Apr
23
2010
My latest collection of miniature teddies has just been dispatched to Hamleys of London, including one panda and one polar bear. Each one of a kind bear stands approximately 7cm and is made from long pile upholstery velvet. They have glass eyes and hand crafted polymer clay noses.
I hope the collectors like them!
Hugs, Mandy
Apr
21
2010
This past week has seen thousands of UK travellers stranded with all flights grounded and our airspace a no fly zone due to ash clouds, from the Icelandic volcano near Eyjaffjalljokull. The news has been full of compelling stories of people and their amazing efforts to reach home. Some lucky enough to hitch a ride on HMS Albion! One thing that has struck me while watching these stories (apart from being glad I wasn’t among them of course) is the incredible spirit and sense of camaraderie of people when faced with adversity and I have to say it makes me proud to be British. On a lighter note a collection of Sambrook Bears‘ miniature teddies were also delayed on their Journey to Silly Bears shop in Aberdeen also due to the airport closures!
I’m happy to report they have now reached their destination and will be available shortly.
Mar
3
2010
Well I had a wonderful day at the Hugglets Winter BearFest, which was held on Sunday 28th February 2010. It was a very busy day with all the excitement, hustle and bustle we have all come to expect from this prestigious event.
The day started off very busy with some of my fellow artists stocking up on bear making supplies from my ever-increasing stocks. In fact, I’ve more mohair and fabrics than I can easily fit on my stand, so I’ve had to build my display up by investing in stacking acrylic display cubes, which I think worked out pretty well on the day. Then came the trade buyers. I was thrilled to receive repeat orders for my one of a kind miniature bears from Silly Bears of Aberdeen and Hamleys of London, which should keep me busy for a while! Then the doors opened to the public. The day seemed pretty steady with good visitor numbers through the doors and Sambrook Bears is happy to report record sales. I was particularly pleased with how well my new teddy kits were received. I have Amelia, the largest at 19cm, “Coral”, “Charlie” and the smallest is “Felix” at 10.5cm. These kits will be available on the web site soon and as patterns too.
I would like to thank everyone who stopped by to say hello. To all existing and new customers, you are very much appreciated and it was lovely to meet up with friends too. The highlight of my day was when I met up with Vicki of Baggaley Bears and we exchanged our “swap bears”. I had made a bear for Vicki called “Blossom” and Vicki made one for me called “Crissy” and she is adorable and will take pride of place in my collection. Thank you Vicki!
I hope all the visitors to Hugglets Winter BearFest enjoyed the day as much as we did. The next festival is Teddies 2010 on Sunday 12th September. Hope to see you there!
Hugs,
Mandy
Jan
27
2010
I’ve just finished two bears a 19cm bear and a mini bear of 7cm. Although I enjoyed making both bears, I have to say it’s the tiny ones that give me the most pleasure. My other half much prefers larger teddies and he has on a number of occasions encouraged me to make some of the larger size. Well with next month’s fair, Hugglets in Kensington looming, I was persuaded and created Amelia. She is made of ultra dense mohair. Then the urge to make a mini one was just too strong so Alfi soon took shape. I’ve decided that it’s just no use, Teddy bear making is just too personal and close to my heart to be influenced by others. I’ve also decided that we shouldn’t let other factors such as economics or the need to create for the majority of tastes, dictate the type of bears that we make. Creativity and business sense just don’t go hand in hand, so even if no one ever bought a miniature bear again, I would still make them because they make me happy!
Jan
25
2010
Glass Bead Filling For Teddy Bears
I’m pleased to say that I now stock glass bead filling in my shop. Particularly because I love to use this in my miniature bears and I wanted to be able to offer it to others too. It’s approximately 1,25mm in diametre and gives a lovely feel to a finished bear. I use it in the limbs of bears as it gives a lovely weight and movement, especially when the limbs are loosely jointed. Sometimes I like a bear to handle almost like a rag doll and be floppy when picked up. It somehow makes them feel very appealing. It’s suitable both for mohair bears and those made with upholstery velvet. If you’ve not tried this alternative to steel shot, then why not give it a go!
Find my beads here http://www.sambrookbears.co.uk/acatalog/bear-fillings-stuffing.html
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