Blue Valley Bears

Hope to see you there

2012-02-19T17:01:00.000+11:00

Cheers for now Susan ♥

Working on the Show

2012-02-17T11:43:00.001+11:00

With the Sydney Teddy Bear Fair only weeks away, I have been busy sewing and adding the finishing touches to the bears for the show. I still need to name and photograph them and make up their sales cards. I have finished most of their accessories and want to share these little Amigurumi animals that will be paired with the bears. I have also been experimenting with some faux cupcakes which at the moment are spread all over the kitchen bench. I am looking forward to the new venue and hope we get a break from the rain to make a wonderful day out.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

Tutti Fruitti going to the Fair

2012-02-06T10:44:00.001+11:00

Recently I purchased some ermine fur and have been experimenting with it. I am happy to show my latest little bear called Tutti Fruitti. He stands just 3 inches tall and is rainbow of colours, his face has been extensively hand scissor sculpted to reveal his puffy cheeks and little chin. I have hand sculpted his tiny nose from polymer clay and given him an organza neck ruffle. It is very challenging to work in fur on this small scale but I am glad that I didn't give up otherwise the "Gelato Bears" would not have been born.

Tutti Fruitti will be available for adoption at the Sydney Teddy Bear Fair on the 4th march at Sydney Town Hall.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

What to do with Ermine?

2012-01-22T16:35:00.002+11:00

Recently I brought some pieces of Ermine fur hopefully to use with mink to make pandas as it is very snowy white. When the pelts arrived they were so much smaller than I was expecting...I thought they would be similar in size to the minks, but they are tiny. The pile length is about half that of the mink so there was no way I would be able to match it up with mink to make a bear. What to do?? I had to go small and so I here is the result a tiny 4 inch bear. The fur was coloured before cutting out, his face is so small I was unable to do my usually shading and as my skills for making a nose that small were not going to cut it he has an onxy bead nose. I do have some more pieces left and so if I have the patience he may have some siblings in the future.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

Works in Progress

2012-01-10T12:36:00.002+11:00

Welcome everyone to 2012, I hope you have had a wonderful Christmas and enjoyed celebrating the beginning of another new year with the special people in your life. While I am not able to offer any bears for adoption at the moment, I have been busy working on some cubs who will be revealed at the Sydney Teddy Bear Fair. At this time they are as yet unnamed and not accessorised but if you are attending the fair, please drop by the Blue Valley Bears stand to see them completed and ready to find new homes.

The Sydney Teddy Bear Fair will be held on Sunday 4th March at Sydney Town Hall, Sydney.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

Christmas Wishes

2011-12-09T07:12:00.001+11:00

And so this is Christmas! One word that brings joy to our hearts and a feeling of anticipation. I dread the rush and crowds while shopping for Christmas but it is all forgotten when Christmas Day arrives and I feel the wonder and happiness of Christmas as I did as a child. I hope you have a very safe and happy Christmas surrounded with family and those you love.

There will be no new bears available until next year, over the break I will be working on bears for the Sydney Teddy Bear Fair to be held at Sydney Town Hall on Sunday 4th March 2012.

I would like to thank you for your interest in my bears and blog and appreciate your comments and thoughts.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

Nicholas now available for adoption

2011-11-21T13:49:00.001+11:00

Just in time to help celebrate the Christmas Season I have a new bear called Nicholas available for adoption on eBay. Nicholas is made in light and dark brown recycled mink fur and stands 5 1/2 inches high. His face has been extensively hand scissor sculpted to reveal his puffy cheeks and little chin. Nicholas' companion chick is hand crocheted from DMC perle cotton and is accessorised with a Christmas light bulb, ready to hang on your tree.

Nicholas has been adopted.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

A Nice Surprise

2011-11-18T13:53:00.000+11:00

This week I had a lovely surprise delivered in the mail...my Golden Teddy Award Nominee rosette for my mink kitten Cappaccino. It has been a while since the nominations were announced and I had forgotten that the rosette had not arrived. Cappaccino was adopted from the Sydney teddy Bear Fair earlier this year so unfortunately I have no photos of him with the ribbon. It was such great thrill for me to have received this nomination.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

Jingle now available for adoption

2011-11-14T11:41:00.001+11:00

Just in time to help celebrate the Christmas Season I have a new bear called Jingle available for adoption on eBay. Jingle is made in light brown and white recycled mink fur and stands 5 1/2 inches high. His face has been extensively hand scissor sculpted to reveal his puffy cheeks and little chin. jingle wears a garland of colourful bells and is accessorised with a hand crocheted Christmas light bulb.

Jingle has been adopted and is off to live in England.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

Deck the Halls Showroom Now Open

2011-11-11T08:35:00.000+11:00

The showroom doors are now open for the deck the Halls Online Show. I have three exclusive Christmas themed bears available for immediate adoption. To visit the Showroom please click on the banner below.

Cheers for now Susan♥

Final Sneak Peek

2011-11-07T16:56:00.001+11:00

I will have three Christmas themed creations available for adoption at the Deck the Halls Online show to be held over three days starting on 11th ~ 14 November. This is my final finished piece available for a Sneak Peek; I have coordinated this set in festive colours of red and gold.
Please drop by to see all the wonderful Christmas themed bears available and maybe spoil yourself with a new adoption.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

Girls Night In

2011-11-03T13:11:00.001+11:00

Last weekend my daughter Samantha, sister-in-law Beth, niece Stephanie and I attended a Girls Night In function to help the fund raising for breast cancer research and support. An auction was held on the night and all the items had been donated for the event. The tickets included a three course dinner, entertainment and a donation to breast cancer research. We had a wonderful time, the food was lovely and the champagne flowed, the speakers shared some very heart felt stories of their experiences and it reminds me that being healthy is something not to take for granted as it can change in a moment. Samantha bid on a leather bag and gift basket, after a fierce battle she was so excited to win. Samantha and I were wearing our pink themed dresses that we had made, we finished the night off with some moves on the dance floor...a good way to burn off the champagne.

With my beautiful daughter Samantha

Samantha and Stephaine

Susan and Beth

Samantha and her booty

Cheers for now Susan ♥

Bella available for adoption

2011-10-31T18:58:00.001+11:00

I have a new bunny called Bella available for adoption on eBay this week. Bella is made in a combination of dark brown and silver white recycled mink fur, she has long lop ears and stands just 5 inches high. Her face has been extensively hand scissor sculpted to reveal her puffy cheeks and little chin. Bella's flower is made from wool felt, embrodiery cotton and wire with a purchased ladybug.

Bella has found a new home.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

Another Sneak Peek

2011-10-24T20:45:00.001+11:00

I will have three Christmas themed creations available for adoption at the Deck the Halls Online show to be held over three days starting on 11th ~ 14 November. This is my second finished piece available for a Sneak Peek; I have coordinated this set in festive colours of red, gold and green.

Watch out for my final Sneak Peek coming soon.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

My sewing helper

2011-10-14T13:38:00.000+11:00

My daughter Samantha and myself are going to a "Girls Night In" charity ball for breast cancer at the end of the month. We both decided to make some new dresses for the occasion, so after choosing our material and the preparation of the pattern it was time to cut out and start sewing. My material is a silk mix and has a burnout pattern on it so I lined each piece with a light cotton. While I pinned the pieces my little bird Rico would follow and pull the pins out, he was not afraid off the sound of the machine and was happy to sit on top while I was sewing. He thought it was a great idea to chew the little balls of the end of my pins, not very helpful but he had a fun afternoon.

Now that I am finished my dress I can smile as I think about Sam's frustration when she gets her helping hand from Rico.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

Olinda available for adoption

2011-10-03T11:27:00.001+11:00

This week I have a new fairy bear called Olinda available for adoption on eBay. Olinda is made in sliver grey and white recycled mink fur and stands 6 inches high. Her face has been extensively hand scissor sculpted to reveal her puffy cheeks and little chin. Olinda's wings are a combination of sliver, green and pink ribbons and her wedge of sponge cake is made from wool felt and emblished with beads and felt sprinkles.

Olinda has now been adopted.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

Deck the Halls Sneak Peek

2011-10-01T06:49:00.002+10:00

I will have three Christmas themed creations available for adoption at the Deck the Halls Online show to be held over three days starting on 11th ~ 14 November. This is my first finished piece available for a Sneak Peek; I have coordinated this set in festive colours of red, sliver and white.
Watch out for more Sneak Peeks in the coming weeks.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

Thumper has now been adopted

2011-09-19T11:45:00.001+10:00

I have a new bunny called Thumper available for adoption on eBay this week. Thumper is made in a combination of light, dark brown and white recycled mink fur, he has long lop ears and stand 6 inches high. His face has been extensively hand scissor sculpted to reveal his puffy cheeks and little chin. Thumper's yummy donut treat is made from wool felt and embellished with beads and sprinkles.

Thumper has been adopted.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

Bears That Care

2011-09-16T10:01:00.000+10:00

The Bears That Care Charity Auction will be held on Wednesday, 16th November 2011 at The Conservatory - RACV City Club, 501 Bourke Street, Melbourne.

The auction is held to raise money to support Ovcare for ovarian cancer research, education and awareness. International and Australian hand crafted bears have been generously donated and I am pleased to participate this year with my mink bunny Flossy.

If you can't attend the auction in person email bids will be accepted, if anyone is interested they can contact judi@ovecare.com.au to register and find out more information.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

Melody has now been adopted

2011-09-05T11:30:00.001+10:00

Melody is my new bear available for adoption, she is made in a silver grey and white and recycled mink fur and stands 5 1/2 inches high. Her face has been extensively hand scissor sculpted to reveal her puffy cheeks and little chin. Melody wears a wired organza neck ruffle and her cupcake is crocheted from DMC perle cotton, embellished with beads and tiny polymer clay hearts.

Melody has now been adopted.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

Daffodil Day

2011-08-26T18:36:00.000+10:00

It was a lovely spring day here today and my garden is starting to come to life after the cold winter. It really is this time for daffodils and there are clumps blooming with their heads nodding in the warm breeze. These photos were taken early in the morning away from the bright sunlight, focusing in on a single bloom gave a blurred background and a lovely soft photo.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

Hamish has been adopted

2011-08-22T11:55:00.002+10:00

Hamish is my new bear available for adoption, he is made in a very dark brown and beige recycled mink fur and stands 6 inches high. His face have been extensively hand scissor sculpted to reveal his puffy cheeks and little chin. I have made Hamish a curly knitted scarf and his companion teddy is hand sculpted from polymer clay.

Hamish has been adopted

Cheers Susan ♥

Blog Winner

2011-08-17T10:48:00.000+10:00

Recently I entered a blog Giveaway at Destermountainbears and was so happy when Joanne emailed me to let me know that I was the lucky winner. This bear was carved by a Native American Navajo from Picasso marble with turquoise eyes, his lifeline is turquoise and coral and he has a medicine bundle on his back made from shell with a coral inlay. In Native American symbolism bears represent courage and strength and inner power.

I have him sitting on a dresser where he can watch over the bears as I am sewing.

Thank you Joanne for such a lovely giveaway.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

Emlyn has been adopted

2011-08-15T10:43:00.001+10:00

Emlyn is my new bear available for adoption, she is made in a medium brown and white recycled mink fur and stands 6 inches high. Her face have been extensively hand scissor sculpted to reveal her puffy cheeks and little chin. I have made Emlyn a crocheted bunny companion from DMC perle cotton, finished with black glass eyes and embroidery cotton, Emlyn and her bunny wear coordinating neck ribbons.

Emlyn has been adopted.

Cheers Susan ♥

Rico learns to sit on hands

2011-08-10T11:14:00.000+10:00

My little bird Rico is learning to sit on our hands with a bribe of his favourite seeds. He loves apples and sultanas and will try just about anything we offer him, he is such an inquisitive little character. Now that it is warming up I put his cage outside in the sunshine where he can see and hear the wild birds that come to our bird feeder.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

Cadbury has been adopted

2011-08-08T11:27:00.001+10:00

Cadbury is my new bear available for adoption, he is made in a medium and very dark brown recycled mink fur and stands 5 1/2 inches high. His face have been extensively hand scissor sculpted to reveal his puffy cheeks and little chin. I have made Cadbury three chocolates from wool felt and beads, they are nestled in tiny foil cups.

Cadbury has been adopted.

Cheers Susan ♥

Zimba has been adopted

2011-08-01T10:56:00.001+10:00

Zimba is my new bear available for adoption, he is made in a light brown and white leopard printed recycled mink fur and stands 5 1/2 inches high. His face have been extensively hand scissor sculpted to reveal his puffy cheeks and little chin. Zimba comes with a cupcake crocheted from DMC perle cotton and coordinating velveteen collar.

Zimba has been adopted

Cheers Susan ♥

Cherish has been adopted

2011-07-25T10:50:00.001+10:00

Cherish is my new bear available for adoption, she is made in a light brown and white recycled mink fur and stands 6 inches high. Her face have been extensively hand scissor sculpted to reveal her puffy cheeks and little chin. Cherish comes with a donut hand sculpted from polymer clay.

Cherish has been adopted.

Cheers Susan ♥

Love my Bath

2011-07-02T16:10:00.000+10:00

My little bird Rico is becomming more at home everyday, during his fly time in the afternoon I put a bowl on the sink for his bath...sometimes he will only drink and have a quick paddle but others he will completely drench himself and the kitchen with his splashing. Where he once only flew from the cage straight to a landing spot he can now circle the room and turn in tight places, he follows when we walk from the room and will fly so close that his wings brush the top of our heads. He is starting to accept the big scary hand and will step onto it to eat his favourite seeds.

Cheers for now Susan♥

It doesn't happen very often

2011-06-22T08:59:00.000+10:00

It can get very cold in Lithgow during winter with strong winds and rain, so it it so lovely when we get the occasional fall of snow. It started yesterday afternoon, with very large snowflakes quickly covering the ground. Within and hour the light was failing and the snow continued in bursts with enough coverage for the parkland across the road to become a snowfield with people sliding down the hill on makeshift sleds and snowballs flying.

This makes me think that it has been a while since I have made an all white bear, so Snowflake is now in the making...stay tuned to see her finished shortly.

Cheers for now Susan♥

Breakfast at the bird feeder

2011-06-16T17:39:00.000+10:00

Early in the morning we had some beautiful pink and grey galahs visit the bird feeder in the garden. The mist was just clearing enough to for my daughter Samantha to get these shots from the kitchen window. They all want to be boss at the feeder and spend most of the time squabbling for the seed.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

Aspen a baby brown bear

2011-06-13T11:27:00.002+10:00

Aspen is my new bear available for adoption, he is made in a very dark brown recycled mink fur. I have given him realistic detailed claws, nose and eyelids hand sculpted from apoxy clay with tiny pads on his hands and feet. He stands 7 inched high and has wired armature in his arms and legs for lifelike posing, making a very cuddly appeal.

Aspen has been adopted and is of to live in sunny Queensland.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

A colourful fairy bear.. Twinkles.. now adopted

2011-06-06T10:46:00.001+10:00

Twinkles is a sweet fairy bear available for adoption, she stands just 5 1/2 inches high and is made in a combination of white, violet and mint green mink fur. Her fairy wings are a delicate mixture of ribbons and wired beads. Twinkles yummy treat is a faux macaron that I have made in a violet shade echoing the colour theme.

Twinkles has been adopted and will be living with her new mum in Australia.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

Truffle a new panda...Sorry now adopted

2011-05-30T10:42:00.001+10:00

Truffle is a new panda available for adoption this week, he is made in a very dark brown and white recycled mink fur. Truffle stands only 5 1/2 tall and comes with his favourite treat of a faux truffle that I handmade to coordinate with his colouring and collar.

Sorry..Truffle has been adopted.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

Rico a new member of our family

2011-05-27T13:21:00.002+10:00

Recently for Mother's Day my children Samantha and Chris surprised me with a little parrot, the pet shop girl said he was a Grass Parrot. After I posted his photo on a forum I found out that he was a South American Maroon-Bellied Conure and has a life span of 30 years. Not knowing if he is a boy or girl without a DNA test I have decided that he is a boy and we have called him Rico. We noticed that he had had an injury and now has only one toe nail remaining on one of his feet which makes him a bit unstable on the bars of his cage at times.

He is settling in very well and is starting to play with his toys and becoming used to the family. He has fly time in the afternoon and often is happy sitting on the top of his cage.... I though he would flap around non stop once he was out of his cage. He is still wary of hands and fortunately we have only had to catch him once to get him back into his cage..now I keep some sunflower seeds and put them in his feeder when it is time to come back into the cage. Already he mimics a kiss sound that we have been making too him and is much calmer when we need to put our hands inside his cage. I am waiting on a book that I have ordered to help me learn how to train him and keep him happy and healthy.

Isn't he cute.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

Violet a new mink kitten

2011-05-23T11:10:00.001+10:00

Violet is a new mink kitten with Siamese colouring of a greyish lilac for her legs, tail, ears and face. She is made in a seated position and with the addition of armature in her front legs and tail can be posed in many lifelike ways. Violet stands five inches in height and is 4 1/2 inches from her nose to rump.

Violet has been adopted and will be travelling to a new home in America.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

Clowning Around...Ruffles has been adopted

2011-05-16T10:58:00.002+10:00

.RRuffles is my new bear available for adoption on eBay this week, in traditional panda black and white he stands just six inches tall. His clown hat has been made from crushed velveteen with colourful bells attached and his neck ruffle is an organza ribbon.

Ruffles is off to a new home in Canada

Cheers for now Susan ♥

Surprise Visitors

2011-05-14T20:49:00.000+10:00

Today we had some unexpected visitors to the garden bird feeder. The regular feeders are rosellas, galahs, and crested pigeons. The white cockatoos have been feeding in an oak tree across the road. They come to feed in the morning and late in the afternoon and sometimes there as many as twenty birds. They are very comical to watch and are so large close up.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

Arizona a bear with realistic details...Now Adopted

2011-05-09T11:36:00.001+10:00

Arizon is a new bear cub with realistic details from a new design that I have been working on lately. A few changes have been made to the shape of her paw and feet pads and also her sculpted eye lids are slightly diffferent.

Arizona is made in a beautiful light brown fur and stands 9 inches tall, she is eleven way cotter pin jointed with additional joints at the wrist, elbow and ankle allowing for greater movement.

Arizona has been adopted

Cheers for now Susan ♥

Harrison and his kitten....now adopted

2011-05-02T10:48:00.001+10:00

I am pleased to offer for adoption a mink cub called Harrison and his little thread crocheted kitten. Harrison is just 6 inches tall and made in a light and dark brown recycled mink fur, this panda colour combinaton is one of my favourites.

Harrison and his companion have been adopted.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

“Cappaccino” has been nominated for a 2011 Golden Teddy Award

2011-05-01T08:32:00.001+10:00

I received an email from Joyce Greenholdt Editor of Dolls and Teddy Review to let me know that "Cappaccino" my mink kitten has been chosen as a nominee in this years Golden Teddy Awards.

Happy..Happy...Happy

I hope that Cappaccino's mum who adopted him from the Sydney Teddy Bear Fair finds this news to and can enjoy the excitement as well.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

Firefly a ladybug mink bear...now adopted

2011-04-25T11:05:00.003+10:00

Please meet Firefly a 6 inch ladybug bear made from darkest brown and white recycled mink fur. Her ladybug bump is handsewn from red wool felt with dark brown spots, it ties around her neck and is removable. Firefly's curving antenna are made with red glass beads and wire.

Firefly has been adopted and is moving to Western Australia.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

Moonlight...realistic polar cub...now adopted

2011-04-18T10:42:00.002+10:00

Working with my new realistic bear pattern I have made a few alterations to the original design and are very happy to introduce Moonlight, a Polar bear cub. Moonlight is made in a beautiful silver white mink fur and stands 9 inches tall, he is eleven way cotter pin jointed with additional joints at the wrist, elbow and ankle allowing for greater movement.

Moonlight has a slightly different shape to his sculpted eye lids than my first realistic brown bear cub Idaho and his paw and feet pads are two layers of contrasting Ultra Suede.

Moonlight has been adopted and will be joining his new family in the United States.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

Coffee Macarons

2011-04-15T16:00:00.000+10:00

It was time for another macaron challenge..this time I went for a coffee flavoured shell with a vanilla buttercream filling. The coffee was mixed with the icing sugar and ground almonds..although I think it should have been pounded in the mortar and pestle for finer powder.

To decorate they were painted with a strong coffee solution on half the shell..very yummy although I don't drink coffee at all these were great.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

Splish in celebration of Easter..Now Adopted

2011-04-11T11:39:00.002+10:00

To celebrate the Easter Season are Splish and her ugly duckling friend. Splish is 4 1/2 inches tall and made from recycled mink fur in a soft beige, she is three way cotter pin jointed for movement at the neck and wings. Her peach coloured beak and feet are hand sculpted from modelling compound and her ugly duckling is crochetrd from DMC perle cotton.

Little Splish and her ugly ducking companion have been adopted.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

Idaho....my personal challenge has been adopted

2011-04-04T10:42:00.003+10:00

To make a realistic bear was something that I have been working on for some time now and Idaho is my first completed bear. Idaho is 9 inches tall (a large bear for me) but this was needed to fit in the extra joints that give him movement at the wrist, elbow and ankle..... without the pieces being too small and hard to turn. He has sculpted upper and lower eye lids, nose and claws from modelling compound and appliqued paw pads.

Trimming his face was a bit of a hurdle as I am so used to my small bears round cubby cheeks that cutting down to reveal his more natural shape was very strange. His ears, paws and feet also need trimming of the long mink guard hairs to define them.

Idaho's size can be seen here in the hands of my beautiful daughter Samantha.

Idaho has been adopted and is off to live with his new family in the United Kingdom.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

Antoinette...sorry now adopted

2011-03-28T10:51:00.002+11:00

This week I have a sweet mink bear available for adoption, she stands just over 6inches tall and is made from recycled mink fur in white and a soft pink.. very girly. She comes with a little amigurumi crocheted bunny just in time to celebrate the comming Easter Season.

Antoinette is has been adopted and is off to live in England.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

The experiment continues

2011-03-25T14:52:00.001+11:00

This week I continued on my quest to bake a perfect Macaron... I don't know if I will ever achieve this but it is fun trying. I wanted to see the macarons in the nude so I could judge the cooking time without any colour interference and so I made plain macarons and filled them with a vanilla bean buttercream. The oven was turned down to a lower temperature this time of 145° and cooked for 20 minutes.

The results were wonderful , they had a lovely egg shell crust and the centre had a slightly chewy texture. I could have turned the tray half way through as the back ones started to colour too much....something to remember for next time. Now that I think I have the cooking process much better I may be tempted to try some of the exotic flavour combinations out there.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

Ikela...Sorry I've been adpoted

2011-03-21T11:57:00.003+11:00

Ikela is my first lion in a new realistic body shape that I have been working on. He is made in a seated position and is able to be posed in many ways. Ikela is 5 inches tall and from nose to tail is 8 inches, he is made in a combination of mink and red fox fur.

Sorry Ikela has been adopted.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

Macarons.....cooking or science?

2011-03-17T23:01:00.000+11:00

I blame it on Masterchef and the Macaron Tower challenge by Adriano Zumbo, I have never cooked or eaten a macaron before until trying one from a Sydney store.. what is all the fuss about? It was heaven, very sweet with a lovely shell and soft center..Yum.

They can't be that hard to make...I was so wrong. The first batch I made looked good in the oven and then they started to erupt and spread all over the oven tray, problem oven too hot. Over the next few weeks there were more failures, over stirred the mixture.. not stirred enough, by this time I was taking notes.

Finally the planets lined up and my first passable tray of Macarons emerged from the oven, they had the three desirable qualities of a macaron; a foot at the base, soft almost meringue like texture and and egg shell like crust. Hooray at last some success..although even the rejects were filled with ganache and eaten after all they are too Yummy to waste.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

After the Fair

2011-03-09T13:12:00.000+11:00

The Sydney Teddy Bear was on last Sunday and my beautiful daughter Samantha who is my biggest supporter and I had a very exciting day. This was my first time as a trader at a show as I sell online from my website and eBay, it was great to be able to meet and talk to collectors and it is something I look forward to doing next year.

The morning started early with a two hour drive from our home in Lithgow to the showground and then setting up the table to await the opening of the show. The morning was reserved to the Early Bird Preview tickets and was well attended with a steady flow of visitors. I would like to say a very big

"Thank You" the lovely collectors who added a Blue Valley Bear to their hug.

The Teddy Treats stand proved to be popular with lots of little cupcakes and donuts being sold for accessories for bears, we also had some real homemade blueberry macarons for the customers as a treat.

During the day I was able to meet some of the girls who I know from the TBACA website and have only ever chatted to online, it was great to get to know real person behind the keyboard.

As I first time trader I was a little daunted with what to expect but so many of the arists that trade often were very helpful and offered me encouragement and advice throughout the day and I appreciate their support, it was very helpful.

Looking forward to 2012

Cheer for now Susan ♥

Dressing up as a Turtle...now adopted

2011-03-07T10:54:00.012+11:00

Tommy is a 5 1/2 mink bear masquearding as a turtle, his tummy has been coloured to match his mint green mini mohair paws and feet. His turtle hump is made from wool felt and embrodiery cotton and is removable.

Tommy has been adopted.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

Tosca awarded Bear of the Show

2011-03-02T08:47:00.000+11:00

I recently entered two of my bears into competition at the Northside Doll, Bear & Craft Show in Lawnton, Queensland. They returned home this week and I was thrilled to find that Tosca had been judged First in Section and also
Bear of the Show.

Tosca "Bear of the Show"

Cappaccino my realistic kitten was awarded First in Section. Entering this kind of hands on judging gives me valuable feedback on designs and construction of my bears.

Cappaccino First in Section

Both Tosca and Cappaccino with be available for adoption at the Sydney Teddy Bear Fair this coming Sunday at Southee Complex Olympic Park. If you are going to the fair..please drop by and say Hi.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

Eloise..pretty in pink, availabe for adoption

2011-02-28T10:39:00.002+11:00

I have a sweet new bear available for adoption called Eloise she stands just 5 inches tall. Eloise is made in very dark brown and soft pink recycled mink fur.

Little Eloise has now been adopted and is going to live in England.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

Getting ready for the show

2011-02-24T13:27:00.004+11:00

With the Sydney Teddy Bear Fair fast approaching I am happy to find that I have finished the quota of bears that I set myself for the show. I am now working on finishing my name tags and stationary....sewing organza bags for presentation of any adoptions and finishing accessories, the list goes on.

These little critters are going to the show as friends for some of the bears, they have all been crocheted from DMC Petra cotton. They are made using only the basic crochet stitches..... the kitten and mouse are made with just head and body shapes which can be changed slightly to suit different animals. I have also made a bunny and penguin from this pattern..so with a few changes anything is possible.

I enjoy making accessories for my bears and coordinating colours and fabrics for neck ruffles and bows.....it also gives my hands a rest from the tough job of hand sewing the furs.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

Rowland a new Panda available for adoption

2011-02-21T11:10:00.005+11:00

I have a sweet new bear available for adoption called Rowland, he stands just 6 1/2 inches tall. I have made Rowland a tasty macaron and wool felt collar in matching hues of scarlet and gold.

Rowland had been adopted and is on his way to his new home in Canada.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

Chloe a new polar bear cub for adoption

2011-02-14T11:11:00.006+11:00

Chloe is my first new cub for 2011 available for adoption on eBay, she is just 5 inches tall and is made in a lovely silver white recycled mink fur.

Chloe has been adopted and is going to join her new Mum in Philadelphia.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

"Be My Valentine Show" is now open

2011-02-11T23:17:00.003+11:00

The booths are now open at the "Be my Valentine online Show". I can now reveal my three bears who are available for adoption.

Hartley

Juliana

Amore

If you would like to visit my booth please click here.

The show is open all weekend and due to time differences there may be some delay to email replies, but I will answer as soon as possible.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

People's Choice Award Finalists 2011

2011-02-08T12:35:00.001+11:00

Voting is now open for the Sydney Teddy Bear Fair's People's Choice Award. This year I am so thrilled and excited as I have four bears nominated as finalists.

Antoinette

Cappaccino

Twinkles

Cherry

You can see all the wonderful bears nominated this year and vote for your favourites Here

The results will be announced at the fair on Sunday 6th March and published later on the website.

I will be trading at the show this year and three of the nominated bears will be on display and available for adoption.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

Valentine Show Sneak Peek

2011-02-01T12:38:00.000+11:00

Here is a glimpse of the three bears that will be available for adoption at the

"Be My Valentine Show" to be held online commencing 11th -14th February 2011 at Teddy Bears and Critters Australasia.

They may be a little shy now but drop by to show and they will be ready to reveal all their best features and accessories to celebrate the Valentine Theme.

Cheers for now Susan♥

A Busy Start to 2011

2011-01-12T17:24:00.002+11:00

It has been busy start to the New Year with lots of sewing and preparations for two upcoming shows. I have completed three bears for the

"Be my Valentine Show" which will be held online from the 11th-14th February, there are 32 International and Australian Artists participating in this show so there will be great variety of bears available for adoption.

Off to the Sydney Teddy Bear Fair 2011

Now I am working on bears for the "Sydney Teddy Bear Fair" to be held on Sunday 6th March at the Sydney Showgrounds, Sydney Olympic Park. This is my first in the fur show and I am looking forward to meeting collectors and catching up fellow artists whom I have only met online.

The two bears above are all finished and waiting to show their faces at the show.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

So This is Christmas

2010-12-19T14:13:00.000+11:00

So this is Christmas
And what have you done
Another year over
And a new one just begun
And so this is Christmas
I hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The old and the young

A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear

From one of my favourite Christmas songs for a very special Christmas greeting and to wish everyone a very happy and safe Christmas season. Spending time with those you love and enjoying the feasting, laughter and joy that makes this such a special occasion for families and friends to treasure.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

Ruby is a Bear Creations Award Winner

2010-12-12T11:52:00.001+11:00

My little mink bear Ruby has been awarded winner of Category 4 Small Artist Bear undressed in the Australian Bear Creations Awards 2010. A very big Thank You to everyone who voted in the awards this year for your support and to the work by the Australian Bears Creation for hosting the awards.

It is such an honour to have achieved and I look forward to next year’s competition and seeing all the wonderful entries from artists around the world.

Cheers for now Susan ♥

Christmas comes early

2010-12-06T16:07:00.000+11:00

How lucky I am to receive this beautiful bear called "Surprise" by Lyn Parker of Parker Bears. Lyn was my Christmas Swap partner this year from the Teddy Bears and Critters Australasia members.

Lyn and I were lucky in that our swap bears arrived to each other on the same day and I am so thrilled to have such an exquisitely made miniature bear. I admire all those Artist working with such tiny pieces that require so much patience.

Surprise by Lyn Parker

Callistimon is an early Christmas present to myself...we all need spoiling sometime, Callistimon was one of the many bears available at the Bears that Care Charity Auction held on the 12th November in Melbourne. I was so pleased to win Callistimon and to support a wonderful fundraising event.

Callistimon by Lyn Parker

Cheers for now Susan ♥

Last Auction for 2010

2010-12-01T16:01:00.001+11:00

Hello and Welcome to the first blog post from Blue Valley Bears. Please bear with me as I become accustomed to learning a whole new concept… this make take some time, so much to discover.

Ruben is my last bear available for auction this year, for more photos and all his information.

Ruben has now been adopted.

Cheers for now Susan ♥