Wish You Were Here, Mom

Cherished Gift from an Internet Angel ...

2012-02-19T15:33:00.004-07:00

A couple weeks ago I posted about our pet rat, Charlotte, who passed away. I mentioned if someone had told me 5 years ago I would mourn the loss of a rat, I would have shuddered! Well, we have adopted, cared for, and lost a few rats in the past 5 years and I do mourn them - especially Charlotte. She was my constant companion in the computer room - I miss her little face peering at me as I type. One of the sweetest ladies read my post and she proceeded to make a little "Charlotte Angel" and she sent her to me! I received little Charlotte by Alena of Vintee Town Bears (Alena's Blog - Vintee Town Bears) last week and I was brought to tears. Such a beautiful and kind gesture from a sweet lady whom I've never met in person but who touched my heart more than she will ever know. Thank you, Dear Alena, for my little Charlotte. She sits right here by me in the computer room, peering at me. She's a reminder that Charlotte is a little Angel now but mostly she is a reminder that there are Angels who read my blog! xoxo, Janice
(Picture of Charlotte and her sister, Julia, who was adopted in November)

Congratulations Esther, you are the winner!

2012-02-14T00:07:00.001-07:00

Esther, I'm so excited you won the giveaway heart ornament! The random number generator picked number 15 which is you! Congrats! Thanks to everyone who played along! I enjoy giveaways, so there will be more in the future!
Hugs & Blessings,
Janice

Happy Valentine's Day Booh Bear!

2012-02-13T12:29:00.002-07:00

My latest little Booh is a Valentine's girl named Ruby. She is available for adoption on my website. She is made of the most beautiful discontinued viscose/cotton blend fabric from Tyber of Belgium. Thanks to Joanne Livingston of Desert Mountain Bear, I was able to stock up on some lovely discontinued fabrics from a local fabric store - they acquired several samples of fabric from Tyber and Tissavel of France. If you have a moment to peek in Ruby's auction, she loves visitors! Thanks so much and have a very HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
http://www.boohbears.com

Losing Another Precious Little Friend

2012-02-08T12:11:00.001-07:00

Well, it's inevitable, when you love animals and reside with them, there will come a time when you must decide if you are keeping them here for yourself or for them. Our little Wazley was a rescue ferret and she was a joy to say the least. When my daughter first rescued her, she could not even walk she was so badly malnourished and abused. She nursed her back to health and what was once a shell of a ferret was now a playful, sweet little bundle of trouble. Though she was blind and deaf, she still played and she still made us laugh at her antics. We were blessed with a healthy Wazley for over 2 years. The past couple months, her health was declining and it became apparent that it was too painful for her to even go to the bathroom anymore. So, we made the decision to take her in and have her euthanized. I still struggle with the thought of me taking it in to my own hands deciding when it's time for a living being to live or die. I wish it were easier, I wish she would have just slipped away in a peaceful sleep without me having to decide to make her slip away. I do know that she's creating joyful havoc over the rainbow bridge now and she is not in pain any longer. Rest in peace, our sweet little Wazley. xoxo, Janice

Valentine Heart Giveaway!

2012-02-03T08:59:00.011-07:00

Another one of my "Sidetracked" adventures led me to making this little heart ornament yesterday. It measures 3" long and 3.5" across. The base is hand-dyed silk rayon fabric and then oodles of silk ribbon flowers, beads, antique buttons and some antique ribbon trim were added and voila....it's all set to give away! All you have to do to win is:
1) Be (or become) a follower of this blog
2) Leave a comment on this post and if you are "Anonymous" or do not have contact info., please let me know how I can contact you in case you win! I will not use contact info for any other reason but to contact the winner!

That's it! Easy Peasy! The winner will be drawn on Valentine's Day - Feb. 14 - Thank you so much, in advance, for your comments! I won't reply to give an accurate number count for the generator at the end of the giveaway. Have a wonderful day! Hugs, Janice

Some Booh Bear Mice from the Past :O)

2012-02-01T19:12:00.003-07:00

I received a comment about custom orders on my mice, so I decided to post a couple photos of my past mice! They are approximately 4" tall. I hope you enjoy seeing the wee ones in all their finery! I so enjoy making them!

My mice with hats are $225. Mice with tussie mussies are $295. Have a wonderful evening. Hugs, Janice

Good bye, Charlotte

2012-01-30T08:56:00.000-07:00

If you would have told me 5 years ago that I would mourn the loss of a pet rat, I would have probably shuddered! Well, in the past 5 years we have had and lost Jesse, Bella, Rattie, Wat, Adore and now Charlotte. Most of our rats were rescues from Any Rat Rescue in Arizona and some of them were rescues from my daughter's friends but all of them were wonderful pets. Rattie made me laugh so hard it hurt, she would run across the room jumping high in the air with each little piece of paper I scattered for her to pick up and take back to her cage. Wat would run to the laundry room every time we took him out of his cage. Jesse chased the cats and Charlotte was a constant companion here in the computer room. Charlotte passed away this past weekend and I miss her little face peeking out of her cage. I used to be repulsed by rats but after getting to know the many we have rescued over the past few years, I can tell you they each have a special personality just as your cat or dog does. If you love animals, I would truly recommend adopting a pet rat from a local shelter. They are so smart and sweet and everyone needs a little sweetness! xoxo

My Latest Felt Friend!

2012-01-28T11:16:00.000-07:00

Well, after pitching 3 mohair puppies in the trash can, I decided to hide my face in felt for my next project! It worked! I really like the way this little bunny turned out - thank goodness - the trash can was full and I wasn't in the mood to take out the trash just yet! Little Daisy was a joy to make - all the hand stitching is so therapeutic for me. I hope you like her as much as I do! Have a wonderful weekend. Hugs, Janice

Daisy's eBay Auction

Pitching the Puppy!

2012-01-26T23:42:00.000-07:00

Last week I cut out 3 puppies - miniatures from one of my first patterns - I made several of them in 1999 and every few years I pull the pattern out and make a few more. You can imagine my disappointment when I worked on this little one for so many hours and she just refused to conform to my idea and her idea was not even an option - she was hideous! I just now pitched her in the trash. It's not something I do very often and when I do, I feel a sense of sadness. I added some needle felted tufts and thought it was going to work out, but nope, puppy is in the trash! I decided to come to the computer and hide my disappointment in pinterest for a bit! That helped! So many lovely things to see, makes it easy to take my mind off of my blunder! Tomorrow will be a better day! I still have the other two sewn and hopefully when I stuff them and make their little faces, they will turn out! xoxo, Janice

Today's photoshop rambling, birds ... again!

2012-01-25T08:40:00.006-07:00

I'm at it again ... I have bird brain lately...I mean birds are always on my mind! I suppose ever since my Mom passed away, birds have been a huge part of my life. When it was Mom's time to leave this Earth, my Sister and I were at her home in Michigan. It had been a tough year with 12 trips back and forth from Arizona to Michigan as she battled for her life, but on this last trip, we somehow knew we would not be back again. On Christmas Eve Day, 2009, at 4:00 a.m., both my Sister and I were somewhat awake. We both heard the flutter of wings and what sounded like the cooing of a bird but it was the most beautiful noise we had ever heard. The sound was a "whoosh" and a "coo" if I had to explain it in understandable terms and the sound was right in the room. We looked at each other and said "what was that" and at the same moment, we realized it was Mom. At 4:05 a.m. Hospice called and said Mom had just passed away. So, I guess the thought of God taking care of the birds of the air and the sound we heard when Mom left this Earth have created a bond between birds and me that never existed before. Hence, last night's photoshop rambling has to do with birds...again! The words are an old Chinese Proverb. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making it and most of all, I hope you have a song! xoxo

My old bear friend has a new blog!

2012-01-24T11:26:00.000-07:00

My dear friend from way back has just started a new blog and I would love to share it with my blogging friends. Ece Hanson has been making bears for about 12 years. I purchased her first ebay bear way back in the day and we have been friends ever since. She is such a delightful lady and a wonderful artist. This is the link to Ece's blog and if you have a moment to pop in and say "welcome to blogland", I know she would love it! Have a blessed day. xoxo, Janice
Bears by Ece Hanson - New Blog

And sometimes I just play with words ...

2012-01-24T00:41:00.000-07:00

Tonight's midnight ramblings centered around one of my favorite Beatle's songs ... Blackbird. I adore the song. I swapped "It's a Small World After All" (I know, I know!!) to "Blackbird" for my ringtone many years ago...both drove my husband crazy! He's very happy I got a new phone and I can't figure out how to change the ringtone! Well, here's my "Blackbird" photoshop art and tomorrow I really am going to work on those 3 wee puppies I started sewing last week! xoxo

Playing with Photoshop ... Again!

2012-01-23T09:31:00.001-07:00

Okay, last night my madness came in the form of midnight Photoshop ramblings! I won't post all the pictures as they are on facebook AND pinterest! LOL! This one is my favorite, so I thought I would share here! The dress was posted by Vanna Hoyt on Pinterest - Link: Vanna's "Fashion Fun" Pinterest Board and I couldn't help but photoshop this cute bear in to the beautiful dress! My title for this photo: "She Wanted to Stand Out"! I hope you enjoy seeing my musings as much as I enjoy posting them! xoxo

It happened again! Sidetracked in the middle of the night!

2012-01-22T10:37:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure what has happened to my mind but when the midnight hour draws near, it decides to spin off in some sort of creative frenzy that usually includes fabric, lace, ribbons, buttons, this and that and a few bits and bobs, too. I have no control over it whatsoever...I let it do as it may! tee hee! Last night, this is what was created from the frenzy ...

It's available in my etsy shop if you're interested. This is the link: Altered Art Wall Hanging.
Thanks so much for humoring me while I go off on my creative journeys! xoxo

Some Old Friends Who Will Forever Be Mine

2012-01-10T21:48:00.005-07:00

Over the past week I have been trying to "weed out" some of my collections - though I don't have large collections, by any means, I do have several! I was beginning to fear I may end up on some sad version of "Hoarders" if I didn't get it under control...at least a little bit! I've decided to keep most of my artist and one of a kind bears and I am going to part with most of my manufactured and figurine bears. I have moved some of the artist bears up off of the chairs/benches and other places that humans are supposed to inhabit and they now reside on the plant shelf many, many feet above the ground (I'll need a ladder come dusting time)!

During my adventures, I gathered up some of my favorite old friends who have been with me through the years and I remember how each one came to live with me. The little Steiff deer and the mechanical doggie were gifts from my Mom, she loved how the dog's tail turns in circles and his ball comes back to him (it's on a string and when you wind the key on his tummy, he comes alive)! The kitty was a gift from my Sister - one night many, many years ago we were both on line browsing ebay for antique stuffies and we came across this headless kitty - we laughed for what seemed an hour and finally she bid on it. One day a few weeks later in the mail was that headless kitty with a head she created for it! I still laugh now when I look at that kitty! Her dress and bonnet came from my Aunt Eileen. The kitty puppet and the big tiger were also gifts from my Sister. The monkey and the dolls were gifts to myself. The little Russian boy and girl I purchased at a local antique mall and I remember carrying them around for the longest time - putting them back and then going back to pick them up again! Finally, I just took them to the counter and purchased them! The little wooden dolly with the silk mohair I purchased at a yard sale about 20 years ago. I loved her clothespin style hands! Ahhhh, sometimes it's a good thing to "weed out" the old "stuff" but not in this case! These old friends will forever be mine! xoxo

Playing with felt now!

2012-01-07T00:52:00.000-07:00

I spent the day making this little felt Valentine - my first attempt at embroidery going beyond a blanket stitch and a bear nose! I had so much fun making it but what do I do with it now?!! I plan to start working on a Fairy Bear this weekend, maybe I'll give it to her and she'll be a Valentine Fairy ... yes, I think that's what I'll do! That's my favorite kind of "play" ... making something I can use with my bears! xoxo

She's here! Just finished my first Booh Bear (Bunny) of 2012!

2012-01-05T12:14:00.001-07:00

I finally finished my first Booh of the year! I've been spending way too much time "playing" with photoshop and browsing blogs, pinterest and facebook...shame! So, here's Teryn, she's available for immediate adoption on my website: Teryn's Adoption Page

Okay, on to the next piece of fabric calling for me to turn it in to a bear ... cat ... fox ... ??!! What next?! xoxo

A New Booh Bear (Bunny) Coming Later Today...but in the Meantime....

2012-01-05T07:56:00.002-07:00

I have been "playing" way too much with Photoshop and not enough time is being spent on bear making - I have a show to get ready for in March and haven't even started on my bears...YIKES! I am a follower of Vanna Hoyt's blog (delusions of grandeur) and I also follow her pinterest boards (Vanna's Pinterest Boards) and one of her boards has some gorgeous dresses ... well, I decided to dress some animals in her pinned dresses and I thought I would share them with you! Okay, I know, you may think I have way too much time on my hands...or, as my daughter says "you've lost it" ..the fact of the matter is, I don't have nearly enough time to be playing like this and I'm having so much fun that if "I've lost it", then I'm okay with that! Nose to the grindstone today....really...a new Booh Bunny is coming in just a few hours! xoxo

Side tracked in the New Year!

2012-01-03T12:48:00.001-07:00

Okay, I've fallen off the beaten path the past few days! I dearly love bear making but I also love other creative outlets, as well. I have been playing on pinterest quite a bit lately and finding some beautiful one of a kind doll pictures ... well, this one doll just touched my heart and I had to use her picture. This is not something I would sell because the doll was made by someone else but I had fun playing with the picture! If anyone out there knows who the artist is, I would love to contact her (him) and ask if it's okay for me use their photo for my personal "fun"! Okay, I must really get back to the beaten path now...Ahhhhh, it is well with my soul!!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T10:17:00.002-07:00

I started making bears in January 1998 and here it's already 2012! Fourteen years and I have loved every minute of it! I have met so many kindhearted people who share a common bond of anything hand crafted; vintage or antique "junque", animals of all kinds...oh, the list goes on and on! The internet opened a whole new world for me back then. You have broadened my horizons way beyond my wildest dreams! I thank you all for being a part of my life and I pray we may continue our friendships over the coming years. May God Bless You all abundantly with love, comfort, peace and joy. Happy New Year!

Congrats Susana from Hong Kong - You are the Winner!

2011-12-31T00:23:00.000-07:00

Using Random.Org to generate a winner for my "Paula" Blog Giveaway, Susana from Hong Kong was chosen! The Random Number Generator came up with number 4, Susana had 2 chances and the person above her had 2 chances (with a comment and a blog post) - so Susana, be on the lookout for a wee little Booh Bear coming home to you soon! xoxo, Janice

The Giveaway will end in just a few days!

2011-12-28T11:22:00.000-07:00

Hello there! If you haven't already become a follower and left a comment on Paula's post, please take a moment to do that now! I will be drawing a winner on Saturday morning (December 31st). Just click on the top link of the sidebar with Paula's picture and it will take you to her post! Good luck to those of you who have already followed and left a comment! xoxo

My 2010 "Mom's Here" Christmas Blessing!

2011-12-13T07:58:00.004-07:00

Since I received so many sweet comments about my 2011 "Mom's Here" post, I thought I would share last year's "Mom's Here" moment! My Mom was welcomed in to Heaven on Christmas Eve, 2009, which makes this time of year a little bittersweet. When it was time to start Christmas shopping last year, it took a bit of willpower to get into the mood but I set out to do my best. When you live in the Phoenix area with over 4 million people, you can imagine the amount of traffic and how likely it is to see the same vehicle several miles away, several hours later, well, this is what happened ...at the main road by our house, there was a car stopped in front of me at the light with a personalized license plate that read "Rejoice". I had never seen the car before and it made me smile. I went about my day, shopping and driving all over the place. Several hours later and quite a few miles from home, I came to a stop at a traffic light and who do you think was in front of me?! "Rejoice"! I laughed right out loud, looked up to Heaven and said "okay, I get it!"...I decided to spend the rest of the Holiday rejoicing! I have never seen that car again, either! God's orchestration of our footsteps never ceases to amaze me. I hope I will continue to be blessed this time of year with little surprises that remind me of Mom's presence and I pray God will Bless You abundantly, as well! Merry Christmas! Hugs, Janice

Mom's Here!

2011-12-11T12:47:00.002-07:00

About a week ago I was making room for a new little bear that I added to my hug ... as I was moving things around, I picked up a wee bear that my Sister and Mom collaborated on to make for me in 2004. The wee bear sat on top of a very sweet little Longaberger basket with a lid. I have removed the bear to dust the lid over the years, and even moved the basket from place to place but have not looked INSIDE the basket since it was given to me! Well, last week as I was moving the basket and I heard something jiggle inside, I opened it up and found this note:

My beautiful Mom left this earth on Christmas Eve 2009. I miss her so very much and I so needed this! I love you, Mom. Thank you for being here.

New (Old) Booh Bear is here!

2011-12-10T10:03:00.005-07:00

Well, I finally cut in to my new (old) ... over 100 year old mohair this past week and Clara is who came to be! I made her long and lean so she could wear the vintage coat I found at a local doll shop. Clara has found a forever home! Hugs, Janice

Candy Bar Wrapper - Inexpensive, Quick Stocking Stuffer idea!

2011-12-08T18:04:00.005-07:00

I had so much fun sharing my hat tutorial last week that I thought I would share another little ditty I make! I've been making these candy bar wrappers for quite a few years, too, and thought you might be interested in using the idea for a quick, inexpensive gift! Each photo describes how I made my candy bar wrapper but you can make substitutions - this is simply an idea I thought I would share! Hugs, Janice

I just finished the two below - they are both made from an illustration of two birds, one printed out on glossy photo paper while the other is printed on cardstock. Just an example of a couple other ideas for your candy bar wrappers! They can be shared year round - just choose different postcards/photos! Have fun!

Tutorial - Felt Hat for my Next Bear (Modeled by my Jun Planning Dal :O)

2011-12-02T16:35:00.010-07:00

Many years ago, I taught a workshop on making molded wool felt hats for bears - it's been years since I've made one but with my new/old 100 year old mohair, I decided I would make a hat for the bear I am going to make. This way, she'll have something to wear once she comes to be! It's done in the old world way (though I did try to use the microwave to dry it after forming it ... fail, can't use the microwave!!). I've decided to share a tutorial of exactly how these hats are made - the explanation for each step is printed on the photo. The top does not have to be round, you can use any number of things for shape - I'm trying a styrofoam ball tonight for a mini hat! If you have any questions, please let me know - I'll be happy to help you make your own "molded felt hat"! Hugs, Janice

I finished a little hat last night for my wee Lati Doll - although she's not impressed, I kind of like it! The top was molded and formed on her tiny hat using a styrofoam ball. I carved a small 1/16th of an inch groove around the entire ball at the spot I wanted the top of the hat to end and the brim to begin. This way the rubber band fit snugly over the felt and sat in the groove while it dried.

One Little Booh Looking for a new home!

2011-11-23T19:11:00.010-07:00

After staying awake until 2:30 a.m. and getting back up at 6:30, I was able to finish my latest Gallery on time! I should always give myself 2 extra days beyond when I think I'm going to finish so that those extra little details can be done without staying awake until the wee hours of the morning! I guess that's part of a crafter's life, though! I've been this way for years and I kind of enjoy it! I'll be doing my first "in person" show in years in March next year and I haven't even begun to think about the bears I'll be doing for the show! I'll probably wait until a week beforehand and stay up every night finishing up my bears! There is just one little Booh left from the Gallery - Star can be found on my website: http://www.BoohBears.com click on the "Available" button to go to her page! Thanks so much! xoxo

My "Helper" ... what would I do without her?!

2011-11-18T18:04:00.000-07:00

Seems my little Pixie has decided that I am not working fast enough on these Gallery bears so she has decided to point out which one I should work on next. She's such a good helper, maybe I will have it all done by Sunday evening! Stay tuned for the next Gallery Showing sometime between Sunday and Tuesday! xoxo

Ooooh lala! I'm so excited I can hardly stand it!

2011-11-18T17:50:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I received the most beautiful antique mohair in the mail. It is over 100 years old and it's all I can do to NOT use it ... yet! I'm working on a small sale Gallery of bears that is supposed to debut on Sunday (it's looking more like Tuesday now!) and I keep telling myself I have to finish the Gallery bears before I allow myself to "play" with the antique mohair ... b-u-t, it is sooo tempting! I must remove it from the sewing room so I am not distracted while I work on the Gallery bears! xoxo

Congrats, Jessica, Blog Follower #100

2011-11-17T12:36:00.001-07:00

In the midst of my latest "Blog Giveaway", I hit Blog Follower #100 and I couldn't let that go unnoticed! So, a goodie bag is on it's way to Jessica! Congrats to you for being Follower #100! Stay tuned for the "Paula Booh Bear Blog Giveaway" on December 31st! Hugs, Janice
Jess was kind enough to post about her goodie bag! Here's a link to her blog - I'm sure she would love a visit from you! Link to Jess' Blog - Stitchin' Treasures

These little Booh's are making their debut on my website!

2011-11-10T21:53:00.005-07:00

Click this link to go to my website and see these little ones!

I had so much fun making these little girls! The fabric for the bunny was given to me by a dear friend and I love it! It is so soft and it is synthetic so it's cruelty free! The wee mouse is an Eileen Seifert design that I revised. On to the next little one! xoxo

Finally Finished Two New Patterns for Sale!

2011-11-06T20:12:00.002-07:00

What a fun day I had trying to get my website to accept uploads! But, the good news is, it finally worked and I have 2 new patterns available. One is Mary and she's great for beginners as there are no hand or foot pads and she doesn't have a head gusset! Soooo easy peasy!! The second one is Forestina, I designed her to stand on her own and she's so cute! If you are new to bear making, there are easy to understand instructions included. The patterns can also be purchased from my etsy shop. Now, back to the drawing board! xoxo
http://www.boohbears.com/page4.html

Booh Bear Giveaway! CONGRATS SUSANA!

2011-10-29T23:12:00.012-07:00

** A winner has been chosen! Congrats to Susana from Hong Kong! ** Using Random.Org number generator, Susana's #4 was chosen (one person with 2 chances above her and Susana with 2 chances)! Be on the lookout for a new Booh coming home soon, Susana!

It's been a while since I've done a "Blog Giveaway" and decided that it's time for another!   Little Paula is 5.75" tall and she is made from a revised V. Galli pattern of a mohair/alpaca blend. She wears a vintage dolly dress and is quite a character! To be entered in the drawing all you have to do is:
1) Either already be a follower of this blog or become one and
2) Leave a comment on this post
and for another chance to win,
3) Post this Giveaway on your Blog or Website with proof (link mentioned in your comment)
The drawing will be held Dec. 31st! Please be sure to check back on this site on Dec. 31st as the winner will be announced here!   I went through and removed all of my personal comments so that when I do the random number generator it will be true with only comments from contest participants involved in the count. Thanks so much and Good Luck!

Sneak Peek for the Who is Who in Bearmaking Show next week!

2011-10-28T14:33:00.001-07:00

Well, after a mishap of making 4 bears from a revised V. Galli pattern that I learned I wasn't allowed to sell, I scurried to make 2 new bears of my own patterns that I designed specifically for the show. I will be selling the patterns from my website on the day of the show, as well. Here is a sneak peek of the 2 Booh's who will be available next weekend (Nov. 5 & 6) at the Who is Who in Bearmaking On-Line Holiday Bazaar

Booh Bears in the Russian Webzine "Pretty Toys"!

2011-10-28T09:54:00.001-07:00

I was so happy to see the photos I sent to the Webzine "Pretty Toys" published in their Holiday Issue today! Below Boohbeary's photo is a link and it's FREE! If you are a teddy bear artist, they are calling for photos, articles, etc. for future issues!

"Pretty Toys" - Free Webzine

A Bag of Heaven from my friend in Maryland!

2011-10-26T15:40:00.001-07:00

Oh my, what a lovely surprise I received today! A special delivery all the way from Maryland from my friend, Cindy! She knew how much I missed the Autumn leaves that Mom would send every Fall so she decided to step in for Mom and send me a special box filled with Autumn leaves from Maryland and Pennsylvania! You are the best, Cindy! Thank you so much for thinking of me and sending along a little piece of East Coast Joy!

Little Emily is Flying off to Russia!

2011-10-22T14:16:00.001-07:00

Little Emily has found a new home in Russia! She's the first Booh Bear to make her way Russia and I couldn't be happier!

So happy to have one of my patterns in Teddy Bear Review this month!

2011-10-13T11:34:00.004-07:00

I just received a digital copy of Teddy Bear Review and I am speechless! I feel so honored to have a pattern I designed featured in the magazine! I wish Mom were here to share! I know she would be so excited! Her quilt patterns were published many times and it was so fun to share that excitement with her. I feel her smiling from Heaven :O) xoxo

Newest Booh Bear - a real labor of love!

2011-10-04T23:57:00.007-07:00

Wow - this little one took me over 3 days on her face alone - I decided to use taxidermy eyes, needle felt eye surrounds and then re-root mohair around the eyes, as well. Spending countless hours, I have once again vowed that it will be a while before I do this again! I seem to forget how time consuming a project like this can be! I love the way "Bebe Nellie" turned out, though! Thanks Joanne Livingston (Desert Mountain Bears) for your amazing tutorials - I wouldn't have even tried to tackle these feats if it weren't for you!

Little Breena, my Fairy Bear, won 2nd Place in the TBAAF Contest!

2011-09-28T23:02:00.001-07:00

I was thrilled to learn that my fairy bear, Breena, won second place in the Fantasy Category of the Teddy Bear Artists and Friends Online Contest! I know I shamelessly asked for those on my list to cast a vote and I am so grateful to those of you who voted for little Breena! A BIG THANK YOU!!! xoxo

Honored to be a part of Nicky Portsmouth's (Treacle Bears) new room!

2011-09-28T22:54:00.001-07:00

Nicky redid her room and her newest little Booh Bear has a very special place there! Thank you, Nicky, for sharing this photo! xoxo

Bird of Paradise!

2011-09-10T23:27:00.002-07:00

I was outside tonight taking pictures of the skyline and my Bird of Paradise looked so pretty, I thought I would snap a shot of it, too! Mom so loved flowers and her garden was always tended - she often sent me pictures of her tulips and roses and iris - what a joy it was each Spring to receive a special envelope full of flower photos from Mom! This one is for you, Mom!

My Sister and I hung our Mom's 9/11 Quilt this past week

2011-09-05T11:01:00.000-07:00

My Sister, Patty, and I hung our Mom's 9/11 Quilt at the Livonia, Michigan Public Library/Civic Center

My cousin, Carol, approached the administrator at the Livonia Public Library/Civic Center about displaying my Mom's 9/11 Quilt in honor of those whose lives were touched by the tragedy 10 years ago. They welcomed the idea, so we flew back to Michigan last week to hang the Quilt. It will be displayed for the entire month of September. It is such an honor to be able to share Mom's quilt with the people of Michigan. It's hard to believe it has been 10 years. God Bless our Beautiful America. xoxo

Naval Booh Bear Just in Time for a Visit With Dad!

2011-08-28T11:04:00.000-07:00

I just finished a Naval Booh Bear in time to show pictures to my Dad, a Navy guy himself! At the end of this post is a photo of my Dad "back in the day" and one of my bear just finished! Once or twice a year my Sister, who lives in Florida, and I (living in Arizona across the country) converge on Dad to spend some time with him. We make it a time to include Mom, too (though she's been physically gone for almost 2 years now). Usually we include her by submitting a dozen or so of her handcrafted Quilts in a Quilt Show. This time will be a little different. We are going to be displaying her 9/11 Quilt called "The Day America Cried" in the City Hall/Public Library in the town her and my Dad lived. Mom's amazing King Size Quilt is a beautiful work of art that captures both the tragedy of the day and then the love of fellow men and women stepping up to help where help was needed afterwards. The Quilt will hang in remembrance of the 10 year Anniversary of the tragedy. My family and I are honored to be allowed a special place in City Hall to hang Mom's work of art. Thank you, Mom, for a legacy of love that lives on and thank you, Dad, for your service to this wonderful Country. We are very proud of you both!

I will take a better picture once the quilt is hanging - I'll be able to capture the whole thing, then!

It Feels Like You're Here, Mom!

2011-08-17T08:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday in the mail, I received the most professional looking Teddy Bear Magazine I have ever had the pleasure to open ... though I couldn't read a word of it - it's in German! The Magazine is "Teddys Kreativ" and Verena Greene-Christ wrote an article about my bears - she included so many pictures (even though I can't read the words, it was fun to see the pictures!) I feel so honored and humbled and all I could do was think "Mom would be so proud". My Mom was such an amazing artist and her works were published in numerous magazines. Every time one of my bears was published, I would send Mom a copy of the Magazine - since that's not possible, I will share it with you! Still, I can almost hear Mom all excited and chattering about what a lovely magazine it is and how wonderful the article is! It feels like you're here, Mom!

So much fun "playing" with new mohair and baby clothes!

2011-08-13T20:11:00.000-07:00

I finished a little girl this evening using some of the mohair and an outfit that my "Angel" gifted me - what fun it was creating her! Jodie is now available on eBay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250875474373

Just Added a New Pattern to my Website!

2011-08-12T21:11:00.000-07:00

I designed the Pattern to make this 7" Baby Bear at the same time I designed the one for Joyau which will be in TBR (to be published in their magazine for sale in October). The Pattern for this bear (Noel) is now available on my Website: http://www.boohbears.com/page4.html

Update on my Pattern in Teddy Bear Review Christmas Issue!

2011-08-12T15:44:00.000-07:00

I just received word from Joyce Greenholdt - TBR Editor - that the Christmas Issue (with Joyau's pattern) will be mailed on October 5th and the digital issue should be on-line October 6th. For those of you interested in obtaining a copy of the magazine, subscriptions can be purchased on-line: http://www.teddybearreview.com/subscribe.html

Breena the Booh Bear Fairy in TBAAF Competiton! Please Vote!

2011-08-12T07:39:00.001-07:00

I don't usually enter competitions but since the TBAAF Competition was free to enter and had a category for Fantasy Creations, I thought my little fairy bear, Breena, would be a good one to enter. She is now posted on the site waiting for a vote or two! Please vote for your favorite (two of my friends entered Bumble Bee Bears and they are adorable!) by following the link below - Thanks so much! xoxo
http://www.teddy-bear-artists-and-friends.com/fantasybearanimalcategory.htm

I'm pleased to say that Breena did win in her Fantasy Category! Thank you ever so much for your votes!

My Dear "Angel" Struck Again!

2011-08-05T11:04:00.000-07:00

My friend who gave me the 2 boxes of mohair last month has struck again! Yesterday the postman left a huge box of my favorite "Odds & Ends", "Bits & Bobs" and if that wasn't enough, a little bit of "This & That", too! There were antique baby clothes (bonnets, dresses and precious shoes), ribbons, ombre ribbon flowers already made up, a wee little bird cage, buttons, thread, glass eyes, bear joints, just too many items to list them all. I have cried happy tears a few times in the past two days! I feel so blessed! I can hardly wait to get started on some of the bears and bunnies who will wear these sweet things! Thank you from the bottom of my grateful heart, dear friend! xxxx <3<3<3

Saying Hello to an Old Friend and her Little Booh!

2011-08-04T00:44:00.000-07:00

I was just about ready to shut down the computer and crawl in to bed when an email popped up from a lady who used to adopt my bears "back in the day"! Jen sent a photo of her little "Kiwi" who was created in 1999 (a year after my bear making began). I laughed right out loud when I saw her, it was like seeing an old friend! I cherish my old friends and welcome the new ones. These are the bear moms (and dads) who have allowed me to share in their lives throughout the years, beginning a friendship based solely on the simple common thread of a teddy bear. Bear making has brought me more joy in the past 13 years than I could have ever imagined. Thank you, dear friends! xoxo

Making a Flower Shaped Pin Cushion Tutorial

2011-08-03T23:39:00.000-07:00

A while ago a friend asked me to share details on how I make the wee cushions for my bears. This is a rather primitive tutorial on how I do it. I'm sure a professional would have some comments regarding my techniques but this is what works best for me. I often use felt and blanket stitch around the edges with wrong sides together but the tutorial is for one I made with satin which was sewn by machine with right sides together. I looked at many books on silk flower making before I found my favorite which is "Ribbonwork: The Complete Guide" by Helen Gibb. I would love to see pictures of your finished cushion! Have fun creating! xoxo

Joyau's New Dress and Bonnet!

2011-08-03T08:43:00.000-07:00

Finding a sweet child's dress in disrepair in an antique shop in Ouray, Colorado was just what the doctor ordered for little Joyau! I took the Irish lace hem and created her bonnet and pinafore from it (and I still have some remnants left for another wee outfit)! So much fun! xoxo

Treasures That Tickle My Fancy!

2011-08-02T21:31:00.000-07:00

Mike and I spent the last 5 days in Ouray, Colorado (this is the most beautiful little town in the U.S., (pictures to follow). We went antique shopping (he hates this but humors me!) in all the surrounding areas (Telluride, Ridgeway, Montrose) and I found oodles of goodies for my bears (and me!!!). One of my favorite finds was a wee little antique perfume funnel - I didn't even know what it was but was drawn to it so much so that I didn't even ask the price, I had to have it! I found three precious antique baby dresses, one made in France with the most beautiful needlework around the hem and another with Irish lace. I found a beautiful bracelet with gorgeous deep ruby red glass beads and an old powder box - so sweet! In another antique store I found a beautiful antique red lacquer box with a precious painted bird and the box was filled with antique cotton and silk thread - just beautiful. Mom would have loved this as she loved birds and loved silk thread! I think she would have loved all of my "finds" ... I hope you don't mind me sharing them with you! xoxo

Yaye! I finished 3 Gold Bears for Teddy Bear Review to Choose from!

2011-07-27T20:01:00.000-07:00

http://www.boohbears.com/page31.htmlI am so happy I was able to complete 3 brand new patterns for Teddy Bear Review to choose from! The one they choose will be in the Christmas Issue of TBR! All you have to do to receive the pattern is buy the magazine! I feel very blessed to be able to share one of my patterns in such a wonderful magazine! Ahhh, I love being a teddy bear maker!

Congrats Katy! You are the Winner of the Mini Bear Fabrics!

2011-07-24T14:53:00.000-07:00

Hello,
I want to thank everyone who entered to win the latest "Wish You Were Here, Mom" Blog Giveaway! Katy is the winner of the Mini Bear Fabric Giveaway! Congrats! There will be more giveaways in the future as I truly enjoy sharing! Hugs & Blessings, Janice

Giveaway #2 - 12 Pieces of Mini Bear Fabric, Some Mohair, Some Hand Dyed! Drawing 07/24/11

2011-07-22T15:43:00.000-07:00

I've decided to have another "Wish You Were Here, Mom" Blog Giveaway! This time there are 12 different colors of Mini Bear Fabric, Some Mohair (purchased from Vivianne Galli of The Old Pincushion), Some are small pieces of my hand-dyed silk rayon (enough for a mini bear). All you need to do to enter is become a "Follower" of my Blog! If you already are a Follower, you are automatically entered! Good Luck! xoxo

"Good as Gold Gallery" - Wed. July 27 at 4:00 p.m. Mountain Time!

2011-07-22T15:39:00.000-07:00

I am designing a pattern for the magazine Teddy Bear Review's Christmas Issue. They would like the bear to be gold in color, so for the next 5 days, I intend to make at least 3 Gold Bears from a pattern that I design and I will post the Gallery of all of the bears on Wednesday. I will not be selling this pattern, it will be free to those who buy the Christmas Issue of Teddy Bear Review (available in October). The Bears I make with the pattern design will be for sale on Wednesday! I hope you will be able to make it to my Gallery Showing! Thanks so much!

I finally finished the Sedona Red Rock Dyed Booh!

2011-07-20T12:05:00.000-07:00

This little one has been a few weeks in the making! Sedona was made by dyeing her mohair with boiled Sedona, Arizona red rocks. I needle felted and then rooted strand by strand (Joanne Livingston style!!) her muzzle with white mohair. I hope you like her! xoxo

Needing a bear hug and a Mom's reassuring word

2011-07-19T01:05:00.000-07:00

Today, someone tried to break in to our home while we were here. It made me feel frightened and violated even though they didn't succeed. I wish Mom was here, she always knew what to say to make me feel better in every situation! I am grateful God was watching over us. I think Mom would say to find a bear for hugs, be thankful it ended the way it did and hope for an even better day tomorrow...

New Silk Rayon Fabric Has Been Dyed!

2011-07-06T16:30:00.000-07:00

I just finished dyeing my latest shipment of silk rayon fabric. Ooooh, I have some interesting and pretty colors to share! I'll be posting them for sale from my website and etsy later today! Whoops, I didn't even post them to etsy! I'm pleased to say that all of the colors have been purchased from my website! They disappeared rather quickly and it will be a while before I tackle dyeing again! Though it is a lot of fun, it's also a lot of work! xoxo

I'm finding lost treasures!

2011-07-04T12:53:00.000-07:00

While making room for my new gifted bearmaking items, I have come across a few treasures that I forgot I had - this one is my favorite - a stash of antique mother of pearl buttons, some of them with beautiful etched designs. These buttons tell a story of days gone by and they make me smile!

Congratulations to Lyn from Australia, Winner of my first Blog Giveaway!

2011-07-04T00:16:00.000-07:00

Congrats, Lyn! Thank you so much to everyone who participated by becoming a follower! There will be more Giveaways to come - I truly enjoyed sharing.
Hugs & Blessings

First "Wish You Were Here, Mom" Blog Giveaway - Monday, July 4, 2011

2011-07-01T14:36:00.000-07:00

After being gifted 2 large boxes of mohair today, I decided to make room for the new mohair by giving away some of the older mohair that has been in my "stash" for a while now! I am giving away 4 pcs. of beautiful vintage mohair totaling almost a yard. All you need to do to be entered in the giveaway is to become a follower of my Blog. This is not a Booh Bear Blog but rather a blog that was created to share what I am working on, things I used to share with my Mom when she was here. Occasionally there will be tutorials and pattern giveaways and other miscellaneous posts. The drawing will be held Monday, July 4th, 2011. I hope you will follow! If you would like to post the giveaway on your Blog, too, that would be great! Thank you!
Hugs & Blessings,
Janice

An Angel From Heaven Touched my Heart Today!

2011-07-01T14:11:00.000-07:00

The doorbell rang, the UPS truck pulled away and I opened the front door to 2 full boxes of Heaven! A dear friend warned me to be on the lookout for a couple boxes she was sending. I had no idea what to expect and what I found was beyond my wildest dreams! Between the tears of joy and wondering what I can ever do to thank her, I decided I better get busy and clear out a few pieces of "old mohair" to make room for my new "stash"! I plan to have my first "Blog Giveaway" and will post it soon! I humbly thank you, my dear friend, for your kindness and generosity. I am forever grateful xoxo

Odds & Ends, Bits & Bobs, This & That ... My goodness!

2011-06-30T22:55:00.000-07:00

Okay, I am overly tired and in a goofy mood so I decided to do a search on ebay and etsy using the words "Odds & Ends", "Bits & Bobs" and my final search - "This & That"! I'm pleased to announce that I found a really neat old medicine box with a precious antique tin, a Navy Man's Letter to his Mom and some other very useful "Odds & Ends" tucked inside the medicine box on etsy! tee hee! Mom would be so proud of my ingenuity, she would have said "way to go finding those amazing bits & bobs for your projects"! I guess it's time for me to go to bed and dream about this & that ...

Many Thanks to my friend, Esther!

2011-06-27T02:47:00.000-07:00

Wherever there are people, there are opportunities to be kind. Showing kindness provides a feeling of tranquility that transcends the difficulties in our lives and reminds us that there is as much good in the world as there is in our hearts. (Quoted from one of my past yoga instructors :O) THANK YOU, ESTHER, FOR YOUR KINDNESS IN HELPING ME REDO MY BLOG. YOU ARE SUCH A BLESSING! xoxo

Sweet Baby Lavigne (Wayne Lim's Niece) with Bobbie a Booh Mouse!

2011-06-26T21:24:00.000-07:00

Sweet little Baby Lavigne posing with Booh Mouse, Bobbie! Thank you so much, Wayne, for sharing this photo! She's so beautiful! xoxo

New Colors of Silk Rayon Fabric Dyed Yesterday!

2011-06-10T12:26:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun with my first offering of dyed silk rayon fabric, that I decided to buy 2 more yards of fabric and spent yesterday (and in to the wee hours of the morning) dyeing more! You would think having this much fun has to be illegal!

From my friend, Christine, for you Mom!

2011-06-06T16:41:00.000-07:00

Christine painted this wee little hummingbird for what would have been Mom's 82nd Birthday on June 4th! Mom's favorite's were hummingbirds and this wee little painting is just perfect! Thank you, Christine! For those who are interested in seeing more of Christine's art, this is the link to her etsy shop:
http://www.etsy.com/search/handmade?search_submit=&q=Christine+Krauss

Hand dyed this mohair using Sedona Red Rocks!

2011-06-05T13:17:00.000-07:00

When Alison McKee and Joanne Livingston and I took a trip up to Sedona last year, I borrowed some of the gorgeous red rocks from Sedona to dye some mohair with. I finally soaked the rocks in boiling water this weekend and used my finest vintage kid mohair to dye. It's not as red as I would have liked but it's still a very pretty color! I'm looking forward to making a bear from it!

A great find! Vintage tatted trim for my next cushion project!

2011-05-23T18:23:00.000-07:00

Antique hankies dyed for new cushions! Pretty pastels!

2011-05-19T18:22:00.001-07:00

Cushions I made for my wee bears and bunnies!

2011-05-19T18:00:00.000-07:00

More wee ones with hand dyed silk flower embellishments!

2011-05-13T15:40:00.003-07:00

I made this wee one for a friend's Mom ...

2011-05-02T20:37:00.000-07:00

Celebrating 5 Years Cancer Free!

2011-05-02T08:23:00.001-07:00

My wee bunny "Believer"

2011-04-28T08:53:00.000-07:00

Believer was created from silk rayon fabric. Her little cushion and balloon were crafted of wool felt with one of a kind silk flowers created with my hand dyed ribbons!

Ribbons that led to the creation of this blog!

2011-04-28T08:18:00.000-07:00