Keeping busy....

At least I am getting some sewing done. Another bear for the Valentine show is currently being stuffed. I wasn't sure he was going to turn out the way I wanted but he is coming along nicely. I also did a couple of makeovers last weekend. I found a bear I had put away because I wasn't liking the way the face was taking shape. Sometimes it's best to put these kind of things away before you do something irreversible. I redid her mouth and nose and I think she's kinda cute. I'll introduce her next week.
The other "makeover" is in the photo above. Jessie was just not quite right. So she got a little face work, a new dress, and a ribbon on her head. It's amazing what a few changes can do(wonder if I could do the same for me??) Jessie Joy is available in my Artfire shop.

Knobby the Autumn Gnome

Still pulling out autumn decorations, when I can find them. I needle felted Knobby a couple of years ago. Autumn here in Florida means low humidity and 60 degree nights. We are still up in the 80's during the day but with no humidity it is very pleasant. The fire danger is increased though. I'm not sure what I'm going to do for Christmas this year. I usually have a lot of my shopping done by now. We still don't know where we will be, as we are in short sale limbo. I would love to be settled in our new(to us) home by Christmas but with each passing day then week.....I just don't know. I continue to sew, finishing 2 Valentine bears this week. It makes the time pass.

October's here

I got out my Halloween decorations today. I really don't have many, we rarely get any trick or treaters. Bill and I end up eating all the candy. I can't find Frankenweiner, though. I made him at least 3 years ago(maybe 4). The mohair was dyed with lime kool aid and his brow is needle felted. He wears bolts and nuts on his collar. Bill found the spring for his tail. Couldn't bring myself to sell him, so he usually comes out of the critter room in the fall. Many things were packed away in preparation for a move that hasn't happened yet. Tomorrow I will hunt him down.
All the little bears for the Holiday show are finished and waiting to be photographed. Then I need to format the web page and add Paypal buttons. Make sure to mark your calendars...Nov 20 and 21st, Teddies Worldwide Online Holiday Show.

Artfire Contest

Artfire currently has a campaign running to get 20,000 sign-ups for their special $5.95 a month Artfire pro account. We need to have the 20,000 opt in before it becomes effective. There are a lot of benefits to having a pro account. Click here to find out more - Artfire Group Deal
I have had an Artfire shop for about a year. It is a great place to get your name and creations out there as well as sell them. Artfire is having a contest to promote interest. The prize is a Canon Rebel XS. This post is my entry into the contest. If you don't have an Artfire shop ...check it out. If you already have one, you can opt in the get the special rate if we get the 20,000 goal.

Online Holiday Show Nov 20th & 21st

It's official!! I just registered to take part in Teddies Worldwide online Holiday Show.
Here are the details:
Artists will also be offering Bears & Gifts Under $50US

A great opportunity to get some holiday shopping done!

Mark your calendars so you don't miss this unique online show!

Show Starts: Saturday, November 20, 2010 9:00am New York Time (GMT -4 hrs)

Show Ends: Sunday, November 21, 2010 4:00pm New York Time (GMT -4hrs)

A Sneak Preview will be available November 5, 2010!

Click here to sign up for an email reminder for the show. Hope to "see" you there!

Getting serious....

Bill and I decided after our anniversary this weekend that we have to cut way down on the sweets. I managed to do 20 minutes on the treadmill this morning. Ten pounds need to come off before it gets cool enough here to wear long jeans...otherwise I don't think they will fit. Sweets are my downfall but I know they need to go.
Speaking of sweets, I am really excited about the current series of bears I am working on. They are 5 - 6 inches and "sweet" themed. Daphne of Backroads Events is hosting and online holiday show in late November. I'm really excited about the show and plan to debut the "sweeties" then. I will post more details about the show as they become available.
We are still in limbo with our house. The banks are moving slowly. So I have had more time to sew and come up with new ideas. This piece of mohair has been in my closet for a couple of years. I really love the buttery color but it really didn't suit the smaller bears I have been making. Since Rosalie turned out so well I have decided to make a couple of bigger bears. Bigger, for me, is around 14 inches.

Last week I went to fabric store to get some Christmas fabric for a swap critter and saw this beautiful purple fabric on sale for 50% off. At the time, I had no idea what I was going to make BUT I do now. Stay tuned! Oh, the buttons were on sale too!

Halloween....already

I think it was the week before last when someone mentioned Halloween and I got the bug. Meet Mischief and Mayhem and their bag of tricks. For some reason Halloween always brings black cats to mind before pumpkins, ghosts and ghouls. This pair took shape in my brain and the pattern was made up as I went along. I have to admit a certain car insurance companies ads about mayhem contributed to their names.
Don't they look like they are ready to start trouble? They would just love to go to a new home where they could use some of their tricks.
Created with sparse black mohair they are 5 inches and 4 inches tall. Non jointed, they have glass google eyes, horse hair whiskers and wool felt ears. I hoped to list them on etsy today, but I had to help a friend take his dog to the vet. It will be $80 for the set and of course their bag of tricks is included.