FREE PATTERN TO MAKE A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS BEAR

teddyCOLLECTABLE BEARS AND OTHER FURRY FRIENDS bear £5.99 DEC/JAN 2019 n ISSUE 238 www.teddybeartimes.comtimes oes Celebrate KNIT A SACK Christmas FOR YOUR with Steiff Teddy Companion TEDDY GIFTS & Merrythought Mini Edward from The Toy Shoppe

n Festive quiz n Value your bear n Artist exclusives > 08 12 6 1759 90804 Gund’s Gorgeous Grahm 7 9771759 908046 > 97 2 TEDDY BEAR TIMES 46

December / January 2019 ● Issue 238 To reach us: Call +44 (0)1903 884988. the inside track Or write to: The Editor, Teddy Bear Times, PO Box 2258, PULBOROUGH RH20 9BA Great Britain 4 TEDDY BEARZAAR 30 SHOW SCENE email: [email protected] Bear news and views Hugglets Teddies 2018 Website: www.teddybeartimes.com US offi ce: Ashdown Inc., 68132 250th 8 MEET THE ARTIST 34 MIXING IT UP Avenue, Kasson, MN 55944, USA. Shabby-chic Tellybears Grange Hollow style Tel: 507 634 3143 email: usoffi [email protected] 12 ARTIST CELEBRATION 36 MEET THE ARTIST 26 years of Oz Matilda Bears Diana’s Merry Bears Editor: Jill Mundy email: [email protected] 16 TOY SHOPPE EXCLUSIVES 40 GINOS BEARS US Editor: Lauren Nielsen Meet Teddy Companion Wishing on a star Email: [email protected] Advertisement sales: 18 ARTIST CELEBRATION 41 FESTIVE BEAR GALLERY UK offi ce: Maria Fitzgerald Two decades for Tyler Seasonal bruins and friends Email: [email protected] US offi ce: Sara Vix 22 MEET THE ARTIST 44 COLLECTABLE BEARS Email: [email protected] Visit AutumnWood with us Superhero SuperTed Design: Richard Jennings & Wendy Crosthwaite 26 WHERE I WORK 46 NEW BEAR ARTIST Subscriptions: Studio Casa Meva Get to know Shells Bears UK: [email protected] 28 OLD BEARS 48 BEAR DOCTORS US: usoffi [email protected] Published by ashdown.co.uk. ISSN 0961 - 0944 Try our festive quiz Fred Bear’s big adventure Distributed to the newstrade by Comag. 54 MATERIAL WORLD Subscription prices: One year: (6 issues) UK £42; US $74.99. A guide to fabric options European and worldwide prices will be 56 DEAR JULIE adjusted to local currencies. See online Eyes to give a bear soul for details at www.teddybeartimes.com or please call +44 (0)1903 884988. All of our 58 MAKE A BEAR subscriptions are handled by us at TBT. Christmas Bear pattern www.teddybeartimes.com 64 MINI SANTA SACK

Postmaster: Send address corrections to Ashdown Inc, 68132 Seasonal knitting 250th Avenue, Kasson, MN 55944, USA. Canada Post Interna- tional Publications Mail - Sales Agreement No. 546038. 66 BEAR ARTIST ON TOUR All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without the Truffl e McFurry visits Yorkshire written permission of the publisher is prohibited. All editorial contributions are welcomed by Teddy Bear Times but material is accepted solely on the basis that the author accepts the as- 70 GIFT IDEAS sessment of the Publisher as to its commercial value. What’s on your Christmas list? All material submitted to the magazine for publication in whatever form is accepted solely on the basis that copyright 72 BEAR VALUATION in the work will be vested in the publisher who assumes all rights worldwide, in all forms and in all media. What the experts look for © copyright ashdown.co.uk 76 REAL BEARS Protect the spirit of the bear

2 TEDDY BEAR TIMES 22 a beary big welcome By the time you are reading this issue of TBT, most of us will be in a festive mood - hopefully it’s a good one! I don’t like the fact that as soon as the children go back to school in Septem- ber, the shops start getting the Christ- mas displays ready…it’s far too early. However, come mid-November, I am keen to have a wander past the shelves and shop windows, making lists and gathering gift ideas. Of course there is always a bear or two on there! If you are stuck for ideas for your loved ones, we have some seasonal beary suggestions for you, plus a gallery of bears dressed in all their festive fi nery. The Bear Doctors are looking forward to down- 8 ing tools until the new year but not before they have shared their latest repair stories. Test your own knowledge of old bears with our quiz or take a trip down memory lane with SuperTed. There is still plenty of time to make our Christ- mas Bear pattern, supplied by Barbara Ewing, and the knitters among you might like to whizz up a few mini Santa sacks for your bears or beary friends. If the festive season leaves you cold, then there is so much more inside this issue - we hope you enjoy it. 44 Well that just leaves me space to wish you all a happy holiday season and lots of beary good things for the coming year! Till next issue 16 Jill & the team

79 BOOKS COVERED Something for the bookshelf 80 SHOW SCENE The Cornwall Bear Fair 81 ALL CLUED UP Have your collection featured in Bear identifi cation TBT. We’d love to see your favourite BEARY LAST WORD bears. Email [email protected] 82 for more details. Dropping helpful hints

TEDDY BEAR TIMES 3 THE TEDDY BEARZAAR

BEAR AND CRITTER NEWS, GOSSIP, FASHION, AND MORE. EMAIL [email protected] Award winning bears Christmas joy Since we featured the bears from These wonderful bears by GarJar Australian artist Barbara Ewing in is- Bears and Bear My Sole are just a sue 234, Barbara has been winning taster of what you can see in our accolades and awards. She was keen Festive Bear gallery. Thank you to to share this photo of ‘Aussie Bear’ all of the talented artists who sent (what else could he be!?) who won fi rst in images following our Facebook place in his category in a bear and request - we’re just sorry we doll competition in a small town called didn’t have room to include them Hahndorf in Adelaide, Australia where all! she lives. Already delighted with fi rst place, Barbara was thrilled when he was also awarded ‘Best in Show.’ Barbara has kindly supplied the pat- tern for her Christmas Bear for you to make for your own hug; see page 58.

TBT on tour Where do your bears read TBT? As you can see, we get around a bit. Emmy, a pink Char- lie Bear, is keen to read over owner Tara’s shoulder. Tara was attending her brother’s wedding in the Philippines and lucky Emmy was also invited. Thanks for the photo Tara - it looks like you both had a lovely holiday!

ThReAdTeDs’ Magic! The soft Magic yarn is so lovely to work with. Berta recommends using a marker to Mini teddy bear kit designed by Berta Hesen- denote the start of each round and I defi nitely Minten, ThReAdTeDs. I was very excited to found this helpful. receive my pack of ThReAdTeDs’ Magic yarn I would say that a little crochet experience is through the post, along with the instructions to required but have a go - you will be pleasantly crochet a little bear friend. The pack contains surprised how soon you will have a lovely, two different coloured balls of yarn, pattern soft teddy bear companion. When you have instructions and a list of all the extras needed completed your bear and brought him to life to complete your bear. with eyes and a nose, it’s time fore the ‘magic’. The photos alongside Berta’s instructions Brushing the bear will change his ‘fur’ from are wonderfully clear and helpful to someone sleek and smooth to fl uffy fi nery. not well-practiced in crocheting bears, like me. If you know someone who loves to crochet, Diagrams clearly show how to work each type they will be delighted to fi nd some ThReAd- of stitch so if you’re not familiar with the terms, TeDs Magic under their Christmas tree…or you can easily see at a glance. treat yourself www.threadteds.com

4 TEDDY BEAR TIMES WSPA name change Cover bears Readers may not be remains the same. and other wonderful Teddy Companion and his little aware that one of the Campaigning for creatures held captive friend Mini Edward are two of the animal charities we have a better life for bears or caught up in disasters latest commissions and collabora- featured in TBT several and other animals held around the world. tions from The Toy Shoppe. Turn times, WSPA (World So- in captivity, often in You can help by to page 16 to fi nd out more about ciety for the Protection of appalling conditions, adopting a bear, making them. Animals) is now known World Animal Protec- a donation or taking part as World Animal Protec- tion continue to run their in their weekly lottery.

‘M tion. Feeling this better sanctuaries in Romania Details of all they do can c o oSew to How w explains what the charity and Pakistan, as well as be found at www.world- HOW TO SEW  Little Felt does, everything else saving the lives of bears animalprotection.org.uk Bears, Rabbits, Squirrels and iteFl Animals Felt Little s Animals OtherO e Woodlandoo Creaturese u e Awesome Aife Sue Quinn Zoe Pope, who trades as Zoe Bears, has designed and created Quinn Sue an amazing dragon puppet called

Aife. The articulated dragon is PAWS FOR PRESSSEARCH helping children with autism and SEARCHSEARCH PRESSPRESS also a children’s mental health THOUGHT charity. If the children love Aife ‘You really half as much as we do, she’ll be Taster session one popular dragon! don’t have to Zoe’s son has autism and has been If you’re a fan of Sue Quinn’s mini quite taken with Aife. It has encouraged be young to bears and critters from her best Zoe to continue with her great idea. “I fi nd a friend selling book ‘How to sew Little hope you like Aife. I’m now in the process Felt Animals’, Sue will be giving a of building a bear puppet too” in a teddy class at the Glasgow Country Liv- Well done Zoe. We can’t wait to see that bear.’ ing Fair 15-18th November where bear! you can make one of your own. Rachel Newman

Mohair Edinburgh Imports, Inc. Felt Alpaca Ultrsuede™ Synthetic Mini-Fabric “When you care how it feels.” edinburghimports.com “Edinburgh Imports Group” Use promo code TBT874 in comment section when ordering to receive 10% discount

TEDDY BEAR TIMES 5 BEAR POWER Call the Fire Bear-gade - they need you!

An urgent appeal for teddy bears and knitted toys had a rapid response and more than 100 cuddlies arrived at the Fire Station thanks to social media

BY JILL MUNDY hen a cuddly toy from a fi re Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service engine was given to a dis- shirt that a well-wisher had trans- tressed child at the scene of formed into a bear, with rank markings W a serious bus crash, the crew, on its foot and the badge on display. part of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Crew Manager Scarth, who in his Service, were left without a mascot. full-time job is the director of London- The toy was regularly used at incidents based Royal Free Charity, said: “A lot to comfort, calm and distract children of fi refi ghters bring in a toy to keep when they, or their parent, were being Fire Station was in for a big surprise on the engine to help calm or comfort helped by fi refi ghters. Crews from sev- when they received more than 100 children at incidents. However, we at- eral other fi re stations also gave away teddy bears and cuddly knitted toys. tended a crash where the child went toys at the scene. Among the gifts was a consign- to hospital with their mum and took On-call Crew Manager ment of Mr Men with a the toy with them. I know at the same Richard Scarth put out note saying: ‘I can’t knit scene other fi re crews ended up giv- a plea on Facebook for fi refi ghters but I’m quite ing away their teddies too.” a replacement and he good at these – hope The original post was quickly couldn’t have imagined they are of use.’ Anoth- shared more that 4,000 times with the response. Whitchurch er offering was an old almost 1,000 comments with offers of help. “I just put the post on Facebook as a throw away comment and we were completely overwhelmed by the kind- ness and support from the public,” said Richard. He went on to say Whitchurch Fire Station no longer required toys and the sleuth of surplus bears would be passed on to other crews across Hampshire and beyond. So, no more cuddly donations here please but you could contact your local Fire Service to see if they would like some help or offer general support through The Firefi ghters Charity www.fi refi ghterscharity.org.uk “The toy was regularly used at incidents to comfort, calm and distract children when they, or their parent, were being helped by fi refi ghters.”

6 TEDDY BEAR TIMES Silver Tag® Bears Collection 8 are joined by a very special and much anticipated character: Zach Chimp. Limited to only 1,000 pieces he’s a must-have addition to any bear-lover’s collection.

® Bears Silver Tag Collection 8 will be with stockists in time for www.sukigi s.com Christmas! Tel: +44 (0) 1733 842431 Email: happytohelp@sukigi s.com MEET THE ARTIST Estelle’s Tellybears are chic not shabby

Once-loved fl ea market fi nds have inspired a range of bears that bring vintage style and a little joy to bear collectors looking to reminisce on a bygone era

BY CARRIE BROOKS stelle Lichtenberger-Froe- bear artist as she doesn’t rely on found on her beloved fl ea markets. hling’s love of antiques and bear making for a living. “But I “With time, I have gained experi- a determination to suc- must confess that the prepara- ence in bear making and my tech- E ceed is behind her fl our- tion time for an artisan market niques have improved. I still try out ishing bear artistry. In fact it was is really time-consuming, due to new techniques every day. There are searching for antiques that led the fact that I sew all my bears by always setbacks but I feel the best way her to make her fi rst bear. hand only, and do not make use to improve is by learning from errors. Estelle lives in Gonderange, a small of a sewing machine. I create and sell Compared to my very early bears, my town in Luxembourg, close to the hilly my bears under the name ‘Tellybears’ current bears are well-thought out now.” Mullerthal region, with her husband - the name relates on one hand to my Although Estelle has embraced the and two daughters. Much of Estelle’s fi rst name Estelle (‘telly’), and on the modern world and sells her bears via free time has been spent rummaging in other to the fact that ‘each bear tells his Facebook, Instagram and her website, fl ea markets at home and also further own story’, by which I want to empha- she still prefers the old-school ap- afi eld. One day, back in 2015, while sise that no two bears are alike.” proach. “I usually present my bears searching for her next purchase, Estelle Tellybears are made in a traditional, twice a year in local or national artisan stumbled upon an abandoned teddy vintage style which clearly comes from markets, as I have so much fun meet- bear in one of the boxes and spon- Estelle’s love of antiques. “I love being ing bear collectors. I love being in taneously decided to take it home. “I carried back to long-past times; that’s immediate contact with my customers, remember asking myself where he had exactly what I want to express with my having nice conversations and once in been so far and what he had seen.” bears.” a while, bringing up their childhood This scuffed bear inspired Estelle Estelle uses quality German mohair memories. That’s defi nitely my favour- to focus on bear making techniques. fabrics in a natural colour palette in ite place to sell my bears.” “I acquired my skills simply by try- keeping with the vintage feel. Hands As well as being inspired by the vin- ing again and again – I guess one and paws are mostly made from wool tage fl ea market fi nds, Estelle’s home can call me a self-taught artist. I had felt and the bears are stuffed mainly surroundings also play a part. “This never done any needlework before, so with wood wool plus a small amount of region of Luxembourg is frequented I had to learn the sewing basics from wool fi bre, so she can hide fi ne steel by many tourists and is one of the best scratch.” Not long after this, Estelle’s granules in to add weight to the bears. places for hiking, breathtaking pano- fi rst bear ‘Marlie’ was born. “Since “I use various ageing techniques, ramas and culinary discoveries. I go then I have constantly been trying to such as shading with dry art pastels. through life with my eyes open, appre- improve my work, even now. I started Each Tellybear has glass eyes or ciating small joys and fi nding happi- making bears in 2016 and in July that antique shoe button eyes and they are ness in the little things in everyday life.” year, I had the opportunity to take part fi ve-way jointed.” Estelle’s fi rst bear, Marlie, is still in a wonderful artisan market here in Underlining their vintage character with her and has a special place in her Luxembourg, which was the fi rst time even further, Estelle doesn’t like to heart, as does ‘Nolan’. “Not long ago I I saw my bears being the centre of dress the bears but prefers to use a fi nished one of my tallest bears so far, public attention.” simple bow, lace ribbons, tulle collars measuring 21.6 inches (55 cm). He’s Estelle considers herself a part-time or antique buttons…many of which are made out of golden long-haired Ger-

8 TEDDY BEAR TIMES MEET THE ARTIST

TEDDY BEAR TIMES 9 MEET THE ARTIST

10 TEDDY BEAR TIMES MEET THE ARTIST

man mohair, entirely fi lled with wood “Entering contests is not one of my wool and heavily weighted with steel main objectives. Way more satisfying granules. to me is that little touch of happiness I simply couldn’t bring myself to teddy bears can bring to people, that give Nolan up for adoption, that’s the very special moment when eyes start reason why he fi nally found his happy gleaming while holding one of my place in our living room. bears. The fact that every bear can Estelle has just begun her bear bring happiness is way more impor- making journey. “I want to continue to tant, it doesn’t always have to be the improve my skills, as I still consider award-winning one. Even the shabbi- myself as new to bear business. est teddy bear can bring joy.” My bears should also be known beyond the borders of Luxembourg, so that in the future I will be able to enjoy THE BEAR FACTS: international bear collectors as well. Tellybears Thank you “Teddy Bear Times” for by Estelle Lichtenberger-Froehling giving me the opportunity to get a little email: [email protected] web: www.tellybears.net closer to this goal.

TEDDY BEAR TIMES 11 MEET THE ARTIST Oz Matilda Bears Australia – 26 years of Bear Artistry

Discovering an old Steiff bear that I fell in love with was the catalist to a long and successful time creating bears for collectors and high level collaborations

BY LISA ROSENBAUM y very fi rst encounter Steiff with his $4,000 price Australian Bear Shows with a great with a teddy bear tag I had briefl y hugged felt response to the old style of bears I was was at a Bear and rather crunchy, so hay for creating. Many Awards were achieved M Doll Trade show stuffi ng made sense to me. by Oz Matilda for their ‘antique style based in Sydney in 1992. I had After two years of devel- distressed bears’. With a passion for been painting teddy bears oping various teddy bear history, many of my traditional style and dolls onto antique chests patterns, I was now confi dent bears resemble the early German and small furnishings when enough to include these new designs and are often dressed in a friend suggested I sell them at Doll teds at the trade shows with my paint- specialised themes, accompanied with and Bear shows. I previously never ings. With each design, I had always vintage or antique accessories. I have knew they had existed. It was during hoped to re-capture that forlorn Steiff’ also ventured into sculpting, using the this show that I had been captivated but to no avail. My conclusion, after medium of clay and plaster, and am by an old teddy bear; he was slightly creating thousands of bears through- honoured and very humbled to have slumped over, sitting on the top shelf of out my career, no teddy bear can be my upcoming works on display in Syd- a trader’s table directly opposite me. mimicked or replicated to an exact ney galleries. I intended to take that old teddy version of another, each having their home with me, until I was corrected of own unique expression, each one tugs TV Shopping Network the extra zeros on the price tag, initially on someone’s heartstring. During 1998 until 2007, I was a thinking it read $4.00. “Oh, sorry lady, Oz Matilda Bear Co Pty. Ltd. was regular guest artist on Australia’s TV this is a rare Steiff bear, circa 1902 established in 1994, attending many shopping channel, where Oz Matilda and his price is $4,000, not $4.00”. had continuous sell out shows. TVSN Our heart love was short lived; Ted was a fabulous platform to promote remained on the top shelf that day, with bear artistry and Oz Matilda grew as his face to forever haunt me as the one a company. I also became a feature who got away. writer for a popular Teddy Bear Maga- I invested in teddy bear history zine in Australia. books instead…these furry friends required some intense research. This World record was the very day my working career In 2003, I achieved a World Record changed direction. I had the ‘bear bug’ with an idea not seen before. An oil and my intent was to make one just like hand painted canvas inserted into a that old Steiff. bear’s belly. The 27inch proto-type Within a few weeks, teddy was cre- bear, aptly named ‘The Master Paint- ated, stuffed with horse hay and gravel er’, fetched aud$27,000 at auction. To rocks, unaware what stuffi ng materi- date, the highest paid Artist bear in als were used as bear artistry was the world. These specialised painted relatively new in Australia in the early canvas bears were later Trademarked 1990s. By memory and touch, that old ‘Oz Matilda Masters’.

12 TEDDY BEAR TIMES MEET THE ARTIST

TEDDY BEAR TIMES 13 MEET THE ARTIST

Walt Disney Designer for Charlie Bears UK and in calendars, greeting cards, Walt Disney had heard about Lisa I was also chosen as one of the Teddy Bear Price Guide books and Rosenbaum’s bear artistry and gave original bear designers for Charlie Teddy Bear history books. me a licence to paint oil paintings of Bears, UK where my designs were I had been a full-time bear artist for Walt Disney, Disney’s licensed char- quick to sell out. 26 years with two employees and after acters and AA Milne. For the next four such a long career of repetitive usage years, my family and I were invited Awards of my hands, I developed arthritis in guests to Walt Disney Studios, Orlando, Oz Matilda bears have been award- my shoulder and fi ngers, which were Florida, participating in shows and ed over 60 prestigious awards includ- becoming painful. Four years ago, I collaborating in small editions with ing USA Toby Awards, Golden Nomi- decided to take a much required and Disney. nee’s, URSA Awards with International needed sabbatical from creating by re- status and recognition of 15 Oz Matilda turning to my former career in the NSW Steiff collaboration designs displayed in museums. My Police Force. I still create teddy bears By the year 2006, a business col- work featured in Table Coffee Books today but at a slower pace. They are laboration was hatched between Steiff available through selected retailers and Gmbh and myself to create a rare and via my website of 17 years, currently special edition of 1,000 pieces. under construction whilst amalgamat- The 27” Margaret Steiff Commemo- ing our previous two sites into one. rative Bear was a unique combination I have thus far had an amazing ca- combining my painted canvass within reer as a Bear Artist and never thought the bear’s belly. An original portrait I could reach the levels of success I was chosen of Margaret and the pro- have achieved. I am truly humbled to cess to replicate the portrait onto 1000 be amongst creative talented artists, Giclee’ canvases was a timely process. heartfelt collectors and retailers who The project took three years to com- have encouraged the dreams and plete and the Edition release year was helped pursue my endeavours on my 2009. life’s journey. Who could have predicted I would have been collaborating with the THE BEAR FACTS: company whose bear had caught my Collins Gifts eye all those years prior? This was a email: [email protected] huge honour for me and one of many web: www.collinsgifts.com from: Rye, New Hampshire USA highlights within my career.

14 TEDDY BEAR TIMES Available exclusively in the USA from The Toy Shoppe and in Europe through Merrythought direct Mini Edward A Miniature Replica Of The Teddy Who Inspired Winnie The Pooh Originally created by Farnell in 1921, Daphne purchased Edward bear for her son Christopher Robin’s birthday. They soon became the very best of friends! Christopher’s father, A.A. Milne, was so moved by their wonderful relationship he decided to pen stories about their journey through life together. And so began the enchanting tales of Winnie The Pooh...

New! Mini Edward The original Edward design now available in a petite, cabinet-size perfect for holding, hugging, Mini Edward and displaying in your home – if you can put “bears” a tiny replica him down! He will be produced in a small limited of Farnell’s original edition of only 1000 worldwide... don’t miss out. ALPHA TOYS label.

Edward On The Big Screen The Quintessential English Based on the original Farnell bear, Edward was Teddy Since 1930 recreated to star in the Disney blockbuster, Merrythought is now the last remaining GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN. Sarah Holmes, Teddy bear manufacturer in England Managing Director of Merrythought and the creating bears at the World Heritage great-granddaughter of founder Gordon Holmes, Site of Ironbridge, Shropshire. attended the film’s premiere with a little version of Edward. Fun Fact: Sarah wore a stylish fur wrap made from the same mohair as Edward! A Family Business So Sweet & Petite For 4 Generations Our wee 7½" tall Mini Edward Founded in 1930 is wonderfully weighted and fits by Gordon Holmes, perfectly in the palm of your Merrythought continues hand. Made of fine mohair and to craft their Teddy bears fully jointed, he is irresistible! entirely by hand.

TBT1118

toll free 1 800 447-7995 www.TheToyShoppe.com call 00441952 433116 www.merrythought.com (804) 379-7995 11632 Busy St, Richmond, VA 23236 Ironbridge,฀Telford,฀Shropshire฀UK฀฀TF8฀7NJ free฀catalogs฀฀•฀฀free฀shipping฀in฀continental฀US฀ free฀UK฀delivery฀on฀orders฀over฀£100฀ THE TOY SHOPPE Find your new best buddy with Teddy Companion

The latest Steiff bear from The Toy Shoppe is the perfect Christmas gift for all arctophiles and is sure to be a wonderful companion for many years to come

his time of year is always full of Lovers of classic teddy bears are nostalgia - looking back to Christ- sure to be excited about the new col- mases past with fond memories laboration between Steiff and The Toy t and looking forward to the new Shoppe, as Teddy Companion joins year ahead, wondering what delights it their family of exclusive editions. might bring. In 1902, Steiff created the 55PB, a We’ve all been enjoying the ‘vintage mohair plush bear that is the basis revolution’ that has been evident over for the modern Teddy Bear we know the last few years in everything from today. Over the ensuing years, Steiff fashion to home decor to famous fi lm refi ned their designs and in 1920 they remakes. Many of our favourites have created ‘The Classic 1920 Teddy Bear’, been revived, recapturing that sense of a Teddy that many regard as the pinna- joy we felt with them.

cle of Steiff’s design and charm. Teddy Companion rekindles the timeless magic of this delightful bear design; with his sweet face and soulful eyes, he is incredibly friendly and appealing. As part of the Steiff Chest Tag se- ries, The Toy Shoppe is offering this 13.8 inch (35cm) classic 1920s Teddy complete with his own personalised medallion. He even has a special wood tag never before worn by a Steiff bear. Teddy Companion is a truly unique and collectible gift! Not only is Teddy Compan- ion the perfect size to hold and – with his Schulte mohair – to hug, gently tip him back and forth to hear his soft growl...he has so many stories from days long ago to share with you! Just imag- ine the excitement as you or a loved one unwrap Teddy Companion on Christmas morning…the perfect start to a perfect day.

16 TEDDY BEAR TIMES THE TOY SHOPPE

Mini Edward English companies possess a with that same timeless design. Iconic Paper Chest Tag revered place in the history of The story of Winnie the Pooh has Teddy Companion is re- Teddy bears. J. K. Farnell created touched generations around the viving even more classic the fi rst British Teddy in 1906. One world with the heartfelt interactions of Steiff nostalgia - Teddy of their popular bears, Edward, was childish innocence between Chris- Companion takes inspi- purchased by Christopher Rob- topher Robin, his best friend Winnie ration from the iconic bear in’s mother, Daphne. The bond that and their other animal friends. Even head chest tag, used by Steiff grew between this boy and his teddy today, the relationship between a from the 1920s to the 1970s. His metal bear inspired his father, A. A. Milne, young child and his teddy bear con- medallion and wood chest tag are to write a series of books starring tinues to capture our own imagina- based on the bright, cheerful paper Christopher Robin and his teddy tions. The purity in a toy that requires tag that symbolised quality toys for bear... Winnie the Pooh. Although only imagination (no Internet con- parents and friends for children. Teddy Farnell closed in the 1960s, Merry- nection or batteries needed) contin- Companion’s beautifully handcrafted thought pays tribute to their legacy ues to strike a chord in all of us. The metal medallion can be personalised today as they introduce a miniature imagination which brings that toy to with your own name or message, laser version based on the original Farnell life in our minds is truly magical. engraved to last a lifetime. design of that same Teddy. Make some magical memories Order yours now and give a truly Merrythought replicated the for your family with your very own special gift this Christmas. original full size teddy bear in 2017 Mini Edward, available in the USA for the hit Disney movie, ‘Goodbye exclusively from The Toy Shoppe THE BEAR FACTS: Christopher Robin’. This year, The and in Europe from Merrythought The Toy Shoppe Toy Shoppe and Merrythought are direct. email: [email protected] working together to create a smaller ● www.thetoyshoppe.com web: www.TheToyShoppe.com version of this beloved teddy bear ● www.merrythought.com call: 1-800-447-7995 from: Richmond,VA USA

TEDDY BEAR TIMES 17 ARTIST CELEBRATION Tyler celebrates 20 years of making Teds ‘n Such

Finding the perfect creative outlet is something all artists strive for. Tyler Crain-Davis found his early and has thoroughly enjoyed nurturing it for two decades

BY JILL MUNDY lot can happen in twenty years. teacher in Chicago Public Schools home again. “I came across one of my Most people will see numerous and I also work part-time as a Zumba pieces from my early years a while changes in their lives but one fi tness instructor.” Making artist bears back and I bought it back to add to my A thing that has remained constant is surely the perfect way to relax after collection. My mom is one of my big- for teddy bear artist Tyler Crain-Davis such high-powered activities. gest supporters and has an extensive is making bears. While the fact that Tyler makes collection which is almost like a time Tyler fi rst started making bears, with bears hasn’t changed in 20 years, capsule of my work.” his mother’s guidance, in December have the bears he makes undergone With his two jobs, it is diffi cult for 1998, as Christmas presents. “After any changes? “They have absolutely Tyler to meet his collectors in per- that holiday season, I really enjoyed changed. From progression of materi- son. However, he tries to have a stand sewing and the creative process, so als - a wool fabric to high quality furs selling his bears and other creations I bought some teddy bear making - to the designs and techniques. I now at a couple of in-person shows each books and joined some online groups use various soft-sculpture techniques, year. He also exhibits in online shows, that helped me begin drawing out my shading, and patterning to develop my through his Facebook page and his own designs.” creations.” Teds ’n Such website. Tyler trades under the name Teds As you can see, Tyler’s designs can “My bears have earned ribbons at ’n Such. His designs are mostly con- be quite diverse, from the more tradi- various show competitions and have temporary, one-of-a-kind pieces tional to the cute and quirky, plus drag- placed in the annual URSA Awards. I but with a few exceptions. “I’ve also ons and unicorns too. There seems to plan to continue on growing and work- created pieces inspired by realistic be no limits to Tyler’s imagi- ing on new techniques. I really enjoy bears but with a contemporary twist. nation or inspiration and he the creative process and will I change and re-design pieces so that certainly has the ability to continue to work and cre- they’re always unique and ever chang- bring his designs to life. ate new pieces.” ing.” Made from beautiful mohair and “I look at pictures of With so much creativ- alpaca in the main, Tyler will also use natural bears, magazines, ity and determination, I high quality synthetic furs and uses online creations and a lot don’t doubt that we will Ultrasuede or wool felt for the pads. of the times the fur itself look forward to cel- “My favourite material is alpaca. I like inspires me. There’s no way ebrating another how dense the fur is and the way that I could pick a favourite. I decade of artist it feels.” truly love them all and as bears with Tyler Tyler lives in Chicago, IL on the I keep creating, I like to in 2028. Northwest side of the USA, in a his- see the growth and toric brick bungalow with his husband progression towards and two dogs. Time for making bears new techniques and THE BEAR FACTS: is precious as he has two other jobs designs.” Teds ’n Such that take up a large part of his time. “I Tyler hasn’t kept Tyler Crain-Davis wish I had more time for bears but I any of the bears he has email: [email protected] web: www.tedsnsuch.com work full-time as a middle school math made but admits to welcoming one

18 TEDDY BEAR TIMES TEDDY BEAR TIMES 19 Bacton Bears TELLYBEARS Bacton, Stowmarket, IP14 4NF Hand sewn artist bears from 01449 781087 Luxembourg with a vintage style

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20 TEDDY BEAR TIMES Collins Gifts Dolls ❦ Bears ❦ Folk Art

Lisa Rosenbaum Lisa Rosenbaum

Candi Taylor Rye, New Hampshire USA email: [email protected] ❦ 603-969-1699 www.CollinsGifts.com

With passion for detail…

My bears are born with love and are made of high quality mohair in all variations. They are fi lled with sheep wool or granules, sometimes combined. Their irresistible faces retain their character thanks to carefully embroidered noses and beautiful glass eyes. The bears are fi ve-fold structured, which means that the arms, legs and head are movable. The size of the bears varies between 20 to 60 cm. On request, of course, I can make smaller or larger sizes. Each of my bears is a one-of-a-kind and has a trademark with a guarantee of authenticity, provided with my artist name.

Please visit my website and online shop www.casa-meva.ch Email: [email protected]

TEDDY BEAR TIMES 21 MEET THE ARTIST If you go down to the Autumnwood today...

The diversity and beauty of her surroundings and the creative community where she now lives are the perfect inspiration for Delane Summerwood of AutumnWood Bears

BY SYLVIA YOUNG; PHOTOGRAPHS BY DELANE SUMMERWOOD utumnWood Bears’ creator “I love soft, snuggly bears and the Marketing and future plans Delane Summerwood is based fabric I prefer to use is high quality At the beginning of Delane’s bear in Ontario, Canada. Delane’s faux fur, like Tissavel. Years ago, I also making journey, she was concerned A choice for the name of her used shorter pile fur but found that about marketing her little bears and bears, AutumnWood Bears, stems from the longer pile is more suitable for the was unfamiliar with the process of a combination of things she loves, like method I use to style and sculpt my selling bears online. So she decided colourful autumn leaves, lush green bears’ faces. I enjoy experimenting to start a blog and Facebook page woods and of course, teddy bears. with other kinds of bear-making tech- which proved to be very fortunate and Delane is based in a small, creative niques and I hope to one day create her bears found their forever homes village in the heart of southwestern realistic bears, true to size and appear- mainly through these sites. Ontario. Many of the artists and crea- ance.” Delane is now currently working tives who have settled in this communi- Delane shared that due to the re- on patterns for a new line of bears, ty have re-located there. This is mainly strictions some countries impose on which will bring a freshness and a bit due to the spectacular beauty of the the kinds of materials allowed to be of whimsy to her bear making designs. area. Originally from Africa, Delane imported, she takes care not to use “Sizes will change as well and there lived for almost 20 years in Europe. natural products. Only recognised fi ller will be more tiny bears, of four inches However ten years ago, on a whim of for the bear industry is used in all her and below, available for collecting.” adventure, she decided to move to bears. Canada. “I was not disappointed. I love The best part of the bear making Many strings to her bow this vast and beautiful country, with its process for Delane is most defi nitely Aside from her beary talent, Delane challenging winters and hot summers,” the reaction of collectors when they re- is also a professional wildlife and West- said Delane. ceive her bears. “AutumnWood Bears ern art painter. She fi nds time to create have collectors from around the globe her bears and kitties in the evenings Beginnings of a bear artist and they usually receive their little and on the weekends. “I work on bears Like most people, teddy bears bear through the mail. I have received whenever I can get a chance, whether were always a part of her life. Delane many wonderful e-mails, comments it is in a coffee shop, waiting at the believes that their endearing faces and and photos from them telling me how dentist or sitting on the porch chatting soft cuddly bodies are a great com- much they love their tiny teddy bear with friends. Creating bears is a relax- fort to people of all ages. “Many years and how they found it to be even more ing hobby for me and it can be done ago, I saw a gorgeous blue mohair beautiful in real life,” said Delane. anywhere.” bear that took my breath away. I could “The most exciting discovery for Having a busy family life can some- hardly believe it was handmade. I im- me was that I actually liked sewing! I times get in the way of any creative mediately felt the need to be able to remember, as a child, my mom tried work but being organised is the best create such beauty as well but it took to instil in me the love of sewing but I way to be able to create, even during a long time of sewing many lopsided absolutely hated it back then. Today busy times. “I have a special teddy bears before I was able to produce I wish I had used the opportunity to bear sewing bag organised with something with which I was pleased,” learn how to knit and crochet beyond everything I need to sew my bears. laughed Delane. the basic skills.” It travels with me everywhere I go.

22 TEDDY BEAR TIMES MEET THE ARTIST

TEDDY BEAR TIMES 23 24 TEDDY BEAR TIMES MEET THE ARTIST

This makes it easy to utilise every bit of time available for creating teddy bears.”

Favourites Delane still loves to collect bears. “I fi nd that I am attracted to the vintage style bears for collecting. They are so adorable and I would love to give all the battered and bruised bears a new loving home,” she said. “Cartoon characters have never been an inspira- tion in my creative work but years ago, a collector requested two tiny cows called ‘Annabelle and Ferdinand’. Even today those two animals are some of the favourites I have ever created.”

Quality control “Finally, my advice to any bear artist would be to work on your skills and deliver only outstanding qual- THE BEAR FACTS: ity of work. Your best customers are AutumnWood Bears the return customers. They buy from By Delane Summerwood you repeatedly because they love facebook: AutumnWoodBears your bears. They also appreciate high autumnwoodbears.blogspot.com standards of quality,” said Delane.

TEDDY BEAR TIMES 25 WHERE i WORK

Mercedes Hänzi of Casa Meva is pleased to invite you in to her beautifully tidy work space

Hi Mercedes we really admire are always welcome to call in to your bears and their beautiful see me. clothes - we’d love to know more about where you make them. Are there any tools or other special items that you always Do you have a workroom or do like to use? Yes, the Chinese you use part of your home? I chopsticks I use to stuff the bear. have a studio in my home. It has everything I need to make my What one item couldn’t your bears. It is also filled with photos work place be without? My and other things that make me sewing machine - without that I happy. couldn’t make the clothes for my teddies. Do you always make your bears in the same place? My What or where would be your bears are usually made in my dream workspace? I already studio but sometimes when the have my dream workspace - I’m weather is good I work outside very lucky. and make them in my garden. Where do you sell your bears? What do you like most about I have a website and I still attend your studio? I love that it is nice fairs in Switzerland. The next one and bright. I live in Spain so is the Christmas market in Hut- there is a lot of sunlight coming twil - I’d love to meet you there! through the windows. ● Casa Meva Do you keep it private or do www.casa-meva.ch you let other people in? People [email protected]

I ALREADY HAVE MY DREAM WORKSPACE Delightful collectible bears lovingly handcrafted from the finest quality fabrics, specialising in turning vintage fur coats into heirloom bears. www.bearleighbears.com Email: [email protected] • +9 61 438016714. (Australia)

The only race track in Basle.

Toy Worlds Museum Basle | Museum, Tuesday to Sunday from 10 to 18, in December, daily from 10 to 18 Ristorante La Sosta and Boutique, daily from 9.30 to 18 Steinenvorstadt 1, CH-4051 Basel | www.swmb.museum Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel

TEDDY BEAR TIMES 27 FESTIVE FUN How well do you know your old bear history?

Take a break from the Christmas preparations, sit back with a cuppa and test your beary knowledge with a fun quiz from days gone by

1. Where is the ‘centre seam’ locat- 7. Merrythought’s ‘Dutch Bear’ was 12. What is the German Helvetic ed on early Steiff bears? made in how many sizes? Company famous for? (a) Torso (a) Five (a) Musical movement (b) Head (b) Eight (b) Tilt growler (c) Legs (c) Twelve (c) Squeaker

2. In 1955 where did Pedigree move 8. Where on a Schuco Yes/No bear 13. ‘Gutta-percha’ noses were used their factory to? would you fi nd the mechanism to on some early bears. What is it (a) Isle of Man move the head? exactly? (b) Isle of Wight (a) Tail (a) Metal (c) Ireland (b) Paw (b) Plastic (c) Ear (c) Twine 3. In which year did the Chad Valley Royal Warrant foot label change to 9.What colour is the fi rst embroi- 14. Which bear is famous for the ‘Queen Mother’? dered label used by Chad Valley? carrying a suitcase? (a) 1953 (a) Blue and white (a) Winnie the Pooh (b) 1948 (b) Green and white (b) Paddington (c) 1960 (c) Red and white (c) Sooty

4. Which animals feature on Dean’s 10.Which President of the United 15. In the 1950s the German Rag Book Co. fabric labels? States inspired production of the manufacturer Else Sturm made (a) Cats fi rst commercial ‘Teddy Bear’? a novelty bear. What was it? (b) Rabbits (a) Abraham Lincoln (a) A nightwear case (c) Dogs (b) Theodore Roosevelt (b) Purse (c) J.F Kennedy (c) Baby bottle holder 5. How many stitches were used on a Farnell webbed claw? 11. Who invented the fi rst machine (a) Four washable teddy bear and also plas- (b) Five tic lock-in safety eyes? (c) Six (a) Pedigree (b) Chiltern 6. What ‘symbol’ features on early (c) Wendy Boston Merrythought celluloid buttons? (a) Bell (b) Thistle (c) Wishbone

28 TEDDY BEAR TIMES FESTIVE FUN

17. Where on a bear did Bing place their patent registration metal button? (a) Under the left arm (b) In the left ear (c) Centre of back

18. Which Australian manufacturer gave bears an unjointed neck in the 1930s? (a) Joy Toys (b) Fideston (c) Verna

19. Which company did Norah Wellings design for before starting her own business in 1926? (a) Chiltern (b) Chad Valley (c) Merrythought

20. What did Chiltern call the fi rst bear they produced? (a) Tingaling Bruin (b) Hugmee (c)Master Teddy

21. A birth at London Zoo on 27th 16. In an early somersaulting bear, November 1949 inspired manufac- what do you wind to make him go turers to produce soft toy versions head over heels? of which animal? (a) Key in back (a) Polar bear (b) Arms (b) Panda bear (c) Legs (c) Grisly bear

TEDDY BEAR TIMES 29 SHOW SCENE Hugglets Teddies 2018 was bear lovers’ dream

With bears and critters from every corner of the globe being exhibited, Teddies 2018 defi nitely had something for everyone and choosing what to take home was so diffi cult

BY JULIE SHEPHERD Tetiana Sadovska he morning of 9th September together withTami and her husband to detail is truly breathtaking. I man- dawned with a distinctly autumnal Sean. We managed a quick chat and aged to have a quick chat with Tetiana nip in the air but that’s no problem she showed me the amazing arma- who told me about the many hours t as any weather is perfect for a ture she builds into many of her bears she spends searching out the per- spot of bear shopping. which enables them to hold any pose fect pieces of antique fabric and lace And the fact that it was also National you care to position them in. And the which she then uses for the wonderful Teddy Bear Day made it an even more detailing on the footpads is unbeliev- outfi ts she creates. It’s time well spent appropriate day to go hunting for that able. I would happily have taken them as her dressed bears are absolutely new friend (or two). all home with me. stunning. We arrived at the Kensington Town My next stop was to see Tetiana Moving onto something completely Hall bright and early. In fact we were Sadovska and all the fabulous bears, different, I was very interested in the so early that the doors had yet to open mice, and bunnies she had skillfully work on display from Alina Biliakova for exhibitors. Not that this caused a created for the show. Her attention of CityPlush. Different? Yes! Colourful? problem - we loaded up our trolley Yes! And bursting with imagination and and joined the others who were pa- very clever! Several of the pieces were tiently waiting. strongly infl uenced by the forthcoming But guess who I saw at the front of Halloween season but they were all too the queue - yes, Kevin Masters. So I cute and friendly to be scary. made the most of our waiting time to If you were looking for a bright and have a chat with him and wasn’t at all colourful bear for your hug then you surprised to fi nd that he had his visit needed to look no further than Blinko planned out with military precision! Bears. Amanda had certainly created It wasn’t long before the doors some very eye-catching bears. Who opened and eager exhibitors made could possibly resist the gorgeous their way into the hall to begin to set Poppy, Simon and Donny? up their displays. As soon as I could, I Elena Stanilevici had crafted a fabu- grabbed my camera and set off for a lous menagerie of furry friends who look round before the show opened at had travelled all the way from Moldova 10.30. for a visit to Hugglets. Now I really was I couldn’t wait to see what Tami Eve- stumped when trying to pick a favour- slage had brought to her fi rst ever visit ite because all her little critters were to Hugglets so I made a bee-line for just gorgeous. From the dressed fox to her stand and I wasn’t disappointed. the sweet little hedgehog, they were all It had been a long held ambition of so appealing but my eye was caught Tami’s to exhibit at Hugglets and she by the two canine friends perched had fi nally made the trek from the USA. high on her stand, ready to catch the It was impossible to choose a favour- heart of collectors and fi nd their new Whittle le Woods ite so I just snapped the whole table, homes.

30 TEDDY BEAR TIMES SHOW SCENE

ThReAdTeDs

Julya Yurchenko

ds Baren

And talking of sweet little hedge- hogs, I then spotted a pair sitting side by side, complete with their passports at the ready, hoping to fi nd their new home. Julya Yurchenko had certainly created a very ‘take me home’ looking couple of not-too-prickly friends. Britta Uhlendorff of Nugget Bears had a wonderful display of little bears and critters but my favourite just had to be the scooter-riding rabbit with his hedgehog pillion passenger who was holding on tight! But if it’s the traditional style of bear that appeals then Irene and Mike of Whittle-le-Woods Bears had the per- fect new friend for you. Irene’s exper- Foxglove Bears tise in fashion design is evident in the wonderful tailored outfi ts sported by many of their bears. I just couldn’t re- sist the wonderful Sandy and Simon. Dagmar Seibel of ds-Baren had brought a beautiful selection of her work for eager collectors to choose from. There were beautifully dressed bears, cute penguins, appealing pig- gies and even a chicken - yes really! But I think my favourite had to be a bear named Captain - resplendent in his nautical outfi t and ready to put out to sea.

TEDDY BEAR TIMES 31 SHOW SCENE

Elena Stanilevici Blinko Bears

Nugget Bears

Nugget Bears Above: Tami Eveslage

City Plush display

As many of your know, Sharna pigs I spotted on her stand. They were ally need to come along and see it for Rothwell of Foxglove Bears makes the absolutely stitch perfect right down to yourself. most adorable donkeys but you never their luxuriant eye-lashes! Berta’s skill The Winter Bearfest will take place quite know what you’re going to fi nd with a crochet hook is amazing and on Sunday 24th February 2019 and when you pay her a visit. And what has to be seen to be believed! is always a perfect antidote for those was sitting right in the middle of her But as we all know, a day spent in the post-Christmas blues. table surrounded by donkeys, cows company of arctophiles surrounded by So make a note in your diary, book and other furry beasts.....a zebra! Gor- beary temptation just never lasts long your tickets and remember, if you have geous just isn’t the word! enough and all too soon it was time for your heart set on a particular bear, Berta Hesen-Minten of ThReAdTeDs the show to close. you’re going to have to get up very is another artist who creates a very As always, I have only been able to early indeed to beat Kevin to the front diverse range of animals and I was give you a very small snapshot of the of the queue. enchanted by the two beautiful little wonderful work on display so you re- I look forward to seeing you there!

32 TEDDY BEAR TIMES CR’s Crafts Lanctot’s Loveables TEDDY BEAR, DOLL & CRAFT SUPPLIES Teddy Bears crscraft.com By Rhonda-Lynne Lanctôt 877-277-2782 P.O. Box 8-TI18C Leland, IA 50453 [email protected] CR’S CRAFTS CATALOG $4.00 U.S., $5.00 CANADA lanctotsloveablesteddybears.com $7.00 OTHER COUNTRIES lanctotsloveables.bearpile.com (U.S. FUNDS ONLY) Meet Rosangela. lanctotsloveables.tedsby.com Or get it FREE by placing an order! 50 Fabric Animals Book (#37397) She’s a 3” tall angel bear. www.facebook.com/lanctotsloveables

A large private collecion of Colour Box Teddy Bears by Peter Fagan now for sale. All 88 pieces are hand- painted and in mint condiion. Most pieces come with their original box and story. Includes Colour Box books and club newsleters. Teddy Bears E-mail: [email protected] for more informaion.

Award winning bears, hedgehogs and other Open all week animals with character and detail ASQUITHS by Sue Quinn World Famous Teddy Bear Shop

Our large Tudor shop is 30 seconds from the River Thames in Henley-on-Thames. Shop with us for Asquiths English Bears, Steiff, Charlie Bears, Isabelle, Hermann, Merrythought, fabulous artist bears and wonderful animals.

New St., Henley-on-Thames, Oxon, RG9 2BT Tel: 01491 571978 [email protected] Tel: 0141 887 9916 • www.bearsbysuequinn.co.uk www.asquiths.com

TEDDY BEAR TIMES 33 MEET THE ARTIST Kentish tradition with a New England twist

Quality handmade artist bears and soft quirky folk art-style critters sit happily side by side in Ellen’s workroom and on her Grange Hollow sales table at numerous bear fairs

BY JILL MUNDY rom her earliest memo- Ellen decided to try selling whenever I come across a name I think ries growing up in a home some of her creations. Start- might be suitable for a bear, I write it where needlecraft was a ing at small local fairs she in a little book for future reference. It is F necessity not a trend, Kent soon realised that there was important to me that the name fi ts the artist Ellen Wright of Grange a demand for high quality, character of the bear.” Hollow has developed a style handmade bears that were a A trip into the upper states of New that embraces a broad palette of infl u- keepsake – an heirloom – rather than a England back in 2001 had a major in- ences. child’s toy. fl uence on Ellen’s work, leading her off “ It’s no great surprise that I have Ellen was soon receiving com- on a parallel route of making ‘critters’ a passion for working with textiles missions for one-off pieces and was (as she calls them) in a vintage folk as I learnt from a very early age the asked to show and sell her work at the art style. She started to experiment benefi ts of sewing and knitting.” Ellen prestigious Kensington Bear Fair. “ I with hand dyed calico and recycled tells us. “My mother always seemed always give each of my bears a unique cotton, using natural vegetable dyes, to be sitting at her sewing machine or personality. Even if I use the same pat- paints and coffee staining to give items I’d hear the clickety-clack of knitting tern over and over again each bear a pre-loved and well worn appear- needles, whether it was clothes, home will have his, or her, individual style – a ance. Expanding her range to include furnishings or toys, she was always fi ngerprint if you like. snowmen, ghosts, penguins, dogs and working on something.” Growing up “I use German mohair or viscose her ever popular circus elephants, in late sixties’ Gravesend, making or for my bears and aged leather, wool Ellen’s work continues to develop and fi xing your own clothes or running up felt or beautifully soft ultrasuede for be appreciated across a much wider a pair of curtains was more of a neces- their paw pads. But some things are market place. Even the BBC picked up sity - a way of life - than a fashionable constant with all of my bears. I always on her quirky style, featuring Ellen and thing to do, and like all generations hand sew their heads as I feel this one of her elephants in a series about before and since, Ellen has carried her helps me to develop the bear’s indi- British makers and artists – Handmade childhood infl uences with her. vidual personality. I think any maker Revolution. “I have always had a love of toys. will instinctively know when to stop “Although my range of work is much I remember as a young girl sharing working on a bear, it’s as if they say to broader now, the basic bear mak- my bed with a whole range of cuddly you ‘that’s it, I’m done now!’” ing principal of craftsmanship and toys - but didn’t all young girls do the Ellen also carefully selects the individuality is still the driving force same?!” names of her bears and admits that behind everything I do. I have always Being given a traditional artist bear she can sometimes spend quite some gone back to my childhood memories for her 30th birthday inspired Ellen to time with a cup of tea, just sitting look- of my mother sewing, my bedroom full have a go at making her own bear and ing at a bear pondering what to name of toys, and more recently the holiday within a few months she was design- him. seasons of Christmas and Halloween ing and making her own bears on a “Often a name just comes to me for my inspiration. With my folk art regular basis. when I am fi nishing off the eyes or the style work I fi nd it much easier to make It wasn’t long before shelf space nose, but then sometimes it doesn’t items that fi t into a specifi c timeframe – ran out at home (sound familiar?!) and – it’s kind of a ‘writers block’. So now a penguin wearing a scarf and a sprig

34 TEDDY BEAR TIMES MEET THE ARTIST

of holly for Christmas, a pumpkin or a bears. She still keeps the odd one or ghost for Halloween – the possibilities two that refuse to make their way into are only limited by my imagination and the ‘For Sale’ box, and, like all of us, THE BEAR FACTS: that constant question: ‘how can I make she can’t resist falling in love with that Grange Hollow that?!’” little fellow sitting on a stall at a bear web: www.grangehollow.com For all her creations and assorted fair. As she says: “There’s always one email: [email protected] call: critters, Ellen’s fi rst love is still her more bit of space on that shelf!” 07890 002 153

TEDDY BEAR TIMES 35 MEET THE ARTIST Getting creative with Diana’s Merry Bears

It was a work commitment of sorts that fi rst introduced the world of artist bears to Diana Ussery and since then she has let her fantastic ideas take fl ight

BY DEB WEISSLER ow many times has it hap- the Dressed/Accessorised 14 inch and in books and movies; she then re- pened? We accompany a friend over category with a duo of winning imagines and coaxes into fl ights of to a craft fair, collectibles show, bears called Mrs. Nieman and Marcus. pure fantasy - fi lms like Dragon Heart H or (in this case) a teddy bear “Being honoured by peers and collec- and Game of Thrones, where for Diana making class and fall instantly in love! tors makes me happy that they enjoy it’s all about the dragons, her love for That’s precisely what happened to my out-of-the-box mind.” them, and all things medieval. Diana Ussery in 1992 when she tagged Now a self taught bear artist with “Dragons are a mystery to all,” along with a boss who was dying to a fl air for the quirky and unusual, Diana explains. “According to dragon attend a teddy bear class taught by Diana not only creates cutting edge lore, there are different kinds of drag- Anne Cranshaw. For Diana, it was a teddy bears but loves creating drag- ons. I love the European ones the best. reemergence of her childhood passion ons, dogs, crows, whales, bats and a If they existed today I would hope we for horses and hair, all wrapped into menagerie of other critters all decked would befriend them. My favourite one huggable package. out in unique themes. From vintage to dragon that I’ve done was embellished Diana’s childhood began as so many Steampunk, the fairy realm to dragon’s with beads; that took me a long time to young girls do with a love affair for lair, Diana does it all with fl air and pa- fi nish and I loved how it turned out!” horses. Not content with the commer- nache. It was the latter that caught our In addition to teddies and dragons, cial plastic and painted horses avail- eye at the 2018 Teddy Bear Festival in Diana’s love for sci-fi has inspired her able at the time, Diana’s budding artist Des Moines, Iowa where her beaded Steampunk and Cyborg characters. streak soon had her embellishing and dragon was a show stopper! Quirky and often comical, a Steampunk decorating her favourite toy steed. As Once described as a cinematic walrus sports goggles and radar array; she outgrew toys and backyard play, sponge, Diana absorbs all she sees an elegant crow struts in top hat and she went on to use her hands, skills waistcoat; and a traveling octopus with and imagination as a hairstylist for waving tentacles, gripping luggage more than two decades. and traveling essentials, to name a few. When her boss asked her to keep With her vivid imagination, Diana’s the business’s books and payroll whilst work is not confi ned to the legendary he travelled in Europe, Diana attended or fantastical. Her extremely realistic accounting school. “I decided account- beasts mimic full size creatures of the ing was less stress and less exposure woodlands, high mountains, rain for- to chemicals and skin problems,” Di- ests and other terrestrial habitats. She ana recalls. It wasn’t long after that she moves comfortably between realms of found herself in that fateful teddy bear fantasy and reality. class and has never looked back! Diana’s fi rst bear show was in Top: Beaded dragon is wired with jointed Nevada City, California in 1992 where legs and hand painted glass eyes. Fully her tables featured twenty bears and posable. critters. In 2008 she was nominated Left: A Steampunk Crow in spats is quite for and won a Golden Teddy Award in dapper in a top hat and ultra suede vest.

36 TEDDY BEAR TIMES MEET THE ARTIST

Below right: A mohair Steampunk Whale with hand painted eyes in top hat brings along an octopus friend. Above: Herman, the Christmas Shopping bear was designed for a theme show. Fully jointed, made of mohair with ultra suede paw pads. the clothes, shoes, and packages were handmade by Diana. Right: Emily, a vintage bear with handmade hat. Below: Mohair Fur Coat Bears have been dressed in real mink from a client’s mother’s jacket.

TEDDY BEAR TIMES 37 MEET THE ARTIST

Left: Sibel was Diana’s fi rst fairy bear and a gallery piece for the Quinlan Philadelphia Show. Wings are wired with beads and fabric, her outfi t top is beaded with a corset under top, the skirt is ribbons and strips of fabric. Her staff is made with beads and charms. Above: Zoo Trainer is a Gallery piece. Elephant, bear and bear trainer are made of mohair. The others are designed fabric. All have glass eyes. Below: Red Dragon is made from mohair and Naugahyde and needle felted face. Wired body, wired jointed legs and hand painted eyes. Fully posable to walk, stand or fl y.

making.” It’s a time-consuming pro- cess for which she never tires. At fairs across the country she loves meeting and greeting new and old friends alike. It was a life she discovered quite by accident but one she was born to do.

All it takes is a vision, a quick sketch different things such as cutting, sew- on paper, a pattern and a stack of ing, painting, airbrushing and wiring fabrics, some embellishments and the without having to put anything away. occasional swatch of vintage cloth- Her only company is her telly or the ing to create a one-off character or audio books she enjoys, her Welsh bear. Huggable, posable and infi nitely Corgi, Draco (which just happens to be appealing, Diana’s Merry Bears are Greek for dragon), and her daughter, eagerly sought out by bear collectors. who is her biggest collector. In her studio, high up in a loft, “I am an ‘any time’ bear maker,” this Diana’s space is entirely her own to busy part-time artist confesses. “I’m dream and conceive. The room is retired and work as ideas come to me. arranged so that she can work on New one-off designs are always in the

38 TEDDY BEAR TIMES ETSY SHOP DIRECTORY

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Miraberen If you are looking to create a good impression with the OOAK artist bears and other animals readers of Teddy Bear Times, whether it be to promote u miraberen.etsy.com materials, patterns or a stunning creation, call To advertise your Etsy page in our Directory, UK/Europe: Maria on 07730 622416 or email: [email protected] contact Maria on + 44 (0) 7730 622416 US: (507) 990-1817 or email: [email protected] or email: [email protected]

TEDDY BEAR TIMES 39 BEAR TRAILS Beam me up, Hugo BY LORRAINE HITCHINGS, GINOS BEARS ishing upon a star had a large collection volun- is not strictly for teered to re-home Patrick’s teddy W humans. Teddy and he was happy with this, as Bears too have their own special not only did his teddy have a new dreams and wishes and love loving home, but also he knew nothing more than looking up into the he would have teddy company. Patrick dark night skies and making a wish upon Moore was truly a great man. shooting stars. And so it was that Hugo Bear became, I have one lovely Steiff Teddy Bear you could say, a little bit obsessed with named Hugo who seems to have taken space (and aliens) and you can often fi nd the night sky one step further. He came him standing in the garden late at night, to live with me about ten years ago. It just starring up at the stars, sometimes was on my fi rst trip ever to the Steiff with a glass of lemonade and a packet of Factory in Giengen. I spotted him, he salt and vinegar crisps in his paws. was sitting very quietly on a shelf in the Recently, Hugo and I visited the Steiff Shop. I’m not sure what it was - Spaceguard Centre, which is situated in whether it was that funny wax nose of the back of beyond in Shropshire, in a his or whether it was his crazy fur coat place called Knighton. He couldn’t wait that stole my heart - but he was sitting to get there of course. Not only did we all alone and from the moment our eyes learn so much about meteors but also met, I immediately knew he was coming about many of the mysteries of space. home with me. Hugo added yet another pin badge to Hugo’s space story began, not as you his collection, some of which he wears might think in Germany, but on a ship on his jacket. in the middle of the ocean. He was my For a teddy, Hugo knows rather a lot travelling companion on a trip to a far off about space and hopes one day to fulfi l land, enjoying travelling like all bears, his dream of visiting NASA in the United but it was whilst on that trip that we were States and meeting an astronaut; how- lucky enough to meet the famous As- ever, in the meantime, he makes lots and tronomer, Heather Cooper. lots of wishes upon shooting stars. It turned out quite unexpectedly that Heather also loved teddy bears and I ● Lorraine Hitchings believe she fell in love with Hugo almost For old and antique teddy bears as much as me. ginosbears.co.uk Over the next few days she taught him a lot about the night sky, stars and they even talked about aliens and space ships and then, before we said our goodbyes, she signed his paw pads. Let me just tell you a little about Heather Cooper. She worked with the very famous Astrono- mer, the late Patrick Moore (from the Sky At Night fame) who I know loved teddy bears and who actually let me into a secret. He had a teddy bear as a small child who lived with him all of his life, that is, until he reached old age and decided to fi nd his old teddy a new home. A friend of his who loved bears and who

40 TEDDY BEAR TIMES COLLECTABLE BEARS “Bubbling Blancmange!” - from SuperTed to He-Man!

Fond memories of a special bear with superpowers, who was far more cuddly than some other super heroes, is still much-loved and is now collectable

BY JOANNE MCDONALD, VECTIS AUCTIONS hen Mike Young’s step son superhuman strength and fl ew using episodes were created, with a special could not sleep due to his his rocket boots. Public Information Film in Welsh called fear of the dark, Mike used to Many of the stories tried to help ‘Supersafe with SuperTed’ teaching W sit with him, creating stories children overcome worries or looked children road safety also being re- of brave characters who overcame at ecological or environmental issues. leased. their fears and ultimately triumphed. Like his counterpart Superman, Su- In 1989, Young took the business His favourite was the tale of a furry fac- perTed was for the most part a nor- decision to move to Los Angeles to fur- tory reject that was thrown in the rub- mal squishy, cute bear. At fi rst sight of ther his career. To help fund the move bish. Rescued by a yellow and green danger, he whispered the ‘magic word’ he sold the rights to SuperTed plus dotted alien he was taken to Mother and transformed into his red onesie his share in Siriol to Hanna Barbera. Nature who transformed the hairy bear and cape to tackle crime. The magic They went on to create 13 more fi lms and gave him superpowers to over- whisper has never been revealed, with under the title ‘The Further Adventures come his anxieties. much debating over what the word or of SuperTed’. The format was similar, Working as a TV and fi lm producer, words actually are. with the addition of new foes to defeat Mike recognised the potential of this Initially the series aired on S4C, in in the form of Polka Face, Bubbles the ‘furry-tale’ and with help from his wife the Welsh language, voiced by infl uen- Clown and Sleepless Knight. Liz, plotted outlines for several books tial Welsh musician, poet and televi- Settling in the US, Young formed a and a television series. sion producer Geraint Jarman. In 1983 new company, Mike Young Produc- Born in Barry, in the Vale of Glam- SuperTed was presented in the English tions, (now Splash Entertainment) who organ, Young was Welsh through and language on the BBC with Derek Grif- continued to release animated works through; he therefore approached fi ths taking over the lead role. including Horrible Histories, Sabrina Welsh Channel S4C with the idea to air In the early days, Young was offered the Teenage Witch, Clifford the Big the show. In 1981, he formed Cardiff- £250,000 for the series to be produced Red Dog and He-Man to highlight a based animation company Siriol in the US but he wanted to keep pro- f ew. (Welsh for cheerful) and SuperTed be- duction and control in Wales. Some 36 Although SuperTed merchandise came the fi rst cartoon to go into was available from early on, it seems production. The show Young did not exploit this area as and accompanying 100 much as he could have. His image books starred SuperTed and name were used to front a and his alien friend, aptly line of children’s vitamin sup- named ‘Spotty’, helping plements but little else in the to save the world. A video way of advertising. Generally monitor alerted the referred to as a 1980’s creation pair to possible prob- the fi rst and rarest SuperTed lems, generally caused toy was developed in 1979 by the villains Texas alongside the creation of the Pete, Bumbling Bulk and books. He was created by UK Skeleton. SuperTed had company Petalcraft Ltd and marketed

44 TEDDY BEAR TIMES COLLECTABLE BEARS

by Superted Enterprises with black printed pupils and Cardiff. more closely resembled the This fi rst version was SuperTed in the books and on crafted in blonde nylon television. In addition to the plush, having amber and books and annuals, look out black plastic eyes and a for SuperTed bubble bath, plastic dog nose. He is in- key rings, badges, range of tegrally clothed in brushed pottery ware, a board game nylon red and blue SuperT- created by Waddingtons and ed costume covering his a wonderful Wendy knitting jointed limbs. On his chest pattern. he wears a metal SuperTed Although still being part pin badge with a differ- of the largest independent ent logo than has been animation studio in Cali- latterly associated with him. fornia - which makes hits like There was a second badge included, Pet Alien for more than 160 countries presumably to be worn by you as the - Mike Young has recently returned to bear’s custodian. He stands on a card- his native Wales and continues with his board plinth which is copyrighted and love of animation. There have been no has a loose, removable blonde plush new episodes of SuperTed; although zip front jump suit, which nestles in the it has been reported several times it base of the presentation unit. will be back, issues with the original This was followed by a similar characters and plotlines have pre- smaller version with the recognisable vented it so far. But never say never yellow lighting fl ash to his chest, also as SuperTed and Spotty were always by Petalcraft, before the more common seen to overcome adversity. Lefray version (produced in the Far For more information on SuperTed East) released alongside the addi- please contact Jo McDonald at Vectis tion of his sidekick Spotty. These later on 01642 750616 or jo.mcdonald@ versions had large white plastic eyes vectis.co.uk

TEDDY BEAR TIMES 45 A little bit of holly CHRISTMAS and lots of creative sparkle give these festive bears an appeal all of their sh wcase own

+Bearlooms

TEDDY BEAR TIMES 41 +Barbara Ewing

+Bears by Sue Quinn

+Duffy Antiques

42 TEDDY BEAR TIMES +Nessa Bears

+E2 Bears

+Bettinah Groh +Notchlok Bears

TEDDY BEAR TIMES 43 NEW BEAR ARTIST

Michelle’s bear collection has her in stitches Avid artist bear collector Michelle Martin decided it was time to try her hand at making a bear herself and now she is successfully building her part-time business

BY MICHELLE MARTIN currently live in Warrington, life and my part-time job at Marks and up a lot of room. My bear collection Cheshire, England with my hus- Spencers. I fi nd making bears very began four years ago and I currently I band Paul and four children: two relaxing and it’s a great way to wind have around 40, mostly artist bears. boys (William and Alfi e) and two girls down after a busy day. My favourite is a Charlie Bear called (Katie and Emily). I also have an older I began just making bears for family ‘Zebedee’. I have most of them on daughter, Sigourney, who has now set and friends as gifts. As I progressed I display in glass cabinets. up her own home with her partner started to sell them online and through I’m still really enjoying learning Rob. my Facebook page ‘Shellsbears’. Most my craft. I would love to have a go at I trade under the name ‘Shells of the bears I create are from medium needlefelting the bears’ faces and feet Bears’ and I have been making bears or long pile faux fur but I do love to to give them more expression and for around two years. I have always work with mohair now and then. They character; I am going to look into this loved bears and my interest in collect- all tend to be around 12-14 inches in very soon. Maybe one day I could able bears started with Charlie Bears. height but they vary quite a lot in style. enter bear shows and see how that I then decided I would like to have a Over time the bears’ faces seem goes - it would be wonderful to maybe go at making a bear myself so pur- to grow with character. I tend to fall in win an award one day. chased a kit from eBay…and thats how love with everyone of them but don’t At present though I am just enjoy- it began. really have the space to store many ing creating my bears and collect- I create bears in my spare time and myself, as my love for collecting ooak ing amazing bears created by very try to fi t making them in around family artist bears has grown and they take talented artists.

46 TEDDY BEAR TIMES s bear collection has her in stitches

TEDDY BEAR TIMES 47 the BEAR DOCTORS

+ + + BY AMANDA MIDDLEDITCH + JULIE TATCHELL + + + Family heirlooms and seasonal secrets It’s time to look forward to putting down tools for a while but not before some very special patients have been restored and returned to their delighted owners

hristmas is the jewel of the few years, we have gathered quite an in the routine and, as you walk up and winter. It is long anticipated, amusing selection of gifts for each other, down all the Christmas aisles, spare a planned weeks in advance including socks, hair accessories, soaps, little thought for us as we seek out those C and heralds, for us anyway, biscuit tins, mugs and more and there is surprising little teddy bear gift items! the start of a well earned two-week defi nitely a bit of competition going on break. Yes of course we love our work between us. Fred Bear and we love each other’s company too We will exchange the sacks on the In our last article, we mentioned Fred and, amazingly we have never argued last day of work and there they will sit, Bear and his journey over to Australia. or fallen out but even we can see the behind each of our respective trees, until Fred belongs to a family whose daugh- benefi t of some ‘time out’. the day. One of us, mentioning no names, ter and family moved to Australia some This is the only part of the year when has usually opened hers before break- years ago and is a Schuco-type bear. we actually don’t spend any time togeth- fast is even on the table. The other takes With a new baby on the way, it was de- er. We close the door on all the bears her time. She waits until everything else cided that Fred needed to travel over- (leaving them with plenty of Christmas under the tree has been unwrapped and seas to become baby’s new companion. pudding) and simply do other things. then settles down to quietly and carefully With past experience of Border Control Everyone can benefi t from a change in open every little item. It does have to be seizing and destroying a family heirloom routine and now is as good a time as any said that the rest of her family will usually made of wood, the family were very in our minds. pass out with boredom by this point or concerned that Fred would not survive We do have a little Christmas tradi- disperse to different parts of the house the journey should his packaging be tion to share with you. We say ’tradition’ with a random assortment of excuses. investigated. but it’s really only been going for a few Although we don’t see each other, we All Fred’s materials were natural. He years. We make each other a Santa will always phone to offer our thanks and was made of a cotton-backed mo- sack! Starting at any time of the year chat through where we found a certain hair fabric and stuffed with kapok and but hotting up through December, we gift or how we managed to hide an item woodwool. Following offi cial guidelines, fi ll a sack with little gifts for each other, on an occasion when we were shop- we were able to ascertain that, as long obviously trying to include bear themed ping together! By the time the New Year as we could prove the fabric had been items where possible. It is actually quite celebrations are over, we will be raring cleaned, his material would be fi ne. good fun to do. Even though the shops to get back to work. Ready to face all the Unfortunately, the stuffi ng would not seem to fi ll up with festive fair far too new challenges ahead and, of course, all pass approval due to its age. It should early each year, it does offer the chance the new adventures we are bound to fi nd be pointed out that some people will be to gather assorted polar bears, teddy ourselves embroiled in. shipping vintage items back and forth bears in hats and scarves and other So, as the winter sets in around us all, quite regularly with no problems en- such furry themed treats. Over those why not plan yourself a change or break countered because they’re simply una-

48 TEDDY BEAR TIMES “Everyone can benefi t from a change in routine and now is as good a time as any in our minds.” ware of the requirements. The problem other body parts emptied of their stuff- We chose a piece of mohair that was a comes when a random search is carried ing, we were able to wash each piece, good colour match and texture but we out at the border. except for his body which we decided had to age it so that it complimented the This was the point at which the family to replace. Fred still owned his original original parts of Fred Bear. The beautiful approached us for help. eyes which were plastic no-safety and piece of mohair was plucked, shaved, We started Fred’s transformation by we were able to remove them before stripped and dirtied until we were happy removing the stuffi ng from his frail body washing his head. with the result. We then made him his to gain access to his cotter pin joints so The body was made of two parts new body. we could then dismantle him completely. which we had to separate to enable us It is worth mentioning that our cus- Once he was completely apart and all to make pattern pieces for his new body. tomer had requested a furry area be left

TEDDY BEAR TIMES 49 BEAR DOCTORS on Fred’s back as this made up one of all went well and Fred is now residing her strong memories of him. We then in sunny Oz! turned our attention to his existing limbs. Each one was opened up, laid Big Ted, Little Ted fl at and lined with felt before stitching Two other little bears that will never back together. The same procedure be parted from their owner are Big Ted was followed for Fred’s head. Fred had and Little Ted. Also appearing on The one of his own ears which we were able Repair Shop, these bears started their to split in two to make two ear fronts lives together when their owners got and we used the aged mohair for his married. new ear backs. Now we were ready to Big Ted was a 1940’s, jointed alpaca stuff him. bear who was probably made by Chad At this point, it is important that we Valley. His kapok stuffi ng had com- stress we would never usually change pletely disintegrated, he had knitted the type of stuffi ng we use in any bear covers on his paws and very strange, unless it would cause further dam- odd coloured button eyes. Using the original body and trousers age to said bear if it remained. An The fi rst thing we needed to do was as templates, we faithfully reproduced example would be when we replace remove all the kapok that had turned to Little Ted’s clothing. We were now ready foam rubber. It is important that, when dust! After dismantling him, we washed to put him back together. We attached preserving vintage bears, they are left each piece carefully. Once dry, we in- his feet and hands fi rst before stuff- in as original condition as possible and serted new pawpads before replacing ing him and carefully putting back his collectors prefer them that way. How- the kapok stuffi ng with new and adding original body pieces in a little parcel ever, Fred Bear is not a collector’s item. a little woodwool to his tummy and in his tummy. We then stuffed his head He is most defi nitely a family friend nose. It was essential for his owner to and stitched it in to place. All that was and this family will go to any lengths to hear him speak again so it was at this now left to do was to put back his eyes keep him. point we added a new squeaker. in their naturally wonky position! We With that now said, we set about Now rejointed, cleaned and stuffed, also put back in place a small red stuffi ng him with a modern polyester Big Ted was ready to have his new patch which we had removed from the fi lling. It felt quite strange to do and it glass eyes. He was then able to watch original body and had great sentimen- was perhaps harder to replicate his Little Ted having his surgery. Little Ted tal value. original shaping, however we were was an early Pedigree bear with a fur Both bears were now ready to be very pleased with the results and knew head, paws and feet and velvet body reunited with their very happy owner. we were on an important mission. We and trousers. Little Ted also had to be Next time we will share another of reassembled him before attaching his dismantled and a new pair of trousers our little adventures alongside some ears and eyes. He didn’t require any and a body made as the original had interesting restorations. new nose stitching. worn very thin. After a discussion, we Now all thats needs to be said is, With the addition of a tartan bow chose to match his faded colour rather “Merry Christmas and a Happy New and a certifi cate from us to guarantee than his bright original as it was de- Year to you all!”. his cleaning and stuffi ng materials, cided this would look more authentic. Fred headed off for the next part of his All his furry bits were gently cleaned ● www.bearitinmind.com adventure. We are very pleased to say, and set aside. Tel: 07867 787795

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all!

50 TEDDY BEAR TIMES THE artists’gallery Q Beautiful one-of-a-kind bears, all designed and hand-stitched by talented bear artists.

Mic Bären & Hasen ds-Bären Bearily Pawsing by Jutta Michels by Dagmar Seibel By Donna Manthey Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] email: [email protected] http://mic-baerenundhasen.de www.ds-baeren.de tel: (1) 608-212-1600

Notchlok Bears Tellybears Elegant Creations by Sandy Czaja Hand sewn artist bears from by Vicky Lougher www.notchlokbears.com Luxembourg with a vintage style www.vickylougher.com email: [email protected] www.tellybears.net email: [email protected]

TEDDY BEAR TIMES 51 Bearly Bears Heir Bears Bruin Magic Handcrafted by Naomi Wivell By Jane Woodard By Mel X www.bearlybears.com.au www.heirbears.com email: [email protected] www.bearpile.com/bearlybears email: [email protected]

Snuggles Raspbeary Bears Advertise in the Gallery by Yolanda Levy by Darlene Allen Showcase your bears here YoYoBears.com email: [email protected] call Maria: + 44 (0) 7730 622416 (UK) [email protected] call Sara: (507) 990-1817 (USA)

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52 TEDDY BEAR TIMES BeeBears MERRY CHRISTMAS Teddy Kingdom by Sabine Cheshire from Created by Lena Volkova Email: [email protected] Samt and Roses Bären email: [email protected] www.bee-bears.de http://samtandrosesbaeren.jimdo.com web: www.teddykingdom.com

Pamda Bears My Apple Tree Bear My Sole Designed by Pam Pontious Designed by: Cindy L Malchoff Designed by JoAnne OHanlon www.pamdabears.com www.myappletree.com email: [email protected] email: [email protected] email: [email protected] tel: (480) 358-4051

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TEDDY BEAR TIMES 53 BEAR MAKING Fabric, fabric everywhere - what to choose to make a bear?

There are so many fabrics that could potentially be used to make a teddy bear, each one with its own attributes; new bear makers will appreciate this useful guide

hether you are a collector of ‘tipped’ mohair to great effect. The to give the appearance of an old well bears or you are making a added bonus is when the mohair is loved teddy, as you can see from the teddy of your own, the type trimmed from the muzzle, you actually photos of Dexter and Murphy. W of fabric used or to be used remove the tips, revealing the colour If you are considering alternative will have a determining factor on your underneath, which can have a very fabrics, you can choose from the vast design. In this feature, I will help you nice effect. Another idea is to have the range of synthetic materials. Firstly decide which particular material you mohair dyed one uniform colour but there are the ‘fur’ types that are pro- should choose. the actual backing used for the materi- duced to emulate mohair. These are Mohair is the most common fabric al is in a contrasting hue. The trimmed often used in mass produced bruins used for quality bears for a century muzzle area reveals the darker back- to very good effect. They are safe, and as far as we can see, there prob- ing and gives this particular bear a durable and very soft and are ideal for ably will be no substitute to this. This characteristic ‘12 o’clock shadow’. children’s toys as they withstand rough fabric is derived from the coat of the With mohair being quite expensive, and tumble and are often machine Angora goat, which originated in Tur- particularly on the dense plush ranges, washable. key and is woven into a cotton back- a compromise was reached by astute When choosing a synthetic fabric, ing that gives durability and strength. manufacturers to reduce the amount of try to ascertain what the backing is. It readily takes various treatments mohair fi bres in the weave and to call The very cheap economy fur fabric for pile effects such as ‘distressed’, this style ‘Sparse’. This is exactly what will almost certainly have a jersey achieved by tying the fi nished fabric the name implies: simply the normal or knitted backing. These are best into random shapes with cord then hot woven mohair material but the pile avoided as the backing will stretch and steam is passed through which causes itself is quite thin. This is not as dras- when you start fi lling your bear, you the pile to become semi ‘permed’ to tic as it sounds. In fact, sparse mohair will fi nd the result disappointing as it give the desired random effect. Being is extremely popular as a choice for stretches out of proportion. Look out a natural material, mohair takes colour bear making. The thinner fur pile gives for a woven backing. In some cases, dyes very easily and many effects can a completely different look and often synthetic fur fabrics with a good qual- be achieved with clever manipulation. makes the fi nished bear more authen- ity woven backing can often equate to A popular mohair used by many tic because it emulates wear and tear the cost of mohair so buy wisely. manufacturers today is the ‘tipped’ There are a few other types of mate- type. This is mohair fabric that is col- rial that you can make your bruins oured by dyes in the normal way but from. I have seen them made from a with the simple addition of a contrast- variety of very nice fabrics such as ing colour applied very carefully to patchwork, either real or printed, and the tips of the pile only. This can be of corduroy. Towelling is a good one as it two basic types; lighter on the tips to give an unusual depth to the colour or Above: Sparse mohair trimmed back to much darker on the tips as we used for reveal the darker backing. Topper. Left: Felt bears can be embellished with Topper is a bear that uses this simple embroidery.

54 TEDDY BEAR TIMES BEAR MAKING

Top: Shaggy Kunin felt is an inexpensive materials to make a durable version alternative to pile fabrics. called ‘Craft Felt’ by a fi rm called Above: Patchwork and gingham fabrics Kunin. This is available in either a make lovely rustic bears. plush style or what they call a ‘Shaggy’ Above right: So many fabric choices! pile, which possibly suits bear making Below: Dexter and Murphy illustrate how rather better. It is machine washable, the choice of material will affect your bear’s does not stretch, shrink or disintegrate. character. Added to this, it has no pile grain and Below right: Tipped mohair can make very can be cut with scissors without any special teddies. fraying, will sew or glue with ease and is available in ‘beary’ type colours too. emulates a string-type pile and can be the Steiff Company in Germany was So as you can see, when select- very cost effective. founded on felt toys long before the ing fabrics, there is a wide range to There is yet another material used teddy bear and mohair evolved, so it is choose from, offering various different to quite good effect and that is craft an obvious choice to use today. qualities and effects. Do try out some felt. For the smaller bear, a nice wool There has been an advance in this of these ideas and you may well be mix felt is still a popular choice; in fact fabric with the addition of modern very pleasantly surprised!

TEDDY BEAR TIMES 55 DEAR JULIE

Julie Shepherd explains how to choose and insert eyes for your bear - choosing the right type and inserting them correctly will give your new bear instant appeal

BY JULIE SHEPHERD

elcome to the next instal- male or female - the eyes slightly larger takes, will be well worth the effort. ment in the series aimed and fractionally further apart can cre- A much repeated piece of advice at the novice bearmaker. ate a more feminine look and slightly recommends that you should hold the WUnfortunately I ran out smaller and closer together can create a bear’s head up to a mirror once the eyes of space in the last issue just as we got more masculine appearance. are inserted (but before they are fixed to the interesting stage of inserting So I’m afraid nothing is really as in place) as it gives a different perspec- the eyes. So we’re now going to move simple as it might appear. But having tive and will show any adjustments which straight on to choosing the size of eyes, chosen your eyes and perfectly matched might need to be made. Give this a try positioning them and sewing in place. the pair you are going to use, now you and see if it helps. This is one of the most exciting steps in need to decide on the position. And a word of warning: it can be far making a bear as once he has his eyes, Usually there will be a natural point on more difficult to get the eyes even/level he will really come to life! the head which will suggest the loca- than you would think. This can be down The first choice to make is the size tion of the eye-socket. Most head pieces to minor distortions in the head which you’re going to use. This can be quite have either shaped sides, a shaped cen- have been caused by less-than-perfect tricky as there is nothing really deter- tre gusset or both. When these pieces stitching or by uneven stuffing. I some- mining what to use, within reason, other are sewn together and the stuffing is times find that no matter how carefully than personal choice. added, a natural brow/muzzle/eye socket I’ve positioned the eyes and however If you are creating a bear with an ap- should emerge. much I’ve checked from every angle, pealing young, cub-like face, larger eyes This is when a set of position eyes one eye (and it’s always the same one) will help create a more immature look can really prove invaluable as you can needs some minor adjustments to make but if you’re making an adult realistic try different sized eyes at the same time it perfectly match its partner. bear, you’re probably going to choose you are choosing their placement. But a smaller size to help with the realism. If if you don’t have position eyes, you can Insertion you study photos of real bears, their eyes use pins to help choose the right place Now you’re ready to insert the eyes are remarkably small in relation to their for the eyes. Of course this won’t repli- and you must decide whether you are overall size. cate the size you may be using but it will going to insert the disc joint in the neck However, if you’re making a teddy help you to get the eyes evenly spaced before this step or after. Inserting it be- bear without a hint of realism, these and level. And I really can’t stress how forehand stabilises the filling in the head principles can still be applied - larger important this is. and also clearly defines the base of the eyes will give your bear a younger look Over the years I have seen some head. But there is a good argument for and smaller eyes will make your bear beautiful bears with eyes that aren’t quite inserting it after the eyes as you can then look older. right - either one eye is slightly closer to tie the eyes off inside the head and avoid

the bridge of the nose or slightly higher any possibility of creating a ‘dimple’ in

Placement in the head than the other. It can some- the back of the head. The positioning of the eyes is also times be literally a matter of a millimetre So I’m going to talk you through the important in helping to make‘ your bear or two but it really does make a huge ‘without a disc’ method first. In order to difference. place the eyes you need to create a hole And I can tell you from experience where the crimped wire loop will enter Smaller eyes will that once you’ve tied the eyes off it can the head. Remove your pin marker (or make your bear be a near impossible job to remove position eye) and immediately insert them to make any adjustments, so get- your awl, taking care it is in exactly the ‘ look older. ting it right first time, however long it same place and wiggling it slightly to 56 TEDDY BEAR TIMES Bring needle out a few millimetres from first stitch.

Use doll needles to insert eyes.

Insert needle through eye hole. Pull thread through eye loop.

Insert awl in location marked by pin. Tie off eyes very firmly.

part the backing threads and stuffing head. threads from your first stitch with your which create a ‘tunnel’ for the wire to You’ll probably find the latter method needle when placing the second. If this slip into. Using an awl with a ball tip to easier so push your needle in through happens it will prevent you from being do this will help reduce the likelihood the eye hole and direct it downwards able to pull on the threads to bed the eye of damaging the backing fabric; this is to the neck opening. Pull about half the into the head so you’ll need to remove especially important if you think you may length of your thread through and cut it your stitches and start again. need to reposition the eye. by the needle eye so you now have two There are other options for fixing the You’re also going to need an extra threads dangling. eyes and I’ll look at some of those next long needle for inserting the eyes and Go back to the two threads still hang- time - some can even influence the final you can buy packs of varying lengths ing from the eye hole and thread the wire shape of your bear’s features. from bear making suppliers. loop of your eye onto them. Re-thread And if you’d like to add eye-whites or Take a double length of your chosen your needle and push it back through shading, you will need to do this before thread - and make sure it is plenty long the head, bringing it out a couple of mil- you tie the eyes off. Unfortunately I’m out enough as if it is a little on the short side, limetres from the first stitch. of space again so that will have to wait it is going to make knotting off the eyes Remove your needle and you can then until next time too. much more difficult than it needs to be. pull on the two sets of threads until the Until then, happy‘ sewing! Thread your needle and you’re ready eye is bedded down into the eye socket to go. You can either take the needle and then tie off firmly with several knots. from within the base of the stuffing in the You now need to repeat this process for Thread your needle head and out through the eye hole, or the other eye. and you’re ready through the eye hole you’ve just created I’ll just warn you that occasionally and into the stuffing at the base of the you may be very unlucky and catch the ‘ to go. TEDDY BEAR TIMES 57 MAKE A BEAR PATTERN: Christmas bear

This bright and cheerful bear in gorgeous German mohair is open mouthed with excitement - Christmas is nearly here!

BY BARBARA EWING

y Christmas bears are 24 cm in alphabetical order so you will know to avoid extra bulk in the seam line and (9½”) in height and have 6mm where to stitch. The joint positions are in your nose. M (¼”) seams. marked on the patterns, however the All pattern pieces must be sewn Transfer all pattern pieces to ear position is optional and I have not furry sides together, paying special cardboard. I tend to use cereal packets marked it on the pattern. (I quite often attention to pushing the fur well inside or tissue boxes. Pay attention to the wait until I have completed the bear your teddy’s seam. Pin your seams in arrows on the patterns and follow the before placing the ears on). sections and stitch between the pins, direction of the nap on your mohair. I Cut out all the pieces with sharp either by using a sewing machine or have made left and right arm, leg and scissors and pay special attention to by hand stitches, using the overcast head patterns to make it easier to fol- avoid cutting the pile of your fur. stitch and the back stitch. Be sure to low, plus I have marked each pattern Trim the fur away from the nose area pull out the mohair in your seams before turning your teddy bear pieces furry side out. Materials Copic pen to mark around 1/8 of a metre of 6mm Ger- the mouth edge to create Head man mohair defi nition Pin and stitch centre front seam un- Ultrasuede or leather for the A thin pen for marking out der the chin from A to B. Pin and stitch paw pads the patterns head gusset from A to C. When stuffi ng Heavy interfacing for paw Bead headed pins the head, especially the nose, only use pads so they don’t distort when Sharp scissors small pieces of polyester fi lling and stuffi ng the limbs Tweezers pack in fi rmly as you work back ways Sinew for sewing in the eyes Awl (gimlet) to bore holes into the rest of your head, moulding 3 ply thread for the nose though the fur for the eyes into shape as you go. The personal- Leather or Ultrasuede for the Stuffi ng tool or chop stick ity of the bear can be changed by the template of the nose*. Tweezers moulding and shaping via the stuff- Matching sewing thread 5” needle for eyes ing. This can be seen in my two open Upholstery thread for clos- Needle nose pliers mouth Christmas bears using the ing up the body Mohair brush same pattern but with a different look Polyester fi lling Fray stopper glue character and personality. 10ml glass eyes Clear gloss varnish for a When your head is stuffed, place Velcro or leather for eye lids glossy nose head joint together.(25mm disc nut 4 sets of 25mm discs, nuts Felt pink for the tongue and and bolt) Place the joint into the bot- and bolts, or 4 sets of split pins white for under the eyes tom of the neck B and C and with your and discs sinew, run a gathering stitch all the way Hex nut driver and spanner PATTERN SHOWN AT 100% around the neck fi rmly and fasten off with a darning stitch and a knot.

58 TEDDY BEAR TIMES MAKE A BEAR

Eyes The head is stuffed fi rmly and is ready for the eyes. My Christmas bears have 9mm black German eyes. I have put a dot on the pattern for the positioning of the eyes, however you may place them where you like to create your own look. Using beaded pins, determine what eye position suits you and once you are happy with the position of the eyes, use an awl to poke a small hole through your teddy’s head ready for the eyes. Thread some sinew though the loop at the back of your eyes and then thread both of the ends of the sinew through a long needle. Pass the needle into the head and through the eye position and out of the underneath of the mouth near the front of the neck marked B. Repeat with the other eye. Tie with a reef knot to secure. You will not see the knot at the front of the neck because it will be covered by the lower jaw.

Nose

sticky tape to hold back any fur which Lower jaw may get in the way of your stitching. When you have fi nished your nose After trimming the fur away from your needle needs to exit underneath the tip of the nose, decide what shape the centre of your nose and out over of nose you would like. I have used an the top of the roof of teddy’s mouth oval nose in this case. Make a template B and sink the knot. The roof of the from a bit of leather or ultra suede. teddy’s mouth should be trimmed and When you are happy with the design coloured in with a black copic pen or and shape of your nose you need to you may put a small piece of leather glue your template nose into place on the roof of the mouth as can be with a bit of tacky glue. Ensure you seen in the picture. With right sides together pin and are happy with the position of your sew fur to the ultra suede around the template nose before embroidering. curved side, B to B. Turn furry side I have used embroidery thread, 3 ply. out and ensure to brush out any fur It is easier to control the shape and that is stuck in the seam. Place a small position of your stitches with the thin- amount of fi lling inside the lower jaw ner, fi ner thread. With a curved nee- and then slip stitch closed. With a fi ne dle, stitch your nose vertically up and TOPTIP point black copic marker, paint a fi ne down, top to bottom. You will need sev- A nose template also helps line on the curved edge of the jaw. This eral layers of stitches on your nose. Use to give the nose height. will give the jaw defi nition.

TEDDY BEAR TIMES 59 MAKE A BEAR

A eye A Head Head eye Left side Right side

Cut one Cut one

A B C C B I H I Body Joint Joint Cut one Head Gusset H B

Cut one Jaw B H

CC Body Cut one Joint Joint

Ear Cut 4 H I I J J

60 TEDDY BEAR TIMES MAKE A BEAR Tongue

Cut out a little tongue from pink felt or mohair, the same length of the lower jaw. Stitch a line of stitching through the middle of the tongue to create defi nition as seen in the pic- ture. Place tongue on top of the jaw, ultra-suede side and stitch down. Attach lower jaw to teddy’s upper head with pins, covering the area you have just trimmed and coloured. The together and stitch around them, Above: This shows the green and red placement of the lower jaw is very leaving an opening between D and Christmas bears as an example of obtain- important. If teddy’s jaw is too far for- D as indicated on the pattern. Leave ing different looks from the same pattern. ward, he will look like he has an over the feet open and match the centre bite and if it’s placed too far back, of your foot pads E to E and stitch in you won’t be able to see it. Follow the place. Make the joint holes on the Jointing pictures to see the most appropriate inner legs and turn them furry sides Joint head to the body fi rst before position. out. jointing the limbs, incase the limb placements need adjusting. Then joint Arms the arms and legs in place with the Sew the paw pads into the inner nut driver and spanner. Finish stuffi ng arm pieces F to F and then with right arms, legs and the body fi rmly and sides together, stitch around the close all your seams with a ladder edge of your arms leaving an open- stitch. ing between G to G. Make the joint holes in the inner arms and turn them Ears furry sides out. Place in the bolt, disc With right sides together, sew and washer into each limb ready for around the edge of your ear to J to Attach lower jaw B to upper jaw jointing. J and turn furry side out, then use B to the head using pins initially to a ladder stitch to close the open- ensure the jaw is in the right place. Body ings. Before stitching the ears on to Once you are happy with the jaw Sew all the way around your body your teddy, determine the position position, blind stitch in place so you starting from the neck H to H leaving of where you would like your ears cannot see the stitches. an opening between the back of the to sit on your bear’s head. Once you body I to I. Turn your body furry side are happy with the positioning, curve Legs out and gather the neck edge with your ears slightly and pin in place.

Fold the legs with right sides sinew ready for jointing. Hand stitch on with a ladder stitch.

F

F

Cut one Cut

pad paw paw Arm Arm Nose Foot paw pad

pad E Cut one Cut paw paw Arm Arm Cut 1 E

Cut 4

F F

TEDDY BEAR TIMES 61 MAKE A BEAR

E

D F F

D G

Joint

Right leg

G

Cut one

Cut one Cut

Left Arm Left

G

G D Joint

D

E

E

D

D

F

F

G

Left leg

G

Cut one

Cut one Cut Right Arm Right

Joint

D

G

G D Joint

E 62 TEDDY BEAR TIMES The bears who stay out in the cold Although many bear species live in cold climates, the polar bear is so evocative of the frozen north that it instantly comes to mind

any teddy bear artists have resort to small mammals, birds, eggs in the den for 4-5 months before being added a polar bear or two and vegetation to supplement their allowed to accompany their mother M to their list of creations. Is diet. They are not as fast as seals so outside. They will generally stay with it their white coat that makes them so instead of trying to catch them in open her for about two years, in which time appealing or the fact that they survive water, they sit on the ice, close to a seal she will teach them all the skills they in one of the harshest climates on breathing hole. When a seal comes to need to survive on their own in the Earth? Well, did you know that a polar the surface for air, they pounce. A Polar chilly place they call home. bear’s fur is not actually white? Here bear’s sense of smell is amazing and Sadly, the sea ice in the Arctic is are some other things you may not can detect their favourite food (seals) melting due to climate change/global know about these wonderful creatures. from up to 16km away. warming and the ice is forming later Polar bears are the largest living A polar bear’s fur isn’t actually white and later each year, meaning the bears carnivores on Earth. Adults measure but is made from transparent hairs that have less time to hunt for food. over 2.5 metres long and weigh around have a hollow core which reflects light, Not only that but the oil and gas 650-800kg. giving the fur a white appearance. industry is looking towards the arctic Well adapted to living in the Arctic This cleverly allows them to be cam- which will bring further risk of pol- - the harshest of environments - they ouflaged against their surroundings. lution to the polar bears’ shrinking are excellent swimmers and go as far Underneath the fur, their skin is black, natural environment. as 100km away from shore in search allowing them to soak up the sun’s rays These concerns have led to the of food. They use their large, slightly for warmth. Below this, they have a polar bear being classified as ‘vulner- webbed paws like paddles to move layer of blubber for insulation, helping able’ by the IUCN. The WWF is pre- them through the water. Swimming at to keep in the warmth. dicting that the number of polar bears speeds of up to 6mph, polar bears can Cubs are born in a snow den during will have declined by as much as 30% stay in the water for hours, even days, November and December. At birth by 2050. There are various conserva- without touching land. a polar bear cub is around 30cm (12 tion schemes in place to protect these They mainly hunt for seals, though inches) in length and weighs around wonderful bears - they need all the often not very successfully and have to half a kilo (just over 1lb). The cubs live help they can get.

TEDDY BEAR TIMES 63 KNITTING PATTERN Santa’s bear-ing gifts

This cute santa sack is the perfect size for giving those special little gifts and can even be hung on the tree

BY JILL MUNDY

With red yarn, cast on 35sts Row 35: K11A, K13B, K11A Row 1: (K1, P1) to last st; K1 Row 36: P10A, P15B, P10A Row 2: (P1, K1) to last st; P1 Row 37: K8A, K17B, K8A Repeat the last two rows 3 times (8 Row 38: Break off B; P16A, P3C, rows) P16A Row 9: K Row 39: K16A, K3B, K16A Row 10: P Row 40: P16A, P3B, P16A Repeat the last two rows 3 times Continue in A only (16 rows) Row 41: K Row 17: K17A, K1B, K17A Row 42: P Row 18: P17A, P1B, P17A Repeat the last two rows 7 times Row 19: K16A, K3B, K16A (56 rows) Row 20: P15A, P5B, P15A Row 57: K15A, K5C, K15A Row 21: K15A, K5B, K15A Row 58: P13A, P2D, P5C, P2D, P13A Row 22: P14A, P7B, P14A Row 59: K12A, K2D, K7C, K2D, K12A Row 23: K13A, K9B, K13A Row 60: P11A, P3D, P7C, P3D, P11A Row 24: P12A, P11B, P12A Row 61: K11A, K4D, K5C, K4D, K11A Row 25: K11A, K13B, K11A Row 62: P11A, P4D, P5C, P4D, Row 26: P14A, P7B, P14A P11A; Break off C Row 27: K13A, K9B, K13A Row 63: K11A, K13D, K11A Row 28: P12A, P11B, P12A Row 64: P10A, P15D, P10A Row 29: K12A, K11B, K12A Row 65: K10A, K15D, K10A Row 30: P11A, P13B, P11A Row 66: P8A, P19D, P8A Row 31: K10A, K15B, K10A Row 67: K7A, K21D, K7A Row 32: P13A, P9B, P13A Row 68: P6A, P23D, P6A Row 33: K12A, K11B, K12A Row 69: K6A, K23D, K6A Row 34: P11A, P13B, P11A Row 70: P6A, P23D, P6A Row 71: K6A, K23D, K6A Materials Row 72: P7A, P21D, P7A 1 ball 4ply wool in: Row 73: K8A, K3D, K1A, K11D, K1A, A red, K3D, K8A B green Row 74: P14A, P7D, P14A; break off C cream D D light brown Continue in A Small amount dark brown DK Row 75: K wool Row 76: P Pair 3.5mm knitting needles Repeat the last two rows 5 times 30cm length cord or ribbon (86 rows) Large eyed tapestry needle Row 87: (K1, P1) to last st; K1 Row 88: (P1, K1) to last st; P1

64 TEDDY BEAR TIMES KNITTING PATTERN s bear-ing gifts

Repeat the last two rows 3 times (94 rows). Cast off loosely. Sew in all ends and lightly press.

Teddy’s face Thread a large eyed tapestry nee- dle with an oddment of dark brown yarn. Using the photo as a guide, Swiss darn teddy’s nose, eyes and inner ears, tucking in all ends at the back of the work.

To make up If you like, you can add some ‘snowfl akes’ or baubles to the tree by sewing French knots on (see photo). With wrong side facing, fold each ribbed edge in half and slip stitch in place to make a channel at either end of the sack. Fold sack in half, right sides to- gether, and sew side seams from just below the ribbed edge. Turn right side out. Cut two 20inch (51cm) lengths of ribbon or cord. Starting at one edge, thread one ribbon through each side of the channel and tie both ends together in a knot Starting at the opposite edge, thread the other piece of ribbon through and tie in a knot. Fill your sack with gifts for teddy or a bear lover and hang on the tree, ready for Christmas Day.

You can add some ‘snowfl akes’‘ or baubles to the tree ‘ by sewing French knots on.

TEDDY BEAR TIMES 65 BEAR ADVENTURES The beary enjoyable tour of Yorkshire

Teddy Bear Truffl e McFurry has been writing about his adventures in the north of England and here he shares with you some of the bears he met

BY MIKI DE GOODABOOM bout two years ago, my friend in closed glass cases and cannot be about some of them today. The fi rst Ann La Mar - a true Yorkshire approached. The normal Teddies, the one was in the little town of Great Ay- girl, my beloved Teddy Bear, ones from everyday life, the ones with ton, Captain Cook’s birth place. Truffl e A Truffl e McFurry, and me went whom you share your daily joys and was not allowed out of the car as it was on a little Tour of Yorkshire. Well, in pains, they are the ones we most love. raining but here is what he wrote about case you wonder: not on bikes but in Well, we live in a place (Andalusia, that bear in the book we wrote togeth- a car called Audrey. It was meant to Spain) where the Teddy Bear culture is er about our trip: be a painting trip for me and we also not very widespread, where they are “When they came back, the girls planned to write books about it but hardly part of children’s daily life. This told me about a beautiful Teddy Bear not only that; I wanted to meet lots of is so sad! Which is one of the reasons they had met in a book shop. He had Teddy bears on my travels. Ann had why I adore travelling to the UK: they golden glasses and he was a “bib- sent me some photos of them before are everywhere and it makes me feel liophile”. I bet you don’t know what a and I was totally bewitched. I called so comfortable, so loving… so HOME! bibliophile is! A bibliophile is some- them ‘The Bears From The Yorkshire Apart from Gyles Brandreth’s bears, body who loves books. Moor’. we met many lovely bears during our I love that word, and I will use it very In those days I was still quite a nov- Tour of Yorkshire. I want to tell you often, because this is how one learns ice in Teddy things but I would learn words for ever! I am a bibliophile too, later that those amazing bears with the I love books, but I don’t really love big sad human eyes were the so-called reading, I prefer when my Mom Charlie Bears. And that they didn’t re- reads out loud for me! ally come from Yorkshire. There is that book the bear is In the meanwhile I am much reading, “Jokes About Girls”, I more cultivated and have even want it too. Girls can be so an- visited the Charlie Bear museum noying sometimes, I think jokes in Devon: what a magical experi- about them must be very funny ence it was! But this is another and help boys to deal with story, which I will tell in Teddy them because all boys I know Bear Times next year. say that they will never under- Our Yorkshire tour was trig- stand girls.” gered by the idea of visiting That same day we drove to the Gyles Brandreth’s Bear house at coast and visited, under the fog, Newby Hall and his permission the fascinating town of Whitby. We to paint his bears (as featured in spent a beautiful time in some of TBT 230). the shops, mostly antique shops Now, it is not all about famous selling Teddies. Some of them were Teddy Bears. As Truffl e wisely again in glass cases, because they noticed - he is a very clever little were old and fragile, but some were bear, you know! - most of them live out to enjoy their proximity to the

66 TEDDY BEAR TIMES BEAR ADVENTURES public. In one of these shops Truffl e got the psychological shock of his life: “And then suddenly I saw HIM. I could not believe my eyes! HE was sitting with two other bears, a big white one, and a small white one. The two were playing with a beautiful bright red kind of car. At home we call it Ferrari red, just like our toy car. HE was brown, a bit smaller than the white one. He had a patch on his right eye, so big one could not see the eye. The other eye had white in it. He had a red collar with a cow bell, I have seen such bells on the cows in the Pyrene- an mountains. His paws underneath were the most beautiful paws I had ever seen, and not both the same: one had bright red dots, and the other a red star. How lucky he was to have such paws; I was a bit jealous. But the most amazing thing was the other thing he had around his neck, next to the cow bell. A big piece of paper. Written on it was: „Name: Truffl e Born: 5 july 2015” Well, my poor Truffl e fell into a deep existentialist crisis, having thought so far that he was unique. I needed much energy, love and patience to convince him that it is not his name that makes him unique but who he is! Another wonderful bear we saw in there was sitting on an old typewriter next to a cute pink mouse. I refl ex- ively took a photograph, and when I saw it back home, I thought it was a wonderful motif and really enjoyed painting him. On the next day of our Tour, we went toward the west. In a pretty little village called Reeth, we saw two bears, such as we had never seen before. Truffl e and me were quite ‘fl ummoxed’. Here is what Truffl e had to say: “… there we found two very funny bears. One red and one yel- low. They were very cute, but they were not made out of fur like me.… I think they were made out of wool! And I bet the wool was coming from the sheep! It was not their fault, I guess, and anyway, they were bears whatso-

TEDDY BEAR TIMES 67

BEAR ADVENTURES I spotted Wensley,‘ the fi rst Teddy I adopted during my Tour of ‘ Yorkshire.

see, my heart was already ticking for England. I had never visited a cheese fac- tory before and I was very excited. Well, that was a delight, in all senses of the word, especially the tasting room, which got all my attention. And even more so as I spotted Wensley, the fi rst Teddy I adopted during my Tour of Yorkshire. We met many extraordinary bears during our Tour, and I could go on and on and on. But Teddy Bear Times surely needs the room for all the other wonderful Teddy Bear artists. So, I will ever and I loved them. Miki painted hence the reference… fi nish, appropriately enough, with the them having one of these huge beer That same day we visited Wens- dessert, an amazing cake we saw in a bottles they also sold in the shop. It is leydale Creamery in Hawes. Me, bakery in Thirsk, that again plunged the fi rst time I have seen Teddy Bears being French, I love cheese! So much poor little Truffl e into a crisis. Here is having a beer, I don’t know if they like so, that “cheese” was the very fi rst what he wrote: it. Auntie Ann would say: word I spoke as a baby, even before “…And then, I saw these amazing “They are English, they love it!” “Maman”! In French, you might know, bears in the window of a shop. A big A little explanation for you: I have a it is called “fromage” but it was much one with a Santa claus hat, and a little sweet spot for sheep and I always fall too complicated for my baby language naked one. Both of them were sitting in love with the ones I meet. Truffl e was skills and I said “chimia” to it. Closer to on top of giant cakes. They were so quite jealous about it in his young days, English than to French, I would say! You cute that I looked at my mum, want-

68 TEDDY BEAR TIMES BEAR ADVENTURES ing to tell her we should adopt them, together with the cakes of course. We had done so much today, I felt I need- ed a big piece of cake. But something on Miki’s face looked wrong. “Truffy, I know what you want to tell me with your charming begging eyes that try to melt my heart once more... but… have you realised what is going on with these bears?” “Euh… yes, they sit on these yum- my cakes!” “Well, they are not real teddy bears, you know… and they don’t sit on the cakes… they are part of the cakes, they are chocolate bears!” I think I became all pale. and believe me, for me to become pale with my dark fur, it needs something big and terribly scary. These bears were cakes? “But… does it mean that people are eating them?” “Yes, I guess it is what it means. But perhaps they don’t. It seems that these cakes have won prizes, so perhaps they are there to be admired and not eaten!” I said that to calm my poor Truffl e down but inside I was thinking: Good luck with that! I don’t know anybody in the world who can resist choco- late… I cannot! Well, this is it for now. As I men- tioned earlier in this article, Ann La Mar, Truffl e and me - going under the collective name of “The Urso Majors” - are writing a series of illustrated books about that Yorkshire Tour. The fi rst vol- ume - featuring the towns of Great Ay- ton, Ugthorpe, Staithes, Runswick Bay, Sandsend Whitby and Robin Hoods Bay - has already been published as an ebook. If you are interested in pur- chasing it, please contact me.

A special painting for a special bear By the way, I would like to take this occasion to honour hanging upside down at the top of the tree was feeling. Paddington, as it is his 60th birthday this year. Ann was so concerned about it that she ran back to the I could not resist painting Paddington on different occa- shop and bought him. I had called my own Paddington sions. As Christmas approaches, I want to share with you ‘Euston’, she called hers ‘Piccadilly’. He is now living hap- these, spotted by Ann La Mar in a bookstore in Yarm last pily among all his brothers and sisters in Yarm, sitting on a year. A delightful motif, though I’m not sure how the one beautiful green and white spotted box in Ann’s offi ce.

TEDDY BEAR TIMES 69 GIFT IDEAS Treat a special someone to something bearybear special

Here are a few ideas to help make present shopping a little easier, even for those bear addicts you know who seem to have everything

Sweater Bear Christmas Card Spread your yuletide greetings to friends and family with the sweet and square Christmas card which is blank so you can write your own festive message. The card also features original illustrations and typography. 150mm square, the card arrives with a white en- velope, packaged in a cellophane bag and posted in a bend-proof envelope. wordfi ndersclub.etsy.com Personalised T Shirt - Papa Bear Treat the Daddy Bear or Grandpa Bear in your family to a fun personalised t-shirt. The navy blue cotton tee features a line- drawn bear illustration alongside a name The Bear Candle of your choice, up to 20 characters. Avail- Detailed, monochrome silhouettes able in small, medium, large, X-large and of wonderful Scandinavian wildlife XX-large. 100% cotton. Price: £26.99, characterise the Nordic series of GettingPersonal.co.uk unique mugs and candles, designed by Kata Nowak-Kiminki. Once lit, the unscented candle casts a glow and the iconic Nordic bear is brought to life by the fl ickering fl ame. Height: 8cm Burn- ing time: up to 30 hours. Price: £9.95, nordicmood.co.uk

Help real bears with these charity gifts Animal protection is the focus of charity World Animal Protection. Buying your gifts from their online store will help to raise funds to help their conservation work and protect endangered bears and those Heart-shaped held in captivity. slate keepsake The engraved Me To You Heart- Bear Essential socks - Keep paws warm with shaped Slate Hanging Keepsake - these fun cotton rich socks. One size. Price £6.50 Love You This Much includes a red Bearly Awake mug - Wake yourself up with a lovely gingham ribbon and is expertly cuppa from this humorous mug! Height: 101mm. engraved with the Tatty Bear bear. Price: £11.99 You can even add a name (up to Momo Bear mug - With a sweet face and matching ears, 10 characters) to create a keep- this characterful chap comes adorned to a generously sake they’ll love! H10 x W9cm. sized mug. A stylish and quirky kitchen accessory. Ce- Price £9.99, GettingPersonal.co.uk ramic. Size: 115 x 100mm. Price: £9.99

70 TEDDY BEAR TIMES GIFT IDEAS Treateat a special someone to something beary special

Poster Bear The beautiful ‘Dream Big Little One’ teddy bear poster print is hand-illustrated and the perfect choice for a children’s room or nursery; it would also make a special Christening or newborn gift. Price: £45, modeprints.com Decorate in style Perfect for bear lovers, these tree decorations will bring a little beary bling to your tree. White Teddy decoration - Price: £4.50, at Wyevale Garden Centres Hanging Bear tree decoration - livelaughlove. co.uk Toy Soldier decoration - Price: £6, The Con- temporary Home

Bear Contemporary Embroidery Kit This bear embroidery kit contains everything you need to complete your own contemporary hoop art. You’ll also fi nd a stitch and colour guide. Kit includes pre-printed kona cotton fabric, DMC stranded cotton thread in 6 colours, 7” wooden em- broidery hoop, embroidery needle, illustrated stitch guide and instructions, printed card pattern and come in a beautiful gift box. Price: £14.95, giftsforagirl.co.uk

TEDDY BEAR TIMES 71 OLD BEARS One old bear costly, another not - why?

Valuing a bear that is several decades old takes knowledge, expertise and more than a little bit of detective work so what clues do the experts look for?

BY SUE BAMFORD lthough you maybe wouldn’t your bear may have a voice box, he dream of parting with the bear won’t be able to reveal where he was you’ve had since childhood, or born but an experienced dealer should A even a favourite old teddy you be able to make an informed opinion rescued at the local car boot sale, the based on your bear’s characteristics. chances are you’d like to know how much your bear is worth. To fi nd out, Labelling you’ll need to get in touch with a pro- The task will be that much simpler, fessional dealer for a valuation. of course, if your bear still has the Dealers get inundated with requests maker’s label or tag attached. Even of this nature, so you’ll most likely have totally faded, unreadable labels can to pay for a written valuation, just as be recognised by an experienced eye you would if you were having, say, an - the shape and position of the label expensive piece of jewellery valued may well point to a certain make. The for insurance purposes. It’s a time-con- most famous identifi er of all is a metal dreds of small fi rms produced teddy suming process and fees vary. Make button in the left ear – the trademark of bears, especially in the fi rst half of the sure you get a quote before sending the German Steiff company. 20th century, and they didn’t always pictures of your bear. However, not all bears can be attrib- carry labels. So prepare yourself for Websites selling antique bears usu- uted to a particular manufacturer. Apart the possibility of your bear remaining ally offer a valuation service and also from the bigger, well-known companies anonymous. If he’s been well made, auctioneers who hold regular teddy in countries such as Germany, France, using quality materials, he could still be bear auctions. Their websites will tell Britain, America and Australia, hun- worth a reasonable amount. you all you need to know about sub- mitting photographs for a valuation – When is he antique? or better still, the bear itself. Having determined the most likely origin and make of your bear and Location, location the presence of any labels, which can Putting a price on your bear’s head considerably add value, the dealer will is pretty much like valuing a house, in assess the age of your bear. Generally, that it involves taking into account a the more years your bear has clocked number of key factors. For instance, the up, the more valuable he’s likely to be. location of a property will greatly affect As a rule, to be classed as an antique, its value – Mayfair or Middleton? In the any kind of object, be it a bear or a tilt- same way, so will the origins of your top table, needs to have been around bear. Did he start life in Germany at for at least a hundred years. However, the turn of the century or in someone’s in bear circles, a teddy from the 1930s front room in Clapham after the Second or earlier, is usually antique. Later World War? Unfortunately, although bears from the 1940s-60s tend to be

72 TEDDY BEAR TIMES OLD BEARS

Below far left: Dolly, Chad bear with pic/ be as original as possible, even if an provenance. arm is hanging by a thread and stuff- Left: An early American Ideal bear with boot ing oozing from his paws and feet. button eyes...and a 1950’s Chiltern Hugmee Yet, there are others who like to see with plastic ‘lock-in’ safety eyes. Their differ- a bear restored to his former glory, ent shapes and style, also helps identify their especially if he’s ancient and unlikely to age. get through another moth-threatening Above: 1930’s Merrythought with restora- summer in one piece. It is simply a tions. matter of personal preference, and in Above right: Centre seam Steiff. terms of adding value, a bit of a grey area. regarded as ‘vintage’ and anything af- Repair and restoration Looking good ter that is thought of as ‘fairly modern’. When trying to determine age and The general condition of your bear The way a valuer works out the identity, old bears don’t always have is another factor the valuer will take period in which your bear was made all their original features. Concerned into account. A bear kept in a glass comes down to ‘bricks & mortar’ i.e. parents often removed a bear’s eyes in cabinet all his life is likely to be in ‘as materials used, craftsmanship em- case their child swallowed one (hence new’ condition. Happily, more bears ployed and the style adopted. Just as the introduction of safety eyes). If your have been played with than those that a Victorian three-storey terrace differs bear has changed hands a few times, haven’t but it does mean that a bear in dramatically from a newly-built starter he may well have been given a new mint condition is rarer and potentially home constructed in the 1980s, a bear pair and they might be modern ones. more valuable. manufactured in the early 1900s is a Your bear could also have been On the other hand, a bear who’s very different animal from one made restored in other areas – his nose- been loved to within an inch of his fur seventy years on. For example, early stitching redone, a mouth added, pads is unique in as much as no other bear, bears tended to have boot button eyes. replaced. A bear that retains all his not even an identical one by the same By the 1930s, glass eyes with painted original features is likely to be worth manufacturer, will look exactly like him. backs were in common use and in the more than one that has been renovat- It’s impossible to reproduce the effects 1950s, plastic safety eyes were intro- ed. A valuer will examine the evidence of the child’s adoration for that bear. duced. and look for signs of more recent Although companies do make ‘antique So just by looking at your bear’s handiwork. look’ bears, they can’t re-capture the peepers, a valuer will know his ap- This begs the question – if your bear charm of natural wear and tear. proximate age. Other giveaways is in need of a facelift, will restoration There’s a market for both, though include the kind of stuffi ng used, type work increase his value? Unfortunately, a bald German Bing bear from the of voice box and the overall shape and there is no straightforward answer. 1920s is likely to be worth far more design of your bear. Many collectors prefer their bears to than a bald Chiltern bear from the

TEDDY BEAR TIMES 73 OLD BEARS

Above: Decrepit Ollie, now unidentifi able. ing market. A bear dealer will be and fi nal prices achieved. It’s as good Above right: A rare pink Chiltern Hugmee. fully-aware of the current market and a way as any of fi nding out how much Above far right: Schuco Piccolo. know what’s hot and what’s not. As with your bear is likely to be worth on the share dealing, bear prices can go up worldwide open market. same period, simply because Bing or down, depending on the current bears are rarer in the fi rst place and supply, level of demand and buying The fi nal cut highly sought after by collectors. trends. Which brings us to one fi nal point This is why you should never buy a - there are two levels of valuation. If Quality, not size bear as an investment - buy for love, you ask a dealer to give you a value Just because your bear towers three not profi t. Although old bears tend to with a view to buying your bear from feet tall, doesn’t necessarily mean hold their prices and you should at you, then don’t forget the dealer has to collectors will pay an extra £300 to least get your money back, much de- make a profi t so won’t be able to pay buy him - or £300 less for a three-inch pends on the amount you paid for your you the estimated full market price. tiddler. The dealer will certainly make bear in the fi rst place. You may have Unless you sell a bear privately, even a note of size but it will only affect the wanted him so badly that you paid at auction there will be fees to pay on value when combined with all other over the odds for him. Perhaps you top of the price realised. If you have no factors. Miniature bears can in fact be bought him at auction and got carried plans to sell your bear, make it clear as valuable as full-sized ones. Indeed, away bidding against another collec- that you want a valuation for insurance on a practical level, smaller bears are tor - it became a two-way race and the purposes. highly popular if only because peo- price spiralled beyond all proportion. Should you decide to sell your bear ple can collect more of them before Luckily, an old bear can only get at some point, remember this: at the having to build an extension to house older, so the longer you hold on to end of the day, a bear is only worth them. So size in relation to value basi- him, the more antiquated he’ll become what someone is prepared to pay at cally boils down to what collectors and theoretically more valuable. any given time. No valuation is set in want and can accommodate. For current prices being reached stone. It’s simply a guide to help you for old bears, it’s worth having a look discover whether your lifelong com- Trending now… at the antique bear listings on eBay. panion should be spending the rest of Which leads us on to the question You will see a wide cross-section of his days in a museum - or reclining on of supply and demand in the prevail- teddies, number of bids being placed your bed just as he’s always done.

74 TEDDY BEAR TIMES Subscribe today YOURFREEDIGITAL TEDDYLIBRARY Subscribe to Teddy Bear Times and have six gorgeous FREE EXCLUSIVE BEAR PATTERN: MAKE HIM YOURS issues of the world’s favourite teddy bear magazine

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MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS RENEW ANNUALLY AT THE BEST RATE. PRICES/GIFTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. QUESTIONS? EMAIL: [email protected]. AT TBT WE HANDLE ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS OURSELVES teddytimes bear BEAR LORE Protect the life and spirit of the bear

Bears have been seen as powerful and protective creatures by many cultures and over many centuries and, as John Richardson explains, we must protect them at all costs

very child who has a teddy bear after, our fi rst friend and the fi rst being who have been parted from their dear is not only acutely aware of how who depended on us, at least a little! old companion remember him with much that teddy bear loves them fondness. E but also instinctively knows that A special friend teddy has the power to protect them. It is true, without any shadow of a Inspirational Teddy protected us as children during doubt, that anyone who has an ursine So what is the source of teddy’s our wonderful adventures, on which companion, as a child or as an adult, wonderful power to protect and guide he undoubtedly accompanied us. We knows that teddy has an almost super- us? knew that we could be brave if teddy natural infl uence on us for our greater Teddy, in his current form, has been was with us and we ventured further good. Even as an adult, as soon as you with us for a little over one hundred with him along; he even took the fall for pick up a teddy bear and hold him in years but we know that his creation us occasionally: ‘What do you mean, your arms, you get an immediate feel- was inspired by the wild bears of the the bear made you do it?’ ing of love, comfort and peace. Very world, making those bears his forbears Teddy also protected us at night, soon you realise that although teddy and making teddy a real bear at heart. when he was the only thing between needed a hug, you needed one too. During the early years of the twen- us and the dark. If we felt that we really Sad though it is, some childhood tieth century, two events occurred should get out of bed to investigate a companions are lost along the way - which played a vital role in bringing sound or a shadow, didn’t teddy have and it is true that some of these bears about the advent of the teddy bear. In to come too? are forcibly abducted one day when Germany, Richard Steiff designed a As children, we also knew without we are away at school or on holiday plush bear, based upon and inspired ever being told, that teddy was our with an aunt. The parents responsi- by the bears at Stuttgart Zoo, whilst in guide in life. We told teddy all of our ble for this outrageous behaviour are the USA, President Theodore Roosevelt secrets. For many of us, teddy was the never entirely forgiven for it! refused to shoot a captive bear cub fi rst thing we were entrusted to look Some people wilfully part with their whilst on a bear hunt in Mississippi. old companions, misguidedly thinking These events coincided with the that teddy belongs only to childhood beginnings of a change in attitude days. Often they regret towards nature in general and a grow- that parting later. ing interest in preservation, camping The point here is and the ‘great outdoors’. This redis- that even those covery of ‘Nature’ was greatly aided

Left: The writing such as, ‘The Biography of a Grizzly Bear’, and the sketches of naturalist Ernest Seton-Thompson (1860-1946) were of great importance to the revival of interest in Nature and the great outdoors in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Both images copyright: Ernest Seton-Thompson. Above: Teddy, who enjoyed instant popularity, has been with us for a little over one hundred years.

76 TEDDY BEAR TIMES BEAR LORE by the books published at the time by the naturalist Ernest Seton-Thompson. Bears were included in these books and appeared in all their majesty and glory within their home environment. A far cry from the image of the slow, lumbering and early duped version of the bear which had been portrayed in fables in Western Europe since the Middle Ages. Also a far cry from the portrayal of the bear in Longfellow’s popular tale ‘Hiawatha’, in which the most sacred of animals is seen entirely stripped of its heroic and spiritual meaning. Since the revival of the early 1900s, interest in nature, including bears, has grown and teddy’s popularity has grown along with it. In fact, interest has grown not only in the area of natural sciences but also in rediscovering the spiritual signifi cance of the bear. It is this path which we must take in order Top left: In the fairy tale ‘Snow White and to get to the source of teddy’s powers. Rose Red, the bear comes to be regarded as friendly and protective. Around the world able to keep one free from nightmares Above left: Often in fairy tales, the bear is First of all let’s examine teddy’s and also to have the power to exorcise actually a man who is bewitched. This links power to protect. Anyone who has in spirits from possessed individuals. It back to the belief in early cultures – still any way studied bears and bear lore can also grant health and peace. For extant in some parts of Europe - that the bear will know that the female bear (sow) the Nordic peoples, the bear acted as is actually related to us, and often referred to is a devoted and attentive, if stern, a guiding spirit, protecting the pure in as the ancestor of the human race, as well as parent. The bear mother will play with heart. ‘brother’, ‘father’, and ‘kinsman’. her cubs, nurture them, cuddle them Above: Wherever the bear has lived, he has and admonish them if they get too Fantasy land infl uenced his human neighbours, both in much out of hand or paw! She will also Even in many of the old fairy tales, the Old and New World. This little soapstone fi ercely defend them and fi ght to her the bear has a marked presence, the fi gure shows an Inuit bear shaman. own destruction if necessary. best known to most of us probably be- Copyright Canadian Arctic Producers/Iola This behaviour has been observed ing ‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears’. Ikkidulaq. by humankind for many thousands of Goldilocks undoubtedly needed years. Indeed, the bear made such an teaching a severe lesson for her im- sacred knowledge of the earth and of impact that it was regarded as a sacred pertinence and bad manners, some- the cosmos. Animals seemed to be animal as early as 75,000 years ago. thing which no bear will put up with! naturally in harmony with the seasons, There is plenty of archaeological In the story of ‘Snow White and with the sun and the moon. evidence of humankind’s fascination Rose Red’, the bear, although at fi rst Of all the animals, the bear seemed with and admiration of bears. Perhaps frightening, comes to be regarded as to possess the most varied and wide- the earliest known depiction of ma- friendly and protective. In this fairytale, ranging knowledge and wisdom. The ternal affection is a statue of a mother as in many, the bear is actually a man bear seemed to early humans to be bear cuddling her cub, dated at bewitched. However, in many cultures the animal that knew everything and around 4,500BC. The caves of Europe the bear was seen as an ancestor, also the animal to be most akin to us. are covered with the artwork of prehis- brother or kinsman, bears and humans Consequently, the bear became the tory, showing horses, bison and bears. have always been very closely con- ruler of the seasons and the mentor of In India today, the bear is regarded nected. the seasons of life. as an animal of power and strength The bear’s role as a guiding spirit and is respected as the protector of is equally ancient and enduring. Very Powerful ruler children and a defence against ghosts early on, animals took their places Across the Globe, wherever a and spirits. The bear is believed to be in the human mind as holders of the bear lived, he became the guide and

TEDDY BEAR TIMES 77 BEAR LORE has the power to teach wisdom, to be your ally when you are attempting to resolve confl ict, to help you in the face of new challenges and to protect you from evil and misfortune. The history of the bear and hu- mankind together has been rich and primal. The bear has, for millennia, been the master of souls in transi- tion. The eminent psychologist, Carl Jung, asserted that there is a bear with glowing eyes deep within the human unconscious, part of the deep reality of the human self. He is there to help us to see in the dark. The bear sounds a sympathetic and creative note in the human imagina- tion and his power is still resonant in our heart. We never outgrow teddy; he has an ancient inherited wisdom and our journey, after all, is from childhood. Cherish teddy and cherish his wild brothers, who face an uncertain future because of us. As a species we need to regain that attitude and wisdom which returns the bear to his sacred status. We must rediscover the power of the bear and harness it to build a better future for the bears under threat and to guide and protect us in our daily lives.

Above left: Female bears (sows) are re- nowned for their protective instincts. protector of mankind. The bear ruled lore and magic. In both the ‘old world’ Below: Today we have the teddy bear to physical health and spiritual growth; and the ‘new’ we fi nd ancient ceremo- guide and protect us. he represented the transformation and nies and beliefs relating to the bear, elevation of the soul. all of which have essentially the same The bear also became connected form and content. with the transformation of the child into In the caves of prehistory, across the adult. In various cultures, for exam- Europe, clay votive images of ple the Inuit of the Arctic Circle and the bears have been found. Amongst Pomo Indians of Northern California, the Zuni Indians, whose traditional the transition from child to adult was homeland is the area which now symbolised by the ‘making of a bear covers New Mexico and eastern Ari- dance’. zona, bear fetishes have long been The bear was also believed to have of great importance. A fetish is a a strict sense of justice. Amongst the special natural or carved stone in Even people of Siberia, the bear was which a spirit is believed to re- thought to be able to hear everything side. A fetish is worn to bring and to judge the veracity and sincer- to the wearer the power and ity of the speakers. Indeed, oaths were attributes of the animal. If the sworn on a bear’s paw. fetish is treated well, it will su- Throughout the world, the bear has pernaturally assist the wearer. woven his own spell and his own deep The Zuni believe the bear

78 TEDDY BEAR TIMES BOOK COVERS THE BOOKS WE’RE ALL READING AND ROLLING OVER THIS MONTH

Classic reading: ‘The Ultimate Peter Rabbit’ Dorling Kindersley

Peter Rabbit is one of the best-known and Teddy Bears: A History and loved children’s characters in the world Collector’s Guide and The Tale of Peter Rabbit was an instant By Lorraine Hitchings success when it was fi rst published. To this day he has a huge and devoted following This is such a fascinating book, tracing and this uniquely visual guide is still an the teddy bear from his very beginnings essential to any Beatrix Potter fan, young in the late 1800s through the various dec- and old. ades and manufacturers to where we are The Ultimate Peter Rabbit by Dorling today. Take a journey through the pages Kindersley is a beautiful history of Beatrix and discover how teddy bears played a Potter’s fascinating life and the story of part in two world wars, the Titanic disaster, the world’s enduring love affair with her punk rock and numerous other momen- charming characters. tous parts of our history. From Beatrix Potter’s birth in London, There are wonderful photos of old bruins through the development of her love of on almost every page, many belonging to art, the book features many wonderful Lorraine herself. How to Make Heirloom sketches and illustrations. Beatrix Potter Teddy Bears Lorraine writes in a way that captivates recorded the details of her life through her By Sue Quinn of Bears by Sue Quinn you and draws you in to each bear’s story illustrations, sketchbooks, photographs, without fail. It is easy to picture yourself letters and secret journal. Sue Quinn’s bears and hedgehogs with a bear during each era or event she Fifty specially commissioned have been featured in TBT many is describing. photographs take you be- times and won several awards for Lorraine sums it up perfectly when she hind the scenes to show you Sue over the years. A very talented says: ‘The teddy bear may bring wonder- the real-life settings for the teddy bear artist, Sue’s book ‘How ful memories of childhood fl ooding back stories and show you inside to Make Heirloom Teddy Bears’, to our minds, and maybe it is because of Beatrix Potter’s Lake Dis- published by Search Press, will this that we love him so much, but I would trict home, where she be a welcome gift for anyone who argue that the teddy bear is something lived for 30 years as a wants to have a go at making teddy more than memories; I believe he is farmer and conserva- bears for themselves or to give something rather special, rather unique tionist. Secondhand away as gifts. Available from Search and rather outstanding.’ copies can be found Press and various book stores. RRP: Published by Amberley Publishing. in good condition and £16.99 RRP: £14.99 will make a great gift.

TEDDY BEAR TIMES 79 BEAR FAIR Furry delights found in the West Country

The Cornwall Summer Bear Fair was as busy as ever and it was impossible not to be tempted by the bears and other creatures on display

BY REBEKAH SMITH tepping into a Hospice South West bear fair - most with their fab stand and of us know the all the bears generous- S thrill of the initial ly donated were keen few steps and the glee for new homes! at glancing around at A fi rst for me was hundreds of faces (the the Cornish Pogmear furry ones!) Realis- bears. Lovingly made ing the pure skill and traditional bears and talent in front of you. each one different, my This is why I love them mum couldn’t leave SOOOO much. without a beauty in Cornwall’s summer pink knitted dunga- bear festival was again in King Arthurs rees! Halls at Tintagel, with convenient local Award-winning Bower Bird Bears car parks and cafes. The hall is thick had an illuminated stand shining on with atmosphere, including stained their velvet and silk bears who caught glass windows and subtle lighting - not the light and showed off their hues (the the best for taking photos! As well as fabric actually came from MBE British artist exhibits we had ‘guess the name fashion designers Charles and Patricia of the bear’, a free prize draw, pre- Leicester). loved orphans and bear furniture. As ever Bear Basics were there to I was lucky enough to be allowed aid us with a passion for all things into the fair early to talk with the bear-making (I always buy steel shot vendors…unfortunately I didn’t quite - you never know when you may need make it all the way around before the it!). I also made a SMALL purchase door opened and my time was up! from Fairyland bears - who wouldn’t I did manage to ‘snap snap’ over THEY’RE SO TINY!! the Haven Bears stand - little beady And I must mention our wonderful eyes every one of them! Here we have hosts of course which were Urchin’s Miss Margritta in the pink and Halsey Bears; their huge stand was so busy with the patchwork belly, followed by the whole time I didn’t stand a chance Hubert the Haven Hare in a striking of a photo! And Charlie and Will from green. Little darlings. Charlie Bears graced the hall and Bobby’s bears were there with rounded off a wonderful day. Here they beautifully made dragons - the just- are after Charlie had done a bit of hatched baby caught my eye as did Mr ‘bear shopping’, each quite at home sleepy! Next to them was Children’s having a sit down on a throne!

80 TEDDY BEAR TIMES BEAR DETECTIVE ALL CLUED UP

Our experts offer identifi cation clues and advice

Being nosey from around the 1950s. On looking know for sure who made your bear Q: I was won- through my books, I think that he re- but with a handsome face like his, dering if you sembles many bears; 1930’s Chad does it really matter? I hope that you could please Valley, 1950’s Farnell, Merrythought will continue to love him regardless. help me iden- or even a Deans! Do you have any tify a teddy ideas please? The person who sold For a good cause that I have? It him to me said that he was a 1920’s Q: I wondered whether is fully jointed bear but I don’t think so. He has you could fi nd out any- and measures been well loved, but still has a good thing about one of my 47cms (18.5”) coverage of fur. bears? He is by Gund, from its feet to the tips of number 2123, one of the Tender its ears. Could you tell me what its A: It certainly can be very diffi cult series. His tag suggests that he was value might be? to positively identify old teds; the made around 1983. He measures more you look at different mak- 20cms (8”), has nice brown fuzzy A: From the label in your ted’s back ers, the more similarities become fur and a red ribbon. seam, he was originally made in evident. This is partly due to the England by the company Pedigree fact that so many designers moved A: This particular bear was know Soft Toys Ltd. Although the label between the different companies as the Karitas Tender Teddy and does not actually have the maker’s but also due to the fi erce competi- would have originally had a second name on it, it was quite common tion and desire to keep up with the heart-shaped hang tag attached for a fabric tag reading ‘Made in popular designs of the times. to its left ear. It was produced as England’, in blue or red lettering, to I would certainly agree that he a fundraiser for the ‘Karitas’ char- be stitched at the top of the ‘hump’. does not date from the 1920s; the ity, launched by Sharon Bush, the He is made from golden mohair, eyes are absolute proof of this, as daughter-in-law of ex-President with velveteen paw pads and what plastic eyes did not come into use George Bush, to give aid to un- appear to be glass eyes. He would until the 1950s. However, there is fortunate children in the USA. The either have had a moulded plastic a good possibility that your bear name is derived from the Latin word nose or more likely a shaped felt may have come from rather further ‘caritas’ which means giving. Bush one, which has obviously become afi eld. There is more than a passing joined forces with Herbert Raiffe, detached over the years. He would resemblance to those made by the CEO at Gund Inc, and as a result the defi nitely date from the 1950s. Pedi- Australian manufacturer Berlex. This Karitas Kinder bear was targeted at grees are nice bears, and always was a Melbourne-based company mass merchandisers and the Karitas popular additions to any hug. I operating from the 1930s to the Tender bear was available from up- recommend you have look at a few 1970s and making good quality market retailers. The Karitas Tender on-line auctions to gauge current teddy bears with bear was also part of a special values. the distinctive promotional package with Time triangular nose Life Inc. Bloomingdales store, too, The eyes have it and Rexine paw ran a limited offer on a Bloomies Q: I wonder if you could help me pads. Without Karitas bear during the holiday identify my teddy bear? He is made any form of season. Although these bears are from golden mohair and is 43cms identifi cation, I not worth huge sums, they do have (17”) tall. He has plastic amber eyes don’t think that a following in the collectors’ mar- and to me, looks as though he dates we will ever ket.

TEDDY BEAR TIMES 81 THE BEARY LAST WORD

Gifts for bear addicts: hints are sometimes necessary

his is the time of year when you lated things as you can fi nd that you like, are most like to be bought bears from tinsel to piñatas. Then when people T – yippee I hear you cry! But it isn’t come for drinks, you can tell them that always good; there can be times when – you have so much bear related stuff that now don’t scream when I say this - there your partner has decided to buy you just are just too many bears! Let me explain the one special bear this year because that statement. Sometimes it is wonderful you are trying to cut down a little. They to receive bear related gifts but some- will be so amazed by your collection of times it is just a wee bit too much. I could beary stuff that they will simply buy you cite the bear slippers, pyjamas and a nice book voucher or something – dressing gown that I received one year which of course you can spend on bear as being a little too beary. I could men- books! tion the teddy bear jumpers, bags and The most important part of this pro- ear muffs. I might even tell you about the cess is that having dissuaded everyone teddy bear underwear! from buying you bear related bits, you The fact is that sometimes it is nice now have to convince your signifi cant to have something without a bear on it. other to actually buy you a bear! For I know it sounds mad but you would all those of you new to the addiction, I will die laughing if you saw me wearing the just point out that big heart shaped rings entire bear outfi ts and accessories that around the photograph of the bear you I have been bought over the years. I am want (which of course we have featured sure I am not alone – even though you all in TBT) will usually help point them in pretend not to be affl icted! the right direction. Setting it as a screen The best and most productive way for saver on your PC/laptop/mobile phone any bear addict to deal with the festive works too, especially if you leave con- season is to indulge yourself to all the tact details on a notepad nearby for the bear related bits that you like (sounds maker. good already doesn’t it!) such as choc- I hope that you receive the bear your cies or decorations. I always have a bear heart desires for Christmas as there is on top of my tree instead of a fairy. Then no more magical time to receive one. I you have to be very good and hope that know I am more excited than ever when Santa will bring you a bear to put under- I see a large bear shaped box going neath the tree too! under the tree! Wishing you all a Merry Fill your home with as many bear re- Christmas and a Happy New BEAR!

“Sometimes it is wonderful to receive bear related gifts but sometimes it is just a wee bit too much.”

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