Spring Has Sprung!

Wishful thinking? Well, maybe a Big wish for that season of warming lengthening days was the inspiration for my preview piece for the upcoming Teddies Worldwide online show. Wee tiny "Spring" stands atop a lovely purple crocheted flower which you might remember from an earlier post and that's on top of an old rusty bed spring! As soon as I can, I shall add to this post directions for just how I did this. It was rather windy the day Spring and I went outdoors for her photo shoot. I had to wait for the gusts to subside to balance her just so!  I've crocheted a dress and matching hat just for her out of a beautiful Lizbeth thread in a shade called Vineyard Harvest. I hope you can see all the colors! I'll post an unclose of her soon.  For now, the preview for the show has begun! Hop on over to www.teddiesworldwide.com and see the wonderful preview photos for this all bear show. You can vote for your favorites!

Here's a closer look! I just realized I have the photos of making the "pin cushion" she's sitting on still on my phone so I'll have to transfer them over - then will post a "how to."  Almost show time!!

Use the link above to see the show at 4 p.m. EST!!

Tiny Trousers for Tubby Teddies

 One of the things I most admire about my daughter, Kim, is her brilliant ability to solve problems. She's an excellent knitter and yesterday I happened to mention that I would appreciate it if she could puzzle out how to knit some trousers for bears. The only little standing bear in the house is little Wee Much which I made several years ago. He kindly agreed to work with Kim as she designed the pants.

This was a bottom up operation as she started at the ankles. She discovered Wee Much has big feet!! The cuffs of the trousers have ribbing so will expand to allow him to take the garment on and off. Kim used double pointed needles which you can see surrounding Wee Much's right leg.

And those needles which resemble shish-ka-bob sticks followed him all the way up to the waist. Kim made a cute little draw string to allow the top to fit perfectly. These pants are meant for a kitty cat who hasn't been made yet, so I'm sure that ribbing and draw string will come in handy. If you have an odd size bear to fit and have questions, email me at the address in the right column and I'll put you in touch with my very talented Kim!!

And a final view- Wee Much received a sweater from Kim too!

Valentino in my Etsy Shop!

Here he is!! I've just listed tiny Valentino in my Etsy shop. I hope you'll go on over and have a look!www.etsy.com/shop/donnaandthebearsValentino is just 2 7/8 inches tall and has 5 cotter pin joints. His eyes are sparkling black glass and he has 4 wool felt paw pads. I crocheted the little red jacket just for Valentino! We've been out taking lots of photos today so we thought you'd like to see them!

He's such a sweetie!! The listing is just for Valentino, but I expect if you choose him for your valentine, he'll be bringing some treats along to your house! I just love this tiny size and am working on another champagne colored wee one that I think will be a girl!!

Valentino has been adopted! Thanks Pat!

Cute From Any Angle!

Well, after shoveling lots of snow, why wouldn't you make a polar bear?

We've had lots of snow here in southern Virginia and this little guy looks right at home.

Since taking these photos, I've made the rest of his little body and hope to get him ready for the Etsy shop in time to make a special Valentine trip. If you are interested in having this guy for your Valentine treat, be sure to sign up for notification of new bears available at the top of the page - or check back here!



Thanks Teddy Bear Times!!

 

Thanks so much to the folks at Teddy Bear Times for including me in their recent issue! They used many of my photos and I so appreciate the time and effort that went into the piece!

I'm still hoping to get to a teddy bear show "across the pond" one of these days so hopefully collectors there will recognize my little ones. Special thanks to Allison Croat for writing the lovely article!

Happy New Year!

We're happy here! My son, Jason, had spinal fusion surgery on January 2nd, to repair a painful back. I'm glad to report that he is doing well. His dad, Kim, and I took turns staying with him during his hospital stay and he came home on Saturday. He has visiting nurses checking on his progress and a physical therapist should show up later today.
Take a look at the wonderful photo of Rocky above. For my birthday (day after Christmas) Jason gave me a Sony Cyber Shot which, if you haven't heard of it, is an 18.5 megapixel camera that you use in conjunction with an app on the iPhone. This photo was made in little more than Christmas tree lighting in our family room. Rocky is on the back of the couch and in the distance is the hall going to the front door. I am just amazed at the lighting and the detail of such a photo! Truly amazing. And it's tiny! smaller than the size of a tuna can. I'm sure you can find info online about this truly marvelous tool!! I'm sure I shall be using it for my bear photos - just imagine - Eighteen and a half megapixels!! My first digital camera had TWO!!
Please have a good thought or prayer for Jason's continued recovery. A most happy 2014 and love to all!

Hopping on Santa's Sleigh!

 This sweet little butterfly bear named Kristy has hopped aboard Santa's sleigh and is on her way to her new Mom. I've been at the Post Office often this week with last minute shipments hoping the weather will be favorable for smooth journeys. Another traveler on the sleigh is Miss Kitty

She's hoping the weather will be good and Santa will be able to make deliveries on time!

WOW!!!

Just look what I've been missing!! Thanks to a wonderfully talented doctor, I can now see some vibrant colors I've been seeing through a "cloud."

I see sweet Abe's pink nose clearly and notice the subtle shading around his nose as well as his long white guard hairs in his coat .

The weather here in southern Virginia has been warm today and I've so enjoyed being outdoors observing the wonderful colors in my now brighter world since my cataract surgery on Tuesday. Thank you  Dr. Spellman and all those who took such good care of me. The warm weather will come to an end soon, but hopefully our beautiful pansies will fare well through the winter.

Let the Holidays Begin!

A sure sign of the Holidays! Kim's Beau and his candy cane! Wishing everyone a joyful and stress free period of time when we enjoy those who bless our lives daily - whether they have two legs or four! I'll be posting some "how I do it" features so check back! I'm having cataract surgery on Tuesday so I'll be back ASAP! Cheers!