Bare Cub Designs By Helen Gleeson

2011-01-15T07:14:00.000-08:00

Please follow my new blog here

follow the new blog - this one will be ending soon

2009-12-31T18:54:00.000-08:00

Please check out my new blog ...

http://barecubdesigns.blogspot.com/

and don't forget to follow the new one to be in with a chance to adopt little Tike for free!

Little Tike free to a good home!

2009-12-26T22:22:00.000-08:00

This blog is moving... same blog just new address...
http://barecubdesigns.blogspot.com/
Please click on the link to be taken to the new blog
and don't forget to update your bookmark
all new posts will be on this new blog!

Tike will be in the next issue of Australian Bear Creations
I thought it would be a nice idea to offer Tike as a welcoming gift.
All you need to do is follow my new blog
either through the "followers" or "networked blog" buttons on the right

Hope to see you there!

Bare Designs Club

2009-12-26T22:17:00.000-08:00

Don't forget, there is only 4 days to go, to receive your free Bare Cub Designs pattern for signing up to the new years Club. If you would like to sign up click on the right hand side button to buy on Ebay or just email me at helen@barecubdesigns.com

Available bears on Etsy

2009-12-14T03:01:00.000-08:00

Ginger is available again for a second chance if you are after a Christmas bear. Edward and Noah have also been made available. These guys are on Etsy, however if you are not an Etsy member you can always send me an email and I can take them "off the shelf" so to speak.

Visit my Etsy store at http://www.etsy.com/shop/Barecubs

Christmas Craft time

2009-12-13T02:56:00.000-08:00

I know I should be making more bears ready for the Sydney Teddy Bear Fair, but I thought I would spend and hour doing a bit of a Christmas craft. I made many of these for sale last Christmas and also gave them as gifts to family members. They are simple freshwater pearls on a ring bracelet. The best part is the clip, it is magnetic so putting them on take 2 seconds, which is all I have in the morning. If it takes longer than that the chances are, I'll never wear it. I have these in different colors to match my wardrobe. I hope this inspires you all to all to create a little magic this Christmas. I think a handmade gift is the best way to celebrate the holidays!

Sweethearts in the garden

2009-12-08T19:56:00.000-08:00

Summer is here and the kangaroos are out and about... I get to see them at dawn and dusk when leaving the driveway in the morning off to work and on my return home. They are in the front garden and hop across the driveway when they hear my car. Yesterday I was lucky enough to see the sweetest baby joey no taller than the undergrowth grass, I could just see his tiny face... the sweetest little thing you could imagine!

Australian Bear Creations Vol 15 No 5

2009-12-07T19:00:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful surprise last night after going to my walk to sit down and open up the current issue of Australian Bear Creations to find a profile about... Bare Cub Designs. This profile was featured in Dolls and Bears and beautifully written by Sandra the editor of Australian Bear Creations. There are some beautiful patterns in this issue and Don't Forget little Tikes pattern will be in the Feb issue!

Candy kisses and Christmas Carol

2009-12-06T16:39:00.000-08:00

Candy Kisses arrived and I am so excited to have her with Christmas Carol. I have put up my Chritmas tree. These two beautiful dolls are sitting on my kitchen bench together where they can look at the tree all day. These two girls where made by a wonderful talented artist, Jess of little dirt lane, if you would like your own little doll you can have a look through the collection available at http://www.etsy.com/shop/littledirtlane - So cute!

A Christmas Tea Party

2009-12-04T09:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome friends to my tea party.
I hope you have a nice hot cocoa or for those of us on this side of the world a cool lemon drink!
Enjoy looking through these wonderful linked blogs for the tea party, by clicking on the teapot on the right hand bar to see who else is joining us today.

To celebrate Egg Nog and Ginger are available for adoption.

Egg Nog is made from beautiful cream and egg yolk alpaca. Egg Nog has been scissor sculpted just link my mink cubs to create fluffy cheeks. Egg Nog has sweet olive green eyes with white accents and shading. Egg Nog has a hand stitched cotton nose. Egg Nog wears some holly that can easily be removed so you can love Egg Nog
all year round!

Ginger is made from a beautiful gingerbread alpaca. Ginger has been scissor sculpted just link my mink cubs to create fluffy cheeks. Ginger also has olive eyes with white accent and shading. Ginger has a cream ric rac bow for icing! For the extra touch Ginger has 3 little jelly buttons in a beautiful poinsetta pink.

Egg Nog and Ginger are available be emailing me helen@barecubdesigns.com
Egg Nog and Ginger are available for adoption fee of $225 US each
which is about $249 AUD plus a little for postage depending on where you live.

I hope you enjoyed your visit. Now you are here, spend a little time - enjoy reading my blog posts and hope you follow my blog for more posts soon.

Wishing you all a safe and happy holidays!!

A Christmas Tea Sneak Peek

2009-11-29T01:35:00.001-08:00

Here is a little peek at Egg Nog and Ginger for those of us who cant "bear" to wait for things and are always caught shaking gifts under the tree!

2009-11-23T16:52:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful surprise I received last night,
and I just wanted to share him with you all.
Ray presented my with a little blue box with Swarovski ribbon,
so it was not hard to guess what was hidden within the wrapper
but what a delight to see this sweet little bear
with his big belly and sweet button nose
looking up at me and offering me all the stars in the sky,
just as my sweet husband would if he could.
I guess there are no limits with bears. reality does not apply.
This little bear will always hold a very special place in my heart.
I really am blessed.

Let it Snow????

2009-11-22T22:51:00.000-08:00

Its getting hot here in Australia, Im not use to the heat yet as winter seems to never end. But here it is the hot sunny days and eating outside. No white Christmas for us. Ray has just about finished our deck and the pool table has arrived. I thought I would trick myself into being cool by adding some snow to my blog, very cute. My Chistmas bears for the Christmas tea are coming along.

Christmas tea -Blog Show

2009-11-18T21:38:00.000-08:00

You are invited to a Christmas tea. it will be held here on this blog and many other blogs all linking together for the day. Saturday the 5th December. Make a cuppa, get comfy and look at all the Christmas inspired bears for adoption.
I Should add dolls and toys are also part of this fun filled blog show so if you wnat to take part click on the tea pot on the right hand bar!

Christmas Carol and Orphan Anne

2009-11-14T19:17:00.000-08:00

After the long trip around the world from Little dirt lane, my two sweet girls have arrived. They are very precious and made by a wonderful artist Jess. I cant waitt o see my next girl who is on her way Candy kisses...

My new work room

2009-11-14T18:54:00.000-08:00

Ray (my wonderful husband) has been busy building on to the back of our house. The decking is going down this week and I am very excited about having all this room to store my ever growing collection of materials. ( I might have to share it with a pool table and a bar... but I accept. I plan to make all my step by step guides out here as the photos will not have the shadows like working in the sunlight. I am really looking forward to working on this club and happy to take thoughts from my new members, it is interesting to hear what people really want to see, as its not always what I would have thought. So keep on sending those ideas.

Blue Bell

2009-11-08T00:42:00.000-08:00

I would like you to meet Bluebell...

Bluebell is an 8 inch bundle of joy,

created from the softest blush mink with perfect white tips.

Bluebells tummy is striped with blush and white mink

creating a white belly surrounded in blush mink.

Her paws match her fur as does her nose, made from hand marbled clay

Bluebells eyes are blue buzzard eyes, a black pupil with a starburst of blue

Bluebells face has been extensively scissor sculpted

to reveal the warm undertones of blush

Bluebell is being offered as a silent auction

If you would like to adopt Bluebell,

please send me an email at mailto:Helen@barecubdesigns.com

with your best bid. All bids are confidential.

The bidding closes at 12.00 noon in the 12th Perth time.

Please see the clock near this post for details

The highest bidder at the time will be notified by email.

Bluebell with come with her Bare Cub Design swing tag,

and in a vintage style box create by me.

Please email me with any questions.
Good luck

Tush Tags

2009-11-05T22:55:00.000-08:00

As you know I have been working on my swing tags and vintage inspired boxes.

I wanted to ensure my little cubs have a tag attached to show they are a true Bare Cub Design!

So... what do you think of my little tush tags to be sewn into the cubs tush?

I have a beautiful chocolate brown with gold print and a ivory cream with chocolate print

both on double sided satin ribbion.

All new cubs created will come with the swing tag and a tush tag sewn in.

The next cub is due within days... made from a beautiful blush mink with white chest.....

My first blog award

2009-11-04T19:02:00.000-08:00

Thank you to Jess for passing on this blog award to me!!
Jess is a wonderful artist and I am going to be collecting her work - Amazing!!

to see what I mean look at this blog

http://littledirtlanedolls.blogspot.com/

The Fun Part~only one word answers

1. Where is your cell phone?lost

2. Your hair? blonde
3. Your mother? loving

4. Your father? caring

5. Your favorite food? pasta

6. Your dream last night? bears!

7. Your favorite drink? Coffee

8. Your dream/goal? bears!

9. What room are you in? Office

10. Your hobby ? Bears
11. Your fear? sad

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Bindoon

13. Where were you last night? home

14. Something that you aren’t? mean

15. Muffins? Chocolate

16. Wish list item? mohair

17. Where did you grow up? Perth
18. Last thing you did? sew

19. What are you wearing? suit

20. Your TV? always

21. Your pets? loving
22. Friends? best

23. Your life? rushed

24. Your mood? creative

25. Missing someone? nope

26. Vehicle? busy

27. Something you’re not wearing? glasses

28. Your favorite store? the Teddy tree

29. Your favorite color? aqua

30. When was the last time you laughed? Today

31. Last time you cried? never

32. Your best friend? beautiful

33. One place that I go to over and over? work

34. One person who emails me regularly? Jess

35. Favorite place to eat? home

my 6 favoite blogs are : (Of course Jess of Little Dirt Lane)

http://bearwilderedbears.blogspot.com/

http://bensonbears.blogspot.com/
http://allbear.blogspot.com/2009/11/early-christmas-carole.html

http://russellbears.blogspot.com/
http://shantockbears.blogspot.com/
http://bramblewoodbears.blogspot.com/2009/10/rose-beara-dedication.html

Take a look at these wonderful creations from wonderful artists.

My Teddy Bear Times arrives!

2009-10-31T02:58:00.000-07:00

Today I had the joy of opening a package kindly sent to me from Elanor, of Shantock bears.
Thank you Elanor for sending me a copy of the latest Teddy Bear Times magazine!
What a wonderful way to spend the weekend catching up on the latest bear gossip.

China is ready to fly!

2009-10-25T00:55:00.000-07:00

I was so happy to hear that China was listed as a Nominee for the
Taiwan Teddy Bear Creative Awards.
China was picked out of all the entries, by the judges.
He was announced as a nominee on the October 21st, 2009.
Now it goes to the people for a week to vote online,
October 26th~November 6th
I do hope you can stop by and support China.
Then November 14th back to the judges for a second round of voting,
"in the fur" so China must fly off now to meet the judges
and the public at the Taiwan Teddy Bear Show.
If you would like to vote please use this link

http://www.twtba.org.tw/2009_TTBCA/2009_show_contest_vote.asp?catalog=5

Little Tike and his Trike

2009-10-24T02:24:00.000-07:00

Meet Little Tike.
Tike was created for the Australian Bear Creations Magazine.
My deadline was mid November so I am very proud of myself finishing in October, usually its midnight the night before some thing is due that I am saying awake to complete the last steps.. Not sure which issue he will be in but as I will keep you posted.

Whos Who Online show May 2010

2009-10-21T17:37:00.000-07:00

Mark your calenders 15th and16th May 2010!

for the next Whos Who in bear making online show.

There will be bears displayed prior to the show opening so mark the 14th for a real sneek peek!

visit the website for full details

http://www.whoiswho-in-bearmaking.com/

Bear Artists At Home

2009-10-20T00:13:00.000-07:00

Ever wondered what mess we artists create when we create??

As if I would photograph and submit that to a website....

But this website gives you a look at the clean side of things

Artists all over the world and where the bears are created

Pop by my house and have a look

http://www.twtba.org.tw/BAAT/AU_Helen_Gleeson.htm

Cannington show

2009-10-18T17:44:00.000-07:00

The Cannington show was a fun two days. The highlight was seeing Linda (Bou Bous Mum) who had a real copy of the Teddy Bear Times mag, which I adopted for the weekend. I am still trying to hunt down a copy from my fellow bear artists in the UK.

Snuggle and Mia recieved blue ribbions for the bear competition which is always nice too!

Cannington Doll and Bear Show

2009-10-12T00:06:00.000-07:00

As always I will be trading at the Doll and Bear Show in Cannington

The Porcelain Doll makers Guild of WA presents Carnival of Magic Doll bear and Miniature show The show will be at Cannington Exhibition Centre Open 10am to 4pm

17th and 18th October 20009

I cant say I will have many new bears, But I will have lots of miniatures and

fur for the bear makers out there after a bargain.

Hope to see you there

Bear Essence - the new shop

2009-10-11T23:24:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos as promised of the new Bear Essence in Tooradin, along the South Gippsland Highway

Being in the store is like stepping into a pink and white heaven with beautiful antique cups and paintings. All the furniture is sabby chic white and set against pink walls with beautiful bears from Monica Spicer of Bears in the Atic, Merilyn of Bearwildered Bears, and Josie - Look out for Moses....

Check out the Bear Essence new blog... my influence from my trip - Kim inspired me and looks like I inspired her! Keep blogging Kim!

http://bearsintooradin.blogspot.com/

Check out some of my favorite blogs, in "my fav blog" list on the right of this blog

Teddy Bear Times issue 184- China is on the cover!

2009-10-08T21:06:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to see China on the current cover of Teddy Bear Times!

My little cub is famous!

Kristie (editor) has captured my creativity in the beautifully written article about my bears.

There are 3 full page photos, China, Mokka and Bou Bou, The cover

and three more pages of photos and my profile.

The magazine is going green, just like my new Bare Designs Club. You can now purchase and view the magazine online - it also reduces the cost to us, not just our carbon footprint.

1 year is only 10 pound. Take a look.

https://www.ashdown.co.uk/comersus/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=38

Sydney teddy Bear Fair

2009-10-06T18:16:00.001-07:00

For those of you lucky enough to attend, I will be at the Sydney teddy bear fair on the

7th March 2010.

http://sydneyteddybearfair.homestead.com/
This is a great opportunity to talk to lots of artists and see bears for adoption "in the fur"

I may also be holding a workshop so watch this space.

There is also talk that there will be an option to pre buy tickets, allowing you 2 hours before the show opens to the public to get in and have a great look around, and maybe snap up that bear before anyone else can! - what a great idea.

http://sydneyteddybearfair.homestead.com/

Bare Designs Club! - monthly

2009-09-30T16:28:00.000-07:00

Have you bought any of my patterns or thought about it?

I have decided to dedicate much of my time next year to making exclusive patterns for my club members. I have been asked time after time to make a guide on many subject including our little mink friends.

I would like to offer my followers and bear making friends great opportunity for you to recieve a pattern every month full of step by step photos, tips and tricks and as requested time and time again, a massive mink bumper issue, just like going to a workshop in your own home!

Join the Bare Designs Club and you will receive a fresh new design every month of the year. That’s 12 patterns exclusive to the Bare Design Club members, not available anywhere else!
This new collection will include tips and tricks, step by step guides with photos, tools of the trade we love and loads of ideas, options and techniques.

Topics covered
Shading, cheeks, open mouths, tounges, raised paw pads, sculpting, clothes, adding charatcter to your bear, working with colours, noses, clay and thread covered, vintage bears, miniatures and much much more including the bumper mink issue!!

All this for $69.95us That’s less than $6 an issue!

If you subscibe on Ebay or Etsy before January, and pay the $69.95 membership I will send you your pattern you where buying for free so your saving $11.95

You will receive the email each month and the option to purchase kits from time to time and the 12 Bare Designs Club bears will be available for adoption to the Club members before being offered for sale to anyone else

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=350259466717&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

I would love to hear from you about what you think of this idea! drop me an email at helen@barecubdesigns.com

Latest bear without a name,,,

2009-09-28T04:12:00.001-07:00

Here is the panda cub I was making in Melbourne after each workshop in my hotel room.
I had to finish him at home as I don't know how well I would have gone asking the kitchen staff if I could cook a nose in their oven!

Snuggle bug

2009-09-26T22:49:00.000-07:00

Ever held a baby that just wanted to snuggle and you didn't want to hand him back?
well that's how this little bear feels, he snuggles and looks up at you with those sea green eyes!

Great way to spend the AFL grand final

2009-09-26T02:20:00.000-07:00

As you can tell I am not a football fan, but good news, Ray is. So having the house to myself means this little sweetheart gets a face! - now for the body.
Is surprising what a bit of shading and a nose can do. This nose took so long compared to my normal clay sculptures but this alpaca called for something soft!

Back Home!

2009-09-25T22:17:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed my trip to Melbourne. I loved meeting with bear makers and the time I spent with Kim and being inspired.. but as they say, there's no place like home.

I have cleaned up the mess I left in my studio and put away the old and bought out the new... I only have one little bear now. China, who will be on the cover of Teddy Bear Times so holds a special place in my heart, but all the other mink bears are no adopted.
So its back to creating some new bears.

Here are some of the beautiful things I have collected to supply inspiration for a new bear.

The Pumpkins and soft tones inspired this baby cub with an over sized head. I will load some more photos soon.

My shopping

2009-09-24T02:03:00.000-07:00

Beautiful velvet flowers for my vintage inspired boxes and yummy fur...

why not give into temptation!?!?!?

Workshop three- day two

2009-09-24T01:30:00.000-07:00

Workshops all over... Di came back from workshop one to finiah her sweet little bear.

- Very cute!

I am honoured to say I was with Kim today when Bear Essence in Boronia closed its doors for the last time. After five fab years Kim is moving her store to

Shop 3, 92 South Gippsland Hwy Tooradin Victoria.

I have been given the opportunity to see the new store before the grand opening on Thursday.

It is like a little slice of heaven, its like being inside a doll house.

I will have photos soon, as Joise is setting it up in the wonderful way she displays everything.

Workshop three- day one

2009-09-23T00:46:00.000-07:00

Last workshop before I leave for home. Another great group of ladies.

Only a few days left of Bear Essence in Boronia.

The new shop is almost ready for the grand opening!!

The current shop in Boronia

Workshop two - day two

2009-09-22T05:37:00.001-07:00

All the little Tim Tams finished early and enough time for Lemon Meringue!! Now this is a way to end a workshop! Thanks ladies it was wonderful to meet you all..

Workshop two- day one

2009-09-21T00:20:00.000-07:00

Another group of ladies ready to learn the trimming tips for Tim Tam.. lots of homework done so straight into it today.. I am very honoured to have ladies travelling from all over to do my workshops Gipsland, Bendigo and Kris travelled as far as from Sydney to Melbourne for this workshop.. I hope you learing lots girls!

Workshop 1 complete

2009-09-20T00:58:00.000-07:00

Workshop one complete and Pat was the first to finish her little cub, and what a beuatiful job. Well done Pat - I do hope your daugher gets one of her very own. All the bears are wonderful and I am sure a few people will be finishing off those ears tonight.. I hope. Workshop one was enjoyable and I even found myself going back to the hotel and doing my own bear head after day one... 10 heads is a record for me anyway, but I thought I would push it to 11..

Bear Essence - workshop 1

2009-09-19T01:41:00.000-07:00

Well I have made it to Melbourne and day of the first workshop is complete. I have 10 wonderful ladies all watching a Tim Tam face been trimmed. By tomorrow we should have 10 wonderful bears well on the way to being born.

New additions

2009-09-13T01:11:00.000-07:00

Here are 3 little bears I have made ready to go to Melbourne with me. I fly out Friday for a week of 3x 2 day workshops at Bear Essence. I have been busy making mink kits and a few bears to take along for the ride.

Wonton, another of my favourite caramel and chocolate pandas

Blush, made from the blush fur that arrived recentlyand Cosmo, a cute little clown, the first in the collection, inspired by the ruffle ribbon

Swing tags for mink cubs

2009-09-08T21:01:00.000-07:00

tada! new swing tags for my mink cubs, to go with their new inproved boxes! I will now work on a version for the alpaca/mohair style collection.

Jasmine available on Ebay

2009-09-06T00:02:00.000-07:00

Jasmine is now looking for a new home as her boy Zhen Zhen has been adopted..

Recycled Vintage inspired boxes

2009-09-04T21:45:00.000-07:00

I feel my bears get better year by year, but I have expanded my thoughts to other aspects of my bears like my new website! -I hope you like it. It is basic but pretty and my blog is where are the updates happen now. So I have challenged myself to create packaging for my little 8 inch vintage mink cubs that are just as cute as the bears and will add to the excitement for a collector opening their new arrival. I have chosen to stay true to the vintage style and even recycle some of the linings of the coats, as they are so beautiful I don't have the heart to discard them but nothing to use them for. I have used the monograms, old books, sheet music and flowers to adorn the gold boxes. I will use vintage pattern papers in the boxes rather than brand new tissue. The 8 inch cubs fit snug inside these boxes. Here are a few of the boxes I have created so far.

Package arrived just in time for the weekend

2009-08-29T23:49:00.000-07:00

Friday night when I got home from work was a package waiting for me, my husband had picked up. A beautiful vintage blush mink coat. I instantly wanted to create a bear with this soft dense fur and my little clown collection I have been creating to take to Melbourne with me in a few weeks was put on hold. I traced out my pattern and started cutting and sewing. The body has been created from the striped arms as this fur is far to beautiful to not use the arms too. It wont belong now till the little face peers back at me!

wild flower time

2009-08-29T06:43:00.000-07:00

It is the most beautiful time of the year in Australia, here are some of the many wild flowers that are like a colored carpet covering my property at the moment. These flowers have given me the inspiration to get of the couch and go for a bush walk each day after work and get in shape for summer.

Dudley

2009-08-26T03:08:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have been waiting for Dudley to be available as a pattern, he is now available. Dudley has cute little toes and overalls that can be made from your favorite stash of cottons and embellishments (which I know we all have, tucked away in every draw) Dudley is made from a mohair alpaca blend but a great shape for any fur, i am making out of string mohair now... as always pattern can be found on Ebay or Etsy. Happy Stitching!

Whos Who Sneek Peek

2009-08-17T17:33:00.000-07:00

Here is the sneek peek for the who's who online show. This is a great opportunity to attend a worldwide bear show without the cost or travel time of flying half way around the world. Please stop by on the 5th and 6th of September, only 2 weeks away. The count down begins!

http://www.whoiswho-in-bearmaking.com/

Face lift for Ebay and Etsy

2009-08-15T00:42:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I wonder if changing the look and style of listings and banners will keep people from recognizing my work, but I guess we never think twice about a fresh hair cut.. so I have taken the plunge (and time) to overhaul my ebay listings with some very cute templates.
Stop by and let me know what you think..

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350240374037&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

Teddy Bear Times

2009-08-09T05:05:00.000-07:00

I am very excited to be contacted by Kirstie McCool the editor for Teddy Bear Times in the UK. Kristie has asked to feature my bears in an upcomming issue! I have recently subscribed to Teddy Bear Times as they offer the magazine online, which means I dont have to go to the newsagent to buy it and its much greener. But the best bit, if you sign up for your online mag, you can read all the previous issues too!
http://www.teddybeartimes.com/imag/issue182/start.htm

The power of The Teddy bear

2009-08-02T07:35:00.000-07:00

My Dad does an amazing job, he is the Chaplain of the Fire and Emergency Service in Perth Western Australia. He goes to all the worst call outs, that I don't even care to think about. I remember from a child, a story he told me about a girl who was in a traffic accident, her body and mind went into a state of shock, just simply shut down. The chaplain at the time Major Darryl Rawlings went to the hospital to see this girl. The doctors told him, she was in a bad way and would not move, talk, nothing, "shes not really here, we just cant get a reaction" the doctor said. Darryl walked in with what is referred to as a "trauma teddy"- a bear dressed like a little fireman. The girl held out her arms grabbed the bear held it to her chest and said "Can I keep him?" The doctors where amazed "Well you just did what we couldn't"

Its a touching story and I am sure we can all remember our most precious childhood bear, what an impact a little bit of fur and stuffing can make. Trauma teddies are just fur and stuffing but they can be just what a child needs at a sad time in their life or when they are in a scary situation somehow holding on to a teddy can make them feel safe. This is the power of a teddy bear. Thanks to kind people like Jenny at The Teddy Tree (http://www.theteddytree.com/) for sourcing and ordering for me, these little fellows are the bears I gave to my Dad for such situations when words don't help, but a teddy can make such a difference. I am sure there are Chaplains and people like my Dad all over the world, who do an amazing job. It takes a special person to do these types of jobs and they deserve our support. Maybe you can help your local Chaplain, get in contact with them, talk to them about how you can help, maybe you could supply your local Chaplain Trauma Teddies...and impact on a little child's life in a way you many never know.

Peoples Choice Award

2009-08-02T05:18:00.000-07:00

The Bear Challenge is complete, I am honoured that so many bears where made from the pattern I designed.

Here is the peoples choice award held by Bec, of Bears by Becca.

These two sweet bears captured the hearts of on lookers with the most votes.

Judging complete for the Challenge bear

2009-07-20T17:21:00.000-07:00

Sunday a few local artist meet at the Teddy Tree to judge the entry's for the bear Challenge,

which was to se the pattern I designed to make your own wonderful bear,

any shape and colour you like.

The two bears above are from this pattern.

It was amazing to see all the bears made from my pattern look so different.

To see who won come along to the Claremont craft show on the 31 July-2 August.

I will blog the winners once announced

It's a boy!

2009-07-12T01:13:00.000-07:00

Its been fun posting this head at each stage as it is being created, I just love watching the face come to life. I really hope you like the way this little fellow turned out. Now he just needs a name, If you have a good name for a panda, please let me know!

Kangaroo paws and Kangaroos

2009-07-09T17:55:00.000-07:00

I am very excited to say, the first of my kangaroo paws has sprouted up, just over half a metre tall at the moment and I am looking forward to the flower that will unravel.

This is what it will turn into in weeks, (this photo was from last season)

Another type of Kangeroo.... hoped across my driveway on the way home from work so sorry the photo is a bit dark it was just after 6pm but he is right in the middle of the photo, and the little baby was just behind too.

Face Evolves

2009-07-09T00:09:00.000-07:00

This is the result of last night trimming and eye placement with the dark fur attached. Almost a bear!

The three little bears

2009-07-06T17:31:00.000-07:00

As you can see, I am really getting stuck into these little guys, it is amazing to watch the faces come to life, I will load more photos as they progress!

Zhen Zhen now available as a pattern

2009-07-05T01:39:00.000-07:00

Listed on my ebay store is my newest pattern, Zhen Zhen meaning "precious" this little panda cub is 8 inches an a great mink pattern for the beginner. If you have thought about making a mink cub, this is the one to try. Hope you like Zhen Zhen as much as I do.
As always this pattern comes with all the pieces printed on card ready to cut so you can get straight into making your new bear. Visit my "Ebay store" for more details.

Only 3 weeks to go?

2009-07-04T22:51:00.000-07:00

Another busy weekend sewing all my "pieces" together, to soon form 3 different panda bears. These panda's will be available for adoption at the "Who's who in bear making" online show on 5th September 2009. I only have 3 weeks to submit the photos of the finished bears!
The next 4 weeks are pretty full with a new fin. year starting at work means new clients in my portfolio to meet. I can see a few late nights.
I will also be at the Teddy Tree stall at Claremont for the "focus on WA bear artists" I will be holding small workshops with other artists, which will consist of having the demo pieces made too. As I designed the pattern was used for the bear challenge/competition I will be helping out with the judging on the 19th July. The show will run for 3 days starting the last weekend of July so that weekends busy and I really need to make sure I have my patterns and kits together for sale. So I guess I will need to get all my photos taken for the online show..... Oops, next weekend! Well lots to do, I really hope I can pull this all off. I will try to remember my favorite saying...
Bite off more than you can chew, and chew like mad!

New design, work in progress

2009-06-28T04:12:00.000-07:00

I always feel the hardest part is the design and making the right fur choice... this can take some time, drawing the pattern making changes enlarging reducing etc.
Sewing and stuffing are the easy bits that follow.

Here are my furs and what felt right for this new bear. I plan to give him a double neck so I am sticking with my favorite brown and dark chocolate for this one.

Once I have made some progress I will load some more photos

What a way to view the world

2009-06-26T07:29:00.001-07:00

Sometimes the hustle and bustle of our busy lives get the better of us.
I know between working full time and family commitments, I choose to have a Ebay and Etsy store, that keep me going off to the post office each day on my lunch break, shipping pattern and kits, holding workshops, my website, updating my blog, not to mention making bears for shows. My mind is always ticking over, mental note "finish that bear" "drop into the teddy tree and buy some muslin" "send the kits to Melbourne for the workshop" "pick up the printing and compile some more patterns" "take some photos of my latest creation for the online show" "find and buy another mink coat in cream" it all came seem a bit too much to take on some times. And all I want is to clear my head so a new inspiration and design can flourish. Then I stop. just stop for a second... this usually happens on a Friday night after a long week or Saturday morning after I have cleaned the house and I look out the windows along the front of my house and see the garden or Aussie bush as we know it and the driveway leading off to the distant road and I think to myself what a wonderful life. The world is frozen till Monday morning, no cars, no care or responsibility and just look at those amazing birds, they are carefree and just calling in for a feed before they take to the skies again. Sitting on the deck looking at this brings it all home to me. As my wonderful husband Ray says "You can't sing the blues in an air conditioned room" Sometimes the one thing that should be on my mind is the furthest from it. What a easy life and how lucky am I to be able to create my little cubs that bring me so much joy!

Choc chip

2009-06-26T06:37:00.000-07:00

People often ask me about choc chip....
(yes I have been told I can get a prescription for the condition I must have)
but I just wanted to see how small I could make a mink bear...

Turns out, now I don't want to know, I think I will stop with choc chip who is 2.5 inches! I do not sell the pattern for choc chip as I don't want to encourage strange behavior, however those of you who would like to give it a go... choc chip is made from my best seller Tim Tam pattern and reduced by 70% The photos below should give you an idea of the scale of the pieces - watch out for the arms they are sort of stuffed with mink before you turn them through. The good new is the stuffing takes no time at all

The good new is the stuffing takes no time at all

How to create a clay nose guide

2009-06-10T04:02:00.000-07:00

Paula has uploaded my guide to making a perfect nose that was published in Australian Bear Creation Mag on the Guild of Master Bearcrafters website under the workshops. These are great workshops and I love them all. This web site is a great destination to view beautiful bears and network with other artists.

http://masterbearcrafters.ning.com/page/how-to-create-a-clay-nose

How to make a cupcake!

2009-06-03T20:15:00.000-07:00

How to make a cupcake!
I like to display my bears with yummy treats here is a cupcake I made last night that I thought I would share with you.

Silicone molds are available to make a cupcake perfect everytime. The best will come in a split type with is both sides that are not smoothly joined as this rough edge make it hard to see a line down the centre.

Plaster of paris or pottery plaster should be available from your local craft or hardware store

add to water always follow the instructions on the packet but this calls for 3 parts powder to be added to 2 parts water

mix for a minute

mix and pour into mold

remove
and
tada!

Add to base you can fill base with the same process. And then paint with Gel medium (I am leaving mine for a day or two to be dry and hard first.

Hope you like this little guide.

Zhen Zhen

2009-06-02T23:14:00.001-07:00

Im done! and my girlfriend is on the way!

2009-05-28T00:12:00.000-07:00

I have at last downloaded my photos from my trip to the Perth Zoo. I went to visit our little
Sun Bear cub, Maly, became the first Sun Bear born in Australia on 26 March 2008. (my visit and photos are from the 25th march so Maly is 1 year old in the photos and nearly as big as mum. which is about 50- 60kg which is the same weight as my 10 year old Rottweiler. Anyway a bit to know about our friend teh Sun bear:
Diet: Sun Bears are omnivores and eat a range of fruit, eggs, honey, grubs, small mammals and shoots.
In the wild: Very little is actually known about Sun Bears in the wild because they are difficult to track and observe. They are mostly nocturnal and spend the day sleeping and sunbathing in trees. Unlike other bears, Sun Bears do not hibernate. This is because food is available all year round.
Did you know? Sun Bears have a very long tongue that can protrude up to 25 cm. They use their tongue to extract grubs, honey and other food from holes and crevices. The bear will also put its paws into termites’ nests. When the termites crawl onto the bear’s paws, they are licked off.
This is a little one minute video of the cub, hope you enjoy it! I found watching amazing!

Sneek Peek

2009-05-24T05:04:00.000-07:00

This is a note to show of a new little panda that has taken up much of my weekend while my husband is on night shift... (keeps me quiet so he can sleep - how thoughtful of me) Not sure of a name yet, it will come to me as I spend much more time perfecting those cheeks. I even made some fortune cookies for him. Hope you like him

2009-05-24T00:37:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful site Paula, from All bear has created. Its a wonderful way to look at artists recent works, promote your own and chat with like minded people. There are wonderful workshops too. I think this is going to take up a lot of my "spare time" oops forgot, I dont have any..... Take a look it really has some of the best artists.

Blogging take 2

2009-05-16T22:29:00.000-07:00

Well here I am back again to blogging. I thought it was a great idea in November, and now its May. I am still to learn how to fit it all in... I have some new great news. While at the craft fair in Perth over the weekend I met Melissa Kemp who you would know from The Sydney Teddy bear fair. Well Melissa was doing a great job of encouraging new people to get interested in making and collecting bears. After all what a sad world it would be if there where no bears to hug. If you would like to be apart of this, please visit her new site on the web and join up for free patterns and newsletters. http://www.teddybearsociety.com You might just want to be a friend or maybe a contributor either way its a great site. This link will now be on my blogger site list.

Mcbears site

2008-11-02T16:20:00.000-08:00

Mcbears.com

2008-11-02T16:16:00.000-08:00

new website - take a look and join up www.mcbears.com

Bare Cub Creations

2008-09-23T00:05:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my blog!! Day one and a lot to learn about blogging!