Cloud Nine!

I'm still feeling as though I need to pinch myself after the wonderful time I had on Saturday night at the Gala Presentation for the Excellence in Bear Artistry Awards. This took place at the Hilton hotel in Sheffield, where the Great Yorkshire Teddy Bear Event was due the following morning, so I met up with lots of  bear artist friends, and even a few collectors who attended.
I am totally over the moon that "Lilibet" - who received a Judges Choice award in September - was chosen as the Winner in her category (Miniature Dressed Bear) so I would like to thank all the lovely people who voted for her! Thank you so much!

(Just a little phone pic I'm afraid; so not brilliant!)

We all had a wonderful evening, with the tables looking an absolute picture; perfectly Christmassy with red crackers, and candelabra, and red goody bags stuffed with lovely things like gold teddy chocs, Deb Canham teddy baubles, Bear Bling and lovely diaries from Apple Pie House (the "other halves" didn't miss out either!) Katherine Hallam (Katie Rae Bears) who organises the fair had worked so hard to make it all so festive and pretty. We had a great dinner - I had baked salmon; mmmmm :0) - and then it was on to the charity auction in aid of Sheffield children's hospital, and a fabulous raffle just for the attendees, where the first prize was a gorgeous bear by Michelle Lamb.My lovely friend Lisa Page (Arcas Designs) won it, and another sweet young friend on my table won the 2nd prize bear ; so we were all very lucky on the night!!
Susan, of Bear Basics, who organised the EBAAs gave a really excellent presentation all about the aims, organisation and judging of the competition, and then as my category was first I suddenly realised I'd have to go to the front (I was a bit stunned to be honest!) As you can just about see I received a really lovely crystal trophy, and I was bowled over to also be given a huge basket of beautiful flowers! I was hoping to get a pic' to put on here as they are delightful - maybe later on.

I'd like to send congratulations to all of the nominees; as all the pieces were amazing, and also very many Thanks to Susan for bringing this competition to us all, which she is clearly passionate about. You can catch all of the winners on the Excellence in Bear Artistry website here, together with details for 2013.

Phew, my feet are just about touching the ground now, lol,

T.T.F.N  Ruth xx