Summing up Stratford Upon Avon

'So, how did Stratford go Paula?' I hear you ask. Well, now that I've had time to put on my thinking cap and mull things over, I can tell you that overall, I was very impressed by the organisation of the show and I loved catching up with old friends, some of whom I haven't bumped into since my early days selling on the UK show circuit.

 
Unfortunately I must have had a 'senior moment' whilst making my preparations for the show. I thought I had organised my trip with military precision, but when I went to set up my stand on arrival, had to face facts, my memory is nowhere near as good as it used to be! I had left the entire centre section of my stand at home in Kent. It just goes to show there is always room for calamity on show days, no matter how experienced you are! By some miracle, I had a spare table covering in my box of tricks, so had to improvise by tipping the entire contents of my transporting box out under the table, turning the box upside down, covering it with the spare sheet et voila! Not perfect by a long shot, but I think I just about scraped myself out of trouble!

The Civic Hall is a super venue, not big enough to overwhelm and not small enough to tire of quickly, it was beautifully dressed by the organiser and I absolutely loved the addition of balloons everywhere ... so cheerful! Mind you, Sunday was very warm and by the afternoon, the temperature in the Hall sure had risen! Phew!

 The Civic Hall is the white building next to the Clock Tower

 The magnificent 1887 clock tower, outside the Civic Hall

I think overall, the show achieved its promise to offer a new collecting experience and managed to create an enthusiastic atmosphere amongst both visitors and exhibitors. Hopefully next year it will bring forth even more eager visitors! There was a super mix of teddy bears available from a wonderful range of bear artists, both newly establishing and old timers. I'm afraid I didn't manage to take more than a couple of photos inside the show but you should get the general idea. I think Samantha (show organiser) is going to add her collection of photos to the event website, so if you would like to see more pics please pop over in the next few days when she's had a chance to upload them. http://www.teddybearartistevent.co.uk/

We stayed at the White Swan Hotel, just a few steps from the Civic Hall

Stuart chilling out in the afternoon sunshine on Saturday

The Garrick Inn, where we had a lovely dinner. Stratford's oldest public house, dating back to the 14th Century!

On a personal note, my weekend in Shakespeare's home town of Stratford Upon Avon was an absolute treat and for those of you who love a little history and revel in a little literature, here are a few of the photographs I took on our balmy Saturday evening, spent exploring the town.

The house where William Shakespeare was born in 1564

The Guild Chapel, rebuilt in 15th Century - isn't it magnifcent in the evening sun!

 

Twilight on the River Avon

 

Modern uses for historic buildings ... the pizzeria!

Breathtaking Harvard House 1596, now houses the Pewter Museum. The intricate carvings on the front of this building are fabulous!

Nash's House, Shakespeare's retirement home 1597

Hey, there's even a very pretty teddy bear shop!

The RSC theatre is undergoing renovations, still a crowd pleaser though!

Stratford's War Memorial Gardens

16th Century Hall's Croft, Shakespeare's daughter's residence

Beautiful Tudor buildings around the town

The old Grammar School built 1428, where Shakespeare was educated

The beautiful Holy Trinity Church built in 1210, Shakespeare was baptised and buried here.

Well, I hope you enjoyed your visit to Stratford Upon Avon! I must admit, I was frustrated by lack of time and next time I visit, I would love to arrive in time to beat the 5pm closure deadline for the Shakespeare's Trust buildings and immerse myself in some of the wonderful history available by actually entering the buildings!

Motoring on

I set off to Gosport yesterday, my car boot bursting with precious cargo and with a fair flutter of butterflies practising dance moves in my tummy. Although the journey to my sister's house is only two and bit hours door to door, I still felt a wee bit daunted at the prospect of driving on my own! I wonder how long it will take before I feel completely confident when faced with a long drive?!

Learning to use Tina's studio!
The drive wasn't too bad though and the sun shone most of the way, so with a little Van Morrison to keep me company (I love his new 'Keep it simple' album!) I arrived safely and just in time for lunch.

Fareham Creek
I grew up in Hampshire, so whenever I go back for a visit, I love catching that first glimpse of the sea as I near Fareham Creek, because it always reminds me of my childhood ... I can almost hear my Mum's voice from the front of the car saying, "nearly home kids, look there's the sea!" (In fact, she still does that!) but unfortunately the approach is all motorway, so I couldn't stop to take a picture for you, instead I've borrowed one from the internet, this way you can at least share the pleasure of seeing the boats with me!
How cute is this pic?!!!!

I had a lovely day with Tina and Ian. We worked hard to get the bears fluffed and focused and Tina, yet again, excelled herself with some beautiful shots, taken in her studio. She also tried her hardest to teach me a little more about the mysteries of 'Photoshop' (I do hope my poor old lady brain has absorbed it all!) and even let me play at taking a few studio shots of my own!

Taking a break so Tina could practise her exposures on me for a forthcoming wedding booking!
Ian made us all a very tasty, healthy salad lunch which we shared in garden and then it was back to work again, until I realised time was ticking on and reluctantly, had to pack up the bears, say my goodbyes and tackle the long drive home. Why is it the drive home always seems to take forever? Luckily, I had a clear run, but even so, I was one very tired bear maker when I eventually pulled up on the driveway at about 9.15pm and to be honest, I still feel pretty weary today!

Promotional pic

I'm going to spend the rest of today catching up with a little housework and as it's a beautiful sunny day, I might even mow the lawn later this afternoon; one thing's for sure though, I'm definitely taking a break from my workroom until next week. Time for me to put down my stuffing stick and take things a little easier until the show on Sunday.

'Teddy Bear Artist Event of 2008' Collection
Before I go and haul the lawn mower out from the shed, I must just take this opportunity to say a big thank you to Tina. If you are out there Sis, thank you so much, again!!! A plain ol' 'thank you' seems seems trite, but how else do I show my appreciation for all the help you so generously give me? I really enjoy coming to visit (especially now I can manage it all by myself!) and maybe next time, I'll try and come without a boot full of bears so we can forget all about working and just hang out for a change! Sian's very special Pink Ted, home safe and sound with me!

While I'm taking a moment to leave messages for family, here's one for my young niece Sian ... don't worry Sian, Auntie Tina kept Pink Ted safe when you left him behind last week and Auntie Paula now has him sitting in her workroom waiting for Mummy to drive you over to come and get him. See you very soon xxx

If you would like to find out more about Tina's work as a professional photographer, please take a moment to visit www.tinaallinghamphotography.co.uk

Bag lady!

Is it normal to be excited about carrier bags?! I really don't know, but I do know I am completely thrilled with these beauties! They were delivered to me by courier just now, in plenty of time for my show on Sunday. Such posh bags for my bears to travel to their new homes in!

Stylish carriers for the 'Teddy Bear Artist Event'
at Stratford Upon Avon!

These smart bags have been a long time coming for All Bear because up until now, I haven't been able to find a supplier offering strong bags, large enough for my big 'uns but sold in small enough quantities for me to afford! Anyone who has bought a bear from me at a show previously, has politely made do with a rather unglamorous clear polythene bag to protect their precious cargo on the journey home - far from ideal! I will be sending my shows bears home in these gorgeous bright orange carriers with smart rope handles on Sunday ... whoo hoo!

Trialling ted fabrics for Intercal

I forgot to mention I have been invited to trial several new fabrics from my supplier in the US and have been asked if I will send photographs when my bears are completed, for promotional purposes. So far, I have made up three of the four new fabrics and the finished bears will be featured on Intercal's website http://www.intercaltg.com/ and also in their mailshots, to help promote these lovely new fabrics.

'Shamus'

You met two of the bears in earlier posts ('Finnegan' and 'Finley') and today, after a long day in my workroom, I can share the third bear, 16" 'Shamus' with you. As you can see, he is wearing the little waistcoat I knitted last week, but I will probably photograph him 'in the bare' for his Intercal debut as they really need to show off the fabric properly.

Shamus is made from a beautiful alpaca fabric, so lovely to the touch! There's something about alpaca that suits pure German wool felt paw pads perfectly, so rather than my usual velvet, I shaded some beige wool felt paws especially for him. I thought it would be a nice twist to give this cute classic teddy bear a cheerful red nose and matching stitched claws, something not too contemporary but a little less than traditional and maybe a trifle unexpected!

Airbrushing Shamus's pure German wool felt paw pads

Unfortunately it is pouring hard here yet again which means Shamus will have to wait until it brightens later in the week to have his photos for the website taken in the garden. In the meantime though, here are a couple of snaps taken in the conservatory a few moments ago. Oh and before I forget, I must tell you Shamus will be coming to the Stratford show with me on Sunday!

16" Shamus

As promised, Primrose and her duckling ...

Well, I did it, I made the deadline and here she is! This is 'Primrose and her duckling', my entry for the 'Teddy Bear Artist Event, Four Seasons' competition, which will take place at the show in Stratford Upon Avon on June 8th. Primrose will be entered into the 'Spring' category of the competition. She will be available for sale on the day, but will have to remain on display until the competition closes at 3.30pm.

22" 'Primrose and her duckling'

The competition has been designed to raise funds for the 'British Heart Foundation', so if you are able to visit the show, it would be lovely if you could empty your piggy banks and bring along a few coins to vote with. The idea is that each entry will have a cup placed by it and visitors to the show will be invited to vote by placing a coin in their favourite bear's cup. At the end of the competition all coins collected will be donated to the British Heart Foundation and in each category, the bear with the most coins, will be declared the winner!

I'm really looking forward to taking part in this brand new show. It promises to be a fun-filled day out, showcasing some of our very best, original bear art. Luckily for me, my son and daughter have offered to stay home to house-sit and look after the cats, so Stuart and I will be able to enjoy a well-earned weekend break and take in the sights of historic Stratford Upon Avon (and of course, the odd coffee shop or two!) It's such a beautiful place for a visit ... I do hope you can come along too!

The Civic Hall - Stratford Upon Avon

For full details of the TEDDY BEAR ARTIST EVENT 2008, please visit the show website at www.teddybearartistevent.co.uk

Where to find us!

Loose ends

I've been feeling a little 'beared out' today, so have taken a break from teddy bear making and instead, worked in the conservatory on a few odds and ends of knitting which needing finishing up, while the rain crashed onto the glass roof (not to mention on my washing hanging outside!) This little waistcoat is all ready for its bear now. Cute buttons eh?

Yellow waistcoat for 15" bear

And I can almost share my Teddy Bear Artist Event 'Four Seasons' competition bear with you, but ... not quite! Unfortunately the rain stopped play before I could get her into the garden to take photographs (yes, there's a clue, it's a girl!) I finished detailing her this morning (claws, ribbon, shading etc) and even found time to make her a little friend this afternoon. If this dismal weather ever perks up tomorrow, hey ho, I'll try again with my camera!

Rainy 'loose ends' day in the conservatory

Time now to put the heating on (yes, I'm chilly and it's almost June for heaven's sake!) and cook the evening meal before flopping into my armchair. Weary this bear maker may be, but at least she can rest assured she has successfully completed enough bears for the show (and if she can face it, maybe there will still be time for 'just one more'!)

Hopefully, after the past hectic few weeks, I can now slow the pace for a few days to catch up with myself. If my little car passes its MOT tomorrow (oh please pass little car!) I will be bundling my bears into the boot and taking them to visit Tina for their official photo shoot one day next week ... yes, all in the line of duty of course, but also a great excuse to take a day out from my workroom and enjoy a sisterly natter and a long overdue giggle too!

New Zealand Teds

I received a lovely email a little while ago, from a lady called Hazel, editor of the 'New Zealand Teds' magazine. Hazel and her co-editor Pam are dedicated to introducing New Zealand to teddy bear art. They stumbled upon my 'Bearing All' blog and decided to contact me to see if I would be willing to contribute an article and some photographs to their magazine.

New Zealand Teds magazine - June/July 2008 issue

I was delighted to be invited to put something together and then yesterday, a complimentary copy landed on my doormat, all the way from the other side of the world!

After receiving the depressing news about Teddy Bear Scene magazine being wound up earlier this week, the New Zealand Teds have definitely put a big smile back on my face, so I would like to take this opportunity to say,
thank you very, very, much ladies!

If you would like to support the 'New Zealand Teds' magazine, subscriptions (including overseas subscriptions) are available at a very reasonable cost. Please email: hurlys@xtra.co.uk for further information.

Do it yourself ... ahem!

It is traditional on a UK Bank Holiday weekend, for it to rain and boy, did it live up to tradition this weekend! Our other UK Bank Holiday tradition is D.I.Y ('do-it-yourself') which is a wonderful excuse for we women to tuck ourselves away on the pretext of 'mumbled non-specific somethingorother jobs to complete', while our partners manfully resign themselves to three solid days of decorating. Well, that's what happens in our household anyway!

So, for me, three days spent sewing, stuffing and pondering the complexities of design work and for Stuart, three days armed with paintbrushes and a couple of rolls of pretty 'Kimono' patterned, 'eau de nil' wallpaper.

Bank Holiday - Project dining room/All Bear office!

This time it was the turn of the dining room/office to have a makeover. There's still a wee bit of paintwork to complete another time (oh alright, maybe by then I will be able to assist!) but even so, I'm very happy with the results of my scouring over the Laura Ashley catalogue again ... (yes Stuart, my tongue is firmly in my cheek!) Joking apart, after just over a year and much hard work from the very special man in my life, the place is now feeling like home and no longer as though we're camping out in someone else's taste.

So, after the long weekend, I have a few pics of the almost-but-not-quite, end result to share, oh and of course, my weekend bear too, sat patiently in front of the computer screen, waiting for me to put the camera down and write this very post!

Pretty glass shelves for my precious knick-knacks ...

Little 'Finley' will be coming to Stratford on June 8th. At last I have eight bears completed and this week, will be working on my show competition entry. The theme is 'The Four Seasons' and I have chosen 'Spring' ... there's only a couple of days until the entry deadline, so time for me to get cracking!

14" 'Finley' - Bloggin' it!

Picking up and dusting down

So what does a bear maker do in the face of such dire and deeply disappointing news? For several hours I pondered that little connundrum yesterday after hearing about the closure of Teddy Bear Scene magazine, then the answer sprang forth, crystal clear ... she picks herself up, dusts herself down and gets on with the business of making bears, that's what.

Yes, we have lost a wonderful proponent for our bear art here in the UK, but no, the world of bear artistry needn't cease because of it. We'll simply have to conjure up new and exciting avenues to promote our work in the absence of one of our favourite specialist collectors mags, that's all. Life moves on and changes will no doubt be what we make of them, so to coin an old phrase, onwards and upwards!

17" 'Finnegan'

Oh, and on this picked up and dusted down note, I would like to introduce you to 'Finnegan' and tell you that he will be coming to the Stratford show on June 8th with me!

Teddy Bear Scene magazine ceases publication

There are ups and there are downs, yes, even in the bear world. I learned today that our UK 'Teddy Bear Scene' magazine will cease publication after the July issue. To say I am downhearted is a polite understatement.

TBS has been a wonderful supporter of teddy bear artistry over the years and the editor, lovely Kathy Martin, has worked tirelessly to provide a specialist magazine which showcased the teddy bear, without preaching to, or patronising its readership. Losing such a vital and uniquely altruistic outlet for our bear industry has left me feeling very despondent today, to say the least.

Creating Pansy Posy, a Springtime Celebration clown bear

I mentioned my lavender and honey coloured mohair in earlier posts this week and now I can share the finished bear with you and of course, with the visitors to the Teddy Bear Artist Event on June 8th!

20" Pansy Posy

'Pansy Posy' took a little longer to finish than she should have done because I didn't like the original head I made for her ... the pattern I created first was too short in the muzzle and deep in the chin, which works well for some bears, but wasn't really feminine enough for what I wanted to achieve this time; trouble was, I hadn't really worked out what style of head I did want before I started work on the pattern! Will I never learn?! Luckily though, I averted a crisis because I knew I had enough of the lovely Schulte honey mohair leftover and time enough too, to create a pretty new head, one far more in keeping with my Springtime bear theme. This time I've used a more slender snouted design with a centre-seam, to give a nice rounded shape to the bear's head. I have also slimmed down her arms and given her a more feminine, slender paw shape.

For this bear, I decided sparkly hand painted eyes would be too over the top when combined with a multi-coloured nose, so opted instead for plain black glass eyes, subtlely shaded into the sockets to create depth of expression. The springtime palette nose is created from randomly dyed thread and required patience and extremely careful embroidery to ensure no overlapping or slightly off centre stitches because the colour changes in the thread really show up anything slightly adrift ... troublesome but well worth the effort!

Initially I wasn't sure what to use for the paw pads, but then I remembered the beautiful velvet silk blend I received from the US a while ago and thought it would be ideal - the shade is truly feminine, perfect for my pretty girl clown.

I've used the pale mint green and lilac chiffon ribbon from my stash to trim Pansy Posy. Trimming the clowns is always a pleasure and for this bear, I found some gorgeous pink hearts from my local Hobbycraft store and have combined them with some pretty round sparkly buttons from the local haberdasher's ... would you believe I have been shopping there for almost thirty years?! I love hunting for bits n' pieces for the bears - sometimes I will keep those pieces of satin ribbon, interesting buttons, delicate lace collars, for years before I put them to use, but then one day, the perfect bear will come to life and those special little odds and ends from magpie stash will be used at last!

Planning ahead

This time the lavendar and honey won! I dare say I'll get to the lemon mohair later this week; I have enough of it to make a lovely big bear, somewhere in the region of 23". I'm never sure whether it makes good economical sense to take such large bears to a show, show days are so hard to predict, but I love making those big 'uns and that's always a good enough reason for me to make sure I have at least one with me on show day.

The All Bear workroom May 2008

The lavendar mohair works so well with the honey! I'm in the process of making a clown style bear as I mentioned yesterday and so far, I'm thoroughly enjoying the process ... there's something utterly satisfying about working with colour, I really enjoying planning my palette! He/she (I won't be sure of gender until later, although I'm erring towards 'she' ... but that doesn't guarantee a thing!) is ready for the sewing machine and as soon as I've finished this post, that's where I'll be heading for the rest of the day.

It's reassurring to see several bears sitting on my workroom shelves (Cherry Blossom, top right, will be off to the US in a couple of days' time) ready for the show, but I need to stay focused if I'm to have my full complement for Stratford on the 8th. I do at least have the rest of my designs floating around my head, I simply need to turn them into reality now!

Pretty chiffon ribbon

I've been keeping my eyes open for appropriate trims for my show bears, it's important they look smartly turned out after all. Don't the colours of these chiffon ribbons work well together?! So pretty! Also, I was delighted to stumble across another vintage crochet collar ... it may or may not stay white, I'll make that decision when I know which bear it suits best.

Vintage crochet collar

Also, isn't this sock wool gorgeous?! It's so soft to knit with and I absolutely love the colours ... if I have time, I may make a little waistcoat or cardigan for one of the bears to wear. I hope I can find that elusive time, but in the meantime, I must dash, I have an appointment with a lavendar and honey coloured bear!

Softie Sock wool

Done and dusted!

I am relieved to tell you I actually have a few furry bums sitting on my shelf ready for the show now! I finished a couple of smaller bears over the weekend and am now about half way through my schedule of work for the big day. So far, Loretta, Rodney, Victor, Flora May and little Peanut are done and dusted in readinness for their special outing on June 8th.

14" 'Peanut'

I think today, I will spoil myself either with a lovely lavendar and honey clown style bear, or perhaps I will indulge myself instead with the fabulous piece of luscious lemon curl mohair which has been waiting patiently for several weeks. Who knows, today could well be a perfectly inspirational day for either bear! One way or another my day will be filled with a cornucopia of creative colour, that's for sure!

18" Flora May

If you would like to see my 'Teddy Bear Artist Event' show bears featured in more detail, please visit www.allbear.co.uk

I will be adding my latest bears to the Show Preview page as soon as they are finished and have their ears sewn on!

To the Victor ...

When the email arrived, asking me to take part in a magazine competition to celebrate Britain's involvement in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, I almost bowed out, after all, theming bears isn't really my thing; fortunately, a little voice my head firmly told me to stop whinging and just get on with it, so that's exactly what I did. I have now submitted my photograph to the magazine in preparation for publication and can at last share a little peek of my competition entry with you!

'Victor' - 'Olympic Challenge' entry, 2008

This is 20" 'Victor', my Great Britain mascot bear, I do hope you like him! I'm very pleased with the way he has come together and I think I'll take him to Stratford-Upon-Avon with me for the show on June 8th. Not long to go now, I'm really looking forward to the big day!

I'm not absolutely certain of which issue the 'Olympic Challenge' bears will be published in, but I will let you know as soon as I find out. It will be pretty soon I'm sure and when the competition is published, it will be open to public vote, so I hope you will consider buying a copy and taking part! It should be fun and I can't wait to see all the Challenge bears featured together!

Finding a new home for Gisbo

Anyone who knows anything about English artist bears, will know and I'm sure love, the wonderful work of top UK bear artist, Frank Webster. Frank's beautiful 'Charnwood Bears' have been sought after for many years and rarely come onto the secondary market these days.

'Gisbo' by Frank Webster of Charnwood Bears

I have recently been asked by someone close to me, if I would help to find a special new owner for dear 'Gisbo', a wonderful 14" polar bear, created by Frank several years ago. So, here I am, hosting 'Gisbo's' adoption on my blog, in the hope some kindly soul will fall in love with him and offer to purchase him. In the meantime, it has been a treat for me to have Gisbo visit with me for a few days!

Gisbo is beautifully made and a prototype bear, a one-off piece. He is created in short pile white mohair with Ultrasuede paw pads. Frank has carefully shaded the area around Gisbo's toes, paws and nose. This dear little polar bear feels absolutely wonderful to hold and is filled with a mix of polyester fibre and plastic pellets. He has a cute little waxed nose and black glass eyes.

Gisbo profile

I should point out that Gisbo is in mint condition and has a stitched in 'Charnwood Bears' statin label, with white unmarked tag. He has lived in a non-smoking house, with no pets and has one very careful lady owner!

If you would like to purchase this super special bear, Gisbo's owner would be grateful for any offers over £100, (plus postage) and is able to accept payment by Paypal if required. Gisbo was originally purchased at £175. Please contact me if you would like to make contact with Gisbo's current owner and I will be happy to put you in touch by email ... allbearbypaula@aol.com