Show Review

The Maine Teddy Bear Show happened last weekend and was a mix of fun, education and a little disappointment. With our economy the way it is everyone is feeling the pinch on spending and bear artists are no exception. But that didn't stop us from having a wonderful time together! The work the artists brought was absolutely amazing! The collectors were in awe and thrilled to be a part of the excitement!

Come read the whole review and see lots of pictures from the show!

Blog Give Away!

In an effort to MAKE myself get back to work (seems I've been goofing off in my gardens this spring, focusing on plans for the Maine Teddy Bear Show and just plain being lazy) I thought I'd host a blog give away. My very first here at the Back Road Bears studio!

I'm also taking this opportunity to introduce you to a new project I've been working on.... cloth annie dolls. I went with a sweet and simple design utilizing some of the really fun new and colorful fabrics in the local quilt shops! And by shear accident I happened to find the greatest yarn for doll hair! My annies have embroidered faces with painted eyes and freckles. At 9 inches tall these girls are small enough to be a great companion for a big teddy bear but not so small they'd go unnoticed!

Without further delay may I introduce to you "Sweet Jane"!

One lucky blog reader will win "Sweet Jane" on Sunday, May 31, 2009!

To enter: Simply join my email list by entering your email address in the box below. Then leave a comment to this blog post. (You must do both!) The winner will be selected at random on Sunday, May 31 at 5:00pm eastern and announced here. The winner will also receive a private email message.

Join My Mailing List

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"Sweet Jane" will be shipped absolutely FREE to the winner and arrive carefully packaged with a signed and dated hang tag and extra goodies!

Sign up today for your chance to win "Sweet Jane" and be among the first to know about new bears and annies available, show updates, patterns and kits and more by joining my email list!

Good luck!

Hugs,

Daphne

Making Plans...

As you may know, I'm a teddy bear show promoter. "Promoter" sounds like an understatement! I'm more like a wedding planner for bear artists, a marketing director, graphic design specialist, travel agent, menu planner, sales director, administrative assistant, mail room gal and bill collector all in one!!! (I could do without the last title but unfortunately someone has to do it!)

Whew! No wonder I take a lot of naps!!!

This year I'm planning two events:
The Maine Teddy Bear & Fiber Arts Show - July 11, 2009 - Wells Beach, ME
The Chicagoland Teddy Bear Show - October 24, 2009 - Schaumburg, IL

This will be the 4th year for the Maine show and each year it gets easier and easier though I do keep it fresh with new artists and new features. This year we'll offer collectors The Artist Showcase featuring one of a kind pieces by our talented artists made especially for purchase at the show. The theme this year will be "Fun in the Sun". We'll also continue a new tradition we started last year with the Ornaments for Giving Tree. The sale of the handmade ornaments will benefit Habitat for Humanity of Portland, ME.

The Chicagoland show is making it's debut this year! There used to be a long running bear show in Schaumburg until it's promoters retired last year. Together with friend and fellow bear artist Laura Matthews we're going to create a brand new event for Chicago area collectors. We are having so much fun planning the show and are incredibly appreciative of the support we've received from artists, collectors, suppliers and the magazines!!! It's such a blessing to be part of such a wonderful bunch of kind-hearted people!!! It makes wearing so many hats worth the 'hat head' look!

As time goes on I'll share more info with you about plans for the Chicago/Schaumburg show! However, I encourage you to visit the official show website at http://www.chicagolandteddybearshow.com/ and check out the list of participating artists! You might be interested in Tami Eveslage's workshop or in joining us for a buffet dinner and silent auction after the show too! It's all there!

If you are interested in attending the Maine show and would like a postcard with an admission discount offer please email me with your snail mail address! Artists: there are still tables left at this show! Download an application and mail it in today!

Well, I must get back to designing our next ad for Teddy Bear & Friends magazine!!! Deadlines... deadlines.... deadlines.... hat-head....hat-head... hat-head.......

And I wouldn't trade what I do for anything!

The Real Thing

In teddy bear land we often guage how "good" a handmade teddy bear is by whether or not it has the "Awwwwww Factor".

I think God wins this one "paws" down.... these sweet little black bear cubs have more Awwww Factor to them then any other bear I've seen! Just look at those feet and those nails!!! And their cute little noses!!! Awwwwww! :)

These cubs reside in the state of Maine and are just fine, simply being studied by the Maine Fish & Game Department. They keep track of the black bear population, health, etc. and its easier to sedate mom and handle cubs in the winter when they are hibernating.

Wouldn't you just love to snuggle them??? Until they give you a playful whap on the face with those paws that is!!!

Snow Day!!!

Snow Day in New England!!

I think most of New England is having a snow day today! Here in NH we're forecasted for up to 20" of snow! Though many are complaining I'm thrilled at the idea of having an excuse to cancel appointments and stay at home! I have so much to do.... putting away the remainder of the Christmas decorations, getting out the Valentine's Day ones.... laundry and ironing... plowing through the mound of papers on my desk... looking through the new spring catalogs that have come in the mail.... and OH YEAH, bear making!! How could I forget that one! ;) I now have two almost finished (I know, I know, why not just finish one, Daph!!??) And I cut out two elephants last night. I'm excited about those!

Plans for the Maine Teddy Bear & Fiber Arts Show and the Chicagoland Teddy Bear Show are well under way and I'm so pleased at the number of talented artists who are sending their applications in!! I've just posted a list of artists who will be participating in the Chicagoland show in October. More will be added as the app. deadline isn't 'til the end of March. If you are a bear collector I think there will be a lot of artists on there you know! If you are an artist and your name isn't there why not consider joining us??

Time to get started on my Snow Day!!