Wednesday, August 29, 2012

I Know What Santa Will Be Wearing This Year!


No, this isn't Santa! Beaker is taking time to smell my lovely flowers from the farmers' market - certainly a treat for both Beak and me!
Now, back to the title! I've just received a shipment from Berta at Threadteds.com and it contained one of the best green colored fur I have ever seen. I usually make a couple of Santa's each year - one for the Hunt Valley show and one for the Teddies Worldwide online show and each is different. This year, I'm thinking that green will be included in the wardrobes of the two tiny Santas.
 I'm sure this photo doesn't do the color justice and I hope you'll be able to see it in person at Hunt Valley! It's a bit lighter and has more yellow than represented here. I ordered three more pieces as each of Berta's dye lots are a little different and I wanted more of this particular one.
And here's some of the new extra extra long fabric Berta has. The middle is a subtle sage-y green that might just show up in a very fluffy polar Santa! It's been so hot this summer, it makes me cool thinking of these Winter Wonderland inhabitants.

My heart is with the people and animals of the Gulf Coast. I hope recovery from the hurricane goes swiftly.

Monday, August 20, 2012

All Gone!!!


TBAI was such a whirl wind of fun, I forgot to take a photo of my table until all the bears were gone!! Most of them found their new Moms during the hour of shopping that those attending the convention are allowed before the banquet on Friday evening. I did want you to see my lovely new display my friend Debbie's husband has made for me. Jessie is a woodworker and with just a few suggestions of what I would like, he came up with this woodland wonder! I'm able to take it all apart for transport and there are three different platforms that I can arrange to suit whatever table is used at a show! Thanks so much Jessie!
Thursday night's reception had a "sock hop" theme and many dressed appropriately with pony tails and poodle skirts! 50's music was played and dancing was encouraged!
On one side of the room many artist set up some extraordinary pieces for all to see:






And on display was Teddy 2012 created by Barbara Burke which was auctioned at the Banquet on Saturday night!

Before the banquet, the gallery show room was opened up at 5 p.m. All attending were ushered in and placed their votes for their favorites - 8 inches and above and under 8 inches were the two categories.

"Any Occasion Will Do" was the theme for this year's gallery. My piece celebrated Arbor Day. Three little beary fairies were planting trees to insure the health of their woodland home. Thanks to Diane who bought my gallery piece!
Here are some of the other pieces:





The Peoples Choice Winners for the evening were:
Stevie T. for under 8 inches and
LuLu Tatum for 8 inches and over.

The collectors and artists who attend TBAI are just the greatest. I am so glad to have been invited to attend and look forward to next year!
Here are a couple of my special collectors who kindly gave me permission to use their photos:


Thanks to two lovely ladies -  Caryn and Terry for selecting my little ones at the show!
And a final look at the showroom floor where lots of collectors found lots of new bears and friends to take home. Thanks so much to Cindy Malchoff and her committee for making a wonderful experience for all of us! Can't wait for next year!!

Friday, August 3, 2012

What a Difference an Ear Makes!


Here's a little bunny that will be coming with me to TBAI in a couple of weeks. I love this fabric and you may remember Lola that I featured not long ago in the Etsy shop. When I was ready to sew on the ears - which I had planned to be "stand up" ears like Lola's, I just placed one as you see it here. That was it!! I love this little lop. The ears are wired so can be adjusted a bit. I'm just not sure if this bunny is a him or her yet.

Here's Lola! She's pretty sweet too!

I have just received an order from Berta at Threadteds in the Netherlands with lots more of this wonderful fabric. I'm hoping to get more very furry friends ready to accompany me to Binghamton. Hope to see you there!!