Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

It's definiately you Lisa - the reason I didn't put names on the list was because I wanted to check the spelling of them, but did not want to hold the list up.

To be totally accurate, he wasn't allowed to cook my tea until he had done the website - I am very spoilt!     

I'm not just saying it, when I say the standard was very high this year. Wendy arrived at my house at 10.00 am and didn't leave until gone 5 pm! Apart from a quick lunch, we were doing the shortlist all day.  It was a very tough day.

I must admit, I did feel a tinge of sadness at not being able to be part of the competition. Having seen it from both sides now, I think I would prefer to be on the artist side.

I do, however, need to give a special mention to my lovely husband Chris, who came in from work at 7.00 pm and was not allowed to do anything, including eating until he had put the list up on the website!     

Hi
The shortlist for the British Bear Artist Awards is now available at:

www.britishbearfair.co.uk

Congratulations to all the TTalkers that made the final list, the standard was very high this year.

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Hi

I would love to hear of your experiences at Hugglets last Sunday for publication in Teddy Bear Times. If you could write to: tbteditor@btinternet.com and, if possible, include any photos you have that would be brilliant.

The day went far too quickly for me, and I'm really sorry but I did not get around to talk to as many people as I would have liked to.

Just out of interest, I would also be interested to know if you prefer the new opening hours? Just my personal view, but I really miss the 11.00 opening, as it always gave me a chance to have a quick walk round before opening time.

Hugs

Dawn

The wire is tomorrow! Katy you are quite early really    

It was lovely to see you Peter - lol it always seems to be my bears that are tucking into chocolate and biscuits! I really cannot imagine where they get that from!  :crackup:  :crackup:  :crackup:  :crackup:

This is Jamie from the Hugs Unlimited 'Bears that Time Forgot' collection. He is now available on Bear Pile.

I must admit, I love ageing bears and this one, is a particular favourite of mine. http://www.bearpile.com/detail.cgi?id=1386&item=39427

Sandine and Nancy are beginning to feel very unloved - and I'm beginning to feel very nervous about taking them to Hugglets! It's like a furry version of the Jeremy Kyle show!  :crackup:  :crackup:  :crackup:

Oh no, I can't bear it! I just have this awful vision of Pater and Molly turning up on Sunday and Ernie sitting on my table in Todmorden! No worries, I'm sure Chris could nip back to Yorkshire if necessary.

It will be OK - Ernie will be the first bear to get into the car.  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:

Hiya

Just a quick reminder that the closing date for photos to be received is the 15th September. There is now a new email address that photos can be sent to digitally. Be sure to include information about category, name etc.

The address is: bbaas@btinternet.com

The shortlisting will take place on Friday 17th September, and a list of shortlisted entries will be posted on the website: www.britishbearfair.co.uk that evening.

Photographs of the shortlisted entries will be posted on the website as soon as possible, hopefully over the weekend of 18/19th September.

This year has seen a record number of entries so it should be a brilliant competition.

Hugs

Dawn

LOL - I have several lists of things I need to take to Hugglets and Ernie is at the top of every one. The burden of responsibility is resting heavy on my shoulders at the moment!     

Here are some Showbears that will be at Hugglets on Sunday. They are inspired by Moulin Rouge, Oliver and Fiddler on the Roof.

I have had a brilliant time making these and would love to know what you think of them.

Aww - thanks everyone. x

My favourite tool for bear-making is...............a kettle for making all those inspiring cups of tea!  :crackup:  :crackup:  :crackup:  :crackup:

Meet Elliott, a 13 inch panda made by me. He has a very dreamy expression, and will squeak when his tummy is pressed! Elliott is available on Bear Pile. http://www.bearpile.com/detail.cgi?id=1386&item=39095

No-one with a heart could fail to be saddened by the loss of life in Pakistan with the floods. It is heart-breaking to read about such devastation.

I have now heard from WSPA that their bear sanctuary in Pakistan was in the middle of the flood plain and that 20 bears lost their lives. Miraculously, three bears have been rescued. Having seen WSPA's work with bears first hand, I am completely devastated by this news. These poor animals went through so much in their lives, and then were rescued to a place of safely - what a cruel twist of fate that they should then lose their lives to a natural disaster. Very, very sad.

Meet James and Jamie, the new faces of Hugs Unlimited who will be appearing at Hugglets and will help to show off my new look tags etc. Hugs Unlimited is having a bit of a makeover, with new display stands and a lovely new table cover as shown in the photo.

Beautiful - I really love ellies, but havn't had the courage (or time!) to try one yet.     

Aww thanks everyone for your lovely comments.
Peter - I can't believe that Molly is lonely in your house! But Ernie would be the right size for her.         

Meet Ernie, a 13 inch bear from the Hugs Unlimited Yesterday's Children Collection. Ernie is available on Bearpile.

Peter - You have made me feel so ashamed - my website is in dire need of an overhaul. I am currently working on a whole new look for Hugs Unlimited. The purple will be gone, and there will be a new face of Hugs Unlimited - he is almost ready to make his debut into the world, and my new look table will be first shown at Hugglets.

I just really really wish that I could add another 10 hours to each day.

Please keep coming back though - one day will you be completely shocked to see that I have updated it! 
             

Thanks for the lovely comments. x

Meet Adam - A very cuddly 19 inch bear by Hugs Unlimited. He is quite 'baby' like in that he is just the right size to tuck under your arm.

Hi Emma

Before I was a full time Artist I used to be a Full Time Trade Union Officer. Some of the members I dealt with were in your position i.e. they worked for Voluntary Organisations. Unfortunately, charity members and voluntary workers often seem to resent those that are being paid for what they do. We used to even get it in the Trade Union, those that were volunteer officers would place burdens on the full time staff that were very unfair.

There is a notion amongst some people that if you work for a charity or a 'cause' that you believe in that you should not get a fair wage. I think the opposite is true, charity's need to get value for money and they will get that by treating their staff with fairness and respect.

I would advise what others have done, keep notes and a diary. Other than that, I would contact the nearest person to being your boss who is a paid professional i.e. not a volunteer.  Can I ask who it is you work for, or at least what sector you are in.

Also, you say that your boss is a volunteer - have they been elected?

I hope you get things sorted out - it is a horrible position to be in, but unfortunately also quite a common one.

Hugs

Dawn