Emo Bears

another awesome Giveaway!

2011-07-20T11:43:00.000+01:00

Cloudbearies are having a great giveaway! look at this lovely Bear...

Head on over for your chance to win!

http://www.cloudbearies.com/

Clothing Trouble...

2011-07-08T11:53:00.000+01:00

My big bear is done.

I say done. he's not done at all. The Nightmare begins.

Now he needs clothes...and a wig....and some boots....

I have some some versions of these clothes before but on a much smaller bear. New bear is refusing to co-operate and I have realised that a bear with a hump is not an easy bear to make clothes for....

Still, it's a personal project so I can take my time with no pressure.....

I'll share some photos of him as is soon.

TTFN!

Awesome Giveaway!

2011-06-22T20:54:00.000+01:00

The Lovely Linda Benson is giving away a stunning Polar Bear!

http://bensonbears.blogspot.com/2011/06/best-laid-plans.html

Head on Over for your chance to win!!

Swap Bear

2011-06-20T09:43:00.001+01:00

I thought I'd share my very British Swap Bear with you all, as he's on his travels, I haven't posted him anywhere else as I want his new Mum to have a Suprise when he turns up.

I've fancied trying some more traditional style bears for a change and I thought this would be a good oppertunity.

He's made from South african Mohair/Vicose mix and is a pattern from a Japanese Book.

I love those books, you get a ton of patterns for relatively little money (i think they cost me around £30 but have loads of patterns in each)

I haven't named him, that will be for his new Mum to decide, He's gone to live in the USA.

I am very proud of his nose! I think it's the neatest I've ever managed.

In other news, I stuffed Big Bears head last night. Not only did it hurt but I also snapped my stuffing stick - guess I was really going for it!!! My Cotter key is a good subsititute for now.

I also think I may need more stuffing!

TTFN x

Big Bear Pains!

2011-06-19T12:47:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone!

I know it's been a while but I really must try harder!!

On the bear front, I've made a few including this year's Summer Swop bear. More on him some other time.

What is really on my mind at the moment is Big Bears! I am in the process of making a 20" bear for myself from a Book Pattern (i'll include details when bear is done). I am almost there, I've got a leg and the ears to go.

I have to say, I am finding the whole experience akward and painful. As I still handsew 100% of my bears, the big pieces really hurt to hold as you are stitching them and my hands are hurting so much I often need to stop. This is made worse by all the Chainmaille I've started again so my hands are super busy.

I have been warned that he will hurt to stuff as well....

Bring it on Bear!

Random Crafting Urges

2010-09-18T12:19:00.000+01:00

I know the answer, with almost certainty as most creative people are alike.

But does anyone else suffer from Random crafting urges?

The bears have taken a little backseat right now and I have been working on a massive super complex cross stitch right now - I find them theraputic in an almost mindless way. look at the chart, do a few stitches, change colour, off you go. Nothing I like better than to 'watch' a movie or a show whilst stitching away.

I have stitched for a fair few years now, easily over 10 although I am very prone to starting something and not finishing it through sheer boredom - or another random crafting urge hitting me square in the face. This whole thing not helped by the fact I like super complex cross stitch - cos it just looks so much cooler when it's done.

This is what I'm working on right now. Simple huh? I've done about 1/6 in a couple of months. I do love Tigers.
I might put up progress reports so you can watch it grow. My living room is all creams and browns so it should look lovely when done.

Anyway! I was stitching along most days (in between bears) quite happily. Then one day I read a trade magazine at work.

For those of you who don't know, I work in a Jewellers. Not a fancy bespoke designer one I admit, it's a High Street Jewellers. Not the best know but we have around 126 branches in England and Wales.

No-one else reads those magazines I don't think, but I love to keep up with what is cool in the jewellery world.

I came across a lovely bracelet, which consisted of a half persian chain used as a charm bracelet. It was seriously nice.

Now half persian is a Chainmail pattern. For a while now, people have been making jewellery using jump rings in Chainmaill patterns. You will hear it referred to as Chain Maille when used in this manner.

I stumbled across it really when I found a kit one day. I have done a couple of patterns, Byzantine and Kings Helm.It is really simple and straight forward once you have learned the pattern of the rings; and working with jewellery I am very used to opening and closing jump rings. Fiddly but you get a really cool effect when it's done.

So I have decided I need to learn half persian to make a bracelet just like the one I saw. As stunning as it was, I have't got £375 when I can spend £4 on some rings instead!

Rings arrived this morning much to my Fiances amusement. He sees me with a package and says, what have you got? and just gave me a real funny look when I said a pile of jump rings.....lol.

So yet again, my crafting as been derailed by a random urge/inspiration.

Still, Never a Dull Moment, is it??

Food for Thought: Teddy Bear Natural History.

2010-09-06T14:53:00.000+01:00

A very good friend of mine shared an artist website that she came across which I find fascinating -

http://www.stephaniemetz.com/portfolioTeddyNaturalHistory.html

Stephanie makes a statement about our desire to shape our world using the Teddy Bear as an example. The resulting needlefelted pieces look as if they are indeed copying something real - she also does more biological work.

I would share this with the Teddy Community at large on TT; But I get the feeling that it may provoke strong reactions in some people.

A little statement about our constant need to mess with the world around us.

Hope you enjoy,

Love Julia xxx

Summer Swap Bear

2010-09-02T11:33:00.000+01:00

Here's my Bear for the Teddy Talk Summer Bear Swap.

He was sent ages ago, but my partner has been very ill and had to have a knee operation, so everything has been a little delayed. She has just let me know that he has arrived so I will now share him with you.

I went for a little puppy in colours that remind me of summer, and ice-cream for some reason. I went a bit mad on the insets. He has white inset muzzle, paws, toes and the tips of the back of his ears. I like to think of him as a rather pretty scruffy street dog.

It reminds me of just how far my skills have progressed in such a little time - and my noses are getting better with every bear.

Clare loves him, so that is what matters most.

So a little piece of summer for you all - even if it feels like summer is now well and truly over.

xxx

Boot Camp Bear

2010-08-24T10:24:00.001+01:00

Here he is!

I am very happy with the way he turned out. He's a very 'proper' looking traditional bear - don't you think?

I love that mohair, it's just a same it was second hand on eBay so I have no way of reliably getting any more although there may be a small, rather hairy bear left in the remnants (or maybe a Panda!)

The best waxed nose I have done too, although it's not perfect, but that's how you know it's handmade - right?

I'm going to write a note for inside the box as well explaining what he is made of etc.

I am off to visit Baby Alice later so he can go meet her then. Hopefully it is something that she will treasure always. I know I have a soft toy made for me by my Godmother who is still with me (and in a very sorry state I have to say as he has always slept in my bed up til last year, and I'm 28 now)

Hope you enjoy looking at him - it's nice to made a more 'traditional' bear sometimes.

Love to all,

Julia xxx

Poor Bear!

2010-08-17T11:16:00.000+01:00

Well my bear now has nicely stuffed and jointed limbs but his poor head is nowhere near his body!

I do like to do my heads first, and then joint and stuff the body. Leaving the poor bear doing his impression of the headless horseman.......

Still. Won't be long now! Part 3 of the classes has opened up. I am considering taking poor bear on a day trip back to my parent's house next week as I know my mum has a massive pile of decorator's chalks in her craft cupboard.....hehehehehe. New shading technique here we come!

Once finished mr. bear will be a gift for my best friend who is expecting her first baby soon. Hope she likes him!

Coming along nicely....

2010-08-13T15:35:00.000+01:00

My boot camp bear is getting there!

I was determined to machine sew this time, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it - I love hand sewing so much that I just gave in.

All pieces are sewn and ready to stuff.

My only problem is that I bought some lovely mohair second hand and it smells a bit old - if you know what I mean? I didn't want to treat it with anything. Does anyone know what is safe to use to get the 'old' out of it?

Love to all.... Julia

Meet Bill and Ted....

2010-08-04T17:09:00.000+01:00

As Promised, Here are Bill and Ted.

Ted is the darker of the two and is sulking on the shelf. Bill in the curious looking one on the floor.

It's not easy to get them in the same picture at the same time.

This was taken when they first came home and were in Quarrentine - They have now moved upstairs and they have chunked out a bit - Bill is a right chunky lad now.

Ebony is basically a 'wrap around' colour, so they lack the white bellies found in most. Breeders try to breed the darkest that they can, with an all over 'every hair' shiny black being the aim colour wise. Ted is nearly there, he just has some lighter freckles.

The problem with the darker Chins is that the fur is not so good quality. Ted's fur is longish and does not stick up as much as Bill's. For this reason, Bill would be considered the better 'quality' of the two even though he is not nearly as dark as Ted (he looks darker in the fur than he does in photos).

Ebony is believed to be a cumulative gene, that is as the generations go on, the offspring are generally darker.

This leaves breeders with a big problem.

If you breed two every hair black chinchillas together (or sometimes it is referred to as 'Homo Ebony' i.e. homozygous for the ebony gene). You will get very dark offspring, which is certaintly the more desired colour but the fur quality will usually suffer.

So the way most breeders will do it is to use top notch lighter animals and breed over many generations to try to get a good quality 'Homo' Ebony. It's a wasteful game, with a lot of animals being born that can't be used to breed if they are not darker (and they can't be bred with other colours if you are breeding for white bellies as it will cause a 'muddy' belly) and pet owners not wanting anything other than the darkest ones...

I would love to breed, but it's far too complicated.

I was never a fan of the colour in general, it got a bad name - and I admit, I'm as guilty as the next person of wanting a dark one (hence Ted) but I have to say, I have a big soft spot for Bill.

I hope my ramblings on Ebony Chinchillas haven't bored you too much.... I could talk Chinchillas all day happily. They are such BIG personalities in such tiny bodies. My Fiance often accuses them of winding him up on purpose...

You know what?

I actually believe they probably do......

It's a shame that they need such specialist care really, but I would be the first person to discourage ownership unless you are a 110% committed.

On the bear front, I won the mohair - Just got to wait for the post. I think I may try mostly machine stitching for once as 100% hand sewing means it takes me ages to make a bear!

I'm Back!

2010-08-02T18:46:00.000+01:00

Back to my blog, and back to school!!

First of all, many apologies. This year has been a rollercoaster and a half!!

I lost my beloved little man in February, I bought my first home, I rehomed two more furries and then my Fiance was forced out of his job.

Things have been more up and down than a Yo Yo!!

First the bad. Things at my Fiance's work went wrong; there was an investigation. He was the only one honest enough to admit he had made a mistake, by taking the advice of someone more senior in a matter of security and it backfired. Basically, everyone sat back and let him take the wrap for it all - Even though others were, IMO more to blame and not doing their jobs.

He was forced to resign to stop a hearing go ahead that would have stayed on his permanent record. No matter what the outcome (although he had a strong defence) it would not have allowed him to safely walk out of his job and into another had it gone ahead.

As it is, He has been offered another - which we hope will not fall through but it leaves us in a bad place finacially. Our mortgage cover will not kick in as he had to resign therefore his unemployment is 'his fault'. Luckily we have a bit put by, but not a lot. We are currently living off cheap beans, noodles and worse of all, cheap meat (urgh!! Won't make that mistake again, I'd rather go veggie than eat the mince we bought again). Hahaha that almost read Mice...I'm not unconvinced that mouse would taste better tbh.

We are without his half of the money until the end of september, and when he does work, it will be further away, for less money. But at least it will be a job.

On the up side.....

I do have two more special little men in my life. A lovely pair of young Ebony Chinchillas, They are around 16 months old each and although they aren't related to each other they have been together since they were weaned and are devoted to each other.

They were bred by a friend of mine, who for personal reasons has had to rehome quite a few of her Chinchillas. I contacted her to see if she had any babies due and she told me about this special pair of boys. We renamed them Bill and Ted.....lol.

Bill is the nosiest Chin I have ever met, ever. He will follow you around and just *has* to know what is going on. He's a friendly little soul. His Mum died when he was a few hours old, so he was hand raised a little and rushed miles away to be fostered by another Chin. To say all that, he's a proper Big bum Chin - just the way they should be.

Ted is a sweet heart. He's a little more shy but will happily be held with no protest (once you have caught him!). He's got a corkscrew tail like a pig and had bald patches on it when he came to live here. They have grown back, I am happy to report. He was the only survivor of a triplet litter and is a little battered on the way.

They like to tease Lucky through the bars who remains a proper Mummy's boy. They both eat like horses though and are very good with people - most are shocked by how friendly and laid back they are - Just goes to show you how important a good breeder is in their upbringing. They were never supposed to live with anyone else, she was so attached. I am honoured. I was even more honoured when she offered me her all time favourite and most special boy - but we felt that it would be unfair to the Chin in question and the mardy Mr. Lucky, who would have to had shared. He's not a 'sharing' kind of guy.... lol.

I will post pictures when I have time.

I haven't had much time for bear making. I made a swop bear that went to australia - but I have yet to hear if he made it or not. I made another couple and started another.

That's all on hold though, I have signed up for Basic Boot Camp at EBearz University.

For anyone interested in bear making, it's a Free course run by a top Bear Artist. Sign up and join the fun!! -

http://www.kranbearys.com/Ebearz/Bears/BasicBootCamp.htm

I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that I win a nice piece of Mohair I'm bidding on, On Ebay!

I will try to be good and get back into the swing of things - Now I remember why I never managed to successfully keep a diary.

Love to you all xxx

In Chaos!

2010-03-16T10:20:00.000Z

Hi all,

I know I've gone a bit quiet of late, but there's a good reason.

Not only did I loose my Baby back in february, But I also had put an offer on a house.

As I result, I have just bought my own home! exciting stuff! of course it means the bear making is all on hold just now as there is just so much to sort out and do! Due to buying a repossession, it has been both fast and very hard work. The house itself is in good condition with not much work required to live in it but the water people and the electric people are refusing to connect us on the basis that we may be the previous occupants. So we have to supply a legal letter, stating that we are not these people before we can turn anything on. As a result, I have a house, I can't live in right now.

We have pretty much nothing so we are relying on family to buy us major appliances and furnature. Again, until we are straight, everything is up in the air. The end is in sight, but man is it exhausting...I just want to hide under my duvet and ignore it a while. I would, if I had a bed....lol.

Sad News

2010-02-09T11:51:00.000Z

Stitch

October 2006- February 2010

It is with a heavy heart that I announce that my special little man was put to sleep yesterday.

After a long fight, since being diagnosed with an untreatable condition in May 2009, He contiued to loose weight, despite being on a large amount of pain killers.

He was loving, happy and bouncy right up until I said goodbye to him last night, he wasn't suffering and I felt it only fair to him that he deserved to die with dignity, not waste away.

Once of my first Chinchillas, He joins his 'brother' Leroy up on the Rainbow bridge, where I have no doubt he is causing mischief and stuffing his face - now it no longer hurts to eat.

One of the sweetest Chins I have ever known, he loved cuddles and kisses and would make friends with anybody. A big beefy boy, who suprised everyone he met with the size of him.

His friend Lucky will miss his taunting and someone to 'chat' too.

Miss You Always Little Man

Everyone who met you fell in love, will miss our kisses and cuddles.

Bentley - All Done!

2010-01-20T11:17:00.000Z

Here he is - Now doesn't he look better?

Much for fitting for a bear of his style.

This was my first attempt at Airbrushing, using the COPIC system - I didn't have too much choice of colours, as I only have a brown and a black, so brown 'Walnut' it was.

I may have slightly overdone it on his face, but all in all, for my first try I think he turned out quite nicely. I don't think I have the heart to sandpaper him.

It's been fun! TTFN,

Julia xxx

Aging Bentley - Stage 1

2010-01-19T11:05:00.001Z

Here is Bentley in his 'completed' form -

Please excuse the poor light, I finished him late yesterday afternoon and all the light had gone.

As you can see, we have a very new looking old bear.

Here are the results of the first stage of his distressing -

He's starting to look better!

To achieve this, I used some tweezers to pluck out bald patches along the seams. I also thought carefully about what might have happened to Bentley; in what ways he may have been cuddled and kissed.

He has bald patches on the end of his nose, and the middle of his forehead from being kissed.

I like to cuddle bears over my shoulder, so he has been aged to reflect this, bald under his arms, tops of his legs, middle of tummy and the tips of his toes. The fur has been thinned out across his back to reflect how he may have been held.

I'm happy with how it's gone so far. He needs to be dirtied up now as he's far too clean.

Aging a Bear

2010-01-18T16:02:00.000Z

Hi all,

For Chiristmas my Mum bought me a bear kit from Dempsey Designs "Bentley Bear". He's an old time Barbara Ann bear.

It's been really interesting making a more traditional style bear - although I have decided that 'humps' are definitley not for me, even if it does make him more 'old man' like and is typical of the style. I found the plastic joints easy to use - But I like my joints as tight as I can get them (to this end I am considering moving on to nut and bolt joints rather than cotter pins.

All in all, he has been a great experiment for me to try a VERY traditional bear - and I know that designing such things is not what I like.

Any how, I have decided that Bentley Bear looks far too clean and far too new for such an old style bear; to this end I am going to distress the poor guy. I like traditional bears that look a bit battered so I think that is what poor Bentley is going to experience.

I've read up on techniques a little; so all that remains is to sew on his ears and start aging him! I have aged up prop weapons before quite succesfully but those techniques will not work here. I will try and take some photos as I go - Maybe you can all see Bentley Bear changed into an 'Old' bear.

All excited.......!!!

First bear of 2010!

2010-01-11T15:58:00.000Z

Hi everyone, I hope 2010 is treating you well.

The weather in the Uk is appaling just now, I have never know either so much snow, or it to last so long! The temperature here hasn't gone much above freezing in a week; the roads are almost solid ice. They were better but it snowed again last night; coating everything in the white fluffy stuff.

It's nice to walk in, play in and feel a bit different.

It's bad to drive in and try to get to work. ick. At least the staff car parks are sheltered at work so no scraping before I can go home!

My first bear of 2010 is now ready for her new home.She likes looking at all the pretty snow....

"Is it Snowing yet?"

"It's so Pretty!"

"Hello! Are you cold?"

"I'm just relaxing - How about you?"

This pretty bear is a rather Girly commission with a sweet face and a double jointed neck. I'm sure her new mum will give her a lovely home.

Now I have a compulsion to maybe design a little anime bear. Hmmmmm......

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T13:23:00.000Z

Happy New Year to you all; wishing you a prosperous 2010! xxx

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T15:49:00.000Z

Wishing you all at Merry Christmas from me and the furries here.

May all your wishes come true, and your days be peaceful.

I have finally finished work and am somewhat exhausted, I only have today and tomorrow off and then it is back to work. Retail is not the best job for anyone. It can be challenging and tiring, and my thoughts are with my colleagues, some of whom are currently still in work - just to fuel people's needs to shop at increasingly long hours, and at wierd times. I would have thought that shift workers have sympathy with shop workers.

This festive season, as always as shown me the best of people, and the worst of people. The kind of people who would be the first to kick off if they were being rudely treated by shop staff; are usually the kind of people kicking off against us. Next time you go shopping; spare a smile and maybe a merry christmas/happy new year for the person working very hard for not much money - just so you can do some last minute shopping. It won't cost you anything, but it always brightens my day when I feel appreciated rather than like some slave there to give people whatever they want.

They say, that the customer is always right. I can tell you for a fact that they are very often wrong.

People amaze me. in fact, I was reading "Unseen Academicals" in bed this morning, and would like to share a quote that made me smile...

"He didn't like the general public much, an affliction that affects many who have to deal with the general public over a long period of time...."

It's true. The more I see of people in general, the more bitter and angry people make me.

Because I happen to work in a shop, it does not make customers better than me. Something else customers seem to forget. They are ALWAYS suprised when they demand to see the manager (i'm assistant manager but work on opposite shifts to the store manager) and out trots a 5"7 blonde 27 year old, who to be honest with you, looks much younger. I'm sure they would pass out if they knew I have a hard earned psychology degree.

I then also get no respect because....wait for it.....I am not a man.

Surely I can speak to a man in charge?

No, you are stuck with me. If you are nice and polite, you are likely to get whatever you want within reason. If you are agressive or rude, I will dig my heels in and give you nothing. What angers me more, is if the manager is in, he comes out and says exactly the same thing and the customer says "oh, ok then" and goes off happy!!

If you have a problem, be nice, polite and calm and understand that whatever the problem is, it is unlikely to be the fault of the person infront of you and we are people too.

Also, don't try to tell me your watch is faulty because the stones don't sparkle as much as the one in the window, because you wear yours all the time AND DON'T CLEAN IT! Dirty things are dirty because you haven't cleaned them, not because they are supposed to stay pristine forever.

Not that my 'day job' frustrates me....lol.

Then you get the other customers who are lovely and appreciate you. I will always go the extra mile for these people. I had someone take my name the other day so he could write a positive letter to head office for me; a lady yesterday who couldn't thank me enough for getting a second thing repaired at no extra charge to her.

I am always trying to do my best and it's nice to know that occasionally people notice.

So yes, be it the person packing your bags at tesco, or the frustrated shift manager at a jewellery store - be nice, smile and thank them - cos you might just make their day. :-)

I work long hours, till late at night, 10/11 hour shifts on a saturday - for less than £12,000 a year after tax. it really is one of the worst jobs out there. I shall chill out now and enjoy my 2 days of holiday, before I go back to being abused by people who don't like/don't want/doesn't fit christmas gifts and it all starts over again.

On the up side, I have a comission and I hope to share with you each stage of the bear's progress, hopefully that way his new mum can see him come together. I've got the most lovely mohair to make him out of - it's strokeably soft, and some lovely pink tipped synthetic for another bear.

Here's hoping you all have a joyful time, and ignore me being a bit grinchy, I've been on midnight shifts this week!

love Julia and the fluffs here xxx

Exciting News!

2009-12-05T18:30:00.001Z

Avaliable from Fuzzbutt.co.uk, Come 3 Emo Bears;

My first bears to be made commercially avalible to the general public.

They'd be happy if you want to drop by and visit them! ....

http://fuzzbutt.co.uk/index.php?cPath=49_60

Exciting times! Now I'd better get sewing!!

Ornament revealed...

2009-12-05T16:58:00.000Z

Here he is....The little bear of my dreams (well nightmares...)

I've used the picture that Tami took of him - she's better at it than me. This little man is about 4" high, with a double neck joint - which was the source of my frustration often, I love the effect it gives but it's VERY fiddly when you are using tiny necks and tiny disks!!

He's fully jointed with cotter pins, and hand shaded.

I made his little chain myself out of aluminum jump rings (yet another craft I have discovered)

He's also got little pulled toes, of which I am quite proud...

You can see how my skills don't compare to Tami's!!

Still, it broke my heart to part with the little guy after I made him - but he was made to bring some holiday cheer and I know he will be very much Cherished by his new Mum.

I can't wait to recieve mine!!

Stitch has a blog.

2009-11-28T23:29:00.001Z

For anyone interested, I have started a blog, just for Stitch.

It will be a great way to inform people of his health issues and care - also his progress, People are always asking after him and I'd rather not clog up my bear blog with his news.

He has his own space here -

http://stitchsjourney.blogspot.com/

if you would like to learn more about him, please follow him - but don't feel like you have to - I don't think he's be offended as he's pretty easy going.

Best wishes, Julia xxx

A new Bear is Revealed

2009-11-25T11:20:00.001Z

I say Revealed, Because this sweet little guy has been with me for a while,

I made him back in October, when things were a little more settled than they are right now.

He's my take on a more 'traditional' style of bear, with nice short sparse mohair.

I like his ears, and his sweet expression.

I haven't really formally named him. although he reminds me a lot of Sooty - don't you think?

I'll leave it to his new Mum.

Yes, this guy is spoken for and will be going to live up in Scotland, I hope he likes snow!

He's going to live with the lovely friend who made my logo for me as a thank you.

Hope you enjoyed meeting him!

Off to the Post Office...

2009-11-24T11:48:00.001Z

My ornament is being posted today, but it has a fair way to go!

Hope he has a pleasant journey!

Ornament Sneek Peak...

2009-11-20T18:10:00.000Z

And that's all you're getting until he's arrived at his new home.......

Just a quickie...

2009-11-19T22:02:00.000Z

Just a note really, to say I finished my Christmas Ornament bear tonight. He's super sweet and I'd love to keep him! I might post a sneak peek at him soon; But don't want to reveal him all, as it would spoil the suprise for the recipent if she saw it!

I am honoured to be sending a bear to this person as it is someone whose work I greatly admire, and hope they aren't too disappointed by my less than perfect creation!

Once I have confirmation that bear has arrived, I will post 'proper' pictures.

Suffice it to say, I will never, ever make a bear of this size or that pattern ever again. Never.

Mini bears were not designed to be double neck jointed, but somehow I pulled it off. It was difficult enough that I won't try that one again!

He's made of the most lovely Tyber synthetic though - and the good news is, I just managed to pick up some more on eBay tonight. I like to sit and just stroke it.... tehehehe.

It's nice to have finally finished a bear of my own design again.

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T21:11:00.000Z

Happy Halloween to all my friends,

All around the world.

May your night be filled with frights and Fun.

Love Julia @ Emo Bears xxx

Vet visit update

2009-10-26T20:34:00.000Z

Just a little update on our Vet visit today.

The vet was pleased with Stitch's progress as his wieght has remained stable since his last dental :-)

Just had to pick up some more pain killers, as my little man needs daily medication now to keep him eating, If he doesn't get his painkillers he eats around half the amount that he does on them. His roots cause him pain whilst he eats.

In himself he is fairly chirpy and happy just now. Long may it continue, and hopefully it will be a while before he needs another dental operation.

I have almost finished a bear!!! Although it is not one of my patterns, i wanted a little bear to put on my handbag, so I have gone with a Jenny Loves Benny twinkee pattern - although mine looks nowhere near as nice as one made by Jenny.

Despite following advice from all the lovely people at Teddy Talk Forum, I am still ending up with one nice tight eye and one looser *sigh*. Think i will have to experiment with where to tie it off - simply pushing and pulling with two people is not working for me at all.

Here is my handsome chunky boy before his dental problems.

I love You Stitch, no matter what. xxx

Anniversary Give Away at Bear Bits!

2009-10-25T11:48:00.000Z

To celebrate their Silver Anniversary of Bear Making,

Bear Bits are giving away this special Christmas themed bear - Isn't she special?

Go check out this magical blog for a chance to win!

On a personal note, Stitch is doing ok, but his painkillers are due to run out tomorrow, So we will be visiting his vet to see what is next for my little boy.

Dramas again!

2009-10-12T18:12:00.000+01:00

Well, I am all too aware that I have gone quiet again! Life is conspiring against me.

Shortly after the ball, my beloved Chinchilla, Stitch has become ill again and has needed a lot of my time. He is suffering from Malaclussion, which is a nasty and all too common ailment in Chinchillas. He is only young (in a couple of weeks he will be 3) so it is more than likely it was inherited from his parents. As a rescessive gene it is one of the sad facts of chinchilla life; no matter how hard the breeders try to eradicate it, it always crops up. Having lost leroy, who came home at the same time as Stitch (Stitch was 4 months, Leroy 3 months) it is a huge blow to have this diagnosis hanging over him.

Malaclussion (commonly just called 'Mal') is technically a mis alignment of the teeth or jaw. This can cause the teeth to wear unevenly and develop what is know as 'spurs'. Spurs are like spikes that form on the side of the teeth (sometimes inside, others outside); These can cut the tongue and cheeks causing problems eating - which of course, leads to wieght loss, starvation and gut stasis - which is a major problem in itself. Spurs are treatable - they are filed down by vets to allow the mouth to heal.

Stitch is suffering from Root elongation as well; this is part of Mal, and a terminal one at that. With Chinchillas the teeth grow constantly, pushing upwards.When the teeth are not worn down correctly, or quickly enough, the tooth roots grow instead. This causes the bottom roots to grow out through the lower jaw, and the top roots grow into the sinuses, eye sockets and if left, eventully the brain.

Stitch suffers from constant eye discharge, as his roots are already in his eyes.

This of course is fatal, and I have to face facts that when he has had enough, it will be my job to let him go in peace, without pain. He has pain killers now, to ease his suffering.

He had some spurs trimmed off last monday, as he was loosing weight.Most of the week he has had to be syringe fed every few hours, 24 hours a day. He is now finally, starting to eat for himself, and I am finally finding some time for me again.

Seeing as it has only been one month since his previous dental, I suspect he may need then monthly unless I can get him eating hay; to wear his teeth. Something he has refused to do for a couple of months now - probably due to his root pain.

The first few days, he was really miserable; but he soon perked up and is his usual cheeky little self; bouncing about, looking for treats.

Hopefully we have turned a corner, he has totally fed himself for the last 24 hours.

I managed to stuff a bear today - my 'secret project' bear from the Teddy Tutor - I am liking the double neck joint, very much. I am learning loads!

I also tried a new craft the other day, Chain Maille - it's great! You make jewellery out of the humble Jump Ring - following traditional Chain mail patterns; it's relaxing, addictive and quick! Hooray!

Hope to have some more news for you all soon!

Bear Hugs,
Julia x

Charity Auction Bear

2009-09-28T11:58:00.000+01:00

A little Panda made my me (You can see him here)

Was auctioned off to raise funds for Make-A-Wish Foundation. I am very happy to report that the little guy sold for an awesome £115!

Bidding was fierce and I know that he has gone to a very good friend, who is somewhat of a legend in Star Wars Costuming circles. Enjoy your new home little Buddy!

I also got asked for a few more comissions for christmas over the weekend and a few more people expressed interest - I had better get sewing!!!

Comission Bear is ready

2009-09-23T18:00:00.000+01:00

Say Hi to Cookie. Well, that is what I've been calling him but I'm sure his new Mum will give him a name.

He is made from awesome tipped Mohair, fully jointed with a hand embroidered foot pad.

He was made from an all new pattern, designed just for him :-)

His new Mum is expecting her first baby in December and wanted a special bear for the nursery. I was happy to oblidge.

I am so pleased with his sweet little face and the shape of his feet.

I've decided I'm really not keen on traditional arms, I much prefer turned down paws and I think they complement big feet. Big feet is really what I love most of all.

Hope you like him!

Love Julia xxx

Welcome

2009-09-08T19:38:00.000+01:00

To the new look Emo Bears Blog...

Complete with my new Official Logo designed by a very talented and kind friend. Hope you like!

Let me know what you all think!!

Life continues to be hectic, I'm working on a Comission, a Challenge pair for Teddy talk forums and a donation for the UK Garrison's annual Charity ball....Busy busy busy!

Things pet wise are a little hectic too; Stitch has been diagnosed with a fatal, untreatable dental condition. All I can do is to keep him comfy in whatever time he has left, he turns 3 next month. :-(

2009-08-03T22:28:00.000+01:00

Going to try to be good and update this more. lol,
My current project is a bear for myself. Unfortunatley, the poor lady is just a dis-emboided head that is floating around as I ran out of stuffing...

She will take a while anyway as I am awaiting the fabric for her dress to arrive from india.

I have started formulating a pattern at a friends request, so it will be interesting to see how it all comes together. It is the first time I am attempting to look at a known object and re-invent it. I'm finding it akward to try and think in 3 dimensions. It's a challenge to be sure.

Re- Design

2009-07-14T18:26:00.000+01:00

Hi all,

am hoping to re-design my blog style very soon as a few people have commented that it's not easy to read - so I hope to address that.

love Julia x

Emo Bearz for Charity

2009-07-14T18:23:00.000+01:00

I am happy to let you all know, that an original Emo Bear was auctioned off for R + J's Chinchilla rescue.

He raised an awesome £55 :-)

Twittering

2009-06-18T18:11:00.001+01:00

Just a note to say, you can find me on twitter...

http://twitter.com/EmoBears

I am trying to tweet a bit more these days.....

Exciting News...

2009-06-10T10:00:00.000+01:00

What a weekend!

This weekend, I managed to finally pass my driving test (6th time lucky!) and got engaged to my boyfriend of 5 years. Hasn't all sunk in yet properly. x

Thanks...

2009-06-01T16:33:00.000+01:00

Thank you all for 'bearing' with me. Hopefully we are finally on the verge of getting back to normal!

Following Leroy's death, Stitch developed serious health problems and he nearly died. He pulled through only to pick a fight with my other Chinchilla - who attacked him quite badly.

He has been on medication ever since - and finally we are reaching the end point of his treatment - once his nasty big scabs have fallen off, all will be well.

I haven't had time to finish any bears as I have been working on a swop bear for Teddy Talk forums - but she's nearly done and I look forward to being able to create a new bear. :-)

love Julia x

It gets worse..

2009-05-01T11:44:00.000+01:00

I was hoping to be back up and running by now.

Sadly by other first Chinchilla, Stitch is seriously ill now and needs hand feeding 24/7 - So no time for bears just now :-(

Apologies!

2009-04-19T20:52:00.000+01:00

Sorry for not dropping by for a while, but things have been a bit mad round here.

I got a new Chinchilla, called Lucky and have been busy settling him in.

Hope to have more to show you again soon :-)

Quick note

2009-03-24T11:46:00.000Z

Just a little note to say my Baby boy Leroy, passed away last night, aged 2 years, 3 months.

He just couldn't fight any more. x

Tough Times.

2009-03-23T15:39:00.000Z

Things are difficult at the moment, and as much as I'd like to share my latest creations with you - honestly, I haven't got time.

My Chinchilla boy, Leroy is very ill. He's currently not eating for himself and isn't pooping either. He is in and out of the vets who are mystified by the causes of his illness - despite him being looked after by a Chinchilla specialist.

If he doesn't eat, he doesn't poop - if he doesn't poop, he could die.

So at the moment, I am feeding him every few hours trying to keep him going in between vet visits. He's had to be knocked out for x-rays and blood tests today - I can bring him home in a few hours. He didn't look good this morning.

My First Sale!

2009-03-16T17:19:00.000Z

I'm pleased to announce that Harley has found a new Mum. A friend of mine is buying him as she fell in love with him

So I guess that officially makes me a Bear Artist :-)

Yaaayyyy.

It's been a great day, Leroy (the chinchilla on the right) has been to the vets for dental x-rays - I was so scared of what they would find and it turns out, he's in great shape. he had a minor bit of work done but his roots are clear.

He's at home sulking with me now.

Introducing Harley

2009-03-15T13:57:00.000Z

Please Welcome my newest Creation - Harley!

Harley is mostly made from Intercal Mohair, with an Alpaca inset muzzle. He also has funky cotton paw pads and matching Bandana!

He's 14" high and has the cutest little Emo fringe hairdo. I really am so pleased with how this guy turned out.

He's cotterpin joined and is stuffed with heavy polyfil to make him feel solid. He's got english eyes, and is needle and sicssor sculpted. He is also carefully hand shaded to give him depth to his eyes and pads.

He will be travelling in a couple of weeks to his new home at Fuzzbutt where I am hoping a bear mummy or daddy will give him a new home.

Hope you like him! xxx

Another Finished bear

2009-03-13T22:44:00.000Z

Finished bear no.3 in my comissions tonight - only 2 to go!

I've yet to confirm a final name for him or take pictures- Got to wait for some natural light to take his pictures.

He's from a 100% own designed pattern. I look forward to presenting him to you all soon!

On a personal level, things aren't so great at the moment. I'm feeling kinda low.

I feel trapped by my circumstances - I can't afford to leave home and I'm suffocated with my own stuff. I wish I wasn't such a horder!

I feel like I'm getting old and getting nowhere. I'm the same place that I was 5 Years ago - when I got a job to make do whilst I decide what to do with my life. I'd like to maybe be a bear artist - But I can't see myself ever getting to that level - but it's early days really - I will feel happier when I've sold my first bear.

I'm getting to that age now where all my relatives of a similar age are all settling down, getting married, having kids - And me?

I want those things but I just can't see it happening.

Still, the bear making is very theraputic - If I can concentrate on that, I don't get too down. If that fails, I go play WOW. Killing stuff make me feel better!

Hats off to Mini bear makers!

2009-03-11T23:06:00.000Z

Just thought I'd drop by and say I am so impressed by teddy makers who make minatures- Honestly! I don't know how you guys cope.

I made a mini bear for a friend's birthday - the work on the Fuzzbutt bears meant I didn't have time for a big one - and he was so much hard work!

ok, so the stitching was quicker - that was about it! The stuffing was a billion times more difficult! Trying to get it rolled up small - there was more stuffing on me and the bear than in it by the time I was done.

The pulled toes didn't go so well either but probably because I was too scared to pull really hard - and now, I have hand cramp from turning the tiny cotter pins today!!

The one thing I am proud of is his sculpted face and mouth. He's got such a sweet little smile indented into his muzzle. He took just as much sculpting as a large bear!

The downside? Well, I followed the jointing marks as per the pattern (a Japanese one) and so for some reason, his arms are so far back on his pudgy body that his arms are permanently wide open. lol.

At least he looks like he permanently wants a hug!

I'm not too keen on his body either - it's a four piece and it's far too round with no real definied back.

I just hope his new mum likes him!

I certainly won't be entering the world of professional minatures anytime soon! I'll leave that to the experts!!!

Back to bear No.3 who has had a arm mishap so now I have to make him a new one!!

Introducing Spike!

2009-03-03T09:55:00.001Z

Welcome to my second Creation for Fuzzbutt - Spike!

His pattern is by Remembears and kindly allows created OOAK bears for sale.

He's 10 1/2" High made from 10mm Black Mohair and a very funky cotton print! . His eyes are glass, handpainted by me with some glitter nail varnish for that subtle sparkle.

He is cotter pin 5 way jointed and has a handsewn collar with his own funky handmade Emo Bears tag. His face has been both sicssor and needle sculpted and his nose and mouth are varigated perle cotton with shades of pink.

He is stuffed with polyfill and steel shot for a nice substantial feel.

He will be looking for a new home, priced £50. If you want to adopt him early, just let me know.

love Julia xxx

Introducing Monty.

2009-02-24T10:55:00.001Z

Here's Monty!

My first Emo Bear that will be offered for sale through Fuzzbutt - http://www.fuzzbutt.co.uk in the future!

He's a sweet little mouse. A quiet little Soul he loves to spend his days snoozing in a hammock :-)

he's made from Mohair and upholstery velvet (vintage). He is cotter pin jointed and filled with polyfill and steel shot.

Hope you like him!

Work has begun

2009-02-12T18:19:00.001Z

Work on my first commisoned bear has begun :-)

I currently have a body and a head all sewn up. just got to finish the limbs and get them stuffed :-)

photos when I have them!

This time, i'll try size them better.

Exciting Times!

2009-02-07T22:54:00.000Z

Well,

I'm proud to announce that Emo Bears has got it's first comission for a piece to be sold on a Friend's website!

All I've got to do is design the bear to be sold now. Better get my thinking cap on!

The first piece will be a mouse/rat due to the nature of the website that it will be sold on. Can't wait! I'm going to try for something fairly traditional in style.

Plans

2009-02-05T22:35:00.000Z

I'm just busy hatching plans to try and design the First Emo bear to be sold. I've got a week off work for my birthday coming up, So I plan to make the bear then.

Exciting times!

On a personal level, the weather is flipping awful at the moment! Snow, snow and more snow - The shop shut early on Monday (my day off!) due to the weather but has been open since - I want a snow day!!! So I will be praying for heavy snow overnight so I can get my room in order.....

Apologies from Emo Bears

2009-02-03T23:14:00.000Z

Hi all,

Sorry the picture isn't too great, i've got no idea how to make the pictures the right size - but if you click on them, they show up.

I have started a new bear, from the exclusive Teddy Bear Society Membership -

http://www.teddybearsociety.com/home/

A must for any bear artist as a great place to be discovered and a place to find your supplies and everything! it aims to link all things teddy and basic membership is free.

Give them a visit! and if you're part of Teddy bear society, please join in! The more people join, the better the resource will become.

TTFN, Julia.

2009-02-02T10:57:00.000Z

Here she is!

Her name is Aimee. She's a Baby Panda made from Helmbold sparse Mohair. She's 10" High, heavy Polyfill stuffed with glass eyes. She's traditionally jointed with cotter pins and she has vintage upholstery paw pads.
She's been needle sculpted, sicssor sculpted and hand shaded to give her character.

I'm very proud of her, I designed her from scratch and i think for a first attempt, she's lovely.

She's not for sale as she has some issues. The hardest part was insetting the eye patches. I do love Pandas.

First Own Designed Bear

2009-01-31T21:27:00.000Z

Well,
I'm super excited to annonuce that my very first 100% own designed bear is done! She's a white and lilac Baby Panda.
She's got a cute little ribbon and a sad, wistful expression.
She's made from 100% Mohair and is totally hand stitched - I don't use machines, I like to do the work myself.
She has glass eyes and is cotter-pin jointed with vintage upholstery paw pads with have been hand shaded. Her seams have been shaded as have her ears and her eyes. She has pulled toes and a lovely glittery matted effect ribbon.

There are things i would change certainly, but for a first attempt, I'm quite impressed with myself. She's very traditional in style.

I will add pictures either tomorrow or monday, as it is too late to get some natural light to photograph her with. :-)

Logo on it's way

2009-01-28T23:47:00.000Z

My Sister has come up with an awesome design for my Logo; i've just go to scan it and sharpen it up and it's good to go.

Wierdly i originally wanted my site to have a red rose on it, and she's already got it on there! By asking her to design it, i know there will be no issues in the future and it was 100% designed for me.

It has also given me an idea for how I can make some cool anime style emo bears too - Personally i prefer a more traditional type of bear, but i must admit, she's come up with something really cool!!

I look forward to sharing it with you all.

Also, i finished the intial sewing of my first own designed bear today; i also sculpted some pulled toes, which thanks to a very helpful PDF by Nikola Bears (purchased on eBay if anyone else wants one!) turned out much, much better than my previous attempt.

I have decided I definitley have a 'thing' for big feet on bears!!

Take care!

P.s. All is well in Chinchilla land; Leroy was cruelly subjected to cuddles earlier and is having a bit of a strop! Stitch is the Chilled out boy he always is

Making Progress

2009-01-27T18:57:00.000Z

Hi all!

Well, i'm slowly making progress and have registered the web address www.emobears.co.uk :-)

I wouldn't bother trying to visit it yet though because all it will do is bounce it back here! My Sister has been tasked with helping me to come up with a banner and logo for Emo Bears; i look forward to seeing what she comes up with.

I've also bought some funky emo fabrics to dress the bears/for paw pad material too.

Other than that, i've got some tag ideas which should be pretty cool.

Thanks to everyone for visiting s far - i'll try and be good and update regularly.

on the non-bear front, Leroy and Stitch are doing great :-)

Welcome To Emo Bears.....

2009-01-26T16:04:00.000Z

Welcome everyone to Emo Bears!

I live in the Uk and am learning to become a Teddy Bear artist.

At the moment, I'm still learning new things every day about making bears - It's a very fulfilling hobby to see something start as a line drawing and turn into a 3d animal with a life of it's own!

Emo Bears was dreamt up by myself some 6 months ago as a concept for a different, unique and distinct series of bears. At the moment, they exsist in my head, waiting to come out when i've learned the skills to make them real.

It's still early days and I am currently creating my very first 100% self designed bear. She's a purple and white Panda, and I have no idea how she will end up!!

I'll post the results when I have them!

So for now, I invite you to join me on my Journey of discovery as I try and figure out just what an Emo-bear is and what it looks like.

I have a fondness for soulful sad looking bears, and am endlessly inspired by the random clothing combinations of my Emo Sister.

Here's to the future.....