribe online at www.craft-club.com

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