In a phone interview today I was asked what I enjoyed most about producing teddy bear shows. Why, the end result of course! Here was my answer:
"The greatest reward in producing teddy bear and cloth doll shows is the joyful atmosphere that fills the venue on show day. Artists and collectors have the opportunity to share their passion, exchange hugs and laughter, catch up with old friends and create new ones. The sea of color, texture, shape and style creates a captivating scene. Our giddy inner child comes out as we gaze into the loving, knowing eyes of a bear or hold a doll with a sparkle in her eyes! Amazement, wonder, giggles and love fill the air and become contagious. Next to Disney World, I can’t think of a more magical and imaginative place to be than a teddy bear show!"
I hope that you will take the time to attend a teddy bear show this year, especially if you have never been to one! If dolls or quilts or crafts in general are more your cup of tea then by all means, seek out an arts and crafts show to your liking and go!!!
In a world that's become so focused on technology and gadgets I'm finding more and more people are yearning for a bit of the "old world".... human interaction, things made with love, talent and imagination by human hands. Sure, we can buy handmade items on the internet, most artists have websites in this day and age and Etsy is a fantastic place to find handmade items of all sorts! But there's something about being in a room full of other people with similar interests and being able to see and touch these works of art that can't be replaced by even the highest level of technology!
So, go, pick up the local paper, see what's happening in your corner of the world and treat your self! Grab a friend and a latte and GO!!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Makin' Cotton Candy!
I've been busy in my lab creating fat free, sugar free Cotton Candy that's still yummy and can be enjoyed year round! I think it just might be a hit! (Wait, my "lab"? Er, reminds me of a high school science class I flunked!) Introducing the Cotton Candy Cubs!
These little guys are 7 inches tall and made of hand-dyed LouBear Mohair in the softest, yummiest colors of cotton candy. The backing on this mohair is black giving the color even more brightness and depth. I've been having so much fun with these colors! I can't wait to make the rest of the mohair into bears today!
The cubs'll have special little boxes to sit on... my next project once the bears are done! Seven Cotton Candy Cubs will make their debut at the Maine Teddy Bear & Fiber Arts Show on July 11 in Wells, Maine. Future siblings in this limited series will be available on my website through the end of August... just waiting for more mohair to arrive from South Africa! No two will be exactly the same in color or facial expression but they'll all be guilt free!
I must get back to my lab... er... studio but before I go I must ask....
which is your favorite color?
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Look who I found!!
The sun finally came out today... haven't seen it for nearly 5 days! To celebrate my husband and I went to Peterborough, NH for lunch and to do a little shopping and antiquing. We ate at a wonderful outdoor cafe then poked around the shops. Lots of artsy shops! Very fun, relaxing afternoon. But we didn't find any treasures worth bringing home. I hate that!
We were nearly home when I suggested we stop at a little antique shop that's open just during the summer months. I wasn't filled with any expectation but not 60 seconds inside the barn Henry says "Hey, a teddy bear!" No way! Well, doubt it's anything special I thought to myself. I peeked around a chest to where he pointed and there, sitting at a child's desk and chair, facing the wall, surround by 'stuff' was an old fashioned looking bear made of mohair, wearing an old navy blue velvet coat. Its back was to me so I gently lifted it from its seat and thats when I saw the hang tag: "Chauncey" by Limerick Bear - Lynn Gatto! No way! One look at his face and there was no doubt he was an early bear by my dear friend!
My heart is now beating double time and I'm trying not to jump up and down and squeal like a little kid! There was no question but that "Chauncey", made by someone who is not only super talented but such a wonderful lady, was coming home with me! I couldn't wait to call Lynn (who lives less than two hours away from me) and tell her about my find and hopefully find out a little more about the bear. The tag told me his name and the fact his coat was vintage but no birth date. As soon as we got home I took a few photos of him. I've since pressed his collar and freshened him up a bit. He has some stains on his wool paw pads and one on the back of his lace collar but otherwise is in excellent condition. Of course I know he's not really 'vintage' but Lynn makes wonderful antique style bears! This one is no exception with a hump on it's back, the long limbs, etc. He's just wonderful!
I called and had a wonderful chat with Lynn. She thinks she made him in the mid 1990's. They will have a little reunion next month as I'll bring him to see her at the Maine Teddy Bear & Fiber Arts Show where we'll be exhibiting and more photos will be taken for sure!
As a bear artist it thrills me to death to see the collector in me get so excited over such a find and reminds me that even when I have lost my interest in making bears I must continue and that it'll be worth it as surely my work will have a similar impact on someone someday! That giddy girlish feeling..... there is nothing like it!
Welcome home, Chauncey! You are very special indeed!
We were nearly home when I suggested we stop at a little antique shop that's open just during the summer months. I wasn't filled with any expectation but not 60 seconds inside the barn Henry says "Hey, a teddy bear!" No way! Well, doubt it's anything special I thought to myself. I peeked around a chest to where he pointed and there, sitting at a child's desk and chair, facing the wall, surround by 'stuff' was an old fashioned looking bear made of mohair, wearing an old navy blue velvet coat. Its back was to me so I gently lifted it from its seat and thats when I saw the hang tag: "Chauncey" by Limerick Bear - Lynn Gatto! No way! One look at his face and there was no doubt he was an early bear by my dear friend!
My heart is now beating double time and I'm trying not to jump up and down and squeal like a little kid! There was no question but that "Chauncey", made by someone who is not only super talented but such a wonderful lady, was coming home with me! I couldn't wait to call Lynn (who lives less than two hours away from me) and tell her about my find and hopefully find out a little more about the bear. The tag told me his name and the fact his coat was vintage but no birth date. As soon as we got home I took a few photos of him. I've since pressed his collar and freshened him up a bit. He has some stains on his wool paw pads and one on the back of his lace collar but otherwise is in excellent condition. Of course I know he's not really 'vintage' but Lynn makes wonderful antique style bears! This one is no exception with a hump on it's back, the long limbs, etc. He's just wonderful!
I called and had a wonderful chat with Lynn. She thinks she made him in the mid 1990's. They will have a little reunion next month as I'll bring him to see her at the Maine Teddy Bear & Fiber Arts Show where we'll be exhibiting and more photos will be taken for sure!
As a bear artist it thrills me to death to see the collector in me get so excited over such a find and reminds me that even when I have lost my interest in making bears I must continue and that it'll be worth it as surely my work will have a similar impact on someone someday! That giddy girlish feeling..... there is nothing like it!
Welcome home, Chauncey! You are very special indeed!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
HELP WANTED
Do you like teddy bears? Do you enjoy talking with people? Would you like to spend a fun filled day at an upscale teddy bear show greeting collectors, selling bears and more? Then please contact me about helping out!
What: Maine Teddy Bear & Fiber Arts Show (website)
Where: Wells Beach, Maine USA
When: Sat. July 11th, 9:00am-3:00pm
You'll receive a free gas card and special gift for volunteering your time to help make this exciting show a great success! Contact me today!!! :o)
Email me at events@backroadbears.com for more information!
-Daphne
What: Maine Teddy Bear & Fiber Arts Show (website)
Where: Wells Beach, Maine USA
When: Sat. July 11th, 9:00am-3:00pm
You'll receive a free gas card and special gift for volunteering your time to help make this exciting show a great success! Contact me today!!! :o)
Email me at events@backroadbears.com for more information!
-Daphne
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)