A big name for a little bear

Hey, it's a double blog post day!

 Thought I'd add this little teddy before I go to bed.  

I just finished him this afternoon ...

I named him 'Maximus' - a big name for a little bear!

He is a shade over 8 inches and happy to sit neatly in the palm of your hand.  He really is a sweetie!

I'll pop him on my website now (www.allbearbypaula.com) then it'll be up the wooden hill to bed for me.  

Sweet dreams everyone!

 :-)

So this is George

I snapped a few Iphone pics from my desk as I worked last week ...

Stitched and ready to stuff.

Nose embroidered so now it's time to insert the glass eyes.

Painting melted wax onto this fellow's nose ...

Using a hairdryer to melt the wax deep into the embroidery thread.

Buffing the first layer with brown paper.

Another coat of wax, more melting and more buffing and this bear's nose is now complete.

End of day workroom pic - hey, hello bear!

And finally, a posh studio photograph session! 

So this is George. 

:-)

The Gift

I called my finished panda bear 'Li Wu', which I am told means 'The Gift' ... so appropriate for a teddy!

Li Wu quickly found a lovely new home with one of my regular collectors, so I know he will be well cared for and made a welcome member of their 'All Bear' hug.

Loyal collectors are very special to me; it always gives me pleasure to place a new bear with someone I know has enjoyed my bears over time and who continues to support my work by returning time and time again, to adopt my new bears. 

So, a moment to give my heartfelt thanks to those of you who invite my bears into your homes around the world ... you make my creative world turn and for that I am and always will be, very, very, grateful xxx

Panda in progress

Since making my recent shop exclusive panda bear, I've been dying to create a lovely big brown and cream panda ( I love that colour combo!) especially for my website.

I can't remember how long ago it was that I last made a large panda; quite a while, that much I do know.

By close of bear making today, I had my panda stitched, including proper inset mohair eye patches.  Now he/she is ready to stuff, so that will be tomorrow's task.  

Please pop back soon if you would like to know how this panda bear turns out!

Four teds and a panda..

These teddy bears will be winging their way to Tracy's lovely 'One More Bear' shop in Trentham Village, Stoke-on-Trent (UK) early next week ...

Introducing, Tian Tian the panda bear, Giorgio the big curly fellow on the left in a knitted neckerchief, Giovanni the brown chap wearing a snuggly scarf and little Gruff and his pal Guthrie, also wearing hand knits.  They range in size from 8.5" to 18".

These bears will be appearing soon at:

www.onemorebear.co.uk

Wishing them every success in their search for caring owners!

The best gift of all..

Happy Birthday to me!

Blowing out birthday candles with my gorgeous Great niece

Yesterday I had a lovely day filled with my close family, just the way a birthday should be.

My Grandson enjoying his first taste of Nana's chocolate birthday cake

The years seem to pass so fast and this year sharing my birthday with a wonderful new generation of our little people, definitely made my birthday extra special!

Beautiful birthday flowers - thanks Mum x

Loads of love and thanks to my family and friends for all the thoughtful messages, cards, gifts and visits, but most of all, thank you all for taking the time to show me you care ... knowing you are there for me is the best birthday gift of all xxx