Mom's Special Visit ...

Yesterday I took a nap during the day and had the most vivid dream of my Mother.   In the dream my Daughter and I were visiting the house where I grew up - where Mom lived until she passed away four years ago, Christmas Eve.   In the dream, my Daughter and I were at the top of the stairs - where you can see down to the front door.  Someone came in the house and we could see the top of their head but didn't recognize them.   I yelled down the stairs so they could hear me - thinking it was a stranger,  I said "hey, you can't just walk in here" ... and guess who looked up at me?   Mom!   I was so excited.  I said "Oh, I didn't know it was you, Mom" and I ran downstairs to greet her.  She was wearing her navy blue winter coat, and her comfortable tan shoes.  She looked healthy and smiled the Mom smile that I remember - the one that reaches right down in to my heart and places a big unconditionally loved kiss right there in the center of my heart -  right in the spot that has been so empty for four years.   I told her that the birth was about to take place upstairs and asked if she wanted to go up there.  She said she did, so I took her hand and walked her up the stairs.  As we both reached for the door knob, my own daughter woke me up from my dream by saying "hey, Mom" just as I was saying "hey, Mom" to my own Mother in my dream!   The dream ended there with my Mother and me reaching for the door knob at the same time.   It was a lovely dream and it will keep that empty spot filled for quite some time!   My husband thinks the stairs up to the birth is symbolic of my Mother climbing the stairs to Heaven and going to meet the newborn King.  In my dream, I was able to travel with her for a bit of that special journey.   I have always thought of Mom's passing on Christmas Eve as a blessing - she was able to spend Jesus' Birthday right there with Him!   Happy Birthday, Jesus, and thank you for allowing me a glimpse of Mom's happiness on that special day four years ago!    xxxx
Christmas picture taken of my Mom, my Brother's and Me when I was 3 - looks like I was going to plant a kiss on my new Dolly's cheek!  ;o)

I blinked and the days were gone!

What happened to December?  For that matter, what happened to 2013?   I thought I was doing so well with many of my Christmas packages mailed off the first week of December and then I blinked and Christmas is a week away!  I don't even have my Christmas cards finished yet!  Oh dear ... sometimes I wish there was a way to do a "go back" like you can do with your computer!  I think I would go back and manage my time better ... haha!   Not really, I enjoy getting sidetracked way too much to change my crafty ways now!   This post is dedicated to a new page I added to my website entitled "Other Art/Crafts" and I have posted some pictures of some of the things I do when I am not managing my time properly ;o)   I hope you will take a peek!   My favorites are two projects that I created instead of doing my Christmas cards!   I guess I better work diligently on my Christmas cards tomorrow ...
My Updated Website and Pictures of my newest projects ...

Have a blessed day!   Hugs, Janice

Little Booh Bear on eBay and an Upcoming Gallery!

Hello!   In between Christmas shopping and decorating, I am working on a gallery of all white bears!  The "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" Gallery will be hosted on my website on Thursday, December 12.  Please check my website for exact time!   On another note, while searching my "stash" of mohair fabric, I came across this gorgeous piece of kid mohair that I just had to make a bear from "NOW"!  Gallery pieces were put on the back burner and Lunette came to be!   If you have a moment to pop over to her eBay auction, I would be most grateful!     Have a blessed day!    Hugs, Janice
Lunette's eBay Auction Link - Ending Saturday, Dec. 7

New Little Booh Bear on eBay through Sunday, November 24th

I hope you are all well and enjoying the cooler weather!  I know for us Arizonian's, this is the time of year we all wait for and we are all so happy when it starts cooling down a bit!   Well, I've been busy creating and with all that creating comes another little Booh Bear!  This one has made her way to eBay and she will be there for a week.   If you have a moment to peek in on "Londyn", this is her link ..Londyn's ebay auction ending Sunday, November 24th at noon!

Have a blessed day!   Hugs, Janice

New Little Booh Bear on eBay through Sunday, November 10th

I have a little Booh Bear who has made her way to ebay this week!  If you have a moment to peek in on Hailey's auction, I know she would be most grateful ... I would be grateful, too!   Here is Hailey's link....
Hailey's eBay Auction ends Sunday, November 10th

Next week, I am planning a Gallery of New Bears, too!

Please check back for exact date and time ;o)

Have a blessed week!    Hugs, Janice

A new Booh Bear Pattern is Available Now!

It's been a little while since I have offered a pattern for sale and I have one that I love ... a little chubby red fox!   The pattern to make this 7" red fox is available in my etsy shop now ... Booh Bear Patterns Available in my etsy shop   I hope you will take a peek at the site!   If you don't want to sign up for an etsy account, I also sell the pattern from my website and you may use PayPal to purchase the patterns from there ... Booh Bears Website - Follow the "Patterns" link ...   Etsy offers immediate download as soon as the item is paid for.  If you purchase from my website, I will email the pdf file as soon as I receive confirmation of payment (if it's not the middle of the night!!  In that case, it will be emailed the next morning!!).    Have a blessed evening. Hugs,   Janice   p.s.  The prototype fox, Moxy, is available on my website now, too!  She's looking for a new home.   Just follow the "Available" page to see her!   xxxx

New Little Puppy Made From my "Tototoo" Pattern now on eBay!

This little girl took me a while to make!  First I dyed the mohair using petals from our Bougainvillea plants (this was a lot of fun but very time consuming!)   The recipe is on this blog if you are interested in trying it!  Here's the link ... Dyeing Fabric With Bougainvillea Petals    Then, it took me about a week to make her little face just the way I wanted it only to destroy it with a blob of airbrush paint right on her little cheek next to her eye....very dark pewter airbrush paint.  No fix for that - I did not want or need a spotted dog!  So, a week later, I have the new face - this is Gabby's face and I do like how it turned out!   Next, it took a while to make her little cushion - I really enjoy making the cushions because I make all the flowers from silk ribbons - it's so much fun!   So, even though she was a lot of trouble to make, I really am happy with her!  She's now on ebay through Monday, this is her link if you would like to peek in on her ..Gabby's ebay auction running through Monday, Sept. 23.  Oh, and if you would like to make your own little puppy, here is a link to my etsy shop where the pattern is for sale!  Tototoo Pattern in my etsy shop (used for Gabby)
Thank you so much for taking an interest!
Hugs & Blessings,
Janice

More Fabric "Pumpkins" in my etsy shop this week!

I had so much fun making fabric pumpkins from some vintage fabric that my Sister sent me.  A friend of hers helped an elderly woman move from her home and she told her friend that they may have anything in the attic and it seems that she had stored some beautiful vintage wool, handwoven silk from India and gorgeous silk from the USA.   There was also a bit of hand painted silk organdy and though there are some holes in the organdy, there are still plenty of usable pieces, and all the other fabric is perfect!  So, this weekend I went on a pumpkin making spree!   They are all available in my etsy shop (Booh Bears etsy Shop).  They can be used year round, they are not just for Fall decorating!  I've decided to keep a few for my home, too!  Here are pictures of my latest pumpkins!  I hope you like them as much as I do ;o)

And here is a picture of the fabric used to make these pumpkins!   All so lovely and vintage!

Have a blessed week!
Hugs,
Janice

My Sister, Patty Bradstreet, has Opened an etsy Shop! "Seams From Dreams"

I'm very excited for my Sister!  She recently opened an etsy shop to sell some of her beautiful, personalized, monogrammed handmade items including wedding accessories.  She has already received orders for a few items!  I know our Mom would be so proud of her!   Patty makes beautiful wedding/anniversary pillows - taking a photo of the bride and groom and printing it on fabric then adding lace, beading, etc. to the outside of the pillow to create a work of art.  She also personalizes baby clothes.  She makes Wedding Veils, Fascinators, the list goes on and on. She's so gifted!   If you have a moment to peek in on her etsy shop, this is the link ... Patty Bradstreet's Seams From Dreams etsy Shop   Thanks so much!   I hope you have a wonderful week!  Hugs & Blessings, Janice

The Bright Star Promotions On Line Teddy Bear Show Has Begun!

I am participating in Bright Star Promotions on line teddy bear show today through Monday.  Four very different little Booh Bears are available now for adoption!   I hope you will stop by the show and take a peek!  There are so many wonderful bears available!  Please use this link to go to the show ...  Bright Star Promotions On Line Teddy Bear Show

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a wonderful weekend!   Hugs, Janice

Pinkeep Winner Drawn!

Congrats, Cindy!   Your name was chosen as the winner of the Pin Keep!   I'll post the winner on facebook, too!   I'll send it off to you next week.   Thanks to everyone who participated!
Hugs & Lots of Blessings,  Janice

Blog Giveaway! Primitive Pumpkin Pinkeep

I have been having so much fun making a myriad of different decorated pumpkins from upcycled vintage wool clothing!  My latest is a little pumpkin pinkeep made from an upcycled men's wool herringbone coat. The little pinkeep pumpkin has a stem made from our nectarine tree.  The wool felt flowers were purchased from etsy and sewn randomly on the pinkeep.  I added matching tiny heart buttons.  It's sewn with wool thread.  The pinkeep pumpkin measures almost 3" tall (not including the stem) and 5" across.  It's filled with polyfil and just a few b.b.'s for weight.   If you are interested in winning this little pinkeep, all you need to do is be a follower of my blog and leave a message on this post (with an email address where I can contact you if you win)!  I'll choose a winner on Aug. 31st.   Easy Peasy!
Hugs,
Janice

Making Pumpkins from Vintage Wool ... Sidetracked Again!

I came across some beautiful vintage 100% wool men's pants at the Goodwill yesterday.  The color is so beautiful - a pale beige with deeper tan - crying out to be used for something other than a vintage pair of trousers!  So, I brought them home and made a couple pumpkins.  The first one is natural and the second one is hand dyed ... I SO enjoyed making the pumpkins that I went back to the Goodwill the next day and found a treasure trove of someone's crafting wool - the slacks I originally found were with the crafting items and the next day, there were several scraps for sale!   I've attached photos of the pumpkins I"ve made thus far.   I hope you like them as much as I liked creating them.  The blog "Handmade Homebody" featured a tutorial to make them.  This is their link .. Handmade Homebody Tutorial to Make Stuffed Fabric Pumpkins

All of these pumpkins have found new homes.  Stay tuned ... more pumpkins are in the works!  I hope you have a wonderful weekend!  Hugs, Janice

Dyeing Fabric with Bougainvillea Plant Blooms - Photo Tutorial

I have wanted to make a pale pink puppy from my "Tototoo" pattern (available in my etsy shop) and I didn't have any pink dye in my "stash".  So, I decided to try dyeing using some blooms from our Bougainvillea Plant.   Starting with about 4 full cups of blooms and going from there, I ended up with a beautiful dye color. The fabric is soaking in the sun now and I will post pictures of the puppy I make from it later next week! The following pictures tell how I dyed the fabric.   If you try this yourself, I would love to see your final outcome! Have a lovely day!
Hugs & Blessings, Janice

New Little Booh Bear made from Anna Tsymbal's Pattern

Occasionally I make a bear or critter designed by another artist because I think it is fun to try different methods and designs used by others.   This is the reason I sell my own patterns.  I want others to enjoy making what I make the way I enjoy it!  My latest creation was designed by Anna Tsymbal and it is, by far, the most delightful pattern I have worked with that was designed by another artist.   When I first opened the pattern, I was taken aback by the design of the torso but when the bear was made up, all I could do was smile.  She has a long torso with a very fat tummy and the way she sits is adorable!    I hope you like her as much as I do!   Myra is on eBay with No Reserve and $1 Start!    I hope you have a blessed day!  Lots of hugs, Janice

My Little "Judith" Puppy is on eBay!

It's been a couple months since I've made one of my puppies and decided it would be fun to make a blue one!  So, with hand-dyed kid mohair in hand and my pattern for "Tototoo" (for sale in my etsy shop "Tototoo" Pattern - etsy )  I decided to make a little blue puppy!   A friend I met over the internet sent me a wonderful "destash" box of goodies and so this is how my latest puppy got her name.  Judith the puppy is sporting a little vintage rhinestone collar that I made from the goodies the real Judith sent to me!  I also incorporated some of the other goodies in to Judith's cushion.  If you have a moment to peek in on her eBay auction, I would love to hear what you think of my latest puppy, especially what you think of her blue coloring!   Have a blessed evening.   Lots of hugs,  Janice

Link to Judith's eBay Auction

My "Noel" pattern is on etsy Treasury today!

I am honored to have my pattern for "Noel" featured in an etsy Treasury today!  Here is the link if you would like to see the Treasury -My Noel Pattern on etsy Treasury today!   There are a lot of little bears featured!   Have a blessed day!
Hugs,  Janice

Today Only - 25% Off Discount on any of my patterns through etsy!

Hello!  I thought it would be fun to run a one day pattern sale in my etsy shop.   The coupon code must be entered prior to paying.  The coupon code is 25DISCOUNTNOW  and my etsy shop link is Booh Bears etsy Shop    I hope you stop over and grab a pattern or two - they are all immediate download!   I don't mind if you use my patterns to create items to sell as long as you give me design credit!   Have a wonderful Saturday!  Hugs & Blessings, Janice

New Booh Bear Gallery Coming Sunday, July 14th

I'm working on a few little ones for a Gallery this coming Sunday - 3:30 p.m. PST.  I hope you will stop over to my website on Sunday and take a peek at the new Booh Bears & Friends!  In the meantime, have a lovely week!
Lots of hugs,
Janice

New Pattern Available in my etsy Shop!

Busy, busy (BUT fun) week!  I just finished designing a new chubby cub pattern (now available in my etsy shop) and the prototype bear made from this pattern design has found a new home in New York.  If you here is the link for my new pattern  ...

Booh Bear Pattern to make 12" Chubby Cub, Cameo

Off to make a couple small bears for my upcoming Gallery on July 13!   I'm having so much fun!  I missed bear making while I was on vacation and I'm back with a renewed joy!
Have a blessed weekend.  Lots of hugs, Janice

Kyle is Available on my Website Now!

After returning from my vacation 2 nights ago, I worked on finishing up a little white polar bear that I started before leaving!  I finally finished "Kyle" and he is available on my website now! Here is a link if you are interested in reading about Kyle or if you would like to see additional pictures.  Kyle's Adoption Page  Next, I will be working on a bigger pink bear!  She was cut out for my last gallery but I wasn't able to finish her in time.   I really miss bear making when I'm away!  It's nice to be home playing with mohair again!   I hope you have a lovely day!  Hugs, Janice

Playing with the slideshow software again!

After making the "Booh Bear 2013 Slideshow", I decided to take the pictures I have of my Mom's quilts and create a slideshow.   This one is a little over 5 minutes but it features some very beautiful quilts that she made.  If you have a few minutes to peek, I would love to hear what you think!

Back to work on the Gallery bears!   Have a blessed day.
Lots of hugs,
Janice

Playing with new Slide Show Software ;o)

I just downloaded some new slide show software (PhotoDex's ProShow Gold) and am "playing" around with pictures and all the elements available on this new software.   I decided to create a short slideshow with some of my 2013 bears.   If you have a couple minutes to spare, I would love to hear what you think  ;o)

I thought it would be fun to scan some old family photos and make a family slideshow but that will need to wait a few weeks!  I'm currently working on a Gallery and the new bears should be available in a couple weeks or so!

Have a blessed day.   Lots of hugs, Janice

etsy Shop Pattern Sale through May 20, 2013

Tomorrow marks my 28th wedding anniversary!  I wanted to do something special for the people who have enjoyed my creations for over half of the time I've been married!  What better way than to offer a 28% off discount in my etsy shop?  All Patterns are on sale at 28% off the marked price.  Make sure to type in the following coupon code at checkout:  MAY1828YEARS
The sale ends on May 20th  ;o)
Link to my etsy Shop
Have fun!
Hugs,
Janice

Puppy Pattern Now Available!

I finally finished the last of the puppies for a while.  The Pattern is available for immediate download from my etsy shop Tototoo Puppy Pattern - Instant etsy Download or as an email attachment from me after purchasing from my website Booh Bear Website Pattern Page.     I am going to show you 4 puppies all made from this same pattern.    Thanks so much for peeking in on my new pattern puppies!

Lissy

Skippy

Dolly

Tototoo

Isn't it funny how different, yet the same, each of them look?!  The only change I made to the pattern for these 4 is on "Dolly", I used the same pattern piece that was used for her tail for her ears!  Have a blessed evening.  Lots of hugs, Janice

Happy Mother's Day!

It's a bittersweet day for me - I think about my Mom and how much she taught me, how much she loved me, and how very much I miss her.  She loved me unconditionally - there is nothing in this world that can compare to the love of a Mother besides the love of God, I am grateful for His comfort.

The Sweetness of  Mother's Day is having a Daughter that I love in the same way my Mother loved me.  I am so proud of my Daughter and the beautiful soul she is.  I am grateful to God for allowing me to be her Mom!

If your Mom is still here, please give her an extra hug for me today!
Happy Mother's Day!
Blessings, Janice

7 Years Cancer Free!

Today marks the Seventh Anniversary of my LAST chemotherapy treatment for Breast Cancer and I feel SO blessed!   It is God who brought me through it and it is God who continues to lead me day to day.  I took this picture in Ouray, Colorado and thought it was the perfect backdrop to share God's word.  This beautiful plant with pink flowers - rising towards the Sun - taking root along a broken down old fence.   God provides hope and a future for all who choose to believe. 

Have a blessed day!   I'm off to do my annual dance in the street!  xxxx  

My Bear Collection is Complete!

Today, I brought home the most precious bear and I couldn't be happier.   I have a very, very limited "collection" that includes only bears from my favorite artists and a few antiques.   I am afraid to become a true arctophile with bears everywhere for fear my family will have no place to sit.  So, I limit myself.   Today I was able to add one of my friend, Joanne Livingston's, Desert Mountain Bears to my "hug" and I am pretty sure my collection is complete now!

Safford was my choice (or maybe I was his) and he is a big beautiful boy made of creamy, dense mohair with airbrushed accents and a face that would melt the coldest of hearts.   He feels alive in my arms - honestly - like having a baby bear cub in my arms!

Joanne shared with me that her little dog "Thor" sits on her lap while she works and she commented that Safford looks quite a bit like Thor and I agree, he does!   I took a picture of Joanne holding Safford and Thor before I went on my way with my new family member (please excuse the poor photo - phone cameras and I don't get along too well).    Thank you, Joanne, for allowing me to choose - it was one of the most difficult decisions I've made in a long time but when I held sweet Safford in my arms, I could almost hear him tell me that he was the one and who could argue with a face like that?!   I love him and will cherish him always!    Hugs & Blessings, Janice

Picture of Joanne, Safford and Thor  :o)

Mom (and Grandma) Would be Proud!

This post doesn't have anything to do with bears or bear related projects but it does have to do with my Mom (and Grandma :o)   I decided to try my hand at a recipe I found on Pinterest today and I know my Mom (and Grandma) would be so proud of me!   I made my own Laundry Detergent from ingredients that both Mom and Grandma used to use.   It was very inexpensive and it works and smells great, too!    The recipe called for 1 Laundry Bar of Fels-Naptha Soap (grated small) and then you add 1 cup of  Arm & Hammer Washing Soda and mix in 1-1/2 cups of 20 Mule Team Borax.  You only need 1-1/2 to 2 heaping tablespoons per load.  I washed an entire load of towels and sheets/pillowcases and they all came out so clean and it's good for the environment!    I know in this day and age when there are dozens of types of laundry detergent to choose from, it seems kind of silly to make your own, but it was fun to give it a try and I know Mom would be proud of my ingenuity!  Have a blessed Sunday!   Hugs, Janice

 

Working on 4 Puppies at Once!

I was going to finish one more puppy from my "Tototoo" pattern before offering the pattern for sale.  My dilemma,  I could not choose a fabric to make it from!  So, I decided to cut out 4 puppies to solve the problem!   I am currently working on these 4 puppies (each one a different color and different density mohair).   Once they are done, I will post two for adoption from my website and two for adoption from eBay.   Then I will offer the pattern for sale, as well!  I hope you will check back to meet the pups!
Have a blessed Sunday!  Lots of hugs,  Janice

Finally Finished the Straggler!

Finally!  The last Gallery bear was completed tonight (or I guess I should say in the wee hours of the morning  :o)   Her name is April (I couldn't resist posting her on my website with an instrumental version of Simon & Garfunkel's "April Come She Will"  playing in the background)   She is made from one of my early patterns and it was a lot of fun revisiting this design!    She found a home as soon as I posted her but I thought I would show you her picture.  The Link to April's Web Page

I hope you have a blessed week!   Lots of hugs, Janice

Gallery Fizz Out!

The Gallery planned for last week fizzled out when a migraine decided to visit in the midst of creating!  I still plan to have one bear from the Show Gallery finished by April 10th and made available on my website. The next Gallery Show of Available Bears is scheduled for Sunday, April 28th at 7:00 p.m. Mountain Time, USA and hopefully it will go as planned!   Oh, and the puppy pattern I am going to be offering - that has been put on hold, too!  I am going to make a Yorkie from the pattern before I offer it for sale - so, be on the lookout for a Yorkie Booh made from my Tototoo pattern and after that, then the pattern will be made available for sale on my website and in my etsy shop!   Thank you for stopping by and reading my ramblings!   Have a blessed day!  xxxx

Coming Soon! Gallery of Available Bears ...

I've gotten sidetracked again!  This coming Wednesday, March 27th at 7:00 p.m. Mountain time will be the next Gallery Show of Available bears!   Here is a sneak peek of the fabric used on the bears debuting!

I hope you'll stop over on Wednesday evening to see the new bears!  Booh Bears Website
Thank you so very much for your interest in my latest creations!  Hugs & Blessings, Janice

Some Vintage Easter Postcards to share!

I was going through a desk drawer looking for some old editing software I used to use (and love and lost with the computer crash).  I know at one point I had a disk of that software but I can't seem to find it!  The company is no longer in business, so I am at my Sister's mercy (I'm praying she still has her original disk :o)  If you try to copy the software rather than upload from the original disk, it goes in to sample mode which is no fun at all!  In all of my digging, I came across an old disk that had some vintage Easter postcards on it and I thought they were too beautiful not to share!   I hope you have a Blessed and Happy Easter.  Enjoy!   Lots of hugs,   Janice