Taking a Break

Thank you to all the collectors and bear artists who have encouraged and supported my over the past few years.  Some of you will know that I sustained a head injury about 13 months ago that left me with severe headaches.  I improved greatly through the autumn of last year, but unfortunately, they have returned.  Due to this, I will not be making bears for the foreseeable future.  I have recently finished a few bears, that I will offer for adoption, but I need to concentrate on getting better.

Bear hugs

Sue

Hugglets...not long now!

I am still finishing the teddies for Hugglets.  Since my head injury, I cannot managed sustained effort in the way I used to.  Therefore, I'm behind with photographing the bears!

I have a side profile photo of a large polar bear that will be coming with me and a photo of one of my little whimsical bears.

He's a biggie!  he is made from beautiful, white Schulte alpaca.  He has 6 joints including a double neck joint and a wire armature. He can stand on all fours.

I hand dyed the German mohair used to make Little Miss Sunshine.  She is wearing a broderie anglais onesie and can stand unaided.

Less than 2 Weeks Until Hugglets

OK.  It's less than 2 weeks until Hugglets, and I am busy creating new teddies for the big day.  Just a quick post to show you Bertie.  His design is a fusion of my realistic and whimsical teddies. He is made from beautiful chestnut Steiff Schulte alpaca and has cashmere, pulled toes.  I hope to post a few more teddies as previews before September 14th.  I am in the main hall - 34.  Please come and say hello!

Preparing for Hugglets 2

After being on holiday last week, it's back to my workroom.  I am presently working on my whimsical bears.  This year, many of them will be clothed.  I picked up some hanks of beautiful lace weight angora as well as a silk and mohair mix.  The angora takes hand dyes beautifully and is incredibly soft.  It knits up into beautiful cardigans and dungarees.

Pictured below are two new teddies that won't be making it to Hugglets as they have just been adopted by Kerryann.

I hope to post some images of teddies coming to Hugglets a week or two before the show.

Preparing for Hugglets

I'm finally back to making teddies.  It has been a long and difficult road, but the headaches are now fewer.  I am still finding it difficult to concentrate for prolonged periods, but now feel able to get back into my workroom.  I have spent my recovery time doing a little patchwork and quilting...not much at the sewing machine.  I've mostly been doing some hand sewing.

Having had a six month break, I now feel I am starting afresh with the bears and have a fairly clear idea about the type of bears I want to make and how I want to  make them.

It is always good to have a time frame to work to, so I will have to work hard to be ready for Hugglets on Sunday, September 14th.  I will be down in the main hall this time on Stand 34.

I will be posting photos nearer to September.  Here's a little teaser!

Recovery is Slower than I had Hoped

Unfortunately I've had to cancel my table at Hugglets on the 23rd Feb.  Recurrent headaches have seriously reduced my bearmaking activities.  I have been told recovery may take several months.  On the bright side, I hope I'll be recovered in time for the September show.

First Page Layouts

While I have been waiting for my clay head sculpts to dry, I have put together the first two pages of my Teddy Journal.  I wish I had thought of this before!  It allows me to make notes about each of the bears and it will be a reminder of the bears I have made. It also gives me an excuse to play with paper and glue!

Fun, fun, fun!