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
