Pipkins Bears artist bears UK

Teddy Bears Tea Party - March 23-25th 2012

2012-01-13T12:56:00.002Z

I am very happy to announce that I will be paticitpating at the next Worldwide Teddies Online show - Teddy Bears Tea Party - March 23-25th 2012.
The Bears will be dressed for tea and hope you'll join them for lots of fun and treats!
Artists will be offering show exclusives and gifts under $100 USD as well as many delicious recipes for teatime treats! Be sure to vote for the Collector's Choice Awards during the preview starting March 9!

a little hedgehog

2012-01-03T08:42:00.000Z

I love Hegehogs and thought I`d make a few :o) I hope you love them as much as I do, these little ones are an edition of three and available now on the website :o)

thelma & louise

2011-12-31T14:39:00.000Z

Here`s a little commissioned pair I`d like to share with you all !

a new design :o) from Pipkins Bears

2011-12-27T08:33:00.002Z

well the run up to Christmas kept me really busy, thanks to all those that gave a Pipkins bear a new home. My new design , bobbin went down a storm and was quickly adopted. Hence there will be new bears of this design coming soon to the website :o)

The Brighton Christmas Teddy Bear Fair to be held on 11th December

2011-11-21T10:38:00.004Z

Pipkins Bears are pleased to announce that we are exhibiting at The Brighton Christmas Teddy Bear Fair to be held on 11th December which is now managed completely by Brewins’ Bruins, hope to see you there !

11 December 2011 (Sunday) 10.30am - 4pm Brighton Racecource, Freshfield Road, Brighton, Sussex, BN2 9XZ (Free Parking) Website: http://www.brewinsbruins.co.uk
"A teddy bear fair held during December, in the Brighton and Hove area has a long established tradition. This promises to be a lovely event with a fine array of artist teddy bears and furry friends for sale, displayed in an atmospheric Christmas setting.

teddies worldwide Christmas Show

2011-11-21T10:34:00.002Z

Thanks to all who voted for Spruce the elf at the teddies worldwide online show, I received notification that he took second place, I am so delighted :o). I also wish to thank all those who adopted bears from the show your support is greatly appreciated xxx

christmas treasures online show is now live , teddies worldwide

2011-11-18T21:02:00.000Z

The christmas treasures on line show at http://www.teddiesworldwide.com is now LIVE
and here is my Christmas treaures 2011 Teddy Bears collection, all available Now exclusively at the online show.

The Great Yorkshire Teddy Bear event

2011-11-13T18:08:00.003Z

Not too much longer to go now until the show , I have been mad busy creating a LOT of new faces of all sizes and I really hope you like them :o), here`s a sneaky peak at one .... there are more to see at www.pipkinsbears.com

teddies worldwide Christmas Show - preview bear

2011-11-05T08:48:00.006Z

Here is the little bear I've made just for the

Teddies Worldwide online show -
his name is SPRUCE the ELF . It's going to be an amazing show!
I have created 10 special little creations just for the show :o) .
Don't forget, to VOTE for your favorites in both categories from TODAY!
just click on this link to place your vote.
Each household can vote 4 times in each category

Pipkins Website update

2011-09-05T21:19:00.001+01:00

As I have said in an earlier post I won`t be exhibiting at Hugglets next week , instead I have just updated the website with loads of new faces ;o) so pop over to Pipkins Bears homepage to see them all right now

Hugglets teddies festival septmeber 2011

2011-08-20T11:03:00.000+01:00

Unfortunately we are unable to exhibit at the Hugglets Teddies Festival this autumn 11th september 2011 due to other commitments but we will be back in the February for the winter bearfest 2012 in our usual spot .

Instead we are busy creating new bears and will be updating the website with a few new faces at the beginning of September so if you wish to be added to the mailing list to be notified then please just drop me a line to jane@pipkinsbears.com

teddies worldwide Christmas Show

2011-08-09T11:32:00.002+01:00

I am delighted to say that I will be participating in the Teddies Worldwide Christmas Treasures Show in November. Mark it in your diary :o) there will be many lovely artist bears to adopt, I will be starting work on my Christmas Bears soon lots of ideas and the new fabric and props are starting to arrive :o) x

an award winning pipkins bear

2011-07-26T08:16:00.002+01:00

So its been a couple of weeks since I posted on the blog , things have been a bit busy around here but I wanted to let you all know that I am so happy that so many collectors loved charlie and voted to make him the winner in the miniatures category :o) thank you all so much I am thrilled xxxx

I have never done the Teddies Worldwide show before so it was a new experience , I must say I loved it. Reports from Daphne the organiser were that over 6000 unique visitors attended the show and thats so awesome ! The next show is in November it will be a Christmassy theme so I hope to be involved with that show too :o)

In the meantime I have had so many requested for more little clowns and elephants that I have started work on those , in a few weeks - probably mid august - I hope to be able to share them with you on the website :o) .

Pipkins Bears on Parade

2011-07-15T21:10:00.000+01:00

Here are all 10 of my little bears on Parade
created especially for the
Teddies Worldwide Bears on Parade online show
the show runs from 4pm new york time , 9pm UK time,
on 15th to 17th July
hope you enjoy seeing them as much as I enjoyed creating them.

the smallest miniature pipkins bear yet!

2011-07-02T13:32:00.002+01:00

Just had to share this little lady with you
she is just 1.9" thats 5cm tall

she has ALL the characteristics of my other bears
she just isn`t weighted with steel grit

charlie Chuckles - Bears on Parade show preview

2011-07-02T13:25:00.005+01:00

So here he is ... Charlie Chuckles
my preview bear for the Teddies Worldwide online show
during the preview leading up to the show
you can vote on your favourite bear by clicking here

Heads up for the preview pictures for Bears on parade online show !

2011-06-30T13:21:00.004+01:00

So its official ! The Preview starts: 4pm New York time on Friday, July 1st.
The preview will show one picture from each artist participating in the show

During the preview period visitors will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite bear in the miniatures catagory and in the full size category in the Collector's Choice Awards.
Votes will be tallied and the winner in each category will be notified an hour before the show begins and announced at the top of the show page!

Winners will receive a Digital Award they can display on their website, blog, etc..

AND Daphne , the show organiser has been asked by Joyce Greenholdt, the new editor at Teddy Bear Review to do a piece on the Teddies Worldwide show for their December issue with a recap of the Bears on Parade show. The winners will have exposure, with their winning photos in the magazine too! exciting stuff !!

Teddies Worldwide - Bears on Parade online show

2011-06-22T12:18:00.005+01:00

So I have been a little quiet on here of late,
thats cause I have had my head down and thoroughly
enjoying creating little bears to join the Parade for the

Teddies Worldwide- Bears on Parade show!

The show will commence at 4pm (New York Time) July 15
to 4pm July 17th ... thats 9pm UK time

I'll be presenting 10 new...
especially themed one of a kind little bears :o)
and as so many have requested them,
at least 3 of them will be under the $100 mark too!!

A COLLECTOR'S CHOICE AWARD
will be held for the first time at the show ..

During the preview for the show,
collectors will have the opportunity to vote
for their favorite preview bear.
The winning bear and its artist will be announced during the show!

So be sure to VOTE FOR YOUR

FAVORITE BEAR STARTING JULY 1st!

Heads up ! website update over at pipkins bears

2011-05-30T20:39:00.004+01:00

Pop over to Pipkins Bears
to see the delicious Summer collection!

pipkins bears website update

2011-05-29T13:57:00.003+01:00

I am pleased to announce my next showcase of new available bears
from Pipkins Bears for the Summer Season
will be held on

Monday 30th May at 7pm GMT.

And

If you do not want to miss the update please consider joining my mailing list ,
just drop me an email .
I will send out a reminder as the May Showcase goes live.

Marigold - miniature pipkins bear

2011-05-24T18:21:00.002+01:00

Summer is definately on the way here in the UK,
I have been gathering supplies for some new summery bears :o)

here`s a picture of my first new little miniature bear
her name is Marigold and she is just 4" tall

I aim to update the pipkins bears website again
at the end of May so what this space :o)

Miniature bears .. yet more fabric :o)

2011-02-28T11:55:00.002Z

Lush Miniature bear fabric
Originally uploaded by Pipkins Bears

Had a fabulous day at Hugglets winter bearfest yesterday! It was so lovely to meet up with new friends and old. So many little pipkins bears found new homes and there are new ones to be made as special orders. Here is the selection of fabric for miniature bears that I snagged at the show ... all long pile and so LUSH!

miniature artist bear - knut the polar bear and his new friend

2011-02-24T20:15:00.001Z

Here`s a tiny little fellow I loved creating this one ...
but i just love polar bears :o)

this little cub is just 2.5" tall and his pal is an inch tall

more details at pipkinsbears.com

More bears for Hugglets 27th february 2011

2011-02-24T15:08:00.003Z

Here are two more bears completed ready for the show on Sunday,
so all preview pictures are now on the website ... Pipkinsbears.com

both stand 9" tall

serious magenta addiction ... oops

2011-02-23T19:58:00.000Z

well as the title says ,
I am addicted to magenta,
this week I have managed to make another new bear for hugglets ... in magenta,

bought a pair of shoes... in magenta,
a lovely velvet coat ... in magenta
and a nice top ... in .... yes .... magenta

pin cushion queen

2011-02-23T10:46:00.003Z

so this week in the run up to the hugglets teddy bear show I have been working my fingers to the bone .. literally .. the middle finger on my right hand has been attacked several times by the wrong end of a #9 sharps needle , I have also discovered several scratches on my right thigh !

On pondering where these scratches came from I made the painful discovery last night when I stuck a pin straight into my thigh instead of through the fabric of my jeans!
Mental note to self ... do not use yourself as a pin cushion LOL

Once upon a time ....

2011-02-12T20:39:00.001Z

at Pipkins Bears ...

there was a massive website update with all new bears !
all ready to go to Hugglets

new pipkins bears for Hugglets winter bearfest 2011

2011-02-02T14:25:00.002Z

so here`s a preview of all the new bears :o)
for more information please visit
http://www.pipkinsbears.com

a proper little girlie girl .. forget me not

2011-01-31T12:00:00.003Z

heres a cutie pie ... now completed she is just 4" tall
the sun has been shining so
I managed to take loads of pictures of my new collection of bear.

pipkinsbears.com

introducing Percy

2011-01-30T16:44:00.002Z

I`d like to introduce you to Percy...

a brand new miniature bear who is just 4" tall

pipkinsbears.com

website overhaul .. getting ready to preview the new bears!

2011-01-29T21:11:00.003Z

Well I am nearly ready to preview the new bears for hugglets :o)
I have been juggling my time but the bears are all done and decorated
and I have spent the past few hours giving the website a complete overhaul and made some space for all the newbies to take their place for all to see!
Hopefully the sun will shine tomorrow so I can take some pictures.

and yet more ...

2011-01-23T12:03:00.000Z

So after sorting through my stash of miniature bear fabric I had a little trip to the local bead shop. So these bears will be my project for the next few days !
note the laceweight wool ? so bit of knitting will be in order too.

pipkins productivity

2011-01-19T11:56:00.002Z

Seven days = six bears !
well thats not too bad considering I have been working at the biscuit factory too
( I don`t really work at a biscuit factory LOL we just call it that ! ).
Just means little else has been done and I have been sat firmly in my chair when I arrived in from work and worked on new bears till bedtime.

So now these brand new six have now been asked to form an orderly queue whilst I work on their accessories and styling. Luckily ideas have been raging around my head so I know what is in store for each one :o))

Beautiful silk ribbon has just arrived

2011-01-18T10:22:00.002Z

Beautiful silk ribbon has just arrived

Yay just look at all those yummy colours ! I love silk ribbon :0)

wandering elf commission

2011-01-17T16:32:00.002Z

another commissioned piece :o), requested by a lady for her husband,
to depict him carrying his three children into the future

www.pipkinsbears.com

A commissoned bear named Rupert :o)

2011-01-14T16:27:00.003Z

a bear called Rupert

commissioned by a chap called Rupert
for his girlfriends birthday

he stands 12" tall

commissions available from Pipkins Bears

Hugglets Winter Bearfest

2011-01-13T17:46:00.005Z

Is coming soon !

come visit us in

Hall 2, on stand 71,

Sunday 27th February
2011

pipkins bears in etsy treasury !

2011-01-12T16:20:00.003Z

just been included in a treasury on etsy :o))
take a peek
nature-boy-a-love-gift-guide-for-your - guy

thanks joanne

a New Year and a New start at Pipkins Bears !

2011-01-08T17:21:00.004Z

So 2010 has been and gone ! and thank goodness! I for one am glad to see the back of it, nearly everyone I know, including me has had trials and tribulations to deal with.
When the clock rolled to 00:01 01/01/11 I smiled a great big smile and went to bed.
I am looking forward with pleasure to what 2011 will offer us all.

So as you probably have been able to tell the bears where pushed to the side last year,
in fact I didn`t know If I would continue to create them.
Then in August 2010 I picked up the needles, made a few miniatures and I have mainly focused
on commissions since then.

This little girl bear is one of those commissions and I really enjoyed working on her.
I have renewed vigor and will now be starting work on some Brand new bears that will debut here soon and be attending Hugglets Winter Bear Fest in London on 27th February.

So ... Just watch this space :o)
Wishing you all a FABULOUS 2011 xxxx

Well here I am its been a while...

2010-09-03T22:54:00.003+01:00

well I took a break but now I`m back ... but slowly
and thought I would share

I haven`t made one of these elf combo bears for a ong while
and I loved every minute of its creation, this one is called summer blooms

new design - vintage style bears

2010-02-16T17:30:00.005Z

I decided to have a bit of a sort out in my workroom at the tail end of last week.

I found some vintage fabrics which gave me an idea, so it was time to sketch and play.

These little two are the result, both are 6.5cm tall or 2.5", made in a vintage or traditional style, with hundreds of tiny stitches and because they are so small and thin they are thread jointed, but have the same attention to detail as all my bears.

Christmas bears at long last

2009-11-27T14:15:00.007Z

Hooray... at last! The Christmas 2009 collection of bears

Angel of Hope

Angel of Charity

Santa`s little Helper

Snowflake

Jingle

Winter berry

A Christmas Carol

2009-11-19T13:10:00.004Z

I would share these little ones with you, they were sent off to their new mum several weeks ago now.

Brenda ordererd these bears last Christmas for her own Christmas gift this year, she gave me the theme of Dickens a Christmas Carol, requesting Scrooge, Marley`s ghost and tiny tim, she hopes to complete the set with the three ghosts of Christmas past , present and Future for next year. ( already have them planned in my head ! )

New bears now available

2009-10-25T18:03:00.002Z

Hooray at last ! the new bears are now debuting on the website!

and there will be more coming soon :o)

New bears at last !

2009-10-23T12:40:00.004+01:00

well again time flies when your having fun! I have finally completed 10, yes 10 new bears for the website and am working on another 4 :o) so they will be debuting on the website very soon !

heres a sneak peak of a brand new design

I really like the way he turned out, he is 12" tall but skinny,

Its his brothers that I am now working on :o)

Next to come will be the christmas bears, I love doing these,

there will be a couple of angel bears and a couple of elves.

Whilst working hard I have had a little time to play,

my long awaited Lati yellow sp cookie arrived

her name is Willow...

she is so beautiful and poses really well , I love her so much :o)

and whilst the knitting needles have been out for the bears

I took the time to knit her a dress and hat

Our wedding anniversary

2009-09-29T17:01:00.002+01:00

It hardly seems a year ago that Gary and I got married on the beach in St Lucia!

To celebrate this year we had a few days in Stratford upon Avon, not quite St Lucia but along the theme of our plan to see the wonders that England holds, especially since the weather has still been so good!

Anne Hathaway`s cottage

Mary Arden`s House

Shakespeares Birthplace

Followed by Dinner and Pink Moet Chandon with strawberries

at the Saxon Mill in Warwick ..... PERFECT!

Witley Wood Elves by the Sleeping Elf

2009-09-27T17:19:00.001+01:00

If anyone wonders where Carrie Attwood of Little Bloomers went , well here she is !

now creating the most beautiful Ball jointed dolls! under the name of The Sleeping Elf.

Since my recent addiction to BJD Carrie has been a great resource when I have trouble with my little ones! I decided to attend the Doll and Bear show at the Motor cycle Museum in Birmingham for a mouchy abouty....

and adopted this beautiful little girl! a tiny mina

her name is pease blossom, taken from a midsummer nights dream fairy!

and she pinched one of my baby Bunnies!!! just the perfect size for her :o)

I also love this little one she is a Briar Rose sculpt and has the most beautiful faceup!

well better get back to the bears so I can show you some new faces !!

A bit on English history !

2009-09-27T16:19:00.003+01:00

So I haven`t been here much so just what have I been up to ?

well I have taken in a bit of English history and heritage !

It was Gary`s birthday a few days before the hugglets show, so it was time to put the bears down and do something different, as the weather has been surprisingly good lately what better than a few days out and about.

Here are a couple of pics of Windsor Castle, what a fabulous place, well worth a visit if you haven`t been . We are both into the TV series "the Tudors", so enjoyed the Henry VIII exhibition. We walked through the Great Hall, the one damaged by the awful fire a few years ago, now fully restored. It is lined with the coats of Arms of all the Knights of the Garter, we looked for the Shields of Knights at Henry`s time. Along the sides of the room were lists of names and dates of all those given this title. The corresponding Shields lined the ceiling, some of the shield were painted grey these symbolised disgraced knights, looks like quite a few where disgraced during Henry`s reign.

These pics are from a visit to Tutbury castle, Staffordshire, these murals are in the tea room,

the dragon is stunning!

The castle is now in ruins thanks to Mr Oliver Cromwell !

It had been the prison of Mary Queen of Scots during Elizabeth I reign.

they hold great firework displays here for Bonfire night, think we will be going again this year.

For those of you who don`t know

The gun powder plot intended to blow up the Houses of Parliament. In doing so, they would kill the King, James I, maybe even the Prince of Wales, and the Members of Parliament who were making life difficult for the Catholics.

Guy Fawkes, who was in the cellar of the parliament with the 36 barrels of gunpowder when the authorities stormed it in the early hours of November 5th, was caught, tortured and executed.

On the very night that the Gunpowder Plot was foiled, on November 5th, 1605, bonfires were set alight to celebrate the safety of the King. Since then, November 5th has become known as bonfire night. The event is commemorated every year with fireworks and burning effigies of Guy Fawkes on a bonfire.

2009-09-08T10:55:00.001+01:00

Here is Lily watching me getting the bears ready for the Kensington !
better be carefull your little bear may get mixed up !

Teddies 2009 , Hugglets show previews and a little chat :o)

2009-09-06T18:34:00.010+01:00

Well its that time of year again! I love Hugglets there isn`t another show to compare !

This time Gary and I and of course the bears will be in Hall 2, stand 80,

right opposite to the doors into Hall 1.

the website has just now been updated with the brand new bears for the show!

I have been so busy through the Summer months with one thing and another my time has not been my own ! Little Alfie is growing fast... now nearly 5 months old and progressing really well !

Here he is eating his porridge !

Our switzerland trip was great ! Zurich is such a beautiful city and well worth a visit, however there were a few disasters... we got to the hotel to be told our reservation had been cancelled!

It seems the online booking company had taken our money and stuffed us good and proper!

Luckily the hotel still had rooms and we had cash, just fighting to get our money back now. The moral of the story is DON`T BOOK WITH " book in hotels". The other problem was Swiss custom officials turned up at the show checking all non swiss exhibitors for the correct paperwork. Not great when you are trying to deal with eager teddy bear collectors :o))

Here I am on the right with, Henriette on the left and Corrine hiding

thanks for the great company girls !!

Gary and I enjoyed the sightseeing, right at the top of the mountains, a bit windy and cold up there but great veiws of the city. There are more pics coming soon on my Flickr

New bears for swiss teddy festival 22nd August 2009

2009-08-08T12:07:00.010+01:00

Hooray at last I`ve finished ! I have completed and uploaded the new bears that will be travelling to the swiss teddy festival, Zurich, Switzerland on 22nd and 23rd August ! Not long to go now :o)

My B&G 16cm Leile has eventually arrived ! here she is ... with one of my new 2" bunnies

wearing a beautiful little dress by nippycat.

New miniature rabbits for BJD dolls

2009-07-12T16:51:00.009+01:00

Well here I am again, have been working my fingers to the bone... literally I have a very sore middle finger on my right hand. I love sewing miniatures but the small sharps needles don`t like me ... oouch ! So what have i been up to ? Well getting ready for the teddy bear show in zurich, switzerland in august ! exciting !! I`m really looking for ward to the trip :o))

I have also had my birthday this week and have been spoilt again by my DH Gary xxxxx my fav perfume paul smith rose, a little elephant for my pandora bracelet, a beautiful dinner at the winery, which is right on the river trent. A beautiful setting ! the building is really old, it used to be a monastic infirmary associated with Burton Abbey, it is a Grade II-listed building. Just beautiful ! and great food!

My other pressie is yet to arrive, a B&G tiny Ball jointed doll .. leille .... she is delayed cause she is having her face up ! but I hope she arrives soon :o)).

In the meantime I have had fun making a dress and little elf shoes for my new bobobie March mini , named Nixie. As ever my love of fairies is getting the better of me and I have caught the BJd resin bug !! Here is Nixie with some brand new miniature 2" rabbits that gave me the sore fingers !! the are so tiny and have wired ears ... I think they turned out quite well ....

I have also at long last finished another project! I have completed my next training course ...

more details can be found on the website !

hugs

for now

jane

xxx

More new miniatures and a news update

2009-06-20T14:31:00.008+01:00

Well I have been promising some new miniature bears for a while now and finally here they are !

They will be popping up on the website very soon , so watch this space

and whilst I`ve been away from my blog there are also pandas too!

Yes I have been working away quietly and there are still more to come :o) , why ? because I have decided to attend the Swiss Teddy Festival on the 22nd and 23rd August 2009 , the venue is the beautiful Schutzenhaus Albistgutli in Zurich. If you would like more information about this show please click on the following link http://www.swiss-teddy.ch/web_english/start.html

I mentioned in my last post the long awaited bearded Iris well as it turns out they are not red but deep purple!! still beautiful ......

and heres a pick of one of my beautiful David Austen roses in full glory

2009-05-24T16:02:00.010+01:00

Well my goodness doesn`t time fly ! I can`t believe its been nearly 6 weeks since I posted here!

What Have I been upto?

well as always I have been busy, not with bears but that will soon change I have been sifting through the pile of mohair to gain some inspiration. There are a few more miniatures on the go but nothing to show for my efforts yet :o)

I have however just finished this little bear, a special commission from Sue. The remit was a rainbow bear in pastel shades.

Alfie and Charlotte are doing very well, they came to stay last weekend, what a treat to have all my kids together for a change! And looking after a baby is just like riding a bike! Heres an updated pic of Alfie now he`s 6weeks old.... and smiling

What I have been busy with is ..... my garden ! Everything is bursting into colour! I just love flowers, my ultimate favourites are lupins, columbines, Iris and fushias, so here are a couple of pics....

This last picture is of my red velvet bearded Iris, I bought these about 3 years ago and planted them in my last garden, the clump got larger and larger but they didn`t flower. I uprooted them and transfered them into my new garden when I moved and now after a long wait, this year they are going to do themselves justice :o) and provide me with 6 flowers!

I hope they are as lovely as they are supposed to be and not a complete disapointment!!

My gorgeous hubby bought me not one but 2 beautiful David Austin Roses for my birthday from the RHS Flower show at Hampton palace last year. They too are about to burst into splendor :o)

There is nothing like walking around the garden first thing in the morning with a cup of tea before starting work.

ALFIE !

2009-04-16T16:16:00.003+01:00

well here he is ... my new grandson ... Alfie!

After causing his mum a few problems he eventually arrived on 9th April at 1.15am

weighing in at 7lb 8oz, not bad considering his mum id 5ft tall and was a uk size 6!

the pic above he is just 14 hrs old! isn`t he scrummy!!

and here he is at 2 1/2 days old already posing for the camera!

Brand New miniature pipkins bears !

2009-03-28T14:12:00.009Z

Well here I am again, a few weeks away and a lot has happened! I have been busy creating these little minature bears... which I have totally enjoyed creating. They are so small and fiddly to make but look great when done. I think my fav has to be the little pink girlie one.. I named her Lila.

I have also been to the sewing for pleasure show at the NEC - I have been going to this show for years now and love it. However this year I don`t think there were as many exhibitors this time, certainly not in the sewing section. I should say that if you pay to get into the sewing show you get free entry into the hobbycrafts section. This part of the show was packed out! The craze is obviously for rubber stamping and card making!... definately NOT my scene ( I have a friend that makes fantastic cards so why should I do them too :0)) and she loves doing them). I only nipped over to that section to get some pink card for my labels and scuttled back to the sewing section!

I came home with loads ! of loooveley silk ribbon from nostalgia, more crystal beads, fat quarters of silk dupion, variagated colour wool and more than a few brochures. When I opened the bag full of purchases at home I had a grin from ear to ear, you see I must be a magpie ... except I am not attracted to shiny silver or gold but to rainbows of colour! You may have gathered this already if you have seen my table at Hugglets :o))

On the baby front as yet there is no sign of my new grandson, he is obviously too warm and comfortable where he is! He is due TODAY !! so I must just wait and see, I just hope that he is not as late as his mother was, she went over by two weeks and I was nearly pulling my hair out!

As soon as he puts in an appearance I`ll post some pics! :0)

Hugglets and Knitting!

2009-03-07T09:23:00.006Z

Well its about time I updated my blog ! Its been a two weeks since the Hugglets show and a period of R&R, well I say that, but thats not the reality! Time to sort out the admin side, sort through my orders so I know what needs doing when and a bit of knitting!

We travelled down to London on the friday before the show to meet up with Gary`s parents and to do a bit of shopping in London. The aim of the shopping trip was to visit Hamleys , the famous Toy shop on Regent Street in London. Especially the teddy bear section ! Well... amazing ... loads and loads of bears... Heaven :o)) All the names you`d imagine and an Artist section. Well worth a visit if your in London. Not many of mine left in the cabinet though :o)

I did buy a bear, a steiff in a little suitcase... not for me I might add a special little gift for someone arriving soon.

The Hugglets show was as always superbly organised, all my bears were admired throughout the day and more than a few found new homes. Especially my small and miniature bearies! I was surprised at the number of visitors and it was great to catch up with everyone who came to say hello. I had been a little worried in the current climate but there was no need and the launch of my new patterns and my book went down very well I`m pleased to say. Since the show the bears have still been flying away so I need to pull my finger out and stop lounging around!

The knitting I have been doing is for ... wait for it ... my 1st grandson ! he is due at the end of March and I have been so busy with the bears I haven`t done the knitting I promised my daughter Charlotte. Well now there are two little blue cardigans, a hat done and a cream coat nearly completed! Charlotrte has whipped away the finished items and the little white steiff bear, which I suspect she wants for herself! More balls of wool have just arrived but they are for a hooded jacket for the autumn, ahead of myself ? or what !

I have also been busy with this little lady ....

Elizabeth, dressed in her finery for ladies day at Ascott Races.

But my next bear project or should I say projects are more little miniature bears,

and an update for the website which has also been neglected of late!

Pandora charm bracelets !!

2009-02-19T17:37:00.006Z

LOVE LOVE LOVE these new concept charm bracelets, I now have two! and they are both full!

My hubby Gary has been gathering charms for me.
There is a very cute little teddy bear in their range... here he is
what a cutie!!

Time for a little R and R

2009-02-19T16:57:00.005Z

Well where has the week gone! First its Monday then before you know it its 5pm on Thursday!

This week has been so busy, which is nothing unusual when the hugglets show is looming.

As you already know I labelled the bears on Monday, Tuesday I visited the Sewing for Pleasure and Hobbycrafts trade show at the NEC. Wow! Totally enjoyed that ! Found a supplier of Presencia perle thread, I have never of heard of this manufacturer before. Apparently its made in spain, It is the same quality as better known brands such as anchor and DMC but...... The colour range is amazing!! and they sell 50g balls of NO 5 perle, so I shall definately be ordering some of those for my 12" bear noses :o) no more pesky unravelling and rewinding of Skiens of thread!

Also I found PREMAX embroidery scissors ... My favourite, I have several pairs now, my latest aquisition being their new 4" ring lock scissors. They cost me £29 or better known as an arm and leg but once you have used these professional quality Italian scissors you wouldn`t buy a cheap pair!! I have tried several makes over the past 11 years and found that these premax ones are invaluable for cutting out and scissor sculpting muzzles, they have a very sharp tip and cut right to the tip!!! and they last 3 times as long as cheap Fiskars ones, so well worth the cost in the long rum....Ok I`m raving on about a pair of scissors but little thing please little minds LOL.

I bought 8 pairs of their fancy designs, yes they are pretty too and will be taking them to Hugglets on Sunday if anyone is interested.

Wednesday I spent printing out the sample copy of my Basic bear making hints & tips book, and binding the thing! 147!! pages ... yawn. Not as simple as I had already suspected, but looking good now its done :o) I also got round to getting copies of my BRAND NEW for 2009 range of teddy bear patterns and even got them onto the website .... Another tasmanian devil day LOL

Today all the bears and bits and bobs for the show have been packed and are now ready to go... Now I can have a little R&R zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

2009-02-16T14:37:00.005Z

Well I`ve been busy again, today I have been making sure all my new little bears for the Hugglets show in Kensington, London are all checked , labelled and ready to go !

As usual I leave the labelling to the last and have taken up the lounge again, all my new crew are sitting in the corner looking at me and I must say I can see how I have spent my time and know why my fingers are so sore LOL.

The postie has just arrived with a new binding machine, I haven`t the foggiest clue how it works but thought it would be a good idea to make a hard copy of my Book, Basic bear making hints and tips so that newbie bear makers can thumb through it and see whats included on the CD at the show on sunday.

A good simple idea for now, but as usual I am expecting life to happen and expect it not to be so simple, give me a needle and thread anyday!!!

Last night I finished this little fellow, I haven`t made a miniature this small for an age.

He stands 2.5" tall. The art of making miniature bears requires different skills to making a larger bear ... plus a pair of reading glasses now that I am a woman of a certain age !!??!! I hope you like him :o) . There should be another finished by Sunday!xxxx

A little commission bear

2009-02-16T14:33:00.003Z

I thought I`d share this little fellow with you he is a memory bear named koda,

Especially for Lisa

more teddy bear previews for hugglets!

2009-02-07T18:24:00.005Z

Well the last of the bears for the show are now making their debut on the main website.

Its been a lovely sunny day but not conducive to taking great pictures. I have taken over 300 pics at different settings all over the house. Phew ! Still its done now and I hope you like what you see.

2009-02-06T08:35:00.004Z

Thats funny just came to write my blog and found my mood indicator says I`m frustrated!
well I`m not :o) I`m actually very happy I now have three days off from the Hospice after two busy full days and the plan today is to take photos of the three pandas that I finished on tuesday evening. Remember these are the ones I stupidly thought I might finish on Sunday. Well I didn`t do too badly by 11pm they were fully filled and could see and smell, luckily they couldn`t hear me or answer back as I managed to push the sculpting needle in my finger !!
I`m not called calamity Jane for nothing :o)) LOL.

The snow here has virtually disappeared ... for now ?? but at least I will be in the warm if it comes again. There will be about 9 new bears added to the site over the weekend so watch this space ;O)
hugs
for now
Jane
xxx

get out, get on with it and get back !

2009-02-02T16:17:00.003Z

well I don`t think my little white chihuahua likes the snow, he just bombed up the garden, then turned round and bombed back! don`t blame him! I would much rather be in the warm and look out the window at the cold white stuff!

In need of house work fairies!

2009-02-01T11:20:00.004Z

I spent most of yesterday sorting out the mess in my work room and doing housework. Not my favourite task ... in fact I think it should be banned !!! I would love to have fairies move into my house to do the jobs for me !

Its always choas getting ready for a show and I had pulled out loads of mohair during the week which inspired loads of new ideas. The parcel of mohair that arrived in the week and the new supply of joints and eyes had stayed where they were in the lounge along with the new bears that I had photographed in the conservatory. The whole place was a mess, so in a bid to regain order after working two full long days at the hospice there was nothing else for it. I tend to run round like a tasmanian devil when I set my mind to it and today am paying the price!

I managed to get the whole place straight and spick and span, it was well worth the effort but whilst moving a 10kg bag of steel shot in a non erganomic way I have pulled my lat dorsi muscle in my upper back, great! I`m not into weight lifting or working out at the gym, I run around enough on the three full days I work at the hospice. So there is nothing else for it I am going to have to sit all day and sew :o)))) how awful LOL. After all it is Sunday and the sun is shining... at the moment.

Perhaps I will manage to complete the three pandas that I started on Tuesday, its looking good so far , all three are jointed and two are stuffed, so I`m well on the way. Not that I need to rush because I am well on target for the show, I did a head count of the bears yesterday whilst putting them on the shelves and I have more than over done it, there are currently 43 bears ready for Hugglets!

2009-01-27T16:37:00.003Z

Well finally I have created my blog spot!

It was one of my new years resolution and has taken me until now to get onto it !

my other was to complete my

Basic Bear Making hints & tips

this is a professional bear making course designed especially for the novice or aspiring teddy bear maker, and thats done too ! yipee !! more details can be found on my home page

http://www.pipkinsbears.com/

But for now I must get back to the bear making ! As I have had a new delivery of mohair from intercal ... yummy !

hugs

jane

2009-01-27T12:26:00.001Z

New for 2009 .... "Well loved bears " , yes the creative juices have been flowing and I have had fun playing
but anyone watching would have reported me for bear cruelty !! These bears are so floppy and sad but still have lots of love to give!!

Hugglets february 2009 is fast approaching!

2009-01-27T12:02:00.003Z

well its that time of year again !

I have had my head firmly placed in my mohair stash

and been busy creating some New faces for this prestigious show.

The preview page on the website has just been updated but here are just a couple to wet you appetite, I hope you like what you see!!

hugs

Jane

xxx