Teddybuys Artist Teddy Bears

Manuela Schulz Free Pattern Giveaway

2012-02-12T11:13:00.002Z

Manuela is giving away some of her great ebook patterns. To join in the fun, go to her blog by clicking on the image below:

There is a translation tool on her blog!

A Kindle Cover

2012-02-07T12:12:00.003Z

Mike replaced his broken Sony eReader with a Kindle 4 last weekend. It survived a drop onto a hard floor yesterday, so I thought I would try making a padded cover for it. I cannot claim the design - I bought a pattern from Whistlepig Creek Productions on Etsy. You can see more of her great patterns at http://www.wpcreek.com/. I am a girl in a hurry! I have a backlog of bears waiting to be made.

I wanted to come up with a colour scheme that wasn't 'girly'. Most of my fabrics are very feminine. However, back in the autumn I bought a good selection of quilting fabrics with an autumnal theme. I make no apology for the fact that the colours are unseasonal. We still have 6 inches of snow outside and I didn't want to risk driving to the fabric shop. Perhaps I'll make a few more (when I catch up with my bears) - one for each season!

I hope Mike will like it.

First Snowfall This Winter

2012-02-05T09:46:00.000Z

We have been having a very mild winter. The temperatures dropped like a stone about a week ago and last night we got the first snowfall. The snow started falling in Kent at about 11pm last night, and it kept falling until about 6am. We woke up to a wonderful, pristine world this morning. The dogs normally love the snow, but it was too deep for them and they didn't want to stay out for long. I couldn't resist the temptation to take a few photos.

A Sad Time

2012-01-23T15:25:00.001Z

I lost my dear Dad on Saturday. He was two weeks short of his 88th birthday and had been in poor health since breaking his hip several months ago. He leaves Maureen, his second wife, and children: myself, Bill, Richard and Heidi and seven grandchildren.

He had a very interesting life. He was a submariner in the Royal Navy during the war and saw action in the North Atlantic, Russia, North Africa and the Mediterranean. He is second from right in the photo below.

After the war, he couldn't find work in Britain, so went to Canada and joined the Royal Canadian Airforce. He was posted back to England where he met my Mum. As children, we lived in Canada, Germany and England at different times.

He retired in his 40s and returned to England. He spent many years sailing the Mediterranean with Maureen on their boat. In later years, he preferred to go on cruises, rather than sail himself. He was very fond of gardening and good company. He enjoyed his life to the full.

He was a larger than life character and his passing leaves a huge hole in my heart. There will never be another like him.

Teddy Bear's Tea Party Online Show

2012-01-13T08:32:00.002Z

I am delighted that I have been accepted to take part in the Spring www.teddiesworldwide.com online show in March. I shall be busy over the next two months designing and creating bears for what, I'm sure, will be a great show. I love springtime and will be hoping to create some realistic and more traditional tea party teddies for the show.

She's a Jewel

2012-01-07T15:41:00.000Z

Last year I signed up to do a bear swap on the Teddy Talk forum. This morning a box arrived by post, and inside was a lovely round floral box. Inside that was a soft, pink blankie and this darling little puppy.

She is just adorable and I am thrilled to bits with her. I have called her Jewel. Also in the box was a lovely porcelain thimble with pictures of two polar cubs on it. My swap parner was Ali, of Lovethosebears. So, thanks a million, Ali. They will be cherished.

Hugs

Sue

Striving for Realism

2012-01-03T21:24:00.002Z

This seems to be the right time of year for planning out my bear making for the next 12 months. This year it is my intention to continue working towards a more realistic shape and incorporate more movement into my bears. I am happy working with locline now, and encouraged by the range of movement this allows, but my patterns are still 'work in progress'.

I find myself torn between designing bears with more realistic features, or kinder, teddy faces. Below is a photo of Icicle. I have gone for the more realistic facial features with him.

I also intend to continue developing my teddies this year, as well. I just can't resist those 'please love me' teddy bear eyes!

Happy New Year!

They just don't make them like that any more!

2011-12-29T20:20:00.000Z

Maybe it's a sign of my age, but I love old things. In many respects, I prefer my old Singer Featherweight to my modern Bernina sewing machine. It is simpler, the stitch quality is amazing and I love it's appearance. My modern Bernina is fine and workmanlike, but boxy and rather characterless in appearance. Maybe, it's the female equivalent of men liking the shape of sports cars?

I have long wanted a Kenwood Chef mixer. Back in November, I asked Mike, my other half, if he would buy me an old one for Christmas. He responded in no uncertain terms, that he would not buy me kitchen equipment as a Christmas present...and two weeks later a large box arrived containing a vintage Chef (between 33 and 47 years old). Mike took it to bits, serviced and cleaned it and I have had loads of fun with it since. He was amazed at how easy it was to service (unlike so many modern appliances). He also bought a mincer attachment, liquidiser attachment and sausagemaking attachments. It is amazing how many attachments were made for this machine (and are still available). I guess they must have made millions of them.

I started off by making Brownies and a Dundee cake using the mixer. They turned out really well and were eaten before I thought to take any photos!

Today, we had a go at making pork sausages using the mincer and sausage making attachments. I have to say that they tasted better than any bought sausages I have ever eaten. I can see us making many more! The British love bangers and mash!

Merry Christmas to all!

2011-12-23T13:22:00.000Z

Wishing everyone a wonderful, peaceful Christmas!

The New Year will be very different for me, as I retired at the end of last week. I will really miss teaching children and supporting other teachers and parents in their use of computers.

Hugs

Sue

Under the weather

2011-12-04T10:47:00.000Z

Sorry about the lack of updates and news - I'm not very well at the moment.

Hugs
Sue

Christmas Treasures Online Show has started!

2011-11-18T23:20:00.006Z

I have several new bears available for adoption at the Christmas Treasures Online Show. There are bears available from 75 bear artists from all over the world. The show runs until Sunday. Go to http://teddiesworldwide.com if you would like to see more.

Cherish now adopted and heading to Colorado.

Mistletoe now adopted and off to Cornwall.

Goldie is now adopted and heading to Belgium.

Snowflake is now adopted and Pennsylvania bound.

Christingle is now adopted and going to live in Ontario, Canada.

I have also designed and made an ellie and old fashioned ted.

Old Ellie is adopted and heading for Virginia.

Old Ted is now adopted and heading to California.

British Bear Artist Awards Winner

2011-11-17T18:09:00.002Z

Pakak has won first prize in the Realistic category of the British Bear Artist Awards. He was a labour of love and I am so pleased that the judges liked him as much as I do. He is made from Schulte white alpaca. He has a locline neck and spine with jointed, wired limbs. He has a hand-moulded nose and claws and black, glass eyes with eyelids. His face was scissor and needle sculpted and shaded. he has sculpted, black leather paw pads.

Pakak is now adopted.

Starting to feel seasonal...

2011-11-16T11:27:00.010Z

I have started to work on calendar pages for the next year. I have finished my calendar for December. Please feel free to print a copy for yourself if you would like to. It will print A4 size. If you would like a US Letter size copy, email me and I will send it to you. To download the file (about 500kb), click the text link below (not the image) and save the file. If the file opens in your browser, go to File, then Save Page as...

To print the calendar, you will need to open the file in Adobe Reader. The bear featured in December is Christingle. He will be available for adoption in the Christmas Treasures Online Show which runs from Friday to Sunday this weekend.

Click here to download your printable copy!

Christmas Treasures Preview Starts

2011-11-05T11:53:00.000Z

The Show Preview has started. To take a peek at the preview bears of the 75 bear artist participants, go to:

http://www.teddiesworldwide.com

You can also vote for your favourite bears. The online show starts on the 18th November.

My preview bear is a polar bear called Christingle. Hope you like him.

And the winner is....

2011-10-31T20:34:00.000Z

Congratulations to Sandra as number 11 was drawn by the random number generator!! Please email me with your address and I will get Pumpkin into the post asap!

Today is a special day for me as it is my mother's birthday. She passed away five years ago, but would have been 79 today. Love you Mum.

Free Giveaway Draw is Tomorrow!

2011-10-30T11:50:00.000Z

The draw for Pumpkin is tomorrow, the 31st October. To have a chance of winning Pumpkin, add a comment to my blog and become a follower or add yourself to my mailing list, whichever you prefer. I will post Pumpkin anywhere worldwide. The draw will take place at 6pm UK time (as I am back to school tomorrow). Good luck all!

I am very busy preparing bears for the Teddies Worldwide Christmas Treasures online show. The preview for the show begins on the 4th November. Visitors to the preview will be able to vote for their favourite bear.

www.teddiesworldwide.com

The show, itself, begins on the 18th. November.

I will post again tomorrow evening, with the winner's name.

Light and Shade

2011-10-19T11:34:00.000+01:00

I'm very, very busy bear and ellie making for the Christmas Treasures online show and the British Bear Show - both coming up next month. I have been developing new ways of working and although this process is very exciting for me, as I love finding new looks and methods, it plays havoc with deadlines that need to be met.

I decided about a month ago that I should make a patchwork quilt for our king size bed. I have done a small amount of hand piecing - about 30 years ago, but have never tried patchwork on the machine. I have been accumulating fabrics with autumnal colourings, as I love the rich colours of this time of the year.

I am very happy with the fabrics, but worry how they will look together. Maybe for a first project, I should have gone for charm packs (where all the fabrics are designed to coordinate). Unfortunately, I am too pig-headed to go for the sensible option, so will have to live with the choices I have made. I have my squares cut out and have pieced four squares, but will now need to put this aside until after the two November shows. Hopefully, it will be a project I will be able to complete over the Christmas holiday.

I went to the Knit and Stitch Show at Alexandra Palace earlier this month. WOW! I had no idea there were so many wonderful materials to be found available in the UK. If you ever get the chance to go, it is well worth it if you love textiles in all their forms. I went on a Saturday and it was incredibly busy - several areas were 'gridlocked' with people; not ideal if you are a claustrophobic!

I have been toying with the idea of getting an embellisher machine over the past month or so and decided to go for it while I still have a salary coming in. I spent a lot of time looking at different models and, in the end, went for the Janome FM725. This comes with a five needle and one needle head. I also bought an additional head that allows you to change the size of the needles. I had a little play with it last night and am really pleased with it. All I need now is the time to learn to exploit it's possibilities!

It's not too late to enter for the draw to win Pumpkin. The draw will be on the 31st October.

Hugs to all

Sue

Shortlisted for the British Bear Artist Awards 2011

2011-09-30T17:23:00.001+01:00

I have just received the news that my polar bear, Pakak, has been shortlisted in the Realistic category of the BBAA. I am particularly pleased as he is my first design using locline. I believe that winners will be announced at the British Bear Show on the 12th November.

Is it time to hibernate, yet?

2011-09-28T13:41:00.001+01:00

I have recently completed a weekend bear making course at Bear Bits. The tutor was Maria Collins of Puca Bears and the purpose of the class was to learn to needlefelt. We had to do much of the sewing prior to the weekend, using the pattern that Maria supplied. I am so grateful to Maria for opening up a whole new area of possible design development for me.

I had a really nice weekend with convivial company and Maria was a very generous and patient tutor. I really like the effect that can be achieved with needlefelting on pawpads...although I did discover it does time a considerable amount of time to achieve a nice, 3d effect. I decided to add one of my hand-sculpted noses to the bear's face. I think he looks a little tired, so named him 'Is it time to hibernate, yet?' I'm not convinced he's quite finished. The urge to keep going with the needlefelting needles is strong!

There is still plenty of time to enter the draw for my free giveaway bear, Pumpkin. The draw is not until Halloween.

Hugs
Sue

Free Giveaway

2011-09-21T21:05:00.000+01:00

I have been meaning to do a giveaway for some time. Pumpkin is a OOAK sweetie, made by myself. She is looking for a loving home. She is approximately 11 inches tall. She will be posted anywhere worldwide at my expense. All names will be drawn from a hat on the 31st October. For a chance to win her, please leave a comment so I will know you want to be entered into the draw, and become a follower of my blog, or use the image alongside to link from your blog to mine or sign up for the mailing list.

Pumpkin is the middle bear in the photo below! Good Luck!

Hugs

Sue

Shorter Days

2011-09-21T19:12:00.000+01:00

The leaves are starting to turn, the evenings are drawing in and thoughts are turning to preparing the garden for winter.

I had a lovely Hugglets, meeting many lovely collectors and other artists. Teddybuys bears found new homes in the UK, Australia and South Africa. I came home with a sore throat! It has taken me 10 days to get around to taking the photos off the camera. The photo below was taken before the doors opened to the public.

Almost ready for Hugglets!

2011-09-10T16:24:00.002+01:00

I have just managed to finish one last bear for Hugglets. Charm was photographed unfinished in an earlier post. She is a hybrid between my usual bears and a traditional bear. My usual style bears are made using alpaca. I wanted to use a piece of beautiful Schulte mohair but was concerned that it wouldn't work with my usual dropped paws, so decided to use traditional arms instead. The mohair is very wild and silky. I decided I didn't want to try and tame it, but just left it natural. Anyway, Charm is the result and I hope you like her.

I've just got to write up all the adoption tags for the bears, pack them and the bears, hem my table cloth, find a spare, pack them, pack business cards, lamp, props for the bears to stand on etc. etc. I just know I'll forget something...
Charm is on her way to South Africa.

There's a chill in the air!

2011-09-07T12:45:00.000+01:00

It has been very chilly here the last couple of days. I can only hope that the better weather returns and we get an Indian summer.

Somehow it seems appropriate that I have just finished a polar cub. His name is Pakak which I believe means 'into mischief'. He has a locline neck and spine with jointed and wired legs. He has sculpted black leather paw pads and epoxy clay claws. His eyes are black English glass with white and black Fimo sclera and eyelids. I have had great fun posing him. I hope you like him!

Enough playing around...I still have to get ready for Hugglets. There are bears to photograph so I can create their adoption tags and several of the bears do not have their tails, yet.

I'm also going on a needlefelting course in about 10 days and haven't done any of the pre-sewing yet! Does it sound like I'm panicking? Too right, I am!

Still preparing for Hugglets

2011-08-24T16:57:00.000+01:00

I have been burning the midnight oil bear making this summer. It is a treat to have the time to focus on the bears...another week and it's back to work, so I've been making the most of the time I have now.

Hamish is made from Schulte alpaca and has cashmere sculpted paws. He has six joints, including a double neck joint and a hand-moulded epoxy clay nose. He is wearing a tartan organza bow.

Above is Jonty. He is made from a very dense Schulte alpaca. He has sculpted leather paw pads, six joints and a hand-moulded nose. He is wearing a gold and ivory bow.

This is Chance. She is made from blush Schulte alpaca. Never has a bear given me as much trouble as her. She should really be called Last Chance. Her head was originally on my reject pile. Everything that could go wrong did go wrong as I made her. I persevered and have grown strangely attached to her. She may end up a keeper.

The above two photos are of Toffee. She is all eyes - a bit of a cutie.

Lastly, is a photo of an unfinished bear. He is made from some gorgeous, silky, wild ivory Schulte mohair. I wanted to try my realistic pattern in mohair. I always use alpaca, normally. I have had to adjust the pattern. The arms have been altered to a classic teddy style as I didn't feel my normal paw style would suit this mohair. I am going to have to look at him for a couple of days to work out how to finish him...so in the meantime he will sit in the rocking chair!

I Can't Help Myself

2011-08-16T15:09:00.000+01:00

OK, so I admit it. I just love mohair and alpaca. Because most of my bears are made using alpaca, I have ended up with a good sized (understatement) stash of mohair. I am particularly keen on soft, silky, curled kid mohair. I cannot resist it, so I buy it and then don't know what to do with it. If anyone knows of a treatment for this addiction, please let me know.

Another issue I have with curly mohair is that it is difficult to use on bear faces where I tend to prefer straight fur to work with. A little while ago, I designed a new pattern that I called my 'Popsies'. Blushes and Peaches both came from this pattern. I thought it might be interesting to use a yummy piece of toffee-coloured curled mohair from my stash with my Popsie pattern.

I constantly fiddle with my designs or should I say 'I develop my designs' :) and the following bear has the Popsie head , my panda pattern body and arms, and leg pattern adapted from my realistic bears. Does this make me a Dr Frankenstein? It surprised me how well the different elements from my different designs have gone together. Anyway, 'Autumn' is the result.

Thinking ahead!

2011-08-15T12:47:00.000+01:00

It seems like a travesty to start thinking of autumn while still in the midst of August. I don't really usually think in terms of the seasons when it comes to bearmaking, but have decided to have a go and make some bears using autumnal colours. Rollo is the first with autumn in mind. I just adore these standing clown bears and cannot resist making one from time to time. He is made from two shades of Schulte mohair - a lovely ginger mohair that I fell in love with straight away and a complementary blonde shade. I think the oranges and reds really suit him.

Hope you like him. He will be making his debut at Hugglets.

Fruits of Summer, holidays and new bear, Matilda

2011-08-12T13:47:00.000+01:00

Matilda is finished. She is made with a really lovely antique gold coloured Schulte alpaca. It is difficult to accurately capture the colour. She is quite heavy and cuddly. She has been made for Hugglets in September.

What a wondeful time of the year. We have just returned home from a week in the New Forest. We had great weather, very warm, with only one day of rain. We also visited the Isle of Wight and after a brisk walk took this photo of the Needles. The sea looked beautiful...almost Mediterranean in appearance.

Spring is my favourite time of year in the garden, but August and September comes a close second because of all the beautiful fruit we have. Our fruit season starts in June with strawberries. In July we harvest our Beauty of Bath apples and Stella cherries. The apples are small, red and a little tart. They do not keep very well, so those we don't eat, we juice. In August we get raspberries, blueberries and James Grieve cooking apples. We freeze our excess apples, raspberries and cherries. In September the Conference and William bon Chretien pears and Lord Lambourne apples are ready. This year our pears are looking the best they have for years. We also have several Kentish cob nut trees (a type of hazelnut), but our local squirrel, Harvey, has taken most of them for the past two years. I also have lemon, orange, lime and pink grapefruit trees (one of each). These are in containers and spend the winter in the conservatory. These often come into flower in winter and we pick fruit in summer, but this can vary and is a little hit and miss. The lemon is the most reliable.

If anyone has any recipes for keeping pears, I would be grateful. I'm thinking maybe in terms of preserving them in alcohol but other suggestions are welcome? A few photos taken this morning follow:

Lastly, my dogs Daisy, Monty and Oscar are enjoying the summer. They cannot stay in the sun for long as, being fair, they get sunburn very easily!

I hope you are all able to enjoy the summer!

Hugs

Sue

In Praise of Pandas

2011-07-29T16:41:00.000+01:00

I have always loved pandas. They have a charm about them and their precarious survival situation adds a certain poignance to their appeal.

I haven't made a panda in over two years. I have a collection of prototype heads that are testiment to my inability to get the design right. They have been disasters, not fit to be seen. I can't say that I'm absolutely happy with my latest effort, but I think she is a step in the right direction. She is more teddy than panda, but she is a sweetie and has given me the confidence to go on experimenting until I get the appearance I'm looking for. She hasn't a name yet and will make an appearance at Hugglets in September.

First Bear is Finished!

2011-07-27T13:01:00.000+01:00

I managed to finish my first bear for Hugglets last night. His head pattern is different from my usual bears. I shortened the muzzle and enlarged the dome of his head for a younger appearance. His name is Julius and he is made from Helmbold tipped alpaca. He has 6 joints, including a double-neck joint. His has pulled toes made from black leather. His arms are wired for additional posability and he is quite a heavy chap, being stuffed with Bouncifill and plastic beads. Hope you like him.

Heads Up!

2011-07-25T17:50:00.000+01:00

I normally make one bear at a time...from start to finish. With only about 6 weeks to go until Hugglets, and not having any realistic bears made, I thought I would try to create the bear heads first. I takes me about 8 to 10 hours to complete a head with double-neck joint. Sometimes it takes longer. I'm not convinced that this method will be more efficient...or how I will feel having to sew and stuff five bodies on the trot! Still, it's fun to see those little faces watching me on from my work table.

It's Hugglets for me!

2011-07-21T09:56:00.001+01:00

I have just heard that I have a table at Hugglets on Sunday, September 11th. This will be my first time as an exhibitor there, although I have been a regular visitor over the past four years. I feel excited, but daunted too. So, no time for blogging...must get designing and making! I did think I had until the British Bear Fair in November to get ready. It's a good thing Tuesday was my last day in school until September 2nd. No rest for the wicked!

Hugs
Sue

The Teddies on Parade Online Show is now on!

2011-07-16T12:56:00.000+01:00

There are 75 bear artists with lovely bears available for adoption until Sunday evening. If you would like to take a look, click on the show link to the right of this post.

The following Teddybuys bears have found new homes:

Benjamin is going to Australia

Aubergine is headed to Kansas in the USA

Magnus is taking a short hop to London

Thank you to the collectors who liked the bears enough to adopt them.

As I write this, there are three more Teddybuys bears still looking for homes.

Hugs

Sue

Teddies on Parade Online Show Preview

2011-07-02T08:10:00.000+01:00

The preview of 75 bear artist bears for the Teddies on Parade online show has now begun! We are only allowed to show you one bear prior to the show opening on July 15th. Yours truly has five bears ready for the show. I just need to photograph them and prepare my show page.

My preview bear is...

Benjamin - ready to go on parade!

He is about 18 inches tall and made from a gorgeous, soft Schulte alpaca which is dark brown with an even darker tip. He has 6 joints including a double-neck joint, hand-moulded nose and cashmere paw pads.

To see all the other lovely preview bears, click on the Bears on Parade banner on this page.

I have been working on a variation of my Sasha pattern...to unveil at the show. These bears are smaller and less realistic than my signature style. They have been fun to make...and you know what they say ... variety is the spice of life! :)

The Teddybuys Retirement Home

2011-06-26T09:34:00.000+01:00

I am up to my ears making bears for the Bears on Parade online show, but thought I would pause to consider and appreciate the charm and charisma of some of the older bears in my hug.

Molly is a 1930s Merrythought and is a fabulous cuddle. I love her large soulful eyes and her beautiful blonde mohair. Patrick (on the right) has had his paw pads replaced at some time in the past. I'm not sure if his eyes are original. He was sold to me as a Chad Valley, but a knowledgable friend thinks he has some characteristics similar to Chiltern bears ... who knows. I just know he is a lovable chap.

I know little of the past of these three bears. The darker fellow at the back of the photograph had blue mohair at one time. I call him Blue (not very original). The colour can still be seen around his arm and leg joints. He is very elderly and stuffed with woodwool.

The little fellow on his lap, Sunny, is a beautiful yellow mohair, again stuffed with woodwool. I have no idea where he was originally made, but from his proportions I would say he was made no later that the 1930s. He is a handsome bear with classic good looks.

The bear to his right, Edward, looks English and has all the charm of 1930s English bears. He is also a lovely cuddle.

As a teddybear maker in a small way, myself, I find it really interesting to look at the construction of classic, manufactured bears. It surprises me how often the pile of the mohair lies in the wrong direction. Frequently, the mohair can be seen to run horizontally or upwards across the tummy or back instead of downwards. The mohair on the legs of my lovely Flossie (shown in an earlier post), runs in opposite directions, one upwards and one downwards? It seems strange to me that more care wasn't taken with, what has always been a very expensive material. Does this lack of care devalue the bear? I think it probably adds to his charm, but I don't think I will follow their example.

A Lovely Weekend in Stratford

2011-06-13T20:09:00.000+01:00

Mike and I had a great weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon. The weather was lovely on Saturday. We went on a river trip, watched fire-eaters in the park, visited Shakespeare's birthplace and did a two hour guided walking tour of the town. The heavens opened in the evening and we awoke Sunday morning to strong, cold winds and torrential rain.

We arrived at the Artist Bear Event in good time and were made very welcome by Sam. The Event was very well supported by collectors, (particularly in the morning), anxious to add to their collections. The Civic Hall looked a picture and there were plenty of gorgeous bears of every size and description. There was a lovely, friendly atmosphere and we had a super day, with a number of Teddybuys bears going off to new homes. I treated myself to a lovely, handmade wooden rocking chair for the bears, some lovely golden Schulte alpaca and a few growlers. We arrived back home at about 9 pm, tired but happy!

Well, no peace for the wicked. I now need to make some more bears for the Bears on Parade online show in July!

Stratford Artist Bear Event This Weekend

2011-06-09T20:51:00.000+01:00

I've just realised that I've had a blog for a year! Once Stratford is behind me, I will have to think of marking this milestone in some way!

I'm really looking forward to this weekend. Mike and I are going to do some sightseeing in and around Stratford-Upon-Avon on Saturday. No doubt we will do the usual tourist-type things. I just hope it doesn't rain all day. We have booked a nice hotel and Mike's Mum is dog-sitting for us. On Sunday, we are off to the Stratford Artist Bear Event. The bears are already packed up and ready to go. I have been poorly for the last 24 hours, but hope I will be fit for the weekend.

Hazel and Henry will be coming with me.

Taking a Break

2011-06-02T20:49:00.000+01:00

I've really enjoyed half-term week. It has given me the opportunity to try making bears that are totally different to my normal bears. I have had a lot of fun with them.

I bought some mohair from South Africa a while back. I decided to dye it in pastel colours, then couldn't decide what to do with it. I thought I would try some happy looking bears as follows:

Happiness is...

I have always loved old, traditional style bears but not had the nerve to age a bear I've made. I was determined to have a go,so...I have plucked and sanded the mohair on bear below.

My Favourite Teddy - A Homage to Flossie

2011-05-31T09:59:00.000+01:00

I am really lucky to have a beautiful collection of artist and vintage bears which I absolutely love and get inspiration from every day. The bear that lives on my bed and travels with me when I go away is probably the least expensive bear I have ever adopted. Her name is Flossie and I think she is a 1950s Pedigree bear. She was an eBay purchase about 5 years ago, and the minute I saw her, I knew she was special. She doesn't have the glamour of luxurious long kid mohair, but is a nice golden mohair that wants to lay in all directions, although thinning from lots of cuddles. I bought her a little hand knitted cardigan about 3 years ago to keep her warm. Her glass eyes are a little scratched, but she can still give me loving looks. Her head is stuffed with wood wool, but the rest of her is softly stuffed, She is more slender than the chubby bears I normally like but for me, she just has that special something that makes me love her to bits.

I have been playing around with my camera in the garden this morning. I wish you could smell the Philadephus Belle Etoile and the Ferdinand Pichard roses...just bliss!

Going Off Piste

2011-05-24T19:33:00.000+01:00

I love and enjoy making my realistic style bears, but classic bears were my first love. I have been playing around with a classic teddy design and have come up with two different little fellows, Chester and Tommy. Unfortunately, I cannot help myself, and I added hand moulded epoxy clay noses and eye whites (in felt) to each. Tommy has hand-painted eyes. (So not that classic!) They are both made with a lovely curly, tipped Schulte mohair.

I had a couple of small pieces of lovely ivory and golden curly kid mohair left from an earlier bear project and made a little bunny, Alice. Variety is the spice of life!

I am still recovering from the Minstead Bear Fair on Sunday. It was a long day, but enjoyable. It was great to catch up with a couple of old friends and make a few new ones.

Next week is half-term, so I hope to find the time to make a new bear or two for the Stratford fair in June.

Hugs
Sue

The 2011 National Teddy Bear Artists' Awards (NTBAA) & Minstead Hall Teddy Bear Fair this Sunday

2011-05-18T15:56:00.000+01:00

Why do I always leave things until the last minute? I still have all my teddy tags to make! This involves printing a small photo of each bear, then printing the information tags, followed by sticking the photo to the tag. It may sound a small task, but it takes me forever.

This will be my second fair and I am going on my own, so am quite nervous. If you are planning to go, please come and say hello. I am quite shy but always happy to talk about bears!

I am taking a selection of mostly realistic and character bears that I have been busy making. I will try to take a photo of my table, and post it when I get back.

I'm off now to find all the bits I need for the tags!

Photography Learning Curve

2011-05-08T11:57:00.000+01:00

I went on a one day course for beginners Photography two weeks back. It now means that I am no longer terrified of pressing the wrong button. It has helped me to understand the basics and I think my photography has improved. I still have a long way to go, but now feel I have got past a mental block where taking photos is concerned. I have taken a few photos this morning as practice.

My Tissavel Sable

2011-05-01T17:16:00.000+01:00

I have had a piece of Tissavel sable synthetic fur in my stash for the past three years, but haven't had the courage to cut into it. I finally took the plunge and made a lifesize hare from it using taxidermy glass eyes. He has a double-neck joint, jointed rear legs and wired front legs. This may be the last time I use synthetic fur. I think I may be allergic to it!

Happy Floral Easter

2011-04-25T08:27:00.000+01:00

There are few places more beautiful than England in the Spring. I took a few photos of the flowers in my garden very early Easter Sunday morning. There is something joyous about nature waking up and showing off its colours after a long winter.

New Black Bear Cub

2011-04-21T09:20:00.000+01:00

The weather here is glorious...25 degrees yesterday and the forecast is good for the Easter break. I have been struggling ever since I began bearmaking, to design a teddy that will stand on all fours that lives up to my expectations. I think I have made a bit of a breakthrough this week with 'Cub'. (She doesn't have a name yet). With each bear, I am gradually getting closer to what I want, but it is a slow, baby steps process. I am not a draftsperson or terribly methodical or logical in my approach, so refining the pattern takes a long time. I have used one of my favourite tipped alpacas...the fur makes such a difference to the look of a realistic bear. I have yet to decide whether to give her claws. She has six joints and her legs are wired for flexibility of posing. Hope you like her.

Hugs

Sue

The Garden and my Camera

2011-04-08T19:45:00.000+01:00

Despite having a decent digital camera, a light tent and lighting, I cannot take a decent photograph. It is very frustrating being unable to do my bears justice and capture their characters to my satisfaction. I have tried adjusting white balance and adjusting a variety of settings but I am a hopeless case. However, I hope there is some light on the horizon. I am going on a one day portraiture photography course for beginners in two weeks time. I really hope that my pictures will show some improvement after the course.

With the very warm weather we've been having, flowers and blossoms are not lasting long in the garden, so I took my camera outside and took a few photos. We have a beautiful magnolia tree, but the blossom doesn't last long. It is looking particularly lovely this year. Our tulips are in flower. We don't usually see them until May.

6th April and 21 Degrees

2011-04-06T14:49:00.000+01:00

It's a scorcher today (for April) and my day off, so decided to sit in the garden. I'm sure it cannot last, so decided to make the most of it! We are going away in our touring caravan soon, so expect the weather to take a turn for the worse :)

My planters and tubs are looking a treat, so took some photos. Some of my recent critters seem to have sneaked into the photos.

Spring Fox Cub

2011-04-04T19:25:00.000+01:00

I have just created my first fox cub. I really enjoyed making him. He is made with caramel and white mohair. He has taxidermy glass eyes and his front legs and tail are wired. His nose is hand-moulded using black epoxy clay. His paw mads are black cashmere. He is 15 inches tall and heavy as he contains a pouch of stainless steel balls. His head and back legs are jointed. I love creating something different to my usual bears. I am on a mission to create enough bears to fill a table for shows in May and June, but I could not resist a Spring fox!

Such a Beautiful Day

2011-03-23T16:42:00.000Z

The sun is shining today and the spring flowers in the garden are coming into bloom, so I couldn't resist taking some of the Teddybuys gang out into the garden. If this weather continues, we will all need sunglasses!

About a week ago, I made a little bunny using some lovely softly curled Schulte kid mohair in gold and white. The egg in the basket in the photo below has a story associated with it. Between the ages of 8 and 13, I lived in Zweibrucken in Germany. My brothers and I were given lovely papier mache eggs filled with chocolates for Easter. I have managed to obtain a few eggs from Germany...an example of which is in the photo below (I seem to have managed to place it upside down in the basket!). It really brings back memories of childhood.

Hazel finally has her leather pads

She's catching a little spring sunshine with William and Camille.

William is a bit of a show off and cannot resist climbing trees.

A few more photos of Hazel

Lastly, I have been asked to give a talk on teddy making to the Rotary Club tomorrow evening and I'm really looking forward to it. I intend to take some examples of artist and vintage bears from my collection as well as a few Teddybuys bears. I'm also going to take a selection of materials and tools to explain the process of bear making. I hope the members will find the talk interesting.

Hugs to all!!

Not finishing anything!

2011-03-17T20:43:00.000Z

I have taken a couple of snaps of two new bears, Jet and Hazel. Head shots only, at present, as I haven't finished their paws and claws. I find that hand sewing the leather pads quite hard on my hands, so will work on them over the next couple of weeks. I will try to get on with another couple of projects in the meantime. I am the sort of person who normally prefers to finish a bear before I start another, so it will be interesting to see if I can change the way I normally work.

Both Jet and Hazel are made with Schulte alpaca. It always amazes me just how different the feel and appearance of alpaca can be. Jet's alpaca is 25mm, nearly black, shiny and very smooth and dense. Hazel's alpaca is 22mm, less shiny, but dense.

Dark bears, like Jet are very difficult to photograph. When they are finished, I'll get my photo tent and lighting equipment out and try to take some decent photos. I've noticed that in the second photo, the noses look huge. I think the camera has focussed on the noses, so will have to get the manual out and work out how to stop that from happening. Too much to learn...not enough time...!! Also, Hazel's colour is more realistic in the first photo. I lightened the second photo so Jet would look less like a black blob, but in the process, Hazel has been lightened as well. Arghh...

New Pattern - William

2011-03-09T16:02:00.000Z

I have been busy designing a new pattern for my realistic teddies. I have a couple of bear fairs coming up in early summer, so need to really get busy. I need to have some interesting bears to offer on my table. I have changed the head shape (making the dome of the head wider), changed the body shape (now longer), shortened the arms and altered the shape of the paws, completely changed the shape of legs and feet. The leg pattern is now much more complex. So William is the first of my new design. Although cold, the sun was shining, so I thought I would let him out to play in the trees in the garden.

Half Term Catchup! Has Spring Sprung?

2011-02-22T13:52:00.000Z

Half term holiday, so the chance to catch up with things, including photographing some of the latest Teddybuys bears and hares.

Camille

I'd like to introduce Camille. She is made from a beautiful, soft blush coloured Schulte alpaca with an ivory alpaca muzzle. She has been designed to sit. She is about 14 inches sitting and 19 inches stretched out. Her paw pads are made from a soft, dark brown leather. Her nose has been hand-moulded. She is stuffed with Bouncifill and plastic beads for extra weight. Her eyes are black English glass, with white and black felt eye rims. She is finished with a silver satin ribbon. She has 6 joints, including a double-neck joint tfor lots of posing possibilities. She is one of a kind. Her adoption fee is £150 plus postage.

Manuka

Manuka is a 15 inch bear made from a lovely rich brown Schulte alpaca with a fawn alpaca muzzle. He is designed to sit and has paw pads made from black leather. He has 6 joints including a double-neck joint and is softly stuffed with polyfill and plastic beads for a good cuddle. His face has been needle-sculpted and his eyes are English glass with white and black felt eye rims. His adoption fee is £130 plus postage.

I'm not sure that Spring is here in Kent yet. It still feels very cold and we have had a lot of very dull days lately...but nevertheless I am determined to get into 'Spring mode'.

Peaches
I thought Herbert, my grey hare looked rather lonely, so made him a companion, the lovely Peaches. She is made from the same lovely Schulte alpaca as Camille and she also has 6 joints, including a double-neck joint. Like Herbert, she looks great standing or sitting. She is about 20 inches standing (to the tips of her ears), so is quite substantial. She has pretty silver and white satin ribbons around her neck. Her adoption fee is £120 plus postage.

I managed to get into the garden to take a couple of photos of the first signs of Spring. We are told it will get warmer in a couple of days!!! Hurrah!

Singer Featherweight

I decided a while back that I didn't want to be without a sewing machine, while my Bernina was away for a service each year, so I bought an old Singer Featherweight as a back-up machine. How addicted to bear-making am I that I don't want to be without a machine for a week?? Anyway, I am absolutely delighted with it. It came back from being serviced last week and it runs like a dream. I love it. I have a feeling that the Bernina is going to be relegated to back up machine.

What's next?
My father is very keen on Meerkats, so my next project is to try making one. Wish me luck!

New Black Bear Cub

2011-02-06T17:07:00.000Z

I'm pleased to introduce Bramble, my latest black bear cub. He is made from the last piece of a lovely Schulte alpaca that I have. It is a very dark brown, almost black tip with a dark reddish brown undercoat. It is difficult to describe, but very natural looking. He is designed to stand or sit, with six joints including a double-neck joint. He feet and paws are sculpted, brown leather. His eyes are English glass eyes with a felt backing. His face is needle and scissor-sculpted and shaded. He is stuffed with polyfill and plastic pellets. His nose has been hand-moulded from epoxy clay. He is a greedy, little cub with rather a large tummy. He is looking for a new home. He is £130 plus postage.

Let's Get Real!

2011-01-19T17:48:00.000Z

I've been spending a bit of time trying to design a bear that is more realistic than my usual bears. I have been picking up and putting down this prototype brown bear for the past couple of months. He has 6 joints including a double-neck joint and wire in each leg for additional posability. His glass eyes have come from a taxidermist. I tried a different foot design this time, but think I prefer my usual foot pattern. He has a hand moulded nose and claws. I can see several aspects that I might tweak in my next attempt to improve this design. Poor chap hasn't a name at present!

Wee Bear from Linda Benson has arrived!

2011-01-06T11:33:00.000Z

Wee Bear has just arrived with the postman this morning. I am absolutely thrilled with him! He was Linda's giveaway prize last month. I don't know how she could bear to part with him...but I'm so glad she did! He arrived in a lovely miniature round hatbox. He is made from a beautiful rich brown alpaca and the amount of work in him is unbelievable! Each little paw has been sculpted and they all have claws. His back paws are about the size of the top of a pencil. His little face has the same expression Hope had as a new born cub...just adorable. He even has Linda's trademark leather nose and a little hump. Sorry my photography cannot do this little fellow justice, but he will be loved forever! He is stunning! Thank you so much, Linda!

Hugs

Sue

Something a bit different - a hare

2011-01-05T14:48:00.000Z

I thought I might try broadening out into creating some other types of animal occasionally this year. It is really important to me that they pass the cuddle test. They needn't be too realistic...I want teddy charm and comfort, but alongside that...enough realism for people to recognise what kind of creature I've made.

My first effort of 2011 is Herbert the hare. He is a rather large hare - 19 inches to the top of his ears and he is not really designed for speed. He has the usual large tum I prefer on my bears. He is made from lovely, dense, soft alpaca in dove grey and ivory. He has 6 joints, including a double-neck joint, wired ears, whiskers, black glass eyes and the pads on his large feet are grey ultrasuede. He is stuffed with polyfill and plastic pellets. Please click on the photos to see a larger version of the picture. Like all my creations, he is a collector item, not suitable for children. He is available for adoption for £130 including tracked, insured postage worldwide.

Happy New Year 2011

2011-01-01T11:58:00.000Z

Wishing everyone a wonderful New Year and many thanks for your support in 2010. The bear in the image is Angus.

Hugs
Sue

We have a mouse in the house!

2010-12-28T17:11:00.000Z

Below are photos of Gilbert, a naughty 15 inch mouse. He has been pulling baubles from the Christmas tree and nibbling on the Quality Street. This is obvious... just looking at that fat tummy! He is made from two shades of lovely Schulte mohair in blonde and ginger. He has six joints, including a double-neck joint, cashmere paws and pads, glass eyes with felt eye whites and a hand-moulded nose made by myself using epoxy clay. He has whiskers and a long tail. I have knitted him a scarf and bobble hat using hand spun banana silk in lovely shades of brown and gold as he looked to be feeling the cold. He has been carefully stuffed and weighted so that he stands beautifully.

He is looking for a new home. His adoption fee is £140 including tracked, insured shipping worldwide and Special Delivery in the UK.

Wishing You A Very Peaceful Christmas Holiday

2010-12-24T15:32:00.000Z

Hoping you all have a wonderful holiday and find something beary under the tree! The bears in the photo are Magic and Socks. They were nominated for an award at the British Bear Artist Awards 2010, but were unplaced.

However, Blossom won the Realistic Design category.

Hugs
Sue

Linda Benson Giveaway Win!

2010-12-11T07:59:00.000Z

I am really thrilled to have heard that my name was pulled out of the hat for Linda's giveaway bear, Wee Bear. This is just the pick up I needed, as I fractured my foot two weeks ago and have been feeling rather down. So I will be making room in my heart and hug for this little fellow! If you would like to see a photo of him:

click here

Hugs

Sue

2011 TeddyBuys Calendar

2010-11-28T10:20:00.000Z

Personally, I never seem to have a calendar to hand when I need one, so I have created a 2011 Teddybuys calendar that you are welcome to download. You will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. Just click on the Image below, then save and print!

Below are a few bears looking for new homes for Christmas. They are very well behaved and cuddly, with excellent pedigrees, as they have been made with the highest quality materials and much love. Please contact me sue@teddybuys.co.uk if you would like further information or to see more photos or to go on my mailing list.

Tinker - a standing clown bear

This is a brand new design for me. He is 17 inches tall (without his hat) and is made from beautiful Schulte mohair. He has six joints, including a double-neck joint. He is stuffed and weighted with polyfill and plastic beads. His ruffle is made from satin and his hat is made from wool felt. The pompom on his hat is made from banana silk. Now adopted.

Goldie - standing clown bear

Goldie is 17 inches tall without his hat and made from beautiful ivory and golden Schulte mohair. He stands well on his own and has a very sweet expression. His ruffle is made from satin and his hat is made from wool felt. The pompom on his hat is made from banana silk. Now adopted
Filbert - realistic style teddy

Filbert is a lovely, soft, cuddly fellow made from German tipped alpaca. He has six joints, including a double-neck joint and hand-moulded epoxy clay nose and claws. His paw mads are made from black leather. He was featured in Teddy Bear Times recently. He is a wonderful one-of-a-kind bear. Now adopted.

Not Long Now!

2010-11-15T20:17:00.000Z

This is Tinker, one of my clown bears for the Holiday Show that starts this Saturday. He is designed to stand unaided and is made from lovely soft, curly Schulte mohair in mocha and ivory. He is hoping to find a loving home. The other bears will need to wait in the wings until then!

Holiday Show Preparations

2010-11-07T20:17:00.000Z

My bears for the online holiday show on November 21st and 22nd are complete. I am not allowed to show pictures of them before the show starts, but here is a little sneak peek. The bears are a new departure for me and I am really pleased with how they have turned out and hope you will like them too. Can anyone guess the theme?

Hugs

Sue

Keeping the Faith

2010-10-17T19:15:00.000+01:00

I have recently been working with a beautiful, curly Schulte. It has been a real challenge for me to turn all those lovely curls into a recognisable teddy bear face. This is probably due to having working with straight alpaca for quite a while which is a breeze to scissor sculpt. The mohair does not have an obvious direction to the pile. It goes everyway possible!

I have really had to take a deep breath before cutting into this curly mohair. Too much brushing and it loses its lustre. Too little cutting and the face has no definition. I think that if I had tried using this mohair a year ago, the head would probably have ended up in a box of failures.

However, by wetting the muzzle fur and using a hairdrier I have managed to straighten the fur enough to scissor sculpt the muzzle, at the same time avoiding brushing the rest of the fur that I want to remain curly. He just needs a body now!

Reflections

2010-10-14T12:47:00.000+01:00

It's funny how something can set off thoughts and memories of loved ones. A couple of days ago, I was looking for a watch I had mislaid and came across a small jewellery box containing my granfather's 'pips'. For those of you not from a military background, pips are insignia that are worn on lapels and shoulders. (He was, during WW2, a Major in the Indian Army who served in Manchuria and was twice mentioned in despatches). My beloved grandfather was Reginald Charles Quentin Von Donop Hardinge, otherwise known as Rex. He was a wonderful person...very, very witty and a wonderful teller of stories. Although reasonably tall, he was always very slender and it always amazed me that he ever survived his childhood in India. He was born in Poonah. His father, Colonel Henry Hardinge, spent much of his working life posted in India. Rex was also the author of a large number of books, some of the best known were Sexton Blake detective stories. He was a great walker and enjoyed smoking a pipe. Although he was wonderful company, he needed peace and quiet for his writing and spent much of his writing time living on Dartmoor in Devon with his cocker spaniel dogs Jasper and Sandy. I absolutely worshipped him and still miss him. He passed away in 1990 at 89 years of age in Dawlish, Devon. I have always felt that he is my Guardian Angel.

My Stash and Deadlines

2010-10-06T13:40:00.000+01:00

One of the greatest pleasures of teddy making, is to have an idea for a design and then to look through my stash of mohair to see if I have any fur that will suit my idea. I have spent quite a long time working nearly exclusively with alpaca, but recently have wanted to create bears from two different coloured mohairs.

So today I have dragged out my stash and played around with different combinations of colours...such fun! I have found combinations for three new bears.

I am busy bear making for the online Holiday Bear Show on November 20th and 21st and for the British Bear Fair in Brighton on December 12th, so am unlikely to have any available for adoption before then.

Linda Benson Course

2010-09-28T06:49:00.000+01:00

On the 18th and 19th September I attended a two day bearmaking course, taught by the wonderful Linda Benson and hosted by Bill and Jean Ashburner of BearBits fame.

The two days were full on and packed with plenty of techniques and tips that were new to me and should help me to improve and extend the way I work. Jean and Bill were very hospitable hosts and great fun. They provided delicious lunches and kept us plied with refreshments.

I have always adored Linda's work, so the opportunity to spend two days learning from her was an opportunity not to be missed!

I still haven't quite finished my bear as I have some bearmaking commitments and deadlines to meet...so my little bear will have to sit and wait for time to finish.

It was really lovely to spend the weekend with others that share the same bearmaking passion!

Hugs

Sue

British Bear Artist Awards 2010 Nominations

2010-09-20T09:03:00.000+01:00

Teddybuys bears have been shortlisted in this year's competition in two categories: Blossom in Realistic Designs and 'I need a hug', otherwise known as Magic and Socks in the Group of Bears over six inches categories. So they are all looking forward to a day out at the finals at the British Bear Fair located at Brighton racecourse on Sunday, the 12th December.

Blossom

'I need a hug'

Hugglets and Linda Benson Course

2010-09-14T07:30:00.000+01:00

I travelled up to Kensington via the High Speed train from Kent to visit Hugglets on Sunday. Had a lovely pub lunch with the long-suffering other half and headed into the Halls. As usual, there was a sufeit of fabulous bears. I only managed to see 3 of Paula's (All Bear) bears as the others were sold, but they were just wonderful. There is no doubt that although photos are great, there is no substitution for holding the bears yourself. I had a chat with Marjan Jorritsma of Tonnibears (another of my favourite artists). Her bears have such a lovely, gently aged appearance to them and she had brought with her some absolutely charming little prim dogs. I must have one soon! I also managed a good hug from one of Dawn's (Hugs Unlimited) bears. He was very hard to put down...just like holding a baby and just as appealing. So many other wonderful artists...I could go on forever!

I picked up a couple of lovely pieces of ivory pure silk plush fabric from the Japan Bear Co. I will need to think carefully about how best to use them...possibly another polar bear???

I am off to Lincolnshire on Friday evening for a weekend ourse with the wonderful Linda Benson. I said hi to her at Hugglets and had the opportunity to see the bear we will be making. Can't wait but also feeling some trepidation. Hope I will be able to keep up and not make a hash of my bear.

I have done the pre-sewing and hope to produce a sequence of photos of my progress.

The kit has arrived from Jean and Bill Ashburner. Just beautiful shiny black and ivory mohair.

I have carefully cut out the pattern and completed the presewing. No head yet!

More to follow next week...

A new blog giveaway

2010-09-10T17:59:00.000+01:00

Gorgeous bear Giveaway, by Wayne Lim ! Click the image below and follow the instructions to give yourself a chance of winning this lovely bear! I hope it's me!

Teddybuys Workroom

2010-09-08T12:48:00.000+01:00

I have recently moved my teddy making space from the dining room into an upstairs room. After three years, we can now sit down and eat without having to pack all my equipment and supplies away! It always took me ages to find my tools afterwards. :)

My new workroom has space to store and work and best of all...I don't have to keep moving things at the end of each bearmaking session.

At the moment, most of my materials are in a large old Victorian wardrobe, but I hope eventually to get something more suitable.

I am really pleased with the functional shelves in the photo. They were £50 from Argos and are extremely sturdy, so a great buy. I also bought a large filing cabinet (also a bargain, as it was a second) which now houses my patterns etc.

It's lovely to have my own space for my bears. It feels all cosy and the dogs snooze by my feet. I can shut myself away and forget about everything else!

Hugs

Sue

Sox - an experiment

2010-08-25T11:19:00.000+01:00

I have just finished Sox. He is a large bear cub made from Shulte mohair and alpaca. I usually make most of my bears from alpaca, but have restricted it here to the cream fur on his muzzle, ear linings, chest stripe and feet. The golden mohair is really soft and silky to the touch. He has the usual double-neck joint, but I have used cashmere instead of leather for his toes. His toes have been pulled, as usual for my bears. He is soft and cuddly, designed to sit.

Blossom - large black bear cub

2010-08-20T11:49:00.000+01:00

I am now properly into bear making mode. I have just finished Blossom, a black bear cub. She is large for me...all of 19 inches. She is made with the most beautiful Shulte alpaca. It is really soft and smooth for alpaca. It is very dark brown, almost black at the tips while the undercoat is a slightly lighter reddish-brown. This gives a very natural appearance. Her muzzle is a short Shulte alpaca that has been lightly shaded. Blossom has 6 joints, including a double-neck joint and leather pads and paws with pulled toes. I have given her lovely, realistic large ears. I have posted a couple of pictures as well as the photo I used as a source. I have not tried to copy the photo, but just to capture the essence of the bear cub.

Hugs

Sue

Source photo

Buddy and Filbert at Play

2010-08-16T11:43:00.000+01:00

have finally got around to photographing Buddy. Everything has been in chaos for the past week as I have been moving my bear-making equipment from the dining room to the back bedroom. Our dining room has been restored to its original use and the back bedroom is now a bear friendly zone.

Buddy is a 13" open-mouthed bear cub made from my favourite tipped alpaca. Unfortunately, I only have a few scraps left and don't know if I will be able to source any more. The fur has a lovely, dense, soft feel to it and is shinier than most alpacas. It is a dream to work with. Back to Buddy...his arms and legs are wired for extra posing possibilities. He can stand unaided. His paws are made from black leather and his toes have been pulled. His mouth is also made from black leather. His tongue is made from ultrasuede that has been hand-painted.

I couldn't resist photographing him with Filbert...although, from his expression, I'm not sure Filbert appreciated Buddy's hugs!

Hope you like him!!

Back from Derbyshire

2010-08-12T08:34:00.000+01:00

We have returned from our summer holiday in Derbyshire. The weather was mainly cloudy, but this didn't spoil our enjoyment of this lovely county. We visited Arkwright's Cromford Mill again. Last visit was in 2001 and it was great to see the further restoration to the first mill. The Industrial Revolution was the first History topic I remember studying at school, so has always fascinated me (satanic mills,etc...)

We walked along the Cromford Canal (used to move raw and finished cotton) from the mill site to the steam powered pumping station that was used to lift water from the river to the canal. This was a lovely, peaceful walk with lots of ducks, moorhens with their young to see along the way as well as a cafe half way along for a break and welcome cup of tea.

Mike is very keen on trams, old buses etc., so we twice visited the Crich National Tram Collection and travelled on a variety of trams, some over 100 years old. They also sold the most wonderful icecream...not good for the waistline!

There was also a lovely woodland walk full of wonderful wooden sculptures. My favourite is below.

We also visited Poole's Cavern at Buxton. The guide was absolutely brilliant and this made the visit really enjoyable.

Now I'm back home, I am in the process of completing a little brown bear, Buddy. Will post photos when he is finished.

Playful now has a body!

2010-07-29T14:39:00.000+01:00

My little polar bear now has a body, making him 13" of heavy, cuddly bear. He has my favoured double-neck joint and I decided to wire his arms for greater posability. His body is a totally new design. I wanted to make his outline chubbier and younger. He has pulled toes and paws...just claws to add. I need to make them first - my next task. I may not get them done before we go on holiday at the weekend. Anyway, some quick snaps of 'Playful'.

Hugs

Sue

Hurrah, the holidays are here!

2010-07-28T15:30:00.000+01:00

School has finished until the 1st of September, so now is the time to restart my bearmaking. I always have a very late spring clean when school finishes and before we go away...so now that is done, I thought I'd try an open mouthed polar bear. I have tried this before on a number of occasions, but never been pleased with the result.

This time, I cut away the lower jaw part of my side head piece and added a small chin gusset. So, today I have completed the head, ready for a double-neck joint and body. His inner mouth area is soft, black leather and his tongue is ultrasuede that I have painted using acrylic paints. I hope to find time tomorrow. I'm not sure about the ears or their placement. I may trim them and/or move them. I will decide tomorrow. He doesn't have a name yet.

Patrick - 16" new bear cub

2010-07-14T19:01:00.000+01:00

Patrick is a sweet cub in cream alpaca with medium brown tip. He has six joints, including a double-neck joint that allows for a variety of posing positions. His paws are a cream ultrasuede that have been needle sculpted and shaded. He is softly stuffed with polyfil and plastic beads to ensure he is a good weight and excellent cuddle. I have not given him claws, but if the person who adopts him would like them, I can add them.

I also made him a sweet pair of dungarees with a cute, teddy pattern on them. Personally, I prefer my bears bare, but if anyone would like to see him dressed, just email me. He has quality black glass eyes with white felt eye whites peeping out from behind them. His nose has been hand-moulded using black epoxy clay.

If you would like to give him a loving home, he is £150 including insured shipping. If you would like further information, please email me.

sue@teddybuys.co.uk

Filbert - A new realistic bear cub

2010-07-05T18:20:00.000+01:00

I have just completed a new, realistic styled bear cub. Filbert is a further development of my realistic pattern. He is 15" tall and made from a dense, tipped alpaca. He has a double-neck joint to allow greater posing opportunities. His nose and claws have been hand modelled by myself using epoxy clay. His paws and feet have been sculpted in leather.

New Bear Cubs

2010-06-20T14:05:00.000+01:00

It is still very chilly for June in Kent, so good weather for teddy-making. I have been developing a new design. It is based on my larger realistic design, but smaller and slightly simplified. There are still 6 joints including a double-neck joint but the paws and pads have had a simpler treatment. The bears are 10 inches tall and are made from lovely dense German alpaca. The are VERY cuddly and soft, so cannot stand unaided. They prefer to sit. Their names are Tabasco, Cocoa and Snowflake. They are looking for loving new homes and are £80 each plus shipping. Tabasco and Cocoa have found new homes. Tabasco is off to Belgium and Cocoa will be leaving for the USA.

New Bears for Summer

2010-06-02T15:00:00.000+01:00

I have just completed three bears...well I should say, a pair of modern bears (as I see them staying together) and an aged classic bear.

Let me introduce Romeo and Juliet. They are an adorable, sweet pair of bear cubs. They are made from a lovely soft mohair and silk fabric from Schulte. Unlike Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, they are very happy little bears.

They are 10" tall and stuffed with polyfill and plastic beads to gently weight them.

Their eyes are quality black glass. Their nose has been hand sculpted by myself using epoxy resin. Their faces have been gently shaded using acrylic paint.

Juliet is pure white, while Romeo is a lovely sunshine yellow...not bright yellow and not as pale as a primrose, somewhere inbetween.

If you are interested in adding this pair to your hug, they are £50.00 each or £85 for the pair plus postage.

Lisbet is a little classic bear made in the style of bears from an earlier time. She is made from a short white German dense mohair. This has been aged using tea and coffee to give it an old appearance. Acrylic paints have also been applied to areas where antique bears often show staining.

She is 10" tall and has genuine Vistorian boot button eyes. She is loosely stuffed with a mixture of polyfill and plastic beads to give that 'slumpy' look. Her pads are made of German felt.

Lisbet is looking for a new home. She is £60 plus postage.

Please contact me if you are interested in any of these sweeties.

My Very First Post

2010-05-31T12:50:00.000+01:00

For someone who teaches Computing, I am a latecomer to blogging. I guess I worry like many others about whether I have anything extra to offer to the existing content on the web...so this is the proverbial 'toe in the water'.

Below is a picture of me with my first bear. This shows me with my mother after my Christening holding my first bear.