Handcrafted Teddy Bears by Michelle

Lovely Memories...

2012-02-10T16:18:00.000-08:00

In keeping with the Valentine's Day theme, I thought I'd share a special treasure I found on one of my "hunting" trips recently.

We came across this fabulous little "Autograph" book and at first, I thought that it would be like any other old "scrap" book I sometimes find...empty! Perhaps the former owners had nothing to say or nothing to "keep" that would be treasured by future generations? Perhaps they didn't want to record their special memories?

Fortunately, this time, I was wrong! When I picked it up and opened the the tiny cover, I was pleased to find lovely notes or "autographs" written to the owner of the book, Walter on every single page! Walter appears to have been a very popular young man in his teens or perhaps early 20's in the 1930's.

The 1930's were undoubtedly an important time in history. The Great Depression was in full force with World War II breaking out at the end of the decade. During that time, the average family had to struggle to survive at a time when jobs were scarce and money was hard to come by. Luckily, something that was free was friendship, faith and love and this book is a great homage to a time when people relied on that faith and friendship to carry them through such tumultuous times.

It seems to me that Walter had a "nifty" personality and was adored by many friends but especially young women! Here are two sweet examples:

I especially love the beautiful handwriting. It was done at a time when handwritten notes and letters meant something...they conveyed so much emotion, love, friendship, hardship...there was definately more thought put into everything folks wrote down on paper. In this case, our friend Walter had left a terrific mark on those that wrote in his special book. I wonder if he beamed brightly with a smile on his face from ear to ear after reading each and every one of the "autographs" he collected over what seems like a good decade or more.

Imagine my surprise and the huge smile that appeared on my face when I came across these outrageous drawings done especially for Walter...drawings made by two young ladies from the time...

Look at that kitchy hair style!!! To draw it was a feat in itself...imagine having to style your hair that way every single day!

Ahhhh...young love...the pencil still allowing us to see this romantic moment! I wonder if young Mabel had a special place in her heart for our dear Walter?

A real treasure indeed...till the very end...

Dearest Walter...thank you.

New Bears!

2012-01-30T09:47:00.000-08:00

Wow...I know what you're thinking! I think that you're thinking that "Michelle must be off her rocker"!!! Another post so soon? Well, yes, another post so soon but only because I would like to introduce you all to my newest designs!

Just a few short months ago I had nearly decided that my bearmaking career should come to an end. I've thought that many times before. Not an easy thing to try to talk myself into but I had lost that creative instinct, once again, that I needed so badly to carry on...it was gone! It's funny, though...once I begin to tell myself that the time has come to end my career, I suddenly wake up in the middle of the night with a flicker of an idea...a spark of creativity...could it be that I'm not ready to end it? Could it be that deep down inside of my soul, there are more and more tinier souls just waiting to come out? I think it's not the right time to quit. Not just yet.

And so, with that being said, here are some new little souls...with a few new little details...I think I'm going to stick it out for a bit longer...what do you think?

"Captain Theodore B. Blythe" is ready for an adventure! He's made of chocolate velveteen, stuffed with uphosltery stuffing and fully jointed. I made him his telescope from polymer clay and his paper hat from a piece of vintage newspaper (1960's)...way too fun! You can see more photos of him off to the right in my side bar!

"Steve" is made from vintage gold velveteen (used to be drapes...you know the ones...the dreaded 1970's gold drape? Ewwww), he's stuffed with upholstery stuffing and fully jointed. He's got his own Jack in the box which I created from polymer clay!

And sweet little "Mary Ellen"! She's made of the vintage gold velveteen, stuffed firmly with uphosltery stuffing and fully jointed! I made her a yummy lollipop from polymer clay!

Little "Mary Ellen" is now in my Etsy shop...for more details you can visit her HERE!

Now, "Captain Blythe" and "Steve" have both sold and will be on their way soon to live with Debbie! Thanks Debbie!

Over the course of the last few days, I've been working on another Teddy Bear Restoration! Erin sent me her sweet childhood friend to have a few repairs made and to see if there was any hope at all in restoring him back to some of his original look! Here's what he looked like when he arrived! Oh my....

I added a bit more stuffing to bulk him up and then repaired three large holes in his body...two on his head and one on his tummy. I then spent two days gently brushing him out with my bear brush, removing as many "mats" and "pills" as I could and gave him back his tongue! I noticed he had a wee staple where a tongue should have been so I contacted Erin and she was able to send me an old photograph of herself with her bear when he was new. I couldn't see his face very well but I gathered he had a red felt tongue. I cleaned his plastic nose up and viola! He's ready to go home! What do you think?

Several bears found a new home this week! You can see them pictured to your right in my sidebar! I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue to make my teddy bears and also to continue to make someone smile!
Thanks for your lovely comments and until next time...enjoy whatever it is you're doing for as long as you can...it's not time to quit just yet!;)

Hugs,
Michelle

Love Is In The Air...

2012-01-24T10:35:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh...love! Love, love, love!

I love that I have a beautiful family who loves me. I love that I have so many wonderful friends...new and old. I love that I have had the awesome priviledge of being "mother" to some amazing animal babies throughout my life and I love that I've been given the chance to enjoy creating...bears, dolls and wonderful food in my kitchen. Everything I love so much sustains my soul and keeps me on my toes. Gotta love that!

Yes, love is in the air...afterall, Valentine's Day is just around the corner. I adore this time of the year. It's the one time where you can send out love in the form of flowers chocolates, baking, cards, hearts, candy and of course teddy bears...just to show you care!
Spread the love!

Here's some love for you! Thanks for visiting!

For more love...click HERE!
Have a beautiful day!
Love Michelle:)

Happy New Year!

2012-01-14T10:51:00.000-08:00

I know, I know...I'm a little late with that! But better late than never!

I hope that you all enjoyed the holidays and that the New Year celebrations were all that they could be!

I'm working on some new photos for some new posts...I want to begin the year with some fun but in the meantime, I'm here to tell you that I've finally finished a teddy bear that I've been working on since before the holidays! Shame, I know...just couldn't get back into it...until now!

Please allow me to introduce you to "Rosalie and her Dolly Friend Edith"! And yes, I made Edith as well, although, I can honestly say that doll making is not one of my fortes but who knows...perhaps with a little practice I might be able to make some more teddy/dolly sets in the near future!

Rosalie is made from gold and red South African mohair and she's fully jointed with cotterpins and hardboard discs. I even gave her some armatures in her arms so that she can easily hold onto Edith!

Little Edith is 7 1/2 inches and made from vintage linen! If you'd like more information on these two special little friends, you can take a peek at their listing in my Etsy shop!

I'm off to work on the next bear...you see, little Rosalie inspired my imagination...I'm ready to get back into it! I hope you'll stick it out with me!

Rosalie, Edith and I are wishing you a happy day!

Merry Christmas Dear Friends!

2011-12-08T09:46:00.001-08:00

Okay, I think I did it! I think I've proven to myself that I've not lost the Christmas spirit completely like I thought I did! And I do believe that it was because of you, my friends...my bloggin' buds...you inspired me to get up and go and I thank you for that!

I wanted to share my past two weeks with you...in photos of course but before I do, I wanted to share something else. I was sad when I wrote my last post and here's why. It seems this was the year that some of my beautiful pets were "called away" from us. Last month, we unfortunately lost one of our dear ferrets, Allie.

For those of you who don't know, ferrets are susceptible to all kinds of infections and illnesses at certain ages (please...if you decide you'd like to adopt a ferret, do your reseach and make sure there is a qualified vet in your area to deal with these sorts of issues and it's not cheap) and Miss Allie was at the perfect age...middle age, I suppose where she just couldn't fight something that was attacking her. My poor girl passed away in my arms even though we had taken her to a vet the day before and started her on a course of meds.

We miss her so much and so does "Bandit", her best friend. Ferrets are very sociable animals...they love to be close to each other, to play, sleep, groom. Our little Bandit was clearly grieving after she died and it was hard to watch him search all over the house for her. He became ill himself, quit eating and slept a lot.

But, I'm happy to say that it's been nearly a month now and he's back to being the silly ferret he's always been but I must say, he's changed...he's more "grown-up", more "serious", "manly" if you will. But he's still here and that's what's most important to me.

Two days before Miss Allie died and even though she was seriously ill, her ferret ways didn't change...here she is after she found a doll. She decided it would be one of her many treasured items which we found hidden all over the house after she was gone...one she felt was important enough to drag down the hallway and under the couch. I only wish I could have snapped a shot of her running down the hall with the doll dragging alongside her!

She was a sweet girl.

Okay, all seriousness aside...my house is decorated for the holidays...the treats are done and ready for packaging and the cards have been mailed out! Here are just a few photos of what I've managed to get done so far!

Just three of the 7 trees we decorated this year!

Love, love, love this idea...I used a delicate tea cup as a base for my tiny pink tree...I filled it with glass sand...so sweet!

My beautiful bears made by some of my artist friends!

My favorite holiday treats..."Peanut Butter Cracker Fudge" "Easy Milk Chocolate Fudge" and "Smooth Vanilla Fudge"...I'm going to share these easy recipes on my Facebook Fan Page...soooo yummy!

My friend Chris shared the wonderful caramel popcorn recipe...we're hooked!

AND HOW ABOUT THIS!!! My millwright husband, Darren even got into the Christmas spirit...here he is hard at work making a teddy bear for the holidays! HANDS OFF LADIES....HE'S ALL MINE!!!

The holidays are all about sharing the love. I'm grateful for the love of my family and for the love of my very close friends. I consider you, my online friends, to be some of my closest friends! I look forward to chatting with you, to sharing with you my ups and downs and I love to watch for your stories and all that you achieve in the beautiful world of blogging and creativity.

The best thing about being a blogger, a Facebooker, an Artist and a Etsy seller, is that I have the priviledge of meeting some of the nicest people I've ever known in my life! Who would have thought that just a few short years ago, we relied on meeting people at a gathering or on the street! I encourage you to make many new friends in the New Year! It fills my heart with joy just knowing there are so many more of you out there to meet!

I'm over the moon excited about meeting a very special little person early next year! My new grandchild! My daughter, Brandi, is expected to bring this wee life into the world mid March!

I'll keep you posted!

Dear friends...my best to you for the Merriest Christmas and the Happiest New Year! Until next year...stay safe, warm and joyous!
Hugs,
Michelle, Darren and Family

I'm Still Here!!!

2011-11-29T20:48:00.001-08:00

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

Vintage This and That...

2011-11-11T19:05:00.001-08:00

I love vintage...anything vintage! I adore treasure hunting and hoarding vintage stuff! But, sometimes I have to let go of some of those things and today, I broke down and finally listed a few of them in my Etsy shop!

I would like to invite you over to my ETSY SHOP to take a peek at some of those newly listed items and I'd like to also let you know that right now until December 10th, everything in my shop is being offered with a 20% discount which you will receive at checkout if you use the coupon code wishlist11! Christmas is just around the corner and you will find all kinds of great gift ideas throughout my shop including vintage kitchenware, fabrics, toys, books, clothing, cushions and of course, my handmade teddy bears!

I'm now ready for bed. We're up bright and early tomorrow as we'll be heading down the highway to take a couple of ferrets to their new home! Hope it all goes well for them...everyone deserves a chance!

Have a great weekend everyone and stay safe!
Hugs,
Michelle

Happy Halloween Everyone!

2011-10-29T17:15:00.000-07:00

This month has been strange and I suppose that's due to the fact that October is the month with the spookiest day of the year! I don't know!!! I'm just sayin'!

I have been trying so hard to get into the whole decorating thing...and it's not working so well. I finally managed to drag some of my Halloween decorations up the stairs and into the front porch but somehow, along the way, I lost my imagination! I looked and looked and just can't seem to find it...it's not under the stairs or in the closet down there..I didn't drop it into one of the totes that hold my treasured Halloween supplies...and it's not lying on the floor anywhere! What in the world am I to do? I've started hanging out the webbery dotting it with tiny plastic spiders. I've arranged this and that...even put out some ghoulish severed limbs dripping with blood. But, alas, my imagination is just no where to be found. I hope I find it soon because it's almost time and then soon, it's gone....

My imagination also took a backseat to everyday life this month but I am happy to say that I'm nearly finished a few new bears and I hope to showcase them here soon. It's also strange not having some bears to show off at this moment! Soon!

I hope that you all had a chance to visit some of the shops and blogs of the talented artists and beautiful bloggers I featured in my last post! If you didn't get a chance to meet them, go check it out by scrolling down to the previous post or click here....go ahead, I'll wait. "Insert tapping toes here".

Welcome back!
My heart always races with new ideas for teddy bears and normally, I would have more than a few little souls created and listed in one month but, as I said, life takes hold of me and soon, I'm so busy with other things that the bears get put on hold. One of the things I have been working on is a gift for my daughter, Brandi! She's expecting her first baby in March and I've decided to attempt a different sewing project other than teddy bears.

I'm a wee bit nervous as I'm not really much of a seamstress in any way. Oh sure, I make teddy bears but it's easier for me to understand...I'm not sure about other sewing terms but I am willing to bet that once I get going on it and with the help of a few friends who sew, I just might be able to turn out a wonderful gift for her. I can't say what it is right now. I think she reads my blogs...she may not read this one but just in case, I'd better not blow it! I will, however, show a photo or two of the finished product and who knows...if it works out, perhaps I'll make and sell them too!! I said perhaps!!;)

I also performed my annual duty of canning some yummy Zuchini Relish! Okay, it wasn't exactly a duty! In fact, I love, love, love zuchini relish! My former mother in law used to make it all the time and I couldn't get enough of it! So, a few years ago, I found a recipe and decided to try to make it myself and I was hooked! If you've never had the stuff, try it! I will even share the recipe with you! It's easy and so tasty!

I gave a jar to my new mother in law, one year, to use during her Thanksgiving dinner. My brother in law was thrilled to see it but stopped himself from having any because he thought it would be more appropriate on a hotdog or hamburger! After I picked my jaw up off the dinner table I said that it was way too good for a simple hotdog or hamburger and that a good dollup on his plate right next to his turkey and alongside the cranberry sauce will literally change his life forever! Hehehehe...well, not really but it was a perfect and very dramatic way to say that my zuchini relish is good with everything!

I hope you'll give it a try! Here's the recipe!

YUMMY ZUCHINI RELISH!

10 cups shredded zuchini (peeled if the zuchini is very large)
2 cups ground or minced onions (use a food processor or you'll be sorry!)
1 ground or minced green pepper
1 ground or minced red pepper
Place in a large glass bowl. Sprinkle with 5 tbsp of course salt and mix lightly.
Cover with a plate or plastic wrap and let stand overnight in the refrigerator.

In the morning, drain vegetables well in a collander lined with cheese cloth. Rinse thoroughly with cold water and drain well.
Leave to continue draining.

Cook till boiling in a stock pot:

3 1/2 cups of white sugar
2 1/4 cups white vinegar
1 tbsp celery seed
1/2 tsp turmeric
1 tsp cornstarch

Add vegetables and cook till zuchini is clear but not mushy. You want a slight crispness.
Carefully fill hot, sterilized jars. Leave a 1/4 inch of headspace. Remove air bubbles with a clean knife inserted down the sides and place lids on top.
Seal in a hot water bath for approximately 10 mins. Carefully remove and allow to sit for 24 hours before putting away.

Happy Halloween my dears!
Michelle

Sharing the Love...

2011-10-13T10:31:00.000-07:00

Hello Dear Friends!

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

Happy Autumn All!

2011-09-30T08:36:00.000-07:00

Well, it's officially autumn and here, in my little corner of Canada, the leaves are turning from summer green to gorgeous shades of yellow, brown and orange. I don't think there can be a more beautiful color combination than that! The morning air is crisp, the days are shorter and fun family holidays are just around the corner. For me, it's been a busy September! Along with creating bears and dealing with life, in general, I was honoured to restore a teddy bear for a sweet little boy! "Bear" was in pretty rough shape when he arrived with his friend "New Bear" who is what "Old Bear" used to look like! "New Bear" proved to be a great source of support to his friend! Poor "Old Bear" had been loved so much that he had lost pretty much all of his "coat", his ears and most importantly his "dignity"! Naked bears do not make happy bears! So, I repaired what I could, made him some brand new ears and I did some necessary "fur" transplants to ensure that he would be able to be around to enjoy a lifelong loving relationship with his boy Dawson!

What fun we had! Good luck to you "Old Bear!
Today, I am drawing a lucky name from a basket of enteries for my free Facebook Fan Page Giveaway! The winner will receive one of my handmade vintage style teddy bears, a vintage preschool book and a "reproduction" of a beautiful vintage photograph of a young German boy and his best friends!

It's been so much fun meeting new followers! I love doing giveaways! It's always a blast to let someone know that they've won something...it not only brightens their day but it brightens mine as well! Once the name is drawn and announced on my Facebook Page, I will head over here to post again for all to see! And thanks to all who entered! This past month was a productive month for me in the way of teddy bears! Between the "end of the season" yard work and my family, I managed to somehow churn out several new bears! Here are just a few of them!

With Halloween sneeking up on me, I created two teddies to help celebrate the season! "Li'l Punkin'" is made using my own antique style pattern which I reduced. I hand dyed the sparse mohair a cheery bright orange using none other than orange Koolaid! He is approximately 8 1/2 inches and fully cotterpin jointed! He's got teensy tiny black glass bead eyes and beige felt paws. He's stuffed with a healthy mixture of polyfill, vintage excelsior and upholstery stuffing. For more photos and information, please check out his listing in my Etsy Shop!
NOTE: Seems "Li'l Punkin's" photo has been deleted...for now, you can see him on my sidebar to the right! Sorry about that!

"Bitsy and Boo" were fun to create! I knew that once little "Boo" was done, he definately needed a little friend so "Bitsy" was created to fill that void! Little "Boo was made from the same orange mohair as "Li'l Punkin'" and black rayon plush. He's completely jointed and stuffed firmly with a healthy mixture of vintage excelsior and upholstery stuffing! Little Boo is wearing a ruffled collar made from orange and black vintage seam binding ribbon and has two charming antique boot buttons on his chest. Wee "Bitsy" spider is made from black FIMO clay, wire and plastic eyes! She's as adorable as can be and not so frightening as you will see! She is removeable from Boo's head! She is approximately 3 1/2 inches from toe to toe to toe to toe to toe to toe to toe to toe!
For more information on "Bitsy and Boo" check out their Etsy Listing!

"Fern" and "Evie" were absolutetly delightful to work on! Evie was made from a recycled plush coat in a shade of blushing pink! She's since found her forever home and Fern will be joining her shortly as the same collector fell in love with her as well!

"Kokanee" is one of my latest teddies! He's going to be listed in my Etsy shop shortly but I thought I'd share him here before I do that! He's already made his debut on Facebook! He's a larger bear made from gorgeous creamy yellow plush. He's fully jointed and stuffed with polyfill and glass sand for a beautiful weighty feel!

And finally, "Maynard"...Oh Maynard! Maynard made his debut on my Facebook Fan Page to rave reviews and within three days, sold to a beautiful collector in Russia!
He'll be on his way shortly...I wish him well! Maynard is my newest design. He was made using two gorgeous rich shades of gold and brown vintage velvet, his limbs are string jointed and he's firmly stuffed with vintage excelsior and uphosltery stuffing! He's going to see his new home in Russia through two different antique boot buttons!

At this very moment, here are approximately 6 bears waiting for me on my work table! More similar to little Maynard and some new bears which should be ready for the holidays! I'm also going to take part in another Christmas swap with four of the dearest ladies you can ever hope to meet in a lifetime! I'll be sure to share the results of that exchange right here closer to the holidays! Stay tuned and have a great Autumn everyone! Hugs, Michelle

Happy September!

2011-09-12T12:35:00.000-07:00

Oh my...has the summer passed us already? Can you believe it? Here it is September and just around the corner, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas! It really seems like I just enjoyed spring!

Today, I announced another Giveaway but not here! Sorry! This time I thought I'd post a Free Giveaway on my Facebook Fan Page so I would like to invite you over to enter for your chance to win one of my handcrafted vintage style Riding Bears along with some extra goodies!

This bear is approximately 4 1/2 inches by 4 inches and was created using a gorgeous vintage plum velveteen fabric which has been further "aged" for a very well worn look and feel! He is stuffed firmly with a mixture of vintage excelsior and uphosltery stuffing, his head is cotterpin jointed and he's got beautiful tiny German glass eyes.

The prize also includes a REPRODUCTION of a vintage photo from 1963 of a sweet little boy and his beloved toys...a gorgeous teddy which looks like it could be a beautiful old Steiff bear and a whimsical little giraffe who perhaps feels a wee bit left out being on the floor for the photo! On the back of the original photo which I own, there is some writing but it looks like it may be in German so I can't tell you what it says but I am including a copy of that with the photo I reproduced for you!
The winner of the draw will also recieve a vintage basic reading story book called "Little Bear" dated 1969.

For more details on how to enter the Free draw...head over to my
Facebook Fan Page! All you have to do is LIKE me...then you're in! Any problems just leave me a comment here and we'll fix it!

In the meantime, more bears are in the works! I'm hoping to have at least two themed teddies complete in time for Halloween and at least three bears completed in time for the Holidays! Wish me luck and have a happy September...thanks for visiting!
Hugs,
Michelle

We shall never forget....

2011-09-11T07:45:00.000-07:00

Today is a very emotional day for everyone around the world but especially for our American Friends. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and to all of the brave souls who fought for their lives and for those who selflessly fought for others that horrible day.

New Restorations!

2011-08-22T11:18:00.000-07:00

I'm very far behind in my blogging and now that summer is slowly winding down, I hope to get back into a routine soon! My bearmaking is slow these days as well but I've managed to crank out a few new teddies. I'll share them with you as soon as possible.

In the meantime, here are some photos of two bear restorations I am proud to say are coming along nicely. In fact, "Bert" is now complete! I'm very pleased with how this beautiful vintage early 1900's "American Stick Bear" turned out and I hope that his "Mum" Tracy will be just as happy with his "surgery".

Bert came to me with black plastic eyes glued tightly into his "sockets". Those had to be cut out leaving large holes where he should have had beautiful glass eyes. He also had only one ear and after consulting with his Mum we decided to remove the remaining ear, split it and make two ears with it using new fabric which I "aged" for the inner ears. Before making the new ears, two small pieces were taken from the original ear fabric and carefully stitched into place to rebuild the eye sockets so that his new glass eyes could be put in place.

Bert also had all new paw pads made. I gently stitched new felt pads over the old ones as his Mum likes her bears to retain as much of their original integrity as possible! After that, the odd restitch was done and he was ready for his "After" photos. Not much had to be done to Bert but new eyes, an ear and paw pads made all the difference in the world and will give him a chance to "shine" for many more years to come!

Bert is kind enough to stick around with me for a bit longer while "Ginger"...my own vintage "American Stick Bear" has her "surgery". He's been very supportive of her as I'm sure it's a scary time in an old bear's life when the necessity of some restoration is in order.

I found Ginger in an antique shop earlier this summer. She was a great price but with that came the fact that she was in dire need of some help! No ears, one bad eye (hard glue stuck to each eye socket!), no paw pads and several ill attempts at some repairs done throughout her life made her an ideal candidate for some much needed restoration practice! When I got her home, I immediately inserted two plastic eyes so she could feel good about herself until her surgery! Not ideal but necessary!

Fresh mohair was used to create her eye sockets in the same manner as Bert's were because the glue that was used on her old repairs was just too hard and too deep inside her head.

Little Ginger's "surgery" is now half way done! She's been given new ears, a lovely smile and temporary antique boot button eyes until the proper eyes can be found but now, she can see her world and her new friend "Bert" clearly and thank him with a little kiss for his loving support!

And until her paws can be repaired, she'll be happy to wear her old moth eaten stockings to keep her excelsior stuffing in tact and a pretty pink baby gown to hide the many ill attempted stiches holding some parts of her body together!

Restoring these old bears gives me a sense of accomplishment and a sense of pride. There are some things in this world we can't fix but being able to restore an old friend, an old confidant...means so much to some people. Our bears are among our closest companions and without them who would we tell our closely guarded secrets to? Who would we hug when times are tough? Who could be more supportive than our teddy bear?

"All bears are scape-bears; they take the sins of the world upon them." ~ Katherine Whitehorn

Have a great week everyone!
Hugs,
Michelle

Summertime Chaos...

2011-08-09T08:33:00.000-07:00

We all know that busy, chaotic days can take the wind right out of our sails sometimes and summertime is no exception! I can't say that I've been partaking in some major summertime fun (oh how I wish I could say that!) but I can honestly say that this particular summer has proven to be a busy one for me none-the-less!

With the still fresh news of a new grandbaby on the way (and the unexpected scare of a miscarriage), the usual "kid" antics, a very busy work schedule for my hubby and my visiting mom (who patiently sits by and watches it all unfold with a look of amusement at times!)life can take it's toll! I've been trying to accept these challenges with as much grace as possible but at the end of the day, grace goes out the window and a with a few moments of curse words, tears and a few shouts into my pillow, I push forward hoping that the next day will be a little less brutal and perhaps a wee bit more relaxing and fun. A girl can wish can't she?

In the midst of all the chaos, I've managed to finish a few bears and I'm pleased to say that three of them made their way into the heart of a beautiful collector!

Meet "Ollie"

..."Bartholemew"

...and "Picadilly"

Thanks, Deb...they're going to love living with you in your "HUG"!

When chaos strikes like it has lately, one of the things that brings me so much comfort is collecting! I love to collect, as you all know...this past weekend, I was fortunate enough to simply walk across the street to an Estate sale where I scored something I've been wanting for years! From my front porch, before the sale started, I was shocked to see the lady hang two dresses from a ledge on their front porch. Now, my eyesight is not the best for the most part but my first thought was that they were 1950's cocktail dresses...two of them...one pink one and one red one! I'm a lover of all things from the 1950's and to own a sweet cocktail dress from the era was a dream of mine for a very long time. Imagine having to sit and wait for the sale to begin, knowing that all I had to do was walk quickly over and claim those dresses before anyone else could get their hands on them...I had three hours to wait! THREE HOURS! And then there was the thought that the "early birds" would arrive and someone would grab MY dresses before I could get safely across the road!!!

I waited...heart pounding, palms sweating. I waited and waited. Time stood so still for those three loooong hours. Then...suddenly, it was time...10 minutes before their start time, crowds of dealers and collectors began to show up. I'm not the early bird type but let me tell you, those dresses were going to be mine! I grabbed my money, slipped my feet into my thongs and flew out the door! Once safely across the street, I slipped quietly and quickly passed several people milling around the stairs to the front porch...I don't think anyone saw me...I was stelthy...like a ninja!
I walked over to the two dresses...took note...THEY WERE 1950's COCKTAIL DRESSES and the sweetest dresses I ever saw! I calmly put my hand on both of them realizing that I couldn't reach high enough to take them down so I stood there. Waiting. Hoping the lady who was running the show would come by. I waited. One lady walked up and made a comment about the dresses saying she's never seen dresses like those at a yard sale! I nodded my head in agreement but never took my hands off them. I even went so far as to say that I was waiting for the owner to come by and help me with them. My palms were still sweating when the next person made a comment. I'm thinkin' "move along" "someone help me"...and then suddenly, over walked the owner with a smile on her face! She said to me "you're from across the road"! She introduced herself and asked if I was alright. I said "yep"..."just want these dresses"! She called her husband over and asked him to help out...he did and laid both dresses across my outstretched arms...I had hoped he didn't see the "tears" of joy in my eyes. The next thing was to find out how much they wanted for them? $5.00 each!
After a bit more "shopping" and some other great finds, I started off back across the street, all hunched over, dodging traffic as I went along with tufts of pink and red taffita trailing along in the breeze behind me!
It was a good day!

Hope you have a good day too!
Hugs,
Michelle

What Happened to July?

2011-07-27T09:22:00.000-07:00

As I write this, I'm stunned! July just whizzed by so quickly and to think I hardly accomplished a thing!

Well, not true. I did have the opportunity to create two more bears and maybe, just maybe if I work hard enough, one more bear might be able to become a reality by the end of the month...4 days away! Eeeek!

Today, I listed "Nigel" in my Etsy shop! He's one of my "Antique Style" bears made from gold and ruby red mohair, is fully jointed with his head being wobble jointed and he's stuffed firmly with a mixture of excelsior and upholstery stuffing!

Please say hello to "Nigel"!

There are still some great deals to be had in my Etsy shop from Free Shipping on all of my handmade teddy bears until the end of July (I may extend that!) to reduced prices on select items! I hope you can take a moment to hop over and check them out!

One of the reasons I have been sort of MIA lately is that I've been madly working in the gardens and cleaning and organizing my home before my mother comes for a visit in a week or so! I'm excited as it's been a long time since she's been here and with her recent diagnosis of the early stages of Alzheimer's...every second I can spend with her is precious.

Also, I recently found out that my beautiful daughter, Brandi and her boyfriend are expecting a baby in early 2012!

I'm thrilled at the prospect of welcoming another grandchild into my heart! As you know, my granddaughter, Cierra is truly the light of my life! Even though I don't get to see her as often as I would like to, her amazing mommy, Nancy keeps me updated daily with a never ending supply of incredible photos!

Thanks for visiting! Have a great day!
Hugs!
Michelle

Organization...

2011-07-12T16:33:00.000-07:00

I've come to realize that nothing is worth doing if you don't begin in an organized fashion! I also realize, now, that I'm probably the most unorganized gal around! I try...really I do! I visit blogs that give me some terrific ideas and I hoard magazines that are valuable havens of organizing information! So, here I sit...wondering why my house is so unorganized at the best of times. Well, I suppose I can blame it on "life".

Today, I decided to organize some things.

My vintage sewing supplies! They were all over the house; displayed here and there and now...they're together where they belong! I think that it just showcases these beautiful pieces of needlecrafting history in a better way!

Next on the agenda...my pantry! It's a large pantry and it has some great shelving but there are times when I feel overwhelmed by it. I don't want to store food items as it's open to the kitchen...nobody wants to see that! So,
I've turned it into a sort of display room for all of the other vintage items that I've simply got no room for in the rest of the house! Large tins, several Pyrex bowls, casserole dishes, etc., vintage toasters, sifters, egg beaters, dust pans as well as all of the kitchen gadgets I just HAD to have that I only use every so often and a shelf, FINALLY a shelf, for my cookbook collection!

My thread supply! I bought this clear plastic display case at a yard sale and decided it would be a great way to organize and showcase the beautiful vintage threads I use for making my teddy bears! Sitting on my sewing table next to a bright window makes the colors pop even more!

Today, I managed to do a bit more organizing than what you see here but I think you get the point!

When I organize my kitchen, I want to cook and bake. When I organize my collections, they make me want to stand and admire them and when I organize my sewing room, I want to create. Nothing moves my creativity along like a well organzied sewing room.

With that being said, it's time to go and get my creative juices flowing again!
In the meantime, if you've not met him yet through my Facebook Fan Page or visited him in my Etsy Shop
, here are some photos of my latest bear, "Raphael"!

Raphael is made of red and cream plush! Sometimes I find plush a littl intimidating to work with but he was so fun to make and I hope that he will be able to find a new home very soon!

Here's to organization! And creativity!
Have a great week!
Hugs,
Michelle

Some Opportunites Are Just Too Good To Pass Up!

2011-07-02T10:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was invited to be a "guest poster" on my friend, Tracy's blog "Handmade Teddy Bears and Raggedies"!

Every so often it's fun to look back, to reminisce about all of the bears that brought me to this very special place in my life!

I invite you to visit Tracy's blog "Handmade Teddy Bears and Raggedies"! Tracy has been a huge supporter of several bloggers and new sellers over the past year and her heart and soul is put into everything she does for all of us including featured write ups, interviews, link parties, etc. I'm greatful for all she's done and I'm sure that the majority of those she's supported along the way feel the very same way! Of course, it's not been without it's ups and downs for her but I can feel her spirit in everything she does and we all look forward to seeing what else she has in store for us along the way!

Check out another of her blogs as well..."Screaming Sardine"! I still chuckle at the name she's chosen for her presence, here on the internet!

Thanks so much to everyone who gave me such a thumbs up in regards to my version of Merrythought's Punkinhead!

You're support is so appreciated and it makes it easier to go on! I admit that sometimes I feel that maybe my "bear making lightbulb" is about to burn out but then I get such special encouragement in all the wonderful comments...how can I not continue on?

I'm currently working on a new bear made of plush. I decided that I would do my very best to use up my huge stock of plush fabrics before I make a move to purchase more mohair! Special pricing will be placed on these plush bears so make sure that you visit often to find out when they'll be available in my Etsy Shop!

Finally, I'd like to offer my best wishes to all of my bear making friends who are taking part in the "Bears on Parade" show which will begin on July 15th and run through to July 17th! Make sure to stop over and support these amazing artists through voting for and purchasing some very special bears! At this moment, the show is in "preview" stage...click on the banner to take a peek before the show begins!

Have a great weekend everyone!
Hugs,
Michelle

Reproducing a Classic!

2011-06-28T10:23:00.000-07:00

Collecting Teddy Bears is a wonderful past time and some collectors will go to great lengths to acquire that one special bear! Some of those bears can be so far out of our reach that they can only be a dream...a wish. For me...my dream is to own that one special Steiff bear and/or a "Punkinhead" by the English company, Merrythought.

"Punkinhead" was created around 1950 by the Merrythought company to be used as a mascot for the Eaton's department stores, here in Canada. He was made in several different sizes and was even used in a story where he was the hero who saved Christmas one year! He is said to be the fore"bear" of "Cheeky" bear which was also made by the Merrythought company and remains today as one of the most popular teddies around.

Today, some original "Punkinhead" teddy bears, if they are in great condition with the original felt shorts, the original "topknot" or "mohawk" and even the suede "boots", will garner very high prices in the ranges of $1000 to $4000! Alas, that is wayyyy out of my league!

Because of those extremely high prices, I decided to try my hand at reproducing a Punkinhead teddy bear! More of an attempt to see if I could do it without a pattern, without direction...and I think I managed to come up with a reasonable facsimile! What do you think?

My version of "Punkinhead" next to one I restored last fall...and he's sitting next to a photo of another original...the one I used to guide me through the restoration! I was thrilled to be able to be in the presence of an original Punkinhead even for a brief time!

After three long days of designing and creating this wonderful version of a Merrythought classic, it's now time to take a break! Do some yard work...enjoy the sunshine!

Have a great week everyone!
Hugs,
Michelle

A Vintage Heart...

2011-06-23T12:43:00.000-07:00

I like to say that my heart belongs to my husband and perhaps to my children and granddaughter. Of course, that's true but I can honestly say that I have a vintage heart and it also belongs to a bygone era.

I cannot seem to move forward into the future without taking with me the treasures of the past whether they are items in my home now or simply in my heart...my imagination. I love to go back in my mind to a more simpler time, say the 1940's and 1950's for instance...yes, I know that, in general, times were tough back then but I truly believe that folks just accepted that they had to live a simple life for they loved and enjoyed the things they had and did their very best not to wish for more than they could afford. I think families spent more time together and loved and respected one another just a little bit more without worrying about the next big purchase of the day. At least that's what I hear when I ask questions of those who were there.

I love to surround myself with things from the past. And I love hunting for those special treasures! Endearing items such as teddy bears and dolls and pretty things such as vintage quilts, ladies hats and gloves and bits and pieces of lovely china. I suspect that a lot of women, today, feel the very same way.

Here are some of the items I have displayed throughout my home...and a word of warning...don't get too caught up in the displays themselves...they change almost daily...just as times do!

And now, back to reality...time to get to work on my bears!
Have a beautiful vintage day!
Hugs,
Michelle

It's Back!!! It's Really, Really Back!

2011-06-20T12:10:00.000-07:00

I've said it before and I'll say it again...MY CREATIVE MOJO IS FINALLY BACK!!! And just like Vicki from "Custom Teddys" said..."it will be back with a vengance"...well, it came back with a vengance! And I love it!

I'm so proud to introduce my newest teddy bear "Horatio"! I hope you enjoy him as much as I enjoyed creating him!

"Horatio" is approximately 13 inches and made from vintage velvets...you know, the shiny velvets some of us had the "misfortune" of seeing hanging as drapes in our homes waaaayyyy back in the 60's and 70's! Shhhh...don't tell anyone but my mom even had wallpaper to match!! Although they were horrifying to look at then, they make beautiful bears today and I'm thrilled to be able to use some very stunning colors to make this special teddy! He's got gorgeous handblown glass eyes, some light shading on his face and ears and is fully jointed with cotterpins and hardboard discs. He's got a bit of a wobble joint in his neck. I've stuffed Horatio with a mixture of upholstery cotton stuffing and polyfill. He's got a yummy collar made from a rich shade of green organza and to finish off his sylish look, he's wearing three pretty buttons!

For a better look at Horatio, please head over to my Etsy shop and check out his listing!

Things have been kind of slow due to the postal strike here in Canada. I am hoping the situation will be resolved soon and in the meantime, there are some great discounts to be had in my Etsy Shop...my little way to make up for any delays in shipping and to those of you who have purchased and have items sitting and waiting to be shipped, I appreciate your patience and humour! It all makes it much easier to deal with! Thank you!

Have a great week everyone!
Hugs,
Michelle

A Home Without A Bear Is Like A Face Without A Smile

2011-06-16T10:05:00.000-07:00

Pleasure, happiness, amusement...all things that bring on a simple smile.
Add to that list a warm and cuddly teddy bear. There is sheer joy in knowing that the teddy bears I create and the teddy bears that I restore cause people to smile. And the bears in my own collections all bring those very same smiles to my face. Smiles are also very contagious! A "condition" worth spreading for sure!

Here are some of the bears I'm currently offering in my Etsy shop as well as some of the most recent restorations I've had the priviledge of doing!

Please feel free to pass on the smiles! I just did!

Click Here For A Peek At Michael's Etsy Listing!

Click Here For A Peek At Lucy's Etsy Listing!

Click Here To Find Out How You Can Customize Your Very Own "Antique Style" Teddy!

BEFORE and AFTER!

BEFORE!

AFTER!

And Finally...

I'd like to introduce you all to my sweet little "Tinky"! I made this sweet little pink plush teddy bear for my adorable granddaughter Cierra in honour of her 3rd birthday! Thanks to "Emma" of "Emma's Bears" for the use of one of her beautiful patterns!

Now that makes me smile!

Happy Tuesday!

2011-06-07T11:33:00.000-07:00

We're already well underway into the month of June...time sure does fly doesn't it?

Not too long ago, I had mentioned that my "creative mojo" was in dire need of some inspiration. I found it shortly afterwards but now it's gone again. I don't know where it went. I suppose it needs a holiday once in awhile. Must be outside in the garden where I've been working for the past few weeks. But, enough is enough! I need it to come back in the house now! I want to create new bears...new little souls!

If anyone has any ideas that will help my "creative mojo" see the errors of it's ways...please, please tell me! I'm trying so hard to be patient.

In the meantime, I thought I'd show off some of the creations that are currently in my Etsy shop!

Enjoy and if you're "creative mojo" is trying to sneak off into the backyard, follow it...remind it that there are other things besides the gardens!

Hugs all around!
Michelle

PIN CUSHIONS!

Pin cushions have to be one of my favorite things to collect right now...vintage ones that is! I've included some of my most prized and treasured pin cushions, here, on this blog....for a peek at them...scroll down the page!

I also love to create pin cushions from just about anything! I don't think anyone can enjoy creating their own masterpieces without a sweet, whimsical and useful pin cushion sitting nearby!

You can find "Rosie" in my Etsy Shop!

Silly Goose!

You can find these adorable "upcycled" Goosie "measuring cup" pin cushions in my Etsy Shop!

These sweet "upcycled" pin cushions are not yet listed, however, they're ready and willing to take over the very important task of holding your pins!
Look for pricing information under each photo!

This tiny candle holder is pretty in purple! I've lined the edge of the opening with purple paper flowers!

$4.99US (Shipping $8.00US to Canada, Europe and the US)
To purchase this pin cushion, simply leave me a comment with your email address right here and I'll get in touch with you!

"Egg-squisite"

Two vintage red plastic egg cups make their debut as something more than just a way to serve a hard boiled egg!

$6.99US (Shipping $8.00US to Canada, Europe and the US)
To purchase these two "upcycled" egg cup pin cushions, simply leave me a comment with your email address right here and I'll get in touch with you!

And finally, a couple of sweet vintage owls make use of their time! There are no cracks or chips in this kitchy retro owl dish.

$8.99US (Shipping $8.00US to Canada, Europe and the US)
To purchase this adorable "vintage" pin cushion, just leave me a comment with your email address and I'll be happy to get back to you!

Happy Sewing Everyone!

Lily, Annie and A Crazy Group of Friends...

2011-05-25T11:12:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

Spring has obviously sprung and with that comes time well spent in the garden! My bearmaking has, once again, been placed, oh so gently, on the "back burner" for now, while I get my flower beds all done! Over the course of the last couple of weeks I went in and out of the house simultaneously gardening and working on a fun bear/bunny group order placed by my new friend Debbie! The group is finished now and on their way to their new home as we speak! At the end of this post, you will get a rare chance to see some chaotic moments with all six of Debbie's "children"...not pleasant I must say! They kept me hopping and had it not been for the written "threat" from their new "Mum" that they're "Father" would have to get after them with a wooden spoon...well, it was all I could do to keep them in line while I settled them down for their official photo shoot! When you do get to the bottom of this post and have that moment to see what they put me through, please, understand, that they were never really afraid of the "wooden spoon" threat...in fact, they giggled their way into the chair near the end of the shoot! Little "Blue Bear" and Little "Brown Bear" were absolutely hysterical at the thought of the wooden spoon!

Since I won't be working on any new teds for a week or so, I thought I'd "showcase" some special teddies that you can find in my Etsy shop! And, I'm happy to offer a 25% discount on each bear until I list a brand new teddy, which could be a week...maybe two or perhaps even three!!! Until then, they'll both be on SALE in my Etsy Shop so pass the word!

Let me re-introduce you to beautiful "Lily"!

She is approximately 16 inches, made from beautiful dense long pile buttery yellow string mohair with yellow velveteen paws. To find out more about little "Lily", please head over to my Etsy shop and check out her listing!

And here is "Annie"!

She is approximately 16 inches, made from beautiful dense long pile golden mohair and has brown velveteen paws. To find out more about sweet "Annie", head on over to my Etsy shop to visit her listing!

Now, before I go, I'd like to give you some insight into what it's like to try to get a small but very rambunctious little group of bears and bunnies together for a photo shoot!

It all started when...

Trying to sneak up on each other! Honestly.

Then..."Black Bear" wouldn't get out of bed!

One of the Bunnies was very shy!

Can you guess who were the worst of the bunch?

I turn my back for one second!

And then finally...

There were photos of the other "kids" but these had to be, hands down, the worst of the bunch! Whew...all I can say is...good luck Debbie!

Have a great week everyone!
Hugs,
Michelle

Congratulations.....

2011-05-20T08:49:00.000-07:00

Chris Craig of Homespun Handcrafts! Chris, you won my blog Giveaway! Congratulations!
I'll get in touch with you shortly!

Thanks everyone for entering and I look forward to the next Giveaway!

And, finally, Happy Birthday to my baby girl, Brandi! I miss you so much!

Have a great day everyone!
Hugs,
Michelle

Bear Trades!

2011-05-11T11:22:00.000-07:00

Hello and a very Happy Spring to you all! We've got sun, sun, sun and the gardens are looking so good!

I've been madly working in the yard trying to get everything in order so that I can start planting all the new stuff! So fun!

With that being said, not much new in the bear department to report. I've been working on a group of 5 bears for a wonderful lady named Deb. Thankfully, she's not too anxious for them so slowly I work on them and hopefully, I'll be able to write her with the good news, soon, that they're complete! I hope;)

In the meantime...don't forget my Spring Giveaway...scroll down to the previous post on this page and enter! I can't wait to find out who will win sweet little "Rosebud" and the other treasures! It's easy to enter and the draw date is May 20th! Just by being a Follower of this blog and a Follower of my other blog "My Inspiration...My Heart"...you get 2 entries!!! Easy hey? Go ahead...enter and then come back and enjoy the following photos!!!

Finally, over the past few months I was lucky enough to take part in three bear trades with three lovely ladies whom I consider to be good friends now!
We've all got our own style and that made it even more special! I am proud to say that the following three teddies are now part of my collection!

Thanks to Kelly Previti of "Tickled Pink Bears"

Thanks to my friend Fleur of "Yokko Bears"

And thanks to Sarah Moog of "Yummi Bears"

Have a great day everyone!
Hugs,
Michelle

Mother's Day/Springtime Giveaway!

2011-05-02T12:04:00.000-07:00

Happy May 2nd everyone! I trust you all have your special Mother's Day gifts planned! I just wrapped mine up and will take it down to the post office this afternoon and send it off to mom! She's tough to buy for...she doesn't want anything really but I felt the need to buy her something and I'm sure she'll be pleased. Honestly, it's not nearly enough to thank her for all the love and support she's given through the years but I think she knows.

Now, a special treat for you!

In honour of Mother's Day, Spring AND of my second blog "My Inspiration...My Heart" I am announcing another Giveaway!
I absolutely love giveaways and it's so fun to come up with something that will, hopefully, fill your heart with joy!

Meet "Rosebud"!

And this is what she would like to bring along with her to give to you!

"Rosebud" is a tiny teddy at only 3 1/2 inches! She's made of pretty yellow and pink velveteen and is fully jointed. This little darling is sitting in a sweet 3 3/4 inch tall vintage stemmed "fruit compote". I have another one which I use for lovely summer blooms! I'd like for you to have the other one! Included with this compote is a pretty butterfly pendant...a fitting touch to a garden themed disply don't you think?

In honour of my other blog, I am also including four notecards with envelopes which I've made using images of my own garden blooms. I love to work in the yard and these images are of flowers and cherry blossoms from the gardens I once tended at my former home on Vancouver Island. Each photo is printed on bright white "matte" finish photo paper and adhered onto pretty teal notecards. Perfect for writing a little note to someone special.

Okay, now for the fun stuff! As I said, I am having this blog giveaway, not only in honour of Spring and Mother's Day, but to "promote", if you will, my new blog "My Inspiration...My Heart".

It's very dear to my heart as it's a place where I can "show off" my children, my granddaughter and so on as well as do what I can to bring attention to "depression" and related mental illnesses.

As some of you already know, my beautiful daughter, Brandi, suffers from "depression" and as you've heard me say before, she has her good days and her bad. This blog is a place where she can go and get a little extra "support" whether it's a comment from someone who's been there or one meant to encourage her to move forward. I can't thank those of you, enough, who've taken the time to reach out to her through that blog.

In addition to feeling the love and support from the blog, Brandi, along with my daughter-in-law, Nancy are both fabulous photographers and the blog is also a place for them to unleash their creativity, something I am very proud of indeed! Both have sent me so many beautiful photographs that it's hard to organize and decide which ones to blog about first!!! For a peek at some of their gorgeous work, head over and check out the latest photos as well as past posts. I couldn't be prouder of my girls!

Now for your part!
It's simple...if you would be so kind as to link up to me by posting about my giveaway on your blog, I would be so greatful! Go ahead and take a photo to use. Then, leave me a comment with your first name and your email address, let me know you've added a link to my blog and you're entered! In addition to posting about my giveaway, I'd like to offer you two more entries if you become a Follower of this blog AND the other! Three entries in total! If you're already a Follower of each blog, you're already entered...but you may have to remind me! And don't worry, if you don't have a blog, then you are welcome to post it to your Facebook page but please, let me know!

The draw date will be my daughter, Brandi's birthday...May 20th! So, you have lots of time! Enjoy!

Happy Spring!
Hugs,
Michelle

Quick Note!

2011-04-28T11:11:00.000-07:00

Hello Dear Friends!

This is a quick one today! Springtime has officially sprung and I have so many things on the go! I wish I could say I was working madly on new bears but I've not been able to find the time lately as the house and the yard have both been calling my name! I must admit, it's a lot of work but it's been so fun organizing and cleaning. I've had the windows open and the fresh air swirling around in here! Awww...spring...I love it!

I know you know what I mean!

Anyway, I do want to tell you all that I am going to announce a new blog giveaway, hopefully, next week! I have some great ideas and of course, as with all of my giveaways, they will include a teddy AND a lovely vintage item...but I'm not going to spoil the surprise just yet! I hope you'll stay tuned!

This morning I decided to finally list a few bundles of plush fur in my Etsy shop! The spring cleaning frenzy I've been on also included my huge stash of bear making supplies! I've listed some great pieces so check them out...you can look over to the right at some of the bundles I am offering and for a better look just click on a pic!

In the meantime, here are a couple of photos of two new china cabinets we've just added to the collection! Yes, we have a "collection" of china cabinets....11 in total now! I can hear you all cringing as I write that!
Keep in mind though, a small house does not necessarily equal space but with silly collections full of dolls, teddy bears and so on all over the place, we needed them badly!

The first is a very large and very tall white one piece country style cabinet...a very heavy cabinet I might add! I love it so much...distressed white with a baby pink interior! Just perfect for dolls, quilts, bits and pieces of china, vintage cases, vintage books, etc.

The second one is my hubby's favorite. It reminds him of a special piece his grandmother had. We're both happy to have a place of honour to display our vintage teddy bears!

I wish you all a lovely start to the month of May and happy spring!
Hugs,
Michelle

New Bears!

2011-04-19T11:31:00.000-07:00

Wow...seems like time just flies by when you're having so much fun and I've been having lots of fun with my latest creations!

I do, however, feel like I'm neglecting this blog so let me just assure you that I value it and, you, my followers so very much so please, please "bear" with me!

Now...let me introduce, to you, "William" and my latest "Bear on Wheels"! Both are now for sale in my Etsy Shop! You can click on the additional photos to the right to visit their Etsy Listings!

"William"~A little bear with very "Royal" dreams indeed!

This "Bear On Wheels" is ready to take you on an adventure!

I also wanted to let you all know that I am going to announce something very special in the next week or so...I hope you'll come back and join me! Hint? Well, let's just say it's high time for a new G I V E A W A Y!!!!
How's that for a hint?

Hugs all around!
Michelle

"A Little Hug"!

2011-04-08T15:45:00.002-07:00

Hey everyone!

A HUG is defined as "to hold fast...to press tightly in ones arms"OR if you're a real bear lover like I know you are...A HUG can also be defined as "a group of teddy bears" and a HUG can be a small one or a large one...however, "the more the merrier" I always say!!

I've finally finished my latest bear set...this one is sort of an "instant gratification" kind of set! You get three bears in one and you instantly have a little HUG of bears which is wonderful if you don't have a HUG of your own already!

Here's a peek...for more photos, hop over to my Etsy Shop to get a better look!

The sun is shining, the latest bout of snow is almost gone and spring is in the air once again....yea...right! You're not falling for that one again hey?

I'm happy to say that I have a few more bears already nearly complete and some new projects on the horizon. Without these bears and you, my dear friends, what would I do? Thanks for checking in when you can. It means a lot to me! It really does.

Have a good one!
Hugs,
Michelle

Merrythought Restoration

2011-04-03T11:41:00.000-07:00

Hello and Happy April!

I recently completed my latest restoration project! Scott, from Toronto sent me his beloved childhood teddy. A beautiful 1950's Merrythought bear! When Scott first sent me photos of his teddy bear, he had stated simply "I think you will be horrified!" That's it! Nothing else. So, before I opened the photos, I had to mentally prepare myself..."what was I going to see?" "would I have to come up with some way to gently tell this man that his bear was not worthy of a restoration?"

What do you think?

Well, I thought that this bear was in the most incredible condition considering his age. And I was more than happy to tell Scott that his old bear could be restored, retaining his valueable integrity and helping him to last for years to come.

So...he sent him...

And...before I knew it...

Ahhh...dear old bear.

Hugs,
Michelle

Handmade Teddy Bears and Raggedies...My First Interview!

2011-03-28T08:25:00.000-07:00

Look who's been featured in an interview!
That's right...me! I'd like to invite you over to the "Handmade Teddy Bears and Raggedies" blog for a peek at my interview and while you're there, visit some other posts featuring some great Teddy Bear and Raggedy Artists! Hey, become a follower too! And, if you know anyone else who might be interested in becoming a follower...let them know!

My friend Tracy, of "The Prairie Patch" is the host of this lovely blog as well as several others and I can't thank her enough for the hard work that she's been doing to hlep promote artists of different mediums all over the net! Thanks so much to you, Tracy!

One more thing... we're holding some fun new contests in the near future to help jump start the online careers of new artists in the world of Teddy Bears and Raggedies! Your's truly...that would be ME...will be one of the judges! I'll definately keep you posted on that! The first contest, for the
"Teddy bears and Raggedies" blog will most likely be May 1st! Stay tuned!

Finally, thanks to you, my wonderful friends, for joining me on my new Blog
"My Inspiration...My Heart". It means a lot that you'd be willing to take this little journey with me to celebrate my daughter and the other beautiful "inspirations" in my life.

Hugs,
Michelle

"My Inspiration...My Heart"

2011-03-26T10:47:00.000-07:00

Happy Saturday to you all!
This short and sweet blog post is special. I'm so happy to announce that I have started another blog...one very close to my heart.

I've been searching for a way to stay connected to my children who are all so far away from me living their own lives. My children mean so much to me...everyone who loves their children knows that feeling all too well.

It is especially important to me to stay connected with my beautiful daughter who, at the moment, is sharing her life with depression. Sometimes I feel as though she is being stolen from me...taken away from our lives and then, by some miracle...we get her back for awhile...I love her so much and it's going to be a bumpy ride. I need to show her...no...prove to her that she is loved.

My latest blog is a way to share photographs taken by myself, my daughter, my daughter-in-law, my husband...very casual photographs, and, perhaps even a great way to offer beautiful, single photograph prints or print sets for sale. I also plan to hold some great new "Blog Giveaways" in the near future.

I hope you'll follow.

"My Inspiration...My Heart"~http://myinspirationmyheart.blogspot.com/
In the meantime...you are wondering about the bears I suppose? Well...wonder no more! I've got several adorable bear sets on the go and I hope to have the first set...which is quite comical, by the way...completed by the end of the coming week!

Thanks for stopping by!
Hugs,
Michelle

Happy Spring

2011-03-25T07:50:00.000-07:00

I wish I could really mean "Happy Spring"...it's not been one of the best springs yet but I am holding out hope that soon, the Robins will be bouncing around my yard and singing beautiful songs of fresh newness...is that a word? I'm sure you know what I mean:)

My latest "Bear on Wheels" is now complete and will be listed in my Etsy shop shortly! Here's a peek!

I am currently working on another "bear set" that I'm very excited about! I can't wait to be finished but I'll take my time...because it will be worth it!

I received a lovely old Merrythought bear in the mail today...sent to me for some serious restoration work by his owner Scott! He's so beautiful but came to me without eyes! I can't wait until he can see the world around him and his loving owner. Scott will, no doubt, be taken back to the days when he and his "old friend" spent much time together exploring the world around them.

Once I get this teddy bear's "before" photos taken, I'll post them here so you can be a part of this special "journey" along with "Teddy", Scott and I.

Finally, it's been two weeks now since the devastating earthquake/tsunami in Japan. As the days go by, we find that more and more beautiful people lost their lives and that there are many more still unaccounted for. My thoughts and prayers are with those who are suffering and those who have lost loved ones. Life can be so fragile. We see it everyday but when something this horrible happens, it makes you think more, feel more, love more.

Hugs All Around..
Michelle

Special Days!

2011-03-16T09:33:00.000-07:00

Well, today I turned another year older. 46 to be exact. 46 years old today.
Ugh...I'm 46. If I say it a few times maybe it will make sense. I mean, it seems like it was just yesterday that I was small, too young to know any better...too young to really make sense of it all. I was only 5 when I thought I needed to leave home for some reason...my mom packed a little bag for me and I walked out the door of our apartment to the storage room about 4 feet away and for the day, lived in my own "home"...free of any "rules", free of "my mom", free of my baby brother...life was good...for the day. Then I realized that I was alone for the first time. Who would feed me? Who would buy me my clothes? Who would love me? Was I supposed to go visit my mom or was she supposed to visit me? How did this "living on your own" thing really work? By the end of the day, I was back in the arms of my mom, lesson learned.

Since then, over the course of the past 40 years, I learned many lessons. Too many to list and to this very day, I'm still learning. I suppose I'll keep learning lessons because I guess you're never too old to know it all.

When I was born, 46 years ago, today...my mom was given a gift. Her first gift to celebrate my birth. And it remains with me today. A little reminder of how much I was loved and how much time went by. I treasure it always.

My Old Bear,

Happy Birthday to me.
Hugs,
Michelle

And...it's on!!!

2011-03-08T14:30:00.000-08:00

My "creative mojo" and I are battling it out! For the moment, I'm winning...and here are the results of my latest burst of creativity!

I'm pleased to introduce this fun set...."Good Golly Miss Molly"!

9 1/2 inch Molly is lovingly crafted from curly rust coloured "fox tipped" South African mohair! She's fully jointed with cotterpins and hardboard discs...her neck being "wobble jointed"! She's stuffed with a fun mixture of vintage excelsior and kapok, polyfill and glass sand for a great weighty and yet, old fashioned feel! Her sweet endearing eyes are antique boot buttons and she's got "aged" felt paw pads. I've given Miss Molly a bit of colour to her muzzle. She's wearing a vintage jingle bell around her neck and has a tiny "paw" button in her ear!

Miss Molly's 6 inch Golly is made from colorful velveteen pieces and stuffed firmly with polyfill. He's got string jointed arms and legs while his head is not jointed. Golly has a black mohair and felt head and felt hands and feet.

I'm so thrilled with this piece that I've decided to make additional sets...and boy, if my creative mojo doesn't decided to get the best of me, I think I've got some great ideas and can't wait to show them here first!

Molly and her Golly will be listed in my Etsy shop soon!

Have a great week my dear friends and stay creative!
Hugs,
Michelle

Happy Friday Everyone!

2011-03-04T09:06:00.000-08:00

Every so often, I come across an Etsy Artist that not only inspires me but gives me the gift of a good old fashioned giggle! A hardy giggle I might add! Some might say a good "side splitting" laugh! And the following artists did just that! I wanted to share their work with you and hopefully, you'll experience the same giggles! Afterall, the world is often a very grim place at times...and then there are these moments where you forget all about it for a second and enjoy a nice, much deserved giggle.

From me to you...take a moment and visit some fun Etsy shops....giggle on!

FOR FELT

EMEMEM

JOANNA BOLTON

Aaahhhh...My Creative Mojo Came Back...

2011-02-28T12:13:00.000-08:00

Even if for a moment....so that I could finally work on a design I'd been wanting to work on for sometime!

I'd like to introduce my newest teddy bear! No name yet...just "Teddy" I suppose, for now. I need to stare at him...think about him...share him...perhaps a name will come to me soon...perhaps a name will come to you?

Enjoy your week!
Hugs,
Michelle

New Friends...Old Stories...Many Adventures

2011-02-26T11:38:00.000-08:00

"There is always something regal about an old teddy bear. No matter how we treat our toy, he has his own dignity, his own secret life."-Anonymous

When you've been around for awhile, you tend to gather up lots of great old stories of adventures you experienced along the way. I suspect that these to new friends have stories to tell each other...tales of great adventure...some happy, some sad no doubt.

After their surgeries, I expect they'll be able to carry on...move forward and experience more great adventures...who knows...perhaps they'll meet up again someday for the little fellow on the left will be travelling back to his Mum in the US while the "armless" fellow on the right will stay with me for now. "No major adventures for you my little friend...not for awhile at least".

Memories...

2011-02-21T09:18:00.000-08:00

"Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose." ~From the television show "The Wonder Years"

I've often wondered if I'll ever forget the ones I once loved and who are now gone only to be beautiful "memories" for me. My father, my best friend, my grandparents...the ones who loved me and helped to shape me into the person I am today.
My mother, who was diagnosed with the early signs of Alzhiemer's disease earlier this past year, reminds me every single day just how important it is to remember, to reflect and to hold onto those loved ones we are so lucky to have in our lives.

Recently, I was asked to create two "Memory Bears" from two vintage fur coats by a lady who is still with us...who decided she wanted her two daughters to have these bears...bears made from her furs she once wore years ago. No doubt a memory burnt into the minds of these two daughters...their mother proudly wearing her furs as most women did so long ago. She's alive and well and wants her girls to enjoy some great "memories" of her while she's still here. I like that!

So, the project has been started...the first bear is on the go and I can't wait to show the finished bears here on my blog...I hope you'll come back and check them out!

In my 20+ years as a bear artist, making "memory bears" was a huge part of the work I did in the beginning of my career. I made bears from many types of vintage furs and for many different reasons. Some sad, some happy but they all had one thing in common...to bring out the memories of a loved one.
One story in particular was a sad story to say the least. It involved the horrific murder of a daughter. The mother could only think of one special way to commemorate her daughter and that was by having me make her a teddy bear from her own fur coat and to include a necklace with a school photo. It was a sad project but an inspirational project that left me with a sense of admiration for a loving mother whose very heart and soul was taken from her.

This is that bear...

I made several "memory bears" during my early years as a bear artist...some you may have seen below in one of my slide shows! I thought I'd show a couple of my favorites! I apologise for the poor quality of the photos...they are scanned images but they do provide me with some amazing memories anyway!

And from one single coat!!!!

And one of my favorites indeed! A very happy little lady...three bears from her fur coat for her three children!

Have a great week everyone! Make some memories!
Hugs,
Michelle

I WON! I WON!

2011-02-14T12:24:00.001-08:00

I won my first Blog Giveaway!!!

I'm so excited and wanted to share my news!

What a nice little Valentine's Day gift! Thanks to Leny of "Letiteds" for this amazing opportunity! What a beautiful little puppy!

Here's "Jet"!

Hop on over to Letiteds for a look at more of Leny's beautiful work!

Happy Valentine's Day!
Hugs,
Michelle

Love Is In The Air...

2011-02-09T15:40:00.000-08:00

...and that means my birthday, Easter and spring are not far behind! Ahhhh, I love this time of the year...goodbye snowy days...I can't wait! BUT...until then, I shall stay cozied up inside my warm house creating to my hearts content!

I am trying so very hard to get my creative juices flowin' but it is hard after a long winter. I don't feel that inspiration I know I should be feeling but it's there somewhere. One good place to find that inspiration is to go shopping for supplies! That always helps and I dare say that a good thrift store always gets my creative juices flowing!

I recently purchased a very large amount of vintage velveteen...in the form of cool, retro golden drapes and valances! YUMMY! Hahahaha...okay, I know that's not really ideal for decorating these days and the look I got from the girl at the till was perfect! I know she was wondering but I set her straight...I told her "I'm making teddy bears! Not decorating! I assure you!" With a giggle she continued on running my purchases through but I'm sure she still felt the need to wonder...I mean, outside of the internet...I don't think there are too many folks who have a clue about the creativity of bear making! I will continue to set them straight! I promise!

In the meantime, until the gold velveteen bears can even become a reality, I must finish the projects I've already started! Two of those projects are now complete! Here are my newest pin cushion bears or should I say critters...for one is a bunny...and she's a sweetie!

For a better look at them, feel free to visit my Etsy shop! You'll also find some new listings for more great vintage items!

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Valentine's Day everyone!
Hugs,
Michelle

Vintage Finds!

2011-02-03T10:00:00.000-08:00

Hello, hello, hello!

Wow...the beginning of February already! I hope to be able to show off some new bears in the coming weeks but in the meantime...I'm thrilled to show off some of my new vintage finds from the weekend! We braved the cold -33*C temperatures to take a road trip 6 hours north to the big city of Edmonton to visit my son and his little family and to take in some of the huge antique malls we've heard about!

Our visit with the kids was nice and it was lovely to be able to see my little grand daughter, Cierra again after two months. I miss her terribly and any chance I get to be with her is so very special!

We found two huge antique malls and with literally 2 1/2 hours of walking time logged in on each mall, we got to see some amazing things and even though I was overwhelmed at the array of items that I could have easily walked out with...I held back and in a very selective way (which is highly unusual for me to say the least!!) I managed to come out of each mall with some wonderful treasures!

First off...some new pots, pans, plates and so on for my new vintage litho tin kitchen play set that hubby bought for me for Christmas! Most are not to scale but do add a bit of charm to the whole set which is displayed right on top of my refrigerator!

Next...some old bears...what a find these two bears were! It's not often you get the pleasure of actually seeing vintage teddy bears in shops here and when the opportunity does arise, they're outrageously expensive! These two bears...one which I believe may be an English bear from the 50's and the other which is very hard to date as I've never seen one like him before...were both very inexpensive! The golden bear who is in dire need of some restoration work (note the stump for the arm...poor fellow!) was only $25.00 and the brown bear was a whopping $35.00! Two treasures for me that's for sure!

I also came away with some other great treasures! I found a pair of beautiful antique leather baby slippers, a "Velvet" doll to add to my "Chrissy" family collection, a vintage Fisher Price toy clown sitting in his jalopy, some "Liddle Kiddle" dolls (I loved to play with them when I was a little girl!), a vintage horse lamp, some great vintage Christmas ornaments, a big box of children's books from the 1940's including 4 beautiful and almost in perfect condition Little Golden Books and lots more! My hubby found himself a beautiful old BB rifle from the 1940's! It's nice to see a sparkle in his eye when he's out antiquing...it's not very often he finds the perfect treasure but in this case, he was one happy camper!

Lots of bears on the go at the moment and I hope to be able to show them off here first very soon! I know...I say it all the time but life has a funny way of getting in the middle of everything I want to do! I know you all know how that feels!

Bears, Bears, Bears!

2011-01-22T20:43:00.000-08:00

Well, as the new year rolls along (can you believe we're nearly through the month of January already?)I find myself slowly getting back my "creative mojo"! I mentioned awhile back that I'd lost it and boy did I lose it!!
Well, it's back...sort of...and I'm pleased to say that since the beginning of the new year, I've completed about 6 bears and I must say...I'm very pleased with myself indeed!

TRADES!!!! Have I mentioned just how much I love trades? Oh...I love trades!
I've been fortunate enough to take part in TWO awsome trades this week! My bears for bears made by two other artists! How can you go wrong there?

I'd like to thank Kelly Previti from Tickled Pink Bears, an awsome new bearmaking friend and Fleur...an imaginative and thoughtful friend from YOKO Bears! Once all bears are received, hugged and welcomed, I will show off photos of our bears right here as well as on my Facebook Fan page! It was a lot of fun girls! Thanks so much!

In the meantime, I'd like to introduce you to my newest bear "Adeline"! She's now ready to take that final leap into her very own HUG! Click on her photo to the right to have a peek at her Etsy listing!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great weekend everyone and I look forward to seeing you in February...hopefully with more bears in tow!
Hugs,

Hey Everyone!

2011-01-14T08:16:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note...I've got so much to do and so little time to do it BUT I couldn't resist taking a moment to say hello and to let you all know about a fantastic giveaway I just entered! Of course, I'm hoping to win the giveaway...OH YES I AM!!!! Hahaha!
But, I want you to have a chance as well so here you go...follow the link to the right and head over to "The Littlest Thistle" and enter the draw yourself!

In the meantime, I'm going to finish working on three little bears I recently started. The bears are part of three different trades I am excitedly working on with three beautiful bearmaker friends of mine! And when they're all done and safely arrive at their new homes, I will post all about it!

And one more thing...to all who are in Australia and are directly affected by the devastating floods or to those of you who have famiy and friends affected, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this tragic time.

Love and Hugs All Around,
Michelle

New Year, New Friends, New Bear!

2011-01-06T12:53:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone!

Well, I may have lost my "creative mo jo" for a little while but I think it's back! I'm ready to introduce you all to my newest little creation...my little friend "Henry"!

Henry is a black bear...not exactly the easiest color to work with and to photograph but he's here and he's wonderful and I'm happy!
Click on Henry's photo to the right for a look at his Etsy Listing!

On another note...I'd like to make mention of a new friend named Marilyn. I found her by chance while I was searching through Ebay for some reference to a doll I had purchased awhile back. I found her and several others on Ebay and then I found Marilyn. This fine lady was selling the replacement clothing for the doll I was looking for. And the doll I have was missing her skirt! Marilyn had the very skirt that my little doll needed to be complete again! So, I wrote her and asked if she'd be willing to sell to me here in Canada and I received a quick answer back! She offered to send the skirt to me FREE OF CHARGE! That's right...you read that right! Free of charge and no shipping at all! She told me to think of it as a gift.
Which I did.
It's not often you encounter genuinely nice people that seem to "bend over backwards" for they're customers when you're shopping online but they're out there. She reminds me of all the beautiful people I have the priviledge of dealing with everyday online through my shop and through my blog. Thanks again Marilyn!

Before I go, I recently purchased this 1950's plush rabbit for a terrific price!

I first noticed him in a local thrift shop for the outrageous price of $40! I waited and waited. I checked on him the other day after first seeing him more than a month ago and was shocked to see him still standing there in the same place! I nearly walked away but then stopped once more to check his price again...$10!!!! He came home with me that day!
I have a question? Does anyone know anything about this rabbit? I can only guess he's from the 1950's...I love to collect from that era so I am confident of that just by the way he looks and feels! But if anyone knows anything else about this bunny I would be so happy to hear from you! I'm guessing he was made by "Reliable Toys" here in Canada...but as I said, it's only a guess.

Have a great weekend everyone!
Hugs,
Michelle

HAPPY NEW YEAR DEAR FRIENDS!

2010-12-30T08:37:00.001-08:00

Well, another year has nearly come to an end. And with that, I look forward to another great year of blogging, bearmaking, collecting and most of all making more amazing friends like you!
I am immensly grateful for the past year for that reason. I made so many terrific friends...long distance friends, mind you but really good lifelong friends none the less and I cherish every single moment of knowing you as you have all enriched my life! Thank you!

Christmas came and went...funny, I didn't seem to be in the Christmas spirit this year. I don't know why but I did do my best to enjoy it and I even decorated which I enjoyed in spite of my drab feelings on the subject. Please forgive me but I was a little drab and judging by some of my friends, they were in the same frame of mind.
I had a few friends help me decorate and they did a great job, I think...what do you think?

I don't know if anyone realizes, unless you're a true "Arctophile", that bears can be quite obedient, helpful, creative and yes, true friends who unconditionally love you no matter what. My bears all pitched in this year and made it a wee bit easier to get through it. Now I wonder where they are now that I have to clean it all up! Hmmmmm....
And that's just what I have to do...it's time to clean it up...so now, the work begins, the organization commences...it's time to put it all away until next year...

Before we move on, however, I'd like to share a few more photos with you...my grand daughter, Cierra...or "Tinky" as I like to call her...sat for some lovely photos...her mother is an amazing photographer...and an amazing young lady...thanks Nancy!

Being a Grandma is a beautiful thing...

I received some lovely gifts this year...but here is a peek at some of my faves...my sweet, adorable hubby went through a lot to get them but he found the vintage lithographed tin kitchen playset, circa 1940's-1950's. I just love him so much!
And my beautiful children gave me the Tinkerbell figurine...with a loving message..."Think Happy Thoughts"...and I do.

Finally, a special note to four very special ladies! Piggy, Sooz, Jo and Chris...I want to thank you, again, for being such amazing friends! Welcoming me into your "friendship circle" means more to me than you know. And to be able to take part in your "ornament exchange" for the first time was a beautiful blessing. I love all of my new ornaments so much that they will not be packed away with the rest of my Christmas items...no, in fact, they will be displayed in my sewing room where I can look at them every day and remember just how much you all mean to me.
For the rest of my friends...check out the photos to the right of your screen...the photos of the ornaments I recieved as part of that wonderful group of ladies! If you're interested in seeing more of the work by a couple of these ladies, check out their Etsy shops:

Sooz...Poplar Street Prims
Chris...Homespun Handcrafts

I do have more bears on the go...I'm a little slow at it but I assure you, more bears will make their debut here as soon as possible!

Also, I have created a "coupon code" for my Etsy shop...I'd like to let you all know that from now until January 15th, I am offering a 10% discount to all of my customers on anything in my Etsy shop. All you have to do is find something you like, go through the purchase process and in the coupon code box, put in VINTAGE2011 and you will then be automatically given that discount! My way of saying thanks for your support and your friendship over the past year!

Have a beautiful, safe and fun New Year's Eve and please keep in touch in 2011! I'm always here and look forward to hearing from you!
Love and Best Wishes,
Michelle

Merry Christmas My Dear Friends!

2010-12-23T11:15:00.000-08:00

I'd like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and all the best in the New Year!
Have a wonderful, joyous, safe and above all, loving weekend everyone!
See you in 2011!
Hugs,
Michelle

Good Morning My Bear Lovin' Friends!

2010-12-15T07:58:00.000-08:00

Well, the big day is nearly here! Christmas Day that is! I can't say that I'm completely ready for it but I'm happy to report that my stress level hasn't hit the roof! In fact, the house is decorated, the baking is about 95% done (thanks to my beautiful daughter-in-law Nancy and my adorable granddaughter, Cierra, our official taste tester!) and I'm done my shopping!

So, that leaves me with some quality time to spend with my husband and to sit and create brand new little teddy bears!

With that being said, I've recently listed some new bears in my Etsy shop. Over to the side of my blog, you may have noticed "Lily", another large bear with a music box inside of her that plays "You Light Up My Life" and a sweet little pin cushion bear! She's adorable and functional...use her for storing your pins and needles or if you don't have the courage to do that to her (don't worry, she's very brave and can't feel a thing...honest!)you can have her sit near you while you work on your creative endeavors....she can be your "inspiration" and perhaps even your project's "final inspector"!
My newest teddy is a little "antique style" plush chap named "Roland"...or "Roly" for short! He's ready to hit the dusty trail with his tiny vintage toy horse to find the next great adventure!

Finally, I received a wonderful surprise this morning! My blog has been chosen for review! I'm flattered and humbled that I've been given this wonderful review and the chance to hopefully welcome many new friends to my little corner of "Blog World". Thank you so much to Sarah-Jayne Leverton who wrote the reviews! What a great honour!
For a look at my review and others including the amazing "Paula Carter" whose unbelievable work I've been a fan of for many years, please check out the following link:

http://www.clifford-james.co.uk/blog/
This link will take you to a page that begins with adorable cats! Scroll down the page to see the bear blog reviews!

Wow...it's going to be a great day!

Merry Christmas Everyone!
Hugs!
Michelle

And let the baking begin....!

2010-12-05T09:47:00.000-08:00

And so it begins...the baking! Lots of yummy, warm your heart and soul baking! I'm going to bake batches and batches of sweet cookies!

My list includes my famous "Lemon Whispers" and "Gingersnaps"! The yummy tart lemon cookies will be a sure favorite of my daughter-in-law's who is here to help me bake for the first time and the Gingersnaps...well, my daughter, Brandi can't help herself around them! They are so incredibly yummy and I can't wait to dig in myself!

So? What's everyone else making? I'd love to know...tell me here and maybe send me a recipe or two when you have a moment! I'd love to share a few of mine with you as well and that is something I will be doing this week! I'm going to post a few of my faves as my gift to you for being such great friends!

If you feel like sending me your faves...you can post them here in the comments if they're short and sweet OR you can send them to me via my email: happy-cat-jinx@hotmail.com! If you post them in my comments, then everyone else can try them too! MMMMMMMMM!

Happy Holidays Everyone!
Lots of Hugs,
Michelle

AND THE WINNER IS....

2010-12-01T07:55:00.001-08:00

Happy December 1st Everyone!

First and foremost...it's time to announce the winner of my second Blog Giveaway!

CINDY HOPPES!!!!!!!!

Cue the applause....YEEEEAAAAAA!!!!

Congratulations Cindy! I hope you enjoy your little pin cushion teddy, vintage sewing basket and timeless vintage sewing supplies!

Thanks to everyone who entered my second Blog Giveaway! This was so fun and I really enjoyed your beautiful comments and I hope that many of you become good friends of mine! Holding these free blog giveaways helps us to promote each other and that's a wonderful thing but I love the fact that so many of us have so much in common and become friends in the process! The world gets a little smaller every single day.

My creating "mojo" has sort of hit rock bottom as of late. I do have a couple of new bears and will post photos very soon but in the meantime...the Christmas season is upon us and it only stands to reason that I show off my own holiday decorating skills! I've got a passion for Christmas trees and Vintage Santas! My house is only 1100 square feet in total but I have managed to cram in 7 Christmas trees and a whole lot of Santas! Now, before I show pics...don't be alarmed...I didn't put up 7 large Christmas trees...nope...that would be a disaster! No...I have two large trees and 5 smaller trees...all decorated...all beautiful in their own right.
As for the Santas...it's a small but growing collection! Santa Claus is obviously the epitome of the season and each and every one of my Santas makes me smile. I look forward to bringing them out of their summer slumber to grace my hallway...my tiny hallway...with their cheerful holiday presence!

Here are a few examples of my quirky decorating!

Have a wonderful Holiday Season everyone!
Hugs All Around!
Michelle

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

2010-11-16T08:21:00.000-08:00

Okay, I have to admit something and it's big! I love snow! And it snowed! Lots of cushy, yummy snow...cold snow! Aaahhhhh...

I have a couple of things I'd like to share with you. I've mentioned many times before just how important friendship is and how beautiful my online friends are. I'm grateful every single day to meet new friends and to get to know them on an almost daily basis through my blog, my Etsy shop and the cherished "group" that I belong to. My group consists of 5 of us for the most part. I couldn't imagine a single day without reading their daily "log-ins"...about their lives, the ups and their downs and their "pep" talks full of love and support...that's something we do for each other every day! Not one of us comes into the group feeling left out. I do adore them.
With that being said, I want to also share with you, a portion of a special letter I got the other day from another online friend. I'll first start off by telling you that this lovely woman and I have "kind of" known each other for awhile now through convo's back and forth through our Etsy shops. She's an amazing artist who works mainly in pottery and her whimsical work is so charming...you can take a peek at her shop by clicking the photo to the right in my sidebar! Her name is Kristen. Kristen is the lady who sent the little stuffed puppy to me...his name is "Cheese". "Cheese" is owned by Kristen's niece, Nicole. Nicole has had "Cheese" in her life always and recently moved to Japan to work but unfortunately, went on without "Cheese". So "Cheese" and I got to know each other very well and if you've seen the photos on my Facebook Fan Page....you'd know that Cheese was in sad condition (for new BEFORE and AFTER pics, scroll down the page to my RESTORATION projects!).
I helped "Cheese" become whole again...as much as you could with a stuffie so well worn and loved. Now "Cheese" is on his way to Japan to live with and to comfort Nicole all over again. When he left, I sent off a note to "Aunt Kristen" and told her he's on his way and that I was happy for him and Nicole. Because of previous notes we had sent back and forth over the past month or so...she wrote me back to thank me for the work I did and to tell me a few things she'd been wanting to say. And I'm so proud to share the following with you:

"Michelle,
I wanted to Thank you for everything you wrote about how I helped you and about Cat. I went and visited her Blog and read the "Let's Pretend We've Been Friends Forever" and smiled and I remember thinking about how this world is one big Domino effect. We never know what our actions will culminate in, we never know how we are perceived, whether what we have said means anything to anyone but ourselves, what our energies translate into, not until someone tells us. Someone a whole lot wiser than me once said that "You only have to reach one person when you carry the light". One person at a time. Like picking up a can and recycling it. Like voting. Like smiling at someone even though they are seething in anger. Like holding out your virtual cyberspace hand and offering the gift of a moment of friendship. It all adds up and it all means something.
And so Michelle, your words meant a lot to me and to see that what I said to you gave you light and hope and then you passed it on to someone else means so much. I can't even explain or put it into words but you made my whole week when I first read it and it's still awesome now, because it will all pay forward. There is a wonderful saying by Rabindranath Tagore, who was an Indian poet/playwright:

“I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.”

I have learned that being of Service is so much more than the typical things folks think of, and reaching out a hand to let people know that they are not alone is one of those ways. It's a gift and a blessing. Thank You Michelle for being such a beautiful gift in my life.....and a blessing for me and for Nicole!"

I'm grateful always.

I have three new bears on the go and hope to get photos on here by the end of the week!

There's still lots of time to get into the draw for the vintage sewing basket and goodies along with the little pin cushion teddy! Thanks to those who've entered, become Followers and who've linked my draw on their blogs, websites and Facebook pages. This is so fun and I can't wait to do it again! Scroll down to the third post below to enter or enter by making a comment under this post...it doesn't really matter...as long as you're here. I like having you here.

Happy Holidays! Enjoy the snow!
Hugs,
Michelle

Happy Tuesday to You All!

2010-11-09T12:04:00.000-08:00

It's a new week...we're getting closer to Christmas and like most of you...I'm working like crazy to fill my Etsy Shop, Blog and hopefully my Website with all kinds of new Teddy Bears and Vintage Items! And, like you, the pressure seems to be on...but it's a good pressure isn't it? It's the kind of pressure that lights that little fire under our behinds and makes us go forward. I like that kind of pressure.
So, I say to you...the race is on! Go forth my friends and let's fill our shops and our blogs and our websites with all kinds of goodies! Let's all have some fun together! Enjoy the season!

I've finished "Punkinhead's" Restoration and what a blast I had doing it! He turned out great and I'm so grateful to Frank (and Darlene...even though she's got no clue he's been done!) for letting me have such an incredible opportunity! I got a note from Frank this morning saying he had just received "Punkinhead"! I was amazed...I sent him out only yesterday! Thank you Canada Post...wow...did anyone expect to ever hear that one come from me!!! I know Frank will be reading this soon...so, again...thanks and enjoy him!
Here he is AFTER his surgery pictured with a photo of another Punkinhead that was just auctioned off recently at Christie's Auction House in London...that fellow, in really nice original condition sold for nearly $1400.00 Canadian!! Way to go Punkinhead!!!!!

I also sent the Sheepskin bear back to his happy, happy owner! Liz is overjoyed as well as the folks she shares her office with! I guess it was not expected that the sheepskin teddy would recover from his horrifying damage but he did and he should, with special care, be around for a long time yet for Liz and her family to enjoy! For a peek at the teddy, scroll down the page to my RESTORATION PROJECTS! You'll get a look at some great before and after photos!

Once again, I'd like to offer my thanks to all of you who've entered my Blog Giveaway! It's an extremely humbling experience to read the beautiful comments and I appreciate the love and support from the "crafting" commmunity here on the world wide web! I've made some incredible friends through my bears, through blogging, through my Facebook Fan page and that includes all of the amazing "Prim" artists who've become such a huge source of support! You all Rock! Thanks ladies! For a yummy, heartwarming read...check out my friend "Cat's" blog...The Tattered Rebel...once there, scroll down to the Blog Post titled "LET'S PRETEND WE'VE BEEN FRIENDS FOREVER". It was a beautiful thing that Cat did, writing that...she made my day as much as I made hers. Thanks again Cat!

There's still lots of time to get in on that Blog Giveaway...scroll down to the previous POST to read all the details of how to enter! I look forward to announcing the winner and to getting to know all of those who have just become new Followers of mine! Most, if not all of you, will have a link to your blogs, shops, website...what ever it is...added to my list, here on my blog, of favorites...scroll down and watch on the right side for those lists...and while you're there, check out some of the artists and shop keepers who are already listed! There's some amazing stuff out there!

Thanks everyone, Happy Holidays and enjoy the week!
Hugs,
Michelle

IT'S TIME!!! IT'S FINALLY TIME!!!!!

2010-11-01T07:54:00.000-07:00

It's official! It's time! Time to announce my second BLOG GIVEAWAY!

Note: Make sure you leave me a comment to let me know if you link my giveaway on your Blog, Facebook page, etc. That way I'll be able to give you all the enteries you deserve! Good luck everyone!
Here you go!

I'm so happy to offer, for my second Blog Giveaway, this lovely little vintage sewing basket filled to the brim with an array of vintage sewing items and an adorable Teddy Bear pin cushion designed and created by myself!

Included with the vintage sewing items is a set of 4 beautiful vintage green glass buttons made by the former "AltaGlass Factory" here in my town, Medicine Hat, Alberta.

The Altaglass Manufacturing Company produced decorative glass objects from 1950 to 1988 in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada. Skilled craftsmen produced blown glass vases, bowls and artglass as well as hand-shaped glass birds and animals. Their glassware was sold widely across Canada and the factory became a tourist attraction in Medicine Hat.

I've also included several other items such as three pieces of vintage lace in different lengths, more vintage buttons, 3 wooden spools, a sweet pink heavy plastic thimble, a charming vintage seam binding label, rick rack, a lovely vintage manufacturer's card full of tiny snap fasteners and a pretty appliqued cotton sachel for storing your favorite momentos!

The little teddy pin cushion is made of vintage velveteens and mohair. She's approximately 4 inches with a jointed head and arms. Her sweet little pin cushion body is stuffed firmly with a delightful mixture of excelsior and vintage upholstery stuffing which gives her that added old fashioned appeal!

All of this is tucked into an adorable little sewing basket!

Now for the good stuff! All I ask is that you do the following:

1. Become a Follower of my blog (if you already have, you're entered!)

2. Mention my Blog Giveaway on your Blog or if you don't have one, then how about your Facebook page and include a link right back to me here for another entry! (Make sure you let me know you did this by leaving me a comment under this post!)

That's it...simple and sweet!

I appreciate all of the beautiful comments and really enjoy getting to know everyone so don't be shy!

I'll announce the winner of my Free Blog Giveaway on December 1st!

Good luck everyone!

One more thing before I go...I'm working on some new bears and hope to have them in my Etsy shop before the middle of November so come back often!

I almost forgot...I'd love for you to become one of my Facebook Fans! You can find the link to the right in my sidebar! It will get you another entry!!! I know...adds to the competition but it's so fun and remember, it only takes one entry to win!

Have a wonderful week all!
Hugs,
Michelle

Just want to say....

2010-10-29T18:30:00.000-07:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!

Tick Tock...Time Is Running Out!!!

2010-10-24T15:44:00.000-07:00

It's almost Halloween and then it's nearly Christmas!!! I've got so much to do and so little time to do it!!!!

I'm sad and I'm happy this week! Sad because my beautiful husband left today for 8 weeks of school...his last year as an apprenticing Millwright. I'm sad he's gone but happy he'll be home on the weekends! That makes me happy!

I'm happy because I have three restoration projects to work on! The first arrived last week. I'm sad because he's in such rough shape and I feel bad for his owner that she had to watch him deteriorate over the years. I'm happy because she will get a wonderful surprise for Christmas this year. "Punkinhead" was sent to me by her husband on the sly! He's commissioned me to restore him for his wife for Christmas. I'm happy to work on him and honoured. Here he is...sitting and waiting...some of his "before" photos:

I'll keep you posted on Punkinhead!

I'm happy because I have two more restoration projects ahead of me...one, a very dilapited old bear...his owner wrote me and simply said "he's fading fast". That made me sad but it wasn't long before I was able to make her happy when I said "I think we have a chance"! The other project made me so happy...and I smiled!
"Cheese" is his name! He's a stuffed dog whose been the constant companion to Nicole! Nicole's aunt, as I've said before, is sending "Cheese" to me, to restore, as a gift to Nicole. He should be here soon. You will see before photos of those two as well.

Marissa...I haven't forgotten about you...I'm still gonna do it...the "7 Random Things" project...I promise!

I'm happy because I just followed this blog! Non-Typical Mom
And I am going to attempt the "Blog Hop" I just read about...wish me luck...still gettin' used to all of this blog stuff!!!

Finally, I'm happy to announce that in about a week's time, provided that I get a few moments to myself, I will be posting photos of my next "Blog Giveaway" prize!
At that time, I'll give more details! Stay tuned! I think you'll like this one!

Now, I am off...to make dinner, to get back into life and to call my husband and tell him I miss him...that makes me sad but I'll be happy to hear his voice!
Hugs everyone!
Michelle

New Trades!

2010-10-20T08:50:00.000-07:00

Well, they're here! My trades are here! I'm so excited! I thought I'd share some images of what I received for my little group of bears that you can see over to the right!
What fun!

Did I mention I love to trade?

From Anne-Sophie!!!

My beautiful little "Steiff" teddy! My first! I'm thrilled! And along with him came a tiny little handmade fellow named "Oscar"! Thanks again Anne Sophie!

And here is what came today! I'm particularily thrilled with this trade as it benefits both my husband, Darren and I! We both love vintage Fisher Price toys! And this one includes, with a beautiful vintage American "stick" bear, a wonderful little "Goldilocks and The Three Bears" FP toy! She also threw in an "antique reproduction" book called "The Three Bears"! So fun!
Thanks Tracy!

Who's next?!

News and New Bears...

2010-10-18T12:50:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy time and these past few weeks have been long ones indeed.

First off, I finally finished the 8 little teddies who are all ready to be shipped off to their new homes in France and Michigan. Anne Sophie and Tracy were both extremely kind enough to offer some trades for my little bears and I couldn't be more pleased!

Anne Sophie's little friends arrived this morning...a beautiful vintage Steiff bear...my first ever which pleases me more than she'll ever know and a little handmade bear....I can't be sure who the artist is because the tag appears to be in French but his name is "Oscar" and he's a sweetie. I'll include photos of those two here shortly!

Tracy has sent along a lovely vintage America "stick" type bear...I can't wait to see him...he's still enroute! When he does arrive, he'll be promptly photographed and the pictures will be posted here first!

The bears I made for them will be pictured here as well with the exception of one little teddy who will remain a secret until Anne Sophie lays her eyes on him! I've insisted she not see his photo so that she can have a wee surprise of her own to look forward to when her package arrives to her in France.

My weekend was filled with love and laughter as my son Justin and his girlfriend Nancy and yes...of course...my nearly three year old granddaughter Cierra all came down for a few days. We held over our Thanksgiving dinner until they arrived so that we could all enjoy some great food and fun times together. Sometimes, a person needs to have that kind of happiness for a few days to take away from the sadness that other days can bring.

Last week, my mom, my rock, my life was diagnosed with the early stage of Alzheimer's Disease. It's been a heavy load to shoulder for the past week but it's slowly getting a little easier to bear. Mom said her doctor told her they "caught it in time"...hmmmmm....okay. In this day and age, they've got medication which she is now on, that will slow the progression of the disease. I hope it does. Mom lost Dad 10 years ago...and she never moved on but as sad as that is, I can't bear for her to forget him now or me or my brothers or her grandchildren. However, life does go on and we'll do our best...our absolute best, to help her to live her life to the fullest extent and to help her to keep remembering.

One final note: I've got two beautiful restoration projects coming my way very soon. "Cheese" is a sweet old stuffed puppy who belongs to Nicole. Nicole's aunt Kristen of "Loveartworks" another shop on Etsy contacted me and asked me if I would be able to restore old "Cheese" back to his "almost" former glory so that Nicole can enjoy him for years to come. Poor "Cheese" has been through it all as with most stuffies that have been carried, loved, caressed and adored by their wee owners! Nicole is now off on an adventure in Japan and "Cheese" will be joining her directly after his "surgery"!

Frank is sending me a gorgeous vintage "Punkinhead" bear! One of my absolute favorite bears ever! He is having the restoration work done on this beautiful old bear for his wife as a Christmas gift. Her father who has since passed gave this special bear to her when she was a young girl so I am honoured to do my absolute best to make sure that he's restorted well so that he can last for generations to come.

I have another restoration project on the horizon...a bear that the owner says is "getting worse each day"! I can't wait to see the photos and I hope we still have time!!!

Hugs to you all!
Michelle

Yay for FACEBOOK!

2010-10-09T16:24:00.001-07:00

Well, I've finally gone and done it! Got the blog, the website, the Etsy shop, sold on Ebay and now I have a Facebook Fan Page!!!
Hope you'll check it out and become a fan! I also hope that I'll be able to keep it up! I've not kept up on the blog like I wanted and the website sits and waits for me!!!
But, I have it and I'm going to have some fun with it!

At the moment I'm working on eight little teddies...yes, you read that right! Eight little teddy bears are in the works and hopefully will be on their way to their new homes by the end of next week. Tracy and Anne-Sophie have the patience of Saints! Thanks girls!

Now, since I've finally launched the final piece of my puzzle in regards to my bear/vintage and antiques/bear restorations business...I'm going to make a proposal...I'd like to work on my next BLOG GIVEAWAY! This one is as simple as it gets...become a FOLLOWER of my blog (if you've not already done that...(make sure you let me know if you've already done that because it will still count!) and a FAN of my new FACEBOOK FAN PAGE! If you want to link me to help promote my fanpage I'd sure appreciate it!

Not sure, just yet, what the Giveaway item/s will be and when the Giveaway will actually begin but when it's ready, I'll most definately post it here first!!! In the meantime, I'll keep a record of anyone who starts becoming a fan now!

Stay tuned!
Hugs,
Michelle

Good Morning Everyone!

2010-09-29T10:51:00.001-07:00

The sun is shining and it makes for a beautiful fall day! I can't believe just how stunning the leaves are at this very moment! I hope it's the same for you where ever you might be...

Yesterday, I listed three new teddy bears in my Etsy shop....today, there is only one left! Rupert, Chester and Mr. Brown all made it to the shop and then within minutes, both Rupert and Chester were adopted! I'm so very pleased with that because I love making the bears I make and if there was even a small chance that the sales would slow, I'd have to slow down on my creating and we can't have that can we?

Thanks girls, from the bottom of my heart, for supporting my shop and my work! You guys rock!

And Dita...I don't know what you're up to but I can't wait to see!!!

More bears on the go...should have them in my shop by the end of the week but in the meantime, check out Rupert, Chester and Mr. Brown over to the right of your screen!
Mr. Brown is still available and looks forward to becoming part of his very own HUG!

Have a great day everyone!
Hugs!
Michelle

Happy Friday!

2010-09-24T11:16:00.000-07:00

Hey!

Another week has come and nearly gone! Time sure flies along with all of the beautiful gold, orange and red leaves from all of the amazing trees surrounding my house! What a glorious fall day it is here today! My favorite time of the year indeed!
And you know what that means don't you? HALLOWEEN!! I love, love, love Halloween and can't wait to start decorating my house for it. I only wish I had little ones around that can enjoy it with me. There's nothing like seeing your children all excited about the season with halloween costumes, candy, decorations and spooky stories. I only wish my little granddaughter was close by to enjoy it with me. Oh well...

Speaking of Halloween...I recently completed a cute teddy I named "Milo"! Milo is a typical Michelle Mutschler miniature teddy but with a bit of a twist. He had his own Halloween mask. I thought he should join in on the fun this year and so I crafted a little mask for him out of polymer clay. Now, don't get me wrong...I'm by no means a "clay artist" but it was fun and the results were hilarious! So much, in fact, that when a friend of mine saw his photos for the first time JUST BEFORE HE WAS TO BE LISTED IN MY ETSY SHOP...and she said "SOLD...HE'S MINE...SEND ME AN INVOICE"!!
So much for listing him! Hahahahaha...Karen, you're priceless!
Now, Milo and his mask are on their way to Utah to live with Karen along with "Sweet William". I'm sure some of you will remember Sweet William...he had two little friends with him....a cute little bumble bee and a teensy tiny little lady bug! Well, they are all on their way to live with Karen! Thanks for giving them a new home Karen!

Here's are photos of "Milo" and his mask!

On a different note, my wonderful husband, Darren and I recently attended our very first "estate sale" and while sales like these are sad for the families, they are exciting treasure hunts for people like us! We spent $100 and came home with the most amazing finds...scroll to the bottom of my blog for a peek at some of our greatest finds!

Have a great weekend everyone!
Hugs,
Michelle

2010-09-15T11:11:00.000-07:00

Good Morning My Blog Buddies!

I hope everyone is having a wonderfully superb day so far! I just spent the 1st part of the day with my daughter milling about in the mall. Now, I'm home and it's time to get to work!

First off, I would like to tell a little story. "Bear" with me for a moment would ya? I wonder if this is something that anyone else in this biz has had to do! I "revamped" my own work! That's right...what I had done originally, I no longer liked...I had to rework two of my teddies! I don't feel right doing that. The original work should have stood on it's own but for some strange and unknown reason, these two bears just couldn't find their "forever" home! I recently had the two of them in a local antique shop where they sat for the summer. I felt guilty...should they really be sitting in there waiting...hoping to find the perfect home? Or should I bring them home, change them a little bit and introduce them back into my Etsy shop where they just might be able to find that special place in someone's HUG? Tell me what you think. I'm going to put them into my Etsy shop today but here's a little peek at them now:

Both bears are made from a "faux" fur jacket. I love to recycle old furs if I can find the right stuff. This is a plush...and plush can be very unforgiving but I am so happy with how these two sweet bears turned out. I loved the feeling I got after "scissor sculpting" their little faces. I've done plenty of scissor sculpting and it can be only one of two things when you're finished...a lovely piece of work or a complete and utter disaster! But these turned out beautifully! They are both fully jointed with cotterpins and hardboard discs, have needle scuplted paws and shoe button eyes. Each bear is wearing a vintage dolly sweater. Lucy...the little girl is also wearing a ceramic pin attached to her sweater which proudly displays her pretty name and she is holding onto her very own tiny vintage teddy bear. I've personally had this little teddy in my collection for the past 10 years. I can't tell you anything about except that it's limbs are jointed and he's plush.

Michael is also wearing a vintage doll sweater as I said and attached to it is the cutest tiny metal toy car charm I've ever seen! He's also holding onto his own teddy. This teddy might be familiar as well. I made him with a scrap of recycled wool fabric from another jacket and he's stuffed with polyfill.

For more detailed descriptions of "Michael" and "Lucy"...I invite you to check out my Etsy Shop! And while you're there...wish them luck!

One more thing before I go...I have a tiny announcement! My friend Leny of "LediTeds" has just created her very first blog. I would like to invite you to check it out by visiting her via her website: http://www.lediteds.com/
Just go to her "Links" page where you can find the link to her blog! Leny has beautiful bears and other critters....good luck Leny!

Have a safe and happy day everyone!
Hugs,
Michelle

Hey All!

2010-09-12T19:43:00.000-07:00

Wow...sorry it's been awhile! What can I say...life gets in the way sometimes and we do what we have to do. Tonight, I am taking a moment for myself. I think it's high time! Don't you?

After a few days of canning beets, zuchinis and peaches, I've finally decided it's time to get back into making more teddy bears and bunnies for your viewing pleasure!

I've got some great ideas and I look forward to bringing them all to life and showing them off right here!

Just a reminder that my "Garage Sale" right here on my blog is still up and running!

My new friend, Lisa, has some amazing photography and work...I'd love for you to check out the link to her world over to the right! You will be amazed! We've only just become friends (she has graciously adopted two of my bunnies!) so I'm not entirely sure of all the things she does but I know I love the photos you're about to see! Just click on the beautiful doll and enjoy! I'll also be including a link to her blog in "My Favorites" down near the bottom of this page! I hope you'll check it out!

Well, you all have a great week...I hope everyone is keeping busy and getting ready for autumn...the smell of fall leaves, Halloween, Thanksgiving, pumpkins...crisp, cool air....awwwww....love it!

Hugs,
Michelle

Happy Friday All!

2010-09-03T11:08:00.000-07:00

Well, a very stress filled week has finally come and gone. Now it's time to sit back and relax, take in a few moments of bear making and maybe a few quiet cups of tea!

This past week wasn't all bad I suppose considering that my little "Dressy Bessy" made it into her second Etsy Treasury...check it out to the right AND my two newest bears made it here safe and sound! Poor Tracy...she was so worried that they'd never make it and I suppose I, too, felt the same way but they did make it and I'm happy to say that I am so incredibly thrilled with them. I know that I've had them pictured below as they looked sitting at Tracy's house but here are some photos of them here, in their new home with me:

I'm in love! They're perfect and I can't thank Tracy enough for the fun trade! Now...whose next?

Have a great day everyone!
Hugs,

Happy Sunfilled Saturday!

2010-08-28T07:33:00.001-07:00

Good morning everyone!

Well, hubby's working this weekend so it's just me, my computer and the bears!
I am working on a project for my friend Karen and then on a project for Annette who is expecting her first baby in September and then I'm going to start on more bears for my shop and website! Whew! It seems I've been so busy lately I have forgotten about my website all together but hopefully, time will permit me to get to work on it again and add more to it.

I recently listed some new items in my Etsy shop. They include a sweet porcelain poodle, a vintage envelope (1936!!) with some beautiful vintage "typed" "press releases" of some sort in it (very cool..you have to check it out), some adorable vintage lamp shades and even a pair of cool retro roller skates from the early 1980's! I am happy to announce that those roller skates are now a part of a beautiful "red and white" themed "very retro" Treasury which you can check out by clicking on the skates to the right! Thanks to "dotsdiner" for including them!
You can check out her ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS AND VERY FUN Etsy shop by clicking RIGHT HERE!

My very dear friend Marissa has finally received her three bunnies and it's time to show them off now!

You can see Mathilda over to the right but her two little friends that accompanied her on the trip to Australia were a surprise for Marissa and her two children, Scarlet and Jasper! I had to keep them a secret until they arrived safely to their new home.

Marissa and her children were in the middle of a beautiful tea party when Mathilda and her friends arrived so they invited them to tea and took photos...I would like to invite you to check out Marissa's Blog to see the photos and to read a little about the tea party. I am to understand that this is a special tea party held the same time every year to honour the memory of a special little girl named "Ava". I did my homework and searched for details on the short life of this beautiful little girl and was saddened to learn of her passing.

I would also like to invite you to take a look here at little Ava's mommy's site to learn for yourself. We take so much for granted in this life and spend most of our time in a fog listening to all the bad news in the world and taking frustrations out on each other. This family is a beautiful family who is making a difference in the world considering their incredible loss along with all of the wonderful people who have taken the time to help them grieve by sending notes and making donations in Ava's name. I'm humbled by the experience of reading the stories and the letters and hope you will take a moment to read them too.

Have a beautiful and happy weekend everyone!
Hugs,
Michelle

What a weekend!!!

2010-08-23T07:35:00.000-07:00

Good Monday Friends!

What a weekend, I say!!!! Busy, busy, busy! We had a yard sale! Yep, a yard sale and it was set for three full days...Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Friday...oh my goodness...so many people! Saturday...again, lots of people but Sunday? Rain! We packed it all up as quickly as we could and spent the rest of the day watching movies. I'd say that was the best way to spend Sunday. We did pretty good at our yard sale. We managed to get rid of a few boxes of things which was a wonderful thing indeed. The best moment was when a couple came in early on Friday morning. They had seen my yard sale ad, noticing the line that read..."vintage items inluding dolls"....they bought 29 dolls!! 29 dolls!!!!! Big dolls, small dolls, baby dolls, bride dolls, fashion dolls!!! 29 dolls! 4 boxes of dolls! Although it was only a tiny fraction of what I actually own for dolls, it was an amazing thing to see that many of "my girls" head off in the back of a truck!

Now, he claimed he knew nothing about dolls and "someone he knew was a collector" but he was pretty sure about which dolls he wanted and made sure that the other two ladies standing by didn't have much of a chance to have a look before he gingerly packed them into the boxes sitting near by. I have only one thing to say....be honest...if you know something about something, talk about it...show us your knowledge, have some fun, enjoy the moment. I want to hear what you have to say. I love when someone likes to talk about what they know in regards to something they collect or maybe want to sell themselves. If his intention is to turn around and sell them, good for him....I just did it...why shouldn't he? At any rate, it was a thrill to make such a huge sale and I assure you, I priced those dolls accordingly! No "yard sale" prices there! I made a profit!!! Hehehehe...did I just say that out loud?

Okay, onto some very important business...the business of TRADING!!! Tracy of "Tracy's Toys" and I did our trade! I still haven't recieved her box of treasures but I expect it anytime soon. She, however, has recieved mine and was so gracious about it that she wrote a lovely blog post on her blog today about it! Thanks so much Tracy for your very kind words and for showing photos of the 5 little bears I sent to you! Your kindness is so appreciated and I agree with you, it's much harder to be able to afford to purchase the things we like and enjoy. Trading is a wonderful way to get the things we would love to have! Tracy, again, thank you!
ANYONE UP FOR SOME TRADES?
Check out Tracy's page again....and for the record, she's an amazing writer too!
Have a great week everyone!
Hugs,
Michelle

Good Morning My "Fantabulous" Friends!

2010-08-19T08:40:00.000-07:00

I didn't know whether to call you all FANTASTIC OR FABULOUS!! So...why not both!

I hope everyone is having a nice day today. The weekend is nearly here! Yea! I'm going to be busy with a yard sale! I've been working for three days to get it all organized and everything priced and tonight, we begin the set-up! I love yard sales and enjoy having them myself! It's a lot of work but so fun to have everyone poking around in the stuff you put out looking for the next great treasure! Funny how the things we no longer need become someone else treasure! Did I mention I love yard sales?!
I'll be taking photos and perhaps some of them will make their way to my blog! Stay tuned!

I just finished my second bunny like "Mathilda"! She's happily on her way to live with Marissa, David, Scarlet and Jasper in Australia! She took along a couple of little friends for Scarlet and Jasper but until they arrive safely into their hands, I will refrain from posting their photos as they were a small surprise for the children. And since Miss Marissa is a frequent visitor to my blog, I wouldn't want her to see the surprise so until I get word...you can only imagine!

Here is a photo of my new bunny! He'll be listed, hopefully on Etsy very soon.
This is "Elliot"!
He's approximately 11 1/2 inches long (without the ears!) and made of vintage velveteen and stuffed with the usual...a yummy mixture of excelsior and upholstery stuffing! What a great feel this stuff gives a little animal like "Elliot"!
Take a look!

Have a great day all!
Hugs,
Michelle

Good Morning!

2010-08-17T09:04:00.000-07:00

Hello All!

I hope everyone is having a lovely week so far! This week I'm busy with so much including organizing a yard sale for the upcoming weekend. I think that this is one of those times when I need the arms of an octopus! My mind is swirling with this and that and all I have to accomplish but I'm sure that most women will attest to the fact that if we didn't have all the pressure behind us, we couldn't do half the jobs we put on our plates! I work well under pressure and so it begins!!!

I've completed a custom order for a new rabbit for my friend Marissa, which I listed on Etsy yesterday as a Reserve Listing. I'm thrilled with this design and am now in the process of completing another to list as well. Look over to the right of your screen in my sidebar where you can visit "Mathilda"!

As for other bears and bunnies, I'm going to take a moment later on today to begin the next batch of little friends but for now...other things await my attention!
Have a great day guys!
Hugs,
Michelle

Hello Everyone!

2010-08-10T10:39:00.000-07:00

Woweeee! What a week this has been!
My son, his girlfriend and my sweet little granddaughter were out for a visit from Edmonton! We had such a nice time and I was so happy to see my baby girl after one whole month since they moved away! And now they're gone again until next time!

Lots has been happening in the way of bearmaking!
Bear orders to complete and new friends made! One new friend, named Karen, has graciously asked me to sign a copy of "Bears Across Canada" which I think is one of the most flattering things anyone has ever asked me to do! My goodness...now I know how Julia, Meryl, Cher and all the other "big names" feel!!! Hehehehe...aaaahhh...you knew that was coming!!! At any rate, thanks Karen for all of your incredibly kind words and support of my work!

I'd also like to thank my new friend, Dita of the "Handmade Nest" blog! What a sweetheart she is! She is a great supporter of other crafters, Etsians, etc. and when she marked me as one of her faves, I had to check her out. She hasn't started selling on Etsy as of yet but hopefully, she will be soon! I wrote her a little note to say good luck when she does open her Etsy shop and she in turn asked me if she could "profile" me on her blog! And what a wonderful job she did! She is a well rounded young artist with lots of things on the go including singing! I was exhausted just reading her blog as it showed her enthusiasm for life and everything it has to offer! For a look at her lovely profile about me and my work and to check out her beautiful blog you can take a peek here! Thank you so much Dita!

I would like to also touch on a subject that I am so excited about! TRADING!! I'm going to say it here and now and very, very loudly! I LOVE TO TRADE!!!!! So, if anyone ever wishes to trade their work for mine...write me and let's have some fun!
Yesterday, my new friend, Tracy (of Tracy's Toys) and I settled on an incredible trade and to be quite honest...I wonder who really is getting the better deal? She has offered me two of her beautiful vintage teddy bears (scroll down a bit to see photos below!) for only 5 of my handmade teddies! I feel as though I should offer more of my teds because it truly is an honour to be able to receive such beautiful old teds this way!! I can't wait to get them. I will be sending along, to Tracy, a couple of surprises with the teddies she's chosen...shhhh...I don't think she'll suspect a thing!

Aside from the bear orders to fill, I've been working on a couple of new projects of my own to fill the empty spaces in my Etsy Shop and on my Website! I've got a new bunny to list named "Eldon". He's a bit of a twist on my previous bunny designs and I think I really like him. I hope you do too. Also, I have a "teddy bear pair" project in the works. I'm very excited about that so stay tuned!

One more thing before I go...I'd also like to thank Karen, once again, for including two of my teddies in one of her recent "Etsy Treasuries"! Now I say two...but really it was one Treasury and the first bear she chose disappeared from the treasury when it was included in a lot of teddies that sold yesterday outside of Etsy! She wrote me wondering where "Grizelda" had disappeared to!? Once she found out where she had ended up, Karen simply went back to my Etsy shop and chose another teddy...I'm proud to say it's "Aubrey" who you can see right up above this post reading his vintage copy of "Winnie the Pooh"!
Check out my sidebar to the right to find Aubrey's photo where you can click to take a peek at just one of Karen's Etsy Treasuries!

Have a great week Friends! And until next time...keep smiling and crafting!
Hugs,
Michelle

Okay...need another bunny!

2010-08-03T16:53:00.000-07:00

Okay, that was fast! Jasper has sold and will be moving on to his new home in France with his new Mum, Anne-Sophie! Oh, how I wish I could catch a glimpse of Anne-Sophie's house!!! I know she is an avid collector and a lot of us bearmakers are lucky to be on the list of bears she's partial to so I can only imagine!
Anne-Sophie...if you see this, maybe you can send me some photos of different rooms in your home! I'd love to see where you put them all!!!

Just a reminder that my "Garage Sale" right here in my blog is in full swing and stuff is getting added as often as I can so if there's anything there that someone might like, let me know and remember the most important thing of all in regards to my "Blog Garage Sale"! NO SHIPPING!!! It's on me so feel free to enjoy yourself and shop guilt free!

I am happy to include a photo of my new vintage bear, with new paw pads.

Of course, they're only temporary until I can find out, for sure, what the original pads were made of...looks sort of like they may have been felt but then I wonder if those were replacements. Heather, my "resident bear expert" tells me she thinks he could be a "Pedigree" teddy bear from England and could have been made around the 1950's or even the 1960's. So, for now, he's a Pedigree and if anyone else can think of anything to add to this mystery, I would love to hear from you! For another photo of this bear, scroll down to see him with my growing "HUG"!

Have a good night all!
Hugs,
Michelle

Good Morning...Happy Monday!

2010-08-02T08:46:00.001-07:00

Well, it's a new week and I'm happy to report that I've finally finished my new bunny! I know, it's about time! I love him! I designed an entirely new bunny and I'm very happy with the results. What do you think? The color of this bunny makes it difficult to photograph him but I hope you get the idea.

In addition to finishing up "Jasper", hubby and I took a road trip to visit my "Momma Bear", to take her shopping and out for lunch. During the shopping trip, we stopped off at one of our favorite antique malls where I picked up a new friend! My heart nearly stopped when I spotted this one of only 3 old teddy bears in the entire antique mall!!! I felt as though 20 other people spotted him at the same time as I walked very fast over to him and scooped him up! He became mine instantly! When one of the mall owners walked over and asked me if she could take him up to the counter for me, I just held on tighter and said "no thank you, he's just fine shopping with me!" The nerve of her to ask me that! Really!

At nearly 24 inches long, he's one of my largest vintage English bears! What a wonderful find indeed! This fellow will only be slightly restored. I'll give him new paws (probably temporary until I can find the proper felt to redo them to their former glory) and fix his joints but other than that, he's a handsome old bear and has been able to make it this far without sustaining too much in the way of "injuries"!

I'm not sure exactly what company made this old English bear but upon looking through books, magazines and checking online, he's got the look of either a "Dean's Ragbook Teddy" or a "Chiltern Teddy" but to be on the safe side, I sent off photos and a good descripton to my dear friend, Heather, in Spain. She's what I would consider an expert as she's been an avid antique bear collector for years and has a collection (or HUG should I say) that would melt the heart of any true "Acrtophile" out there! So, now I wait...time differences are brutal!!! Hehehehe.

This weekend, I was also surprised to find out that my vintage clock, in my Etsy Shop, made it into, yet, another Etsy Treasury! I think people love that old retro appeal! Thanks to "Gina" of "Molten Art Studio" for the mention!

You all have a great week! I'm off to get started on several things at once! I think I need the arms of an octopus!!!
Hugs,
Michelle

Good Morning My Friends,

2010-07-29T08:13:00.001-07:00

Today's a new day. The stress of making a decision so devastating to a family is now over and I'm feeling pretty good this morning. I miss my girl and the fact that she isn't tripping me or my husband first thing in the morning in an attempt to get fed. Funny, how something that used to drive me insane is now something I miss so terribly.

My Misty with her big brother, Peaches days after we adopted her for a whole $5.00 from a pet store.

Misty with Peaches and my sweet little dog Riley. Peaches lived to the ripe old age of 19 and Riley lived to the age of 18. I was a very lucky pet momma to share such long and happy years with these little sweethearts.

Saying goodbye:

Anyway, what a fun day so far! The Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede has begun and the parade set off this morning from my area! That's right...floats were everywhere, music was playing and kids were laughing and chatting. I was lucky enough to sit in my front porch with my coffee and my little dog, Buddy and watch the "Alice In Wonderland" float assemble for the parade. I was completely and utterly in awe at the elaborate costumes and display! The "Mad Hatter", "Rabbit", and the "Queen Of Hearts" were amazing to watch as they practiced their parts and of course, the rest of the cast...and it was a doozy...was impressive! I was confused, though. There were three little "Alice's" running around but I suppose they had their reasons for that! HA! The float was actually the large dinner table for the "Mad Hatter's" Tea Party and I have to say it was really something to see! They just left a few mins ago and I'm glad I was awake to see it!

Today, I don't have a clue what I'm going to do but I have to get back into a routine that was lost over the past few days. I'm anxious to get my bunny done so maybe that will be my priority.

Hey, I'm so happy that I have such amazing blogging friends. I adore you guys for the support you showed during such a trying time for me and my family. Some say they're just cats or dogs or whatever kind of pet a person may have but those people fail to notice the special bonds between pet owners and their precious animals. I am grateful to you all for your kind words. Thank you.
Hugs,
Michelle

Today I say goodbye

2010-07-27T08:22:00.000-07:00

My heart is broken today. I'm saying goodbye to my Misty.
24 1/2 years with her. It's time...
I love my girl.
Michelle

The Start Of A New Week...

2010-07-26T08:50:00.000-07:00

Good Morning,

It's a good start to the week. My little cat is still with me and seems to be resting comfortably. She even spent the evening with me working in the yard...well, I worked, she followed me. I even found her sitting in the sprinkler. I'm not sure if she realized what she was doing or what but she didn't seem to mind. It was a hot day so perhaps she knew exactly what she was doing? Thanks everyone for your kind words. It makes all the difference.

I designed a brand new bunny pattern and so far, I'm liking it!!! I can't wait until she's done and of course, as always, she'll make her debut right here!

Just in case anyone missed the previous post, I'm having a "Garage Sale" right here on my blog! Take a look at my sidebar over to the right there...see it? Yup, that's it...maybe there's something there you might think you could use? Check it out and let me know via email if you decide you want something. I'm offering FREE SHIPPING on everything in my "Garage Sale"...why not? I don't want those items anymore so why not make it easy for someone else to own them? You can click on each photo to see a larger version.

I'm off to clean my house and work on my new bunny! You all have a great week!
Hugs,
Michelle

Good Morning My Friends!

2010-07-23T08:30:00.000-07:00

I hope this day finds you well and happy that it's Friday!

It's been a sad sort of week for us as my poor little kitty, Misty is possibly nearing the end of her sweet little life. It's a real blow indeed but not unexpected as she is 24 years old this year. She's been by my side since I was in my early 20's and has been by my side through so many milestones in my life such as the births of my two children and now my Grandaughter. Before I adopted Misty for $5.00 from a pet store, I had adopted a beautiful orange cat that I had named Peaches. When Misty came into our lives, Peaches took over as her main caregiver allowing her to literally "suckle" on a tiny piece of fur underneath his chin. They would become the best of friends until his death at the age of 19 about 15 years ago. Surprisingly, she lived on and even though she was already clearly past her "prime" she was able to make the two day journey with Darren and I two years ago when I moved from Vancouver Island in British Columbia to my home here in Alberta! At that time, I had one snake, one cockatiel and Misty and all three rode in between Darren and I in our U-Haul truck in the most interesting a quirky manner...The snake in a plastic container on the floor, Stanley, the cockatiel in her travel cage on the console between us and Misty in her little kennel resting comfortable on top of the cage! Most of the time, she slept soundly on a nice blanket on top of the kennel so you can imagine it was quite a site!
At any rate, she's a precious part of my family and I'll enjoy every last minute I can with her.

Okay, I'm drying my tears and now I would like to tell you about something fun! I've decided to include a "Garage Sale" right here on my blog! I'm going to sell items I no longer need with FREE shipping. I hope you'll come back for a visit often as I hope to have several items to offer.

Have a great weekend all!
Hugs,
Michelle

Finally!!!

2010-07-21T15:16:00.000-07:00

I'm such a bad blogger!!! I promise things and hope for you to "follow" and I give you nothing!!! I'm grovelling and I hope it's working! We've been so busy with summer stuff like road trips, cleaning the house, building shelves for our "multi-media room"....ahem...okay...computer room, yard work, kids...you name it! But I did, in that time, find a moment to finish up my two new bunnies..."Bedelia" and "Alfred Von Hare"! Tomorrow, I'll list them in my Etsy shop and on my website!
Take a look!!!

I am hoping that I can set aside a bit of time to begin some new bears and perhaps bunnies amidst all the summertime activities so please, "bear" with me and try to come back when you have a moment. Please?

I'd also like to wish my son, Justin, a very happy 20th birthday today! His lovely girlfriend informed us that she was picking up a Sesame Street cake for him to help him celebrate...unfortunately, they moved to Edmonton so we can't enjoy it with them. She told me that Sesame Street was his favorite show as a little boy....this she tells me! His momma! I love you my girl but I have to say, it wasn't Sesame Street! It was Barney! The purple dinosaur ruled our lives for a period of his childhood! Barney everything...."I love you...you love me...we're a happy family"....yep, it was Barney. But, that was my memory...he must have some of his own. I love you my son!

Have a great day all!
Hugs,
Michelle

Blog Giveaway!

2010-07-17T11:01:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS Gina of Cat Nap Inn Primitives!! You won the giveaway!

Oh my, I want to thank all of you who entered my first giveaway and to thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me to get my new website out there into world! You mean so much to me. I plan on doing this again so please stay with me and when the time comes, you'll be the first to know about it!
For everyone who entered my draw who has a website, blog, Etsy shop of even Facebook page, you will be linked into my favorites! I will definately check with you often to keep up with your wonderful creations!

I'm in such a good mood today! The giveaway was so thrilling and so much fun AND today is my 1st wedding anniversary! My husband Darren and I were completely and madly in love with each other in grade 12 back in 1983 but we never really got together. I think it was a mutual crush more than anything! A BIG CRUSH!!! He had beautiful eyes....oh my! Sadly, that's all it was to be. I moved away and he moved on.
But, 24 years later on July 17, 2007, while I was in the middle of a separation from my 1st husband, Darren found me on Facebook...he wrote me asking me if I was the Michelle he had such a huge crush on in highschool and it was at that very moment we both felt the connection that we had longed for in 1983! We wrote back and forth madly comparing notes about how we felt in highschool with lots of laughter and even some tears.
We endured a long distance relationship until all of my affairs were in order and then nearly 6 months later, we laid eyes on each other for the first time in 24 years and it was like we'd known each other all our lives! We instantly took a huge "leap of faith" and bought our first house together in April, 2008 and in July, 2009, we married in a nice quiet ceremony in our little back yard in the presence of our children. Some people can't imagine starting a new life so late in the game but for us, this was an amazing journey and we both look forward to many more years together. I will never let go of my love for my husband.

Okay, sappy time over...it's time to get back to work...my two new bunnies are nearly complete and I mean it this time!!! Hahahaha..."Bedelia" and "Alfred" will be happy to meet you all, later this afternoon or tomorrow! Oh, and a special note to "Marissa"...I hope that "Mona" and "Happy" are enjoying their new home! Marissa contacted me on Thursday to let me know that the two of them made it safe and sound to her home in Australia! Thanks for letting me know Marissa!

Have a great weekend everyone!
Hugs,
Michelle

July 17th is Approaching FAST!!!!

2010-07-14T14:31:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!

I've been avoiding new posts for the past couple of weeks so that it would be easy for everyone to get here to my blog and to get to the previous post in regards to my FIRST EVER BLOG GIVEAWAY!!! I'm so incredibly thrilled to say that there are already so many enteries! And there's still time until the draw which will take place on Saturday, July 17th so if you want to have a chance to win sweet little "Alice" and the other goodies, then hurry...get your entry in!

Here's a sneak peek at the entries thus far!!!

This has been so fun and through this giveaway, I've made some lovely friends that I just know will be longtime friends. You're all such sweet people and I guess I can say that in addition to collecting vintage bears, dolls, Pyrex bowls, old toys, vintage baby clothing, books and so on...I also am proud to say I collect friends and there's always room for one more! Us crafters, designers, dollmakers, bearmakers, prim artists, etc. are all such genuinely nice people and I'm so happy to be associated with you all! Good luck everyone!

Well, as you can see in the post before this one...little "Miss Mona" sold as quickly as she was put up for sale along with "Happy". This was a wonderful way to start that day indeed! Now, I need to fill the space those two little critters created so I have two new bunnies that are nearly complete. "Bedelia" and "Alfred Von Hare". Keep checking back as they should be listed here within the next couple of days!

Lots of other exciting things going on but I'll leave that for another day! Have a lovely week everyone and remember, get your entries in soon!

Hugs,
Michelle

Happy July Everyone!

2010-07-02T12:19:00.001-07:00

Well, it's getting down to the wire for the Teddy Bear Artists and Friends Four Season's Bear and Doll Competition! Wow, that's a mouthful! There are now 500 enteries! Yikes! Oh my, wish me luck!

As for my Blog Giveaway, wow, the response has been amazing! I've recieved some great comments right here on my blog (see the previous post right below) as well as some enteries through email! Thanks everyone and good luck!

It's been a busy few weeks here in our household with gardening, looking after my sweet granddaughter and saying goodbye to her, her mommy and daddy as they embark on a new adventure about 7 hours north of where I live. I was very sad to see them go but it's for a better future as my son has been accepted into college to study to become a "Power Engineer". I'm very proud of him and of his little family and wish them well but it's not without a heavy heart, that's for sure.

I've also been slowly getting back into working on more teddies. Or, should I say bunnies! I've designed a new bunny in the style of my primitive teddies and I'm proud to introduce her to you right here. So without further ado...please say hello to "Miss Mona"!

Click on Miss Mona's photo to the right of your screen, in my side bar and that will take you over to her listing on Etsy where you can find out a few more details about this sweet little primitive bunny. Mona can be found on my website as well.

I beleive that Miss Mona is the first of many little bunnies to make their appearance here soon!

Have a great day all! OH, AND DON'T FORGET TO ENTER MY BLOG GIVEAWAY IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY! THERE'S STILL LOTS OF TIME!!! Simply leave me a comment under the previous post or right under this one if you like!
Hugs,
Michelle

MY FIRST GIVEAWAY!!!!!!

2010-06-25T09:57:00.000-07:00

It's finally here!

My new website is NOW COMPLETE! And with that I'm excited to finally announce my first "Blog Giveaway"!

I've decided that in honour of my new website,"Teddy Bears and More by Michelle", I am including, with one of my Teddy Bears, a set of two of my photo Greeting Cards and a Vintage Item! So without further delay, say hello to "Alice"!

"Alice" is 7 inches and made of mohair and velveteen that has been firmly stuffed with a mixture of vintage excelsior and upholstery stuffing. She has plastic eyes and a faux "waxed" look to her nose. Her head and legs are disc and cotterpin jointed and her arms are string jointed. She is "aged" for a sweet old fashioned look and feel!

"Alice" will go to her new home with a set of two photo greeting cards depicting some of my very own collectibles and a beautiful vintage "Art Deco Style" powder jar filled with a variety of vintage buttons including some antique shoe buttons! How perfect for making your own old fashioned teddy bear or dollie!!

Here's what you have to do! I would love, first of all for you to become a FOLLOWER of this blog!! If you are already a follower, comment right here in this blog to remind me with your email address and you get an entry! If you're not a follower, go ahead, you've got nothing to lose! Once you become a follower, comment right here in this blog to let me know you're a new follower with your email and your entered! Simple isn't it?

Want to enter more? If you would be so kind as to link my blog AND my new website "Teddy Bears and More by Michelle"...that gets you TWO MORE ENTERIES!!! Just make sure you send me a comment with your site or blog to let me know you did that!!! I'll link you too!!! See...it works for everyone doesn't it?

Want another entry or two? Mention my new website "Teddy Bears and More by Michelle"! in a blog post or hey, even your Facebook page and use the photo to the right to announce this FREE BLOG GIVEAWAY! Anything you do to help me to get the word out on my new site will gain you an entery for a chance to win little Alice!

The draw date for this FREE BLOG GIVEAWAY to launch my new website will be July 17th (coincidentally, my first wedding anniversary!) All of the enteries will go into a box and on that date, one lucky winner will be drawn to win "Alice", the photo greeting cards, the vintage jar and beautiful buttons! I look forward to it and I hope you do too!
Good luck everyone and thanks for helping me to get my site out there!
Hugs,
Michelle

Orson and Chantilly!

2010-06-22T08:40:00.000-07:00

I'm pleased to announce that "Orson" has made it to his new destination, for now and is safe in the arms of his new best friend "Chantilly" an incredible little dollie made by New York artist, Kathleen Marie! The two are now up for sale in Kathleen's Etsy shop! I couldn't be more excited at the prospect of more collaborations with Kathleen and look forward to showing more sweet pairs of friends right here when they're complete! Have a look!!!

For a look at Kathleens Etsy shop click here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/HerDarkHeart

Just a reminder, my first ever Blog Giveaway should more than likely be announced sometime at the end of the week! I'm working madly to complete the "prize" for the giveaway! Stay tuned!

Have a great day all!
Hugs,
Michelle

Hello Everyone!

2010-06-19T16:08:00.000-07:00

Well, in spite of the heavy rains, flooding and declared states of emergency for our little city and the surrounding areas, the sun is finally shining and I hope that those affected by the floods will recover as soon as possible! So far, we're unscathed ourselves. I'm thankful for that!

I've recently finished three new teddies which have all gone off to their new homes...check out the photos below. More bears are now in the works!

As I had mentioned before, I've entered an online bear competition. I'll post the results of that competition right here in my blog. I'm so excited as I've never entered any sort of a competition before and even though it's a little overwhelming with some of the most incredible bear artists also entered it's fun none-the-less!

Last but not least...in regards to my website...it's nearly complete and I must say it's been quite a learning experience! Lots to know but I'm figuring it out and can't wait for it's launch! As I may have mentioned before, I would love to launch my website with a blog giveaway. I'll be announcing that, hopefully, next week sometime. Stay tuned!

Have a wonderful weekend my friends and SOOZ!!!! Feel better soon!!! YIKES!
Hugs,
Michelle

Happy Friday!

2010-06-11T15:32:00.000-07:00

Again...I have to apologize...how in the world is anyone supposed to or WANT to follow a blog that doesn't get updated regularily! I have only one excuse!

LIFE

That's it...just LIFE.

I've not worked much on bears for my website or for Etsy. I finished two bears finally for Anne Sophie and they will make their pictorial debut right here on my blog shortly. I'm also working a teddy for my new friend Le. I hope to have that bear done soon!

As for the rest of my valuable time, I'm afraid I can't say I've done anything more than work in the yard and get my house in order. My energy level seems to be the lowest it's ever been and I hope that doesn't last too much longer.

Until I can offer you more than just the odd "blog post"...I'd like to share a recipe...one I love to share and one that I know you'll love to share too! Enjoy!

And also in the meantime, please take a moment to check out my new website...as I said, it's on the web but still under construction. Your opinion means the world to me so "let me have it"!
Have a great weekend everyone!
Michelle

"Golden Butter Cupcaks"

2 cups flour
1 1//2 cups sugar
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
3/4 cup milk
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
3 large eggs

Preheat oven to 350*. Line or grease muffin pan. In a large bowl with mixer at slow speed combine dry ingredients. Ad butter, milk, vanilla and eggs and beat slowly until blended. Then, increase speed and beat 1 to 2 mins till creamy. Spoon batter into cups and bake 20-25 mins or until golden.
Cool and frost with the following:

Frosting for Golden Cupcakes

2 cups icing sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
4-6 tbsp milk

Beat together till creamy. Frost cupcakes. If you're real ambitious after than, melt chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl till smooth and creamy. Spoon into a strong ziplock bag...take a tiny snip off of one corner of the bag and use the bag to pipe melted chocolate over the frosting in a zigzag design...let cool and watch out for the stampede after everyone gets one taste of these yummy little treasures!
Happy Summer!

TGIF!!

2010-06-04T22:25:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!

Just wanted to tell you all how excited I was to find out tonight that one of my teddies...Sherman...was featured in an Etsy Treasury! That's the third Treasury for me this week! Thanks to fellow Etsians for including my items in their beautiful Treasuries! Check out the sidebar for photos of Sherman, Dress Bessy and my very Retro Kitchen Clock...then click on them to take a tour of these wonderfully creative Treasuries and maybe take a minute or two to stop by the other shops! I'm sure they'd love that!

Have a wonderful weekend all!
Hugs,
Michelle

Good Morning!

2010-06-03T08:15:00.000-07:00

It's still early here so I have given myself permission to sit at the computer for just a bit longer before I have to get myself motivated to work out in the yard, finish some teddies and clean my house! Of course, we'll see what really gets done!

I am excited to announce that I have been working on a website; something I've been wanted to do for a few years now. I was so happy to find a website where anyone can build a website of their own for free using their amazing and very easy-to-understand tutorials! I've recieved some great feedback about my website and I am pleased to say that it's nearly complete.

My site is titled "Teddy Bears and More by Michelle". Of course, I'll be selling my handmade teddies directly from there (as well as from my Etsy Shop!!)but I am excited to also offer two pages of vintage treasures such as dolls, teddy bears, toys, collectibles, etc. I have so much and it's time to downgrade some of those collections! For the time being, I'll be asking potential buyers to simply fill out a form if they wish to purchase from me until I add the necessary "buttons" from "Paypal" in order to make the online shopping experience a little more convenient. The site is still under construction but hopefully it won't be too long. If there is something you would like to purchase, fill out the form (you'll find it on two pages) with your name, email and a comment about which item you would like whether it's a teddy bear or a vintage item and then I will gather up the total with the shipping and send you an invoice from Paypal.

Along with the several items I'll be selling, I've also dedicated two pages to my "Restoration" projects with some great information should anyone wish to have one of their beloved vintage teddies restored to it's former glory.

Of course, I'll continue with my blog...it's been a great way to connect with some really terrific people who've now become friends of mine! I love the commraderie of people who create things with their own hands and of people who collect things we make. Spring and summer activities take us away from our computers for the most part these days but I know, for sure, that we all know that we can come back anytime and someone will remember you and welcome you back into their circle of friends.

For a look at my website, click on the link below. I'll be putting a more visible link in the sidebar shortly but in the meantime, if you feel like checking it out and letting me know what you think either by email from the website or by commenting right here to this post, I'd sure appreciate it! And, remember, I hope to "launch" my website later this month with my very first "blog giveaway" so stay tuned!

My website: http://teddybearsandmorebymichelle.weebly.com/

Have a great week and stay creative!
Hugs,
Michelle

Happy Sunday All!

2010-05-30T09:42:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone is having a great day so far. I should really try to get outdoors to enjoy some fresh air today but unfortunately, I feel like a big 'ol lazy slug!
Maybe after this posting, I'll venture outside to work in the yard or perhaps take a walk.

At this moment, however, I'd like to share, with you, some exciting news! I have just entered my first ever bearmaking competition! It's an online competition through a wonderful new site I recently joined called "Teddy Bear Artists and Friends".

I have now submitted my entry form and three of my teddies (which I will keep secret for the time being!)into three of the categories. Those three categories are "ANIME", "MINIATURE" and "TEDDY BEAR".

Click on the link to your right in my sidebar to go over to the site and to find out more about the competition itself...if you're a bear/doll artist, maybe you might like to become a member. Membership is free so why not check it out!
Wish me luck!

I couldn't be more thrilled to have been invited to be a member. Thanks Lanie!
Hugs All,
Michelle

Just a quick note!

2010-05-27T20:39:00.000-07:00

I wanted to announce another great "Blog Giveaway"...but it's coming up very fast so don't hesitate to enter for your chance to win a sweet Teddy from Emma of "Emma's Bears"! You know something? I may have to get on the "bandwagon" and do a giveaway of my own one of these days! So much fun!

Anyway, look over to the side there...over to your right...see the cute bear in the photo? That's "Pumpkin Pie"! Click on it and you'll be taken over to Emma's blog where you can enter to win her! Good luck...that's if I don't win her!!!
Have a great weekend and keep smiling!
Hugs,
Michelle

It's the weekend...and the rain is back!

2010-05-22T11:23:00.000-07:00

Today, I am sore and stiff from 6 hours in the yard yesterday and I suppose the rain we have today is a good reason to stay indoors and to relax.

So, I decided to play around on my blog and to try to learn about "adding new pages" and I think that I've come up with how it's done. But I ask you to please "bear" with me as I figure it out.

My first "new" page will be dedicated to some very special teddy bears from my past. I spent a few years creating "memory bears" until my wrists could no longer handle the long hours of cutting, handstitching (my machine was not one to co-operate well with me during that time) and turning the pieces, however, the time I did spend making those bears will remain with me forever and I'd like to share some wonderful stories behind them and the awsome priviledge of being able to be the one to bring them to life.

Click on the link to your right at the top of the sidebar. From there, you may think you're still on the homepage but go ahead and scroll down and then read on and I'd like to thank you for taking the time to visit me! You're suppport means so much and I look forward to sharing more stories as often as I can.

Michelle

It's Friday...

2010-05-21T09:48:00.000-07:00

Hello All!

I feel the need to apologize for not spending much time on my blog this past week....so, I apologize. There's not much point in becoming a "follower" of someone's blog if that someone doesn't give anybody a reason to follow right?

Okay, I have some excuses...one being that fact that it's spring and I can finally say that we've had some outstanding weather here in Alberta! HOT as it may have been, I still found those little moments in the days to get outside to my gardens and get them all ready for planting. I still have lots to do...those weeds are brutal but slowly they are becoming less and less!
I had some beautiful gardens on Vancouver Island and it's hard to measure up to that incredible success here in Alberta (such differences in what you can plant and how long it lasts in the scorching heat)but with some time and careful planning, I hope to achieve nearly as much as I did in my former yard.

Now that I've weazeled my way into your good graces again, I would like to say that I do have a bear in the making and when time permits, I'd like to finish him/her and offer my blog followers the first chance to take a look. I've also got some great new ideas flowing though my brain and hope to get to those as soon as possible.
I'd like to let Anne-Sophie know that her two bears are also in the making and they should be ready soon as well.

New greeting cards are slowly making their way into my Etsy shop. All of my greeting cards are made using photos that I've taken over the years of my bears, my own antiques/collectibles and even flowers I've grown in my gardens. The cards come as sets of two but be purchased in larger sets should someone request something like that. Of course at a discounted price! For a look at my card sets and some terrific collectibles, please check out my Etsy shop! There's lots to see!

Before I go, I'd like to wish my baby girl, Brandi one more special "Happy Birthday". She turned 18 yesterday and I've suddenly become a little sadder that the time went by so very fast. I spent a moment looking through her baby book last night and felt such pride and yet so much saddness that my babies are no longer "my babies" but adults with their very own lives. I suppose it will take a little while but my heart will always cosider them "my babies" even if they somtimes deny it.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and get your gardens all in order so that you can find a moment to sit, think and relax and take in all that you achieved in your own special moments!
Hugs,
Michelle

"Treasured" Again on Etsy!

2010-05-15T17:16:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to say that one of my little teddies was, again, featured in an Etsy Treasury! This treasury was created by DUDADAZE on Etsy and was titled "Be a Clown"!
Thanks so much for the honour of being part of another Etsy Treaury Di!

Click on Happy's photo collage to the right for a look at the Treasury featuring, not only Happy, but a goofy, silly, colorful group of clowns and all things clown-like!

For a look at Di's shop, Dudadaze...scroll down the page, here on my blog to my fave Etsy shops. There you should find Dudadaze...check it out! Some beautiful work there!
Hope the weekend is a good one for you!
Michelle

Happy Wednesday All!

2010-05-12T12:01:00.000-07:00

Today, I'm sick. But, that won't stop me from taking a moment out of my restful day to blog and to list a few new items in my Etsy shop!

After you're finished reading this blog post, just scroll down my blog to my list of fave sites and look for My Etsy Shop! Click on it and take a peek at my newest listings!

I recently renewed my love of photography and in the process designed and created some beautiful greeting cards! It was with utter anger and disbelief when I recently went out to purchase three Mother's Day cards for three very special Mothers in my life that I realized the price of greeting cards is completely outrageous indeed! One card can now cost as much a $15! Now, please don't get me wrong...if the card is WORTH the money, I've got no problem with that but really, come on!!! It's paper and ink! I can do that!!!

A Sampling or two of my New Greeting Cards using some of my own vintage collectibles and my very own handmade teddies (please note, all teddies are gone now to new homes and are no longer available for purchase)!

And I did! So, I invite you to hop over to my Etsy shop where you can take a look at just a few of my new greeting card sets...some featuring my handmade teddy bears and others depicting some of my beloved collections of vintage items! You will find each listing offering one set of two cards and their envelopes safely tucked away inside acid free transparant archival sleeves. And all for one low price of just $8.75US! Shipping is low and that still makes these cards WORTH every penny!

Now, I'm off...I feel a chill coming on and my bed is beckoning me once again to return to it's warmth and coziness! Time to get better because there's lots to do including more teddies!
Have a wonderful rest of the week!
Hugs all around!
Michelle

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T12:47:00.001-07:00

To my mom, my beautiful Grandaughter's mother, Nancy, my mother-in-law, Joanne and to all of the other wonderful and phenomenal mothers I know...Happy Mother's Day! I hope this special day brings you much peace, love and joy.

Hugs,
Michelle

New Items Listed on Etsy!

2010-05-07T08:55:00.001-07:00

Hey all!

Hope it's a good day for you! I've just listed several new items in my Etsy shop and would love for you to take a peek!

Here are just a few examples of things you'll find!

Now...here's the deal...
I'd like to offer FREE SHIPPING on ANYTHING in my Etsy shop this weekend ONLY! This offer is a special thank you to my amazing, fabulous, wonderful blog friends...and no, you don't have to have your own blog to take advantage of this...just leave me a comment and let me know you stopped by. That's all! Hope you find something you like!

Have a great day all and keep smiling!
Hugs,
Michelle

Happy Monday All!

2010-05-03T08:05:00.000-07:00

After a weekend of "icky" weather, the sun is finally shining bright today! If the wind crops up again like they say it's going to the so be it. I'm going to enjoy the sun while I can! I may even go out to work in the yard.

First, however, I have two new bears to complete. Once they're done, I'm going to post their photos and get them on either Ebay or into my Etsy shop just as soon as I can.

I'm always a little amazed at how many different teddy bears there are to be had on Ebay and Etsy but everyone has their own style...each little creation with his or her own little soul. All of those bears deserve a place in someone's HUG and maybe someday I'll include another one in mine!

My own bear HUG consists of a sweet collection of vintage and antique bears and a very small group of bears I purchased or "traded for" years ago. Those include three beautiful teddies by my "mentor" Brianna Long of "Bunnylove", one from my long-time Aussie friend, Sue, three glorious little souls by my very good friend from Ireland, Amanda and one from a terrific young artist in Edmonton, Melanie who sells her adorable creations under the name "Melbears". I, of course, welcome new bears anytime into my warm HUG!

TRADES ANYONE?

Have a warm and wonderful Monday and keep smiling...and pass it on!
Hugs,
Michelle

In "Memory Of"...

2010-04-29T10:56:00.000-07:00

Okay...I try very hard to only do one blog post at the beginning of each week but today, I felt it was necessary to devote one special post to a teddy bear called "Quincy".

You may already know Quincy if you've visited my blog in the past or had seen his listing in my Etsy shop. I'm always very proud, as any artist will agree, to show off my work and to offer my little teddies to loving bear mums/dads for inclusion into their warm "Hugs".

Unfortunately, this post is to tell you about my sweet little Quincy who was adopted by Anne-Sophie from Paris, France back on February 26th. Our little friend was lovingly packed, kissed goodbye, wished well in his new venture and shipped off on March 1st.

Quincy has never been see again. It's disheartening to say the least. Anne-Sophie and I are both devasted that he's somewhere in the world not knowing whose Hug he'll be a part of. I sent him Small Packet Air as with most of my teddies, which would have put him in Anne-Sophie's Hug within a good week or two. It's been over two months now. I'm very disappointed in the postal system for allowing this to happen AND for making it extremely difficult to start a claim for the insurance.

I hope that Quincy finds his way in the world and perhaps someday he'll either surprise Anne-Sophie or myself with an unexpected visit.

I've recently completed a second Quincy for Anne-Sophie. He'll no doubt fill the void left by the first but we'll always be wondering where Quincy #1 ended up. I hope he's safe and happy.

I hope this day finds you all warm and cozy, especially if you've got the rain and wind like we do here!
Hugs,
Michelle

Happy Monday All!

2010-04-26T18:20:00.001-07:00

I usually try to get on here first thing Monday morning but today I was fortunate enough to have my beautiful daughter come by to spend the day with me! I'm always thrilled to spend time with her!

So, because of that, instead of working on the next sweet teddy bear, I spent the day with her baking, crafting and chatting about her upcoming 18th birthday. She's gone home now to her own life and it's time to sit and relax with a cup of tea and enjoy some quiet time.

During this quiet moment, I'm wondering where the time went. It seems as though it was only yesterday that my girl was a tiny toddler with golden curls hanging onto my leg. Gone are the days of spilled juice, cheerios, blankie and Sailor Moon. Now, she's a young woman with her own mind, a beautiful soul and an engagement ring. Oh my....I'll love her forever.

Also, in this quite moment, I'm thinking of how lucky I am (not only to have my children in my life and my wonderful husband by my side)but to also have some new friends that are truly inspirational and phenomenal women. Thanks Sooz, Chrissy, Joann and Piggy! I look forward to those special moments with you everyday!

I wish only the best to you all this week! Keep smiling! Pop back soon, more bears are on the way!
Michelle

Happy Monday!

2010-04-19T11:15:00.000-07:00

And a happy day it is! I'd like to thank Suzanne, again, for the beautiful items she traded me for one of my bears! She's a fabulous Primitive artist and these items truly reflect her amazing ability to make something new look positively old and well loved! These beautiful bunny dolls are so charming and full of character...I can't wait to show them off! And one of my old composition dolls will be happy in her new primitive prairie dress and bonnet!

Another noteable for the day is my new French bear! He is the result of another wonderful trade with a new friend! Anne-Sophie is a collector of lovely old bears and new bears and she was sweet enough to offer this beautiful old bear up for trade as she had her eye on two of my teddies! When I received this great old bear, my heart rate literally went up! He's gorgeous and will be a perfect candidate for a restore! Research first, then the work will start and I will post pics when he is done!

The sun is shining and after a weekend of antique, thrift store and garage sale shopping, it's time to move things about and make room for my new treasures!
It's silly but stuff does make me happy! Old stuff, primitive stuff, frilly stuff, quirky stuff and the list goes on and on.

Have a superb week, whatever you're doing everyone and remember to smile and pass it on!
Michelle

The Sun is Shining! It's Spring Again!

2010-04-15T14:17:00.000-07:00

I'm ashamed to say that I've spent no time at all bearmaking the last couple of days, however, I would like to announce that I've finally made a slideshow of more bears from my past. I also have those photos of the two newest bears...they'll be here shortly.

The bears you will see in the slideshow were the "trailblazers" so-to-speak of the bears I create and sell to this day. I feel as though they taught me the craft and helped me to understand the love and friendship that was attached to every little soul I created.

I like to think that those little souls are continuing to shine through somewhere...where ever they might be.

Also coming up shortly...I will present more slideshows featuring teddy bear classes I taught earlier in my career...we had so much fun and I made some wonderful true friends that are still with me to this very day! I will also be featuring a slideshow of teddy bears I created from vintage furs..."memory bears" as we in the biz prefer to call them. Creating those teddies brought some real heart and soul to the work I did especially for the special memories that they created for the customers.

As I said, the sun is shining and the snow is melting...I hope to be able to get outside to the gardens soon but in the meantime...more bears will come to life in my hands. Thanks for checking in...I hope you'll come back real soon.
Big Bear Hugs,
Michelle

SNOW? Grrrr....

2010-04-13T10:27:00.001-07:00

Okay, this is not cool! It's snowing and I am not impressed! Okay, so it's April...those things CAN happen but COME ON!!!

I feel better now. Got it out of my system and now I can move on!
Today is a good day then to do a bit of housework and to get some much needed laundry done BUT I hope to get two new teddies online today sometime!

"Myra" and "Gordon" are two new Primitives that I recently finished. I'm happy with the results and hope you will be too. I think one will go into an Ebay listing and the other, Etsy. But, both will be debuting first and foremost on my blog, hopefully, by the end of the day!

I hope you've taken the time to enter the give a way for "Dot"! Read the previous blog if you haven't already. She's beautiful!

Before I go, I want to thank Suzanne and her wonderful friends for inviting me to join their lovely group and for the warm welcomes I received! It's a pleasure to know you all and I look forward to lots of funny and heartwarming conversations!
Have a great week everyone!
Hugs,
Michelle

My first chance to announce a give-away! Yippeee!

2010-04-09T06:17:00.000-07:00

The weekend is upon us! I've had a great week making new friends via blog's, Etsy and Ebay! Once of those ladies has to be one of the nicest gals I've ever met...I've always felt that meeting new people online from all over the world is one of the best ways to meet some of the nicest people and take it from me, they can be some of the longest lasting friendships you'll ever have! I suspect, Suzanne and I will become terrific friends over the years! Whatcha think Suzanne? Check out some of her newest dolls to the right....click on that photo to check out her Etsy shop! Such wonderful little characters made with lots of love!

Well, on that note, as I was checking out Suzanne's beautiful blog, I came across an announcement to enter a contest for this little dollie!

With the snow we got overnight, she's definately a "breath of fresh spring air" this morning! If you'd like to have a chance to win her, click on the link to the right to hop over to Miller Campbell Designs and enter by leaving a comment on Rebecca's blog! You can enter AGAIN by blogging about this wonderful give-away, yourself just as I'm doing here! Make sure you let Rebecca know that you blogged about this little treasure! The winner will be announced on April 23rd...so don't forget your email address!

Well, that's it for me! I've had three cups of coffee and I'm ready to roll! Two new teddies are nearly ready for their debut! Stay tuned!
Have a great weekend!
Michelle

New Friends!

2010-04-05T08:25:00.001-07:00

Well, Easter has come and gone! Hope it was a good one and you had lots of time with Family and Friends this past weekend!

Friends mean so much to me! Today, I was lucky enough to be reunited with a special friend! Carol and I had some great times together with our little group back in the day! It's fun to catch up and I can't wait to see her in person!

And, speaking of Friends...I have some new bears to show off! I'll try to get to that later today...stay tuned!

Have a great week to my all of my friends...old and new!
Hugs,
Michelle