2014 Show and Tell - Part 2: Woodend Teddy Bear Show

Woodend Teddy Bear Show

Ever since our first Woodend Teddy Bear Show in 2008, one of the highlights of our 'beary' year is to travel from the Adelaide Hills in South Australia to the Macedon Ranges in Victoria, to participate in this lovely show. We also enjoy the excellent company and hospitality of our friends Claire and John Evans, catching up with other bear artists,  and the beauty of the region. 

Claire, John, Martin and I stay at the Kyneton Bushland Resort in a well-appointed villa there, and receive regular visitors of the animal kind.

It is only a 15 minute drive from Kyneton to Woodend, where the show is held, and Sunday morning finds us in the hall, and after checking that the critters are ready, 

 there is still time to have quick look around and take a few happy snaps of other tables 

and traders. Some are camera shy, others pose happily for the camera (or ignore me!)  as we all wait for the show to open.

Last minute preparations by camera shy trader-friends

Waiting for the show to open

 

Bear-related traders were also there

Closer encounters of the beary kind!

Once the show opens there is little time to spare, as the eager bear-seeking crowd pours into the hall and the fun begins! 

 I am happy to report that three of my critters found new homes, and end this post with their portraits, taken for the family album (as mentioned in the post Stick it in the Family Album).

Kenneth the Koala Leaves Home

Those who follow my blog will remember the tale of Kenneth the Koala (told in 3 parts).

 

Since then Kenneth has delighted many of his (and my) friends with his antics.

I knew sooner or later Kenneth would leave home, as happens with most children, but as his mother I hoped it would be later rather than sooner, because I loved seeing his happy face around the place.

A few days ago my friend Fay phoned me to ask if I could make her a koala. I knew it would be some time before I could do this, and Kenneth, hearing the conversation, pricked up his already big ears and cried "Pick me, pick me!" Kenneth, my big and brave Koala, was well and truly ready to leave home.

So, the next day Kenneth and I visited Fay, who of course fell in love with Kenneth straight away and had to have him, so the adoption took place.

It was with a little sadness that I released my Kenneth into the care of one of my oldest and dearest friends, but I knew they belonged together, and this made me glad.


Kenneth of course, with the exuberance of youth, immediately began exploring his new home, and in the garden some blue ducks greeted him and made him welcome.










Fay then took him inside her home to meet her family of bears. It was delightful to greet quite a few of my critters again, including Zachary (in red striped T-shirt), my first original design, Sing Song, my first panda, and little Oliver (tartan bow).

Then Webster (the biggest bear I've made) called out to be introduced, and Kenneth immediately made himself at home on Webster's lap! Sitting comfortably there, Kenneth smiled up at me and said, "Thank you for bringing me here, Nana - I love you - see you soon!" So I left him in good hands (paws), and went off with Fay for a coffee and a catch-up.

-

Although I miss Kenneth he is very happy and having lots of fun with his new family, and there will be plenty of opportunity for hugs when I call in for coffee with Fay. As a matter of fact, I feel like a coffee right now - see you next time.

Notes on Nana Neglect

As I write this, there are a couple of my furry friends sitting on the table near me, waiting, watching. . .

Yes, these two have languished unknown and unappreciated until today, because of Nana Neglect! However, they do not accuse; they just sit quietly, hopefully, expectantly even, and this encourages me to leave self-recriminations behind and get on with the job, er, blog!

Without trying to justify my neglect, I should explain. I am not a salesperson, and although I originally began blogging to share my love of bearmaking, and to allow my critters be seen and appreciated by others (and hopefully find good homes), my blog has been more about sharing life events in general than about Kayzy's Critters. This is partly because I do take quite a while to create a critter, and also because there are many other interesting things to write about, and little time to write. However, that is no excuse for Nana Neglect.

It all started last week, when a friend kindly pointed out an error on my blog. The problem was that I had put an incorrect email contact on the For Adoption page. Logging in to correct the fault, I then looked down the page at the last entry, and was shocked to see that it's been almost 3 months since I updated the page. This wouldn't be shocking, except that I have made several critters in that time, so at the very least I should have respected their critterhood by letting folk know they exist.
Well, I apologise to you, my critters, and without further hesitation introduce you to your blogging public.

Lah-Fing

This young panda is full of fun. His happy face reminds me that life is good, and to be enjoyed and celebrated, whatever may come!

















His vital statistics are:

• Height: 33cm from tips of ears to bottom of feet
  

• Fur: black and white German Schulte mohair.
  
  
• Paw & footpads: Sculpted grey leather and black mohair.
  
• Eyes: Black deluxe English glass, with white ultrasuede highlights,
  using black Copic pen to shade the eye area.
  
• Nose: Black embroidered
  
• Mouth: Applied open mouth, with ultrasuede tongue and Copic shading.
• Joints: Locknuts, with wobble jointed head.
• Stuffing: Polyester, with glass beads in his tummy.
• Adoption fee: AUD$175.00, plus postage and packing.

Fur-Elise

A small bunny with big dreams, Fur-Elise was my first attempt at designing my own style of rabbit, with a beary look. She loves our garden, and enjoys gathering flowers.

• 
  Height: 24cm tall
  

• Fur: White English mohair.
  
• Paw & footpads: Sculpted white ultrasuede, with airbrushed detail.
  
• Eyes: Black deluxe English glass, with white ultrasuede highlights and airbrushed shading.
  
• Ears: Cute bunny ears, wired to enable posing in different positions, they have airbrushed ultrasuede undersides.
  
• Nose & mouth Pink embroidered, with airbrushing.
• Tail: Cute ball of fluff!
• Joints: Locknuts, with wobble jointed head.
• Stuffing: Polyester, with glass beads in her tummy.
• Adoption fee: AUD$140.00, plus postage and packing.

In my next post I will introduce you to some more of my critters, but thought it best to highlight Lah Fing and Fur-Elise because they have waited so long. If perchance they call out to you, and you want to know more, my (now corrected) email address is kayzyscritters@gmail.com.

Welcome to Krümel Das Allgäu-Bärchen and Encourage One Another, who recently joined our blog as followers.

Digger and Dennis - Trainee Treasure Hunters

"Hurry, Dennis! We've got to get out into the garden before it's too late." It had been a beautiful day and the winter sun was still shining, but the shadows were beginning to lengthen in the late afternoon.

Digger grabbed his fork and shovel and off he went, closely followed by Dennis, waddling as fast as his short ducky legs would allow. Their plan was to look for buried treasure in the short time available to them before sunset.

First stop was the herb garden. In a nice spot near the alyssum and rosemary Dennis and Digger began exploring but, although very pretty, this didn't seem to be quite the sort of place for buried treasure.

Moving on, in the front garden underneath a rose tree and near the snowdrops, they found another likely location for digging, It was here that Digger discovered he was ambidextrous, as he cleverly handled both shovel and fork with equal skill.

Dennis was full of admiration for his friend's bi-paw digging ability, but neither of them felt satisfied that what they were looking for was in this garden either. So on they went, as the sun sank lower in the western sky.

By the time they reached the cottage garden and near the nasturtiums (a place with excellent potential), both treasure hunters were beginning to feel a little weary. However, Dennis said to Digger encouragingly,

"I'm sure we will find what we're looking for here," and so saying, he began to forage around with his beak in the nice damp soil, and Digger intently watched his progress.

And then, just as they were both about to get right down to it, who should appear on the scene but Nana Kayzy.

"Hello, dear ones - what are you up to?"

"Looking for buried treasure, Nana," Digger answered. "We're sure it must be hidden here."

 "Well, my dears, it's getting very cold and the sun is almost gone. I think you should wait until tomorrow to find that treasure. If you're right, it will still be there tomorrow. Why don't you come inside to the warm fire, and tell the other critters what you've been doing?"

Digger the Dog and Dennis the Dancing Duck only hesitated for a moment. The thought of a warm fire, a nice dinner and an evening with friends was much more inviting than staying out in the cold.

Digger collected his tools, picked up Dennis in his arms, and followed Nana Kayzy into the nice warm cottage and the furry warmth of the hug. After all, good friends are the best treasure anyone can find.

Final Note about Digger and Dennis

Digger is still with me at Critter Cottage and is available for adoption. His information is on my For Adoption page. 

As I write this, Dennis the Dancing Duck is preparing to fly to Far North Queensland, where he will be welcomed into a new family who assure me they dance frequently and have lots of water nearby for Dennis's delight. We will miss you, Dennis!

....ooo0ooo....

A warm welcome to Carolyn Robbins, a new follower of our blog. I know you will  enjoy visiting Carolyn's excellent bear blog Warm Heart Bears (very cute), and this will also lead you on to her Rose Cottage Dolls and Patchwork Ark blogs. Carolyn is a very busy and clever lady!

Bonjour, Babette!

Well, I've been postponing the production of this post, procrastinating and puddling around, but finally decided to publish today (how many 'p' words can one fit into one sentence?)  My reasons for delay have been many, but foremost was the hope of completing alterations on a dress I'd found in my box (see last post) for Babette.

However, time and Babette waits for no Nana. Babette does not want a dress (pleading eyes); she wants to say "Bonjour!" to the world unhampered by clothing. Babette decided that all she needed was a flower in her hair, and one around her neck.

So, without further ado, may I introduce you to Babette.

Babette is made of apricot pink English mohair. Her footpads are ultrasuede, with pulled toe detail. She is stuffed with polyester, and has beads in her tummy and legs for added weight. Her English glass eyes are backed with white ultrasuede highlights, she has an embroidered nose and mouth, and has needle and scissor sculpting to give extra character to her face, along with her pixie-like ears.

Babette is designed to sit, having bent legs, and her overall length from head to toe is 35cm.

Babette is a contented, sweet-natured little girl, and I know she will make the special someone who adopts her very happy. Her adoption fee is AUD$140.00, plus postal and insurance costs. For further information about Babette, please email me.

Fun at the Adelaide Doll, Bear and Collectables Show

Last Saturday, Kay Schulz and I shared a table at this small show. 

We had a most enjoyable day together, catching up with other bear artist friends, chatting with visitors, and giving our bears a day out. 

We also farewelled Elfyn, who captured the heart of a lady. With a wistful last look and a hug, he departed, and I am happy that he has gone to such a good home.

 

Abby's sense makes the heart grow fonder

"Nana, Nana!" cried Abby, "Isn't it time you showed everyone how you fixed me?"

"Yes, you're right," said Nana Kayzy. "I've been a bit too busy, haven't I, and it's not getting any quieter. Well, we've just got time to take a few photos of you before we have to race out again." So saying, Nana Kayzy quickly set up camera and lights,  grabbed the nearest backdrop to hand - black - and plonked Abby down on it.

"Smile for the camera, Abby."

"How's this, Nana?" little Abby asked.

"Lovely," replied Nana distractedly. "I'll just take some pics of your side and rear view. We haven't got time for any more now."

She took the photos, hurriedly reviewed them, and thought, 'The black background is probably too stark for the little darling, but I've run out of time - they'll have to do.'

Abby wasn't sure that it would do, but being an understanding, loving little teddy bear she didn't want to make a fuss. Instead she watched Nana Kayzy bundling all sorts of things into the car, including photographic lights, bearmaking paraphernalia, soup - and herself. Off they went, for a catch-up with close friend, Kay Schulz (Kay's Kids).

Kay S. had just finished a large dark brown bear, made from real fur as a special order. This stately lady bear seemed to need a little more light on the subject (pardon the pun!), so the big lights were set up for the project. (Note: In the end, she looked much better without the bright lights - and many of us can relate to this!)

Having taken pictures of the big bear,        Kay S. decided that little Abby should pose for the camera again, this time with a pretty lacy background, and so it came to pass.

Do I look all right?

Ooh, this lace is lovely and soft!

Look, Nana - I can stand by myself!

Abby was very happy, and so was Nana Kayzy, who is constantly amazed by her friend's creativity and especially thankful for her friendship and support. THANK YOU, KAY.

Thank you, Aunty Kay!

AN EVEN HAPPIER ENDING

Another beary friend of Nana's saw Abby this week and fell in love with her immediately, so Abby has been adopted and even now is preparing to move to her new home.