Featured Artist!

 

Featured Artist!

A little plug for the Teddy Bear Times magazine, which has kindly featured a lovely multi-page article about my work as a teddy bear maker over the past thirty years, in the latest issue!

If you would like to purchase a copy, please visit the magazine's website at:

 https://www.teddybeartimes.com/issues

There is a beautiful traditional print magazine available to purchase, if like me, you like to savour your read with a cuppa... but if you are overseas, you might prefer to download the online copy, which is a great way to avoid paying pricey shipping costs!

Thirty years, in print!

 

Thirty years, in print!

I have some exciting news to share this week... I was sworn to secrecy until the 'Teddy Bear Times and Friends' latest publication date, which is this week... so, at last, I am able to share my secret with you!

Earlier this year, the UK 'Teddy Bear Times' magazine asked if they could publish a feature about my thirty year career as a teddy bear artist ... of course I agreed instantly as it is such an honour to have my work published! This month, the team has kindly included a beautiful multi-page article written about my life as a teddy bear maker. I am so thrilled!

Issue 276 will be available for single copy purchase from the TBT website in a few days' and if you are fortunate enough to hold a subscription, you should be receiving your copy through the letterbox this week.

I am not able to share a photo of the new magazine here today, as I haven't yet received my own copy, so for the sake of nostalgia, the photograph I am sharing with you today is a flashback to 1997, when a wonderfully large bear called 'Gently', a bear I designed and created, was featured on the front cover of the prestigious Teddy Bear Times magazine! (Incidentally, the cover price has risen somewhat over the years... a printed copy is now priced at £7.99 and a year's subscription £65.00... the days of £2.95 for a specialist collector's magazine are now long gone!)

If you would like to order a printed copy of issue 276, featuring my article, or a copy of the magazine in digital format, please head over to: 

https://www.teddybeartimes.com/

I am reliably informed that the most recent magazine, issue number 276, will be available to order directly from the Teddy Bear Times website very soon.

Magic Moment

 

Magic Moment

While I was hunting through the old photographs I mentioned in my last post, I started to sort through the many teddy bear magazines I have collected over the past thirty years and I came across this copy of the 'Teddy Bear Times' magazine...

I couldn't help but smile to myself... seeing the cover again took me right back to 1997 and the early days of my bear-making career. Having one of my teddy bears published as cover star on a national teddy bear magazine for the very first time was thrilling!

'Gently', a very large teddy bear with a beautiful, gentle face, was featured on the front cover of Issue 45. I had taken the photograph myself, then sent it to the magazine, together with several others... and they chose to use Gently on the cover! It was a wonderful compliment to my bears and in those pre-internet days, very exciting to rush hotfoot into town to see the copies displayed for sale in our local High Street shops!

A teddy bear legacy

 

A TEDDY BEAR LEGACY

I was delighted to receive my subscription copy of 'Teddy Bear Times & Friends' this month and couldn't wait to open it to see an article celebrating my 25 years as a teddy bear artist! It is always a tremendous boost to see my bears in print and a huge honour too. Thank you so much TBT!

To have work published is always a thrill as it gives my teddy bears their place in history. Print publications validate an artist's work in the teddy bear world and share the bears long after they have settled into homes around the world. I hope that one day, when I am long gone, my grandchildren will stumble across an old magazine, or a dusty teddy bear book and be proud of their Nana and her teddy bears. Wouldn't that be lovely?!


If you would like to order a copy of Teddy Bear Times & Friends (My bears are in issue 250) copies can be purchased online. Please pop over to https://www.teddybeartimes.com/issues 

A little goosebump!

I am thrilled to have my little 'Goosebump' teddy bear featured in this month's 'Teddy Bear Times & Friends' magazine!

TBT's 2019 Halloween Spooktacular, 

features Goosebump (bottom left)

It has been ages since I thought to send any photographs to the specialist teddy bear magazines as time just seems to run away with me these days, but the thrill of seeing my bears in print never diminishes, even after so many years of bearmaking. I have a real soft spot for this particular magazine, as it played a big part in helping to launch my career as a bearmaker, so a huge thank you to TBT! 

If you haven't yet purchased a copy, this issue is available either individually, or as part of an annual subscription, from the TBT website:

https://www.teddybeartimes.com/issues

With the fun of Halloween on the horizon, I am inspired to finish a new spooky little bear ready for the trick and treatery. I'm cutting it fine as usual, but hope to have my Halloween teddy to share with you in the next few days ... maybe I should cast a magic spell to help speed up his progress a bit?!

A Refreshing Read!

A very dishevelled, undeniably sweaty bearmaker stepped through my front door after dog training this morning, only to find a copy of the latest 'Teddy Bear Times' magazine waiting on the mat.  Published in its hallowed pages, was not only my new advertisement and one of my recent clown bears in the forthcoming Hugglets show preview, but also a rather lovely 'My Workroom' article, featuring an entire page of chat about little ol' me 'n my bears!!!

I may have been making bears for the past twenty years, but believe me, seeing them in print is a privilege I never take for granted - it is every bit as much of a buzz today, as it was way back in the mid 90's.  Seeing my bears published today refreshed up my hot, sticky self instantly!

If you would like to buy a copy of this month's 'Teddy Bear Times' magazine, please check out your local WH Smith store (UK readers) or alternatively, if you are unable to visit your High Street, or you live overseas, simply pop over to www.teddybeartimes.com where it can be ordered online and delivered straight to your door ...

Happy reading everyone!

An advertisement for nostalgia

It has been quite some time since I last advertised in a magazine, so recently I booked a little run of ads in an old favourite of mine, the 'Teddy Bear Times'. I remember the days when I advertised frequently in this popular publication ... the internet sure has changed the shape of marketing over the past fifteen years.

Technology may advance relentlessly, but I still don't think you can beat flicking through a magazine with a nice cuppa and as it's always a thrill to see my work in print, I decided to allow nostalgia to guide me on this occasion.

So my first ad featuring 'Robinson' will appear in the Aug/Sept issue, on sale in July.  If you would like to support our specialist teddy publications by ordering either a print, or digital subscription online, please visit: 

http://www.teddybeartimes.com/magazine.html

Alternatively, you might find this lovely magazine stocked in a branch of WH Smith, on your local High Street.

If you haven't bought a copy for a while, why not treat yourself?!  Let's all do our bit to keep our favourite publications in print!

On the Scrap Heap?

You may remember way back in March, when I told you about the 'Scrap Heap Challenge' I dreamed up for our Master Bearcrafters members - well, here we are six months later and I am delighted to be able to share some very exciting news with you ...

Our 'Scrap Heap' challenge bears have been published in 'The Teddy Bear' magazine this month!  

And as the magazine says, 

"It only goes to show what can be achieved with a large dollop of ingenuity and a generous helping of talent."

My personal thanks to Kathy Martin, Editor of 'The Teddy Bear', for all her support and long-standing commitment to the magical world of teddy bear artistry.

If you would like to read my earlier 'Scrap Heap Challenge' posts, please click the links below:

http://allbear.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/scrap-heap-challenge.html

http://allbear.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/recycle-reuse.html

The Guild and Charles Dickens ...

A little plug for my favourite teddy bear magazine!  

'The Teddy Bear' magazine

'The Teddy Bear' magazine is only published bi-annually so as you can imagine, each issue is eagerly awaited by bear artists and collectors alike.  I particularly enjoy this mag because it is always interesting and never patronises the reader.  So when the editor contacted me to ask if the Guild of Master Bearcrafters might be interested in creating Dickensian character bears for a forthcoming feature to commemorate the bi-centenary of the birth of Charles Dickens, I was delighted and quickly threw down the challenge to our members!

Eleven talented Guild members from around the world, set to work on submissions and between them achieved a very handsome Charles Dickens, two adorable Oliver Twists, an ethereal Miss Haversham, three dainty Amy Dorrits, a contemporary interpretation of Pip & Estella, a miniature Marley's Ghost and two rather dashing Mr Pickwicks!  I collated all the information on their behalf, formatted it, then sent it to the editor and I am thrilled to announce the outcome is the Guild of Master Bearcrafters has four splendid pages of  members' Dickensian creations published in this issue!

If you would like to purchase a copy of 'The Teddy Bear' to enjoy all that it has to offer, please visit the publisher's website below:

'The Teddy Bear'

Happy Bear Reading!

Better late than never!

It rained here over Easter, which wasn't so bad as we're facing water restrictions and rain is very much needed - my roses were certainly grateful for the downpour!  Whilst it would have been lovely to toast in a little sunshine, I didn't mind the alternative of curling up on the couch with Stuart on Easter Sunday afternoon, with a chocolate bunny to hand (thanks Fay!) and a film to watch.  I also found time to hunt out my knitting needles to start a cute little knitted teddy bear and flick through the latest issue of the 'Teddy Bear Times' magazine, so all in all, my Easter weekend proved pretty relaxing!

I was delighted to find my work featured in the magazine at long last; the article is a little out of date because I answered interview questions months ago, but better late than never I guess!

If you would like to buy a copy of the latest issue of 'Teddy Bear Times', please visit: www.teddybeartimes.com

Daft Dollies in print!

I am so thrilled!  I have just discovered the US 'Teddy Bear Review' magazine has published my Witchypoo dolls and 'Little Boo' bear, as part of their 'A Bear and a Doll' feature.  This is the very first time I've had my daft dollies published, so as you can imagine, I am absolutely delighted!

'The Witchypoos'

'Little Boo'

If you would like to purchase a copy of the magazine, it is available from:

www.teddybearreview.com

By the way, it's also available as an imag download, which is great for overseas readers!

Elephant steps ...

How pleased was I to receive the latest issue of 'Australian Bear Creations' magazine just before Christmas, only to discover my very first fully jointed elephant 'Delilah'  had been featured in the 'African Safari' article!  My first ever non-teddy bear design to be published! 

'Delilah' featured in Australian Bear Creations Vol 15 No 5

Delilah was my first attempt at a 16" ellie and I was so pleased with her when I finished her.  She found a lovely new home in the US last autumn and since then, you may recall I made 'Starlight', my second jointed elephant, created as part of my 'Magical Mayhem' 2009 collection.

'Starlight'

I have no idea if Starlight could be the kind of creation to catch the eye of a competition judge or two, but as we are now entering the international bear crafting competition season once more, I thought I'd offer this dear little elephant up for scrutiny in the 'friends' category ... so please, keep your fingers crossed for us!

Whoo Hoo! Featured Downunder!

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!  It's arrived at last!  And all the way from Australia!  My copy of the Nov/Dec 09 issue of 'Australian Bear Creations' dropped through the letterbox on Wednesday and please forgive my excitement, but I am so thrilled to have a four page feature published 'Downunder' all about my bears and my work as a bear artist!

Australian Bear Creations magazine - Nov/Dec 2009 issue

If you would like to purchase a copy of this great teddy bear magazine, please visit the Woodland Publishing website at:
http://www.woodlandspublishing.com.au/abc/

Postcards from across the pond!

Teddy Bear Review magazine - August 09 issue

Hip hip hooray for the USA indeed! Even after all these years, I never fail to be excited when I see my bears in print and this week, I couldn't have been more delighted to have the US 'Teddy Bear Review' magazine drop through my letterbox, because they have kindly included me in their 'Postcards across the Pond' feature, including a lovely photograph of Victor! It may sound daft, but I was just as thrilled when I noticed they've used the photograph I took of the River Medway on my walk with Stuart last July, as the backdrop for the entire double page spread! If you would like to purchase a copy of the mag, please visit http://www.jonespublishing.com/ for further information.

'Collect It' magazine - September 09 issue

While we are on the subject of magazines, here's a little peek at the advertisement I've created for the September issue of 'Collect It' magazine. This issue will include a supplement written by kathy Martin especially for the forthcoming 'Teddies 2009' and a little birdy told me my bears may have a mention! For further information about 'Collect It' magazine, please visit their website at: http://www.collectors-club-of-great-britain.co.uk/magazines/default.asp?magazine=1
or if you are in the UK, why not treat yourself to a copy in your local WH Smiths!

The Odd Job Lady

My goodness, it's already a quarter to five in the afternoon and there have been so many loose ends for me to tie today, I haven't had time to sew a solitary stitch. A significant portion of this bearmaker's day disappeared writing answers to interview questions for the Teddy Bear Review magazine article ... those questions looked innocent enough, but they sure made my cogs whirl! Hopefully I've put together enough information for an interesting read when the mag is published. By the way, I've been told my article will appear in the July/August publication which will give me something exciting to look forward to!

I also sent little 'Tiddler' on his way to Belgium this afternoon, so with a good Spring breeze blowing in the right direction, he will soon be with his new owner.

www.allbear.co.uk

Finally, I overhauled a couple of pages on my website. It certainly needed freshening up as some of the pics of me were almost three years old and much as I'd love to stay forever young, I think I was possibly pushing my luck! 'Paula's Page' is now bang up-to-date with the pics Tina took of me a few weeks ago. I have also given the 'Awards Winners' page a Spring clean because it had become cluttered. Now I'm feeling far more organised and will be able to return to work on the white bear in my work basket tomorrow, without all those odd jobs hanging heavily over me!

Rule Britannia!

'Victor'

How exciting, I have just received an invitation to be interviewed by an American magazine wanting to introduce UK bear artists to their US 'fans and collectors'. With specialist teddy bear collectors' magazines so few and far between these days, editorial coverage is hard to come by, so this is a real scoop and naturally I'm delighted! I'll let you know how to go about buying a copy when the magazine is published ...

Shining Success Story!

I have another special surprise to report today! I received my subscription copy of the April issue of 'Teddy Bear Scene' magazine yesterday, only to discover that my 'Billy Buttons' bear has been included in a super article entitled 'Shining Success Stories'! What a lovely compliment!

If you would like to purchase a copy of this month's mag, you will find it on sale in most large branches of WH Smith in the UK, or pop along to http://www.teddybearscene.co.uk/

Teddy Bear Scene magazine issue 128 - April 2008

I am so delighted this dedicated mag has taken the time to highlight and actively support the international competitive work taking place in the world of bear art. And that reminds me, 'Teddy Bear Scene' is now accepting entries for their own 'Readers' Choice Awards' and as 'Billy Buttons' was a finalist last year, naturally, I am keen to kickstart my competition entries for this year with a submission. Time to put my thinking cap on!

Don't worry, my head hasn't been completely turned by competitions and publications, I am still primarily occupied with the business of bears and just to prove my point, here is a preview of my latest 20" bear ...

20" Bear in progress ... mohair/silk blend

... he'll be finished and of course named, later today, so please pop over to my website in a while, if you'd like to find out more about him. By the way, this bear is made from the softest shade of mushroom in the mohair/silk blend I mentioned in an earlier post and boy oh boy, is it gorgeous!

'Restoring teddy bears and stuffed animals' by Christel and Rolf Pistorius

No matter how many years I've been designing bears, there's always more to learn and alongside my frequent bursts of internet research, I also like to keep my eyes open for interesting bear-related publications. I spotted this book by Christel and Rolf Pistorius on Amazon.co.uk last week and couldn't resist adding it to my bookshelf because it offers a great opportunity to learn about the construction of vintage bears, from the inside out. I have several other interesting books on their way to me too ... but I'll save those titles to share with you another day.

In progress - Erin Rose's pink cardi!

And finally, I must make time to finish the pink cardigan this week! At this rate little Erin Rose will have outgrown it before the cute little bumble bee buttons are finally sewn on!

Paws for Applause!

Teddy Bear Scene magazine Issue 127, March 2008

On sale 14th February!

I'm buzzing today! My subscription copy of Teddy Bear Scene magazine just dropped through the letterbox and inside, is a fabulous double page spread featuring my teddy bears. I haven't been able to resist leaving it spread open on the dining room table, so that I catch a glimpse every time I walk past ... too vain eh?! I know, shame on me! But even after all these years, I still get such a zing from seeing my bears in print and that thrill never diminishes! By the way, this may sound completely daft, but I was so tickled to see my garden pebbles used for the page background!

Paws for Applause to:
Penny (www.bear-artists-online.com)
Samantha (www.teddybearartistevent.co.uk/)
and Susan (www.bearbasics.co.uk)

I was also absolutely delighted to turn a few pages and discover the editor, lovely Kathy Martin, has published my comments about three very special people who I believe have really put themselves out to help promote bear art recently. Penny, Samantha and Susan, I do hope you enjoy your 'Paws for Applause' bright shiny moment this month (thank you Aleta for that perfect turn of phrase!) You've truly earned your moment ladies!

Well done you!

xxx

Festive findings

Well that was quick! Snowdrop was snapped up from Santa's Sack within no time at all yesterday, so today I packaged her carefully in preparation for her long journey, destination 'Downunder'!

Naturally, with all things festive filling my head this week, I couldn't resist popping to my favourite haberdashery after I'd visited the Post Office. I spent a very pleasant half hour browsing and came home with an assortment of pretty bits 'n pieces for my planned Santa's Sack bears. It's times like this when I wouldn't swap my job for all the tea in China!

I made my final decision this week. Here is the evidence. My 'TOBY Awards' entry is now duly submitted and on its way across the Atlantic as I type. There's no turning back now; please wish me luck!

A very special email landed in my inbox earlier today. I was thrilled to be asked to submit work to one of the UK magazines for a special double page showcase. Such a generous offer! I'm determined to do it justice by making some really special bears, after all, this will be the perfect excuse for me to indulge myself in some sumptuous fabrics and create some of my big 'uns ... I can't wait to get stuck in! I'll let you know nearer the time which magazine and when it will be published.

Thank heaven's Susan at Bear Basics in the UK is now stocking a fabulous range of luxurious Schulte mohair; I'll be like a kid in a candy store selecting my special fabrics for this project. Which reminds me, I've just received the most lush piece of mohair from them, and I am simply dying to start work on it ... watch this space!

Before I forget, I must tell you, I have another new bear for Santa's Sack tomorrow. I can't show you pics just yet though, because I've only just sewn his ears on and it's too dark to take pics now, but I promise I'll share him with you tomorrow. His name? Oh go on then! He's called 'Brandysnap' ... I hope you have time to pop back tomorrow to take a peek!