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Отличный журнал по шитью мишек Тедди

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Published by garik835, 2021-04-19 03:17:42

TB_T&F_250_21

Отличный журнал по шитью мишек Тедди

Keywords: рукоделие

teddy bear£5.99/$12.95
ISSUE 250
&TIMES2021
www.teddybeartimes.com

FRIENDS

Fabulous ★NEW ARTIST BEARS
★NOSE STITCH TIPS
SNOW ★BEAR HOSPITAL

QUEEN

will melt
your heart

Make display FREE
shelves for PATTERN
your bears TO MAKE A
BEAUTIFUL
BEAR

03

9 771759 908046 >

14

Issue 250 theinsidetrack

To reach us: 4 TEDDY BEARZAAR 50 SALE NEWS
US office: Ashdown Inc., PO Box 219,
Kasson, MN 55944. Call: 507 634 3143 The latest beary headlines A roundup and world record from
Email: [email protected] Vectis Auctions
6 BEARS NEED CARE
UK office: Teddy Bear Times & Friends, 56 NEW COLLECTION
PO Box 2258, PULBOROUGH RH20 9BA Tips to keep your collection tip-top
Great Britain. Call: +44 (0)1903 884988 Sweet treats by Bears from the Boot
Email: [email protected] 8 MEET THE ARTIST
Website: www.teddybeartimes.com 60 MEET THE ARTIST
Golden Elm Bears & critters shine
Editor: Jill Mundy Catch up with Paula Carter
Email: [email protected] 14 MEET THE ARTIST
64 DEAR JULIE
Advertisement sales: Natalia’s magical menagerie
Maria Fitzgerald Stitching the perfect nose
Email: [email protected] 20 BEAR BOOKS
68 MAKE A BEAR
Design: Wendy Crosthwaite Poems for bear lovers
Aladdin - may your wishes come true
Subscriptions: 24 BEARY BOOKS
UK: [email protected] 73 GINOS BEARS
US: usoffi[email protected] Creative titles from Search Press
Published by Ashdown Inc. and Just who IS Gino?
ashdown.co.uk ISSN 0961 - 0944 26 MEET THE ARTIST
74 REAL BEARS
Subscription prices: A furry hug from Hope Bears
One year: (6 issues) UK £44.99; Winter is a special time in the wild
US $74.99. 32 BEAR HOSPITAL
European and worldwide prices will be adjusted 76 BEARY MAKES
to local currencies. See online for details at A Steiff and an American bear get TLC
www.teddybeartimes.com or see contact details Display shelves for your special bears
above. All of our subscriptions are handled by 34 MEET THE ARTIST
us at TBT&F. 78 OLD BEARS
Boycie Bears keep it in the family
www.teddybeartimes.com Every bear has his story
36 WHERE I WORK
Teddy Bear Times & Friends (ISSN 0745-7189) is published 80 COLLECTOR’S CORNER
bimonthly by Ashdown Inc., 13 West Main Street, Unit 7, We visit Tania and SchottiBears
Kasson, MN 55944. Periodicals postage paid at Kasson, MN Joan appreciates the little things
and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address 38 MEET THE ARTIST
changes to: Teddy Bear Times & Friends, PO Box 219, Kasson, 82 STUFFYVILLE
MN 55944. Lori is The Spotted Hare
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without the Geoffrey & Reggie’s latest adventures
written permission of the publisher is prohibited. All editorial 42 WINTER GALLERY
contributions are welcomed by Teddy Bear Times but material
is accepted solely on the basis that the author accepts the as- Showcasing some of your wintry bears
sessment of the Publisher as to its commercial value.
All material submitted to the magazine for publication in 45 FURRY FUN
whatever form is accepted solely on the basis that copyright
in the work will be vested in the publisher who assumes all Puzzles and brain teasers
rights worldwide, in all forms and in all media.
46 OLD BEARS
© copyright ashdown.co.uk
Magical memories of Sooty

48 NEW COLLECTION

Sweet treats by Bears from the Boot

2 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

abearybigwelcome 8
48
As 2020 drew to a close, I was re- 34 26
minded of a quote by Pam Brown: “In
a world gone bad, a bear – even a 3T E D D Y B E A R T I M E S & F R I E N D S
bear standing on its head – is a com-
forting, uncomplicated, dependable
hunk of sanity.”
I don’t know about you but I have felt like I have
been standing on my head at times…the whole
world sometimes seems to be upside down! How
lucky we are to have such wonderful furry com-
panions who give us love and comfort no matter
what.
Have you got special new bears in your hug?
Maybe you have written up a list of bears you
would like to add this year? Do you like to collect
bears by one or two artists/makers in particular
or is your hug a variety bruins of all designs and
ages? One of the many good things about being
TBT & Friends editor is that I can be nosey! I’d
love you to email me with your beary thoughts
and wishes.
I’m sure many of you, like me, are missing
visiting the wonderful bear fairs. There is nothing
quite like picking up a bear in the fur if you think
he is calling your name. However, needs must,
and there are numerous online bearfairs that
continue to feed our arctophile appetites. This
year sees the first Hugglets Online Festival - how
exciting! You can find all the details and a list of
exhibitors on their website. And Vectis Auctions
have some wonderful bears in their March sale if
you enjoy the thrill of bidding at auction.You can
read about some bears realising amazing prices
in this issue - you may have a furry investment in
your hug!
As we move into a new season, enjoy your
bears and think of these wise words, once again
from Pam Brown: “Bears need people. People
need bears”.
Till next time

Jill & the team

Caring for the environment: Here at Teddy Bear Times & Friends we’re as concerned Have your collection featured
about the environment as you are. We’re doing everything we can to ensure the magazine in TBT&F.We’d love to see
is produced in the most eco friendly way possible. your favorite bears. Email
Our magazine is printed using vegetable-based inks on an environmentally responsible [email protected]
paper, which is certified by the prestigious FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council), the for more details.
not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the promotion of responsible forest management
worldwide. Our paper also carries the internationally recognised EU Eco-label.
Our local printers, Gemini Print, are just a few miles from the TBT&F offices. They are
one of the leading eco friendly printers in the UK, with both FSC® and ISO 14001 certifi-
cation. They are backed by a series of environmental credentials that allow them to work
under the “Green Printing Label”. Our printers are also a sponsor of the Woodland Trust
– the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity.

THETEDDY BEARZAAR

BEAR AND CRITTER NEWS, GOSSIP, FASHION, AND MORE. EMAIL [email protected]

Christmasses Past PHOTO: KRIS TAN, STOCK.ADOBE.COM

These lovely old bruins are Big

Ben and his friend Ted, and both

are in the care of Sarah Hall.

Sarah has a collection of around Hugglets Club - have you joined?
28 bears and said: “They are all

with me for reasons; only two girl There is exciting news for glets Club for special access

bears though. My oldest is Panda Teddy Bear enthusiasts to festivals, both in the UK

who does not come out of the wherever you are in the and Germany, a free copy of

wardrobe as he needs repairs. world from the organisers the Teddy Bear Guide and

Then there’s my favourite ever, of the legendary Hugglets lots more. Visit hugglets.com/

Polo my polar bear. Festivals. Join the new Hug- club/ for full details.

Big Ben came the Christmas of

my fifth birthday, which is rather The Teddy Bear Project
like Mum’s bear Ted; she thinks

he arrived the christmas she was In issue 248 we introduced the Teddy Bear Project - a

five. Ted lives in my room be- newly formed nonprofit organisation providing teddies

cause there’s not enough space for children in need of comfort for whatever reason

in Mum’s. All bears end up with that might be. Since then, it has gone from strength to

hand made jackets or waist- strength: Ten bears and plush animals were delivered

coats.” to Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office to accompany

officers to comfort children involved in domestic violence callouts;

Bocs Teganau bears are back! 66 plush animals have been delivered to Charlotte County Fire &
EMS and others to various other local charities.

Handmade in Wales by Sue Schoen since 1987, This year The Teddy Bear Project hope to provide online teddy

Bocs Teganau bears have been on a 15 year bear making classes - visit www.theteddybearproject.com to sign

holiday while Sue worked tirelessly as a reg- up for their newsletter or to make a much needed donation so

istered nurse in cancer care. Now retired from they can continue to offer comfort to neglected, abandoned and

the NHS, Sue is delighted to be offering new homeless children.

designs for collectors again, both old and new.

4 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

Hugglets goes online! February to 6pm Sunday 28 February Cover photo
2021, the Festival will be an exciting
We are all missing teddy bear fairs, event.You can expect to see lots of Snow Queen - 19 inches of dense
including one of the largest and most wonderful bears and critters, of course, alpaca. By Vicky Lougher of El-
popular, Hugglets Winter Bearfest, but also lectures, interviews, tutorials, egant Creations. This OOAK bear
which we would all be looking forward special offers and much more. has blue and silver embroidered
to at this time in any other year. How- snowflakes on her paw pads,
ever, not to be completely outdone by See the advert on page 23 or visit although they can’t be seen in
the Covid pandemic, the organisers hugglets.com/online-festival/ for more her current pose. “I created her
are introducing the first ever Hugglets details. winter-themed robe from snow
Online Festival. flake metallic cotton, faux fur and
metallic trims. She is fully jointed
Taking place from 10am Friday 26 and is filled with polyester fiber-
fill.” www.vickylougher.com
We all need a little Hope PAWS FOR
THOUGHT New home for
Here is a sneak preview of a special bear from Hope Wareham Bears
Bears, designed and created by Petra Hankofer. “Whoever said
“Diamonds are a Having resided at The Blue Pool,
Petra won the Golden George 2020 in the Premi- girl’s best friend” Dorset, UK for many years, the
um Class with her little bear, Roman, pictured here. would retract that closure of the popular tea room
She tells us that ‘to have created a winning bear is statement after and leisure site following the
indescribable!’ seeing the spar- death of the owner meant the
kle in a Teddy’s future of this wonderful bear
You can see more of Petra’s work in her meet the eyes” collection was in jeopardy. There
artist feature on page 26 or via her website: is now great news however, as
www.hope-bears.com – Lana T. Zeis the bears have moved to a new
home at Wimborne Model Town
& Gardens. The vistor attraction is
currently closed due to Covid-19
and lockdown but this gives the
bears an opportunity to have a
good rest, wash and brush up and
settle in before visitors are able to
enjoy seeing them.

5T E D D Y B E A R T I M E S & F R I E N D S

BEAR COLLECTING

How well do you know
your lovely bears?

Being in lockdown may have given us all more time
than usual to take stock of our bear collection and it’s
a great opportunity to get to know our bears better

BY JILL MUNDY

D uring the weeks and months more shady spot to display them or While some plush bears may toler-
of lockdown, I, for one, have keep a voile curtain drawn to diffuse ate a gentle cycle, always check their
been very grateful for all of my the light. care label first. Mohair and alpaca will
hobbies and interests. Being not take kindly to spinning in a metal
encouraged to stay indoors, especially Dust - As hard as we try, we cannot drum.
if the weather isn’t so good outside, avoid some dust in our homes. These
means time to spend on things such tiny particles can affect the appear- Bear notes
as reading, crafts and, of course, teddy ance of your bears and wriggle their
bears! way into seams and joints. Brushing When a bear calls your name and
smaller bears with a soft brush every you adopt him, the thought of ever
Most people like to look at their day or so is a good idea. For larger parting with him seems ridiculous.
bears each day and often give a few bears, try placing an old clean sock But things change and sometimes
of them a good cuddle. There is much or popsock over the vacuum nozzle we (or our children) do have to pass
more you could do though that will en- and place it close to - but not on - the our bears on. It is a good idea then to
sure your hug stays in the best possi- bears’ fur. Very old bears would be keep a record of each bear you have
ble condition for many years to come. best sent to an experienced teddy in your collection. Keep a notebook,
bear restorer as they may require either hand written or as a computer
Wear and tear more specialized attention. file, with a photo of the bear if possible
and write down his name, where you
There are several things in our Moths - it isn’t nice to think about bought/acquired him, and how much
households that can cause damage to our beloved teds being eaten but you paid for him and keep the receipt
a teddy: moths and other insects can, and will, plus any labels and packaging. All
get into their fur and cause damage. If of these may possibly add value to a
Handling - When you do pick up you suspect this may have happened bear in the future.
your bears, have a good look at them to one of your bears, place him in a
to see if any seams are beginning to sealed plastic bag and pop him into If you collect antique bears, you may
pop open or joints becoming also find that your bear already comes
loose. Bears are so beau- the freezer for a couple of with some provenance - a photo of him
tifully squishy aren’t they days…this should kill those with his previous owner or perhaps a
and it could be a case pesky little critters. Then celebrity. Take photos and make a note
of one hug too many on deal with repairing any of these too.
a fragile old seam. If you find
some dodgy stitching, mend it damage they may have caused. If you enjoy paper crafts, keeping a
straight away. scrapbook or journal about your bears
Do not… can also be a lovely thing to do and
Light - if you have will while away many hours during
your bears sitting in a …store your bears in plas- lockdown or periods of bad weather.
room where there is tic at any other time though It is also very rewarding to look back
a lot of daylight, be through the pages every now and
careful. Sunlight can as moisture can build again and show your bears lots of love
easily cause colors up inside the bag and appreciation. Happy collecting!
to fade. Try to find a and cause mold.

…put bears in the
washing machine.

6 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

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Canal Fulton, Ohio 44614

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Your door to an Introducing Stei˜ ’s EAN 007002
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All information:
hugglets.com/club

7T E D D Y B E A R T I M E S & F R I E N D S

MEET THE ARTIST

Ingrid is spreading

Living near Amsterdam, you might expect to find a mouse on the stair of Ingrid van Iperen’s
home but you will also find plenty of bears and other whimsical creatures

BY SYLVIA AND KENNY YOUNG, PHOTOGRAPHS BY INGRID VAN IPEREN

F amous for its windmills, canals, of trees and shrubs and delicious ‘de and he looked like he was about to
Delft pottery, wooden clogs and schone van Boskoop’ apples, mean- play darts,” laughed Ingrid.
cheese, the Netherlands is also ing the beautiful apples of Boskoop,”
known for Ingrid van Iperen’s unique smiled Ingrid. Since those early days, Ingrid,
bear designs. has gone from strength to strength
Ingrid and her Golden Elm Bears even being nominated, in 2019, for a
If you discover a mouse in a wind- are an eclectic collection of bears, Golden George Award at one of the
mill in Old Amsterdam it might turn mice, rats, elephants, dragons and rab- prestigious international teddy bear
out to be one of Ingrid’s designs! bits. It was back in 2012 when Ingrid fairs, Teddybär Total Show in Münster,
Her Golden Elm Bears are situated in became smitten with the bear world Germany, with her tableau ‘Jump Out.’
Boskoop, by the Gouwe Canal, which and decided to purchase a bear-
was once a part of the old shipping making kit. Ingrid told us about her When she began exploring the
route towards Amsterdam. Indeed, first creation, “Made from a Probear world of bear artistry Ingrid learnt a
“…Boskoop is famous for its export kit. Koko was the name of my first bear lot from other artists’ pattern designs.
These designs which were being pro-

8 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

MEET THE ARTIST

a kinda magic

duced by other bear artists encour- make me very happy. It is so nice to
aged Ingrid to make her own bears, see every bear has their own individu-
initially just for fun. These creative al character.”
ventures eventually inspired her to de-
sign her own unique patterns. Now her Embroidering the bears’ noses
creations are being so sought-after by wasn’t Ingrid’s cup of tea so she de-
collectors today that Ingrid told us, “I cided to try her hand at needle felting
create a kind of magic when I make instead. “Now I needle felt their faces
my own designs. I like to use different with Merino wool. Sometimes I also
types of fabrics, mostly mohair, alpaca use Apoxy sculpt for claws or horns
and high quality faux fur, and I also for dragons. I only use a few of my
like to work with a variety of colors patterns and from those I make my
too.” bears. With the needle felted faces my
creations are always bespoke. It’s ex-
Fabric friends citing and I never know what they are
going to look like. Sometimes I start
Creating the head is what Ingrid making a bear, but after needle felt-
enjoys doing the most. “It is always a ing the face it then transforms itself
surprise how it is going to turn out and into a rabbit. That is why I never cut
the big smiles of my animals always out the ears before I make the face.”

9T E D D Y B E A R T I M E S & F R I E N D S

MEET THE ARTIST

Bear exhibitions Hugglets bear show. Hopefully in the
not too distant future I will be able to
It was an exciting discovery, for exhibit again.”
Ingrid, the existence of teddy
Despite the lack of being able to
bear exhibitions. “It was Anjo attend shows in person, the option of
Krist of Bears by Anjo who first virtual shows has now become more
introduced me to the bear and more popular. “This year I partici-
shows. When I visited my first pated in several online shows. That is
bear show I never thought I also very nice, but you don’t have face-
could exhibit my own bears. to-face contact with the people who
There were many beautiful crea- adopt your bears. At the shows it is
tions available there.” very nice observing how people react
Now exhibiting at teddy bear fairs to your bears. Lots of people start smil-
is one of Ingrid’s favorite things to ing when they see mine,” said Ingrid.
do. There, at the fairs, she has had
the opportunity to meet her fans and When it comes to the market-
watched how happy they became ing side of her bears Ingrid is quite
when they chose to adopt one of a savvy lady, with her own website,
her creations. “I’ve been to shows in a shop on Bearpile and a Facebook
the Netherlands, Germany, Bel- page. “Facebook is very nice because
gium and France. I was planning you get a lot of positive and encourag-
to exhibit in Switzerland, but we ing reactions from your followers.”
didn’t go because of Covid-19. My
biggest wish is to participate at the Inspirations and influences

Ingrid has many influences from
which she draws her ideas for her
bears. She enjoys the music of the ’80s
and ’90s, especially the rock band
Queen. She even has a cat called
Freddy, who happens to be named
after the Queen Frontman, Freddie
Mercury. During the ’80s, Ingrid was
privileged to see Queen live and has

10 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

‘ MEET THE ARTIST

‘ With the needle felted
faces my creations are
always bespoke. It’s
exciting and I never
know what they are
going to look like.

11TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

MEET THE ARTIST

much inspiration to the characters and
creatures Ingrid dreams up from her
vivid imagination.

Ingrid is also an avid collector. “I
mostly like cats, rats and mice. One of
my most favorite bear artists is Mela-
nie Meulenberg-Ansems of Mellisea
Creations. I have adopted several of
her creations. Antonina Shantts of Toni
Toys makes beautiful rats and mice
too. Of course I have to mention Anjo
Krist of Bears by Anjo. I bought my
first collector mouse from her and she
helped me a lot with tips and tricks in
bear making.”

With a busy daytime job as an
administration assistant, Ingrid aims to
make time for her creations in the eve-
nings. At home the dining room table
is a hive of activity where she creates
her patterns. Ingrid’s future designs
are well under wraps at the moment
but she has lots of ideas and plans for
her bears in the future. “So many ideas
and so little time. Although I would like
to experiment with the airbrushing
technique and work more with Apoxy
sculpt or polymer clay,” she shared.

Watch this space for more on In-
grid’s amazing creatures.

been so inspired by their songs that draws a lot of influences from the THE BEAR FACTS:
she listens to their music when creat- movies she watches with René. Espe-
ing her animals and dragons. Ingrid’s cially science fiction movies, like ‘Star Golden Elm Bears by Ingrid van Iperen
boyfriend, René, also helps with inspir- Wars’ and Disney movies. Ingrid also email: [email protected]
ing her creations. Ingrid told us that, told us that she likes British country web: www.golden-elm.com
“My boyfriend, René, mostly chooses gardens and country parks. Together facebook: facebook.com/goldenelmbears
the names for my bears. But we always she and René have visited the Lake whatsapp: 0031630117224
look for a name that suits the bear or District, John O’Groats and Loch Ness
other animal. For example, I always try in Scotland. The fantastical images
to give my rats a name starting with the that can be evoked from visiting these
letter R.” areas, combined with the fairy-tale
world created by Walt Disney, bring so
When it comes to inspiration, Ingrid

12 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

Delightful collectible bears lovingly handcrafted from the finest quality fabrics, yellow.agency
specialising in turning vintage fur coats into heirloom bears.
www.bearleighbears.com

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Award winning bears, hedgehogs and other
animals with character and detail
by Sue Quinn

Tel: 0141 887 9916 • www.bearsbysuequinn.co.uk

13TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

MEET THE ARTIST

Natalia creates a mem
and magical menag

Recreating a variety of wild animals in mohair, Natalia Tolstykina learnt from observing other
teddy bear artists and enjoys passing on her knowledge to those now learning their skills

BY PAM NORTH

N atalia Tolstykina was born in to her family life with her husband and old and she discovered cotter pins
a little town between Siberia two teenaged daughters, she now can and jointing, that things really began to
and the Ural region in Russia indulge her love of drawing, reading, develop for her artistry. Since that time,
in 1975. Her grandmother knitted, and listening to music, and making delight- she has created hundreds of bears
her mother sewed clothes beautifully, ful soft-sculpture animals. which have found homes all over the
and both passed their skills on to her. world.
In her early years she had started
She studied at university, then sewing simple toys from faux fur, mak- Her animal species spectrum is not
worked in the field of financial man- ing her first bear when she was just limited to brown and black bears; she
agement for a long time before she eight years old. As time passed, her also has made polar bears, rabbits,
realized that she wished to devote teddies began to evolve somewhat, but sloths, lions, rhinos, wolves, koalas,
herself entirely to creativity. In addition it was in 2007, when she was 32 years pigs, pandas, mice, mandrills, mon-

14 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

MEET THE ARTIST

morable
gerie

keys, donkeys, foxes, elk, elephants,
dogs, cats, kittens, okapis, loris, le-
murs, hyenas, and hedgehogs. Her
somewhat caricature style in fashion-
ing her animals gives them delightful
and whimsical personalities, imbued
with her unique style, and her skillful
blending of colors and fabrics adds a
special artistic appeal. She also offers
patterns for sale for several of these
animal varieties, tempting would-be
artists to try their own hand at creating
soft-sculpture critters.

While she always had been good at
sewing from a young age, Natalia had
no formal training in crafting animals;
this she acquired by studying avidly

MEET THE ARTIST

16 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

MEET THE ARTIST

on her own, and also learning from Materials are important in any craft, of them. Also, tightening the cotter
other artists willing to share their own and choices made in what they are and pins makes my hands hurt, and my
special techniques. “I watched Paula how they are used are essential to the fingers often do not obey me, so I ask
Carter embroider bear noses, or success of any artist’s work. Natalia my husband to help me with the cotter
Denise Purrington making a skeleton uses only the very best materials. “I pins. What I love most is doing eyes.
for her bears,” she explained. “I am love mohair and viscose from German The eyes are what my customers look
very grateful to them that they shared manufacturers, but I also use vintage at, and through their eyes my creatures
these processes and skills as I learned Soviet plush. Other materials encom- are looking for a new someone to love
so much.” pass artificial suede, glass eyes with them, and a new home.”
wool eyelids, some synthetic fabrics,
Evolving in their craft is the goal of plush, cotter-pins and cardboard disks Natalia has the fortunate luxury
most artists, and various forces inspire for jointing, polymer clay for noses, of a workspace of her own. “I have a
that. For Natalia, the major factors driv- wire in the upper paws for flexibility, separate room in our apartment; it is
ing her are her willingness to evolve. fiberfill, and metal pellets.” very small, but there I can fully enjoy
and also her clients. “I never am held working on my own. It has a huge
back by or locked into what I already An artist’s work is a source of both work desk, lots of storage boxes, and
am comfortable doing; I embrace new challenges and satisfaction, and Natalia shelves with teddy bears and dolls
concepts with all my heart, but I also cited hers: “The hardest part for me is from other artists.Yes, I collect a little,
allow my clients to influence me. They making my work as close as possible and I really love having my collection
come to me with orders for things that to what is in life, and also taking photos around me.”
I have not attempted before, and I have
to find solutions on how to make those
new ideas actually become reality.”

Looking to the future, she contin-
ued, “I don’t want to cheat or take the
easy path by simply adapting to what
is currently popular in the market. For
example, I will not make realistic tigers
like so many others do. Instead, I will,
as always, create what I like, and in
that process increasingly continue to
improve my skills every year.”

17TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

MEET THE ARTIST

She has received about a dozen main reward is the love of my collec- recording those training classes for
awards in various competitions, in- tors, and that is what I find immeasur- future use, and now sells them in her
cluding Toby and BCA awards since ably valuable.” store on Etsy. For the last two years she
2010, but for her they are not the main has not been conducting training due
thing. “I never count them, and do not She has conducted about 30 online to lack of time to implement her ideas.
focus on participating anywhere. My master classes, as well as live master “I need more time and hands!” she
classes in her city and others in Russia,

18 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

MEET THE ARTIST

remarked. As a last thought she added, “I ‘‘ Through their eyes my
She sells her her products online feel that everything artists around creatures are looking
the world do is a great force; it is the for a new someone to
and through Facebook. “I have a good unification of all peoples, and through love them, and a new
base of my regular collectors who the friendship between artists and col- home.
have been with me for many, many lectors, we make this world better and
years,” she said. kinder. It has always been so, and may THE BEAR FACTS:
it always be so.”
As for inspiration, she shared her Nataly Tools
main sources. “I love nature and draw- by Natalia Tolstykina
ings by cartoonists, and those sources @natalytools.ru
offer an incredibly huge field of inspi-
ration from which to draw.”

She is optimistic about the future
and direction of artist-made bears
and animals. “I think interesting artists
always will be valuable assets to the
world. Of course, we are not going to
pretend everything we make should
be in world museums, but neverthe-
less there now is a tendency toward a
better assessment of handmade things
than there was several decades ago. I
hope there always will be more collec-
tors who do not have one of my ani-
mals in their homes, and that they will
add their names to my list of orders,
and that their interest will never fade
away.”

19TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

BOOK COVERS

THE BOOKS WE’RE ALL READING AND ROLLING OVER THIS MONTH

A Piece Of Rope:A Selection flowing gently along, forming knots Taken from A Piece Of Rope:
Of Poems For Everyday Life of precious memories, or difficult A Selection Of Poems For
mountains that must be climbed. Everyday Life by Kathryn
By Kathryn Gosling Gosling
ISBN 9781800316744 “When something has happened
or I have felt a need to express my Bear Parts
Bears give us all comfort, as any feelings, words flood into my head The moment I saw you
arctophile well knows. Words also and they always seem to rhyme. I you touched my heart
bring comfort, so combining the have written poems for friends and And I now understand
two is double reason to take a look family, some humorous whilst others why I was given each part
at Kathryn Gosling’s book, A Piece tenderly touch on emotions, offer- My legs are to follow you
Of Rope: A Selection Of Poems For ing support and comfort. Bears have wherever you go
Everyday Life. A bear lover and always featured in my life. I design My arms are to hold you
maker herself, Kathryn has used the and make my own and the “Friend- and love you so
months in lockdown during 2020 ship” section in my book celebrates My stuffing to soak up
well, putting her thoughts on paper the Teddy Bear. the love that you give
to share with others. My heart to be yours
“Everyone has a bucket list. It for as long as you live
“Our lives are woven from strands may not be written down on paper My ears are to listen
that join and bind, formed by sig- but held in your head—these are My eyes are to see
nificant events and moments as we sometimes known as dreams; a list My mouth is sealed
travel along our road. Each story of things you would like to do if you which was meant to be.
takes different directions, sometimes ever had the time, encouragement Each part of me was made
and support. During lockdown, With care and thought
to keep me occupied over Easter And now I’m with you
and at weekends, I decided to sort I shall love you
through all my bits of paper and Just as I’ve been taught.
write them down for real. I was for-
tunate enough to have a publisher
show an interest and the resulting
book has enabled me to put a tick
against one of my dreams on my
bucket list!”

A Piece Of Rope: A Selection Of
Poems For Everyday Life by Kath-
ryn Gosling is published by New
Generation Publishers and is avail-
able through most retail and online
outlets.

O Kathryn Gosling
Email: [email protected]
www.etsy.com/uk/shop/
bearsNbooks

‘ Everyone has a bucket list. It may not be written
down on paper but held in your head.

20 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

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21TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

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ORDER BACK ISSUES OF TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

If you’ve missed any of our past issues, we
know you’ve missed out on some wonderful
projects and designs. But don’t worry, you can
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easily online. Just choose print or digital.

www.teddybeartimes.com/issues

22 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

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23TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

BEAR BOOKS

Crochet bears and critters with
these two new pattern books

Two brand new creative titles will have you reaching for yarn
and crochet hooks as fast as you can and we reckon you
won’t want to make just one

M any people have turned to BY JILL MUNDY Search Press have kindly permitted
creative crafts to help them us to print the pattern for the ador-
relax and feel calm during room, attach one on a key chain, gift able mini bear. If you make him, do
2020, and knitting and cro- as a pocket pal…the possibilities are send a photo to editor@teddybeart-
chet have been found to be two of the endless. Every project is beautifully imes.com as we’d love to see them.
most relaxing crafts of all. So these photographed and the instructions
two new titles, published by Search are clear and concise. Price £6.99; Mini Amigurumi Animals –
Press who are well known for their ISBN: 9781782219163 Bear
wealth of creative publications, are
sure to encourage even the novice to 20 to Crochet:TinyToys to Note: English terms are used
have a go. Crochet throughout; use a hook size appropri-
ate to the yarn you are using. This is
Mini Amigurumi Animals by Sachiyo Ishii always stated on the paper band or
The latest release in the ’20 to label.
by Sarah Abbondio
With just a few scraps of yarn, you Make’ series, best-selling author Body
Sachiyo Ishii provides fun, easy to
can crochet your own menagerie. The make patterns for crocheters of all Round 1: 6 dc in an adjustable ring
book is full of wonderfully cute tiny skill levels. No more than 10 cm (4 (6 sts).
animals, such as a bear, panda, rab- in) tall, just one size of crochet hook
bit, hedgehog and raccoon, to name is needed to make all the mini toys. Round 2: 2 dc in each st (12 sts).
just a few of the 26 patterns in total. An ilustration on every page makes it Round 3: *2 dc in next st, 1 dc* six
Make a garland for a child’s bed- easy to see what you are aiming for. times (18 sts).
Price: £4.99; ISBN: 9781782218586 Rounds 4–8: 1 dc in each st (18
sts).

Materials

Q Small amounts of yarn - DK
or 4 ply should work perfectly
(Light Worsted/8ply or Sport/5
ply)
Q Crochet hook to match
weight of yarn
Q Large eyed sewing needle.
bodkin
Q Small amount of polyfill toy
stuffing

24 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

BEAR BOOKS

Round 9: *dc2tog, 1 dc* six times
(12 sts).

Stuff with toy filling. Fasten off, leav-
ing a length of yarn for attaching the
head.

Head Stuff with toy filling. pieces.
Round 15: *dc2tog* six times (6 Press the ears flat and sew them to
Round 1: using beige yarn, 6 dc in sts).
an adjustable ring (6 sts). Fasten off and weave in loose ends. the head.
Embroider the nose and mouth Sew the tail to the rump.
Round 2: 2 dc in each st (12 sts). using black yarn on the outer edge of
Rounds 3 and 4: 1 dc in each st (12 rounds 1 and 2. Leg (make 4)
sts). Sew the head to the body.
Round 5: using brown yarn, *2 dc Round 1: using brown yarn, 6 dc in
in next st, 1 dc* six times (18 sts). Ear (make 2) and tail an adjustable ring (6 sts).
Round 6: *2 dc in next st, 2 dc* six
times (24 sts). Round 1: using brown yarn, 6 dc in Round 2: *2 dc in next st, 2 dc*
Round 7: *2 dc in next st, 3 dc* six an adjustable ring (6 sts). twice (8 sts).
times (30 sts).
Rounds 8–10: 1 dc in each st (30 Round 2: 1 dc in each st (6 sts). Round 3: 1 dc in each st (8 sts).
sts). Fasten off, leaving a length of Fasten off, leaving a length of yarn
Round 11: *dc2tog, 3 dc* six times yarn for attaching. Do not stuff these for attaching.
(24 sts). Stuff the legs slightly and sew them
Round 12: 1 dc in each st (24 sts). to the body of the bear.
Round 13: *dc2tog, 2 dc* six times
(18 sts).
Round 14: *dc2tog, 1 dc* six times
(12 sts).
Insert the eyes between rounds 5
and 6 with 6 sts between them.

25TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

MEET THE ARTIST

Petra loves to create little
bears that are full of hope

The bears and animals created by Petra Hankofer may be small
but her Hope Bears offer hope and companionship through the
months of the Coronavirus pandemic and beyond

W hen bear maker Petra BY JILL MUNDY for my bears and me) for two years.”
Hankofer was looking for a Petra prefers to design and make
trading name for her busi- to give hope in bad times, therefore I
ness, she used the first two love this trading name.” miniature bears, mostly unclothed but
letters of her first and, at the time, also with clothes and other accessories.
second names - Hoffmann Petra. “The Petra lived for many years in the “My mini bears like to wear knitted hats
name Hoffmann went in 2009 but the small German village where she was or scarves. These are all lovingly knit-
name HOPE remained. The name also born. Then after a two year spell in Sin- ted by my mother, who is over 80 years
means “hope” and many bears are gapore with her first husband, her life old. Every now and then small animals
small companions and are supposed changed completely and she moved to such as meerkats, monkeys, giraffes,
Straubing, southern Germany, in 2010. alpacas, etc. are created.”

“I started making bears in 2002. I As well as the bears, she created
have always loved handcrafts and for felted pet portraits for a few years,
many years I embroidered and knitted, mostly of dogs, but they were very
tried silk painting and for a few years I time consuming and Petra found her
also made porcelain dolls. My mother heart was more attached to designing
is a seamstress and I learned to sew and sewing bears. “Felting is rarely
early, but on the sewing machine. The used in my workshop now. However,
little bears I make can only be sewn by from time to time it is a nice change
hand.” to sewing, as the process of needle
felting is a completely different way of
Why teddy bears? Petra began working.” Felt details are sometimes
creating bears because of a gift. “For used on the bears, especially around
my 40th birthday, a girlfriend of mine the glass eyes. “This makes the eyes
gave me a self-sewn teddy bear. I more vivid, as well as some shades
asked, ‘How’s that going, sewing a of color. Each bear demands its own
teddy bear?’ She showed it to me and elaboration... The bears can be very
immediately I was infected with the stubborn.”
well-known bear virus!”
So what other fabrics does Petra like
At the time, Petra was working full to use? “I love working with the long
time as an IT clerk, for which she pile fabrics and other mini fabrics, but
I also use mohair and suedine. For the
has qualifications, but after four filling I like to use sheep’s wool, com-
years she decided to go part-time bined with a little stainless-steel gran-
to have more time for her hobby. ule for a bit more weight. Sometimes
“Afterwards I worked part-time as an I also use some fine sawdust. Almost
assistant to the management and that every bear is 5-way jointed with fiber
made me happy. Unfortunately, the discs and splints. The noses are mostly
company was sold and so I decided to embroidered. Often the paws are em-
take the step and be there full-time for
my bears. And so, I have spent most of
my time in my small workshop which
I have set up in our house (room only

26 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

MEET THE ARTIST

broidered and many of my bears have
an open mouth, from time to time also
a small tongue or small teeth.”

It is clear that Petra enjoys paying
attention to detail when creating her
small bears and details are carefully
observed too when it comes to the
inspiration for her designs. “The ideas
for new bears arise during visits to
zoos, watching animal documentaries
on TV or also during walks in nature or
simply through ideas that suddenly ap-
pear in my head while I am working on
a bear. The idea for my Little Roman
came about, for example, at a town
square festival, when a group dressed
as Romans (with bear heads as a hel-
met) moved across the town square. I
took photos of the disguised Romans
and worked out a pattern at home in a
jumpsuit design with a bear hood.”

Petra doesn’t always act on such
inspiration straight away and keeps a
collection of ideas in her work room.
“Next to my workplace is a calendar
with a register for ideas. I write them

27TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

MEET THE ARTIST

down and sometimes I draw out my
ideas, then put them into practice
later.” Petra also cuts out larger pic-
tures, such as animals, from newspa-
pers and sticks them in a booklet. Then
from time to time, she looks through
both collections of notes. “I still have
so many ideas that I would like to work
out in bears or other animals. I am
afraid I’d have to be 200 years old or
the day would need three times more
hours! I sew almost every night on the
sofa, my husband knows me no other
way, and he likes that. Sewing is usu-
ally done on the sofa in the living room
during the evening, but I have already
worked it out in the workshop, where
all materials and tools are available.”

When Petra was learning her trade
she wanted to improve her pattern
making skills and so she took a course
at Margarete Nedballa’s Teddy Col-
lege in 2005-2006 and also a course
with Rotraud Ilisch. “Both are particu-
larly important to me for helping to
translate my ideas into pattern and I
was able to learn a lot about them. At
first, I designed bigger bears but over
the years my bears have got smaller
and smaller. Since I love the miniature

28 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

MEET THE ARTIST

world too, I have been settled for many Left: Little Roman who won the
years at a size of about 9 to 10 cm.” Golden George 2020.

There has been some recent recog- 29TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS
nition for Petra and her bears. “Clearly,
because it’s still so fresh, I am most
proud of my little Roman who won
the Golden George 2020 in Premium
Class, category 4, Miniature bear
undressed or dressed. My little bear
Lenny and my tableau was nominated
last year. It was a great feeling. But to
have created a winning bear is inde-
scribable! Prior to that, in 2015, two
of my miniature bears won the TED
Worldwide Award: Jack and Joshua,
both 9 cm small. (This competition has
not been held since 2016.)

A lot of techniques and skills have
been learned over the years but there
is still one thing that Petra would dearly
like to master. “I am still looking for
a way to provide the little bears with
movable eyelids and also with mov-
able open mouths... It gets harder and
harder the smaller the bears are. Very
often I am not satisfied with the results
and so I have to work on it further,
maybe for a long time, until I succeed
properly!”

There are some bears that Petra

THE BEAR FACTS: Facebook...… Unfortunately, there are
hardly any city breaks, holidays and
Hope-Bears trips this year because of Covid and
by Petra Hankofer even worse: no fairs, no Teddybear To-
email: [email protected] tal in Münster! I love this fair and I love
web: www.hope-bears.com Münster - a beautiful town.”

does not or will not sell, for various Because of the Covid-19 pandemic,
reasons. “A few bears stay with me Petra is careful not to make too many
and move into my miniature house, plans for the future. “I am not planning.
where they get up to mischief. And I enjoy the present and rejoice in every
if a unique piece has not been well day I start healthy. But I hope that fairs
done, they find a loving place at my can take place again in 2021, especial-
mother’s home. She loves to give ly the Teddybaer Total; I miss meeting
these bears a place of mercy. Also, other bear makers and welcoming
my hubby and I have a bear that ac- my customers personally at the table
companies us on all excursions and there.”
trips. So, he looks a bit taken away,
but it’s great to see what such a little Petra has a website, which she man-
bear can stand. He is often stuck in ages herself, and this is where she
a backpack or stays in a bag, wait- sells most of her bears. If she needs
ing to come outside to have a pic- help on the PC, her son Tobias (27
ture taken with him for Instagram or years), is a master in IT and always
willing to help. Many of her customers
30 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS have signed up for her newsletter so
they are the first to know when a new
bear or other animal is available. “In
addition, my customers and collectors
like to give me orders for making spe-
cial bears. They want a certain color or
a certain elaboration or accessories.
But the most beautiful thing is when
bears are adopted at the fair Ted-
dybaer Total in Münster. I can watch
people stop, smile, and fall in love with
a bear. That is the greatest luck for a
bear maker. When bears put a smile
on someone’s lips…”

Bacton Bears A Piece Of Rope Haven Bears
A Selection Of Poems
Bacton, Stowmarket, IP14 4NF
01449 781087 For Everyday Life

By Kathryn Gosling

Steiff, Merrythought, Hermann, New Generation Publishers www.havenbears.co.uk
Shoebutton Bears, Jellycat and more ISBN 9781800316744 01606 881633

www.bactonbears.co.uk Available through most retail and online Find us on Instagram and Facebook
outlets. [email protected]

www.etsy.com/uk/shop/bearsNbooks

Bears Down Under For more fabulous
bears see

THE artists’gallery
on pages 54 & 55.

Join Professor PJ as she searches for the www.lovablebears.fr To be included, contact Maria
on +44 (0) 7730 622416 or
Bears Down Under Taking part in the Hugglets online festival E: [email protected]
26th to 28th February 2021
in the magical land of

Arktos-By-The-Sea.

An amazing adventure awaits you at

wwwwww..bbeeaarrssddoowwnnuunnddeerr..ccoomm..aauu

SUBSCRIBE TO THE TEDDY
BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS
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31TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

BEAR HOSPITAL+

+ EXPERT RESTORER DOT BIRD SHARES SOME OF HER LATEST CASE STUDIES

Almost 100 years old,

now good for 100 more

Time for another visit to the bear hospital wards
and two handsome bears are in need of some
repairs and a good spruce up

H i everyone, welcome to an- they were obviously using up the smaller
other Bear Hospital update. scraps of expensive mohair fabric in the
I’ve been kept very busy with factory to create ears!
all the admissions - here are
another two for your perusal. At the time Once I had his head repairs com-
of writing, these two super old bears be- pleted, I opened his back body seam to
longed to the same collector and arrived gain access to the seized joints. These
together for some much needed tlc. were very carefully loosened to allow
They are a characterful large American the joints to turn freely again and the
bear and a lovely Steiff bear. Read on for small splits in the fabric near the joints
their restoration adventures. were repaired. Extra woodwool stuffing
was added where required in his chest
American bear and shoulders and also the tops of all his
limbs to bring them in to shape and sup-
This lovely old boy is quite a large port the fabric.
bear, from memory I think he was
around 24” tall, so quite an armful! As The woodwool stuffing had broken
you can see he had quite a few problems
but considering his age I thought he
looked like he had survived rather well.

Dating from c1920s, he is the typical
design of many early American bears
that we cannot attribute to a particular
maker; so many were made in a similar
design by a large amount of manufactur-
ers it is practically impossible to identify
his origins other than to say that he is
USA made. Many of them were made
with the shorter bristle mohair too.

I began his repairs by securing and
patching all the holes and splits in his
lovely big head and ears. Interestingly
one of his ears had a seam running
across the middle of it on both sides -

32 TEDDY BEAR TIMES

down in the tops of his limbs, this often also gave the whole ankle more stability.
happens when the joints are seized. Lastly the old cotton covers were
When the owners attempt to move the
limbs they can’t move them very well; removed from his footpads and the pads
gradually, over time, the stuffing breaks were re-covered with wool felt.
down and the top of the limbs become
empty, thus allowing the limbs to be A gentle brush through any remain-
moved a little during play because of the ing fur and then he sat very nicely for his
emptiness at the top of the limbs. ‘after’ photo, a very handsome old boy!
Both bears were re-boxed, re-hugged
I closed all the seams then removed and sent on their way home the next day.
the covers from his paw and foot pads. I am happy to say their owner was very
The woodwool that was sticking out was pleased with their make-overs!
re-aligned and the pads re-covered with
wool felt to match the remains of the O email: [email protected]
original pads. The final job was to give
his mohair a gentle but thorough brush
to remove any tangles and dust from the
fibers.

Steiff bear fabric to protect and support the original
fabric, then closed the body seam.
This delightful old boy arrived with
the American one above, both so lovely. Next I began work on his limbs. The
(They both received hugs from me when arm seams were opened and the stuffing
I took them out of the box!) I think this topped up; the cotton covers on his paw
bear dates from the 1920s, but I may pads removed and the pads re-covered
be wrong, he may be slightly earlier or with wool felt to match the original pads.
later. However, he is a super bear and
has obviously received a lot of love over His ankle fabric on both legs had
the years. Now it was time to give him a split in the past and had been re-
helping hand to stabilise him for many paired a few times, unfortunately
more years. not allowing his feet to sit very
well. His owner had asked if I
His nose and mouth has been re-sewn could make these old repairs
years ago and his owner liked them, so look any better so I removed
these were left alone. Firstly, I secured the old stitching around both
the edges of his ears to his head then I ankles, then added a fine liner
opened his final hand-stitched seam on under the edges of the torn
his body and patched the holes in the fabric. Both ankles had torn all
fabric. the way round, but once I had
the liners in place I could pin
One of the concerns the owner had and sew the feet back in to a
about the bear was that the leg joints better position and secure the
didn’t appear to be aligned correctly, torn fabric. I also had to insert
this was because one of them was very a short strip
tight and it didn’t allow the joint to move of matching
freely enough. I loosened the joint a little mohair on one
and it improved it to the point that he ankle as the
could sit with more balance and his legs fabric had frayed
looked evenly matched. I added a little so much, which
more stuffing to his body and popped
a fine lining fabric under the front body

“He is a super bear and has obviously received a lot of
love over the years. Now it was time to give him a helping

hand to stabilise him for many more years.”

33TEDDY BEAR TIMES

MEET THE ARTIST

Family connections provide
support and inspiration

With an aunt and cousin as fellow bear artists, even with a
long break away for work and family commitments there was
plenty of encouragement to bring back Boycie Bears

BY TERESA MARTIN

t he creator of Boycie Bears, I live in I went to a few fairs when I first a little different. I like experimenting
Penhallow near Truro in Cornwall. started out, but living in Cornwall it and trying new patterns. There are so
I have making bears on and off for often required a lot of traveling to get many different materials available but I
20 years. to them! I did go to the BBAA with my love using the dark, thick, curly mo-
My main inspiration for bear mak- aunt a few times. hair. Some of my favorite bears I have
ing came from my aunt, Amy Young of created have been made using black
Bohemian bears. She gave me some Now I have more spare time I’m put- mohair which I often use alongside
good advice, although it took me a ting more effort into attending the bear ultrasuede.
while to make my first bear. He wasn’t fairs (when they are allowed to happen
the best looking bear but a good start! I again) and trying to get to grips with I work at the local hospital and
have kept him as a reminder of where I social media. spend a lot of time working alone so I
started and can see how I’m improving. find that is the time when I think about
Sewing has always been a passion what I should next practice. At home, I
When I began, I would make bears of mine. In the past I’ve made brides- also have all my fabric on display so its
for some family members, which was maid dresses and also made rag dolls always there for me to look at. I like to
good practice, but I then took quite a for a while. As for a bear collection of keep a book with a photo and descrip-
long break from bears as I had to work my own, I have three bears that were tion of the bear - I think most of them
full time and had my children, so there made for me by my Aunt and another are in there!
wasn’t much spare time for being crea- from my cousin, Anita of Pod Bears.
tive. Above: My E.V.A nominated bear.
Most of my bears I would say are
not your typical traditional bear, just

34 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

MEET THE ARTIST

There has been a lot of trial and THE BEAR FACTS:
error with bear making; a few have
ended up in the bin. I feel like I’m im- Boycie Bears
proving though, the more I’m making email: [email protected]
them. If you want to see more, I sell my call: 07891 096216
bears through Instagram and through facebook: Boycie BEARS
Facebook. I’m hoping to get a web-
page up and running soon.

The bear I’m most proud of would
be the bear that was nominated for
the E.V.A’s from back in 2002. I haven’t
sold him; I keep him in my collection
for inspiration.

I struggle most with nose stitching;
I would say its my downfall. I have had
to unstitch and redo quite a few!

If I was to give any prospective or
new bear makers some advce, it would
be: ‘Don’t give up! keep practising’.

35TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

WHERE i WORK

Take a peek into the workroom of Tania Schott, a calm, organised space
where she can happily design and create her SchottiBears

Do you have a workroom or use a part Is your workspace tidy or messy? I
of your home? Yes, I have my own work- would describe my workplace as struc-
room. I set this up years ago. At first, it tured and orderly. Everything must be in
was an ironing room but over the years, its place with me. Most of the time, I only
more and more bear material, books have what I’m working on my desk.
and patchwork fabrics have accumulat-
ed. So I came up with the idea of design- For example, when I put together a
ing my own studio. I set it up so that on teddy bear, all I have on my workstation
one side, I sew everything that can be are filler material, pusher, screwdriver,
sewn on the sewing machine and in the joints, thread, needle and scissors. When
middle of the room is the table where I I finish work, everything is put away
record, cut, and tinker with everything. again, so that when I come to my studio
in the morning, I can start with new ideas
Do you always make your bears in the right away.
same place? No. As all my bears are
sewn by hand, I am very flexible. The Do you keep it private or do you let
part that is sewn is mostly sewn in front other people in? It generally stays pri-
of the TV. In summer I like to sew in our vate, but if a customer really wants to see
garden on the terrace. it, that’s not a problem for me, and we
make an appointment.
When a bear is sewn, I put in my sew-
ing box thread, scissors, needles and the Tell us about the view - if you have
cut pieces of bear fabric. I always take one. My studio has two large windows
this sewing box with me where I will and from there I have a nice view of our
sew; one bear is always finished before I front garden. We live in a quiet residen-
start a new one. tial area with a lot of nature.

better in my hand, so I can stuff my bears better.
My scissors are my magic scissors as I call them.

With them, I give my bears their expression on their
faces. Nobody is allowed to pick them up either!

What one item couldn’t your workplace be without?
Above all, good light, but if we’re talking about an ob-
ject, there are several - marker, scissors, etc.

What five words best describe where you work? It is
my oasis of calm.

Is there a favorite tool or other special item that What or where would be your dream workspace?
you always like to use? I actually have two: a wooden A nice little house in the forest or the mountains, large
tamper and a pair of scissors.Years ago, I ordered this windows in my studio with a view of a lake, with moun-
wooden tamper from an online store for teddy bear ma- tains in the background.
terials from Australia. Of course, I already had wooden
pods, but they were made of metal and not so ergonom- O SchottiBears
ic. The wood tamper is more finely processed and sits Email: [email protected]
Website: www.schottibears.lu

“ONE BEAR IS ALWAYS FINISHED BEFORE I START A NEW ONE.”

THE SPOTTED HARE

A lifetime of creating soft
toys and artist bears

This is the perfect time for creating something soft and
huggable and Lori Ann Corelis, of The Spotted Hare,
has a lifetime of experience creating such things

BY DEB WEISSLER

A fter 33 years of making teddy with her husband, made wooden toys. There came a time when Lori Ann
bears and critters full time, Lori I gravitated to furry soft toys, making became a single parent and faced
Ann Corelis is still open to fol- everything from bears, piglets, bunnies needing a good source of income to
lowing where each stitch leads. and even puppets.” support her young son. She had al-
As a child growing up in a beautiful ready been participating in teddy bear
college town that looked more Euro- Through college and thereafter, shows with good success and had
pean than smack in the middle of Ohio, her hands were always busy stitching sold to a few shops, but to be a bear
Lori “loved old stuff”. Her mother was something. When Lori Ann ventured artist full time and make a good living,
a seamstress who created everything into the restaurant business with a she needed something more. “Dear
from slipcovers and clothing to soft friend, they hosted a holiday show friends took me to a trade show to see
toys and dolls. Of course she passed where she made mostly teddy bears if I might want to try selling to many
her skills on to her two daughters and and bunnies to display. Eventually she shops from all over. The show was
sewing in a variety of mediums was began making small bears and dis- wonderful and the promoter took me
just a natural part of their lives. playing them in the restaurant where under her wing. After taking orders at
they began to sell. Her sewing skills my first trade show from shops all over
“My own childhood interests were would soon become her life-line. the country, I came home and knew
many and mother always said I was a that my son and I would be just fine!”
busy child,” Lori Ann recalls. “If I nar-
row it down, I loved exploring in the From then on her business has gone
woods, playing restaurant and making through many changes. She remarried
things. In my mind I either wanted to and stopped doing wholesale about
own a restaurant or be an artist when 15 years ago. Instead she went back
I grew up. I’m blessed that I’ve been to creating more individual pieces,
able to do both!” selling directly to her customers via
web shows. She even runs her own
Soft toys have been part of her life show with another friend and hosts an
early on, and like many of us, she pre- occasional stitching retreat. She enjoys
ferred animals over dolls. She made sharing what she’s learned over the
her first teddy bear at age nine, a small years.
bear from two flat pieces of furry fab-
ric stitched around the edges, adding And over time Lori Ann has come to
a pipe cleaner armature inside so it rely mainly on her vast mailing list and
was pose-able, and an embroidered a few shows and web spots such as
face. Pinterest and instagram. While creat-
ing some truly one-off pieces, she also
“In my teens, my mother, sister and repeats old favorites. No longer taking
I participated in a local craft show and commissions, instead she plans web
this became a yearly family event. My shows, usually with a seasonal theme.
mother made mostly cloth dolls and What better time to host a show than
Winnie the Poo sets, my sister made Christmas!
a few soft toys, chocolates and, along

38 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

THE SPOTTED HARE

39TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

THE SPOTTED HARE

40 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

THE SPOTTED HARE

Reflecting on the Christmas season, for smaller pieces, but mohair is still
“simply put, it’s the feeling; glad tid- a favorite for the feel. “I have always
ings, peace, joy and all the things we thought that bears and furry friends
equate with the holiday. Christmas is hold people’s hearts because they are
for children, teddy bears are for chil- soft. The hugs back are so very com-
dren; it’s a very simple match up. Even forting, much like a pet with big soulful
if those children are 70 years old! I just eyes, and they remind one of child-
love a beautiful deep red and often hood and simpler times.”
use that color for sweaters or neck
ribbons for teddies. Holly is a perfect In her 60s now, Lori Ann has slowed
accent and snowflakes make their ap- down and no longer creates the vol-
pearance as well. I love simplicity and ume of work she once did, but in her
am not one for glitter. Give me an old mind that’s okay as she looks forward
chocolate or golden teddy with a deep to having a little more time to nurture
red bow under a tree with twinkly whatever comes. With teddies clearly
lights and I’m all set!” Her woodland her first love, why The Spotted Hare?
creatures also add a special touch. “My trade has changed over the
years,” Lori Ann laughs. “The Spot-
Mohair is Lori Ann’s favorite materi- ted Hare came about as I have always
al, antique mohair if she can find it. She made rabbits in addition to teddy
also loves antique cottons, linens and bears and many of these rabbits are
wools as well. She uses some viscose spotted, so it seemed fitting.”

TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

Winter
showcase

★DiBears

by Diana Watts
dibears.com

★Mary Dowd Bears

By Mary Dowd
marydowdbears.bearpile.com

★Hugaburybears

by Alison Scott
Email: [email protected]

★Hope-Bears

by Petra Hankofer
www.hope-bears.com

★Elegant Creations

by Vicky Lougher
www.vickylougher.com

★Charbears

by Charlene Draeger
www.charbears.com

★Nataly Tools ★Boycie Bears

by Natalia Tolstykina Facebook: Boycie BEARS
@natalytools.ru

★Daria Pogorelaya

★The Spotted Hare

By Lori Ann Corelis

FUN PAGES

FURRY FUN

Word search Spot the difference

Many of us are deep in the middle of winter - time to Can you find 6 things in the picture that are missing?
snuggle up and watch a movie or two. All the bears
listed below have appeared in movies…how many do
you know? And, more importantly, can you spot the one
that is missing from the grid?

U TH Z X Y J Y KMCCAM DID YOU KNOW?
Z SG F OW L R X Q KW LW
R XO F L F Z A H J D J O Z AWMOTEOHREDIC.LAAHRNIGSMECSUOTLLFTCLOIEOR-CL£MTLIE1IOC.L1NLTMIIOOOINFNLL1DIO,O3OFN0LTL0E(ADABRDLEMIIANEROSVSSEETWVS$ETA1RMS.AE5AMNUUTICCLTSLTICIIOOAONNMNE)EMD.DEBRAETLPAOCNUHLGRIGESDRTEITEEON’S-
D RM L O J T E Z X Q L YM
Y ZECA R E B E A R S SQ
AQRQO J WE Y K L S I S
NO J L I L O I CDG L UG
N LQOC Y L Z I U D P S G
COG J N R Q Z H D E E NW
L UT T I K F OO R L C TM
XAUGB Y S F T R F V XN
CGN L N T O E H A N L D Z
H O A C O I D E O K GWW Z
Y CV L EMD P O T X C J Y
Z DU L V L X D L MM S R S
F BR Z DGOOA A A A VC
OFGD V K R T B P EG Z Y
I N J GK V L MP B T EDV

LOTSO-HUGs CARE BEARS BALOO
LANCELOT FOZZIE BEAR CORPORAL
LIL JON TEDDY BEAR
PADDINGTON TED
ALOYSIUS SUPERTED

45TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

BEARY COLLECTIONS

Collecting and celebrating the
magic of a bear called Sooty

A comic, then TV star, Sooty and his friends Sweep and Soo
won the hearts of a nation and held them for many years,
leading to a host of Sooty memoribilia to collect

BY JOY ROONEY

W hen she first began watch- triguing because many people would Night in 1952, Harry was worried that
ing Harry Corbett and Sooty, associate Sooty with the Royal National his puppet would not be seen clearly
Joanna Riches instantly fell in Institute for the Blind, and the charity on black and white TV. So he dipped
love with the hilarious slap- that this piece represents is not well Teddy’s ears in soot and sewed on a
stick comedy of the little yellow teddy known, making it a unique item. black nose and mouth. From this mo-
ment, Sooty the star was born!
bear and all his mischief, mayhem and When Joanna’s daughter was
Always on the look out to add to her
magic that remains timeless in our young, she made the journey to many collection, Joanna said her memora-
bilia, which is on display in her house,
hearts. theatres across the country, in order has a certain “wow!” factor, which
This love for Sooty has stayed with to join in the fun at one of the magical always elicits a comment of some sort.
“After the initial shock, there is a closer
Joanna throughout her life, and when stage shows. These featured a vari- interest in the variety of items, and I
have spent many hours talking to my
she came across a Sooty eggcup that ety of hosts, including the late Con- friends about my collection”.

belonged to her husband, the child- nie Creighton, and her own personal Although her large collection show-
hood memories came flooding back. favourite, Spencer K Gibbins. cases much of the Sooty memorabilia
you would think was available, Joanna
From that moment, Joanna decided Besides Sooty, Joanna also has a is still on the hunt to find more. “There
is nothing specific I am looking for,”
that Sooty could no longer be forgot- second love for Sooty’s sidekick, the stated Joanna, “but there are many
items out there I still haven’t got.” Hope-
ten and since the discovery of the cup adorable, if dim-witted pal, Sweep. She fully, with some Sooty magic, Joanna
in 1993, she has got ‘Izzy Wizzy Busy’ said he comes in as second favorite may find some more hidden gems.

and become a devoted and dedicated due to his cheeky dog persona and As with many forms of collecting,
Joanna says part of the fun comes from
collector of Sooty memorabilia! hilarious performances. the chase. “I never go out looking for
a particular piece, because you never
Joanna said that Sooty is so appeal- But where did Sooty come from? know what you are going to find.” She
recalled one instance when she was
ing to every age group: “Children can The engineer and amateur magic rooting round for hours at a large car
boot sale, when she came across a
relate to Sooty the teddy bear, and as show host, Harry Corbett, was on Sooty piece of china she didn’t already
have in her collection. It is this ‘unlike-
an adult, I find him so cute and en- holiday in Blackpool in 1948 when he ly’ find that many collectors like Joanna
enjoy the most.
dearing”. As well as collecting Sooty discovered and bought a glove pup-
Joanna wishes she still had items
memorabilia, of which she is nearing pet, which he initially called ‘Teddy’. from her own childhood. Most of her

1000 items, she has also accumulated When he appeared on BBC Talent

various different collections, including

artists’ teddy bears. However, she re-

mains faithful to Sooty, as he is the bear
she is most passionate about.

Of her collection, which has been

built up for over a decade, Joanna

thinks her most interesting piece is not
the most expensive, nor is it the rarest.

As a matter of fact, she feels her most

interesting piece is a charity collection

box entitled ‘The Cottage Homes’. She
said that she finds this piece most in-

46 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

BEARY COLLECTIONS

‘ Sooty has adapted to the times as the years have ‘ She hopes this doesn’t mean the end
gone by; teddy bears, are, of course, timeless! for Sooty and various other childhood
favorites. While there is much competi-
collection has been sourced from auc- her collection, the earliest confirmable tion from new television programs and
tion sites or hidden treasures found in piece is from a publication called TV video games, Joanna feels that if Sooty
car boot sales or collectors’ fairs. The Comic, dated October 1953, in which is kept in the public eye and updated
most recent item she has acquired is Sooty makes his first appearance, in for the new generation, there is no
some Sooty headed notepaper from black and white. reason he should not see his 100th
around the 1950s, something which birthday.
she had never even seen before. Joanna feels that the transformation
of Sooty is what has made him survive Joanna declared that, even after
As Sooty’s style has changed dra- for over 60 years. “Sooty has adapted walking past her wonderful collection
matically over time, it is easy to identify to the times as the years have gone by; many times a day, she never tires of
the older items in Joanna’s collection. teddy bears, are, of course, timeless!” seeing it, and although it is built up of
However, she said: “It is nigh impossi- many rare and exciting pieces, it is the
ble to get a specific date for the earlier There is still the question of whether sheer variety of articles that pleases
items, excepting publication dates Sooty can appeal to today’s children her the most.
found in books and comics.” Although the way he did 60 years ago. Joanna
she believes she has older items in says, “Children are losing their child- The magic of Sooty captured many
hood and maturing at an earlier age.” hearts at an early age and some, like
Joanna Riches, will keep him in their
hearts forever.

47TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

NEW COLLECTION

Lisa’s tasteful collection
of sweet mini bears

What could be a better addition to your hug than a sweet
little bear named after a biscuit, such as the delectable
range of BiscottOrsi from Lisa Pianigiani

BY JILL MUNDY

W e have all been learning to they are all filled with polyester and
cope with the threat of Cov- steel shot, for extra weight. Female
id-19 through the past months teddies have a pearl necklace with the

(almost a year in the UK as I miniature cookie and all of them have

write this!) and while some have lost sweet pinkish cheeks.”

their creative mojo, others have been If you are one of those people who

fired with enthusiasm. One teddy bear doesn’t eat breakfast, why not indulge

artist that falls into the latter catgory is in adding a BiscottOrsi or two to your

Lisa Pianigiani of Bears From The Boot. hug instead? Or, if you have a sweet

Here you can see some examples of tooth but have banned biscuits and

Lisa’s latest collection - BiscottOrsi cakes after Christmas yet still need a

(CookieBears)! cookie fix, one of these bears could be

Lisa lives in Tuscany, Italy, and began the perfect low-fat answer!

making bears in 1998. She is also, in

her working life, a talented cake de- O If you would like to make one of

signer for a pastry shop. There were a Lisa’s wonderful bears, you can find

few years when Lisa didn’t make bears, a pattern to make Caramella, from a

as she became a mother and time for previous series of hers, in issue 248 of

making things was scarce. However, Teddy Bear Times & Friends. Go here

a few years ago, she returned to bear to order a copy: www.teddybeartimes.

making and has not looked back since. com/issues

For her latest series of bears, Lisa

has combined both her passions. “I

have been creating several tiny ted-

dies inspired by very well known and

typical Italian breakfast cookies. Each

teddy has the name of one of these

cookies and wears a miniature sweet

biscuit, hand modelled in polymer

clay, giving him his name: there are

Baiocco, Gocciola (a kind of chocolate

chip), Bucaneve, Taralluccio, Saiwa and

many others…

THE BEAR FACTS: “Each teddy is a OOAK creation

Bears From The Boot by Lisa Pianigiani standing at only 13cm tall (a little over
web: www.bearsfromtheboot.com
facebook: www.facebook.com/bearsfromtheboot five inches) but full of details. Made
email: [email protected]
in pure mohair or silky viscose, with

black glass eyes and painted details,

48 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

NEW COLLECTION

49TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

SALE NEWS

Bears beat the lockdown
blues in November!

A round up of the recent doll and teddy sales at Vectis
Auctions, including a world record, plus a look forward
to the March sale

BY JOANNE MCDONALD, VECTIS AUCTIONS

W hat a topsy-turvy year 2020 Betsy, which could be purchased
was in all ways! Who could originally for a retail price of £89.99
have predicted that it would just a few years ago, selling for £825.

be the modern, limited- There are not many investments which

edition British Charlie Bears, who have would have provided such a huge

just celebrated their 15th Anniversary, return within just a few years; this bear

that would be in such high demand in alone would have given you a return

the November sale, breaking records of 917%! You would have to be a stock

at auction? market genius to see anywhere near

It is extremely unusual when a new the return on investment for any of love with which would also become
heirlooms of the future for generations
collectable achieves anywhere near these pieces. that follow to continue to enjoy. We have
seen many exciting auctions over the
the dizzy heights in terms of value Other highlights included: Dion, years with Vectis and when I first read
when compared to that of its older a more traditional black and blonde about the amazing line up for Novem-
ber’s auction I must admit both Charlie
relations, but Charlie Bears are proving panda sporting a collar of bells sell- and I felt very excited; to see some of
the rarest and hard to find bears in one
to be the exception. ing for £1920. Tutti Frutti, who lived place is a real treat (we even put in a
bid ourselves for a piece which is miss-
Bidding was so fierce during the up to her name in ice cream shades ing from our gallery). It’s very thrilling
November auction, both the Invalu- of mohair, was a very tasty £1200 and to see our dreams turn to reality and to
also see some much sought-after bears
able and Vectis Live bidding platforms the adorable Cookie, in chocolate and find new forever homes.”

recorded hundreds of bidders at cream long pile, curly mohair was like The collection came from one single
vendor, purchased from 2006 until
the same time, in addition to several a shot of espresso as he woke every- 2012 and was in as new condition,
telephone and commission pre-bids. one up, selling for £1,020 making huge which can make a huge difference to
the value.
The bears, many of which were UK returns in a very short time.
January 2021 starts with a bang!
exclusives and only available in very Not only have these prices soared
One of the best things about work-
small limited-edition numbers, were when compared to their RRP but have ing at an auction house is that you
literally do not know what you might
then shipped to new owners all over become one of the lockdown suc- discover next. Some Vectis sales offer
significant groups of Charlie Bears,
the world. Vectis Auctions continues cesses. In 2019, Vectis sold Melody, others Steiff Limited editions or artist-
crafted pleasures. Within each sale
to buck the Covid-19 trend as it sees a panda in subtle hues of dusky pink

prices continually increase for toys and ivory, for a strong £432; within 12

sold over the internet during the last months she has now achieved £1440
few months. (treble her pre-sale estimate based on

The prices recorded included a the last sold price).

world record for a Charlie Bear sold at Charlie Bears owners themselves

an auction house - Lot No. 471 Charlie tuned in to watch the auction with
Isabelle Collection, Poem panda bear anticipation. William Morris stated:

— which saw the buyer pay £2280 for “When we first started Charlie Bears,

the privilege of adopting him. we always dreamt of creating fantas-

The return on investment for these tic affordable collectable pieces that
bears is astronomical; take Lot 472, children and adults alike could fall in

50 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS


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