Three O'Clock Bears

Bessie auction update

2012-01-29T11:36:00.001Z

I have decided to remove the reserve on my auction. Just wanted to open it up to a wider audience!!

Bessie...a new puppy on eBay

2012-01-26T16:05:00.000Z

I have just listed a sweet little poseable puppy on eBay. Her name is Bessie and her auction starts at 9.30pm this evening ( UK time) and runs for 3 days till Sunday. She is a very sweet girl and I made her a sweet little red cushion in a heart shape to sit on.The reserve on this sweet little puppy has now been removed to give everyone a fair chance to adopt her
Here is the link if you would like to visit her auction

Do get in touch if you would like to know more

Pascal...a sweet girl bear

2012-01-21T15:49:00.001Z

This is Pascal...she's a stunning girl bear made in extra dense Schulte mohair with a white muzzle and a sculpted nose. She has hand detailing to her eyelids..I have sculpted both upper and lower lids to give her a sweet look
She has chubby little legs and she can stand nicely, shaped arms for posing and a lovely round tummy.
She measures 13.5 inches but is quite a heavy bear. She has a wobbkle neck joint which is not so wobbly that it wont hold a pose.
I gave her a pretty grey satin bow trimmed with spotty ribbon.

Her adoption fee is £365.00

PASCAL has now been adopted...thanks so much

Here's Raffles.. a gorgeous fluffy boy!

2012-01-18T16:36:00.002Z

Well for a change I have been doing a big bear. This one, who I named RAFFLES is made from some fabulous extra dense Schulte mohair in black/brown with a coppery tip. Its so scrummy I just couldnt wait to make a bear with it. Although this not my biggest bear he has some serious eye detailing and a muzzle which I 'shaded' by adding various strands of merino wool in different colours to add interest and depth,. I also used a similar sculpting technique to create a wonderfully realistic almond eye shape making him very appealing.
He has sculpted paw pads which I hand shaded and a lovely shiney nose which has been stitched and sealed.
He's just short of 17 inches and is quite a bundle...he looks bigger due to the long luxurious mohair pile.

He's available for adoption on a first come, first served basis. His adoption fee...including shipping is £495 and there is a PayPal button below. Please contact me by email if you have any question at all about this stunning bear.

Ickle Valentina...a sweet baby bear

2012-01-16T16:30:00.001Z

I have just finished Ickle Valentina, a sweet 11 inch baby bear who is made from glorious palest pink Schulte Alpaca. I worked very hard to create lots of detailing to give her an adorable face. I felted hand dyed alpaca and angora into her muzzle to add softness and used pale grey/ lilac to give her upper and lower eyelids and also I gave her the hint of a mouth which adds to her sweet appeal.

I made her a cotton bib which I embroidered with pink hearts making her a perfect Valentines addition to any hug!

ICKLE VALENTINA HAS NOW BEEN ADOPTED...thanks so much

Do get in touch if you have any questions, it's always best to email me rather than phone as if I am busy I don't always hear it ring...but I tend to work next to my iPad so I see your message sooner that way..

Just for a change!!!!

2012-01-06T15:33:00.001Z

Next week I am making a BIG bear. That will be a challenge after all the littlees!!!!

Ickle Rose Available now!

2012-01-06T11:33:00.001Z

I have just finished a very pretty 11 inch baby bear who I called Ickle Rose.She is made from cream faux fur and has a wobble neck joint.She has pink shading to her feet and inside her ears. I popped her in a sweet vintage pink gingham dress with match velvet hair bow in velvet.
Her adoption fee is £225
Thanks for looking!!

Ickle Rose has now been adopted...Thanks

Auction link

2012-01-03T21:16:00.001Z

Here is the auction link if you would like to visit
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/170758227221?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1558.l2649#ht_17437wt_922

A new design on eBay

2012-01-03T16:31:00.000Z

This is my newest design, Coco the Kitten who I have just listed on eBay starting at 9pm GMT for 5 days finishing on Sunday, I will post the link as soon as the auction starts

Sweet Velvette...a pretty girl bear available

2011-12-31T13:01:00.005Z

I have available a very sweet 12 inch bear available. Her name is SWEET VELVETTE ...She has lots of facial detailing and scissoring ...sculpted eye sockets and upper eyelids with white lower highlighting and shading.
She is made in vintage Tissavel fabric and has chunky arms and legs and can stand if balanced and can pose nicely.
She's a nice weight too quite a bundle of cuddles. I dressed her in a sweet little vintage hand crocheted coat in bitter chocolate with an art deco style button in brown bakerlite and gave her a pretty silk velvet devore hand dyed bow to finish off her sweet look.

Sweet Velvette has been adopted...thank you!!

Ickle Biddie Bear Available now

2011-12-29T11:49:00.003Z

I have just finished this ultra sweet baby bear who I called Ickle Biddie Bear. She is 11 inches tall and comes with a small velvet heart-shaped cushion trimmed with a grey ribbon.
She is made from vintage Tissavel fabric in a hazel shade which is very hard to source . She has needle felted detailing to her face and lots of shading giving her a sweet baby expression.
Her adoption fee , including shipping is £225 and I have posted a PayPal button for convenience, but do get in touch if you would like to know more!

Lily up the Christmas tree

2011-12-27T11:59:00.000Z

This is Lily...my daughters cat...who has take a liking to climbing the Christmas tree..I love this picture!! It's so pretty!

2011-12-23T11:26:00.002Z

Here's a poem for Christmas , one which I particularly love as it conjures up all kinds of wintery imagery.
I hope you have a wonderful Christmas wherever you are and the happiest of New Years. I hope that you have a lovely rest and lots of love with friends and family around you!!
Next year is the Three O'Clock Bears 10th birthday and I am hoping that it will be a very special year!

Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
By Robert Frost

Ickle Tess...a sweet baby bear

2011-12-20T16:25:00.001Z

Really sorry that I have been slow to post this bear...we had some visitors from Australia drop by on their way to visit family in Yorkshire...so anyway instead of lunchtime it's teatime!

This is Ickle Tess...she's 10 inches tall and is made from fabulous Tissavel fabric in a chococalte brown shade...she has needlefelted upper eyelids and I added some 'hair' which i tied up with a tine blue check bow.
Her adoption fee including postage is £225
Ickle Tess has now been adopted
THANKS!!

Slow going!!!

2011-12-19T20:46:00.001Z

Unfortunately I have been a bit slow with my bear this weekend. Yesterday we had a bit of a party for Eric my little grandson. It is his birthday and he is 3 so we had a tea party and my bear making went by the board!!!
Tomorrow I am posting a fabulous little bear at around mid-day GMT
It really is a pretty one!

Ickle Chick available now!

2011-12-14T12:58:00.003Z

This is a lovely baby bear who I named Ickle Chick...she has such a sweet baby face and is made from Schulte faux fur which I distressed to give her a more 'loved' feel. Ickle Chick is 9 inches tall and is wearing a little bib which I embroidered with a tiny chick...bringing back memories of nurseries from bygone times.

Ickle Chick's adoption fee is £185 including shipping...

Ickle Chick has now been adopted...Thanks!!! :O)

I have another baby bear on my work table and it will be ready on Sunday... fingers crossed..

New baby bear tomorrow...

2011-12-13T20:27:00.001Z

I have a new 9 inch baby bear who will be available tomorrow around 1-1.30 pm GMT...this one is soooo cute...I just a have a little bib to make to finish her off

Ickle Berry...my newest baby bear

2011-12-11T14:46:00.002Z

This is ICKLE BERRY...she is my newest baby bear. She is 9 inches and is made from distressed Schulte faux fur which is a creamy ivory. She has the cutest little face and is available for adoption.
She has cotter pin joints and a black embroidered nose along with sculpted feet.
I added a little hand knitted angora beret in beige trimmed with a little blue and beige gingham bow!
Cute as a button!

ICKLE BERRY has been adopted...thanks so much

New girl bear available...

2011-12-08T18:56:00.002Z

I also added a sweet girl bear to the available page...she's a 19 inch girl whose name is Tamsin...she'd love some visitors!
Adopted...thanks!!

Little Snowbunny

2011-12-08T11:59:00.004Z

Well I finally finished this super little bunny who is made from Schulte faux fur which I hand dyed and added a hand dyed needle felted face which I think really captures the essence of a sweet baby bunny. I called her Little Snow Bunny...she is a pearly silver grey shade with pink eare liners and black glass eyes.
She is 8 inches tall not including her ears and is able to stand if carefully balanced. She's cotter pin jointed and I used a mix of angiora and wool to needle felt her face so she has a very tactile feel.
I think this little bunny would be a perfect aaddition to any hug!!
Please get in touch if you would like to know more about my work

New Bunny in the workshop

2011-12-05T08:56:00.000Z

I have the most adorable baby bunny on my work table today...and the minute I get back from the dentist ( I cracked my tooth on muesli!) I will be working on her again...I am so excited...as she is a babe!!
Watch this space!!!

Two baby bears available ..

2011-12-04T13:34:00.003Z

This is Ickle Starr and Ickle Willow...two sweet baby girls bears with such pretty faces that I have needle felted into chubby little cheeks. Ickle Starr is the slightly smaller of the two at 9 inches and Willow is just about 10 inches. Starr wears a sweet knitted hat with a tiny grey bow and Willow wears a sweet hair bow and a pretty neck tie trimmed with a grey flower.
Both are made from soft alpaca but I hand dyed Willows to a pale warm gold .
They are both available for immediate adoption.
I have added Paypal buttons to the side bar. Please do check that you have clicked on the correct one before going ahead with your purchase!
IckleWillow has now been adopted...thanks
Ickle Starr has been adopted...thanks

Ickle Willow

Ickle Starr

Ickle Bambino...a new design...

2011-11-27T15:47:00.002Z

Anyone who knows me knows that I just can't let the grass grow under my feet and so ...while I still make bears that are recognisably mine I am always looking for new directions...and this is what keeps me enthused with bear making.
So when I saw this little soul emerging from a pattern I had drawn up on a Bonio box and piece of dense , short pile ivory alpaca I could hardly contain myself!!
I am thoroughly smitten and am planning further such bears very soon....but this one is available for adoption right now.
Ickle Bambino is 9 inches tall but a chunky little baby with a fat tummy and sweet needle felted cheeks. She has tiny detailed toes, dinky limbs and a bright eyed expression to melt the heart.
Do get in touch if you would like to adopt her. ICKLE BAMBINO has now been adopted ...Thankyou

Little Bobbie Jo available now

2011-11-24T21:37:00.009Z

This is m newest bear named Little Bobbie who is 12 inches tall and has an exquisite face.. Including shipping Bobbies afoption fee is £325 .Please get in touch if you would like to know more.Little Bobbie Jo HAS NOW BEEN ADOPTED!! Thanks

Poppet a sweet puppy on eBay later..

2011-11-21T18:35:00.002Z

I have just listed an eBay auction for Poppet, my newest little puppy. All her details are on the auction page which will go live at just after 9pm UK time and will run for 7 days from today (21st November). Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you would like to know more about this sweet design.
I have deliberated long and hard about eBay and whether to run these auctions and have taken on board all the helpful feedback...but in the case of these new designs I think it is a good means of creating visibility for my work so it is worth me taking a chance.

Layaway is available for this auction but if you intend to use this facility please let me know before you bid.

Show preview!!!

2011-11-18T16:28:00.001Z

These are the bears that will be on my stand at the Great Yorkshire Teddy Bear Event on Sunday...I hope you can come along to say hello!! I do have another bear which I will have to photograph tomorrow!!!

Show preview soon!

2011-11-14T22:24:00.000Z

I am on course to unveil my Sheffield show bears on Thursday / Friday so watch this space!!!

Male cancer awareness

2011-11-03T10:38:00.001Z

Last month my son Oliver was growing a humungous beard for the purpose of joining in the 'Movember' male cancer awareness fund raising drive that he and his work colleagues are taking part in to raise money for research. So far he has raised £35 (most of that from me !! LOL) and could do with raising a bit more. Follow this link if you feel you could donate a £1 or 2 to help raise funds for research into these killer diseases which sadly do tend to get overlooked in the fund raising stakes. Men live on average 4 years less than women and prostate cancer is the most common cancer with 1 in 9 men suffering from it, with over 10,000 deaths per year in the UK alone. Testicular cancer affects younger men and with raised awareness if caught early is treatable. The problem with men is that they don't go to the doctor till it's become a problem, they don't chat to friends about it and they often bottle it up and ignore it till it's too late. The purpose of this fundraising event is to raise money research and for awareness programmes so men no longer feel that they can't talk about these things.
Have a look at the website...if only to see Olly and his work mates sporting their 'tashes!!

A pretty bear is looking for a new home!

2011-11-01T10:14:00.000Z

This is Jessamine....This gorgeous 21 inch bear is looking for a new home. Sadly the lovely lady who requested her has had a car crisis and now needs to rehome her. she is very new and had her name changed to Savannah and now has a pink bow and ruffle but can easily be changed back to look like this. I am posting a direct link here so if you are interested you can get in touch with the lady direct..

Thanks for all the feedback!!

2011-11-01T08:06:00.001Z

I am really encouraged by the feedback about the puppies I have been making. As a person who loves to diversify I like to experiment and reach outside my comfort zone. It would be easy peasy for me to just churn out bears one after the other but that is just not me.
So I have decided to keep on with the pups and other new ideas.
As far as eBay goes I agree that often it is a bit of a jumble sale. However, the exposure to a worldwide audience is worth an occasional punt in order to gain new customers. It isn't something I will do every time but in order to gain a presence I do think I need to be predictably regular.
I really appreciate all the feedback and would like to say a huge thanks to all those who got in touch!!

Sign of the times...

2011-10-31T19:11:00.000Z

If, like me, you are feeling the pinch of the economic climate you will be pleased to know that I have decided to offer layaway terms on all bears bought on-line from now on. This will include eBay auctions that reach the sum indicated on the eBay page as and when I do auctions.
I have not always been keen to offer layaway because offering it does tend to mean that I have bears hanging around for 2 or 3 months and I do like to send them off quickly to their new homes to make way for others!
I can't however offer layaway terms on 'first option' bears and bears made especially on request.
Hope it helps!!

Rascal...a sweet new bear available

2011-10-31T15:30:00.002Z

I have just added this sweet new bear to my ' available' page....all his details can be found there!
RASCAL HAS NOW BEEN ADOPTED!! Thanks

A new bear tomorrow!!

2011-10-30T21:21:00.002Z

I have a lovely new bear who will be available tomorrow afternoon!!!

Don't miss out!!

2011-10-19T22:10:00.001+01:00

I have been so busy and have been meaning to post this for ages! Here are the details of the Sheffield fair along with details of a competition to win VIP tickets including a night at the hotel that the fair will be held!! Visit the link to find out more. Be quick though it ends tomorrow!!
http://www.thegreatyorkshireteddybearevent.co.uk

I am interested to know....

2011-10-17T12:43:00.002+01:00

...what people think.

I am so enjoying these new puppies that I am making and I have had a huge amount of positive feedback...mainly from other bear makers ..but some from collectors too. When the auction was running there were 85 watchers...almost 500 page views yet only 2 bids. I am not too worried about eBay as it is very often merely an exercise to get my work 'out there' .
Given the amount of feedback and yet the lack of bids I am assuming that it is ebay that people don't like rather than the puppies? I am interested to know what you think.
Is it that most people collect bears not dogs? Maybe it's that people don't like the dogs period.
I am interested to know and would love to hear back from people with your views....

Mabel..a sweet little puppy on eBay!

2011-10-13T20:42:00.002+01:00

This is my newest project. I have been working on creating this puppy head shape for some time now ...and simple as it looks, often the simplest things take the most thinking about!!
I am delighted with how this sweet little scamp turned out.
Mabel is on ebay for 3 days starting at 8.30pm UK time , Thursday 11th Oct , she finishes on Sunday.
Do pop along and have a look at her auction. all the details are there along with some nice photos of her!

Just showing off really....

2011-10-11T12:52:00.000+01:00

I was just blown away by this picture of my littlest grand-daughter Anna....I took it this morning while she was here...
She's such a pretty girl..and so sweet and placid, unlike my daughter, her mummy, who cried at every opportunity!!
I remember it well!!

Misha..my little puppy..

2011-10-07T21:20:00.000+01:00

I am loving making this new design. this is MISHA. She is a sweet little puppy. She already has a new mum but I thought I would show her off anyway. I will be putting a puppy design on eBay on Wednesday or Thursday..so watch this space!

A good time was had by all...

2011-10-03T10:30:00.001+01:00

I have been so busy lately that my dedication to duty has be somewhat lacking and the blog has become a bit static...the reason for this is that last weekend I did my very first artist signing at Silly Bears Aberdeen!!

What a fabulous time we had. I was joined by Gregory Gyllenship of Gregory Bears and Shelly Allison, The Rabbit Maker along with the refreshingly ( and annoyingly ;o/) young and trendy Andrew John all togged out in kilt and Vivienne Westwood making me in my Country Casuals outfit look and feel like an aged aunt!!

I had never been to Julieann Bruce's wonderful shop before and was anticipating it with both excitement and nervousness. I was totally overwhelmed by it...it was like stepping into a wonderful nursery from bygone times. Bears peeped from every shelf and drawer, the window display is so tastefully done with a little iron bed upon which a carefully arranged pile of bears are perched, their pleading faces begging you to take them home.

Julieann has set a new standard with her shop, and has taken our industry into the realms of high end antique shops, art galleries and fashion houses with it's style and impeccable taste. This is just how bears should be viewed, in a showcase which highlights the artistry of the maker.

I think it's a bold move in a world where teddy bears can be viewed as twee, but here artist bears sit comfortably side by side with vintage Steiffs. The shop shows the bears to be more than toys...it is clear to the potential buyer that these artistic pieces have been selected by someone who knows about bears and collectors can feel that they are buying a piece of art, nostalgia, history or style with each bear they purchase.

So it's a thumbs up from me for Silly Bears! OOh and addd to that some wonderful canapes and Hibiscus Cocktails and you can say that a very good time was had by all!
Here is a selection of the bears that I sent to Silly Bears for the signing:

Ebay grumble.....

2011-09-14T09:19:00.000+01:00

This has nothing to do with teddies but is everything to do with the dreaded ebay resolution policy which affects us as sellers.
I have had a scammer hit me with an attempt to get the item AND a refund from me. She sent me fake photos of a 'broken' item which she says she received in the post as my item was badly packed ( nonsense) the photos were of the wrong packaging and the wrong item. I told her she had sent pictures of an item which she had clearly bought from someone else..and thought that was an end to it. Then she waits 6 weeks and mocks up another picture this time using my packaging and an old broken teapot and demands a refund or she will leave me negative feedback. I instigated a complaint against her with ebay who agreed with me and issued her with a warning yet she still was able to leave me negative feedback which ebay will not remove despite their own findings that she did indeed in breach of their feedback policy.
So this is just a warning that there are scammers out there and eBay seems to support the buyer whatever..even the scammers. They also wrecked my seller ratings over postage charges despite the fact that I had to supplement the amount she paid in order to post the item to her....
Now my eBay 100% feedback is wrecked because the powers that be won't recognise that I have been the victim of a huge and common scam which is the scourge of eBay and is why I have to think twice about which countries I will now post to. There seem to be places in this world where this type of double crossing is endemic.
Anyway it stinks...HMMMMPH!!

TINA...a new design on eBay

2011-08-21T21:09:00.001+01:00

Well I have been really bad ...I have been mulling over making a puppy ever since we adopted Teddie our gorgeous Tibetan Terrier pup... So after much mulling and 'imagineering' I made TINA a sweet puppy after the Tibetan Terrier fashion.

She is listed on eBay for a 5 day listing and you can visit her auction if you click here or if you would like to know more about her don't hesitate to drop me a line!

We won a TOBY award!!!

2011-08-17T10:06:00.000+01:00

Well...I am tickled pink....my little bunny Lettice who was nominated for a TOBY award earlier in the year has now won a PUBLIC CHOICE AWARD in her category. So we are offically TOBY winners 2011.

I have been in the bear making business 10 years next year and this is the first major award I have won. I am so delighted and still in shock as I genuimely neevr thought we would ever win...but a bit like Robert the Bruce and the spider I kept going and it has paid off!

Huge thanks to all who voted and fuingers crossed that this is the start of better things to come!!

Baby View iPad app designed by my Son in Law...WOW!

2011-07-28T09:18:00.004+01:00

This is the BABY VIEW iPad App that my son in law Wayne has designed. It's been designed for very tiny babies whose eye co-ordination and focus is just developing and it stimulates interest and is beneficial in promoting vision and eye tracking skills.

It's in high contrast to encourage babies improving vision to maximum potential. There will be expanded versions to follow along with developmental ones to stimulate further interest for babies as they grow! Exciting stuff!! He created Mrs Owls Learning Tree too...for pre-schoolers!!!

Apart from anything isn't my little grand-daughter Anna a sweetheart!!!

Sasha the Bunny Available

2011-07-27T19:42:00.001+01:00

FINALLY I managed to finish my new bunny, Sasha , whose details can be found by clicking on the 'Available' page. Sasha has been adopted....thanks

Little Tommy Available for adoption!

2011-07-26T14:00:00.001+01:00

Little Tommy is available for adoption right now and I will have an equally sweet little bunny available later this evening.

Tommy has now been adopted..thanks

What makes you happy?

2011-07-26T08:11:00.000+01:00

Well it's seems the government is spending our hard earned cash on finding out what makes us happy? What makes me happy...well ..spending time with Steve makes me sooo happy...we have such fun together he's such a clown and makes me laugh. I love my kids and so look forward to spending time with them. My grandchildren make me truly happy I love it when they are here.

I love my pets, it's a joy to share our home with our cats and dogs and watching Teddie the puppy is the funniest thing ever...he is so engaging and full of beans!

I love making my bears I count myself as really lucky that I have such a great job!

All in all I think I have a very happy life....not too many complaints!!

What makes you happy?

Beautiful new bear tomorrow....

2011-07-25T21:21:00.001+01:00

I have a beautiful baby bear available who will be appearing on the website tomorrow at around 2 pm UK time. I also have a very sweet bunny who might be done too....

I am looking forward to introducing my newest designs!!

Two pretty friends available

2011-07-18T21:06:00.000+01:00

I just updated the available page with two new baby designs...sorry we're a bit late!! They are on the 'AVAILABLE' page

A bear and a bunny

2011-07-18T09:15:00.000+01:00

Tonight I will be posting details of two friends that will be available on my website. They will go 'live' between 8pm and 9pm but will know exactly what time later.
Keep ya' posted.....

A new Teddie ( who isn't up for adoption!!)

2011-07-02T09:44:00.000+01:00

We have decided to get a new puppy to fill the gap left by our lovely Zoe who died two weeks ago. We are so happy that we are going to welcome Teddie, our utterly beautiful Tibetan Terrier pup next week. Here's a sneaky picture of him...I hope his mummy doesn't mind me showing him off!

Facebook page

2011-07-02T07:40:00.000+01:00

Just been reading a post on the Guild of Master Bear Crafters of which I am a member. Interestingly they are talking about Facebook. I have no idea about facebook...me being a total numpty where this sort of thing is concerned. It does make me think that I do tend to use Facebook as my blog nowadays. So I have to say though that I do post 'stuff' about the Three O'clock Bears most days on my 'page' and I don't always post here everyday as I tend to now keep the blog for when I have bears for sale. So if you are interested in finding regular news about the bears and what I am droning on about you can follow me on Facebook

Sweet Lavender Bunny available

2011-06-30T20:11:00.002+01:00

I am delighted to introduce Sweet Lavender Bunny...all her details are on the available page!! She has now been adopted ...thanks

New Bear Available !!

2011-06-28T10:40:00.003+01:00

Little Billy the Bear HAS NOW BEEN ADOPTED
Thanks

New baby bear at SILLY BEARS

2011-06-24T20:41:00.000+01:00

This is Little Blue Moon Bear...he is 15 inches and is quite a chunky little soul Based on my new design Blue Moon is a chunky Polar caricature style. He is made in soft white plush and is available for adoption at SILLY BEARS Aberdeen

Best foot forward....

2011-06-22T19:41:00.001+01:00

I just want to say a huge big THANKS to all the lovely friends, customers and readers of this here blog who have taken the time to write to me in my dark hours lately. I have been really up against it...what with a broken arm...a black eye and a chipped nose...and then poor old ZOE going to that great big dog basket in the sky.
It goes without saying that I am so uplifted by all the lovely poems and prayers and good wishes that have come my way...I am truly blessed. It has enabled me to put my best foot forward and carry on as best I can!
Thanks so much to each and every one of you...

Bye-Bye Zo-Zoes

2011-06-22T12:23:00.001+01:00

Our lovely Tibetan Terrier Zoe died yesterday...she had been quite ill on and off for a while. But yesterday things took a turn for the worst and she was put to sleep ..she had cancer of the liver and she would have suffered greatly had we not have taken the decision. It was hard but needs must when animals are suffering.
The house feels strangely empty today..a huge void has been left and we are feeling lost without her.
Here she is in her summer clip...which she loved and used bound around like a spring lamb...enjoying the sunshine in the peak of health. Bye-Bye Zo-Zoes....till we meet again!

Oh don't pets break your heart...they jump all over the furniture and leave their pawprints imprinted on your soul.

Show open a 9pm!!!

2011-06-14T20:13:00.002+01:00

I have just uploaded all the photos of my six bears which will be available at 9pm this evening, UK time. Do get in touch if you would like to adopt any of these lovely bears which will be available for immediate adoption on a first come first served basis!!
The show is now live on the available page!

Be there or be square....

2011-06-11T08:08:00.000+01:00

I am having an ON-LINE SHOW at 9pm on TUESDAY ...this will be UK time so set your alarm clock if you want to be among the first to see my bears. I will be showing the 6 bears who I would have taken to STRATFORD TEDDY BEAR ARTIST EVENT on Sunday 12th but since I broke my elbow there has been a big slowdown in the production line.
I have 2 adorable 12 inch bears , one of my new design with a double neck joint and 3 lovely big bears ...
I can't wait to reveal all!!!

Tumbly Bear is looking for a place to rest his head!

2011-06-09T09:04:00.001+01:00

I had a phone-call from the lovely lady who adopted Tumbly Bear and she has told me that she has had lots of problems lately and is looking to re-home some bears...Tumbly Bear is one of them. He is a lovely big fluffy scruff of a bear with the most adorable face...so if you are interested in him coming to live at your house drop the lady a line, I am sure will be delighted to hear from you!

OUCH!!

2011-06-05T22:06:00.000+01:00

Well, I had a really nasty fall today and have fractured my elbow and broken my nose.
I am so fed up because it means I can't do my show in Stratford. I just can't finish my bears in time but I will be having an on-line show when I have finished them.
I am so sorry...I tripped over a hosepipe on the patio at my sisters house and in the space of about 10 seconds it all happened.I was 3 hours in A&E and have to attend the fracture clinic and ENT....
I am so sorry to let people down who were planning to come to the fair.

A long awaited re-union

2011-05-31T07:32:00.000+01:00

When I was two years old my parents, along with my Aunt Kitty, Uncle Jim and my cousin Doreen who was 5 and her baby brother Kevin emigrated to Canada. My father was a welder and during the winter became ill with pleurisy and the money began to run out and so my parents decided to return to the UK with their last few pounds.
My aunt and uncle stayed in Canada and built a life never returning to the UK.
That was 54 years ago and today after all those years and much water under the bridge my cousin Doreen is flying from Toronto for a 2 week holiday here in the UK!!
I am picking her up from the airport at 11.30 and will meet her for the first time!!
Both her parents have sadly passed away but my dad is happily waiting to meet her again after all those years.
I have a feeling there will be a few tears and lots of chat!!
So I will post some pictures and lots of news as soon as I have time....
I am a bit nervous which is curious for me ...wish me luck!!
The good news is that Doreen is coming to the Stratford fair with me!!!!!

Teddy Bear Annual!

2011-05-26T12:39:00.001+01:00

I just received my copy of the TEDDY BEAR ANNUAL....it looks great and it's a credit to our industry! Thanks must go to Kathy Martin the Editor ...it looks really good and makes a fab read!
It's on sale now and is a must have for serious bear collectors and artists everywhere!!

A new bear available!

2011-05-21T17:53:00.002+01:00

This is TUMBLY my newest bear...all the details are on the 'AVAILABLE' page

New BIG bear tomorrow!!

2011-05-20T22:01:00.000+01:00

I will be posting a wonderful big bear tomorrow afternoon!!! Watch this space!!!!

Some great faux furs for sale

2011-05-19T18:46:00.000+01:00

I am selling some of my faux fur stash on eBay. There are some great fabrics up for auction including some wonderful TISSAVEL fabrics which are superb...and also some SCHULTE along with a couple of mohair pieces. In the next day or so I am also listing couple of bags of remnants which are great for small bears.
Here is the link for just one of the pieces.

A Garden of Teddies

2011-05-19T13:18:00.000+01:00

Well I have been so busy I have not even logged on here for a week or so....but I have just dropped by to post some pictures of the 3 bears who have taken the high road up to Silly Bears in Aberdeen and will be available as part of Julieanns Summer Collection entitled, 'A Summer Garden'
All the details will be on the SILLY BEARS WEBSITE when the go live tomorrow night. But in the meantime here are some pictures!

CANDYTUFT (20 inch)

MOONSHINE (23inch)

Little Dewey (16 inch)

Check out the new Teddy Bear Annual

2011-05-14T21:55:00.000+01:00

Kathy Martin has done a wonderful job on the new Spring/Summer Teddy Bear Annual!! I am delighted that on the front cover is my lovely bear MR BLUEBIRD who I am so pleased with. I haven't got my copy yet as it comes out on 26th May . You can order yours by following this link!! It will be a great read!!

Busy, Busy, Busy!!

2011-05-11T07:36:00.002+01:00

I literally have my work cut out for me!! My dad has just cut out a big pile of bears fir me and I am ploughing through them....so you may not see much of me for a week or so while I work myself silly!!!

Me and my sister....

2011-05-05T09:11:00.001+01:00

I am so happy that Elizabeth has a sister. The best things about having a sister is having a friend for life..I have a sister and feel very lucky indeed. Now Elizabeth and baby Anna have each other....lots of shopping squabbles, secrets, laughs and love are in store!

Hot off the press!!

2011-05-04T16:53:00.002+01:00

YAAAAAY...I am going to have a stand at the Teddy Bear Artist Event at Stratford. I can't wait . I didn't think I would be able to come because of the baby etc...but as luck would have it there is just enough space to squeeze me in and we'll be there with some lovely bears!!
I'll be posting a preview as we get nearer to the day!!! Click here to check out all the info on this fabulous fair!
I have also just booked a table at the Great Yorkshire Teddy Bear Event on November 20th at the Hilton Hotel Sheffield.....Great news.
Here are the links to both events:
http://www.thegreatyorkshireteddybearevent.co.uk/
http://www.teddybearartistevent.co.uk/

Melissa May available now!

2011-05-02T19:28:00.007+01:00

Melissa May is available for adoption. Her details are on the 'AVAILABLE' page!

ADOPTED...thanks

HUCKLEBY BEAR AVAILABLE

2011-04-30T11:45:00.007+01:00

This is HUCKLEBY BEAR my newest bear who has now been adopted!

Mr Bluebird has scooped a GOLDEN TEDDY AWARD!

2011-04-29T07:27:00.001+01:00

I just got the news that Mr Bluebird has been nominated for a GOLDEN TEDDY AWARD. We are all tickled pink here!! Such an uplifting couple of weeks for a change.....my newest baby grand-daughter Anna Florence was born last week...and now I am buzzing with happiness because I have a nomination for this prestigious award!!
Lucky me!!!

Contacting me

2011-04-28T16:34:00.000+01:00

Just a note to say my phone is not working. I can phone out but people cannot phone me. I am getting it fixed but in the mean time please email me.

A New Bear very soon!

2011-04-27T21:30:00.001+01:00

Well I have had an absolutely crazy week! First of all my daughter had her second baby a week ago..a lovely little girl named Anna Florence born last Tuesday by C section weighed in at 7lb 14oz. She's absolutely gorgeous and I am so proud. Then we had a little break over Easter and so I am way behind with my work!!
Anyway I have been working hard to catch up and I completed a beautiful bears head today and should be able to finish up the bear tomorrow or Friday.
So keep checking here for my new bear which will be roughly 18 inches and is a very pretty baby faced bear in a sludgy gold mohair.

PRIMROSE..the secret bunny!

2011-04-18T12:20:00.000+01:00

Finally I am allowed to reveal my secret bunny! She is called Primrose and she will be available from SILLY BEARS SHOP in ABERDEEN on Friday! This sweet bunny is featured on the Silly Bears Easter cards and is absolutely gorgeous! I painted a 'set' for her to pose in ...with blue sky and primroses it is the ideal card for spring!!

Have a happy EASTER whatever you are doing. Primrose will be available in the shop but if you would like details get in touch with Julieann.

APRIL the BUNNY available now!

2011-04-17T20:05:00.003+01:00

April the bunny has now been adopted...thanks so much!

WATCH THIS SPACE!!!

2011-04-17T09:53:00.002+01:00

NEW BUNNY LATER TODAY!!

Emails not working....

2011-04-17T09:52:00.000+01:00

Just in case anyone has emailed me and not had a reply I have been having MAJOR glitches with my emails again. If they came through to my laptop...which most do since I check it every morning ...then they are lost I am afraid. My computer has decided it doesn't like Outlook Express and has totally stopped me opening the email files..even though I am trying hard to get it up and running again it's so annoying!
If you have emailed and not heard from me I am not being rude..it just hasn't arrived so please email again and I should be able to read it on my other computer!
Sorry!

Babette the Bunny available...

2011-04-12T17:51:00.001+01:00

This is Babette the Bunny...she already has a new home!

Easter bunnies special visit to my house

2011-04-10T08:01:00.000+01:00

Well..two weeks before Easter the Bunnies have been to my house especially early. There is a new baby arriving on our family during Easter week...(my daughter is having a caesarian section) and so we are having Easter Eggs early in our family. We are doing an egg hunt today and the children are coming armed with their baskets and loudest squeals to find the eggs.
Can't wait!!!

Bunny's on the way!!

2011-04-09T22:23:00.000+01:00

I should have a new bunny available on Tuesday!! Also there will be a gorgeous new Bunny available from Silly Bears ...there will be a picture posted here a week on Monday!!

Please vote for LETTICE!

2011-04-07T22:38:00.000+01:00

The TOBY AWARDS Public Choice Voting is now on-line and Lettice is in Category 7 and would love it of you would vote for her.
I hate canvassing for votes as I find it a bit cheeky asking...but if you don't ask you don't get so please pay her a visit. You can vote for your favourites in all the categories , there are wonderful entries I found it hard to choose!
I posted a picture of her below and here is the link so you can cast your vote.

Oh to be in England now that spring is here....

2011-04-07T14:34:00.000+01:00

This is my dad's flower bed ...I took a picture of it this morning . Isn't it a joy. I love the colours they really lift my spirits!
The birds are loving the garden at the moment, I am sitting outside snipping the seams on my next pieces and the little birds are lining their nests with mohair . No wonder we have some unusual birds nesting here!! That's in spite of a daft cat who sleeps all day.
My sister says the word has got around about the nesting 'fluff'. There is a whole lot of 'twittering' going on.
The nests in our garden are five star luxury!!

Anyone for Pizza?!!

2011-04-05T10:36:00.000+01:00

I don't often report the grandchildrens antics because not everyone goes gooey over other people kids but the other day my husband , Steve, was wallpapering at my daughters house. He had gone out without breakfast and was really hungry.In the middle of him putting up a piece of wallpaper Elizabeth , my 5 year old grand-daughter shouted...'grandad...do you you want a pizza?'
He shouted back , 'who is making it' she shouted back , 'me'.
So thinking that she and her daddy would be making a pizza he said he would love one and was looking forward to 'lunch'
Half and hour later Elizabeth pops her head up and said 'It's Ready,' and presented him with a Playdoh one that she had 'made'
Serves him right for not eating breakfast!!

Witherley...a new bear available!

2011-04-03T15:25:00.001+01:00

This is WITHERLEY...my newest bear. He is available for immmediate adoption.
WITHERLEY HAS BEEN ADOPTED!

New Bear Alert!

2011-04-03T09:27:00.002+01:00

I will be posting a new available bear later today!

Have a Happy Mothering Sunday!

2011-04-03T09:26:00.000+01:00

To all mums everywhere...have a happy Mothering Sunday...put your feet up and let the family spoil you!!

Peggy...a new bear available

2011-03-31T13:10:00.000+01:00

This is Peggy...her details are on my 'available' page!!

New bear tomorrow fingers crossed!

2011-03-29T21:52:00.000+01:00

I am having problems with my computer. I had to off load 30,000 pictures from my hard-drive...yes you read correctly. I am so bad at deleting old photos! Anyway that has taken me ages today as sending them to a separate hard-drive took forever...So I did manage to get on with a bit of sewing tonight...
I should be able to post pictures of the most adorable girl bear tomorrow....fingers crossed!!!!

Bunty the Bunny...

2011-03-29T17:23:00.002+01:00

This is Bunty the Bunny...who I just finished! Not the 'secret bunny' this is a pretty baby who I think may already have a new mom but you never know! I have another bunny on the way...they have a habit of multiplying!

A new bear on Tuesday/Wednesday

2011-03-26T22:32:00.000Z

I am on schedule to finish a lovely girl bear on Tuesday/Wedmesday ...I will post pictures the minute she is ready!

Tia Maria...my newest bear!

2011-03-25T07:48:00.000Z

This is Tia Maria...my very newest bear...she's off to live with her new mom very soon. She's my biggest ever bear at 24 inches tall and is quite a chunk. I will be making more big bears very soon!

A helping hand!

2011-03-23T07:54:00.001Z

I can't say I was born with a head for technical wizardry and so I was delighted to find so many great resources on the internet which helped me through the hefty process of re-jigging my website/blog. The nicest and most helpful of all is http://shabbyblogs.com/ and all credit to them for the tutorials which are easy-peasy and if I can do it literally anyone can.
Hats off to http://www.kevinandamanda.com/ too...useful info there also.....
I have spent more time learning things I never knew this week and my head is full of all things techie now....

It won't last long!!

Emails on a go slow!

2011-03-22T09:56:00.002Z

My emails are not working at the moment...because I changed over my website thingy (technical term) and so my emails are going off into cyberspace. If you need to speak to me or are expecting to hear from me please message me via FACEBOOK till it's sorted out!
Sorry!! :o(
We're back up and running now...all sorted out ..PHEW!

To Etsy...or not to Etsy....

2011-03-22T08:30:00.000Z

I am deliberating about ETSY.....I have had problems since the beginnning of the business with the first come first served option when selling my bears. I am looking at the option of incorporating an ETSY shop into my website which will allow people to buy the bear by clicking a button. This solves the issue of who was first..and might be a fairer way to resolve the problem.

I'd be interested to hear what people think of ETSY and whether it might work?

New home for the THREE O'CLOCK BEARS

2011-03-21T16:57:00.003Z

For some time now I have been struggling to do my website and my blog...and I have to always ask my son in law to update my website and it's such a pain in the neck! Anyway I decided , after talking to various people that the way forward is to have a home for my blog AND my website under the same roof so to speak. I will be able to upload news, bears, pictures and all kinds on nonsense here on my website cum blog.
I hope it will prove easier than having to cajole people into helping me.
This weekend has been a huge learning curve for me, initially I asked Shelli from Potbelly Bears to help to design this new template and she did a fabulous job, but my head is full of stuff that only I can see and so I decided after a whole weekend of clicking and saving, reading, re-reading and swearing that I could manage to do it myself. Like the little train that could , I think I can I KNOW I can!
This is the first post of many to this blog and I hope that someone out there wants to read my ramblings!!!