Renningers Extravaganza Nov. 2009

Went to the extravaganza weekend before Thanksgiving but with the holiday and being under the weather I hadn't posted.
Met bear artist, Jane Woodard and bear collector and writer, Beth Phillips for lunch. They had already been exploring just like me! It was a great day, there were some old bears out there but the prices were pretty up there too. Not much luck on old toys either. One vendor had a sampleman's piano bench but I couldn't see paying $125 for it when another vendor had a regular child size one selling at just $36. So you just have to be aware and look around. So what did I find? Ahh!



Vintage bottle brush trees








Buttons, buttons, buttons! To sew on and to pin on!


Doll clothing that will show up on character bears soon.


A 1934 Popeye card game, cause as a kid Popeye was my favorite cartoon.








And just a sampling of the old prints I was lucky enough to pick up. If you get the chance - Go! Your lucky find is waiting for you, and maybe we'll meet for lunch!

Final TBAI Photos 2009

Binghamton, NY is a very old town where the TBAI show is held and I try to let you see some of it. This shop is on Clinton street #284 and is called the " Mad Hatter".

It is owned by JoAnn Scott. It has three floors of nooks and crannies all artfully displaying things of bygone days. That would be great antiques folks! The one problem I have is that a lot of the great pieces I want won't fit in my suitcase and you know how the airlines are, only two carry-ons!

But do stop in when you are there and might I suggest driving a big truck?!

And last, part of my set-up at the show.


Now truly, get ready for next year it's going to be a blast.




This year was TOBY awards, John Lamb signed copies of his new book, "The Treacherous Teddy" just out and it mentions yours truly along withPam Kisner,Martha Burch, Donna Nielsen,Pat Berkowich and Ginger Brame.

So much excitement. A big thank you to artist Cindy Malchoff who organizes this every year on behalf of the show's founder, the late artist Millie Gage.

Craft Show

Just attended the CHA craft show and convention being held in Orlando today and tomorrow.
There were all kinds of make it and take it events and v endors from all over.
Managed to find some wonderful things to enhance the bears and make them happy.
I'll get to that in a minute.
The quilt's are designed by Elisa Wilson who was selling templates. you can check out her site at www.BackPorchDesign.com

Ye Olde Outhouse had some wonderful country offerings. Owner, Beatriz E. Kunkle would be happy to have you visit at yeoldeouthouse.com

This is one of the vendors that you might one to visit to add a vintage twist, I bought some nice cardstock with vintage childhood illustrations. They offer Halloween, Christmas, Easter, etc, along with fairy and whimsy pieces.

It was hard to decide what to get, but I'll be back! If you want to see it's craftysecrets.com

Didn't get a photo because I was too busy buying but Bello Modo had wonderful jewelry findings, charms and all that good stuff, look it up at bellomodo.com

Well, since you didn't get to go hope that gives you a couple more sources to use for your projects. Or maybe you'll just have fun window shopping. I always do!

Back to work.