These past few weeks have been busy days for me but not busy enough to produce a large amount of teddy bears I'm afraid! I had high hopes of creating a few new bears for the coming holiday season which seems to be sneaking up on me a bit faster than I expected. I tried. I really did. And I'm not done trying. I do have some wonderful ideas in mind but that's where they are for now...in my mind...waiting.
I did, however muster up enough creative strength to, bring to life, three new teddies over the past few days. I'm pleased to say that two of them are already spoken for...I hope still spoken for...fingers are crossed:) And the other is waiting to be listed in my Etsy shop!
Meet "Floyd" and "Eli"...two new "primitive" style bears made with vintage velvets and stuffed firmly with a great mixture of excelsior and upholstery stuffing! Both bears have string jointed limbs and have antique boot button eyes!
"Dolly" was made with creamy plush. Her face is a sweet vintage dolly head! Over the years, I've managed to collect a few vintage dolly heads and faces including clowns, bunnies and pixies! Who knows...perhaps they'll all end up wearing a bear costume? Could happen! Dolly will be listed in my Etsy shop soon!
Over the next few weeks I'll be concentrating on new things. Hubby and I are taking a much need trip away to do a little soul searching and to "recharge our batteries". It's been a rough week for him as he lost his closest friend to a heart attack this past weekend so this trip is very important to him. We're not going far...just away.
I'm also going to "expand my horizons" and take on a couple of new projects for Christmas gifts! I'm a little worried as I'm not all that knowledgeable in sewing when it goes beyond teddies but I am hoping that my efforts will be rewarded with two special gifts for my two special girls for Christmas! Wish me luck!
In the meantime, I'd like to share some love with you by introducing you to some of my favorite blogs and Etsy shops. These ladies are all very special to me. They keep me grounded and connected. I adore each and every one of them and hope that you'll visit them and enjoy their work as much as I do!
Sooz of "Poplar Street Prims"!
Chris of "Homespun Handcrafts"!
Vicki of "Custom Teddies"!
Leny of "Lediteds"!
And finally, two friends, both named Tracy who've been so incredibly supportive of my work! Tracy of "SCREAMING SARDINE" loves to help promote others on the net! She's constantly working on her blog while trying to muddle through her own daily routines! Her blog is a great place to go for the latest in the world of arts and crafts! You'll find weekly interviews with artists such as myself and Vicki, above, daily giveaways hosted by several of the folks she supports and even recipes! For a peek at the interview she recently did with me CLICK HERE!
Tracy from "Tracy's Toys and Other Stuff" has a unique blog! She's an avid vintage toy collector and really knows her stuff! I love to go and visit her blog to find out about her latest treasures and to take the occasional trip down "memory lane" with her! She's also a huge and very knowledgeable antique bear collector so you can imagine that she and I have a great time discussing our collections! I've even had the opportunity to restore a few of her beloved teddies and to take part in a trade with her every so often. We've both come away with some great items!!! Take a moment to head over and visit her blog...you won't be sorry! I promise you!
Time for me to get back to reality! Have a great week everyone! See you when I get back!
Hugs,
Michelle
Enjoy the break - hope it helps both of you and you return refreshed and ready for the off!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to seeing the new ideas! All the best. Isobel (from www.coldhamcuddlies.etsy.com and www.ColdhamCuddliescaling.blogspot.com)
Learn something new each time I visit your blog - you truly do inspire one!
Hi again, Michelle. Two days in a row on the blog. I'm trying to "wake up" and reading your post has helped. I love Eli! The name and the bear are perfect. I will keep you and your husband in my thoughts; hoping this little getaway will help recenter both of you. Thanks for "sharing the love" ... makes my heart feel good. Hugs to you, Vicki
ReplyDeleteMy sweet Michelle,
ReplyDeleteThank youxxxxx
And I love ,love your sweet bears,I secretly fell in love with Floyd...
Big,big hugs,
Lenyxx
Awww...you ladies are sweet! Isobel, I don't know how much you can learn from me but I do hope to inspire. I need inspiration too and to have such beautiful friends like yourself makes it very easy to be inspired about something!
ReplyDeleteVicki, thank you so much. We appreciate that. I love Eli too and I think I just love to say his name!
Leny, you're so very welcome my friend! Glad you liked Floyd...he's going to move to be with Richard and Jeurgen so he's a very excited little bear! Hahaha...Richard couldn't help himself but when has he ever really turned down a bear hey?!
Hugs to you girls,
Michelle
Hi Michelle,
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your hubby's friend...big hugs to him from me!
I LOVE Floyd and Dolly! Fabulous work!
Have a good trip!
Thanks Tracy!
ReplyDeleteHey, Michelle -
ReplyDeleteGeez, it's about time I get around here again. Sorry it's been crazy here, as you know. Finally have a moving day...not for another week. Argh. The plumber is gone til next week on a deer season trip - lol! I have the worst timing, I tell ya.
Anyway, it's been great catching up with what all you've been doing lately. Can't wait to try your zucchini relish recipe.
Hope you're doing great, and I'll be checking out all those shops and blogs you highlighted.
Hugs,
Tracy Screaming Sardine