Crossroads Show 2011

Two floors of artists and vendors had collectors running back and forth for two days with lots to see. There were antiques from doll and bear artists. Dotty Ayers and John Paul Port had bear related antiques to drool over.
Gordana Littles Doll Studio (760-749-3257) sold a theatre by artist Connie Tognoli.


Wonderful piece to see.
The TOBY Industry Choice Award Winners were announced. Laura Sanchez who did a piece with Steve Schutt was there to receive her award.


Some other winners, and this is not a complete list as I don't write that fast, are Paula Carter, Cheryl Hutchinson, Denise Purrington , Michelle Lamb, Charlene Drager, Kim Russell, Ron & Kristy Northman, Karin DeLorenzo, Krista Griffiths, Cindy Cherry, Shelly Allison, Jutta Michels, Karen Lyons, and Jane Monroe.
Missing from this list are the miniature and small artist bear winners and I do apologize. Also artists Kelly Graham, Cinda Peterson, Gloria Chan and Patricia Bierer were winners.


John Paul Port accepted the Inspiration Award 2011 on behalf of his mother, this years winner, Beverly Port. Congratulations to all the winners.

Heading out to Califonia

It's that time of year and the shows start up again.The first for me this year is theCrossroads show put on by Dorothy Drake inSan Diego. Normally I would have more work done, but being sick for half of November and all of December kept me out of the workroom. As you can see by last post I have been making monkeys:)
They are so fun!

To all my great followers thank you for sticking with me, I hope to be back on track with my posts very soon.

The Toby nominations will be announced at the show! I know some of you have been bogged down by weather and are looking to hear fun bear news so stay tuned to see what's going on at the show.

Now I have to finish packing, oh boy!

On the Work Table

After being unable to work I finally had a breakthrough. Here is one of my new pieces for this year.
This is before detailing


And this is after detailing


This little monkey is a new edition to my Le Cirque series. Hope you like him, he fits right in the palm of your hand. He's mohair with wool felt inserts and sewn and hand painted detailing.
This is the first new Le Cirque piece in a year so I'm excited!

Another Year

Well, it's new years eve and another year is winding down. I finally have my voice back after being sick since mid November. But that's another story.
Looking back over the year I have to say thank you to all my family, friends and collectors that have enriched my life. You have made me laugh, given me encouragement, and increased my joy.
I am glad to have an artistry that allows me to be creative and to express myself. At the moment it's been blocked, probably from being sick. But I look forward to the new things I will be making. And sharing with you.
So I'm saying goodbye to an old year that saw me grow and not just older. I'm preparing to say hello to new beginnings, new opportunities and new experiences with welcome arms.
Are you ready to embrace a new year and new dreams?
The bears and I will see you in the new year.


From the bears and me:0)

Great Joy

The angel said,"do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.

Merry Christmas

Our church had it's Christmas play on Wednesday night. The men's choir sang and the women cheered them on. The kids said their parts, a little mistake here and there. And the teens showed off their musical chops all to ready to be older.
But the heartwarming thing was the young man that played Joseph who seemed so nervous until his grandfather showed up. Then he was full of confidence. Because he was backed up by love.
I'm wishing you love in the same spirit that it has been given to us and with it know you can do anything! That's my joy! Let it be yours. And Merry Christmas.


From the bears and me:0)

It' Ready!

My first meyer lemons are finally ripe and ready to use. Only had two but I think it's great for my first ones off my tree.








Ah cut and ready to juice, don't they look great ?!








Look at the richness of color of that juice. Nothing like homegrown. Sorry you can't taste it though, as good as it looks!