Flutter-By Bears and Friends

Wise Words

2012-01-13T04:18:00.000-08:00

I was looking for a quote to start my 2012 posts with; something to sum up a New Year's attitude or state of mind which will set me off on the right foot. I'm already busy beavering away with bears to take to Hugglets in February... after a short period of procrastination, and quite a bit of tidying and re-arranging of my studio environment (in reality a corner of the lounge, with my armchair next to a shelving unit and small table with drawers underneath)
First of all I chose this;

"Learn from yesterday,
live for today,
hope for tomorrow."

Sagacious words from Albert Einstein, and fitting advice for anybody to follow - but then I came across a quote from Charles Dickens which I just can't resist! At the moment in the UK the BBC is indulging in plenty of Dickens for his bi-centenary, which is fantastic because both the radio and television schedules are awash with adaptations of his novels.OK, so "Great Expectations" was, um, not so great actually (look, I studied the novel for O Level, back in the days when you read the whole book AND subjected it to forensic dissection - so I'm pernickety!!) but there was a half decent stab at finishing "Edwin Drood" - the famously unfinished novel - and the radio presentations are universally brilliant. Tears ran all down my face yesterday, whilst I was sewing and listening on Radio 4, to "David Copperfield", when Gyp and Dora died simultaneously. Anyway, back to the quote:

"The whole difference between construction and creation is exactly this: that a thing constructed can only be loved after it is constructed; but a thing created is loved before it exists."

It struck me that it's peculiarly apt for those of us who toil lovingly bringing bits of fabric in to a three dimensional life. Of course there can be attractive and lovable manufactured bears and friends; but they never quite carry the same magic spark, and unique personality, which a handmade one can - and I know that anyone reading this appreciates exactly how each of our creations occupies our hearts and takes a small piece with them when they leave our homes and hands.We are all passionate about our creations, our art, and our industry, and our infinite care and attention to our work is something to be proud of; the wonderful results of which shine out in consequence.... and this insight will do very well to keep me inspired for the coming year. Thanks for understanding Charles! :0)

Ruth XXX

Season's Greetings!

2011-12-20T03:37:00.000-08:00

I didn't mean to be gone so long.... I've decided to come out of my hibernation and get proactive. The best way to get through all that long list of "To Do"s is to errrr, actually get on with them"! I still have some presents that need to be bought (and wrapped!) but at least I've got a list - no bad thing at all!

Here are some gorgeous vintage doggy Christmas cards; oh, they're so sweet aren't they?

The dogs in the 2nd look a lot like Papillons, and the Springer pups remind me of the one I had at 14.

Although the snow is now gone around here, it is really starting to feel Christmassy.If getting decorations up is a bit of a chore then it's a pretty enjoyable one! I have a new super-skinny tree in the dining room, and it's so covered in bells it's like the "Singing Ringing tree" ... anyone else remember that?? :0)

Wishing you All a "Merry Little Christmas",
Ruth XX

And Now.......

2011-11-17T07:13:00.000-08:00

For Something Completely Different - as the saying goes!

It's the Sheffield "Great Yorkshire Teddy Bear Event" on Sunday, and I'll be taking along these funny little 2.75" Frivols. They are amusing, silly, little pocket sized characters created from plush fur and felt, with pretty adornments and an unmistakeable joi de vivre ... perfect for frivolous indulgence!!

L to R: "Ting-a-Ling", "Mitzi Mae", "Pickle Pop"

L to R: "Wincey Pie", "Titchy Coo", "Toodle Pip"

Wish I could balance on my tippy-toes like that :0)

Hugs,
Ruth XX

Show Preview

2011-11-10T00:55:00.000-08:00

For a "Beary Merry Christmas" don't forget to pop over to this special mini online show, and (hopefully!) treat yourself to a gorgeous bear from one of the eight participating artists. I can tell you that all my pieces are inspired by a jewel theme .... but you'll have to stop by my page - 11th to 14th November, to see them fully revealed!

Busy....

2011-10-13T01:29:00.000-07:00

I'm currently putting the finishing touches to pieces which will appear in the new online show "Deck the Halls", from 11th to 14th November. I'm pleased that (I think) I've produced some really pretty bears for this special show - so please mark your diaries to come over and join in the festive fun!

November is shaping up to be an extra busy month for me this year, with the 2nd annual Great Yorkshire Teddy Bear Event, on Sunday 20th November

There is plenty of fabric and needles flying about at the moment - in fact, you'll have to excuse me getting back to it!

T.T.F.N, Ruth XX

New available dogs and bears

2011-09-22T02:10:00.000-07:00

More hours please! That would be great wouldn't it? More hours in every day to get done everything which is essential. Unfortunately the days are already getting colder and darker, and I'm awash with pieces of Limited Edition bears for the new Teddy Bears of Witney catalogue - which is just as beautiful and enticing as ever.It gives me a wonderful thrill of delight just to have some of my bears included in those stylish, and (for me) aspirational pages! Here are two sets available, in editions of 6 each:

"Jade and Gem" - largest panda 2.25"

"Solar and Star" - largest polar 2"

The new 2012 catalogue can be purchased through the online shop pages here

I also have news of a litter of micro-pups which are exclusively appearing on my page at The Pursuit of Excellence artist collective; here's a sneak peek-

These little ones are available individually now (via convenient PayPal buttons) and I will continue to have exclusive items featured there, as well as pieces for the "Deck the Halls" online show; which starts on 11th to 14th of November, offering work from nine artists.

Before rushing back to my needles; Many Thanks to everybody who adopted a bear, or came for a friendly chat at Hugglets. I had a lovely time next to Melanie Jayne of Bear Treasures, and I was really delighted to pass "Coffee" on to a new owner enabling me to make that vital donation to the Macmillan "World's Biggest Coffee Morning". Many Cheers,

Ruth xx

Hugglets soon!!

2011-09-05T03:21:00.000-07:00

It's the end of the "silly season" for me and the bears, after what feels like a very long time! Work will resume as normal for me today with far less of those distractions that Summer brings; the endless milling in and out of the offspring, the jaunts to places of interest near and far, taking a couple of hours "out" because "the sun's shining" - oh, and it's a dreary, windy day here; which whispers "Winter soon..." (let alone Autumn!) on it's all too willing breezes.Um... can you tell I've been away from the keyboard too long! :0)

It will be the Hugglets fair this Sunday (11th September) at Kensington Town Hall, so without further ado here are a few peeks at bearies who will be attending. Above is my fund raising, 2.6" chap; "Coffee". He's made from a gorgeously dense long piled cashmere Upholstery Velvet. Proceeds from the sale will go to the Macmillan cancer charity- I really hope he'll find a special new home on the day.

"Teatime Too" is a very special piece which I have lavished my attention on (truly "love in every stitch"!) inspired by the overwhelming, positive reaction I had to my winning BBA teacup bears. Here are "Fern" (3") and her tiny bear, with "Tetley" the pup* looking over the side of a beautiful Aynsley Fern cup and saucer. I researched the backstamp on the ceramic and it appears they date between 1932 and 1939 - as such they are very collectible in their own right and would retail up to £40. I just thought they were wonderful Autumny colours with a vibrant glimmer of gold; and I kept the bears in a toning palette too.

Hopefully I will manage to wade through all our excursion photos soon. We visited some amazing places in Bristol and Bath ... and you all know by now how much I love to share them!!

TaTa For Now,
Ruth XX

* Tetley is a brand of tea in the UK!

Finds

2011-08-04T03:33:00.000-07:00

What better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than rummaging through my favourite Antiques and Collectables haunt? I am intending to take a similar cup and saucer piece to my British Bear Artist Award winner; "Tea is For Teddies", to the September Hugglets fair, and to that end I was on the hunt for some really eye-catching sets. I can't really put my finger on what I look for in these ceramics ...it's a certain something; style and colour in shades sympathetic to bears I can create.I'm not totally decided what's in store for my purchases... oh, and I'm pretty sure the pink trio set is staying firmly at home!

Wedgwood, "Celestial" trio (Lee teacup shape)

Diminutive piece of Hudson Middleton (no name)

Aynsley Ferns (with a delicate blush interior)

Delicious Royal Grafton trio. I smile whenever I look at it! :0)

I always choose the products of our local industries - there are still many small potteries in the area around where I live, although sadly I do come across crockery from the disappeared, or vastly diminished factories on these forays*. Ashley is always "ceramics expert"; well he does have a degree in the stuff (and he worked for Wedgwood for over 18 years, plus is still consultant to numerous companies) I love that he can pick up a cup and tell me where the factory is (or was) and if it's Wedgwood he invariably knows the shape name - this is quite separate from the pattern name. Occasionally we come across pieces which he originally modelled from the designers' spec' when he first started out. On this outing it was a large vase with flared panels - it wasn't my "cup of tea" though, ha!

I hope you enjoyed seeing my lovely finds,
T.T.F.N Ruth xxx

* When I first moved here 22 years ago 1 in 3 people worked in the ceramics industries; whole families were employed on the "pot bank" through many proud succeeding generations. These days it is less than 1 in 10 of the local population. :0(

A Plan is Forming....

2011-07-18T02:17:00.000-07:00

This year the UK cancer charity Macmillan is holding their annual "Coffee Morning" on 30th September, when people all round the country will get together and make donations whilst enjoying coffee and a chat. At first I thought about holding a virtual coffee morning on this blog - if I could work out a way to do it! I'd like to do my bit to raise funds as my dear mother was taken from us by this awful illness, and I know very well how important it can be to have dedicated carers who visit homes, and make overnight stays, giving peace of mind to the patient and their family.
Last week I was lucky enough to be offered a table at the Teddies 2011 Hugglets,on 11th Sept', and so I think I will make a bear for my stand (I have just the right coffee shaded fabric in mind) and donate the whole proceeds to Macmillan. Well the seeds of a plan are forming anyway; I'll try my hardest to finalise it and post here again.

For further information on the World's Biggest Coffee Morning click here!

Ruth XX

Roses

2011-06-22T01:41:00.000-07:00

Two weekends ago I set off with husband and youngest son to travel to the Teddy Bear Artist Event, in Stratford-upon-Avon, on the Sunday.Before I share the photos of where we visited on the preceding Saturday, here is an interesting panoramic pic of the lovely octagonal hall in the civic buildings. (well done Ashley!)

This year we decided to go to David Austin Roses - a world renowned breeder and nursery of old English roses near to Wolverhampton in the West Midlands. I have always wanted to visit the viewing gardens as I adore roses; especially those with delicious fragrances. The rain stayed off all morning until we had finished looking around, and as an extra bonus we got to see some partial aerial displays whilst various helicopters and aircraft practised for the next day's air show based at RAF Cosford!

The various gardens are laid out in beautiful style, aiming to show off the roses to their full advantage. I spotted "Golden Celebration" which was the one I bought for my parents on their 50th wedding anniversary - it is definitely one of the strongest perfumes. I also particularly liked "A Shropshire Lad" and "Jubilee Celebration" for their strong perfumes .... but then I loved them all! Truthfully, I felt as though the whole place was a sweetie shop stuffed with an ever-more delightful display around each corner! Even a (fairly) uninterested 15 year old was sniffing everything by the end, and talking about the merits of this bloom conformation compared to that!

Ashley took hundreds of photos - so here are just a few to drool over:-

The size of this next one had to be seen to be believed!!

There were so many ravishing blooms in all sizes and shapes. I highly recommend a visit, and not the least for the rather quaint waitress-service tea rooms, where we snarfed big chunks of cake from pretty, rosey china. How I wished I could leave there with a car boot full of plants!

Before leaving, we just had time to say hello to the free roaming peacocks who had kept up a constant "N'yark N'yark" whilst strutting around as resplendent as the roses.

I'll be sighing over the catalogue for quite some time .....

T.T.F.N. Ruth XX

I'm Very Honoured...

2011-06-06T05:59:00.000-07:00

... to have won "Best Miniature Design and Workmanship Excellence" in the ACD Awards!! Wowee, I've been bursting with pride ever since I heard the news. Here is my lovely glass award trophy (the little gold one is sent to each nominee)

I am particularly thrilled to have won this award as the final nominees are scrutinised by three hands-on judges, and having received the critique sheets back I can tell you that it is an extremely rigorous process! At first it felt like opening a school report again (would it be very good or so-so??) but I was delighted (and relieved) to read it through and place Velvetina as an "A" student! I did get some lovely positive comments as well - actually, I'm not sure if I've stopped grinning since :0)

Next year the theme is "Under the big top" and I feel certain that the Awards will go from strength to strength, with lots more entrants, as taking part is truly testing and challenging for each artist.Many Congratulations to all of the particpants, and to Robyn Roe, and Linda Down who also received awards., and especially to the judges and Sandi Smith who has worked so incredibly hard to organize everything. Hugs and Kisses! ((xx))

Finally, I thought I'd post a pic of Miss Velvetina Water Vole from another angle:

TaTa For Now,
Ruth XX

Please visit the ACD Awards show

2011-06-01T03:20:00.000-07:00

The show has opened over at BAO Please click the link if you'd like to pop over and see all the entries in the Beatrix Potter themed competition.All entries are up for adoption - and there are some really unusual critters and interpretations of B.P characters. You can also vote for "The People's Photographic Choice" (click each pic for details and a closer look) Voting runs until 4th June.

Enjoy! :0)

Ruth xx

Port Sunlight and The Lady Lever Gallery

2011-05-17T04:13:00.000-07:00

As I still have the photos from my week off in April I thought I'd get them in to a post. Above is the Lady Lever Art Gallery, situated within Port Sunlight Garden Village, near Liverpool; 900 houses set in 130 acres of landscaping started in 1888, by William Hesketh Lever, the philanthropist owner of Lever Brothers. The Garden Village was a totally new concept in housing factory workers - in this case the work force of the soap manufacturer which later became the multinational Unilever. Lever (later Lord Leverhulme) was also a devoted patron of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, and the Gallery was specially built to house his huge collection of art works so that even the most humble worker could see and appreciate them.

The village is full of focal pointed, wide vistas and neatly arranged avenues of trees. The rows of neat little houses appear like a perfect film set; conjuring a by-gone quintessential "Englishness" from a charming mish mash of architectural styles. It was a dazzling sunny day when we visited and it was impossible not to feel as though we were experiencing a glorious Little England from a chocolate box ... or somewhere in a dream!
This bench was opposite to a magnificent war memorial.It was sad to see so many of the same surnames listed for both wars.

Visit the Port Sunlight website for more details here:

There is a museum all about the community, past and present, which I'll definitely visit next time (also a hotel, self catering accommodation and shops) but I was excited to be visiting the art gallery itself.You see, inside, on permanent display are paintings I've drooled over ever since becoming first acquainted with them through taking an Art History O/A level at age 17**. These are works by The Pre-Raphaelites; luminaries such as John Everett Millais, Dante Gabriel Rosetti, William Holman Hunt and Edward Burne-Jones to name the principal few. I can't really over-state how much I love their paintings - and luckily my husband (also an ex-art student) shares my enthusiasm.In fact I need to curb it (!) or I'll start typing pages of rapture which could really bore a lot of you! (By the way I hope some UK readers watched the recent Perspectives programme on ITV, where Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber waxed lyrical about them!!) I've since noticed that some photography is permitted inside the gallery with prior agreements - well, we'll have to go again then. Soon!

What to tell you about the exhibition, which is laid out in a series of grand rooms; galleried in the centre, and includes sculptures and furniture? Here you can see the famous little Pears soap boy with his bubble pipe (Millais) exquisite studies of Jane Morris (Rosetti) "The Tree of Forgiveness" (Burne-Jones ; spectacular and unmissable) "The Black Brunswicker" and "Spring - Apple Blossoms" (romance and beauty from Millais again) and the astonishing "The Scapegoat" (Holman Hunt.) I actually felt over-whelmed standing in front of the last, and it doesn't seem sooo very long ago that I drew thumbnail sketches of it to illustrate an essay!

Apart from Pre-Raphaelite paintings there are fine collections of ancient art, some Joshua Reynolds (doesn't float my boat but hey!) lovely Gainsboroughs and lots of beautiful and priceless Wedgwood.

Lord Leverhulme was completely forward thinking and practical about advertising and "branding" his wares too - often he would buy a painting and then re-produce it on posters for sunlight soap, with the addition of the essential product, which really offended some artists, but I think he really believed in art for the masses.Thank Goodness he did :0)

TaTa For Now, Ruth XX click here for more info' on the Lady Lever Art Gallery

** Yup, I got a grade A - what a swot!

The Australian Creative Design Awards- Nomination!!

2011-05-06T02:47:00.000-07:00

The 2011 Awards theme was "Celebrating Beatrix Potter"; a dream for me as I am a life-long fan of Miss P's work, so I was totally over-the-moon to hear that my entry was nominated through to the last ten! I can now reveal her to the world :-
"Miss Velvetina Water Vole"

I decided I would try to create a water vole quite soon after registering for the competition. These gorgeous little creatures are having a really tough time to survive in the UK, although in Beatrix' time it would've been a common sight to see the little rodents busily swimming and scurrying about our many waterways and rivers. She is my invention of a Beatrix Potter character - I imagined her bustling along with a bag full of calling cards; visiting all the little homes of riverbank neighbours, and living life in a social whirl of Edwardian etiquette.I think she'd be most particular about her silk "hair" ribbon and the one tied in a bow on her tail. In my story they would be always coming tiresomely undone as she swam hither and thither! Maybe her sweet little slippers would conspire to float away continuously too ... and her frothy lace collar would get very drippy! What would her Mama say?!

To see all the wonderful entries in the competition together, and place a vote for your favourite in the "People's Photographic Choice", visit here and click on the rabbit.I'm sure everyone would agree with me that they are a fantastically diverse group of critters! The voting will be open until 4th June.Best of all, every entry will be available for purchase from 1st to the 5th June - first come first served!

We will find out the winners from the hands on judging on June 5th. In the meantime here's a link to view the 10 nominees. Congratulations to them, and all the participants. Also, many thanks to Sandi for organising this prestigious competition.

With very Happy Hugs,
Ruth xxx

Delighted!

2011-04-30T00:50:00.000-07:00

I've been "on holiday" for the best part of 2 weeks, and I was intending to get some photos on here of where I've visited, but for now I just have to show "Missy Belle"; who I'm absolutely delighted to say has been nominated in the 2011 Golden Teddy Awards.

She is a 3" tall, Vintage Long Pile southern belle complete with lace fan and silk ribbon and crystal choker.The dress is made of a gold spotted organza, with antique lace.

Yesterday was so exciting; what with finding out this news first thing in the morning, and then settling in to watch all the Royal Wedding coverage! A very kind and lovely lady said she thought Missy Belle looked fit to attend the wedding herself - I was so thrilled by such a compliment!
I still have a huge :0) on my face! Thank you so very much Teddy Bear Review!

T.T.F.N Ruth xxx

A Little Blue "Skye"

2011-03-31T03:59:00.000-07:00

This tiny little fellow is looking for a good home. He's 1.4" tall (when standing) made from pale blue vintage Rayon, with onyx bead eyes, a cotter-pinned head, and thread-jointed limbs. The button seat has a 2" wide felt flower attached to it, which is decorated with glass petite seed beads."Skye" is wearing a brown lacy scarf of crinkled lacet thread. £40 GBP.
For a bit of fun I thought I'd try to post a picture of him at actual size:-

Not bad! Sadly I may not be able to make many more teeny, tiny bears like this - I just can't find suppliers of 1mm onyx bead eyes; I ordered some recently from the only supplier carrying them, and whilst they will be extremely useful within the graded sizes I have (actually all professing to be 2mm, but I've graded them in to 6 sizes!!) they are just not tiny enough.I find that getting hold of the really tiny cotter pins is also difficult ... none are ever quite as "right" as though which used to come from Dinky Do miniature supplies, and ditto the hard board / vinyl / metal washers. My stash is ever-dwindling, and desperation is looming over the horizon!!!
Any ideas or leads would be truly appreciated folks :0)

T.T.F.N Ruth xx

Life is Different;Life is the Same .... and a Casserole.....

2011-03-25T04:58:00.000-07:00

For a good long while I have pondered on how to tackle the next blog post after the last. I didn't want to jump in to some incongruous banality after my heart felt tribute - but I've realised that it is all the "same-as-always", mundane things which row you smoothly over the murky, deeper, choppier waters of all that is different, and changed forever.To this end I decided to post photos of our family dinner.Even though we are a family of 5, with sons aged 15, 19 and 21 (and all their attendant differences, comings and goings) the main meal of the day is our shared familial lynchpin.We gather in the kitchen and talk and eat together.Maybe not a big deal? To me it is; just as my mother provided meals and love in equal measure - and demonstrably so with her effort and joy in sustaining us- so I have tried to follow her lead.
And the casserole? It was bought for me about a year ago by my mother, and I love it. This one is a Chasseur, cream cast iron oval pot; not quite so arm-breakingly heavy as the other brand; Le Creuset.An essential piece of kit for producing warming,nurturing, comforting food.To me it metaphorically encapsulates everything your mother represents.

What's on the menu then? A casserole of Beef Brisket with mini herb dumplings, and Apricot and Butterscotch Upside Down Pudding to follow:-

This piece of Brisket was only £4.56 for just under a kilo (whatever that is!) and proved to be meltingly glorious when surrounded by celery, carrots, tiny new potatoes, and some of those fancy long shaped shallots, which are well worth adding a little expense to the meal when they caramelise down so sweetly and create such a rich gravy. I also added a teaspoon of dark brown sugar. Cooked at 180 degrees for 2 and a half hours, not forgetting to add the mini dumplings around the meat for the last 25 minutes. They are always referred to as "babies heads" in this household ... not a name I particularly approve of!

After turning out of the tin, the pudding was oozing with butterscotchy scrumptiousness! I just chucked dark brown sugar, butter and maple syrup in to a saucepan, reduced it down at boiling point then threw in chopped pecans and salted almonds.Pour over previously arranged apricot halves (in natural juice) then top with a creamed sponge mixture.Yummy!

This weekend I'll be going on something of a culinary adventure with our new Princess Raclette hot stone, with dinky pans underneath.I couldn't believe my luck when they had some in stock at the huge John Lewis branch I visited on Wednesday.I love the idea of us all getting involved in the communally sharing aspect of this style of eating... plus we're all quite partial to melted cheese! If anyone has any good suggestions or tips for using it I'll be most interested!

With love,
Ruth xx

A Loving Tribute

2011-03-09T02:39:00.000-08:00

I don't usually use this blog for my innermost private thoughts and feelings, but I feel that it is right for me to make this exception.I would like to record my loving tribute to my Mother here in these "pages"; as a testament to her, and all that she meant to me.Yesterday was her funeral, and despite the pain, I feel we managed to celebrate her life, and find a way to take all those good thoughts and memories forward in to the rest of our lives.
I am grateful to the minister for reading what I had written just as it appeared on the page; it was so very important to me.

"Our Mother assumed many family roles throughout the 75 years of her life.In order they would be: Daughter, Sister, Wife, Aunty, Mother, Grandmother.But a title can't fully describe who a person is.

She was the 3 year old war time evacuee who found herself sat up on a high shelf, in the pub-home of strangers, for some imagined misdemeanour.She was the young woman taught to speedily tot up long columns of figures by an Uncle.She was the mother who, without fail, reserved the tenderest morsels on the plate for her two young daughters, or encouraged us to eat the last chocolates in her box.

A constant presence in our lives giving comfort and reassurance.She was the perfect, adoring Grandmother who was herself adored in return.

She had a warm and pretty smile,and we loved to hear her giggle and laugh.She was also immensely capable, efficient and unflappable - and a confirmed stoic.She would never have asked," Why me?" but rather, calmly stated "Why not me."

Gail and I used to joke that Mummy squeezed way more than 60 minutes out of every hour.You can bet that within 59 minutes of arriving where she is now she had taken down the curtains and washed them, cleaned out the cupboards, run up some cushions, and put an excellent home-cooked meal in the oven.

She wouldn't mind me concluding this summary of her character whimsically, by saying she was:

more casserole than steamer,

more chocolate than crispbread

more Rolling Stones than the Beatles

more Blue Skies than clouds.

To our Mother, and our Best Friend, in the words of Simon and Garfunkel; "Sail on Silver Girl.""

As a family we used to love listening to Simon and Garfunkel's greatest hits album.It would often be playing on a Sunday through the '70s, when I would come home from riding, and she would be in the kitchen making the dinner. "Bridge Over Troubled Water" was a favourite track with its beautiful lyrics.I was honoured to hear the song I specially requested played yesterday.

extract from "Bridge Over Troubled Water"

Sail on Silver Girl,

Sail on by.

Your time has come to shine

All your dreams are on their way.

See how they shine,

If you need a friend

I'm sailing right behind,

Like a bridge over troubled water

I will ease your mind.

Like a bridge over troubled water,

I will ease your mind.

Thank you to everyone for all your kind and tender thoughts.It has given much comfort.

Ruth x

Nearly Hugglets

2011-02-24T01:02:00.000-08:00

"Dear Heart" will be coming to Hugglets, at Kensington town hall on Sunday, 27th Feb.
He is 3" tall, made from Frosted russet Long Pile, with Ultrasuede paw pads and onyx bead eyes.

Ruth x

Do Come and Visit!

2011-02-11T03:27:00.000-08:00

Lots of beautiful bears to see, with a Spring or Valentine theme over at the "Be My Valentine" show! Just click here or in the sidebar to come over :0)

Ruth xx

Blog Award and some "peeking"!

2011-02-03T03:29:00.000-08:00

Firstly, many, many thanks to Sandi over at Ess D' Ess Bears for passing me a Stylish Blogger Award!

The rules are to link to the person who awarded you , share seven things about yourself, and pass it on to 15 more blogs which you enjoy. I can add the 7 things right now , but I do hope you'll all bear with me for the time being in postponing passing it on; I am in the thick of preparing for Hugglets (although I absolutely hate neglecting my little bloggie so I must drop in) In the meantime if anybody would love to grab the award and share 7 interesting things about themselves please do! I consider you all to have stylish blogs :0)

1** In 1992 I bought a very cute, neglected little bean filled bear (almost unknown at the time) and I'm afraid my husband persuaded me to cut his nasty little tag off (!!&@!) He turned out to be an "Old Faced Brown" Ty Beany, and at the height of Beany-mania he would have been worth over £1500. with his tag on. I wouldn't sell him anyway; he's a funny little chap with a personality.

2** I went to the same school as Carrie Grant - the TV singing coach (not the old Hollywood movie star!) She was in my "house" (Churchill) and her older brother was in my tutor group. She used to go out with one of my friends so we often went to the same parties ... but I'm afraid as a group we all didn't approve; as she was from the lower school whilst we were sixth formers.Pah! I can't believe I included this in my list.

3** I have managed to be "in the right place" at work for several things - after being prescribed glasses at 18 I went to work at an opticians and got my contact lenses hugely discounted. Soft lenses were hideously expensive in 1982.I've been wearing them for 29 years (not the same pair!!! Lol)
When my parents moved to Egypt for 3 years, after I married, I worked for British Telecom in the accounts department and I got permission to make a call to Cairo on work's time. Errrrrrmm - I confess I rang every other day for 11 months; well they were British Telecom for goodness' sake!!! The one place units whizzing round on the meter were no problem!!

4** Since Christmas I've had either a yukky stomach ulcer , or more likely a hiatus hernia (tear in the diaphragm which the stomach pokes through) which I've recently found out my Grandmother suffered from. So not fun. I have started to feel a lot better in the last 2 weeks.... I'm horrified I felt so awful to start with I wondered if I'd have to give up bear-making! :0o

5** I love The Fall of Troy!(RIP) "Nature versus Nurture" is my favourite song - and probably the best one ever written.Tom Erak if you ever want a miniature bear I will gladly make one for you for free!!!

6** I absolutely love cooking. I never mind stopping bear-making for getting the evening meal ready; it's a relaxing punctuation to my day. Ever since I got married I've decided on a week's meals on Mondays, and base the shopping on that - this is currently being promoted everywhere as a good way to economise in our current economic climate, because you only need to buy what is specifically needed. Well d'uh!

7** "Persuasion" is my very favourite Jane Austen novel. I feel it's often over-looked, and definitely deserves to be given an excellent big-screen treatment. Knowing Lyme Regis and Bath quite well (both are settings from the book) definitely enhances the experience of reading it. If I could only own one book I would probably choose Persuasion.

Sandi is also our esteemed leader over at TBACA , and I just wanted to remind you all that the "Be My Valentine" online show starts on 11th Feb to14th Feb.I have 3 pieces in the show, and here are some sneaky little peaksof them -

Hope you're intrigued enough to come and visit the show!

TaTa For Now,
Ruth xx

High Time I added a post!.........

2011-01-17T03:55:00.000-08:00

Wicken Fen, Cambs

We're how far in to the New Year - and this is my first blog post??? In my defence I'm having to type this right now from a stop-gap, rigged up contraption as the "real" computer became decidedly off-colour after Christmas and ultimately refused to play with any of us! I've got no useful library of images to work with any more; just an ocean of empty desk top. No matter- I think the photo I found (taken just before Christmas when we were all still in the vice like grip of Winter) is quite appropriate.

At first glance, when I was flicking through Ashley's camera, I thought it was a bit bleak. A narrow path leading to an unknown destination, cold and uninviting, a shadowy darkness at the edges .... a bit like a brand new year when you're not sure what might happen. I've been feeling somewhat over-contemplative and stressed recently; not helped by PPI medication (acid inhibitors) which can magnify anxiety. Well, I realised that's one interpretation of the picture. Looking closer I noticed the sky; it's natural and surprising beauty would be reason enough to keep walking along that path. The trees and hedges at the sides are likely to be bustling with birds waking up for another new day; the water course is gurgling its infinite way, meandering and leisurely. The scene is actually picturesque. Hopeful.
I may not be making any Resolutions for 2011 (and they always do come with capitals don't they?) but I will be looking for the blue sky .... or an unexpected ray of sunshine, the pretty song of a bird; just little things that chase away uncertainty or stress. Maybe we all need to be a bit kinder to ourselves sometimes, and "re-adjust the picture" by looking for the positive things that make life so much better.

With a belated "Happy New Year",

T.T.F.N Ruth xxx :0)

Season's Greetings!

2010-12-23T03:51:00.000-08:00

Only a few days to Christmas - where does the whole year go to? Like most people I've got plenty of jobs still to do before the big weekend has been and gone! I should be wrapping presents right now ... but at least I've ticked off the mince pie baking, decorating, and the dreaded "final" shop.In fact I'm feeling quite smug about the last one; I got up before 6am and went straight to Tesco! The wide aisles were clear , nobody had "trolley rage" and there was an empty checkout waiting for us! My fridge, freezer and cupboards are full and no blood was shed - not bad going, especially as it was still -6 temperatures outside and the (non-gritted) roads were all a-sparkle.Like everybody in the UK I am so over that whole White Christmas thing!!!

Here's a peek at my mantel piece; I used the butterfly masks to decorate my table at Sheffield.They are far too gorgeous to stash away, and I adore these new, glittery, die-cut Victorian style cards - which I'll be keeping as decorations permanently!

I've also used them in my wall unit, where they go so well with roses, white bells and vintage photos...

I decided to make some Teacup Candles as Christmas presents this year, and I was really pleased with how they turned out. Having trawled my favourite vintage and collectible haunts for pretty cups and saucers (all from the Staffordshire potteries) I also picked up a bundle of assorted silver plated spoons for added decoration.I used an Antique Ivory dye, and Vanilla and Cinnamon perfumes mixed together. Next I made some tiny little "Gingerbread cookie" sachets ... ssshhhhh don't tell anyone they're filled with cut pieces of vanilla scented Magic Tree, and polyester stuffing ...

This one is "Pansies" by Royal Grafton.

I haven't done any proper sewing for well over a week; which is starting to make my fingers itchy! However I did manage to squeeze in a lovely bear swap through TBACA before The BBAAs weekend away. I sent my little 3" "Gingerbread Angel" to Lesley Stipanov (Les Bears), and despite crossing continents and the continued bad weather here we've both received our swaps in time for Christmas :0)

I will definitely be making more of these bears with decorated gingerbread wings - oh yummy!
Here is my new little fella from Lesley - he's only 1.75" tall!

Happy Christmas to Everybody out there! With every Good Wish for a peaceful and joyful holiday for you and your loved ones XXX

Ruth xxx :0)

Back From Brighton

2010-12-15T03:30:00.000-08:00

I've only just started to feel as though my feet are touching the ground, after our weekend away in Brighton! We left the house before 7.30am on Saturday and arrived in time for early lunch in the Brighton Pavilion Tearooms. As the building is laid out with a "traffic flow" we had to request an escort through the ropes to get to the right staircase and then re-start from the beginning again afterward.

Visiting this building could never cease to delight me; well, it is a celebration of high Regency style in over-drive! The wallpapers, furnishings and ornamentation were still just as breath-taking to me as they were 2 years ago. Difficult to describe the sheer spectacle and opulence when you can't back it with photos (none allowed). The star room for me is the Banqueting hall where a truly massive chandelier is held by the claws of a huge silver dragon, his mouth agape to show a fiery tongue. Above him is a central rotunda trompe l'oeuil of palm leaves which is so fresh and realistic it must have looked out of time and place in the 18th century. The long table is resplendent with beautiful ceramics, glassware, silver and centre pieces, and George III's red brocade chair, set in the middle, is pulled out slightly as though he might arrive, to dine in style in front of us.I was intrigued by an art installation by Claire Twomey - visible throughout the Pavilion - called "Dark Day in Paradise"; consisting of randomly sized black ceramic butterflies (how could I not be interested!) which appeared in various wing poses and scattered, or suspended in flocks. They herald a cautionary note on excess (George III was reviled for his profligate extravagance) maybe a glimpse of darkness on the horizon in the current economic climate and the shadows of history that still chime with us. Very thought provoking! Not to mention sinister behind net curtains!

What about the "main show" though?? Of course I mean The British Bear Fair and Artist Awards - held in a new venue at Brighton Racecourse this year. I enjoyed myself so much wandering round the fair, chatting with such lovely bear people and unhampered by any need to return "behind the table"! A little bear from Susan Gam chose me as his new Mum , and then it was time for the award announcements.

Cat 1 Single Miniature Bear nominees

L to R: Judges Gregory Gyllenship, Dawn James, Wendy Hobday together with Victor (2nd left) who presented the awards)

Me collecting a 1st place for "Georgiana" - feeling stunned and delighted!

Category 1 award.

Category 10 "Tea is for Teddies" wins 1st place too!!

I was feeling a bit shocked after the awards (understatement) and I found it difficult to get my head out of the clouds on Monday too! I would like to give my heartfelt thanks to the judges and organisers, and Hugs to the other nominees who all brought beautiful pieces on the day. There's no better way to spend time than deep in beary conversation with like-minded folk so I had a wonderful time! :0)

TaTa For Now,
Ruth xx

The GYTBE!

2010-11-20T00:25:00.000-08:00

I've just got time to post a pic of two of the bears I'm taking to The Great Yorkshire Teddy Bear Event, on Sunday at the Sheffield Hilton.

They are (L to R) "Figgy" and "Frosty", 2.6" standing, made from Long Pile Upholstery Velvets in a special new design that I have pared back slightly so that I could offer collectors a really affordable bear. I've named the collection Flutter-By Boutique, and there will only be a few of these bears at each fair I attend - priced at £49 each.
As a collector myself I know that the pounds spare for "luxury" collectables are being held on to for longer, and so I came up with the idea of having just a couple of bears on my table which would provide a quality "teddy hit" for eager arctophiles fed up of being "good" all the time! :0) To keep the Boutique bears at such a low price I've trimmed down the processes (no wobble heads, no front paw pads) and I'll be offering a range of optional accessories for them each time, all individually priced; micro-stockings (£3) Gingerbread teddy in Ultrasuede (£5) micro-tiny basket (£1, not shown) Of course the accessories will be suitably sized for all the other Flutter-By Bears too!

I'm so looking forward to the event.We'll be in the car soon ; off to explore Sheffield. My 2 older sons are home with the dogs...... I'll miss them !!

T.T.F.N Ruth xx

I Spy

2010-10-29T07:48:00.000-07:00

I decided recently that I'd like to have a bit of "low-tech'" gadgetry on my stall at the next bear fair; a magnifying glass, in case anybody would like to inspect the workmanship of my miniatures more closely.I often notice that collectors peer slightly uncomfortably at my very small bears, so I'm more than happy to help with a good look at them and their facial expressions!
I did hold out for a relatively "nice" one though (spurning 2 for £1 in nasty black plastic at Tesco) which I managed to lay my beady eye on in Bakewell market.This one is small and fancy. I also rather like the antique faceted glass table jar I've posed it in too - missing its lid - which became something I couldn't part with after Ashley polished it up and pointed out the screw thread is silver; so probably why the lid went missing.
I know.... small things amuse small minds. Very true but .... I just have an outsize appreciation for them :0)

TaTa For Now,
Ruth xx

Happy Birthday! (An 83 gun salute!!)

2010-10-21T01:26:00.000-07:00

Another Trafalgar Day ; yay! It is also my father's birthday so despite the indulgence I've decided to add the little e-card video, which my son made, to my blog!

Many "Happy Returns" of the day Grandpa / Daddy / Reg - from all of us! XXX

Also , here's a quick pic of the next consignment of Witney bears before they jumped in to their parcel.I hope they enjoy their journey to the shop (and there's no squabbling between 3 cheeky little dogs!) I may be able to visit there myself, in February, which would be absolutely great, so "fingers crossed" :0)

T.T.F.N Ruth XX

Teddy Bears of Witney

2010-10-11T01:44:00.000-07:00

I've been so,(sew!) busy since Hugglets, creating Limited Edition pieces. I'm afraid it has kept me from this blog a bit as I've been concentrating so hard on these pieces for Teddy Bears of Witney; which is an Aladdin's cave of teddy-beauty old and new, near Oxford. As the 2011 catalogue has been issued I thought I'd show what I've been doing all these weeks!
First is "Chester and Bramble"; a 2.75" bear in frosted gold Upholstery Velvet, with his 1.2" terrier friend. They are a Limited Edition of 8.

Next are "Willow and Meadow Sweet"; a 3" panda of old gold and pale cream-gold Vintage Upholstery Velvet, with his 1.6" lop-eared rabbit companion. Limited Edition of 5

I've got an extremely packed schedule coming up with The Great Yorkshire Teddy Event, 21st November, a personal swap, "Be My Valentine" show pieces for TBACA, and the Winter Bearfest at Hugglets looming, so if I can get ahead and "find" an unclaimed week so much the better! You'll have to excuse me now so I can get on with this order ... hope I'll get back here a bit quicker next time :0)

T.T.F.N, Ruth xxx

(Teddy Bears of Witney catalogues including these bears can be found at www.teddybears.co.uk )

BBAA Nominations!!

2010-09-23T03:13:00.000-07:00

I got the exciting news at the weekend that both my entries for this year's British Bear Artist Awards have been nominated to go through to final judging, at the British Bear Fair, December 12th in Brighton.
Here are my pieces:-

"Georgiana"; a seated 3" bear - Cat 1, Single Miniature Bear

"Tea is for Teddies"- Cat 10, Group of Miniature Bears (plus a dog!)

The competition will be fierce! It was only a few months ago, at the TBAE, Stratford, that I wondered aloud to Dawn (TBT editor) whether there would be any expansion of the miniaturist category to Dressed and Undressed; she felt it was unlikely as the number of entrants overall wouldn't necessarily make it viable, but this year sees double the number of nominees in category 1 (Single Miniature Bear) and two first prizes , two second and two third will be awarded. Next year the categories will be split. I think this is a terrifically healthy sign! It's great that more miniaturists are entering (probably there are loads of us lurking about!) and it will be a very good thing for more collectors to "get in to" miniature bears!

Congratulations to all the nominees; in all categories. I'm really looking forward to meeting up with lots of you on the day :0)

T.T.F.N Ruth xx

.... and Some More!

2010-09-17T02:07:00.000-07:00

The English Rooms at the V&A are a great place to visit if you're interested in English period furniture- they have whole room reconstructions, with huge canopied beds- or if you're a textile obsessive like me.There are quite a few items of clothing, with shoes and gloves too; just so much you want a photographic record of really!
Anyway, we spotted this beautiful and fragile fan.... I have a thing about fans......

Oh, and whole cases of drawers of lace!! Most are so ridiculously beautiful it's like a sort of appreciation overload!! This one is in a 17th century style which has the name "stitches in the air" when translated from Italian:-

And how about this one- apologies for the difficulty in photographing such a tiny, delicate fragment. This one is very different! Guess what it's made of... and I'll tell you at the bottom of the page :0)

Following our noses round the museum we came to a section on mosaics, and in particular a fabulous (in the original sense of the word) collection of two people whose names I'm sorry to say I've forgotten. Drawer upon drawer of priceless treasures; silver and gold and jewel encrusted snuff boxes. Here are just a few of the most astonishing works of art in "micro-mosaic" - these boxes are all no bigger than 3" across.

(Enamelled, with pearls)

Which one would you treasure given the choice? I'd pick that gorgeous spaniel without hesitation - I wonder if it's the faithful rendition of a once beloved companion? I would like to think so.

And the lace from 16 Something?? Give yourself a million Clever Clogs points if you guessed it was made from human hair (with outline detailing probably horse hair) Yes, really!!!!!

Hope you've enjoyed a quick trip round the museum with me. TaTa For Now,

Ruth xx

Kensington Treasures

2010-09-16T02:10:00.000-07:00

I had such a lovely day on Sunday at Teddies 2010! I met lots of collectors I recognised and I was amazed to find I can still remember which bears they already have. Thank you to everybody who adopted a new little friend, and came to visit the stand; I really appreciate it :0)
For this fair I swapped my display components about a bit and added a few new ones; I just can't resist! I have to say I was extremely pleased with the final "look", and I was absolutely delighted when several kind people said it looked beautiful!

Will I ever stop adding to my collection of display items? Errrr - probably not.In fact, definitely not; I've already got some different pieces in mind for the November show in Sheffield.....

And so to "what we did on the Saturday." First of all we had a brisk stroll down Kensington High Street and Kensington Gore, pausing as usual to photograph the Albert Memorial and the Albert Hall.My 14 year old surprised us both by saying he wished we had tickets that night for the Last Night of the Proms! We were offered tickets from the inevitable touts; although they were for the outside party in the park.
After a quick visit to the Natural History Museum, where, as I suffer from a fear of heights, I had to go on the escalator from hell (again!) then it was on to The Victoria & Albert Museum.

(There's a lot more escalator after reaching the planet. Brrrrrrrrr)

Sadly I couldn't go in the exhibition of Grace Kelly's dresses because it was on timed tickets; and they had sold out for the day- did I hear husband and son breathe a huge sigh of relief? No... must've been someone else.... Happily I was able to locate the Beatrix Potter rooms;where the walls are ranged with all the original book-plate sized artwork for "Peter Rabbit", plus others from Beatrix' youth, and personal letters to and from Frederick Warne her publisher.It is very difficult to get your head around seeing the actual originals when you are so familiar with the printed versions. Each is in perfect condition; suprisingly vibrant and captivatingly miniature.Her earliest drawings would be considered prodigiously talented by today's standards; if it's possible I admire her even more than I did before! Take a look at a detail from a pencil drawing, based on the garden shed outside her home, of rabbits potting Geraniums, and also the adorable watercolour of "Bill" the unfortunate little lizard who is given a fright by Alice in Wonderland, at the top of this post.

From these rooms we moved on to the Portrait Miniatures. I could spend all day gazing in to the cases with the helpfully provided magnifying glasses.Rather than try and fill up the whole camera(!) I had Ashley take a pic of one of my absolute favourites; a breathtakingly beautiful 3" wide portrait from the 17th century which combines finesse and realism.To say it is highly skilled is an utter understatement!Who was he, and why don't men wear collars and sashes like that anymore?....

Incidentally, I was fascinated by a displayed "Buff Coat" from this period, in the English Rooms. You've probably seen them in paintings without realising what they are. The mannequin was wearing a very thick suede skirted jacket - although it is cow leather it has the look of pale sheepskin. Originally they were a lowly, practical item of clothing for soldiers; giving them some protection from weaponry, but eventually they became fashionable, and were often part of the costume chosen for important portraits; in particular those "cavalier" paintings where the Buff Coat was augmented with breastplates, sashes, expensive lace and military regalia.The one on display must have been kept for this purpose as it looks practically new. Amazing.

I'll add some more photos later...

TaTa For Now, Ruth x

Beautiful Dresses from Bath

2010-08-23T03:46:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry I've been away for so long; it's really unusual for me. I'm afraid I've been AWOL and MIA whilst I get my collection together for Hugglets on September12th! My husband had 2 weeks holiday, and we went to Devon and Bath.... but I still had to sew y'know. Luckily I have a small folding portable daylight gadget; a Grafilight (check www.colourconfidence.com ) which is invaluable when I go away!!!

Here are some beautiful 18th century dresses from the collection at the Bath Fashion Museum ( joy of joys you are now allowed to photograph those which they own..... although it is still a photographer's nightmare!) I hope they will give something to admire until normal service can be resumed here!

Amazing "court dress". Imagine it; "'S'cuse me - wide dress coming through!!!"

("Sack Back"dress with more exquisite embroidery)

Despite all the fabulous handworked embroidery on the others this is my favourite - made from the finest muslin (which was extremely expensive and highly prized cargo on merchant ships) I just can't imagine how cold those poor, fragile ladies must have been tripping around in our climate in these wisps of material!!

I'll be back as soon as I can .... so Ciao For Now! :0) ....
Ruth xx

In The Pink Tissue Paper is.....

2010-07-23T06:01:00.000-07:00

Look at my lovely parcel from Sandi; which arrived today, all in pretty pink tissue paper and scented with a divine sachet- which by the way , is such a good idea for all our fabric and supplies stashes :0) I feel very lucky to have received three soft and yummy mohairs, tiny buttons, lovely rusty bells, glass eyes and even some pretty pastel stationery for cards! All of these will be squirreled carefully away whilst I contemplate what they might become. Sandi knows they will challenge me creatively as I have rarely used mohair (and never glass eyes) before!It does do you good to have a few projects lined up which in the future will give your current skills a boost. One day .... and I'm talking far in to the future here...... I'd like to make a big bear, although I think it would be a really steep learning curve and I'd be very nervous! I have made bigger bears from commercial patterns years ago, although none were jointed. Ah! I just remembered all the stuffing involved as well! If you remember I used the "left over" stuffing from (very) past projects for approximately 4 years in my miniatures! :0)

Many thanks to Sandi for her big-hearted generosity, and to Lady Luck for drawing me the winner! Pop over to Sandi's blog right here to see 3 gorgeous little bears just finished; they are adorable!

TaTa For Now,
Ruth xxx

Beatrix Potter

2010-07-12T03:51:00.000-07:00

When I read in the paper that there will be a Beatrix Potter exhibition at the Victoria & Albert Museum , in Kensington , right when I'll be there the day before Hugglets, I just had to post about it! I absolutely love visiting the V&A anyway , so I shall be there "with knobs on"!

You may already know that next year the Australian Creative Design Awards will be based on a theme of Beatrix Potter inspired pieces - the entry registration is open right up to 31st December , 2010, and I fully intend to take part.This will be a huge challenge for me ; as it will be all about interpreting themes which have resonated throughout my childhood .... like catching treasured dreams and memories and turning them in to something tangible!

My love of all things Beatrix Potter goes right back to a time I only hazily remember (not being blessed with one of those crystal clear memories like my sister) I could only have been about 3 or 4 years old , and even then I had an innate love of books - books as objects, as much as the wonders for small imaginative brains contained in them. Occasionally I would be taken to a book shop where I distinctly remember the pristine little rows of Beatrix Potter books. Their impossibly white little dust jackets fascinated me , along with the (now) iconic type face , and the beautiful , muted, almost translucent illustrations. They represented something utterly unattainable ; an idyllic perfection and nostalgic view which I couldn't really comprehend but which drew me like a moth to a flame. We were never bought books in those days! All the stories I was read came from the library , like most other little girls. I still think I'm making up for that yearning to own books to this day .... piles of them everywhere says so....

I was only 19 when I decided to completely splurge a vast sum of money on a boxed set of these precious little stories. I decided it was a prize well worth spending hard earned wages on , but I probably didn't tell many people in the office what I had done! Those sweet little creatures; all with lives of their own still had that same power to draw me in to their pastel shaded world , and of course I appreciated the amazing artistry which created them so much more. Some years on I bought this folder of "scraps" of 7 of the stories' illustrations. I've had them for at least 20 years but I just can't bring myself to separate them , or use them on anything!

I'm sure they will remain in those protective sleeves for another double decade , whilst I continue to collect all sorts of other Beatrix Potter memorabilia ... which reminds me.....

My lovely friend , and fellow enthusiast Sandi , of Bearly Sane teddies (also our brilliant TBACA leader) has drawn my name as winner of an intriguing mystery prize which is teddy bear related , but I could use when I enter the ACD Awards! Whoot! I'll be looking out for a parcel soon - aren't I lucky? :0) Thank You so much Sandi for your generosity; I really value your kindred spirit too :0) (XX)

If you have time, do follow the link to the V&A's page all about the exhibition . Maybe you will be inspired to enter the ACD Awards , and create your own adorable creature in the spirit of that quintessentially English lady , Miss Potter. Or maybe , if you're visiting Kensington on Saturday 11th September, I'll see you there; admiring Peter Rabbit and all his charming friends?

T.T.F.N , Ruth xxx

Summer Snapshots

2010-06-29T01:43:00.000-07:00

Mr. Flutter-By Bears has been out and about with his rather large and impressive camera recently, (or is it just ridiculously heavy - depending on how you look at it ;0) ? ) so I thought I'd share a few photos of British wildlife going about their summery business.

This little chap (above) is a shy and timid Roe deer , who was probably surprised to see a photographer on Wicken Fen at 4.30am! What a sweet faced little fellow.
The next is a Wren's nest above some guttering round the back of my parents' house - we watched the 3 chicks' busy and attentive little mother while she foraged for insects all around the garden, continually flitting back with her prize. I've been incredibly thrilled to have wrens fledging in my own garden this year ... although they were extremely camera-shy!

This seems to be a very good summer for Dragonflies; we've seen numerous species on our travels. For such fearsome, predatory little beasties in their watery homed larval stages, they are gloriously elegant on the wing. I think these are some form of Hawker dragonfly - seen at the tiny country park not far from where we live.

I'm already looking forward to my summer holiday ; a whole month away yet. I wonder if this idyllic weather will last right up to the time I get to re-visit Lyme Regis? In the meantime I have lots of beary sewing to do , and new projects to think about ......

T.T.F.N Ruth XX

Compton Verney

2010-06-17T03:36:00.000-07:00

I've been so caught up with cutting out Limited Edition bears, so that they're ready and waiting, I've had to tear myself away in order to post all about Compton Verney in Warwickshire. This was where we visited on the Saturday before the Stratford Teddy Bear Artist Event.
I already knew that this was an imposing stately home , converted to become an art gallery- an intriguing idea which grabbed my attention when I was researching places to explore.It turned out to be a wonderful decision; a beautiful day, spectacular scenery, history and art combined; who could be disappointed?!

This was a grand family home for 500 years, until it fell in to a derelict state in the early 20th century.It's transformation to a gallery with six permanent collections , and numerous temporary exhibitions took 10 long years , and the Grade2 Listed parkland is still being restored to its former glories.Originally there were 120 acres of grounds; much of it designed by "Capability" Brown (it took this visit for me to find out he actually had the improbable first name: Lancelot !!) and you can explore the grounds, with Browns special "view point" paths and walks for just a £1!

(This is an artwork entitled "Untitled Boulder" - a 70 tonne Limestone rock)

(Thomas Adam designed the bridge, with its sphinxes, and the Georgian house exterior)

(A different view of the 300 yr old tree. "Capability" Brown was famed for his use of these Cedars of Lebanon.)

Of course, we couldn't take any photos inside the gallery, but I can tell you that even my 14 year old son was fascinated by the art works, which are well laid out and accompanied by notes everywhere to breathe life in to their essential details.My favourite of the 20 gallery spaces was (no surprise) British Portraits- which had some exquisite portraits of Elizabeth 1st ; one from before her portraiture was bound to include all the symbolic references to her absolute power and wealth, and yet it was exactly the same set of facial features there on the canvas, with her high boned nose ending in a sort of divided "bob", so it must be a faithful rendition of her actual looks! There is also a painting of her father, Henry VII , after Hans Holbein , and a portrait which was interesting to me because it depicted a friend and contemporary of Bess of Hardwick.

I could just witter on; about the British Folk Art section, and the huge Francis Bacon canvases in the temporary galleries , but I'll just sum up by saying it was well worth a visit. From the idyllically tranquil grounds; with its dragonflies, moorhens and herons ( and where some lucky people had hired a huge glass marquee for their wedding celebrations - how romantic!) to the contents of the building itself; all were fascinating. This last photo is my favourite. I really hope to visit again soon.

T.T.F.N,
Ruth XX

Wonderful Stratford Show 2010

2010-06-08T02:14:00.000-07:00

The Teddy Bear Artist Event , in Stratford-upon-Avon, was a fantastic show again this year and I really enjoyed being amongst the pretty stalls ; all imaginatively decorated , meeting lots of visitors and catching up with beary friends. The event has a lovely vibrant atmosphere, and even a little rain outside doesn't chase away the "summery" feeling in the octagonally roofed hall , with it's bobbing bunches of balloons on some of the stands.

I entered the Exhibitor's Challenge; which was themed around childhood this year, with a 2.5" beary little girl and her 2 companions (teeny weeny little duck, and a lilac teddy holding a rattle) in Category 2: "In The Nursery". The visitors to the show view the category entrants up on the stage and vote for their favourites in return for donations to the British Heart Foundation, and announcements are made at the end of the fair.I was so surprised (and not to mention delighted!) to receive not only 3rd place in my category , but also to have the honour of being chosen out of all of the entries for the Organiser's Choice Award!! This is a special award from Samantha Potter, of Mary Myrtle Miniatures fame , who organises the event , and as well as this lovely shield I will have a free table for next year! I actually couldn't believe my ears when I heard my name called out and I feel so thrilled :0)

I decided to ring the changes slightly this year on my stand too , and I had some gorgeous new boxes to play with ... lovely and summery. Here's a pic -

Many thanks to the lovely collectors I spoke to , and to those who adopted creations, and / or voted for me! Also to Samantha and her team of hard working relatives and friends whose efforts make the Artist Event a reality. Cheers! :0)

T.T.F.N Ruth XX

The Show Room is Open !!

2010-06-01T02:08:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to say that the Fantasy Ball show room is now open , over at TBACA. You can follow this link to go over and view all the ACDA competition entrants (and vote for your favourite) and see all the fantasy inspired pieces available for adoption. The doors will close 6th June - contact me any time before that if you're interested in the bears. Here are just a couple of them to entice you over !!

The days are fast dwindling before the Teddy Bear Artist Event in Stratford too! I've been putting a few finishing touches to the bears, and I hope to get a couple of photos taken asap.I'll be leaving my older sons home with my little dogs so that the 3 of us can explore Warwick on the Saturday before hand. Brett is mainly impressed that the hotel has a swimming pool (!) but I'm really looking forward to visiting Compton Verney - which is a stately home turned in to an art gallery .... sounds utterly heavenly!! Of course , I will share our exploration with you all right here soon !!!! :0)

T.T.F.N Ruth xx

www.teddybearsandcritters.com

The Fantasy Ball Will Soon Be Here!

2010-05-19T03:24:00.000-07:00

I can't believe we're more than half way through May now ; it will be no time at all before the Fantasy Ball week starts over at TBACA (31st May - 6 June) As well as some delectable , fantastical creations being available from a host of artists, there will also be public voting for the nominated TACDA entries for the prestigious design awards.

I've got my special "peek" pics ready now - huge thanks to my dedicated , patient hubby who uses all his skill to produce what I've got inside my head !!!

I hope that lots of you can join us for some Fantasy Fun!

Before I flit back to my sewing here's a quick photo of "Cherish" ; who was my Golden Teddy nominated piece in the Artist Bears 5" and under , Dressed category. She'll be coming with me to the Stratford TBAE in June so she can be viewed "in the fur"- although as a V.I.B I'll be giving her a permanent home :0)
(Click the pic if you'd like to see her a squillion times bigger than real life!!)

TaTa For Now , Ruth XX

Thursday; Good News Update!

2010-05-13T03:32:00.000-07:00

I certainly wasn't expecting to find such a wonderful , exciting, email waiting for me this morning, it's really taken me by surprise - I've received a nomination in this year's Golden Teddy Awards!! I am totally over the moon ; and I really didn't think I'd be lucky enough to get one this time. This is so "hot off the press" that I'm not yet sure which of the 2 bears I submitted received the nomination (I was so thrilled when they were both nominated for the Sydney Bear Fair's People's Choice too) I would just like to say "Thank You very much" to Teddy Bear Review - I appreciate this from the bottom of my heart!

Despite the excitement I shall continue with my little ones for the Stratford show. Time is getting so pressing now, and I've got to that familiar point where you feel you may never finish a single piece ... it's a bit like climbing up the mountain before you get to the top and start easily chugging downhill again!
Next time I hope to post a little teaser picture ready for the Fantasy Ball over at TBACA - can't wait!

Well , limp little furry bodies are waiting...

TaTa For Now , Ruth XX

Pretties in the Post

2010-05-06T06:39:00.000-07:00

You know , the Postman doesn't always bring disagreeable things to the door; like bills and junk mailings. Sometimes you get a big surprise ... like I did this afternoon, when I found a package all the way from Denmark waiting for me!

Look at my lovely gifts from my very special friend Tina (of Tiny Bear fame) ; a beautiful vintage cream fabric "pocket" with frothy ribbon and button trims , which was packed with mini-bear Upholstery Velvets , and a sweet little bundle tied with vintage lace, full of tiny bit-bobs to delight any miniaturist! Thank you so very much Tina from the bottom of my heart! If you'd like to check out Tina's magical way with vintage pretties take a look here
It was raining hard all this morning , but now the sun has come out and I definitely feel like smiling! :0)
I'm about to get stuck in to creating some new bears for the Stratford Teddy Bear Artist Event ... and I might just have to use that intriguing long purple fur you can see in the photo...

I can't let today's post go without mentioning the big event of the day - namely The General Election , here in the UK. After all that media coverage of hot air , cheesy waffle and weasely obfuscation, the people will get their say. Did you know that it wasn't until 1928 that all women over 18 were finally granted full voting rights? I exercised my equal and democratic rights early this morning ; up at the weeny little church polling station. I was even glad to go out in the pouring rain! Speaking as the mother of a first time voter (aged 20) I sincerely hope that the Facebook / Big Brother / PS3 generation will think it worth the "shoe-leather" to get out of the house and do the same!?!

T.T.F.N Ruth XX

Birthday

2010-04-29T00:36:00.000-07:00

Another birthday behind me! Although the digits are creeping ever upward I shan't complain ... it's all about getting older and wiser isn't it? Unlike me in the picture above - what did I know then?? It was taken almost exactly 30 years ago (oh good grief!!!) I think Ashley and I were waiting to go to Cambridge. The most pressing thoughts on my mind that day might have been what clothes to put on , and not to forget to file my nails before going out. I remember how much I enjoyed reading that book , "The Avenue" , which had also been a tv series set between the wars ; I've still got it in a big box under the bed. I had an awful lot of pink clothes ... and that gorgeous shocking pink leather clutch bag. Later I would get a pair of "killer heel" shoes to exactly match the shade. Even later again , my springer spaniel would champ on the leather covered heels and completely ruin them forever .....

Well , anyway what I'm trying to say is ; I don't begrudge that girl her carefree existence , far from it. But ... I wouldn't change places with her now. I'm comfortable with a few more inches of .... "wisdom".(!). and a lot more smile lines on my face. I'm very thankful for how my life has turned out , I adore creating bears which is something I never could have dreamed of back then, and - I can still wear pink if I want to can't I?

T.T.F.N
Ruth XX

Where It All Started!

2010-04-20T03:43:00.000-07:00

The last time I went "home" to my parents' I came across my really old "My Learn To Sew Book" (published by Hamlyn I think) which I was given around the age of 8 or 9. Did any of you have this book? Peeking through the time-worn pages proved to be a bit like stepping in to a time loop ; hurtling me back to an age when brown and orange paisley was tres chic, and little girls were even encouraged to get to grips with dangerous stuff like bodkins , sewing machines and - perish the thought- seam rippers!
The projects are so charming. I remember that most were quite beyond my capabilities at the time , but the crucial point is I aspired to that level of competence!

It brought back to me the whole flavour of my childhood ; being creative , making things for yourself (not just buying them!) treasuring a host of fabric and yarn snippets ,and actually feeling proud of your achievements.
Some years later, at about 15 years old , I made a fairly simple felt pin cushion in the shape of a flower , with decorative stitching and pearl beads at the centre. It's nothing special ..... yet I still use it to this day 30+ dusty years on - it's just my pincushion; part of my everyday sewing paraphernalia. But I couldn't bear to part with it!

Let's see just one more project-

I wish I'd made one of these!

Just a note here to say I've put 2 pandas on my "New Available" page on the website with a special offer price for all my Blog Followers , Mailing List members and Facebook Fans , until 3rd May 2010. Jin and Kiko can each be purchased for £55 , instead of £70. Thanks so much for peeking.

TaTa For Now ,

Ruth XX

25th Anniversary Celebrations

2010-04-08T03:15:00.000-07:00

I've just posted out my parcel of exclusive , one-off bears for Teddy Bears of Witney's 25th Anniversary Event, which takes place on the 18th April. Each of the 3 bears has their very own micro-tiny friend to accompany them when they appear on the day.

Here's one of the couples , partially disguised by "Artistic" filter , to show that I have really been working on bears (yes, really !!) without revealing all before the party :0)
Now it's straight back to some prototypes and show pieces - lots of cutting out and wearing of a layer of shimmery 3mm mini-bear fur all over myself! Nice new needles , new trays waiting for small ursine inhabitants (!) and a new vanguard of cotton reels in shades to match the current works in progress...

By the way I heard the door closing just now - I think it was the Easter bunny ; packed up and leaving, somewhat miffed, for another year, and probably wondering when exactly I'll get round to using some of the lovely eggy decorations I've accumulated to go with bears - tins , wood and papier mache. I ran out of time this year. Again.
Maybe next time .....

TaTa Easter Bunny!!

T.T.F.N , Ruth XX

Bears Chat...

2010-03-26T03:01:00.000-07:00

I got this candid photo snapped whilst the bears were occupied. I've noticed that miniature bears really enjoy getting together for a good old gossip ; particularly when they're still in "holding" trays - before I've given them their final finishing touches.You can separate them out , eyes front, to patiently wait their turn , but when you look again they'll be re-grouped! I'm not even joking ....

I know what these 3 might be talking about in very slightly growly whispers .... when are they going to get their finished final "look"? This is what happens (unfortunately) when you're in the middle of 3 separate consignments of bears; all of which are exclusives so you can't even photograph them! Any bears who appeared just before that are going to be in holding trays for a while, with quite a bit of time on their , um, paws.(I could say here that the cotton reel is left in there for it's recreational value , but it isn't ; it's so I don't forget which shade matches the red bear!)

I will get back to them eventually.I'm working the long hours as fast as I can ... and then my mini-bears will be rather like buses- none appear, then 3 come along at once!

T.T.F.N Ruth XX

Money!

2010-03-17T03:43:00.000-07:00

I wish I could say this is a real coin of the realm, featuring my little "Miss Majesty" - but no; it's just a bit of mischief for a Wednesday morning! I must have coins on the brain.....I went to a very large antiques fair at the Staffordshire show ground on Sunday and silver threepenny bits were some of the very few items I brought home. Most of the stuff there was more in the "aspirational" line! I sorted out 5 very nice ones - the oldest minted in 1874 - with Queen Victoria's head on one side (2 of the coins have a more mature profile from later years) It was only when I examined them more closely at home that I noticed one of them looks a bit bent. Well duh .... I expect someone dislodged a filling when they chomped on it in a Christmas pudding or something! Can't say my family ever went in for that sort of culinary / dental Russian Roulette!

On the same stall they had Roman Coins - loads in a box at £1 each - great! We started sorting through them to get one for youngest son , but unfortunately it was really just a big disappointing box of smooth green discs. The minting was no longer raised or visible ... they could've been mouldy chocolate drops for all we knew...
Thank goodness for Vintage Button stalls; they did have some teeny tiny ones , and the price tags didn't involve too many decimal points.A few more magpie bits to hoard.

Talking of hoarding reminds me that I tried to see the famous Staffordshire Hoard a few weeks ago, before it left the nearby town for its next destination (touring to raise money to keep it locally, where it was plucked from a field) It's a huge , monumental, cache of Anglo Saxon gold burial artefacts; the biggest ever found - some pieces are worth hundreds of thousands of pounds apparently. I was at the museum just 10 minutes after official opening time , and there was a short queue of people. The doors opened and a few started going in , whilst a museum official proceeded down the queue with the news that from where Brett and I were standing it was a 2 hour wait!!! Neither of us could face standing there all that time so we left. Brett's friend who arrived later in the day declined a 4 hour wait.
It is thousands of years old though ; and Time is Money so they say!

T.T.F.N Ruth xx

(You can see some of the pieces here)

Views of March

2010-03-09T03:32:00.000-08:00

We still have sun! Lots of it - it makes me glad to have large windows to sit by whilst I'm working so I can bask in this sun-dazzled spell.
As Ashley is away at the Focus show - big photography expo' at the NEC, Birmingham - I thought I would appropriately trawl his files for some March photos to share.

Fungi at Apedale Woods

Beloved Goldfinches

Sunny gold buggies - wonder what they are?? Wakey wakey!!

A toad at Apedale

I also found some amazing photos of March evening-skies ; which reminded me of a poem I saw when I was doing my last post. At the time I thought it was a little odd ; a bit fanciful perhaps .... you decide - maybe not then!

(No filters used)

March - Toni Atchison

Listen to the spring wind hoot

and holler round the corners of the house.

Trees dance mad as the wind moans

and groans between the houses.

The lion has come to March,

which has been lamb-like until now.

And all the wee small children of the sun

come slow and blinking from winter dens,

and sunset looks

like strawberry soda.

Right , back to work after these reflections. I was very excited to be asked to contribute some unique "one off" pieces for the Teddy Bears of Witney 25th Anniversary party , on April 25th , so I'm headed straight for my fabric boxes!

T.T.F.N Ruth XX

Can It Be Spring Now?

2010-03-05T03:10:00.000-08:00

It really did feel like Spring in the last couple of days ; it was so sunny and warm behind the glass of my conservatory that I had to open the door to cool down yesterday! It's been such a relief to get away from all that bitterly cold dreariness - and a joy to actually hear my little Goldfinch visitors singing their tinkling songs just a few feet away from me. I wonder what it is about the sunshine which is so motivational? Although I have plenty of ongoing projects to keep me busy for the next 2 months (at least !) my brain keeps summoning up inspiration for all sorts of bears and themes, so that I have to keep jotting things down in my notebook in case they disappear never to return! I have a whole series of bears planned .... just need the time to create them! Hopefully I can introduce a few of them at June's Teddy Bear Artist Event in Stratford.

In fact, Spring motivation has even led me to hop on to Ashley's brand new exercise bike which was bought to rehabilitate his newly improved knee ligament. I am fairly rubbish on it (no stamina) and it is a fairly boring piece of equipment (just black and white and uncomfortable) but.... there's no escaping the fact that bear making is sedentary and seems to be encouraging in me a little *polite cough* "softness" , or "cuddlieness" as my father would say.....

Anyway , back to the Spring ; here's an enchanting poem to herald its approach - hopefully a lot sooner than April.

A Child of Spring by Ellen Robena Field

I know a little maiden,
She is very fair and sweet,
As she trips among the grasses
That kiss her dainty feet;
Her arms are full of flowers,
The snow-drops, pure and white,
Timid blue-eyed violets,
And daffodillies bright.

She loves dear Mother Nature,
And wanders by her side;
She beckons to the birdlings
That flock from far and wide.
She wakes the baby brooklets,
Soft breezes hear her call;
She tells the little children
The sweetest tales of all.

Her brow is sometimes clouded,
And she sighs with gentle grace,
Till the sunbeams, daring lovers,
Kiss the teardrops from her face.
Well we know this dainty maiden,
For April is her name;
And we welcome her with gladness,
As the springtime comes again.

T.T.F.N , Ruth XX

(Above is "Tommy" ; 1.6" tall , who likes to be planted in his own little flower pot!)

Taaa - Daaaaaahh !!

2010-02-22T03:42:00.000-08:00

My website has been totally revamped and is now officially unveiled!

As you know, Ashley has been patiently constructing it whilst I think up all manner of difficulties for him. There may still be a few tweaks to consider - like changing the photo surrounds on my Gallery page as I think they might be slowing the loading down too much (gnash). Overall , my main aim was to come up with a site that represents how I feel about my little beary creations ; and the mood of them.... difficult to put in to words!

I set Ashley's technical wizardry on some of the gorgeous vintage photos that I adore - I'd love to think there was a little fairy or angel somewhere who treasured one of my bears! I'm definitely a fan of a little whimsy now and again so I just couldn't resist .... I hope everyone will like the outcome :0)

(Click here to visit)

T.T.F.N Ruth x

After the show

2010-02-15T07:19:00.000-08:00

It was such a lot of fun over at the "Be My Valentine" show on saturday! I think most of us are still recovering from the combination of live show , computer "window" juggling and chat thread high jinks ! It really won't be long until the next one comes around - The Fantasy Ball ; over at TBACA , for a week long parade of lovelies between 31st May and 6th June - so I intend to make a start on these pieces and let my imagination run riot!

The "Bobo Booth" is still open after the show (click here) so if you are interested in treating yourself to a brand new friend who's adoption fee will be forwarded to Free The Bears Fund, do go and visit. My contribution ; "Brady" (above) is a 2.5" chap made in Vintage long pile Upholstery Velvet . He'd love to do his bit toward saving those beautiful Cambodian Sun bears.

I also have another little heart throb ; "Georgie" , 2.5" in frosted grey long pile UPV , who is looking for that special someone .He is £65 GBP , and will bring his miniature romantic card with him.

I'm sooo looking forward to "Pancake Day" tomorrow as well .... can't wait to sink my teeth in to the first one ; with greek yogurt and cream filling, sliced banana, orange juice, and butterscotch sauce.Mmmmmmmm!!

Happy Flipping !

Ruth XX

A New Old Classic

2010-02-11T06:44:00.000-08:00

I've had a lot of fun going back to a really traditional style bear recently . I specifically wanted to use some of my lovely short napped "cashmere" Upholstery Velvet , so the proportions were styled to complement it.So, here is 3" tall Pascal ; all finished and looking forward to some similar playmates soon.I felt that he only needed a simple ribbon to stay in touch with his classic-bear roots.

Just a quick reminder about the "Be My Valentine" online show : for those outside of Australian Time zones the show will open on Friday 12th rather than Saturday 13th . If you would like to pop over to the show rooms early here are some example start times :

UK : Friday 12th - 9pm
USA , New York : Friday 12th - 4pm
USA , Texas : Friday 12th - 3pm
Moscow , Friday 12th - 12pm Midnight.

Hope you can make it - we'd love you to drop by the Bruin Banter forum for a quick chat with the artists too.

Happy Weekend !
Ruth XX

The Sydney People's Choice Awards

2010-02-07T06:07:00.000-08:00

"Cherish"

"Marianne"

These are my 2 entries in the Sydney Teddy Bear Fair People's Choice Awards . Having only entered them a short time ago I was really surprised when the notification came on Friday that the finalists could now be viewed online .... and even more so to find I had 2 nominations !! I was really "well chuffed" ! Both these 3" bears are very special to me , and were created with extra love in them than usual (although it hardly seems possible !)

If you would like to visit the site to vote on your favourites please follow this link . All of the thumb nail pics can be enlarged before you make any decisions . Good Luck to all the beautiful finalists !

TaTa For Now ,

Ruth XX

Birthday Season !

2010-02-02T02:26:00.000-08:00

Somehow it is 2 days in to February already. The first few months of any new year seem to dash past bringing lots of birthdays with them - I'm never as ready for them as I used to be! My eldest son was 20 years old (good grief !) last sunday , and my husband's and youngest son's are now "galloping up on the rails" for the 20th and 22nd respectively .In fact it's pretty much solid birthday-card-writing until we get clear of the "season" in May - that explains why there's always lots of scribble on my calendar !!
Anyway , that's why I thought I'd post up a picture of pretty little "Nancy" , who is the only remaining member of "The Birthday Bunch" to be found over at Kathy Martin's Edwina's Friends web store. At 3" tall she's only a tiny little Miss ; made from Vintage long pile Upholstery Velvet - she was my absolute favourite out of the 4 friends , and she is now available at a special low price , so if you're interested pop straight over using the link. Kathy won't be adding any new bears until September due to her book writing / magazine commitments , but there are still some beautiful bears in the shop who can be adopted.

I've been a busy bee on the bear front too ; I was delighted to accept an invitation to exhibit at a brand new bear fair , "The Great Yorkshire Teddy Bear Event" which will be hosted at the Hilton Hotel , Sheffield on November 21st , 2010. This has been organised by Katherine Hallam (otherwise known as Katie Rae Bears) and apart from the artist bears on show there will be fund raising for Sheffield's Children's Hospital. I think there's a strong possibility we will stay at the venue for the preceding saturday night - it looks extremely well appointed , and has terraces and views along the Quayside - plus I have never visited Sheffield before! So a big hurrah for another quality bear fair!

Don't forget it's only 2 weeks to count down to the "Be My Valentine" online show . If you're not there you won't be square ... but you certainly won't be heart shaped either !! :0)

T.T.F.N , Ruth XX

Here's the Sneaky Preview !

2010-01-22T04:24:00.000-08:00

I'm really pleased with this pretty montage which features snippets of the bears appearing in the online show "Be My Valentine" at TBACA on 13th February. I do hope that everyone will pop over to check out all the beautiful bear-candy on offer from the 37 artists involved . Like many of the others I have donated a bear to "Bobo's Booth" where the proceeds from each piece will be sent to the Free The Bears Fund ; who are doing such a wonderful job of saving the lives of Cambodian Sun Bears .

I'll be away this weekend , so my website revamp is going to take a bit longer yet . Spending time with family is my priority though .... we'll get back to it soon enough ! :0)

T.T.F.N Ruth XX

Catching Up

2010-01-18T04:26:00.000-08:00

I feel like I have some catching up to do - I've been spending time with my husband last week (the Christmas leave he had to cancel ) and I have a list of objectives to work through . I also noticed that Blogger has a few changes ... um oh .

My website is in the middle of a mega-makeover ; so I should finally arrive at a "look" which fits much better with my ideas for Flutter-By Bears. Ashley works patiently(ish) with his Mac laptop and Wacom tablet whilst I change my mind about just about every single thing.Twice ... at least ! We are getting there though ; hurrah!

The Teddy Bears and Critters Australasia (TBACA) online show for Feb 13th,"Be My Valentine" is fast approaching , so I'm hoping to show a lovely teasy type preview picture soon . In the meantime I thought this looked kind of intrigueing ... no explanations just a pic done with the "cut out" function ..

Well , before I can go and do some creative stuff I have to get the boring bits done (washing) so I'll be back soon .
Ta Ta For Now ,
Ruth XX

Happy New Year !

2010-01-05T00:13:00.000-08:00

Well , here we are in 2010 already ! I'm sure that the previous year was one of the "shortest" on record , LOL ! My diary is beginning to fill up with deadlines , and my time seems to be starting as it means to go on ; in short supply :0)

Last year I had some firm resolutions to stick to - all bear related . This year I think I need to keep up what I've started ; keep stretching myself , promoting myself , and most of all keep confident about what and why I'm creating . As I wave Good bye to the old year there's time to reflect on what I achieved ( gaining Golden Teddy and BBA nominations , and taking part in both 2009 Hugglets fairs was thrilling ) and what I might do next ( maybe try some different competitions ) One of the most pleasing aspects of last year was that I forged links not only with highly regarded teddy retailers , but also some truly wonderful collectors who I really , sincerely appreciate.

On a more epicurean note ; how about this Pavlova I spent New Year's Day demolishing with my family ? Apologies to my Antipodean friends for the unconventional form - it was a toasted hazelnut meringue , filled with greek yogurt and cream (whip with brown sugar and lime) piled with strawberries and blueberries and finished off with lip-lacerating shards of crunchy caramel . Mmmmmmmmmm - yummmmmm . Good job I hadn't made New Year's reso's about "eating healthily" heeeheeeeee !

I'll be back soon , TaTa for Now ,
Ruth XX

Winter Wonderland

2009-12-21T02:45:00.001-08:00

Although the ornamental fish in my garden seems to be laughing and enjoying himself I'm not exactly thrilled by the f-f-freezing weather ! I did think my 2 little dogs looked cuter than cute in their warm fleecy coats though ,so I asked Ashley to take photos of them . We have had temperatures down to -6 here in the Midlands ; which is just about as cold as it gets in the UK .

"Mmmmmm , yummy; taste a bit Lilah !" whispered Delphi (Chihuahua)

"Look at me - I'm the Snow-Papillon Princess !"

I should really be posting pics of last weekend's awards in Hove for the British Bear Artist Awards , but they're still in Ashley's camera unfortunately ! For those who don't already know ; Tiffany was placed 2nd in the Single Miniature Bear category . I was extremely pleased to get such a respectable award ( after all, 3 of the 6 nominees sadly go home empty handed ) and I was just as delighted by those gorgeously lovely people who let me know they thought she would win ! :0) It just so happened that some of my equally lovely beary-friends also came 2nd in their categories too. I think the judges found it really hard work deciding between the pieces , which were all wonderful in their own way . I believe the full results will be shown in the Feb/Mar Teddy Bear Times due out in the middle of January.

Ta Ta For Now - wrap up warm !

Ruth xx

(Dog coats by eBay seller - Millie's Petwear )

Off to Hove for the BBAAs !

2009-12-11T04:00:00.000-08:00

I've checked over my little nominee bear and packed her carefully, sorted through a few clothes for the weekend , divided my little doggies' meals (idiot proofing for teenage sons left home in charge!) and now I need only wait for the crack of dawn tomorrow to start the journey to Hove ; for the finals of The British Bear Artist Awards on Sunday.

I think I already mentioned that the 3 of us will be spending Saturday in and around Tunbridge Wells - I'm looking forward to visiting the shopping areas as much as semi-ruined castles , if I'm honest . Maybe we might spot something wonderful through the throngs of people ?? I know there are quite a few "one off " shops in the Pantiles area so I'll be making a bee-line there !

I wish I could travel by giant , friendly butterfly .... although perhaps I'd miss loud in-car music LOL ! I certainly seem to be gaining butterflies in my tummy as the day goes on .... but I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone and visiting all the bear stalls , and of course I love exploring new places with my husband and son :0)
I'll be back to report how I got on -

TaTa For Now ,
Ruth XX

Micro doggies waiting....

2009-12-04T01:45:00.000-08:00

"How do you do .... what's your name ?"

These 2 tiny dogs - "Gypsy", on the left , and "Bran", right , are waiting to hear from a collector with first refusal on them . Sometimes I prefer to do things this way rather than take a firm order for a specific colour , type and design . It may be that neither little dog will suit ; and that is absolutely fine . I personally only add pieces that I totally adore to my own collection :0)

They may "prefer" to stay home with me a little longer - we'll see ......

If anybody else out there is interested in a little 1.4" tall dog (for life not just for Christmas !) please do let me know ....

T.T.F.N Ruth XX

(Micro dogs £60 GBP each)

Festive Swap

2009-11-26T01:18:00.000-08:00

Now that the Teddy Annual 2010 has appeared on the news stands I can reveal my swap piece exchanged in the TBACA Christmas swap with Robyn Roe of Mima's Bears . Before posting off to Queensland this little pair had a photo shoot for their place in the "Teddy at Christmas" feature inside the Annual - in fact the final one used was without the dog's bed ; so here it is above .

Josh (bear) is 3" tall , made from an Old Gold Vintage Long Pile Upholstery Velvet - with a glittered felt scarf , and Holly (dog) is 1.4" tall , made in off white and tan Long Pile. As you can see they're about to hang up their felt stockings , full of anticipation !

I was very honoured (and delighted) to be asked to contribute a piece for Kathy's festive feature , and the magazine is such a marvellous bear-filled treat . In addition to that I had a really lovely time swapping with Robyn . I received an adorable alpaca panda from her ; "Xiao-Xing". She has such a sweet little face and I was absolutely thrilled to welcome her in to my own small Hug :0)

T.T.F.N ,
Ruth XX

Ready For My Close-Up Now Mr.DeMille ....

2009-11-19T02:39:00.000-08:00

Teddy Hugs.

Do you have a moment please
To give this bear just one small squeeze?
'Cos teddy bears need hugs to live…
So don’t you have just one to give?

(Anon)

Ashley has been experimenting with a more intimate portraiture of my bears . Sometimes I do think that elements of their characters can be missed when seeing "the bigger picture" - and it is really important to me that my little creations , although very small ,are still full of communicative expression . I love it when they are mistaken for much bigger bears !
Well ; it's a bit of a grand and wordy way of introducing some close-up photos ! :0)

These were taken in natural light , with a hand held 50mm 1.8 standard Nikon lens with a 21mm extension tube.
So there you go ...

I think this style would make some great cards , or even calendars eventually - they look sort of pensive and arty don't they ?

Top to bottom the girls are : Tara -( adopted) , Martha and Ella .

T.T.F.N Ruth xx

A Nomination !

2009-11-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

I was highly delighted to receive news that I've been nominated in the Single Miniature Bear category of the British Bear Artist awards with this little 3" girl above ; "Party-Time Tiffany".
My son brought the post in , and I was genuinely surprised when I opened the letter from the organiser and out fell this lovely , sunny rosette !

I'm so glad that I decided to enter - it is quite a commitment to get to the final judging event in Hove - but in the end I gave myself one chance by entering just one category only ; and what would be would be :0) Well , I have a hotel booked now , and I'm anticipating having a lovely weekend away with my husband and youngest son. We'll explore Tunbridge Wells on the Saturday (where there are 2 National Trust castles .... with moats !!) and then on to the British Bear Fair on the Sunday .

Woohooo ; I'm feeling really excited now !

T.T.F.N Ruth XX

Fun Award !

2009-11-10T01:06:00.001-08:00

Many thanks to Elanor of Shantock Bears for passing along this fun award /Tag list . I've never tried to answer anything in only one word before ( I can't even use just 5 words when 25 convey exactly what you mean ! LOL ) so I've had to leave my "Anne of Green Gables" head off this morning . Visit Elanor's blog to see how she answered - and drop in on her beautiful bears and mice too .

Rules :-
1. Use only 1 word answers.
2. Pass along to 6 of you favourite bloggers.
3. Tell them you've given them the award.
4. Have Fun !!

1. Where is your cell phone? "Huh?"
2. Your hair? Annoying

3. Your mother? Precious
4. Your father? Admirable
5. Your favorite food? Curries
6. Your dream last night? Comforting
7. Your favorite drink? Tea
8. Your dream/goal? Togetherness
9. What room are you in? Dining
10. Your hobby ? Bears !

11. Your fear? Unthinkable
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Contented
13. Where were you last night? Home
14. Something that you aren’t? Unrealistic
15. Muffins? Occasionally :0)
16. Wish list item? 'Pool
17. Where did you grow up? Hertfordshire

18. Last thing you did? Dressed
19. What are you wearing? Bleuechh !
20. Your TV? Informative
21. Your pets? Gorgeous

22. Friends? Similar
23. Your life? Busy
24. Your mood? Hopeful
25. Missing someone? Family
26. Vehicle? "Chauffeured" !! :0)
27. Something you’re not wearing? Tiara (;0)
28. Your favorite store? Hobbycraft
29. Your favorite color? PINK
30. When was the last time you laughed? Morning
31. Last time you cried? Today
32. Your best friend? Husband
33. One place that I go to over and over? Hobbycraft !!
34. One person who emails me regularly? Yes
35. Favorite place to eat? Together

As this is a bit of fun I've decided to include a completely random pic as well (why not ? It's Tuesday ???) Ashley took this at Longleat Safari Park this summer.This unfortunate creature is obviously having a Bad-Hair Day like me!!

I'll pass on the Award to :
Gail at Walnut Tree Corner Bears
Sandi , Bearly Sane Teddies ,
Tina of TinyBear ,
Robyn at Mima's Bears ,
Pauline , Valewood Bears and
Sue of FenBeary Folk So please don't forget to visit them soon .

'Till Next Time ,

Huggies , Ruth XX

A Little Treat

2009-10-28T04:24:00.001-07:00

"If only I could read" sighed Tiddy

I treated myself to a little something at the weekend , whilst visiting the bookstore Waterstones . It was an extra specially rare treat because it was completely F.R.E.E ! Those are always the best sort of treats for people who can be a bit cynical about "looking for the catch".
I read a review of the brand new tales of Winnie-the-Pooh in the Telegraph . It's an authorised , sympathetic sequel to the previous adventures of Pooh and all his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood , and I was enchanted , not the least by the introduction of a new female character ; Lottie the otter (which just happens to be one of my favourite creatures)

My son made a beeline for one of those tables mounded up with kids' hardback books and pleaded for Charlie Higson's new novel "The Enemy" . Glancing at it tetchily I noticed a Buy One Get One Free ( or BOGOF as we all know and love it :0) ) sticker on the cover - then joy of joys amongst the others was the new Pooh book too (ooooh seems even I can emulate A.A Milne !!) so with a quick flick through and no further ado .... I rushed off to the cash desk bearing my prize!

I have a special little soft spot for cuddly Winnie-the-Pooh who , having first been published in 1926 , is around the same age as my father . I have a distinct memory of looking through a paperback edition when I was only 3 and wishing I could decipher all that unintelligible code between the pages because I was certain there was a wonderful story in there which was being denied to me !
Later on another of A.A.Milne's works ; "When We Were Very Young", containing over 40 poems, was my favourite introduction to the lilting sound of words in verse - despite the fact it was first published in 1924 and harked back to a long gone era of Nannies and nursery teas . In fact I delighted in the utter charm of it ! As far as I can remember bears featured in several places .... particularly when little children stepped on the "lines" between paving stones so materialising them even in the middle of London!

I mean to enjoy my new book as soon as possible - maybe cosied up in the evening with a little dog on my lap , and perhaps a "little smackerel of something" to keep me going .... Tiddly Pom ....

T.T.F.N , Ruth XX

Trafalgar Day

2009-10-21T02:36:00.001-07:00

This is a maritime flavoured post as today is Trafalgar Day , commemorating the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 ; made famous by the heroism of Vice Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson who finally removed all fear of this country's invasion (it was thought to be imminent) , though at the cost of his own life . I know it is Trafalgar Day because it is also my father's birthday - "Happy Birthday" if you are reading this ! An amusing family anecdote tells that his own Grandmother insisted he should be named Trafford in honour of the day ! His parents preferred Reginald however - and "stuck to their guns" !

It has been suggested in the past that Trafalgar Day would make an ideal public holiday ; a suggestion ultimately quashed for being "offensive" to other countries (??) I think we are all quite capable of feeling a national pride in our past heroes whilst also putting their actions firmly in to historical context . Nelson was definitely a charismatic figure ; and after all he's been standing on top of that 170ft high Column in Trafalgar Square since 1840.

A few facts :-

*Nelson was only 5ft 4" tall.

*He joined the navy at age 12 , and suffered from sea-sickness , and recurring bouts of dysentery and malaria throughout his service.

* His arm was amputated with no anaesthetic during which he complained of the "cold" knives . He was also blinded in one eye.

*Before the Battle of Trafalgar he sent a famed signal to the fleet : "England expects that every man will do his duty"

*He wore full dress uniform with all his medals , remaining visible in the line of fire throughout , and was easily picked out by a sniper who shot him in the back.

* His renowned last words ; "Kiss me , Hardy" may actually have been "Kismet , Hardy" nobody is certain which he was referring to ; friendship or his fate ?At least he knew the battle was over before he died .

*His body was sent back to England in a barrel full of brandy , which preserved his remains on the long journey home .

Nelson's ship HMS Victory can still be visited in dry dock at Portsmouth . It was built between 1759 and 1765 , and is now the oldest commissioned ship in the world . I've actually been on it myself when I was a small girl , and I remember finding it fascinating and horrifying in equal degrees ; the decks are unbelievably cramped , the surgeonry was little above butchery and you can see the actual spot where Nelson died .

Here's to another 169 years up on the Column Lord Nelson !

T.T.F.N
Ruth xx

A Song of Autumn

2009-10-09T05:44:00.000-07:00

There is a definite chilly tang to the air in the mornings and evenings bringing the turn of the season , and the end of the year even closer. I hope all those excited little baby Goldfinches tuck themselves up warmly at night ! I've probably mentioned before that I dislike all the plastic pumpkin-a-rama tat that shops insist on spilling off their shelves at this time ... but I do like a more gentle celebration of Autumn ; this poem is just wonderful and really deserves to be read aloud.

A Song of Autumn by Adam Lindsay Gordon

‘WHERE shall we go for our garlands glad
At the falling of the year,
When the burnt-up banks are yellow and sad,
When the boughs are yellow and sere?
Where are the old ones that once we had,
And when are the new ones near?
What shall we do for our garlands glad
At the falling of the year?’
‘Child! can I tell where the garlands go?
Can I say where the lost leaves veer
On the brown-burnt banks, when the wild winds blow,
When they drift through the dead-wood drear?
Girl! when the garlands of next year glow,
You may gather again, my dear—
But I go where the last year’s lost leaves go
At the falling of the year.

T.T.F.N ,
Ruth xx

I've been so , sewwww busy !!

2009-09-28T05:48:00.001-07:00

I'm currently using every minute of every day to complete a first batch of Limited Edition pieces for Teddy Bears of Witney - I was ridiculously excited when I received the beautiful 2010 catalogue in the post ! I can honestly say , with hand on heart , that I'm proud to be contributing 2 designs to such a gorgeous selection .... I'd love one of all of them ; it's a bruin-feast for the eyes !

Next up I have a swap to complete and a secret magazine project ;0) .... and then a few more L/E pieces (some of them are already sold !)

T.T.F.N Ruth xx

**I have a great P.S to add here ; rush on over to Sandi Smith's "Bearly Sane - Blog of a Bear Nut" to take part in her wonderful Pay It Forward Giveaway - leave a comment on the P.I.F post and your name could be drawn for a delightful prize such as this journal and notebook bound in handmade paper. Entries by Monday 5th October - go on have a go !

(Photo courtesy of Sandi Smith)

Nearly the Best Thing in the V & A ...(Nostalgia Alert !)

2009-09-14T02:35:00.000-07:00

Prince Charming (By Adam Ant/marco pirroni)

Don't you ever, don't you ever
Stop being dandy, showing me you're handsome
Don't you ever, don't you ever
Stop being dandy, showing me you're handsome

Prince charming
Prince charming
Ridicule is nothing to be scared of
Don't you ever, don't you ever
Stop being dandy, showing me you're handsome

Don't you ever, don't you ever
Lower yourself, forgetting all your standards
Don't you ever, don't you ever
Lower yourself, forgetting all your standards

Prince charming
Prince charming
Ridicule is nothing to be scared of
Don't you ever, don't you ever
Stop being dandy, showing me you're handsome

Silk or leather or a feather
Respect yourself and all of those around you
Silk or leather or a feather
Respect yourself and all of those around you

Prince charming
Prince charming
Ridicule is nothing to be scared of
Don't you ever, don't you ever
Stop being dandy, showing me you're handsome

Don't you ever, don't you ever
Lower yourself, forgetting all your standards
Don't you ever, don't you ever
Lower yourself, forgetting all your standards

Prince charming
Prince charming
Ridicule is nothing to be scared of
Prince charming
Prince charming
Ridicule is nothing to be scared of..

I had a wonderful day at Hugglets on sunday ... but I spent the day before going round the Victoria and Albert Museum - and you certainly can't see everything in a day- and I couldn't wait to get up to the Theatrical Gallery because I knew Adam Ant's (aka Stuart Goddard's ) Prince Charming costume was up there ! Ohhhh , how my sister and I used to love that song video , right at the height of New Romantic popularity ! Goodness , how I sighed and drooled over that Boho'/ N.A Indian /Regency Buck look he had going on ! Well , it gave me enormous pleasure to see the outfit right up close ... wasn't that keen on Jimmy Page's suit and Elton John's bicycle costume in the same case though . They just weren't Ant-tastic to me :0)

Look at this amazing glass chandelier in the V & A entrance hall as well - it was spectacular in scale and design .

All in all it was a tiring , but totally enjoyable weekend ; Hugglets is just the most fantastic venue to be around bears (and their people) and I was really pleased with how I did . Although my 3 hamsters were universally admired , and many people commented on them, they have all come home with me ... perhaps they're a bit too naughty ?? :0P

Ta Ta For Now ,
Ruth xx

Quick Pics !

2009-09-11T03:37:00.000-07:00

I've just got time to post these Hugglets Preview pics ; 3 hamsters (Ginger Nut , Marzipan , and Fudgie)- pretty vintage-y "Esme" and 3 all-fours micro bears which are 9 tenths of an inch high by 1.1" long .

Must fly back to my preparations now ,I'm so looking forward to the Fair ; I can't wait !

Mini Hugs ,
Ruth xx

Chatsworth Marbles

2009-09-04T01:22:00.000-07:00

As time is short I thought I'd share some interesting photos with you over the next couple of posts , whilst keeping my chat (or typing finger) in check !

These are all marble statues from Chatsworth House in Derbyshire, which was the home of Georgiana - who was portrayed by Keira Knightly in the film "Duchess".

Ashley took some great shots in this "sculpture room" which contained some extraordinary pieces ; like the enormous lions (at least 3 times life size) and delicately realised dogs which I had to resist stroking . I find it fascinating that these statues are fashioned from material which is aeons in the making , and I'm sure the sculptor took a very long time to finish each one , and yet quite a few seem to capture a fleeting moment ; a freeze-frame of an instant . Who knew that such transience was held within those slowly evolved blocks of rock ?

I find many of the statues' hands , and faces extremely beautiful - also folds of cloth and feathers ; they are moving and somehow peaceful . Their artists were masters of their medium and their work can still take your breath away .

Until next time ,
T.T.F.N Ruth x

How Goes the Work ??

2009-08-24T03:13:00.001-07:00

Progress Report :

Well , it is a bit slow with my Hugglets bears .... but at least I've got most of their little faces on , so that their bodies are not too far behind , having already been stuffed . I have got a lot more to do on the hamsters , and I may have to cross my fingers that I get them finished at all ! Pesky little rodents ...

Of course , not having a holiday would've helped (sewing-wise at least) but then I wouldn't have had the pleasure of criss-crossing the country - Peak District to Somerset - taking in such delights as Chatsworth House , Clifton Suspension Bridge , the S.S.Great Britain , Roman Baths (again this year - whoopee !) on our tour of Bath , with ultra-civilised lunch at The Pump Room , and Longleat safari park and house .... not to mention the fantabulous production of Gilbert and Sullivan's "Iolanthe" which the 3 of us so enjoyed at Buxton Opera House ...... pheeeewwwww !!! There's a lot to be said for compressing summer in to a week - and quite a bit more on the subject of all those hotel breakfasts ;when inclusive stuff yourself like you habitually eat that much in the mornings ! Hmmmm , about half a stone more to be said probably - LOL !

Anyway , time is flying on and after so much gadding about I must get back to my needles .
Just time to say a big , heartfelt "Thank you" to Elanor over at Shantock Bears for passing me the Uber Amazing Blog Award - I am so delighted to receive this from such a lovely lady and her beautiful bears and friends :0)

"Uber (synonym to Super) Amazing Blog Award is a blog award given to sites who :
* inspire you
* make you smile and laugh
* or maybe gives amazing information
* a great read
* has an amazing design
* and any other reasons you can think of that make them Uber Amazing !

The rules of this award are :
* put the logo on your blog or post
*nominate at least 5 blogs (can be more) that for you are Uber Amazing !
*let them know that they have received this Uber Amazing award by commenting on their blog.
*share the love and link to the post and person who you received the award from ."

Many thanks Elanor , I'll be passing the award on ASAP .

Ta Ta For Now , Ruth xx

The Ship of the Fens

2009-08-17T01:44:00.001-07:00

Before I explain the title can I just advise this is a very long post photo wise so you may wish to get a cup of tea :0) Also , don't forget to click the pics for a larger view .

When I was staying at my parents' house Ashley and I decided to visit Ely Cathedral - the family had stayed away since the admission fee was introduced some years ago , but with time on our hands, and a hankering for architecture, the time felt right . I was also intrigued to read in the paper that there is a stained glass museum on site ..... I didn't know at that point that I would be getting really close to some of the windows themselves ; high , high up near the ceiling !! (what after that post about vertigo ??)

Apparently it costs the diocese of Ely 1 million pounds a year to keep this breath-taking place of worship open - so I have no problem at all with them quite rightly asking casual visitors to contribute to its upkeep . In the past I have felt slightly uncomfortable in these devotional "spaces" but I would urge anyone - no matter their creed or background to enter here without worry , and soak in all there is to see whilst the tranquil peace , built up over centuries , soothes and calms you .

Of course you will need to look upward in here - crane your neck right back in fact to see the most awe-inspiring art and embellishment . The central body of the cathedral dates back to the 14 Hundreds , and was added to through the ages . It is easy to see why it is often referred to as "The Ship of The Fens" ; it was believed that the cathedral held its congregation much like a ship - sailing to salvation - whilst the word "nave" comes from a latin navigational word . The Fens are a vast , flat expanse of land (which had to be drained and dyked to farm it ) and Ely was known as the "isle of Ely" , even having its own docks .Imagine seeing the magnificent white and shimmering cathedral from many miles away , rising out of that landscape ! Upon entering this stone edifice those same on-lookers must have been struck dumb by the towering Norman arches (rounded ones are the oldest) , and enormous pillars .

These beautiful biblical characters were painted on to the wooden ceiling in Victorian times .

Somehow , Ashley assured me I would be fine to take the next tour of the Octagon Tower (the upper most decorated vaulting in the photo above) and before I could demur we had tickets ! I think there were 250 steps ; up to 3 different levels of the cathedral's roof . When you are standing apprehensively on the floor below the ceiling appears to be an awfully long way up in the distance !

Pinnacle of the Octagon Tower

This was the view from the first level of the roof . We wound our way up a tight , narrow staircase , after admiring some of the "second floor" windows on the inside of the building (pictures further on) . There was plenty of space either side under the arches which , way in the past , was fully used during services and I was horrified to learn from the guide that monks would continually cross the void during their prayers along planks of oak! These would have been permanently placed - also one of the first things to be smashed up during the Reformation .

I kept well to the back of the railed walk way whilst we were outside on this level . My knees did feel shaky , and my mouth was very dry ! Soon we went inside again and toiled up the ever ascending stone steps to the Angel vaulting , where the guide opened up all the panels . It made me feel peculiar when Ashley was leaning out to photograph the windows above , and the floor below . We all admired the huge , blackened oak beams which have held up the Octagon tower for more than 450 years .

The Angels were painted in the Victorian period , on huge opening panels

The very centre of the vaulting

Second outer level - view across Ely
I didn't feel nearly as affected by the (dizzying) height here , as the tower top is enclosed in a high wall . By now I was getting used to the "ants" on the ground below ! Ashley pointed out how decorative the pinnacles were - considering only a handful of people could ever have been close enough to marvel at their intricacy.

The amazingly tiny , narrow door we came through on to the leaded roof ! Opposite was the West Tower ;a tour for another day maybe ? 300+ steps up that one I believe ...

The very top of the Octagon Tower

Although we descended down those same shoulder grazing , winding steps it didn't feel as claustrophobic going down in to the dimming light for some reason . Whilst I was truly glad I hadn't wimped out on the experience - as I would have missed the spectacular sights - I was relieved to feel the floor again .
We went to the stained glass museum (set along one of the upper aisles on one side) and marvelled at the beautiful colours ; all achieved by adding different chemicals to the glass mix. The oldest on show date back , unbelievably , to 1260 . By the time we had followed the date progression of the exhibits we finished back at these oldest pieces , and we both agreed that not only were the colours equally as vibrant as later panels , but their form looked positively modernistic ; with wide , bold leading and largely geometrically cut shapes - presumably because at the time only simple shapes could be trimmed out of the glass . Unfortunately no photography was allowed in here , or I would show you the 2 windows Ashley and I felt stood out like shining , inspiring beacons of enlightenment ! Needless to say each was an androgenous angel designed by Edward Burne-Jones , of (my) beloved Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood . The colours were simply stunning ; ditto the drape of their clothing - and I would go again just to sigh in front of them ! (I hope that everyone will ignore that horrid PRB travesty on BBC at the moment .... it has absolutely nothing to do with Art !!!)

I hope that you enjoy the photos ; I had such a wonderful time looking through them all . It's time for me to close now though , so ..

T.T.F.N Ruth XX

Quiet Reflection

2009-08-12T02:21:00.000-07:00

We visited Little Moreton Hall on the Friday and by Sunday I was back in another National Trust property ! This time it was Anglesey Abbey , which is situated in the next village on from where my parents live in Cambridgeshire .

OK , it wasn't the best sunniest weather , and this isn't the finest example of a former Abbey converted to a home - although the interior is interesting in that it has survived as though just left for a few moments by the late owner Lord Fairhaven , and every wall seems to be liberally hung with art works including some by Claude Lorraine and Edward Landseer . What this place does have is a certain contemplative beauty around every corner ; it's slightly indefinable .... like a shy appreciation of nature at its best , it feels like somebody's garden - all be it a spectacularly huge one .

The three of us happily drifted around exploring the Winter Walk with its pretty paper-curling barked trees , the long avenues ( sadly littered with dead Horse-Chestnut leaves as if emulating Autumn ) Dahlia Garden , and restored Lode Flour Mill on the river . Sometimes opening your eyes is all you need for soothing, quiet reflection.

Were the trees watching us too ?

Here's to the calm persuasion of Mother Nature , aided by her gardeners . Enjoy !

T.T.F.N Ruth XX

Magnificent Moreton Hall

2009-08-05T03:25:00.001-07:00

Hi All - I've not been long back from my short break ( 2 weeks to the next one in Bath ; Yipee !) but I thought I'd post up these pictures of fascinating Little Moreton Hall , which I visited the day before going away .

This beautiful National Trust building is not many miles from where I live and it was high time we re-visited . The de Moreton family , who have been traced back as land owners on this site as far as 1216 , were responsible for this slightly haphazard architecture gracing the landscape . The oldest part of the building is a Great Hall built in the 14 hundreds , which was added to and expanded as fashions came and went , and the family fortunes reached their peak in Elizabethan times . Having recently visited Hardwick Hall , and finished a brilliant biography of Bess of Hardwick I was longing to stand in the sort of building which would have been absolutely familiar to any of her contemporaries . The Moretons would have been a wealthy and high standing provincial family rather than perhaps aristocrats - but that only makes the Hall all the more rare for having survived so intact to this day .

(Inner courtyard)

Not everybody knows that the Elizabethans would be surprised to see "Tudor" buildings painted in the "typical" black and white - in fact oak framework was left to fade to that much nicer silver grey , natural colour , and the in-filling wattle and daub was never white ; but stained a light ochre shade . Inside the Hall is a wonderful ground floor room which had been panelled over in Georgian times concealing intricate wall and beam paintings , with a top frieze depicting a moral tale (Suzanne and her Elders ) I just find it staggering that such amazing pieces of "by hand" craft are co-existing with us in our whizzy , high speed world - how lucky we are to take a peep down the telescope of time !

A Long Gallery was added in 1570 - 1580 ; probably as an after thought as they were becoming quite the fashionable place to take an evening stroll rather than the "leads" on the roof .

The roof was tiled with Millstone Grit slabs which shortly began to sink the building and slide off ! Quite a few generations of Moretons continued to wrestle with the sagging structure , until the National Trust finally bought the property and made millions of pounds worth of renovations . Apparently visitors interested in the Long Gallery used to shuffle their way around the extreme edge of the room for fear it might cave in . Now you can walk around safely at will ; the floors slope in unexpected places and many lintels and fireplaces appear to be lurching side ways . One of the guest bedrooms had a horrific camber to it ; sloping away down toward the window , and was in full use in that state for hundreds of years ! I think you would need to build the bed legs up on one side otherwise you'd have recurring nightmares of being on a sinking ship ! Definitely not for the faint hearted house guest !

(Knot Garden re-created in the 1980s)

During the English Civil War the Moreton family began to lose their fortune ; not helped by being Royalists and having to billet 80 of Cromwell's soldiers for months at their own expense . Maybe some buildings have their own angel watching over them though ; preserving them for us all to enjoy ; it was incredible that the hall was not torched and razed to the ground when the soldiers left .

We took a tour with a really excellent guide during which I gleaned these interesting snippets ;

*The straw/grass which was deeply strewn over the floors in the 15th and 16th century was referred to as "thresh" - a plank was needed at the door to hold it all in , which gave rise to the expression stepping over "the threshold".

* Tudor dining halls were laid out with 3 very long tables in a "U" shape where the whole household ate , taking positions at the tables in ranked seniority right down to pot boys and skivvies . An original trestle table can be seen at Little Moreton Hall , constructed from 3 long oak boards joined side by side . This is where we get the expression to "tread the boards" - from when the "boards" were grouped together along one wall to make a stage for travelling performers . Also the words "cupboard" and "sideboard". After meals were finished the boards were turned over to the clean side so that any number of games could be played : "boardgames". I wonder if we refer to working for "bed and board" as it originally implied bed and then meals with the household at the "boards" ??

Well , I hope you enjoyed a glimpse of the past - there'll be more to come soon I promise .

T.T.F.N ,
Ruth xx

Getting To Know You Too !

2009-07-22T02:39:00.000-07:00

I will take up Sandi's blog invitation to post something about myself as yet unknown - no , I don't dress up as a Victorian girl and talk to rabbits ! LOL !

I have a fear of heights . That is to say I have an actual fear of heights ; of being vertiginously imperilled .... of being dashed against the ground , of hurtling uncontrolled to my doom . Standing a few rungs up a ladder (unlike some people) doesn't give me vertigo - which , incidentally , in latin means "whirling round" and describes the symptomatic effect a terror of heights can produce. I have an irrational notion that IF I were to walk along cliff edges /roof tops etc I would be compelled to lean over and jump right off by some irresistible force lurking there *shudders*

This photo was taken at The Roaches ; a nearby undeniably beautiful range of Staffordshire "peaks". I don't just see two climbers - but rather two deeply crazy people ! I seem to totally lack the "adrenalin junkie" gene . My family all know this well ; one of my mantras is "I don't do gradients ! (or mud) "

Theme parks are not the best place if you share my fear . Oh how I remember that time I went on Nemesis (at Alton Towers) with my sister . "wheeeeee , it'll be fun !" she said and persuaded me against my much better fund of self knowledge . When the ground first began to drop away ,and then the ride gathered pace , swooping us over a PRECIPICE I shut my eyes tight . I could hear her chuckling merrily somewhere , although I don't actually remember the point at which my mouth came open ...... and I screamed for the entire ride . It wasn't a happy scream . I lost my voice for 3 days afterwards . I was also once persuaded on to a "harmless" looking ride by my oldest son which tipped and tilted end over end (why do I try to compete with all those gung-ho mums ??) Suffice it to say I gripped my child and the seat back with white knuckles and kept my head firmly down , and I actually jerked awake that night with palpitations and a good impression of post traumatic stress !

I was not actually present when this pic' was taken of Brett at Ramshaw Rocks (they just don't bother with me anymore) There's a fairly scary drop this side .... but on the other is a nearby 200ft one . I feel sick ....

Terra Firma is the best place for me . I appreciate wonderful scenery , but that doesn't mean it doesn't occasionally scare me senseless ! Well it's not natural to be up high - is it ?

T.T.F.N ,
Ruth XX

Distractions

2009-07-16T01:41:00.001-07:00

In fact it's the 2nd smallest room in the house which has been distracting me somewhat from my sewing lately ! At long last the whole en-suite has been gutted and re-fitted for a completely new and fresh look .... only 3 weeks to wait before we go through the whole procedure again with our horrid worn out bathroom . Woohoo !

It may be an extremely small space but the re-planning still required much scurrying from shop to shop , brochure comparisons and , naturally, a pretty meaningful shake of the money tree at the bottom of the garden (!) No wonder my head was finding it difficult to conjure up bears when my mind's eye wanted to imagine tiles , sanitary ware and most importantly STORAGE solutions , which would give me the perfect little ablutionary bolt hole . After all , I have to share the other one with the 3 young men of the house :0(

Plus ;I've finally found a home for my gorgeous Art Noveau plaques ; they've been squirreled away for forever , and I have a fantastic huge one ready for my bathroom - I could never have too much Art Nouveau if you know where I'm coming from ;0) These 2 draw the eye nicely up the wall creating a feeling of height and space . I pounced on the cute little mirrored jewellery cabinet, which has flower knobs and a tiny drawer , and decided to stick it right there - totally out of context - housing nothing but my contact lens paraphernalia !

I finally have the mirrored wall cabinets (one above the sink , one in the corner) which I always wanted / needed - I can actually see , and choose from , all those lovely bottles of "nice stuff" for scrubbing , cleansing and improving , all neat on their shelves .

The shower now has a vertically sliding head ; so I won't feel I'm about to drown like I did under the old fixed position one ! Inwardly concertina doors add to space saving ... but all these small details do take time to get right don't they ? I think I better stop admiring my excellent choices and GET ON WITH MY SEWING !!!

Mirrored sparkley Hugs ,
Ruth X

An Award Honour

2009-07-07T01:50:00.000-07:00

I am very honoured , and sincerely flattered , to receive a really special blog award passed on from Tina ; The Bella Sinclair Award . I think Tina herself , was very deserving of it as her blog has the most wonderful and inventive pieces of altered art and her bears to enjoy , and she is one of the most caring , sharing ladies I know :0)

The originator of the award , Ces (Ces and Her Dishes) states that :- " I designed this award to celebrate art in the blogs and to honour the value of friendship , sisterhood , sharing and caring . It is to be awarded to the gifted , accomplished , eloquent and talented blogger whose friendship and influence inspire us to do our best . It is symbolised by the Quercus Lobata , or Valley Oak , a handsome and graceful tree ." A visit to Ces' blog will reveal the moving story behind her creation of the award .

There are no formal rules with this , and I have had a very long think about how I might carefully pass on the commendation . Whilst all my blogging friends are highly worthy I have decided to highlight 3 ladies who totally inspire me on to do my best , and whose friendship and influence I truly value :-

Sandi Smith (Bearly Sane Teddies) - for her innovative art , her invaluable contributions toward promoting bear artistry, and her tireless work behind the scenes of TBACA and beyond . Sandi is a great friend and the best "Mother Hen" ever ; always there , and always sharing .

Paula Carter (All Bear) - Paula's blog is impeccably maintained , and a great place to view the highest bear art , whilst behind the scenes she works so diligently to unite bear artists - The Guild of Master Bear Crafters being one example - fantastic B.F to us all !

Donna Griffin ( Donna and the Bears) - amazing artistry to sigh over , and the kindest , sweetest lady who I am honoured to call a friend ; Donna also promotes the work of bear artists with altruistic generosity . "Good Luck" with the up-coming presentation to collectors !

I have known all these dear ladies since we all joined (the late) Bear Artists Online , and it is a pleasure to still belong to the wider teddy Sisterhood with them !

Now then , so you don't think I'm only ever serious and not much fun , here's a piece of "art" I created earlier (look it's even in a gallery , wink , wink ....)

Which reminds me ; I'm longing to see the current issue of Teddy Bear Review as there is an article about British Bear artists in it , and my little "Miss Majesty" has put in an appearance !
Happy Days !

T.T.F.N Ruth xx

Summer Treats and Lovely Things...

2009-07-01T01:15:00.001-07:00

I thought I would share some of the lovely , pretty treats I've acquired so far , and I've also got some photos of my challenge piece for the Teddy Bear Artist Event last month .

Lovely , lovely Tina (of TinyBear) gave me the sweetest little package when we met up on the Saturday before the TBAE - as you can see above ; romantic little looped hearts and pretty tags/markers which I'll be keeping all for myself ;0) I was totally enchanted by the beautiful picture she attached as the gift tag ( I think I will frame it) and also the embellished sea urchin dangling from it - even the outer wrapping braid will go in my squirrel-stash! Ooooooooh I love pretties ! So "Thank You" once again Tina .... I hope everyone will visit your pages and treat themselves !

"What's in these lovely boxes ?" wondered Tiddy

Whilst we were walking round Stratford I came upon The Montpellier art gallery , where we were all welcomed in out of the rain with the offer of wine and canapes ( although it seemed a bit over indulgent to accept !) I was so glad we went in because Ashley and I treated ourselves to the most darling little bronze sculptures of hares and one of an otter in the weeds . We have 2 similar little bronzes on our mantelpiece , but these are really small at 2.5" for the largest .

On a slightly different note :- I was absolutely delighted to hear recently that the Wedgwood Museum had won "The Museum of the Year" award for 2009 . As you may know , my husband worked at Wedgwood for 18 years , some of this time was spent doing hands-on modelling for them . Having gained a degree in ceramics there was only one sensible place in the country for him to move to and so we made The Potteries area ; which encompassed Wedgwood , Royal Doulton , Spode , Minton , Masons , and a host of small "pot bank" factories , our home .

Like so much other great , British manufacturing , the industry has been beleaguered and could really do with a boost right now . Ashley has retained very close links with the museum staff throughout his career and its changes , and so he was incredibly pleased for them all when the award was announced . A visit is definitely on my summer agenda - there are priceless pieces exhibited , which are National Treasures for sure !

Anyway , I decided to celebrate The Potteries part of the world in my Exhibitor Challenge piece for the TBAE ( theme Around the World" ) Although it didn't receive a placing I was still really pleased with how it turned out . The 3" bear is created in a Wedgwood blue , and the medal is intended to recall blue Jasper cameos - of course I just had to make a bear's head ! I felt quite proud to highlight 250 years of ceramics heritage .... please let there be 250 more !

You can check out the museum details here : www.wedgwoodmuseum.org.uk/home

Well , it's the last few days of Wimbledon so Ta Ta For Now ,
Ruth XX

21 Years Ago Today ....

2009-06-25T01:50:00.000-07:00

What's on my mind today then ? Well , 21 years ago at midday I was married to the man I first clapped eyes on at the age of 12 ! We started "going out" together when I was 15 , and ten years later there we were on a glorious , hot and sunny day in Cambridge , with family and friends all fligged up in our finest !

I remember that after the ceremony we were driving slowly through the city on the way to the reception ; cars creeping along due to the university students Rag Week charity bed-push right in amongst the traffic . They were all dressed as doctors and nurses , and shaking collection tins . The onlooking pedestrians , and car drivers , thought it highly amusing when one of the "wags" pushing the bed knocked on the window of our decorated wedding car ( a Rolls Royce Silver Shadow ) - they got their donation though , and I'm sure it was a good omen !

I've been wallowing in sentiment ; looking through all our precious photos of the day . No apologies then for subjecting you to them as well !! Look , I even carried a fan .... I was sooooo blissfully happy that day !

I totally fell in love with my dress - scattered with iridescent pink sequins and pink and pearl beads ( well , everyone knows by now I'm a hopeless "girly" LOL ) I remember having that 22" waist too ..... sigh ......

Happy Anniversary Ashley !
Happy Day to Everyone ! Go and search out some photos that bring you back wonderful memories too !

T.T.F.N Ruth X

Bee Poem

2009-06-17T07:03:00.000-07:00

The Violet and the Bee
by John Bannister Tabb

"And pray, who are you?"
Said the Violet blue
To the Bee, with surprise,
At his wonderful size,
In her eyeglass of dew.
"I, madam," quoth he,
"Am a publican Bee,
Collecting the tax
Of honey and wax.
Have you nothing for me?"

Such a sweet little summery poem . I love watching the "busy bees" in the garden and it always gives me huge satisfaction to rescue them out of my conservatory when they fly in by accident . I plan to install some solitary bee homes , as I think we all need to do as much as we can to help them over their increasing environmental hurdles - I was utterly dismayed when I watched a programme recently about the global threat of bee hive collapse . Without these little creatures getting to work on pollinating crops the whole world could face food shortages !

So be kind to a bee .... and appreciate him in all his tiny , fuzzy glory !

T.T.F.N

Ruth x

99th Post !

2009-06-11T04:18:00.000-07:00

Now , I know bloggers usually celebrate the 100th post , but I haven't had too much time to think about organising anything ; what with prototypes , commissions and fairs all vying for my attention . Hopefully I'll catch up with myself by about the 102nd ish post (!) so in the meantime here is a special one-off , blog-only price offer :-

The little 3" bear here is "Ella" , a shy looking little sweety made from smokey Long Pile Upholstery Velvet in a peachy/pinky shade , with Ultrasuede paw pads and onyx bead eyes . She has a wobble-jointed head , thread-jointed limbs and wears a lacey collar . It was Ella who appeared in last month's Teddy Bear Times; in the feature about the TBAE in Stratford . Her label was marked at £63.00 , but her price in this offer is £50.00 in addition to which I will only charge half the normal postage ( so - UK Special Delivery : £3.00 , International Signed For including insurance : £4.50 )

If anybody would like to adopt her please email me at- ruthbowman@tiscali.co.uk
I will leave this offer open until Sunday 14th June , 10pm UK time .

T.T.F.N Ruth x

A Few Bears for Stratford

2009-06-04T05:37:00.000-07:00

Even though the Miniatures have now arrived at The Black and White Ball I just wanted to post a little preview of some of the bears who'll be visiting The Teddy Bear Artist Event in Stratford this Sunday :-

"Patience" ; Vintage Long Pile , 3"

"Clementine" ; Vintage Long Pile , 3"

"Jin" ; Long Cashmere , 3"

"Leonie" ; Long Pile Upholstery Velvet , 3"

"Martha" ; Short Cashmere , 3"

"Cookie" ; Vintage Long Pile , 2.5"

"Benji" and "Suzi" ; Long Pile Upholstery Velvets , 1.2"

I've booked tickets today for "The Shakespeare Town Houses" - the entry remains valid for a whole year , so we don't need to rush round all 3 on the Saturday . Also included is entry to the "Shakespeare Found" Exhibition .... wheeeeee , I'm really excited as it's all about the recently verified painting by Cobbe , of a young handsome version of The Bard , previously unknown to historians.The original is on show .
I can't wait !

See you all after the weekend ,
Ruth xx

Visit the Black and White Ball

2009-06-01T01:52:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to visit Teddy Bears and Critters Australasia's Black and White Ball this week , which kicks off today with the fantastic new Australasian Creative Design Awards - you can make a vote for your favourite piece in the competition from amongst some really wonderful entries , all themed in black and white and photographed as per the rules on a red background; which is quite a challenge !
For the rest of the week there is a full "dance card" for collectors and visitors to enjoy as follows:-

1st June - Introduction and unveiling of TACDA entrants .

2nd June - Dressed bears arrive.

3rd June - Vintage fur bears arrive.

4th June - Nominees are officially announced , and Miniatures arrive .

5th June - All the critters arrive .

6th June - Remaining bears arrive.

7th June - Finale , and award presentation .

This is a completely new kind of online show , lasting the entire week . It is also a "masked" ball , which means that artist names will only be revealed for each available piece on adoption . I wonder if any of you will be able to tell which bears are mine on the Miniatures Day on Thursday ?? I do so hope you'll pop by the show and have fun guessing , and just generally enjoying the gorgeous bears , critters , and Award entrants taking part . There are almost certain to be one or two who ask you "May I have this dance Modom ....." :0)

TaTa For Now , Ruth x

Thank You !

2009-05-22T01:36:00.000-07:00

I have received a "Makes My Heart Smile" blog award from Vicki , over at Baggaley Bears - Thank You so much Vicki ! These little awards are a fun part of blogging , and it's always lovely to know that someone has thought of you . Here are the rules :

1. The winner may post the logo on their blog.
2.Put a link to the person who sent the award to you.
3. Nominate 10 blogs.
4.Put a link to their blogs.
5. Leave a message for your nominees .

I will be passing "Makes My Heart Smile" on to these great ladies :-

Boot Button Bears - Christine

Jelly Belly Bears - Sarah

Matilda Huggington-Beare - Wendy

Valewood Bears - Pauline

Pandy Potter Bears - Amanda

Tiny Bear - Tina

I'm afraid it's not quite the full complement but lots of blogs I visit have either received the award already , or I know that the authors are away right now ; so I hope I can be forgiven ! I should really be hogging all my time for creating bears for The Teddy Bear Artist Event which is now galloping up over the horizon (June 7th , Stratford upon Avon Civic Hall ) and if I can ever get my act together I'll post preview photos on here . Talking of previews reminds me I have got this little teaser pic' done for the TBACA Black and White Ball which is a week long event starting on 1st June . It will be a masked ball - so don't expect any more revealing photos than this prior to Miniatures Day on Thursday , 4th June !!

Right , back to sewing now !

T.T.F.N Ruth X

Edited to add :- Hugs and Thank Yous to Paula of All Bear for also passing this award on to me from her blog :0)

National Limerick Day

2009-05-14T07:02:00.001-07:00

Firstly ; apologies for being 2 days late : National Limerick Day was actually on 12th May - so positioned to celebrate the birth of Edward Lear (1812 - 1888) who was the most famous inventor of this cheeky little poetic form .
And here's a very cheeky looking doll to illustrate .. errr ..... the fact that I haven't got any more suitable pictures to put up with this post !

Anyway , whilst I have an idle moment here are a few limericks I made up in minutes . I have great fun with my youngest son in particular , creating these sort of silly rhymes spontaneously. If you're of a certain age (seventies childhood) like me , perhaps you too remember the wonderful Blue Peter Book of Limericks ? It proved that whatever adults could do kids could do better ! I wish I could still recite the one about a hamster called Nelly with smelly , sticky whiskers . Hee Hee :0)

Many members of the Houses of P
Indulged in "expenses" tax free ,
"I was Alright Jack -
But I'll pay it all back -
Soonish , honest.." cringed shamefaced MPs !

There once was a mum with 3 sons ,
Who complained that their washing was tons ,
It was thrown in a heap ,
With socks 6 pairs deep ,
Poor , exasperated mum of 3 sons .

A busy bear-maker one day,
Was heard by her family to say ,
"If I ignored all my heirs
I could make FAR more bears ,
And their meals wouldn't get in the way !"

A teddy whose mum called him Tiddy ,
Was silly and frightfully giddy ,
He whirled round and round ,
And then flopped on the ground -
He didn't have to be silly , now did he ?

After reading this I hope everyone will think up at least one limerick . Cheers Edward Lear ! The world needs more nonsense !

T.T.F.N Ruth x

A Little Pause in the Sunlight .

2009-05-07T00:30:00.000-07:00

Perhaps that should have read "A Little Paws in the Sunlight " ...

You see this is not a latest creation for sale ; in fact looking at the photo you might have already wondered if my standards were slipping ?? No , it's an enlightening little tale of a bear , and his bear maker .

I was rummaging about in one of my sea-grass baskets (useful , tidy , got all the essentials close to hand ) when I suddenly decided to throw away some of the clutter from inside ; a battered unused "useful" box containing my old mini pliers . When I took it out , underneath ; laying squished and utterly forgotten (as in I can't even remember making him ) was this little 2" bear . I picked him out thinking , as I've done many times when encountering way-old creations , "definitely for the bin ....after the eyes are salvaged .." But he looked at me . And I looked back .

Even though his proportions are off , his ears iffy , his nose a no-no, and he's generally all round beartistically challenged I found myself stroking down the dust from his fur and feeling that sudden rush of creatorly love which denies the imperfections - doesn't even care about them ! Somehow he's got bags of character and charm ; a little story to tell . Without him I could never have progressed in my efforts ; there may never have been a Miss Majesty GT nominee , or a BBA award . I realised right then that my little neglected bear was important and should take a tiny bow in the sun !

I have named him "Tiddy" and he sits and watches me work . I'm really attached to him even though his faults are .....ummmmm , disagreeable , critically speaking . I am grateful for his part in my development and I think he's earned his daylight filled retirement - I shall happily keep him in plain view .
As for Tiddy ; he thinks everything has worked out for the best . Just as he planned ! ;0)

Ta Ta from Tiddy !

and from me ,

T.T.F.N Ruth x

Wonderful News !

2009-05-01T01:47:00.000-07:00

Oh Me , Oh My !
I saw the list of Golden Teddy nominees on Teddy Talk forum last night and there was my name ! I really can't quite believe I've managed to get through again this year - in amongst some fantastic artists who I really highly regard .

Pinch , pinch :0)
Everything's gone thwibbly and surreal now ....
Here is my 3" tall entry ; "Miss Majesty" who was inspired by the Queens of our realm .

Many Congratulations must go to all the other nominees , quite a few of whom I'm lucky enough to call friends . I feel for those who are disappointed this time too ; Big Hugs to you !

Now , if you'll excuse me I must continue to hold my breath .... in case it's not true .....

T.T.F.N
Ruth x

Lichfield Pit Stop !

2009-04-28T01:48:00.000-07:00

Well , what have I been up to lately ? I'm afraid the time gremlin has been spinning the hands of all the clocks again - feels like after I get up it's time to go to bed again !! I've managed to meet 2 quite crunchy deadlines , and I now have another at the end of this week; a 2.5" bear will be joining "friends" at Teddy Bears of Witney ..... sshhhhhh ....

Mind you , I think I work much better with clear deadlines . I spent a long time producing bears without direction before I decided to get on with it properly ; it really wasn't as much of a spur to the creative juices as knowing why and when to make something . I feel very lucky that I now consider my little bearies a lot more than a hobby - if not a fully flourishing business (as yet) it's certainly a Hobb-ness ..., or maybe a Bus-by if you see what I mean .

What else ? Ah yes , it seems getting mentioned in bear magazines is like British buses ! You wait ; nothing on the horizon , then 3 come along at once ! I'm not sure if they'll all be out at the same time but Teddy Bear Times is doing an article on The Teddy Bear Artist Event (Stratford) for which I've put in an ad' , Australian Bear Creations has a piece coming up on dogs - including my micros - and I have taken out a 1/4 page ad' (woohoo !) at a great rate thanks to TBACA's Sandi Smith , and then Teddy Bear Review will be featuring British Bear Artists . I was encouraged to apply for their advertising rates , but I'm afraid it's a stretch too far for me . I gulped a bit when I got the details and no doubt resembled a guppy at that precise moment . But hey-ho , 2 out of 3 ain't bad , right ?!

Anyway , I managed to make a flying visit to Lichfield which is really a very interesting place and deserves a "proper" visit when the gremlin moves on !
Firstly , it has a wonderful cathedral - which I don't have a photo of - and there are numerous wibbly , quaint old buildings peppered through the streets of shops , and less worthy architecture.
Lichfield's main claim to fame is that Dr. Samuel Johnson , the Georgian essayist / biographer who produced our most famous Dictionary of the English Language (1755) , was born here in 1709. There is a huge statue of him in the town square - which I also don't have a picture of !
Next time I shall definitely go to Johnson's elegant home overlooking the market square , where he lived for his first 27 years ; now his birthplace museum . Also , you can visit Erasmus Darwin's house - he was Charles Darwin's grandfather .

Ashley did take a pic of this sweet little house though , right in amongst shops and cafes . One door seems not to be in use judging by the weedy growths in front . In the 2nd photo Brett wanted to illustrate just how tiny the door ways are !

When we walked round the corner and saw the plaque it was amazing to think that such an important , and often quoted , historical figure ; renowned for his great learning and literary genius began his writing in those tiddly little rooms . If only the walls could talk !

Here are a couple of Johnson quotes :

" I lately took my friend Boswell and showed him genuine civilised life in an English provincial town - I turned him loose at Lichfield"

"In order that all men may be taught to speak truth it is necessary that all likewise should learn to hear it."

"Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless , and knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful."

"What is written without effort is in general read without pleasure."

And a few of his dictionary definitions :-

DULL - Not exhilarating , not delightful ; as to make dictionaries is dull work .

OATS - A grain , which in England is generally given to horses , but in Scotland appears to support the people.

PATRON - One who countenances , supports or protects . Commonly a wretch who supports with insolence , and is paid with flattery.

If you're interested you can visit www.samueljohnsonbirthplace.org.uk for further details . The museum has free entry .

Ta Ta For Now ,

Ruth x

Ice Cream Bears

2009-04-17T08:08:00.001-07:00

This little group of 3" bears , in ice cream pastel shades have now joined Edwina's Friends
They are "Vanilla" , "Mango" , "Raspberry" and "Caramel" - each made from soft long pile Upholstery Velvet , with Ultrasuede paw pads , and trimmed with organza bows and tiny "labels" depicting appropriate ice creams .
Could you tell I'm longing for the summer !!

Ruth x

A Bit More Buxton ...

2009-04-07T00:29:00.001-07:00

We took the day off on Friday and decided to take the helter-skelter roads over to Buxton for a mooch around . Even though it was the most beautifully dazzling , bright spring day the clouds were still hovering low over the tops of the hills in the Peak District Park - we had to wait for the journey home before we could spot all the sweet little lambs in those rugged fields , as they were previously hidden under grey , damp blankets of fog !

I did manage to learn a few new things ; there has been a Heritage Regeneration programme in Buxton since 2000 ( last time we visited The Crescent was being worked on) partly funded with National Lottery donations , and there are now plans for a five-star , luxury Spa Hotel right in the centre of the town . It will be situated in The Crescent , and the original Pump Room (the small building facing The Crescent in the photo) will be restored to its former glory as a place inviting the public to take the mineral rich waters . The blurb , on huge boards inside the old Pavilion - which is itself set in restored gardens - states that it will be one of only 2 naturally occurring spa hotels in the country ; so surely the other must be in Bath . Which is one of my favourite places :0) If you remember , there is a Royal Crescent in Bath which is on a grand scale to make Buxton's pretender seem .... "compact and bijoux". Whilst it may be a modest challenger it's still elegant , Regency and majestically fits its own landscape !

Much of the architecture appears to have been cleaned ; you know how interesting buildings seem to gain a beacon of light on them that directs your gaze . We spotted this enchanting doorway . I can't decide if the message is more stern or solicitous .

Interestingly , Buxton hospital was one which Florence Nightingale tried to reform prior to 1860 , originally the patients were barely receiving any "care" at all . After that time the 6th Duke of Devonshire started a charity hospital , and more effort was given to facilitating the taking of the waters for patients .

The last photo speaks for itself really - this is the War Memorial in the gardens high above The Crescent . I particularly like the way Ashley has captured this part of it specifically , cutting out the more flowery decoration . These memorials are all so powerful when you take time to stop still for a second. Here we were standing on a quiet , sunny , go-slowly day enjoying the views . On the statue the inscription ;"Pro Patria Mori " ( Died for Their Country) Impossible not to be moved .

Enjoy your day ,wherever you are ,

T.T.F.N Ruth X

(See previous Bath and Buxton posts in 2008 archive)

Will I be smiling in 2029 ?

2009-03-23T03:43:00.000-07:00

2029 ... seems a long way away ; I'll be 66 . So why do I need to know this ? Because that is the year / age I'll be pensionable . I've checked the fact of it with the Pension Service website , and after a hugely frustrating morning of jumping the mini hoops of "help" lines which lead no where fairly fast I have just applied for an online State Pension Forecast .

Now , before you think to yourself "this is the most boring blog post ever !" just take a second to really think about the future . I mean the long term future , which at my age is still hard to contemplate ! Eventually everybody's flow of income reduces to a mere trickle - unless you win the lottery . Not that likely in my case as I don't buy tickets ! So I need to check whether it's in my interests to buy extra years National Insurance Contributions to secure a basic state pension.

With apologies to readers outside the UK - I noticed an article in the Telegraph which stated that if you have under 10 years NI contributions it is well worth the investment of making up the years at £421.20 each , as after 10 years of payments you would receive 26% of the full Basic State Pension - worth £23.58 a week . The catch being (stay with me on this) that after April 6th this year each additional "yearly credit" will cost £626.60 . The government has cottoned on to the fact that at a staggering return on investment of 640 % plus they really would be giving away money to women , like myself , who elected to stay home with their children and not re-enter the work place . I think I qualified for Home Responsibilities Protection during this period - which protects up to 10 years pension credits whilst a non-worker is in receipt of Child Benefit for an under 12 child - but it's as clear as mud . Bureaucracy is a wonderful thing , and the British excel at it! Reminds me of The Circumlocution Offices in Little Dorrit . Every time one of the help lines "helpfully" cut me off I couldn't but wonder if "they" don't want us to know about pension provision etc. Bet I'll get the answers I need after the additional payments change to the higher rate :0(

On reading that back I agree ; it was the most boring blog post ever ... but maybe it will alert someone else to the possibility that there is a shortfall to their entitlements . After all , age will catch us all up won't it ? - ho hum .

To end on a less gloomy note ; the photo was taken for Teddy Bear Review's upcoming article on British bear artists .... and I'm holding one of the newest bears for Edwina's Friends ... so it's a sneak preview ! I absolutely loathe having my picture taken so I'd appreciate it if you scrinch your eyes up when looking at it .... maybe then I'll look pleasantly that much further away from my 66th birthday !!

T.T.F.N Ruth x

State pension forecast - www.pensionservice.gov.uk
Pensions advisory service - www.pensionsadvisoryservice.co.uk
Women and pensions helpline - 0845 600 0806

I've been spinning plates ....

2009-03-19T02:15:00.000-07:00

.... and look , I've popped back in time to waggle the pole under my "blog plate" !

I am absolutely not complaining though - I love being so busy with my little scraps of bears . I feel properly creative and energised rather than stressed or burnt out . Looking through my diary I see that I'm booked up for making bears (either stock for fairs , or orders) until November ; that's amazing ! The fairs are as follows :-

4th June : Black and White Ball (Miniatures Day) , TBACA online .

7th June : The Teddy Bear Artist Event , Stratford-upon-Avon .

13th September : Teddies 2009 , Hugglets

In and around these dates I am creating 2 designs of Limited Edition bears for Teddy Bears of Witney ; which is incredibly exciting for me and also a little daunting . There will also be more bears travelling to Edwina's Friends - the next 4 will be leaving me shortly , so I'll post pics soon . I've squeezed in a commission , with one more on the horizon .... although I think I'll now have to close the one-off order book or my table might be empty at the TBAE !

In fact , I could never have dared hope for such a fantastic interest in my work post-Hugglets , so I'm truly treasuring it :0) I don't like to sound gushy , but ; "if you're happy and you know it clap your hands !" Whoooooot !! Well why not ? You only have to pick up a newspaper to be firmly returned to Earth with an almighty plonk .... and besides I have new stashes of ribbons , vintage lace , and crochet trims to (metaphorically) go burying my head in ! Thanks to my mother , I have some spectacular pieces of lace - right back to Victorian - from a shop I assumed was long gone . Don't ask where ' cos I'll never tell * wicked grin *

I have received a lovely Friendship award from Tina , of Tiny Bear. She is my very special friend , and such a sweet lady . I can't wait to spend some time with her before we do the TBAE fair in June . Thank you so much Tina ! I notice from her pretty blog that she has awarded some really interesting artists ; all well worth a visit . On this occasion ( whilst I waggle poles , LOL) I will diplomatically include all my blog link friends in this same award . Cheers to you ladies !

Here is my little Easter commission bear , who has flown away to the USA to share her chocolate!

TaTa For Now then ,

Ruth x

Kensington

2009-03-08T03:13:00.001-07:00

Whilst I've got a few minutes spare I thought I'd post up those pictures of Kensington .They vaguely follow the route we took away from the hotel toward our ultimate goal ; The Natural History Museum , where we anticipated spending most of Saturday prior to the Winter Bear Fest next day - to the eager delight of a certain 12 year old !

First stop was this unique street name - interesting because "Kensington Gore" was the trademarked name of fake blood in the film and theatre industry . The true reason for the place name lies in the obscure meaning of "gore" ; as a narrow or triangular piece of land (makes sense it's a narrow street) but gloriously appropriated to denote the red , splashy stuff without which productions like "Titus Andronicus" would be , um , less gory .

Next is the beautifully decorated College of Organists - easily missed down a side street , right along from the Royal College of Art .

And so we came to The Albert Memorial on the opposite side of the road .It was fantastic to see the wonderful Spring sunlight illuminating the gilded spires . Quite topical in film too what with "The Young Victoria" doing the rounds . I like the description of it as an example of "high Victorian gothic extravaganza" . Apparently it is 176 feet tall and took 10 years to complete (in 1875) and cost £120,000. There are 187 carved figures in the bottom frieze and Victoria herself approved the design ; maybe it lessened a little of the devastation she felt on losing Albert , aged 42 , from typhoid fever . I remember seeing that thick black crepe mourning dress ; wide as it was high , in the Bath museum of fashion - she wore only black after becoming a widow which suggests she could never overcome her deep sorrow . Poor lady .

The Albert Hall ; which was opened in 1871 . It can accommodate 1000 performers in the Orchestra and an audience of 8000 people.

We definitely didn't want to miss capturing this elegant equipage on film , standing in traffic on Kensington High Street . Ashley held on until the driver had finally put away his mobile phone !

And so to The Natural History museum :-

I was slightly disappointed for a few reasons ; we didn't know you'd have to queue up inside separately for the world famous exhibition of dinosaur skeletons (something to go straight to next time :0) and I would have loved to go in to what should be a thought provoking inner exhibition all about Darwin . However at £7 per person a little pricey ; likewise the exhibition of wildlife photography ( also £7 each)
I expected to see case after case of jam-packed in specimens , but in common with every other museum the content appears to have been "dumbed down" I'm personally not half as keen on the huge-poster-here , look-one-fact , lift-this-flap , interactive style of presenting their wares . Tellingly the bird room was like a blast from the past with infinite numbers of variations on bird wings , feet , tail feathers - little yellowing cards with a wealth of information and all the more engrossing for it !

This was my highlight of the day : If you've ever seen Nick Baker's Weird Creatures on the telly you'll know that the only place he successfully filmed a Pink Fairy Armadillo was in the N.H.M .... it was stuffed . They are are that rare to sight in the wild . Here it is ; now given a starring role in his very own cabinet . About the length of your hand , and just the most enchanting little beastie !

I shall look forward to visiting him again in September ....

T.T.F.N Ruth x