Woollybuttbears

Rozelle new design.

2012-01-28T14:02:00.000-08:00

Well its taken me many years of trial and error to come up with this design which I love! I gave up on felting a few months back because it plays havoc with my asthma and hayfever for days afterwards. But, I gave in the other day and took some medication which helped a little and this design was the result. Rozelle is one of the first, there are others patiently waiting for the March online show, so please do pop by to the teddies worldwide website in march to check out the others, some of whom have felted hats. The link to this show is in my sidebar. I will also be listing more on the various websites over the coming weeks.

I hope you like her! :0)

This is Rozelle, who is 7½ inches (19 centimeters)
She has been handmade from sassy fabric.

Rozelle has little rose cotton fabric foot and paw pads with shading.

Her glass eyes have been handpainted which gives her a little extra sparkle, she has needlefelted alpaca wool eyelids and surrounds. Her face has extensive shading to add character.

She has a perle thread nose and mouth, is filled with polyfill and a small bag of crushed garnet for weight. Rozelle has moving disc and pin joints to her head, arms and legs. She wears a little white ribbon by one ear and a key around her neck as well as a little rose flower.

She is now on etsy and bearpile or contact me to adopt.

Shows and more

2012-01-23T22:16:00.000-08:00

Hi there,

I am excited to let you know that I will be participating in the Grand Opening of the new

Penny Lane Market

in Mt Barker, South Australia on 10th March 2012.

and

Teddies Worldwide online show in March

http://backroadbears.com/TW/home.php

Stay tuned for some more new designs that I haven't shown before.

Like Aristos the cat below who has been adopted and is off to live

in Perth, Western Australia.

I have just been very naughty and bought a whole stack of new fabric to hand-dye and create with. The credit card has had a good workout!!

I'll leave you now and supervise my husband who is trying to make pesto in the kitchen! Mmmm should be interesting :0)

Bear Hugs from Woollybuttbears.

Happy 2012 all!!

2012-01-02T17:59:00.000-08:00

Hope you all have a wonderfully brilliant 2012!! Here are a couple of my latest creations. I have become intrigued with the steampunk style hence, my little 'Lipwig' creation and Min my latest pig, but she's more a piglet version than the others. Enjoy!

Angels inspiring.

2011-12-20T17:50:00.000-08:00

Just some little holiday shopping ideas. I wanted to share this lovely etsy treasury. I also wanted to send you all some Christmas Angels. (I am a little biased as my angel bear is listed :o)

Have a great one! I have just finished making the pudding (very late for me!) and have carols playing in the background. If we take all the hype, organising, racing around, gift giving etc away it is a nice time of year to relax and take stock!

New pig and Merry Christmas!

2011-12-14T17:46:00.000-08:00

Here is Flo another little piglet, she's a little smaller than Charlotte. She comes with her little friend Gerry the Giraffe.

They have now been adopted.

Here are my latest little Kawaii Japanese inspired bears.

I also just wanted to wish you all a truly Happy Christmas and wonderful 2012~ ;0)

Trees and Pigs

2011-11-28T21:10:00.000-08:00

I have been playing around with a few of my patterns and

came up with this sweet little piglet, Charlotte. I rather like how she turned out.

I have never attempted a piggy before. I might have to experiment with some other animals!!

I also had to take this photo today of a lovely street in suburban Gawler north of Adelaide.

The Jacaranda trees are in full bloom and it just looks so gorgeous at this time of the year!! Even though life may throw us a few difficulties at times little gems like these remind how great nature is and remind me to keep smiling :0)

Had to share!

2011-11-22T14:12:00.000-08:00

I just had to share with you these gorgeous creations by Veronika! They all have attitude and so much character! I especially love Mick (below), a true bad cat!!

http://darkalley-creepycat.blogspot.com/search/label/Cats

I hope Veronika doesn't mind that I borrowed her image for my blog.

Geranium

2011-11-20T20:26:00.000-08:00

The online show has ended and I have a couple of bears left that I will be posting on etsy and bearpile over the coming weeks.

Geranium is one of them. I love her rubine red colour !

I hand-dyed her Schulte mohair using earth palette dye.
She measures approx 9.5 inches tall.
other materials used include:
glass eyes
polyfill
stainless steel shot in stomach
disc and pin joints
thread nose and mouth
French linen pawpads
eyelashes
Geranium wears a lovely recycled glass necklace and
handmade flower by her ear.
She comes with an ID swing tag and sewn in
Woollybuttbears tag.
Not suited for children due to small pieces.

I have her for sale at a reduced price of $110.00 which includes postage worldwide.

Let me know if you're interested in purchasing her, I am happy to do layaway/layby also.

:0)

Geranium and the rest of the show gang!

2011-11-10T12:36:00.000-08:00

Meet StarBright my Teddies Online show preview bear. I have 9 other new bears waiting to join the show when it starts very soon. Completely new designs and ideas. Some Christmas ones and others that would all make lovely additions to your hugs. Some are under $75.00.

Make sure to check out the show.

There are links to the show in my sidebar and in the previous blog.

Bear hugs, Di

Christmas Online Show

2011-11-03T13:58:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, don't forget the Teddies Worldwide online show which starts very soon. Please vote for your favorite preview bear and tell all your friends. (the preview only runs for a short time before the official start of the show). I have all new bears made from brand new designs. Some of them have a Christmas theme. Make sure you check out the show and tell everyone you know!

And, I'm so excited as I never win anything, apart from a packet of tomato seeds and some plastic camping plates many years ago where I used to work. I just had to share with you this gorgeous Birthday book by Jenny Lee which I won in her giveaway recently. Its so gorgeous as are her darling creations!! Check out her blog by clicking on the picture. Have a great day!!
Bear Hugs from Di.

Spring lovely Spring

2011-10-09T22:13:00.000-07:00

A little aside from teddy bears I wanted to share with you some pics of my garden.

I love roses, especially the ones that grow so beautifully for me :0)

The large amount of rain over winter has meant that the flowers this year are just gorgeous and infact the whole garden has grown amazingly!

Including my special Raspberry bath which started out as an experiment and

has now gone berserk!

Don't you love old baths!!

I have a handful of bears on sale on etsy and new patterns so make sure to take a peek, also,

I will be at the Greenock Artisans Markets which start again this friday evening. I will be there weather permitting.

And I am in the process of closing down my website and moving my domain to this blog so, if i go missing you will know that I am working behind the scenes somewhere. (I'm no computer expert, but, will give it a go and see what happens, fingers crossed!!).

Health and Happiness

2011-09-21T23:34:00.000-07:00

Hi, sorry its been a while.

I have been experimenting with silk scarves and shibori dying techniques. Here is a little sample.

And my latest little prototype bear from yet another new pattern!!

Life has been a bit rough and choppy lately with virtually no income, my husband facing some potential serious health problems and my mum having been told she had a brain tumour one day and now it seems more likely a form of Epilepsy. More Doctors to visit and hopefully positive news to come in the next few months. If it doesn't rain it pours as the old saying goes!

And today is the 17th anniversary of my fathers death from Cancer in 1994. Mum and I nursed him at home on a remote Aboriginal Community through his last 9 months on this earth. Our father/daughter relationship was difficult, but, he was my dad and I still miss him.

Cheers to you Dad.

Blog Shop is open

2011-08-26T22:46:00.000-07:00

Hi again, my blog shop is now open (its the same shop that is on my website and is operated through an ecwid webcart).

Payment can be made through paypal. You don't have to be a member.

Have a look at the different categories and there will always be new things added as they are completed.

(click on the SHOP tab above)

I thought I would share with you some of my postcards and the new bits and bobs I have recently finished.

One of my Pears postcards

Fairy postcard made from fabric

fabric wedding gift tags

Rosalina Bear currently on bearpile, etsy etc

Henry has been adopted and will be living in Melbourne soon

Lovely big Thelma another of my big bear experiments!

Bear Hugs from Di.

The Winner is.....

2011-08-25T21:27:00.000-07:00

The winner of my blog giveaway is.....(thanks to those lovely little handful of followers who entered!!)

it is......drum roll!!!!

ArcticFoxie!!!

I will be in contact very soon!
(please note whilst the blog date says the 25th it is infact the 26th here downunder:0)

I had a great time at the Strathalbyn Antiques, Collectables and Hobbies show. So many people!! Including the team from the TV Show Bargain Hunt who are currently in Oz filming an Oz version of the show.

We have been having some lovely weather and the flowers are starting to come out, here are some Hakea flowers from my garden. I am a huge fan of this Aussie Native!!

In the next few days I will be updating my blog with my new shop and new items including fabric postcards, new bears, and other great things. Make sure you check back soon.

Once again thanks to those who entered the blog giveaway, hugs from Di

November online show

2011-08-07T22:20:00.000-07:00

Hi, just letting you know I have been accepted to do the Teddies Worldwide show in November and am preparing some new exciting mohair creations especially for the show.
Here is Alistair a new direction for me. He's a huge bear made from mohair and he's cheered me up as we continue to try and sell our home, which in the current climate is not looking likely at all. But, at least we have a roof over our heads so really I can't complain :0) Bear hugs.

Giveaway

2011-07-19T18:24:00.000-07:00

Hi, I'm, very excited as I am about to have my first free giveaway!!! Yay!! So for all you bear makers out there this is going to be special!

I am giving away x2 pieces of Schulte mohair,

1st piece measures approx 51cm x 51cm and is a gorgeous white long culy pile

2nd piece measures approx 25cm x 24cm and is a caramel/tan knotted Alpaca and Mohair blend

you also win x2 pip berry sprays and 2 packets of rusty bells (1cm and 0.8cm diameter).

plus free postage worldwide!!!!

To enter you have to be a follower and simply leave a comment below (my comments are moderated so it may not show up here straight away).

To double your chances of winning link my giveaway on your blog using the picture in my sidebar (don't forget to let me know that you have done this).

It will be drawn on August 26th and winner notified by email.

Good luck!!

Giveaway drawn on the 26th August 2011

Faerie

2011-07-15T20:57:00.000-07:00

Hi there :0)

I have just listed Faerie on bearpile and etsy and she will be on my website soon (unless sold beforehand). She is a larger of my bears I had hoped to finish for the Bears on Parade online show, but, alas it was not meant to be and she wasn't ready in time.

She has been completely handsewn from Schulte Mohair and her head, arms and legs all move, although she just loves to sit and cannot stand on her own. She has a chubby stomach and just loves eating all that honey!!

I have also listed little Bert on bearpile. He is one of my less expensive bears. I think he's cute.

Now all of you out there, don't forget to take a look at the Bears on Parade online show which is on right now. I'm very excited that I have already sold a couple of the bears available, so be sure to get in quick!!

Love and hugs, Di

New Etsy Shop

2011-07-07T20:26:00.000-07:00

Hi, I've been quiet lately. Well not quiet creating but quiet blogging! I have now completed my bear parade page for the upcoming Bears on Parade Show see the link in my sidebar. Make sure you check out the bears!! The photo below is of my preview bear who is called 'Jonti' you can vote for him in the people's choice award on the teddies worldwide website.
I have also decided to start another Etsy shop just to confuse myself and everyone else. But, this shop is to showcase my felt bags and other things that are not really teddy bear related. I am also currently experimenting with soap, so hopefully in the not to distant future I will have some lovely smelly new creations! Here is a link to my new etsy shop with a new refreshing name: wildapplehandcrafted

wildapplehandcrafted

Stay tuned for more exciting stuff!!

Winter Solstice Down Under

2011-06-22T00:09:00.000-07:00

Hi there, yes its the shortest day of the year down here. To keep warm I have been busy getting ready for the upcoming Bears on Parade online teddy show and have come up with a new pattern for a new bear unlimited series. Here is Geronimo made from the new pattern. I tried to use materials that I already had and due to the pattern I am able to work faster thus reducing the adoption costs. Times have and continue to be very difficult financially for many people and I wanted to make something that would not break the bank to purchase! Hopefully you love his strange look as much as I do.

I have also been making more bags from Alpaca felt ready for upcoming shows and markets.

Stay warm or cool wherever you live. Bear hugs from Di.

Adventures of Splash

2011-06-05T21:23:00.000-07:00

Little Splash was looking for some alone time. He wanted to think, alone, by himself.
First he sat in the window, but, it wasn't interesting enough.

So he went out into the paddock, but, there were some scary animals out there!

Eventually he found somewhere else to sit and ponder, but, something strange was watching him!

So, little Splash went and sat in the garden instead and thought. He thought hard there all alone, but, you know what? In the end he forgot what he wanted to think about and decided to sit and look at the flowers instead!

Everyone, please meet little Splash! ;0)

Bearnice, more bags and markets

2011-05-30T19:51:00.000-07:00

Hi, please meet Bearnice my latest beary creation! Also more alpaca wool felt bags which have kept me busy over the past week or so.

If you're in or around Adelaide make sure to come and see some of my bears and other goodies at the Semaphore Community Markets on this Sunday 5th from 10am at 200 Military Road.

New mini bear and bags

2011-05-18T20:43:00.000-07:00

Hi, Anyone who reads this blog will know that I constantly move from one crafty thing to the next! I find it difficult sticking to one creation at a time and find that I have to try new things all the time!! Do any of you have the same problem?

Bags are my latest project. I have been making some alpaca felt bags and now have moved on to children's bags. Somewhere in between all that I finished Rodney the bear. I called him Rodney because his hair reminds me of a famous singer first name: Rod surname: Stewart ;0)

Hoots and Irrelevants!!

2011-05-18T20:33:00.000-07:00

What a Hoot!! I took some of these cute little owls to a fair recently and they were well received so, I have decided to go into an Owl making frenzy the past couple of days. The house if full of empty and half empty owl bodies, eyes, and ohh I can't forget my Irrelevants!! My irrelevant is so strange but he still makes me smile!!

Have a happy day!!

Handmade Alpaca felt bead earrings - by Woollybuttbears on madeit

2011-05-08T19:07:00.000-07:00

Hi there, I have been experimenting and came up with these gorgeous earrings.

More coming soon including earrings for those with sensitive ears!!

Plus scarves, table runners and yes....more bears coming soon.

And I will leave you with one of my favorite quotes from Bertrand Russell:

'The trouble with the world is that the stupid are so confident while the intelligent are full of doubt'.

Autumn down under

2011-05-01T23:44:00.000-07:00

Hello, just thought I would share with you my latest buttons made from polymer clay. To inspire me for summer (even thought its Autumn here) and to bring back some great childhood memories of the tropics here are some frangipani buttons which will be in my online store shortly. I am also working on something else new and exciting and will let you know what that is very soon!! Think jewlery, think felt and ........... you will just have to wait and see :0)

Just a Quick One!

2011-04-26T15:13:00.000-07:00

Don't forget the Barossa Vintage Festival this week in particular the Jane Place Markets on 28 and 29th at the Tanunda Lutheran School Hall from 10:30am.

I also wanted to share a fantastic giveaway from Julius King Designs (see button in my sidebar) you could win some gorgeous fur for your creations!! Take a look!

Now I'm off to make the final preparations for Jane Place tomorrow! Some ears need attention, some tags need doing and there's an alpaca sewing friend wandering around without eyes!!

I'll leave you with this little custom bear I made recently for someone who's friend has been having a difficult time of late, hopefully this little guy will bring a smile to her face, if only for a moment :0)

felt lovely felt!!

2011-04-20T19:02:00.000-07:00

In readiness for the Jane Place markets which happen next week

28th and 29th April in Tanunda, Barossa Valley, South Australia

I have been preparing my alpaca wool.

This latest batch has turned out wonderfully and reminds me so much

of fairy floss (or Candy Floss)!!

I have also discovered a new easier way of felting thanks to Kay from Kays Kids and it works brilliantly!! Thanks Kay!!

Here is a scarf or table runner which I will have at the market next week. Stay tuned for more creations!!!

Remember 28 and 29 April at the Tanunda Lutheran School Hall from 10:30am both days!!

Bargain Bears for sale!!

2011-04-12T17:43:00.000-07:00

Just letting you know that I currently have some bargain bears available on ebay. Starting prices a very cheap 99cents!!!! Get in quick!!

This is Marlee she is not an ebay special, but, is available on my website and etsy. I completed her yesterday in front of the fire! Its getting cold here!! Brrrrrr

Bear Show

2011-04-08T14:18:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone make sure to mark the Bears on Parade online show in your diaries!! I have been accepted into the show on July 15 - 17, 2011 (see the link on my sidebar). Only 75 artists are accepted from around the world! Yippee, how exciting, I will have some very special bears up for sale during the show, stay tuned!!

Calypso is currently available on bearpile and soon on etsy.

New goodies for sale!!

2011-04-06T00:05:00.000-07:00

Hello, the Hahndorf Doll and Bear show was great! It was so nice to meet some other artists and collectors!! I wanted to let you know that I now stock rusty bells, birdhouses, pip berry sprays and keys. There are more lovely bits and pieces coming soon. For now they are available on my website, etsy and I will have them at markets and shows I attend or you can contact me for more info. I love them and can't wait to use some myself on my upcoming creations!!

Hahndorf Show

2011-03-30T22:00:00.000-07:00

Hi, I think I am all ready for the Hahndorf doll and bear show this weekend, make sure to pop by if you are in the area. I've just finished a few more alpaca sewing friends and another little mini bear who will be at the show for purchase.

My productivity have been a tad delayed lately as we are considering moving down south further. We'll see how that pans out. But for now I am trying to finish as many things as I can as I have a backlog of unfinished bears and other items just waiting for my attention :0)

I will also be at the Jane Place Markets during the Barossa Vintage Festival in Tanunda on 28th and 29th April 2011.

Mini Bearies

2011-03-20T20:50:00.000-07:00

We had a great time at the Strath show. I sold a few pin cushions and a handful of bears and some alpaca wool, so it was pretty successful. I also managed to get a fair bit of sewing done and these are the end result of that weekend of sewing, chatting, meandering and looking at lovely Strathalbyn here in South Oz.

Kuchen lives in South Australia.

Denim now lives in the US

Flutterby has gone to live in Alaska

I have also been making alpaca felt table runners that include swirly wool and other embellishments.

I have some alpaca felt scarves coming soon! Stay tuned!

Pay it forward 2011

2011-03-07T20:47:00.000-08:00

I follow the seraphim bears blog and Michele is participating in a

wonderful blog project that I decided I simply had to be a part of.

I love this blog by a wonderful talented artist and Michele is participating in the blog project called...Pay It Forward 2011!

When I read about it, I knew that I just HAD to be part of it. What a wonderful way to share friendship, inspiration and creativity all while "paying it forward."

Here's how it works....

The first five people who comment on this blog post will receive a handmade gift from me, Di at Woollybuttbears.

In return, you must FIRST write a blog post explaining Pay It Forward 2011. Then.... send out a handmade gift to the first 5 visitors who leave a comment. Take your time...you don't need to send them all today or tomorrow. Gifts from the heart are worth the wait!

This is such a sweet way to make new friends and share the love of things we create with our hearts and hands.

"It's not the size of the gift that matters, but the spirit 
of paying it forward."

:0)

See no evil, hear no evil....

2011-03-07T17:11:00.000-08:00

These bears are almost ready for my upcoming markets and fairs. A couple of them need a few obvious features, but they just wanted to say Hi!.

Also, whilst culling my shed I came across my first softie/bear? I think I was about 6 or 7 when I attempted this as a present for my mum. It ended up being called 'thing'. What lovely button features! A bit scary really :0)

Little Bronte

2011-02-27T13:11:00.000-08:00

I took the challenge again and decided to make a bear with needlefelted toes. I made a few some years ago now and was recently re-inspired. Little Bronte is the result! I think he's just a little cutie :0)

There will be more like him soon, a grey bear is coming....

On the 11 March will be the last Greenock Artisans market until they start again after winter and that same weekend I'm off to the Strathalbyn Hobbies and Collectables Fair in the Town Hall. I will have some of my new Alpaca paper and alpaca wool that has been hand dyed and some of the bears will take the ride down to Strath as well. So it looks to be a very busy, but exciting weekend!

New Bears and websites!

2011-02-08T21:22:00.000-08:00

I have been sitting here for hours updating my website again! Why does it always seem to take hours and hours? Anyway, I have reattached my online shop and revamped it etc, I had to delete everything off and start all over again so there is currently only one item on there, but, I will be updating and adding items daily.

I have also finished these cute little bears for a friend who gave birth to twin girls, custom birthday bears are now available! See my online shop or etsy.

I have been busy attending markets and look forward to my first Bear show as a trader in April here in Sth Australia.

I almost forgot! My cats! I have been making some for markets and here is a sneek peek:

Hugs to everyone!

Valentines and felt

2011-01-29T17:25:00.000-08:00

I have completed the larger 'Bessie' style bear and her name is 'Louise'. Also, the red vintage style bear I talked about in my previous post has been completed and adopted, he has gone to live in the US. His name was Romeo Bailey in homage to Valentines day which is just around the corner. I had to make a little valentines bear called Valentino and he is currently on bearpile.

I have also recently finally completed some felted hats made from wet felted wool including alpaca wool. They have turned out really well and I hope to make a few more different style hats soon.

New bears and latest news

2011-01-14T19:14:00.000-08:00

Hi there! Here are a couple of bears, my latest! I'm currently working on a larger 'Bessie and Robin Love bear' and have a vintage looking red bear in the works as well so make sure to check back soon!

Robin Love Bear, note: the hat is made from my own hand crafted alpaca felt.

Bug-zee bear

The tragedy of the VIC/TAS/WA and especially the QLD floods here in Australia have really been foremost in my mind over the past week. Hence in between checking on friends who live up in QLD and watching ongoing television coverage I must admit the bear making has been a little stunted. The courage, hope and strength of those affected has been truly inspirational and the way people have all pulled together is just amazing and so truly shows the great 'Aussie Spirit'.

Happy new year everyone!

2011-01-04T18:04:00.000-08:00

I hope 2011 is going to be wonderful for all of you!!
This is Bessie, my first bear for 2011. She has been made from a hand dye experiment and her hat is made from my own hand made alpaca felt (wool donated by my boys, Kimba, Apache and Riva).
Bessie has now been adopted by Em from Emma's Bears (there is a link to her blog in my blog list).

2010-12-28T18:58:00.000-08:00

from left, Bellbowrie bears, Jennylovesbenny, Mutzel Bears, Shaz Bears, Kresse Kraft, Rhonda Lomax bear, Kichi Bears, S.Reeetz Bear and Aerlinn Bears.

I thought between Christmas and New Years I would allow the

small bears in my collection to have a little party. They are only a few but, they're all

gorgeous and when I can, I like to introduce new friends!!

I hope you all have a safe and truly wonderful 2011!

Merry Christmas to everyone!!

2010-12-18T17:22:00.000-08:00

I have been experimenting with primitives recently and here are a couple of characters. Hope you all have a safe and happy and enjoyable Christmas time :0)

Boing has found a new home!

Hoppee!

Cindy

Candy Canes.

New Bears and the magnificent storm!

2010-12-08T13:10:00.000-08:00

I have created some small little bearies. I think they are very cute! Saffi has already been adopted, hopefully the other little ones will find homes soon.

Saffi has a new home.

We have had the worst storm ever in the past couple of days with flooding. So all the little bears have been packing their boxes and moving to higher ground so their feet don't get wet. We had over 120mm of rain in less than 24 hours. Sadly the rain is now headed to the parts of Australia that are already under water in flood. This sure is crazy weather for Summer!

Spring Whispering and French Inspiration!

2010-11-29T20:46:00.000-08:00

A few cloudy days ago I took these photos of one of the Barossa's best kept secrets, the 'Whispering Wall'. You can stand on one side whilst someone is at the other end and if you whisper something, the other person can hear clearly hear you.

Also my latest bear, French inspired Edith named after Edith Piaf. I rather like little Edith bear :0).
If you have a moment I am also having a sale on etsy and artfire until the 10/12/2010, hop along and take a peek if you wish.

Ye Olde Fabric Ribbon etc

2010-11-23T20:04:00.000-08:00

Hi again.... I have been busy making some ribbon for an upcoming bear and thought it would be nice to also make some available to purchase. I currently have some on ebay and etsy and there's more on the way. The calico ribbon is lovely and looks vintage as it has been aged and stamped. I also currently have buttons available and some unique gift tags and little bookmarks. Also somewhere in between I managed to complete little 'Turkish Delight' my newest bear!

I think I am now hooked on yet another craft!! Yes stamping!! Just amazing what you can do with it!.

New Giraffe!!

2010-11-16T21:34:00.000-08:00

Hi all, I would like to introduce you to my new Giraffe. I completed her today and she will soon be on bearpile. She is my first Giraffe creation and I think she turned out rather cute!! Also my latest bear Clumsy who it seems is rather accident prone!!

Lest We Forget....

2010-11-09T21:19:00.000-08:00

and may we always remember them...

Some of my favorite roses and my new 'Y' bear...'why?'...that is the question?

2010-10-30T23:25:00.000-07:00

My back garden in spring time!

2010-10-25T23:08:00.000-07:00

Hi there, I am waiting in anticipation as I have sent off some bears to the Woodend Teddy bear Show competition so will see how I go. This is my second time entering the Woodend show.

Besides that, I have been busy completing a stash of unfinished projects and below are some of them. I have also commenced doing some 'Elephant philosophy' bookmarks and have also had some of my photos made into postcards so that I can share a little of my Barossa Valley.

I love the photo of Kimba! He always makes me smile!


			Kimba one of my pet alpaca's and one of my postcards available to purchase on etsy

Rupert has been adopted and now lives in the UK

Barossa wildflowers!

One of my original Elephant philosophybookmarks.

Another bookmark.

Markets and creative explosion!

2010-10-09T23:47:00.000-07:00

The first Artisans at Greenock markets were quite successful. It was my first market so hopefully as time goes on I will see more and more happy faces as people look at the bears! I took a couple of photos, I think next time I will work on my presentation a bit more....mmmm with my latest infatuation with buttons I may need to extend the stall!!!

some of my handmade polymer clay buttons

another button!!!

a Christmas bear....my latest creation called 'Merry'.

I am now on a mission to make a more child friendly bear, and I have some other ideas I am currently working on as well.....stay tuned!!

The latest!!

2010-09-28T02:00:00.000-07:00

Howdy! I have finished these gorgeous bears over the past week and now am eagerly anticipating my next creation!!

And a piccy of one of my dogs who just thinks she is a person!! Sitting in her favorite chair!

In memory of my dad.....

2010-09-21T23:32:00.000-07:00

My Dad passed away today 16 years ago. I can't believe how time flies! Some of my favorite (old) pictures of him and me are here, just us two doing our own thing and yet still connected as father and daughter.

Me playing beside a swollen creek and him reading the paper and having a smoke. We were waiting for the cattle station grader to come and pull us through the water to get home to the cattle station where we lived.

And me paddling in my floaties!! While he operated his rubber boat.

Just a couple of my latest creations follow; 'Lemon, Lime and Bitters' the elephant and 'Yvonne the beary lady' ;o)

Yummy brooches and things

2010-09-14T15:21:00.000-07:00

I have just finished Gregory another slightly smaller elephant. I think he's cute.

I have also been experimenting with some brooches as well. They're available on etsy and will be at the Artisans of Greenock markets starting in October.

Melba and Spring time

2010-09-04T20:13:00.000-07:00

I love flowers especially those that peek
out during spring time!

I took these photos in my garden the other day, in between rain storms. I also have put together my marionette puppet Pinocchio, he still needs some clothes though! (note my attempt at a clay rose underneath him...I need to paint this too! so much to do so little time!!)

I also completed Melba, a gorgeous little elephant who
I would love to keep myself but she insists on

venturing into the big wide world!!

New Bears

2010-08-31T15:27:00.000-07:00

These are two of my latest. Boo and Moni. Both very cute! I love Moni's big head. I am also currently working on a clay marionette puppet coming soon! Stay tuned!.

Hail and Bindi

2010-08-25T23:59:00.000-07:00

Hi again.

Sometimes I feel like I am blogging to myself as I have no followers yet and am still fairly new to this! But, I'm sure the bears can see it ;0)

I finished Bindi yesterday, she's very cute! But I had a huge effort to complete her before I could run out on the back verandah and take some photos of our tiny little balls of hail! The weather here has been crazy!!

Zelda the witch ready for Halloween

2010-08-23T16:39:00.000-07:00

Zelda has just been completed, wart and all!! She is all ready for Halloween and has been hand sculpted from polymer clay. Her clothing has been made from a black polyester fabric. Her hair is teased mohair. She has glass eyes and she has been painted using acrylic paints. Her hat and cauldron have been varnished. She is cooking up some green 'gloop' to serve at her Halloween party!! She is currently available through ebay

Barossa Winter

2010-08-16T21:19:00.000-07:00

It has been raining for the past few weeks and it has been very cold (for here anyway), frosty and stormy, we are all in hibernation! The alpacas seem to love the weather, but poor 'Bo' the male kangaroo always gets booted out of his house by his lovely sidekick 'Clippy' who is a female kangaroo and loves to be the boss!! 'Bo' always gets left in the rain. Just a couple of pics for your amusement. More to follow another day :0)

Towel bears

2010-08-13T22:45:00.000-07:00

I just had to experiment using some cotton towels I found in a cheap shop!!

mini bears

2010-08-07T16:39:00.000-07:00

I have been experimenting with more mini bears recently and have a new range of bears called 'chocolate drops'. They are very cute and I have a few more nearing completion, here are a couple to tempt you!. I have found that my bears started out mini then grew larger and have now come full circle and shrunk once more!! Enjoy!!

Emily bear

2010-08-03T21:59:00.000-07:00

This is little Emily bear my latest creation. Finished today. She is rather cute, although she is a bit cranky because there was no sun and her photographs do not do her justice!!

The Nymph of Spring

2010-08-02T15:14:00.000-07:00

This the 'Nymph of Spring' my first art doll. She has been totally hand sculpted using polymer clay. I made her eyes individually from coloured clay. Her hair is gorgeous wool. My first full clay figure. She stands on a clay platform and measures around 19cm tall. Stay tuned as I add more to her, I feel she is not quite complete yet and not yet ready for spring which is just around the corner here 'down under'.

Needlefelted Art Doll

2010-08-01T03:40:00.000-07:00

For some years I experimented with different needle felting techniques and at one point in the past year 'Sunny Girl' was born using hand dyed alpaca wool. She won an award at a local show and she still sits in my cupboard. I have a fascination with artist dolls and today finished my first full polymer clay art doll. Pictures are coming soon, but, for now 'Sunny Girl' still inspires me to try different things! Stay tuned!

2010 Awards for Bears

2010-07-30T18:33:00.000-07:00

Over the past 6 months or so I have been fortunate to win some awards including best in show in their section at the Adelaide Hills Doll and Bear Show 2010.

Grapes, Wine and Bears offcourse!!

2010-07-30T18:05:00.000-07:00

And of course I have to have a grape/wine related bear from the Barossa!! This is little Woollybuttbears Shiraz!

2010-07-30T18:00:00.000-07:00

A couple of my latest creations!

Fog and Winter

2010-07-30T17:52:00.000-07:00

My blog has been pretty quiet lately. I have been in hibernation during a cold winter here down under! But I have managed to complete some more bears recently and am working on yet another new pattern.

I managed to take a photo of our foggy morning the other day. The alpacas didn't seem to mind!!

Inspiration and hot weather

2010-01-11T13:28:00.001-08:00

I finished little 'Os' just before a heat wave here in South Australia. Today thankfully its much cooler and there is even some rain which is so very appreciated by my garden and me!