My name is Michelle...

I'm so happy and just a wee bit thrilled, actually,
to invite you to take a peek at some of my passions!
I'm a bear maker and a huge collector of things...
lots of things including vintage teddy bears!

Bear making, my real passion is a very important
part of my life and so, with that being said,
I wanted to create a page where I can show
my past work...you know, bears that have already
ventured on to new homes as well as show photos of new bears ready for sale!


I have also taken on a new task... one which will

prove to be just as reward as creating new teddy bears! I now restore antique and vintage teddy bears
and have had the pleasure of working on some very beautiful and grateful old bears!
Check out the photos!
Hopefully, I'll be adding more very soon!

I also wanted someplace to showcase the many
collections that my husband, Darren and I have
acquired over the years! I checked out several
other blogs recently and realised that there are
so many people just like us who have a passion
for collecting things that make us happy
and love to talk about it! And, for goodness sake,
who doesn't want to be happy?

If you'd like, click on some of the teddy bear
photos to see either a larger photo of that
bear or to get to a listing for him/her
on Etsy or Ebay? And please...feel free to
contact me anytime via those two sites, right
here from my blog or sign my guestbook...you should
see it in the side bar to the left! I look forward to
hearing from you!

Thanks for stopping by and don't be a stranger! Oh...check in often as I occasionally hold "Blog Giveaways"! You probably don't want to miss out on that! Next giveaway will be announced soon!



Bear Hugs (I know...so original!!)

Michelle




A Little About My History As A Bear Artist!

My Photo
My name is Michelle and I'm a mom and a bear artist who loves her children with all of her heart. I'm the wife of a very special man who literally made my life complete last year when he asked me to marry him. I adore my pets who keep me busy, my dearest friends who fill my heart with so much love and joy and the best part...I'm the grandmother to a beautiful little girl whom I affectionately call "Tinky"! She fills my life with so much inspiration that sometimes I'm overwhelmed! Is it possible to be overwhelmed by inspiration? Primarily a self-taught artist, I've been designing and handsewing my collectible teddy bears for nearly 20 years. I learned the “art” of bear making after completing many bears using a variety of fabric mediums. These include mohair, plush and velveteen with each one being a one-of-a-kind creation. I sell most of my work through my Etsy Shop (Find the link to my shop here on my blog!) and locally. Michelle

FRIENDS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME HERE!

FRIENDS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME HERE!

DID YOU KNOW...A person who loves and collects Teddy Bears is called an "Arctophile"? Now you know!

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

I'm Still Here!!!

Hey my dear Friends!

I'm still here! I didn't go far! It's just been a horrible month...well, not so horrible as it sounds I suppose...bad...sad...busy!
I stopped in to let you all know that I am working on new bears and I have some lovely new vintage items to list in my Etsy shop but it's going to take some time to get back into things.


With Christmas just around the corner, I'm sort of in between wanting to get into it and wanting to forget about it. I know, that sounds awful but the truth is that so many things are weighing heavy on my mind, body and soul that it's been difficult to think in the realm of the holiday spirit. Can you help? Maybe send me some good vibes? Please?


I'll be back, I promise. I have lots to say and lots to show but need a little more time.
So, in the meantime, I hope you'll stick with me.
Hugs and Happy Holidays!
Michelle

12 comments:

  1. Dear Michelle, we all go through rough patches, and eventually the sun shines again. Don't put pressure on your self,Christmas will come and go whether you are ready or not.
    Christmas Hugs
    Kay

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you Kay...you're very kind. I appreciate that!
    Christmas Hugs back to you!
    Michelle

    ReplyDelete
  3. Glad to hear you back, Michelle! I'd love to see your new bears and vintage items! Hugs!

    dita

    ReplyDelete
  4. Aww, sorry you're having a rough time, sometimes Christmas just sickens me too with the pressure to get so much done. Sending you a balloon to make you feel better

    Hugs

    ReplyDelete
  5. Michelle,
    Sorry to read your having a rough time lately. I go through it too this time of year. Seems I loose my motivation to do much,so your not alone.
    Sending you good vibes in hopes you find a bright spot in each day ahead.
    Looking forward to see what new creations you've made.
    Blessings,
    Jean

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hey Michelle,

    Big hugs coming to you from me! I hope things turn around for you soon.

    Tracy

    ReplyDelete
  7. Awww...you guys are so sweet! Thank you very much. It sure does a girl good to have such great friends!

    Dita, nice to hear from you...it's been so long!

    Thank you for the balloons Katy!!!

    Jean, the good vibes were felt...thank you!

    Tracy, hugs gratefully accepted and sent back your way! Thank you.

    Hugs,
    Michelle

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hey, Michelle -

    I hope things are going better for you now. It was really nice to talk with you on the phone. It brightened my day, but I was supposed to be brightening YOUR day! ;0)

    Hugs,
    Tracy Screaming Sardine

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hope you are OK Michelle!! Send you big hugs!!!!

    Love and Hugs,
    Leny

    ReplyDelete
  10. Tracy, it was so wonderful that you called..it lifted my spirits high! Here's to a very long friendship!

    Leny, I'm alright thanks to friends like you!

    Hugs to you both,
    Michelle

    ReplyDelete
  11. Michelle your blog is very nice..It is very sad to hear that you had gone with bad time. I hope everything is ok now.. Best of Luck and Merry Christmas

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thank you so much "Puja"...I appreciate your kind words and I wish you nothing but the best for a joyous holiday season and a beautiful new year!
    Michelle

    ReplyDelete

I'd sure love to hear what you think?

NOTEABLE QUOTES!


"There's nothing childish about Teddy Bears!
They are no more childish
than collecting wives,
cars or yachts!"~Peter Bull

"A house without a teddy...
is like a face without a smile": Anonymous.


"A teddy bear is your childhood wrapped up in faded yellow fur, and as such, he commands affection long after he is out grown".~Pam Brown

"My teddy bear is my best friend...nobody should come between me and my best friend."



My Memory Album!

Image and video hosting by TinyPic Image and video hosting by TinyPic Image and video hosting by TinyPic Image and video hosting by TinyPic Image and video hosting by TinyPic Image and video hosting by TinyPic

This Little Guy Now Lives in Paris, France!

This Little Guy Now Lives in Paris, France!
Sadly, I don't remember if I named him...it's been a littl while now!

An old friend of mine! One of my first mohair bears!

An old friend of mine!  One of my first mohair bears!
Brown and Gold Mohair

"Sweet William"-Mohair-4 inches

"Sweet William"-Mohair-4 inches
I made the little bumble bee and ladybug from velveteen!

One of my little teddies, "Orson", with his friend "Chantilly"

One of my little teddies, "Orson", with his friend "Chantilly"
Chantilly is for sale at "Her Dark Heart"

Pardon Me? How Rude!

Pardon Me?  How Rude!

Be Happy...Clown Around Once In Awhile!

Be Happy...Clown Around Once In Awhile!

A Pretty Little 4 inch Primitive!

A Pretty Little 4 inch Primitive!
Click on her for a better look!

A Sweet Little Mohair Teddy

A Sweet Little Mohair Teddy
Take a peek at a larger photo by clicking on this one!

A 4 inch Miniature

Ready for Some Winter Fun!

Ready for Some Winter Fun!
3 inch mini Primitive-Click on his photo to see a larger view!

3 1/2 inch Mini Primitive

Some of My Most Recent Bear Restorations!

Some of My Most Recent Bear Restorations!
Tracy's Bear!

...And Now!

...And Now!

Scott's Bear!

Scott's Bear!

...And Now!

...And Now!
"You did a wonderful job on him. He looks fantastic. What I appreciate most is the fact that you did just enough to bring him back to life, without creating a "new bear". This is the tricky part of restoration and you handled it exceptionally well."~Scott

More Bear Restoration Projects!

More Bear Restoration Projects!
Sad, sorry little teddies that I purchased off of Ebay!

Cheese Restoration Project


Some Nice Changes That Didn't Ruin His Integrity!

Click on this photo for a closer look!

Another Sheepskin Restoration Project!

Another Sheepskin Restoration Project!
Before and After...A Happy Bear and a Happy Owner!

My Favorite Things To Collect

  • Vintage Cook Books
  • Vintage Barware (SWIZZLE STICKS!!)
  • Vintage Playing Cards
  • Old Perfumes, Make-up, Jewellry, Etc.
  • Vintage Ladies Clothing (Hats, Gloves, Stockings, Handbags, Etc)
  • Vintage Flower Frogs
  • Milk Glass Vases
  • Vintage Sewing Supplies (Threads, Buttons, etc.)
  • Anything from the 1950's
  • Vintage Children's Clothing
  • Vintage Fisher Price Toys
  • Vintage Dolls (Composition, Vintage Vinyl, Chrissy Family, Etc.)
  • Vintage Teddy Bears (Anything before 1970)

A Procelain Baby Doll by Artist "Emily Hart"

A Procelain Baby Doll by Artist "Emily Hart"

Adorable "Majorette" Composition Rattle Head Doll-1930's?

Adorable "Majorette" Composition Rattle Head Doll-1930's?

Composition Baby Doll-"Baby Bubbles"?-1920's?

Composition Baby Doll-"Baby Bubbles"?-1920's?

Another "Emily Hart" Baby Doll and Her "Steiff Teddy"

Another "Emily Hart" Baby Doll and Her "Steiff Teddy"

1942 "Reliable" Army Doll-Composition

1942 "Reliable" Army Doll-Composition

A Gorgeous Heavy Plastic Girl With Tin Teeth and Eyes That Spook Me!

A Gorgeous Heavy Plastic Girl With Tin Teeth and Eyes That Spook Me!

Two Beautiful Old Friends From the Past!

Two Beautiful Old Friends From the Past!

Good 'ol Fisher Price!

Good 'ol Fisher Price!

Handmade Quilts in an Old Suitcase

Handmade Quilts in an Old Suitcase

This and a Little Bit of That

This and a Little Bit of That

An Adorable Baby "Romper" From the Early 1900's

An Adorable Baby "Romper" From the Early 1900's

1950's Sweetness

1950's Sweetness

Two Sweet Friends

Two Sweet Friends

A Warm and Friendly Hug!

A Warm and Friendly Hug!

A Merrythought Cheeky Bear!

A Merrythought Cheeky Bear!

A Sweet 1940's Chiltern Bear!

A Sweet 1940's Chiltern Bear!
I've always loved vintage/antique sewing supplies but I think my absolute favorite things to collect from that category are pin cushions! There's something so simple and whimsical in vintage pin cushions!
They were meant to be functional but the adorable and sometimes beautiful designs are completely timeless and inspiring!

Here is the beginning of my pin cushion collection!

My First Kitty Pin Cushion!

My First Kitty Pin Cushion!
Made in Japan~Green glass eyes

A Sweet Tartan Puppy!

A Sweet Tartan Puppy!
Made in Japan~Pull on his wee tongue and you get a tape measure!

An Old Teddy Pin Cushion!

An Old Teddy Pin Cushion!
Made in Japan

Another Sweet Doggie Pin Cushion!

Another Sweet Doggie Pin Cushion!
Made in Japan~Original Hangtag!

Lovely Little Doll Pin Cushion!

Lovely Little Doll Pin Cushion!
Original tag on front. There is a tiny tape measure which you pull out from the bottom of her skirt in the back!

A Sweet Victorian Doll Pin Cushion!

A Sweet Victorian Doll Pin Cushion!
Ceramic Head

My Favorite Piece! A Gorgeous Bulldog Pin Cushion!

My Favorite Piece! A Gorgeous Bulldog Pin Cushion!
1920's~Made in Japan...Shown with the all of the pins that were stuck in him when he arrived!

A Simple Cushion Made From Charming Fabric Scraps!

A Simple Cushion Made From Charming Fabric Scraps!