PAT'S PLACE... home of the southern bears

VICTORIA'S SECRETS (3) : BEARS ETC

2011-11-04T10:22:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween

2011-10-30T10:36:00.001-07:00

You may remember my little bear "Sebastian" who appeared here in January. Well, Sebastian and his little friend the black kitty are all ready to go trick and treating tomorrow night. They are terribly excited and just look at that big bag they have in the background to take with them to collect lots and lots of candy! These two are sure to have a tummy ache the next day!

Victory for All Blacks

2011-10-23T10:29:00.000-07:00

To all New Zealanders ... Congratulations!

Victoria's Secrets : (2) Baby store, millenery store

2011-10-23T09:48:00.001-07:00

This building houses a millenery store, a haberdashery store and a baby store.

2011-10-22T10:41:00.000-07:00

Please scroll down to the second last picture on the previous post to see the scale of the items in the miniature dolls house. Unfortunately the pictures appear in reverse to how I posted them.

Victoria's Secrets - (1) The Grocery Store

2011-10-22T10:14:00.001-07:00

As promised, here are the pictures of Victoria A. Harper's treasures. I had the honour of seeing the contents of four of her miniature doll houses today and I was blown away. The first picture has a ballpoint pen lying on the counter top so that you can see high tiny all these items are. When looking at the rest of the pictures, remember the size of the pen! In subsequent posts I will show you the toy store, the millinery store and the store housing the artist and bookshop. Most of the contents of these houses are handmade and custom made for Victoria.

Enjoy the experience and please feel free to ask any questions and I will pass them onto Victoria for expert answers.

To Victoria, thank you so, so much for sharing these marvelous treasures with us.

Watch this space

2011-10-21T11:54:00.000-07:00

Watch this space ... I have a huge treat for everyone!
I am visiting a very special lady tomorrow with a magical collection and I'm taking lots of pics to show you!

Bears and Friends

2011-10-21T09:59:00.000-07:00

More of my collection. I hope you enjoy!

Welcome to my space ...

2011-07-13T05:37:00.000-07:00

2011-07-10T05:49:00.000-07:00

I was trying to do the photo shoot for my newly completed bear, Toffee and eventually coaxed him into sitting still next to Missy. Jemima was not going to be left out! She sat like a statue until all the pictures were taken. She is determined that the bears will not steal her thunder.

On another note, I am having problems with my blog account and cannot comment on anyone's blog. So, thank you very much for visiting mine and leaving lovely comments and as soon as I have sorted out my problems, my comments will be left again. In the meantime I enjoy all your posts in silence!

A blessed week to all of you.

2011-07-02T11:44:00.000-07:00

How lucky am I?? I was at a bear show last weekend and they were selling raffle tickets to raise money for the WWF and this Panda was first prize and I won him! I have taken the photograph of him sitting on a chair in my workroom so that you can see how big he is. He is absolutely gorgeous and wants to be loved and cuddled all the time.

2011-05-31T21:51:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GEORGIA!! Wow, 10 today!!

Have a fabulous day my darling and we wish we could be with you but you are in our hearts all the time. We love you very much and miss you endlessly. From Granny and Oupa (and Jemima)

2011-05-22T08:55:00.000-07:00

I am still desperately trying to finish a bear. He/she is sitting on my work table with such an acusing look on its face. Soon little one, soon ...

Here is a picture of my daughter Candice, granddaughter Georgia and grandson Caleb. I mentioned in a previous post that they came from Australia to visit here is South Africa. The ten days flew by but we had such a good time just catching up.

Georgia is totally in love with her grandfather's Harley Davidson and every time he stopped there were squeals of "one more time"!

2011-05-15T09:58:00.000-07:00

This little bear travelled all the way from Alaska to come and live in South Africa! He was made by Vicki of Custom Teddies and he's the tiniest little fellow, only slightly bigger than a thimble when he is sitting. Unfortunately I am useless at taking pictures of mini bears (and he is mini mini) and this photograph doesn't do him justice. He has a face full of expression and looks like a little vintage bear found in some attic. I was so delighted when he arrived on Friday. I have decided to name him Juno.

Thank you Vicki, I was feeling so down and he arrived to brighten my weekend. All my bears were delighted to meet him and being the smallest in the hug, they are very protective. I will treasure him and take very good care of him. Please tell your sister that the doily is gorgeous, she is a very talented lady.

I hope everyone has a spectacular week.

2011-04-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

Six days to go! My daughter and grandchildren arrive from Australia on the 26th of April. They are travelling all the way from Rockhampton (North East coast) to Johannesburg, South Africa. Excitement levels are ever so high in our household - preparations, cleaning, polishing, decorating, buying of gifts ..... and for the first time in six years I will have one of my children with me on my birthday. What a blessed gift.

2011-04-13T04:19:00.000-07:00

Kitty to teddy ... "Don't be afraid Ferdinand, I will protect you, look how fierce I am!"

2011-04-05T02:40:00.000-07:00

You will succeed not because you're allowed to, but because you decide to.

You will prosper not because of the hand you;ve been dealt, but because of what you do with it.

You can allow yourself to be held back by what is, or you can choose to create what can be.

Whatever comes your way is insignificant when compared to what you make of it.

Though others may have impressive wealth and other advantages going for them, remember this ..

You have you going for you.

You have a solid, authentic purpose and the determination to fulfil that purpose. You have a unique perspective and the ability to leverage that perspective into real, lasting value.

That's more than enough to take you wherever you choose to go, no matter what your starting point may be. Whether circumstances favour you or not, your commitment and your actions can always be working in your favour. Don't waste your time obsessing over what's unfair or unfortunate about your situation. Put all your energy into what you can do, into the positive steps you can take and deliver yourself to wherever you wish to be.

- Ralph Marston

DE STRESSED!

2011-03-20T05:59:00.000-07:00

My previous post looked far more frightening than it was supposed to be! I'm so sorry if I alarmed some of my blog friends. Last week I had minor surgery to my mouth, my husband was not well (nothing serious) and my workload in the office, overwhelming. But ... I did some crafting and bearmaking in the evenings and the stress disappeared. What do people do with their stress if they don't create??

I completed Dinky, the scruffy, melancholy little bear. Dinky was born a year ago but I'd never sewn his ears (poor little mite!). Now he has ears and a bell and bow around his neck and is quite happy living with all the other bears and friends.

A few years ago scrapbooking was my passion but then the bears came along and I lost interest in the scrapbooking and I also didn't have time for it. It seemed a pity that all the beautiful papers and goodies were not being used anymore so I tried my hand in decorating chipboard boxes. Here is the result ..... I still need a lot of practice.

2011-03-16T06:27:00.000-07:00

2011-03-11T11:57:00.000-08:00

This is my newest Southern Bear, Annie. Her coat is the softest mohair in a very pale pink. She's 13 inches when standing and is fully jointed.

After having made almost every size I have now finally realised that I love the bigger traditional/vintage style bears. I have in the past made three and felt a very deep satisfaction when they were completed. I have now cut out a big boy and hope to show him to you soon.

A lovely weekend for all!

Harvey

2011-03-08T05:39:00.000-08:00

Brenda Sanker of the Vintage Polka Dot is having a gorgeous giveaway ... Harvey! Please visit http://www.handmadeartfair.com to view some very special work.

2011-03-04T08:11:00.000-08:00

A wonderful giveaway on http://www.poppendiny.blogspot.com

This dolly has to be mine!

2011-03-03T05:17:00.000-08:00

My granddaughter, Georgia wanted me to make an elephant for her.

Please meet Molly who is waiting for Georgia to collect her and take her to live in Australia. Fortunately I'll have Molly with me for a little while until the end of April when Georgia arrives in South Africa. You can see a bear in the background, waiting eagerly to introduce himself to Molly!

2011-02-15T03:05:00.000-08:00

It's not a magazine, it's not a book ... it's a cover to cover treat of eye candy. And an absolute "must" for every woman with a yearning for the soft and beautiful things in life. My copy already looks like a vintage item from all the paging. This publication can be purchased from Joanne Corletti http://vintagerosecollection.blogspot.com

She has the most amazing website and blog - so do yourself a huge favour ...... she is also having a give-away.

2011-02-11T10:55:00.000-08:00

2011-02-08T04:03:00.000-08:00

Jesse turns 9 today!

I remember that day so clearly ... the day I first held that tiny little boy in my arms. The day I met my first grandson. He had just been born and from the very first moment I looked at him I knew that this boy child was going to wrap me around his little finger forever and ever.

Happy birthday Jess - I love you with all my heart.

2011-02-07T06:05:00.000-08:00

I am busy with so many projects at the moment but at least one was completed this weekend. It's definitely not an easy to task to make a black bear and making an Alpaca black bear is a nightmare. This boy is 45 cm and very cuddly. Although he was very willing to do the photo shoot and sat patiently whilst I took picture upon picture, he is unfortunately not photogenic at all. He's a gorgeous boy in the fur and I'm going to miss him when he goes to live with my friend.

2011-02-02T10:13:00.001-08:00

My daughter Karen took this photograph for me in a toy museum in Munich. Imagine how many people this little bear has met in his lifetime.

What do you think is his name?

Sox

2011-02-01T04:03:00.000-08:00

This kitty cat is the most amazing and precious creature. Sox is a wild cat. He was born on our property six years ago and when he was newly weened his mommy was hit by a car in the street in front of our home and she died. The little Sox and his siblings grew up on their own and eventually when the time was right he had a mate and the two of them roamed the property in wedded bliss. But alas, tragedy struck and his mate died and Sox disappeared for several months. I thought that he too was dead. One fine day another, heavily pregnant young kitty arrived on the property and miraculously Sox also reappeared. When five kittens were born it was very evident that Sox was their daddy. Two black kitties, just like Sox and three grey kitties just like their mommy, Honey. Two of those kitties are still with us and they turned 4 last October. Sox, Honey and the two children live together on our property and since the arrival of Honey, Sox has always stayed with them. When the kittens were still tiny, Sox would catch birds and rats and take them to Honey and the babies.

Every morning they come for breakfast and every evening they come for their supper. Honey and the children were all neutered and have never strayed from our property but Sox was far too wild to be caught so he still goes on the prowl every now and then. He has disappeared for days and then comes back home, battered and bruised. Shortly before Xmas he stopped scuttling away when I approached with the food and now he waits for me in the mornings and sits right next to his bowl.

I took this photograph this morning - Honey and the children ran away when they saw the camera but Sox allowed me to photograph him.

Although 6 is definitely not old for a kitty who is a pet, it is really an achievement for a wild cat who for about five years fended for himself.

So Sox, my darling boy, I salute you!

The Velveteen Rabbit

2011-01-25T08:39:00.000-08:00

The Skin Horse had lived longer in the nursewry than any of the others. He was so old that his brown coat was bald in patches and showed the seams underneath and most of the hairs in his tail had been pulled out to string bead necklaces. He was wise, for he had seen a long succession of mechanical toys arrive to boast and swagger and by-and-by break their mainsprings and pass away, and he knew that they were only toys, and would never turn into anything else. for nursery magic is very strange and wonderful and only those playthings that are old and wise and experienced like the Skin Horse understand all about it.

"What is REAL?" asked the Rabbit one day, when they were lying side by side near the nursery fender, before Nana came to tidy the room. "Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle?"

"REAL isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you when a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become REAL."

... "It doesn't happen all at once," said the Skin Horse. "You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are REAL, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are REAL you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand."

Thought for the Day

2011-01-17T06:24:00.000-08:00

There are two lasting bequests we can give our children.

One is roots. The other is wings.

Rosalee and Gus

2011-01-11T10:37:00.000-08:00

Two new Southern Bears - Rosalee and Gus. These two bears are absolutely best friends. Rosalee is a sweet little girl who whispers tales of fairies to all the bears and Gus has already been awarded a Noddy badge for good behaviour. When Rosalee tells her tales, Gus plays with the little wooden train. I so enjoyed creating these friends and was delighted with the personalities that emerged.

Queensland, Australia

2011-01-10T06:43:00.000-08:00

Amidst all the abundance in our lives, let us stop for a while and say a prayer for the thousands of people who have lost their homes, possessions and livelihoods in Queensland Australia. Because my daughter lives in Gracemere, a suburb of Rockhampton, I have been following all the reports on the news and have cried so many tears for those people. Thank the Lord my child and her family have been safe because they are on higher ground but the disaster has affected their business too and 6 years hard work and determination have been washed away by the waters. I have been to Rockhampton twice and it is heartbreaking to see that lovely area covered in water. We take so many things for granted in our lives, so let us all be grateful and thankful that we still have what we have.

Candy's progress (1)

2011-01-09T22:35:00.000-08:00

Thank you for all the comments on my "Candy" post. I made a start this weekend with knitting "Candy". 4 ply wool and thiiiiiiin knitting needles - I'm used to working with double knitting and chunky needles. However, I have completed one leg, one shoe/sock and one bow and thoroughly enjoyed it despite the fact that my knitting skills are very rusty. You will all be kept in the loop regarding her progress.

Have a wonderfully creative week.

"Candy" Bear

2011-01-07T09:43:00.000-08:00

Sugar and spice and all things nice ... Candy, the little baby polar bear. I simply could not resist. I ordered this knitting pattern from Susan at http://www.maryjanestearoom.com and tomorrow I am off to buy the wool.

Whilst mohair bears and friends are my passion, lately I am having difficulty with the hand sewing of the bears at night. Perhaps I'm tired, perhaps it's A.G.E. but now I can still busy myself with a bear AND watch telly. This little bear and her twin sister would love to live with my granddaughters Georgia and Abigail.

Pop in and meet the lovely little characters and enjoy beautiful photographs at maryjanestearoom and buy some of Candy's favourite sugar bonbons!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-04T01:07:00.000-08:00

I wish you all a very happy, healthy and creative 2011.

"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars".

2010-12-26T11:16:00.001-08:00

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas Day, filled with family and friends and lots of joy and laughter.

Little Sebastian was completed just in time for Christmas and immediately went to play with all the Christmas ornaments. He especially liked the wooden train and then he discovered all the other bears and we never saw him again for the rest of the day.

Enjoy the rest of the holidays!

Lots of warm hugs

from Pat and the bears xx

2010-12-13T04:51:00.000-08:00

Twelve days to Christmas! I cannot believe it. This has been such a hard year in so many ways but it's almost over. I won't be at work for two weeks from 20 December and I am going to spend most of my time making bears! I have made a few in the last couple of months but had no time for blogging. My laptop also crashed twice and getting up to speed with all my work took all of my time. I have still been following all your blogs whenever I get the time and from next week I will be showing my bears again. Wow I even have orders for 2 ... I feel as if everyone has forgotten about me and my bears!

2010-12-13T04:49:00.000-08:00

I'm still here

2010-05-27T06:59:00.000-07:00

It's been ages since my last post and I feel as if I have been on another planet. Sam here was born some time ago but I have not had the time to show him. There are a few bears and nik nax that have been completed and I'll show them soon.

Sam's a very darling little mohair cub and loves kisses and cuddles. He's been a bit lonely so I made him a friend, Dinky, who will be shown in the next few days. At this particular time in my life, which is very, very stressful, the bears are so therapeutic and when I look at their little faces, the problems are not so awful.

Enjoy the rest of the week!

ZONKEY

2010-04-22T07:19:00.000-07:00

This amazing animal is a cross between a Donkey and a Zebra. I met her wondering around a resort we visited some time ago. Unfortunately she is sterile and there can be no other little Zonkeys.

A wee Scottish lass

2010-04-21T01:19:00.000-07:00

Little Nancy has been adopted and will be living in Scotland. I wanted to dress her warmly but she was adamant that she wanted the vintage silk and lace ribbons. A little silver heart is pinned to her ribbons and she wears tiny velvet vintage flowers on her ear. She has a German mohair coat (very fancy, our Nancy) and her footpads are pale pink velvet. Nancy has been "aged" to look like a vintage bunny from an old toy box. Although the bears love their bunny friends, they are all celebrating that their little friend has found a new home. Let's all wish her BON VOYAGE!

Thank you!

2010-04-20T10:44:00.001-07:00

To all the amazing artists out there ... I wish I could send flowers to all of you. You are ny inspiration and my crutch. Thank you.

Tom the Bear

2010-04-06T07:18:00.000-07:00

Tom, my newst Southern Bear - 10" tall, standing. This lovely picture was taken by my friend Elena of the Paper Daisy Company. Tom has a fat little tummy and is very cuddly.

Sunshine Award

2010-03-17T07:01:00.000-07:00

Ohh wow! My very first blog award! Thank you so much Juliet at julietkbears.blogspot.com - what a thrill.

Here's what to do -

Place the logo within your blog or post
Pass the award on to 12 bloggers
Link the nominees within the post
Let the nominees know they have received the award by commenting on their blog.
Share the love and link to the person from whom you received the award.

And I would like to pass this award on to the following bloggers, some who always give me so much encouragement and warmth and others who inspire me with their magic. (if I don't do this correctly, please forgive me, my IT skills are not too hot!)

http://bumpkinbears.blogspot.com
http://customteddys.blogspot.com
http://danceswithteddybears.blogspot.com
http://teddybearhouse.blogspot.com
http://fenbearyfolk.blogspot.com
http://jennylovesbenny.blogspot.com
http://draffinbears.blogspot.com
http://littlepinkstudio.typepad.com
http://wendy-essentialbears.blogspot.com
http://whendisbears.blogspot.com

Blog A

2010-03-12T03:04:00.001-08:00

Little old Teddy

2010-03-09T11:33:00.001-08:00

His name is Teddy ... just Teddy. I made him in honour of my childhood ted, whom I loved and cherished and spent years and years wondering why he had no fur. Now I know - the fur disappeared from all the loving he had from me. I kept him until after my children were born and have absolutely no recollection of how he disappeared from my life. I know I would never have given him away or thrown him away and my girls never played with him. Perhaps he slipped away to Teddyland??

Minky

2010-03-09T03:28:00.000-08:00

Minky is my Easter Bunny. Her mohair and ear and footpad fabric came from Australia and her design is a new experiment. I need to do some serious tweaking with this pattern, but overall in the "flesh" she is a little darling even if she is a little melancholy at times. I'm sure when she has collected her Easter eggs she'll be much happier.

Ginger's Giveaway

2010-03-02T05:22:00.000-08:00

This gorgeous little bear is Ginger's Spring giveaway. Visit bearbits.blogspot.com to see more delightful pictures!

Lemondrop

2010-02-18T03:54:00.001-08:00

Please meet Lemondrop, my new baby girl elephant. I cannot help myself .... I just love making these. They are very lovable and have the sweetest personalities.

Strawberries and cream?

2010-02-17T09:43:00.000-08:00

A new addition to my Steiff collection. My daughter in Scotland found this little bear on E-Bay and he arrived from the UK last week. His body is a strawberry, quite chunky. He is absolutely adorable and the other bears have welcomed him with open arms.

VALENTINE'S DAY

2010-02-13T05:43:00.000-08:00

My Valentine bear, Alice, completed just in the nick of time. Her coat is felted mohair and here's an interesting story about her little dungarees ... my friend Linda used this fabric to make herself a blouse for a special party when we were 14. We are now 55!! Originally it was white, then with age turned cream and when I planned to make this outfit I boiled blackberries and dyed the fabric. It's such a pretty pink. So my little vintage bear is wearing a genuine vintage outfit.

Have a fabulously romantic day tomorrow.

PS. Jack is so thrilled to have a sweetheart for Valentine's ....

Little darling

2010-01-31T10:33:00.000-08:00

It has taken a whole month to complete this sweetie! But he's finally ready for his debut. Please meet Jack, my little olde world bear. He is 11 inches and wears a coat of german mohair. His collar, ribbons and button have all been "aged" and he has patches on his left arm and belly. Here and there he has been "mended". Jack is an absolute darling and oh so charming. Can you see the twinkle in his eye?

Pictures of bliss

2010-01-23T04:00:00.000-08:00

Bliss is having a Saturday morning all to myself. It's being able to work on my projects, drool over my new stash of fun fabrics and the cherry on the top is having my kitty lying on a chair beside me in my workroom. It was raining softly this morning and in my world, all was well.

2010-01-14T12:02:00.000-08:00

The family has returned to Australia, Christmas and New Festivities are done and dusted and I'm back at work too. Last weekend I cleaned and cleared my teddy bear workroom and added the new items I received as presents. I have a very talented artist friend, Karen, who gave me the painting of the hat for my workroom. I asked her to do it for me but when I opened my Christmas gift, not only had she given me the hat painting but had done the two paintings of the teddy bears for me as well. What a labour of love! Many years ago my mother had said that if I cannot afford original paintings in my home then leave the walls bear. I have always lived by this and I have a wonderful collection of art - paintings and ceramics - given to me by extremely artistic friends and a few items which I purchased myself. I am absolutely thrilled with my teddy paintings and will treasure them forever.

The creative juices are flowing - I am completing a project started very late last year and I have cut out a new bear. And my imagination is running wild! I can't wait to see how my bear will appear. The festive season was marvelous but I was soooooo eager to start creating again.

2009-12-31T02:43:00.000-08:00

As this year is fading and I take stock of what happened during 2009, I sit in awe of all the blessings that came my way. I have love, I have material possessions in abundance, I have good health, I have Faith. And most important of all, all my loved ones are in my life - no-one was lost.

May you all have an absolutely fabulous 2010 and may all your dreams come true.

2009-12-21T10:43:00.000-08:00

Missy, the mouse ..
This is Victoria ....

Storm, completed.

These are a few little ones completed a while back. They all have Schulte mohair coats, are fully jointed with embroidered noses and all dressed up for Santa.

My daughter, my two grandchildren and my son-in-law are here! And it's wonderful to be a mom and granny again, even if it is for such a short time. On 4 January they go back to Australia but until then I savour every moment with them. Hectic? Yes! Chaos? Yes! Happiness? Overflowing!

All the Xmas decorations are up and the children are delighted. The gifts are wrapped, the sun is shining and all is well here in the deep south.

With all the activities and celebrations, I may not have the time to post again before Christmas, so I would like to wish everyone, near and far a very, very happy and blessed Christmas time.

A new little friend

2009-11-17T10:37:00.001-08:00

On Saturday night we had a huge thunder storm, very typical for Johannesburg at this time of the year. I was in the process of completing this little bear but my kitty Jemima was terrified of the lightning and jumped on my lap for comfort so the bear had to be abandoned for a while because kitty cat definitely gets priority, especially when she is afraid. So,, even though he still needs quite a bit of work done and he needs to be "dressed", I have named him Storm. His coat is Schulte mohair and one of the best mohairs I have worked with. It's silky soft and the picture just does not do justice to little Storm. I'm hoping to have him complete very soon but can't seem to find the time because on the 26th of this month Candy, my daughter and my two grandchildren arrive from Australia and there is so, so much to be done before the arrival date. And instead of being able to go through the "to do" list, I just sit and stare into space and get trilliions of butterflies in my tummy - I am more than excited and cannot wait to see them. How on earth am I going to be able to make all the Christmas bears, decorations and gifts that I had planned???

George

2009-11-12T11:57:00.000-08:00

Please meet my new Southern Bear, George. George was created from Jenny Lee's give-away pattern "Sunday". All the girl bears are competing for his affections but he has his special little friend joining him very shortly. So watch this space! George is a shy bear and didn't really want his picture taken but he did me a very special favour by posing for me. Thank you George.

Amelia

2009-11-09T10:22:00.000-08:00

I was going to post a new bear and a mouse tonight but then I found out that I had won Wendy's little Amelia and I am over the moon! From the first moment I saw Wendy's bears on her website, I was hooked and I am the very proud mama to two of her bears. And now a third is arriving ... how lucky can a gal be! I hope that you have all had a look at her little darlings because they are such a treat. Thank you Wendy!

Birthday give-away

2009-10-31T14:08:00.000-07:00

If you need to smile visit jennylovesbenny.blogspot.com

It's 6th birthday celebration with a delightful give-away. I'm saying no more ... just look!

Wendy's birthday give-away

2009-10-31T13:27:00.000-07:00

This gorgeous little girl is Amelia - Wendy's birthday give-away. Please visit her blog for updates on her wonderful creations and adventures. wendy-essentialbears.blogspot.com

The Essential Bears website was my introduction to the magical world of bear artists and ignited my passion for bears and bear making. How naive I was to think that I could create these tiny little masterpieces. I tried the miniatures but I don't seem to have the skill to make them so I'll adopt them and treasure them and admire their artists but stick to the larger bears. Perhaps some time down the line, when I have mastered the big ones, I'll try the minis again.

I hope that you are all enjoying your weekend.

Sunday afternoon

2009-10-25T05:48:00.000-07:00

I completed another bear last night but the weather is dull and it's raining, so the photographic session has to wait until the weather clears.

In the meantime here's a picture of the cutest bear family. I found this small packet of old potpourri at a junk sale, cut it up, smoothed out the picture and framed it for my workroom.

Aren't they delightful?

Good golly Miss Molly

2009-10-19T11:25:00.000-07:00

Molly was completed some time ago but I have been having problems with my hand again and have been quite "out out of things" for a while. It's all very frustrating - no crafting, no bears. Oh dear! Even this photograph is insipid ... but I had to give her her moment of glory. She is 13" when standing and her coat is Alpaca - a very cuddly teddy indeed. And a very friendly and happy little girl.

Heritage Day

2009-09-24T11:04:00.000-07:00

Today was Heritage Day in South Africa as well as National "Braai" Day. "Braai" is South African for barbeque. And there was no work today! I went for breakfast with my husband, my friend Elena and her little son Christopher and the breakfast went on for almost 4 hours. What a lovely, lovely morning. The cherry on the top was that Elena brought me the latest copy of Where Women Create. Oh what joy!! Elena left to go and curl up with her copy and the hubby and I joined friends of ours for the "braai'. The weather was gorgeous and it was just such a feel good day.

Well back to work tomorrow, so to all of you, have a fabulous Friday.

Madame Fluff

2009-09-20T04:17:00.000-07:00

" So what if I don't have a body, I have a gorgeous hat!"

Poor Madam Fluff ... this mohair is absolutely dreadful and she ended up with a hole in her snout and the rest of limbs seem to be falling apart too. I cannot decide whether I should complete the body or not. This mohair was certainly not inexpensive and I am having such a tough time with it. The pile is very long and fluffy and not stable at all - I have been sneezing my way through the making of this bear and every time a limb is complete I see a hole in the seam! If I do decide to carry on, she will definitely not be able to be a gift or be adopted. It's such a pity because she has such a strong personality. What to do?? I simply cannot abandon her, but with my very limited time, I try to make quality bears and to spend so much time and effort, knowing that she will be defective .... what would you do? Let her be born and keep her as a very special child or bury her in the back of the cupboard? Problem is - these bears have voices and won't allow you to forget them. To all the experienced bear makers - please advise!!

Sugar Plum

2009-09-13T10:45:00.000-07:00

I adore Jenny Lee's creations - I almost drool when I see them on her blog and they always make me smile. I would never be so presumptious as to try and make up any of her bear patterns ... they are JennylovesBenny! However, I did buy the elephant pattern and although I do battle with these little tykes every time I make them, I cannot resist them. When I saw this beautiful pink mohair, I knew that another little elephant was coming! This is the third baby I have made, the other two are now living with my friends, Karen and Elena. The bears have informed me that Sugar Plum (above) has to stay with them and I totally agree. She is such a cute little girl.

Still Pink ...

2009-09-11T12:50:00.000-07:00

Watch this space! Coming soon ... a new creation in pink.

More on blonde ...

2009-09-09T13:07:00.000-07:00

Hi Laura, you wanted a pic of the blonde me - here you go!

Ha ha - got ya! This was a picture of Pink, taken at a concert my daughter and granddaughter went to in Brisbane. Oh for her looks and her body ... but I do have the same colour hair and the length is about the same and that is the entire extent of any similarity between Pink and Pat.

Blonde at the Roots

2009-09-05T13:42:00.000-07:00

All my life I have had very dark, almost black hair. However I always secretly wanted to be blonde - platinum blonde. When the grey started creeping in, I dyed it black. At the beginning of this year I made a decision to grown out all the colour and expose the grey! On 1 January 2009 I had long dark hair and when I went to my hairdresser she refused to colour my hair - reminded me of my New Year's Resolution - so she started cutting and not colouring. I have spent 9 months having very short two-toned hair. The grey that revealed itself was very shiney and very silver so I kept going. Yesterday the colour was all finally cut out and Robyn (my hairdresser) dyed the grey platinum blonde. Although I was working towards this, it was such a shock and every time I look in the mirror I have the strongest urge to pull off "the wig"!

Isn't it amazing how we have images in our minds of how we would like to look. Sometimes those images are quite drastic but if we have the courage to change, we achieve it and sometimes it's such a disappointment.

Well, I'll leave it for a while and then perhaps have streaks put in it. Perhaps I need to get used to it but I spent the day today feeling very sad for the loss of my beautiful long dark hair. But then again, change is good.

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Canada

2009-09-01T23:29:00.000-07:00

I'm certain that all the members of the Canadian Government follow my blog, so ..... good for you! Well done!

Mickey

2009-08-29T07:35:00.000-07:00

A photographer I am not! In a fashion, I manage to photograph the bigger bears, but the mini bears are a nightmare. Oh well ....

I am also not a maker of mini bears but this one called me and despite the dreadful photographer, Mickey is really very sweet and much cuter than his picture shows. He is 4 1/4" standing, fully jointed and his coat is a lovely lemon Sassy

G

2009-08-27T10:58:00.000-07:00

Take a look at little Peek-A-Boo at bearbits.blogspot.com - Ginger Brame has created this darling little bear as a give-away! He's asking when he can leave to come and live in South Africa!

In the Pink

2009-08-23T11:24:00.000-07:00

A mini bear is waiting to be born but the hand is being a little unco-operative. The only part missing is the right leg and then he can make his appearance. So in the meantime I have made a few little bits and pieces (mostly machine sewing and not much pressure needed).

When I was at school my friend's mother made these little crochet hearts. I had been thinking about them and mentioned it to my friend, who found the pattern and made the crochet bits for me and I made the material inner and dollied up the rest.
I spent Saturday with Elena at the Pape Daisy Company, which is always a thrill and came home with a stash of boxes and very pretty ribbons. Real eye candy.

Well, the weekend is over and I hope you all have a really great week.

Sweet, sweet girl

2009-08-19T11:38:00.000-07:00

This is Abigail, my youngest grandchild. I last saw her and held her when she was 3 months old and she is now quite the madam! I'm planning a bear for her ... hhmm pink and cuddly, white and fluffy - strawberries, peaches? Or should it be a fairy bear? What do you think? And then I'll make twin bears, one for Abigail in Scotland and one for Georgia in Australia! One day when they meet each other they can compare notes on what their bears have told them.

I'll have to think of some very creative gifts for the boys, Jesse and Caleb, because I think secretly they'll be a little envious of the bears, although they would never, ever admit it.

Candy

2009-08-18T12:03:00.000-07:00

To Candy

Today, 33 years ago, you came into my life and even though we have a huge distance seperating us now, you are still part of every waking moment of my life and I hope that very soon, you and Kari and I will be able to embrace each other. Happy birthday my darling child.

Roger

2009-08-16T06:38:00.000-07:00

I am very pleased to introduce Roger whom I completed today. The poor little bear sat for two weeks without being sewn up because of my problem right hand. Everytime I walked past him his eyes beseeched me to "finish the job"! Today was the day - my hand felt slightly better and I did it. Roger is a 12" bear with the kindest face. It's a pity his photograph does not show this clearly. And he is waiting for Georgia to take him back Down Under in December.

The backdrop Iused for the photograph is lace tablecloth for an 8 seater table, given to my mother, by her mother, for her 21st birthday. Sadly my mother is no longer with us but she would have been 88 next month. This tablecloth is beautiful and in very good condition and can still be used by my granddaughter when she has a home of her own.

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend.

Pincushion Swop

2009-08-08T06:51:00.000-07:00

I have hurt my hand and it's all bandaged up and this post is taking forever to complete. The photographs have taken even longer! But here goes ...

Some time ago I was a participant in a pincushion swop. After I had entered all sorts of things happened in my life and I sent my parcel off after the deadline but fortunately my partner in the USA received her goodies and seemed pleased with my efforts. Thank goodness because I agonised over the pincushion before I mailed it ... all my friends were asked to comment and after number of tweaks and content changes, the package was sent off. I had already given up hope to receive anything in the swop, when my surprise arrived yesterday. Thank you Linda of Fibre Fabrications! Linda breeds Alpaca's in the USA - what a blessed lady and so talented to boot. She sent me a very precious needle felted little bear sitting in a colourful bucket, together with beautiful yarn (Alpaca??), a photograph of an Alpaca (be still my heart) and a card with various sewing needles. A wonderful gift which is deeply appreciated. Linda, everytime I look at my bear I think of "every poke" made.

Take a look at these lovely items -

Another one of Blackie

2009-07-19T11:21:00.000-07:00

He's so sweet I couldn't resist showing another pic!

two friends

2009-07-19T10:53:00.001-07:00

Iadopted the sweet little grey alpaca bear to play with the little cream bear witch I have had for some time now. These bears are incredibly cut and cuddly and they talk in sweet low voices when they ask for cherry icecream.

This and that

2009-07-19T10:05:00.000-07:00

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

I completed a grey alpaca bunny yesterday for a young woman who is arriving tomorrow from UK to have a very painful operation here in SA. I delivered bunny this afternoon and realised that she had not yet had her photographic session. But I'll try to get a pic before she flies off to to live in England in two weeks' time.

Some time ago I mentioned that I had adopted two new Steiff babies and here is one of them

The story goes that this is Blackie, the White House Cat who lived in the White House during President Coolidge's term of office. It is said that he still haunts the White House. The picture next to him is the cat owned by father before he married my mother. When he went off with the armyto Italy and Eqypt during World War II, my mother babysat the kitty. Unfortunately kitty was killed by a car just before my father came home. Decades later my own black cat was killed by a car and a few weeks ago my friends little black kittie met with the same end. When I saw the Steiff cat, I admired him and carried on walking but he called me, softly at first but by the time reached the door he was screamin for me to take him with me. Of course ... I did. Who coud ever ignore a bear or a cat calling you? Now I have a black feline fiend who won't go roaming around in the streets .I like to think thathe found me to make up for all the lost black cats.

Billy the Bear

2009-07-09T12:09:00.000-07:00

At last I have managed to complete a new little bear. I prepared a very long post and lost my internet connect before I could save it. So I'll skip the explanations and introduce Billy to you. He's a very playful little fellow and at night I hear him keeping the other bears out of their sleep but they adore him. Hopefull I can now spend more time with these little creatures and be able to show you a few more in the near future.

Sitara's friend, Kira

2009-06-16T11:22:00.001-07:00

Kira is an 18" golden mohair gal and was born this afternoon. She and Sitara became firm friends immediately. Kira just loves being hugged and patted and I am delighted to have her in my hug.

Kira and Sitara

2009-06-16T11:13:00.001-07:00

Unfortunately I do not have a whole lot of time for my blogging anymore but I do manage to read through the posts at night and try and comment as much as my time permits and I still thoroughly enjoy reading all the news and views of my favourite bloggers. I have however managed to complete two little creatures.

I'm sure most of you will recognise Jenny Lee's elephant pattern. This little one's name is Sitara. She is named after a camp in the Kruger National Park and one day, when she grows up she will be one of the Big Five but for now she is a darling little elly who plays all day with the bears. Sitara is for Elena .... at last!!!

I'm still here!

2009-06-09T13:20:00.000-07:00

To my blog friends

I'm still here! I have changed my career path and working like crazy and also trying to complete a new bear - a big one. There has been absolutely no time to post but I have been trying to keep up to date with my reading the blogs. Soon, I'll have some time again and hopefully in a short while I will be able to show you my bear.

Love to all.

A Wedding Anniversary

2009-05-30T12:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, May 29th, was our wedding anniversary. We had a wonderful evening planned but unfortunately I was out for the count with flu. So, my beloved husband, thank you for all the wonderful years, for the countless cups of coffee, the endless patience, the never ending support for everything I attempt and most of all the enduring love. Here is your favourite rose, for you this time, with all my love, your Sweetheart.

Lucy

2009-05-30T12:19:00.000-07:00

Well, hello there, I'm Lucy, the new Southern Bear. A Mojo sent from Alaska, helped me to be born today. I'm a 12" sweet mohair girl and I love lots of hugs and kisses.

PS. She absolutely refused to wear the dress I made her!

My mojo

2009-05-28T03:38:00.000-07:00

It amazes me how people lose and find their. "mojo" within a day or two. When I lose my mojo it seems to disappear for long leave. I have flu and the little blighter doesn't want to be with a sick person, so he has taken off! He will definitely return - but when?? Oh well, in the meantime whilst I await his return, I'll take medication, take a break and take to my bed early at night. I miss my little companion.

2009-05-24T12:32:00.000-07:00

Vicki, I saw your comment after my post. Thank you and Larry it is!

Sunday evening

2009-05-24T12:15:00.000-07:00

I saw this picture on an Italian bearmaker's blog and thought you all might like it too.

This weekend was far more productive, thank goodness. I cut out and sewed a 13" bear - she needs her footpads and then she is ready to be assembled. I also made her a dress (completed) and I'm quite excited to see whether she is going to want to wear it! Next was a velvet strawberry and a velvet pin cushion which turned out quite well. Almost forgot .... I made tags for my bears too.
There is a mini bear and an elephant in progress and if I'm lucky and things go my way, they will be completed by next weekend.

For two weeks I have been so stressed because I have had to make a decision about my career. I had a job offer but was not feeling very comfortable about accepting it. Another meeting was arranged this morning and all the issues were ironed out and the offer was one I cannot refuse. So my career is now taking a completely new, exciting turn and I feel much more settled.

To Wendy, Carolyn and Laura, thank you for comforting words - very much appreciated.

I hope you all have a very good week.

Weekend

2009-05-22T06:06:00.000-07:00

This has been an incredibly flat week for me with only a small bear's cardi having been knitted. There were friends to be loved and issues requiring decisions and sheer tiredness. So the bears and the crafting took a back seat but I'm really, really hoping that this weekend will be more fruitful.

Have a fabulous weekend!

Pat xx

Bears, bears and more bears

2009-05-17T12:08:00.000-07:00

When I left work on Friday afternoon I had so many plans for a new bear and a few other little projects. However, Georgia and Caleb, my grandchildren in Australia, both have birthdays at the beginning of June so I had to parcel up their presents so that I could post them off on Saturday morning. Well this took up the entire Friday night. On Saturday afternoon I settled down to make the planned bear and everything went wrong, so I reluctantly abandoned the bear and started with an elephant but because I was in a "bear" mood, the elly wasn't very satisfying so I have left him for another time.

Today, Sunday, my husband wanted to shop and visit friends and when we eventually got home, I had to cook dinner and that was the end of the weekend and my bearmaking plans. Has this ever happened to any of you???

BUT, I do have some very interesting bears for you. Not of my own making but they are part of my hug.

And here is my little foreigner. He is absolutely gorgeous and I cannot stop kissing and hugging him. I need to name him ... any suggestions?

I hope you enjoy meeting a few of my favourites.

It has now turned quite cold here in sunny SA but I've dressed the bears I have made (and kept) to make sure that they'll be warm and cosy. The black bear became a girl and is sporting a dress now! The two on the right are wearing jerseys I knitted for them from a pattern in Australian Bear Creations. This is a really, really good pattern.

This is Megan Chamberlain's little Vivian Rose, such a gorgeous little lady! Unfortunately I have huge difficulty with photographing the mini bears, so this picture does not do her any justice. Sorry baby!

A little Steiff Alpaca rocking horse. The bear is attached to the pony.

And this is my no. 1 favourite little darling - he is absolutely beautiful!

A foreigner comes to stay.

2009-05-15T02:42:00.000-07:00

This morning I collected my new bear who had flown all the way from the USA to come and live with me. He then sat next to me on the front seat of the car whilst I drove to work and presently he is taking a long nap in the car, after his mammoth journey. He came from Brenda, The Vintage Polka Dot and exceded my expectations. Thank you Brenda! I perceived him to be considerably smaller but he's about 12" tall (a guess) and he is adoreable. My bears are going to love him and I'll take pics over the weekend to show you.

Have a wonderful weekend everybody.

Posy - Ginger's give-away

2009-05-12T05:32:00.000-07:00

This is Ginger's give-away for the 25th Anniversary of artist bear making! Wow, I have not even reached my first Anniversary yet. Ginger is a marvelous inspiration to us newbies and I'm sure to the long terms artists as well. Please visit her blog bearbits.blogspot.com

Bobby

2009-05-10T09:02:00.000-07:00

To everyone, I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day!

My children are too far away to have been with me today but I had long distance phone calls. My hubby spoilt me and this afternoon I completed this little boy bear, Bobby. He is 13" standing and is my very first "own design". His coat is Schulte Mohair and he has German wool felt paw and foot pads. It's getting chilly here now so I knitted him a little pullover to keep him warm. I'm quite pleased with the way he turned out.

For my mother

2009-05-09T08:18:00.000-07:00

It is the 11th Anniversary of my mother's passing. I lost her the day before Mother's Day 1998.

For mom ...

Someone still loves you

someone still cares

someone still whispers your name in their prayers.

Though absent,

you are still near and loved very dear.

You shared our life, our love,

hope and tears.

Harley Davidson

2009-05-06T05:28:00.000-07:00

(Vicki, this one is for you ....)

The first photograph was taken at a charity run, of only Harleys and there were more than 600 Harleys at this venue. This particular run was called The Kids Run and it was to collect blankets and money for children. The other two pics are of Ed and I on our Harley Davidson motorcycle. We have had some really good times on this machine!!

2009-05-06T05:12:00.000-07:00

Life is like a blanket that's too small ...

Pull it up to cover your shoulders, and your feet are open ...

Pull it down to cover your feet, and your shoulder is open ...

Lucky for us who were taught to bend our knees ..

Because with prayer you're covered from head to toe ...

My birthday

2009-05-04T00:24:00.000-07:00

I had such an unexpectedly wonderful birthday! I received lovely, presents so thoughtfully chosen and made for me and my friends all came around to wish me. My hubby took me out yesterday and spoilt me rotten, indulging every whim of mine. I am a very blessed lady to have the husband, the family and the fabulous friends that are in my life.

Thank you to all my loved ones and also to all my blog friends, for all your good wishes.

Here are some of the gifts ....

A beautiful box filled with goodies ... chocs, biscuits, handmade greeting cards and gift tags for my bears, a shabby chic cup and saucer, a lovely tea towel

An amazing glass apple which changes colour

A gorgeous bracelet

The wooden kitties - Jemima would not get out of the way whilst I photographed them!

Happy Birthday Michael

2009-05-02T09:57:00.000-07:00

A BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MICHAEL, DOWN-UNDER!!