Christmas

Well at last Christmas is here.  It has been a difficult year with very few bears made.  Next year I am determined it will be different.  Anyway, I am just going to see how it goes but as soon as the weather gets a little warmer I will be back in my studio in the garden which is my favourite place but in the meantime I am hoping to change the spare bedroom into a winter hideaway where I can start some new projects.  I will include photo's of my studio and what I make there once I have tidied up and given it a fresh lick of paint and  some pretty touches such as curtains that I have been meaning to make.

Wishing all my friends in the craft world a very Merry Christmas and Very Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Benson Bears

I have just entered myself into Benson Bears superb giveaway.  I have been an admirer for many years, her work is exceptional.  Please see the link below and perhaps pop along to her wonderful blog.

http://bensonbears.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/to-make-up-for.html

Craftseller Magazine

I have just bought the latest issue of Craftseller magazine it is full of wonderful useful tips on pricing and selling your crafts.  This month's issue comes with a free magazine all about Pinterest and using it to help market your craft business.  Every month there are wonderful items to make and sell.

Essential Bears

Essential Bears are having a giveaway - please pop along and leave a comment to be in with a chance to win  a gorgeous miniature bear.
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This is the link:


https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQRhKork_yk-80BUEuduKmsC68FrWFctvVOz4mZagaD4gXX8bZ3F8p9317VlbAPmM9BMlWR_2-RbnBdB8rTmh5pYCT2ZZXn995mrjgTwEjmXVDt44W89JknGXsHKVOJmjD3-unV0AKwLF/s320/pic1.jpg

Photography

At last I have managed to get around to buying a light cube, no lights for it yet but a light cube nonetheless.  I am amazed at what a difference it has already made to my pictures.  Here are a few examples.

What I have been making this week.

I have rested more sore fingers from bear making for a couple of days and made some needle cases, I used Tilda fabric which is one of my favourites and a bear picture that was drawn for me by a lovely lady from the USA going by the name of Patti's Paw Prints.  She drew one of my bears for me many years ago and I have it frame with pride of place in my studio and have at last decided to actually use it as I intended.

I have also been using my Japanese linen that I have hung on to for quite sometime and made a few more needle cases with matching pin cushions.  I will be offering these for sale on my new website soon plus taking them with me to the teddy bear shows.

What a great day!

At last I have attended a show with only my bears.  I used to offer fabric and accessories for mini bear makers but decided to give this up.  I have never just had my bears at a show before and I was very nervous.  Had a lovely day at Stratford Teddy Bear Event met some lovely people and caught up with old friends.  Will be booking more fairs, I have got the bug again!!