Haven't been slacking off...

I really have been busy sewing. Most of the bears have just been waiting for a photo shoot. First there is Bebe. She made her debut in the recent issue of Teddy Bear Review in an article about inspiration. The cute yellow baby teddy fabric inspired me.

Second is Louise, aka "Weezie", the gardener. She is the "face" in my previous post. She is named after my mom, who loved to garden. Our front yard would be full of beautiful blooms this time of year.

Third is Berry Cream, another in the sweet little bears series. She is just 6 inches tall. Her body and head were dyed a pretty strawberry cream color.

Lastly is Rufus. I wasn't sure about him as I put together some scraps of mohair for his head. But he turned out as an appealing little mutt.
Also completed 2 other critters that hope to make an appearance in the next issue of Teddy Bear Review and another bear who is just awaiting some accessories.

Ahh...That Face

Finally, some time to sew! Finished end of quarter bookkeeping(Yahoo!). I have been working on a couple of new bears. Most of the time I have an idea in my head and the critter usually comes out close to the vision. This time, after stuffing the head, I was worried. It just looked like a lump and I couldn't imagine a cute face coming from that lump. So I did a photographic progression and you can see the little bear face appear.

Blank Stare

The Nose Knows

All in the Smile

The Eyes have it!

She still needs some work(and a body!). It almost seems like magic and I guess that's why I love creating these sweet faces.

Sick day

It turned out to be a good day to stay home. The weather was one good reason. The severe thunder storms started last night. We had a lull overnight, then they started up again about 6:30 this morning. No damage at our house but the news is showing a lot of trees down. It's now 3 in the afternoon and I can still hear rumbles of thunder in the distance but I think the worse is over. Another reason for staying home...Bill has given me his cold. I don't feel too bad...a scratchy throat and runny nose. So I have been doing some sewing while listening to the weather on the tv.
I realized a couple of days ago that, after several critters traveled to new homes last week, I need more critters to take to a Doll and Bear show May 7th. Also, I hope to get into Daphne's(Backroad Bears) next online show in July. Today is also the end of the quarter so I need to get busy on water business bookkeeping. Can't put it off any longer.
Lastly, my entry for the ACD awards is finished and submitted. More on that later.

This and That

Several things going on...first: Teddy Bears and Critters is now Bear Artists Online. There is a new link on the left. The name change better reflects who we are and what we do.
Second, I am almost finished with my entry in the ACDA awards. I struggled with my first try at a Beatrix Potter character. The problem was it just didn't come together as I saw it in my head. So, last week I started from scratch with a different critter. Of course the entries won't be revealed until June 1st.
The third bit of news is my Spring Sale. All of the critters in the above photo were to be in the sale. After sending advanced emails to my collectors only 3 are still available.
Cubby's Easter Surprise: Was $125 Now $105. The Wild Hare: Was $115 Now $95. Flora: Was $80 Now $60. If interested email me for more photos or info nancy@dogpatchcritters.com

Spring

Since I am having a kind of mental block when it comes to making critters I decided to go outside today. Bill has been working on the yard and it is starting to take shape. He already has lettuce for our salads. There are also tomatoes and peppers. There was a stone walkway which he has almost finished moving. We have some big ceramic pots we brought from the previous house and the plants in them are blooming. The geranium is bright pink and blooming like crazy. I can remember what the other one with the red blooms is called. I wasn't sure it would make it but it has come back nicely. The clover with the light purple blooms came up on it's own in several places. I guess it is considered a weed ....but it is so pretty!

Next...

The Tampa show was a lot of fun even though I showed up a little late because I went to the wrong hotel. I printed up old directions I had saved to my computer. Luckily the right hotel wasn't far. Posie and Scooter, one of my little mohair dogs, went to loving homes. There was only one vendor selling mohair yardage and I came home with a piece.
Next up is the ACD awards. Creations are to have a Beatrix Potter theme. My idea has been translated to paper and the pattern is almost ready. The mohair purchased at the show yesterday will be perfect! Stay tuned...

Three Puppy Grrls headed to Tampa

Wasn't sure I would make it but these 3 are all ready for the Tampa show on the 20th. Their dresses and photo shoots done, all that is left is the packing. The tan terrier is Cassidy, the black & tan Dachshund is Elke and the smooth terrier is Roxy.
Tomorrow, I finish up the tags and pack up the containers. Then it's time to go down the check list, bags(for sold critters), lunch, candy for the table, table covers, etc.
I love going to Teddy Bear shows! It's exciting to see what other have created and just to meet other artists.