Sunday, November 25, 2012

Such a thoughtful gift ...

Throughout my almost 15 years of bear making, it has been my hope and my greatest desire to be able to touch people's hearts in some way through my creations.  What has happened is that many of these same people have touched my heart in return!   I pray over my bears as I finish them, asking God to bless the person who will adopt the bear.  What has happened is that many of these same people have blessed me in return!   Some of these people have become dear, close friends, like sisters!   One such collector (my friend, my "adopted" sister) surprised me with a wonderfully thoughtful Christmas gift.   I wanted to share this gift with my readers because it touched my heart so deeply.   She made me a hard cover book, which measures 12" tall and 17.5" long, filled with page after page of bears I have created, published articles, awards won, etc. throughout the years.  I was speechless when I opened the box - tears flowing in disbelief.  I couldn't even begin to imagine the amount of time, work and most of all, love, that went in to the creation of this book.  I took several pictures to share with you and did not even come close to photographing even a third of the book!   I thank God for the beautiful people He has allowed me to meet over the years.  May God Bless You with dear friends.   Hugs,  Janice













Sunday, November 11, 2012

Lilly, the Winter Wonderland kitty!

The idea of making a "white on white" kitty hit me over a week ago and I couldn't wait to get started on her!    Lilly, the Winter Wonderland kitty, is the result of that idea.   She is made of longer pile viscose fabric, it's so soft and pretty.  She has taxidermy eyes and corded lids.   She wears the sweetest little hand crocheted dress and booties made by a lady in Australia (I'm sorry to say I do not know her name.  I purchased the dress from a friend of hers at a doll and bear show in Phoenix last week).  She did a remarkable job crocheting this wee little outfit, though, and Lilly wears it proudly  :o)  I made her little wool felt cushion accented with satin, silk and rayon flowers with seed beads sewn on, as well.  Her little "balloon" also is decorated with seed beads and silk and satin flowers.  

Have a lovely day!  Hugs & Blessings, Janice

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Arachnophobia...

I am one who respects and reveres life in every form EXCEPT in the form of a creepy, eight legged spider!  This morning, I had to pick up my husband at the car dealership after dropping his car for repair.  I gave him a 15 minute head start and I was on my way by 7 a.m.   Still groggy from just rolling out of bed, I get to the corner and look out the drivers window to make sure all is clear and I can make my turn.  There right next to my eye is a spider the size of a pencil eraser - just big enough to send me in to a blood curdling scream and a frantic jump to remove myself from the drivers seat into the passenger seat.   I don't have my reading glasses so I cannot tell if the monster is on the inside or the outside...I open the glove box and find the ample sized car manual complete with leather cover - the perfect weapon!   I center the manual above the monster and smash it in to the window...pull it away and lo and behold, it's on the OUTSIDE!  Thank goodness.   I'm laughing at myself as I drive away and relieved that it was only 7:00 a.m. so I was not holding up other drivers with my insanity.   What is it about spiders that send me into a royal turmoil?   They have never hurt me, yet my fear overtakes me!   Hopefully the rest of the day will be a bit more relaxing!   I'm off to a bear and doll show in Phoenix - nothing dangerous there (except maybe overspending)!   Have a blessed weekend.  Hugs, Janice

Friday, November 2, 2012

Little Princess Ballerina Booh Bear!

Now that the Halloween festivities are over, I am excited to gear up for Christmas!  I've got an idea mulling around in my mind and I can't wait to make it come to be!   Just need to make a quick trip to Michael's craft store for one of the supplies and I'll be all set to go!   I love it when a new idea sets in and I can't wait to make it!   It's such a blessing to have a job that I love!

My last creation was in the making for a while - she's a princess/ballerina made from the most beautiful natural tan alpaca.  My friend gifted this alpaca to me and I've been saving it for just the right bear and Galina is the end result.    I hope you like her as much as I liked making her!  

I hope you have a blessed weekend!  xxxx,   Janice