Tuesday 23 October 2012

Let's Go 'Bear'!

Hello friends
Something a little different today.  
I subscribe to Mollie Makes Magazine and the latest copy dropped through my 
letterbox yesterday featuring details on how to make a teddy bear.
It reminded me that a year or two ago I decided to do 'bear making'.
This is Woodward.
 
This gorgeous creature came in kit form and was a gift from my parents and I was determined not to let 
him sit at the back of the wardrobe, he just had to be made.


I embarked upon my 'bear adventure' with a lot of trepidation - I can sew, cross stitch etc but it is very different to making a toy. This bear kit was featured on Kirsty's Homemade Christmas, 
Channel 4 and can be purchased from Alice's Bear Shop.

If any of you are considering 'going bear' - a couple of tips: the fabric is mohair and as you cut out the bear body parts, you 'snip' as opposed to cutting, it allows him to still have some hair! 
 Assembling his head is tricky but possible - the finished head looks a little macabre especially 
as I put him in a spare flowerpot while he awaited his body! 
 Once his eyes were in place I panicked over stitching his nose and mouth - 
but finally he had a character and I instantly loved him. Being a dab hand with pliers (all that jewellery making!) was a big plus as his joints are made with 'cotterpins' - all new but interesting.
It is my birthday next month and I'm thinking of asking for a another bear, I like 'going bear'! 

Yesterday I featured the Authentique - Festive papers, just to let you know
the 6x6 paper pad is available at The Craft Barn.

The spare place for Saturday's Christmas Tags class is now booked but funnily enough,
another place has popped up for my other Christmas Tags class on  Saturday, 10 November.  
If anyone fancies popping along for some festive tag making - please drop me an email.

Take care friends...back to pretty paper tomorrow!

21 comments:

jucrook said...

Love the bear - hope Bella hasn't claimed him as her own! It's nice to have a break from paper crafting but still doing something crafty. Awake at silly o'clock this morning thus able to make the first comment. Only three more days of work before a week off - cant wait. Ju

Unknown said...

Hi Christine, want to hug that bear he's so adorable. Don't think I want to tackle making bears just yet, still trying to complete my orders for Advent Box Frames, but it is a labour of love as they turn out so nice.

Wilma x x

Anonymous said...

Hi Christine. Oh how cute is that bear. I had a phase a few years ago of making stuffed toys but out of material, not fur.

Liz said...

What a lovely bear.

Carole Z said...

Love the bear! I made one a few years ago for a friend, it was really difficult and took ages in between everything else, but it was worth it! Carole Z X

Elizabeth said...

Hi Christine, is there no end to your talents? Your bear does have character and is so cute. I too had a phase a few years ago making soft toys but in material. I remember my daughter and I made a teddy bear when she was much younger and which she still has.
Elizabeth x

Kim said...

Hi Christine
What a lovely bear, you are clever. You're such a talented lady, everything you turn your hand to is always beautiful.
Can't wait to see your next one.

All the best
Kim x

Patricia Howarth said...

Morning Christine, I so love Woodward, he is so cute and cuddly, you have made me want to try 'going bear' now !! When I popped across to find out the info, the difference in cost of the 'kit' and the cost of the 'ready made', made me think that this project would be quite difficult, but I really fancy having a go, he may go on my Wish List for Christmas ha ha, because he is so GORGEOUS. Thanks for the links to the bears and the papers.
Lots of love from Patricia xx

Lucycat said...

Hi Christine.
What a lovely bear,he certainly does not look like a home made bear,you do everything so well. Where will you find time to make another, they must take ages. x.

nattyboots said...

Hi Christine
Oh how clever you are , i tried to make a rag doll from a kit i got last year
and what a mess i made of it, it ended up in the bin

I can cross stitch,embroider and do tapestry
but sew ? just not for me im afraid .

Have a nice day
Elaine H X

lydia jordan said...

Morning Christine,
Wow! how clever are you so many talents.

Love your bear I like them to have long hair makes them look more real.
Have a good day.
Lydia
X

Redanne said...

Hi Christine, your little bear is so sweet, I have a vintage bear tucked away in a cupboard, waiting to be made, I really must do him now that I have seen yours, thank you for the tips, will bear those in mind. Love the little clip at the start too! See you on Saturday! Crafty hugs, Anne x

EmmaT said...

Morning Christine, lovely bear, however i can't sew at all so tackling the bear would be a bit much. Emma

Sue Yorkshire said...

Morning Christine

He is beautiful. I can sew but cant embroider so I would get him together but he would probably end up with cross eyes and a wonky nose

xxxxx

hazel young said...

Lovely looking bear Christine, which reminds me i have a bear making kit to do xx hazel

Sarah said...

Hi Christine. Sorry I haven't visited your blog in a while. Fabulous bear - so cute. You are such a talented lady.

Sarah x

Anonymous said...

Hi Christine, Go Bear anytime for me, I have a collction of bears from all over, most are called by name from where ever they come from ie, Alfie Boscastle, a little bear from Boscastle in Cornwall.Must admit, I have had to retire from collecting no more room in the Inn she cries!
Your bear, Woodward, is adorable, must be so proud that you made him yourself, Ooh, I'm sooo tempted!!
Have a good day, C.B.W. Carolyn x

Craftychris said...

Woodward is so cute! You are very clever making him yourself, he has such character! xx

Ita said...

Hi Christine AHHHHHHHH I love him you did a fantastic job in making him it makes me feel I just want to hug him.
Smiles Ita

Ita said...

P.S. I hope Bella gets on with Woodward
Ita

Jenny L said...

Hi Christine,
love the bear. I think going bear is a jolly good idea.
Have you seen the very little crochet bears on amazon you buy the pattern and then crochet them.
I must get around to doing this soon.
Lots of crafty love. Jenny L.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...