THREE O'CLOCK THOUGHTS

Back to basics....

I have been making an effort to define what my bears are all about. It isn't easy because when you start out all you have is and idea and no clue how to achieve it. I am just going into my 9th year as a bear maker and now I have many skills to produce bears with, but in learning those skillls it's very easy to get bogged down with techniques which can easily cloud the original vision.

So lately I have been trying to revisit the original idea of 'my bear' that I started out with. I am still developing techniques but here is the sweet little bear I made. His name is 'Just Andy' and he is quite traditional for me...I had to stop myself from 'tweeking' him.. but I love his sweet look and hope there will be more like him!

'Just Andy' has a new mom already!

I am going to be a Grandma....again!!

A few weeks ago Elizabeth...my eldest Grandaughter told my sister ,Judi,  that 'mummy is having a baby'.

Apparently she was supposed to tell me first but got mixed up! Anyway, we are having another grand-baby next spring. I am sooooo excited so I hope I can be forgiven for the lack of postings on this blog but I have been doing lots of thinking!!

I am planning to retire from hairdressing next year too...with lots of plans for various things bubbling away in my head it seems like there is a  lot of planning to do.

One thing I have planned though is that next year I will not be doing the Stratford Fair. Lucies baby is due April/May and in order to be ther for her I need to make the decision early on so next year the Three O'clock Bears will be staying home!!

Sweet Barley Mo..my newest bear available

This is Sweet Barley Mo. He is just under 17 inches tall and is made from the loveliest mohair I have seen in a good while. It is a gorgeous gold shade tipped with a pale blonde, very dense and has great texture.

I thought about dressing this bear but it would be a crime to hide this beautiful fabric from view so I accessorised with a simple silk neck tie which I dyed a lovely lilac blue which is a wonderful contrast.

He has upper and lower eyelids and lots of detailing to his face along with shading and needle sculpting to his paws. he has wired arms for posing .

Sweet Barley Mo has now been adopted, thank so much

New bear sooooon! Update!

I am working on the most gorgeous bear. It's a big gold bear with pale blonde tips...I have worked on the face all day today and it should be ready tomorrow...if I get time I will take pictures and post them here tomorrow..if not it will be Monday. But watch this space if you are interested in owning this new bear!

I anticipate that this bear will be released at 2pm UK time today.

Three bears available at Hugglets on Sunday

I am proud and delighted to present my three newest bears which will be available a the Silly Bears stand at Hugglets on Sunday. I am thrilled that Julieann is taking these three bears with her to London and hope that they find lovely new homes!

The first is Anouska who is a sweet 16 inch bear who I dressed in a deep red silk velvet coat trimmed with faux mink with matching hand warmer. She can stand if balanced and has little black leather boots which perfectly complement the whole ensemble which I made especially for her.

Next is Imogen who is a sweet 15 inch girl in a plum velvet dress with white cotton sleeves and collar. She has wired arms and has the sweetest expression.

Finally Leander the Panda is an 18 inch boy made from ivory and hand dyed biscuit coloured mohair, he has wired limbs and I made him a pretty olive green ruffle.

Silly Bears Hugglets preview...

Later today I will be posting a preview of the 3 bears that will be available on the SILLY BEARS stand at Hugglets on Sunday. I have 2 gorgeous girls and a big panda . 

Watch this space LOL!!!!

Back off...dangerous dog on guard!

If you happened to stumble into our back garden today you'd be forgiven for thinking you'd accidentally walked into number 10 Rillington Place. Steve bought home a bag of dog bones last night and Lottie has snaffled them all. Woe betide any dog...or person for that matter..who dares to go within her 'circle of fear'.

She's guarding for Britain at the moment...till the doorbell rang and off she trots to see who it is...by which time someone else has collared the bones.  Wouldn't it be great to be a dog in a nice home...nothing to worry about but postmen, doorbells ..and bones.

Bliss!

Hugglets...there but not there!!

It's coming round to that time of the year again ..and no, I don't mean Christmas...!!

Hugglets is just over a week away and I won't be there but my bears will be!! I am not a good show person..I actually like doing the shows ..and being there chatting to customers, but did you ever wish there was such a person as Mary Poppins who could tidy the house? Well I always wish for a magical helper for shows, to help with making the bears!

Anyone who knows me will know that a couple of years ago I went through a very bad time. I suffered from depression and anxiety and I learned that the key to getting better is doing things in teeny tiny steps that go in a forward direction..and not back. One of the triggers for my depression is stress and worry and so for the time being I can't countenance doing any fairs other than the Stratford fair in June.

Anyway, Julieann of Silly Bears Aberdeen will be taking 3 of my bears to Hugglets. I am working on a lovely panda and two pretty, dressed girl bears. I am really chuffed that my bears will be there...even though I can't be.

So if you can, stop by the Silly Bears stand in Hall 1..and say 'hello' to Julieann..and my bears!!! I will post a preview of the bears on here early next week, but I am assured that these bears will be available only to show visitors on the day so I would recommend an early visit to the stand if you'd like to see them in the fur!