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).

Woodend Teddy Bear Show - We Love it!

Each year the critters, Martin and I look forward with great anticipation to the Woodend Teddy Bear Show enjoying the lovely opportunity of meeting fellow arctophiles and catching up with friends. The show is held in the lovely town of Woodend in the Macedon Ranges of Victoria on the last Sunday of October.

In preparation for the trip, I took photos of new critters. Here are four recent additions to the hug:

From the left: Duggie, Kenneth, Lah-Fing, Fur-Elise

and four more who wanted me to show them off!

From the left: Digger, Babette, Joh-Moh, Duffy

When do we leave, Mum?

Just before leaving I place my critters into their travelling bag. They do not like it much, but are willing to endure the confined space for a limited time.

Look, Ma - no hands

The 700 kilometre drive to Woodend is most enjoyable. We travel through rural South Australia and Victoria, and there's plenty to see. However, we had a late start this year and travelled through the night, so we didn't see much of the countryside. However, Martin is always fun to travel with, and at one point, whilst having coffee and lamingtons we drove, Martin showed me his own special way of eating lamingtons!

On Saturday afternoon we set up our display, the critters cooperating well with our desire to show them to their best advantage.

This being her first show, Fur-Elise seemed to need a little reassurance.

 The evening saw us heading off to the traditional pre-show dinner get-together and catch-up with fellow bear artists at a local restaurant. The excellence of our friend Claire's dessert and a shark sculpture were images Martin and couldn't resist capturing for posterity!

Sunday morning found us back at St Ambrose Hall, and before we knew it, the doors opened and the  fun began.

We had a great day, and I especially want to thank our dear friends Claire and John Evans for helping to make it so, and of course my kind and patient husband Martin, without whose help and encouragement I would not be able to continue in this lovely craft.

Many talented bear artists were at the show. Below are just a few:

Lena Burghart:  KP Bears - with Pat Morris's bears on right

Karen Alderson: Karen's Bears

Sue Bartlett: Adorable Bears

Merilyn Pursell:  Bearwildered Bears

Gunnies Collectibles (Robyn Gan)

Benson Bears (Linda Benson)

Scruff and Sandi

I am pleased to say that two of my critters, Sandi and Scruff - close friends who till now have been inseparable - were adopted by two human friends who live close to each other, so Sandi and Scruff will be able to keep in touch.

If you would like to know about any of my critters, you will find their details on my For Adoption page, and I'd be pleased to provide any additional information if you email me at kayzyscritters@gmail.com

WELCOME TO MY BLOG:
This post wouldn't be complete without welcoming Lyn, who recently began following this blog. I do hope you will enjoy your visits, Lyn.