Bare Cub Designs

What's on my workbench

2012-02-13T10:30:00.000+08:00

Many many bears to make!

Many of your are on the waiting lists

for Portabello and Lil lilly

& I also will be attending the

Melbourne Teddy bear Fair in May

So....

I have been cutting up mink for hours this week.

Lining and Tracing and Cutting

All in the hope to have some

mink teddy bears for you all soon!

What's on my workbench...

2012-02-06T08:31:00.000+08:00

As you know I will be at the Teddy Bears Tea Party.

So I have been shopping and found

these little cake deorating cutters.

Perfect for tiny treats and

sweet cookies.

All will be revealed at the show!

Teddy Bear & Friends Plus Teddy Bear Review

2012-02-02T18:31:00.000+08:00

Beautiful Joyride and his sleigh made it into the

New April 2012 Teddy Bear Review / Teddy Bear & Friends

The Sleigh was hand created with a scroll saw by my sister

Leanne McBeath of SawDust Art

To subscribe to the new combined

Teddy Bear Review and Teddy Bear & Friends

Subscribe Here

What's on my workbench

2012-01-30T08:21:00.000+08:00

Here is a little clay creation

Can you image the cub that

will be holding this Banana Cream Pie?

Make sure you book the dates for the

Teddies Worldwide Tea Party

To meet the cub that gets to eat this pie!

Teddy Bear Review merges with Teddy Bear and Friends

2012-01-29T10:52:00.000+08:00

Breaking news in the bear world,

Teddy Bear Review has merged with Teddy Bear and Friends

The magazine will be published bi monthly by Jones publishing

(current publishers for TBR)

Under the name Teddy Bear and Friends

I will be positive and say this magazine will be

double the fun, but it does worry me

that we have lost a magazine.

I hope those of you who are not subscribed already

join and support this wonderful publication

and artist out there have the opportunity to advertise and

take part in feature stories.

I think this means the last Teddy Bear Review issue will

February with Poppy on the cover.

April will be called Teddy Bear and Friends

and be published by Jones publishing

If you have a subscription with either or both

then you will receive the April issue and your subscription

will be extended by the number of month you have total.

Ready more about the

Teddy Bear Review and Teddy Bear and Friend merger

If you wish, you can subscribe here

Join the new mailing list for your free Art Image

2012-01-28T11:30:00.000+08:00

For those of you who have already joined
my new mailing list and received the
free Bare Cub Designs art image,

I would like to share with you some ideas for it's use.

"Click here to see the ideas"

Unique skins ipad cover

Shabby Chic fabric boxes

For those of you who have not joined the new list

please enter your name and email "here"

as I can not add you from my old list
(to protect you from spam)

please add your name and confirm,
when the email comes to you

you wil then be on my new mailing list and

I can keep you updated with show dates.

Hugs Helen

Teddy Bear Times Feb 2012 - with Bare Cub Designs on the Cover!

2012-01-24T21:10:00.000+08:00

Oh it's happy days at the Bare Cub Designs Studio!

Bliss has made the cover of the latest issue (197)

Feb 2012 of Teddy Bear Times UK

I can not wait for my mag to travel from

the UK to me here in Australia

I hope you have subscribed to Teddy Bear Times

Because in this issue I offer you a free pattern

- Bliss

So you can make your very own!

It's a great month for Bare Cub Designs

The cover of both Teddy Bear Times and

Teddy Bear Review

By popular request - presencia thread colours

2012-01-23T19:07:00.001+08:00

What's on my workbench has raised lots of questions

so I thought I would post the information

so you can all see

Here are the numbers I have ordered

Also, while I think these are amazing value

They are slightly smaller than some of the

sizes I have seen in the stores

Especially for $2.25, and

keeping in mind a nose or feet don't use much

it's a great way to have a collection of colours

without the costs

Postage to Australia was

only a few dollars so go crazy!

I'm glad so many of you have liked the post!

Whats on my workbench

2012-01-23T09:01:00.000+08:00

Here is my latest internet order

Beautiful shades of Nose cottons

They really do inspire me with there beautiful shades

these will go beautifully with my special

Alpaca collection fo the Teddies Worldwide

Online Tea Party Show in March

These can many more colours can be ordered at

Shibori Dragon Knits

Here are just some of the brown shades available

and you can afford to by a selection

at just $2.25 each

Gingermegs no longer on my workbench...

2012-01-18T18:41:00.000+08:00

As promised here is the finished cub

No longer pieces of mink on my workbench

but a beautiful ginger cub called

Gingermegs!

He is off to his new home in the UK

(I wish I was going back with him)

But in the meantime I am enjoying his little face

looking back at me from my workbench

What's on my my workbench

2012-01-16T08:50:00.000+08:00

While I have a lot happening already,

I have just been accepted into the wonderful

Teddies Worldwide Tea Party Show

where I must finish at least 5 bears for

the March deadline just 7 weeks away.
My alpaca has not moved far off the desk..
(More about this later)

I also promised I would focus on my

commission bears - some collectors

have been waiting over a year already

So here is whats on my workbench today

This little guy should be created within

the week, I will be sure to show you the result

My newest Bear Artist additions

2012-01-14T12:02:00.000+08:00

My newest bear, or I should say mouse arrived

All the way from the UK through the snow

to me in hot Australia, I just love the jumper

so much it's got to stay on...

This little mouse is adding to my collection
Tiny Ju-Ju with the little red hat
was adopted while I was at Hugglets 2011
in the UK and meet Elanor of Shantock Bears

Bare Cub Designs - Gallery of past cubs now adopted

2012-01-12T21:08:00.000+08:00

I have been working on the website and you can now share my cubs with the share buttons, facebook, twitter, even create a blog post on my site!

Bare Cub Designs - Gallery of past cubs now adopted

"What's on my workbench today"

2012-01-09T13:43:00.000+08:00

As promised in my My plans for 2012 blog post
here is the..
"whats on my workbench today"
weekly blogpost

Alpaca fur?

yes I do love mink....but every now and then

I need to step outside the square.

The Bare Cub Designs sqaure that is.

I love this Japanese alpaca

I ordered $300 worth all in the 17mm length

(it's also available in 9mm)

I have oatmeal, white, black, caramel,

chocolate, lemon and pink.

I would have more but that's the whole range.

I have used this fur for Cooper (17mm pile)

and Milo (9mm pile)

I am working on a special collection of

Bare Cub Designs

Be sure to join my mailing list if you want to

know when they are available.
If you like the idea of this new
weekly post please leave a commnet

Hugs Helen

Big Plans for 2012

2012-01-05T19:41:00.001+08:00

As 2012 is here and we get ready for another year

contemplate our goals, think about the direction our lives are headed.

I would like to share with you my goals for 2012.

for a couple of reasons:

Firstly once I put it in writing I will be accountable to you all.

Secondly I would like to share with you my plans so you too,

can get excited and look forward to what is happening.

“Click this link to read all my goals for 2012”

Cotton Candy

2011-12-27T12:38:00.000+08:00

The latest Bare Cub Design created for a

special friend and wonderful artist.

Cotton Candy created from pink and cream mink

with handmade chocolate waffle

and clay ice cream stack

Seasons Greetings

2011-12-24T09:12:00.000+08:00

To everyone who has followed my work

this year - a huge thank you.

I hope my bears have made you smile,

I have a lot planned for 2012

Have a great break

spend time with your love ones

and look forward to seeing you back here

for a huge 2012!

Teddy Bear Review February 2012 Digital edition out now

2011-12-08T19:15:00.003+08:00

Having been on a high all day, I am now home from work

and just dying to share with you the latest cover of the

Teddy Bear Review mag featuring

Bare Cub Designs very own Poppy!!

created from the most beautiful blush mink

quite often adopted with

clay popcorns and candy striped bucket

This issue not only has a wonderful cover -

but lots of great articles

A profile story on Michelle Lamb,

one of the artists I have been inspired by

for much of my artistry journey.

There is a Bare Cub Designs Give Away too

Also "Artists from around the world"

The Teddy Tool kit feature is all about my

favorite pastime, scissor sculpting fluffy cheeks

and of course the basics of working with mink

is discussed in detail.

"It's all in the Presentation" - helping

own collection look great with

lots of great ideas you can do yourself

So if you have not already,

this is a beautiful magazine and

by subscribing to the digital editions

you have access, in advance, then the

glossy printed version arrives a few months later

Click here and use the promo code GXN349

I have been collecting this magazine

for years and still enjoy going back

and reading past issues

Of course I have my favourites ....

like April 2011 with Tiger Lilly
back issues are also available here

If you would like to share this post

click on the Blogger, Twitter or Facebook

buttons below in the share bar and it will

automatically create you a post

thanks for sharing!

A surprise meeting

2011-12-04T22:34:00.000+08:00

We had another wonderful workshop today

at Cottonwool Creations with Kay and her girls

creating little Tim Tams

I had a real surprise meeting when I was shown

these 2 bears... Dudley and Harry created

from my patterns and what a great job too!

Thanks for a wonderful day ladies!

Teddy Bear Times Dec 2011 - Issue 196

2011-12-02T14:15:00.000+08:00

The lateest Issue of Teddy Bear Times (UK) is available online

with this beautiful cover and Christmas theme

The electronic version if a bit of a preview for me -

before my magazine arrives in the mail.

Here is my one page advert showing my

bears, book and bear making guides

I am working on something new right now,

I hope to share this with you all soon..

Christmas Blog Show

2011-11-27T08:57:00.002+08:00

Welcome to the last online show for 2011

Online Christmas Show

Golden Teddy Awards 2011 - Nomminee Ribbons Arrive

2011-11-26T12:46:00.000+08:00

What a hoot to come home and find this in the mail box!

I could not wait to get up the drive

My ribbons for Portabello and Tiger Lilly!!

Watch the award video,

to see the winners announced at

Teddy Bear Review

I my not have taken out the award but

I'm just happy to have been

nominated along with some of the

best bear artists in the world!

Thank you to everyone at Jones Publishing

who make this happen every year.

If you want to subscribe to the magazine

To receive all 6 issues a year

(printed or online)

visit Teddy Bear Review to subscribe

Its a beautiful magazine, and more of

Bare Cub Designs will be featured soon.

Bear Basics and Beyond at the Great Yorkshire Teddy Bear Event

2011-11-23T15:57:00.000+08:00

My wonderful friend and artist

Elanor Andrews of shantock bears

At the Great Yorkshire Teddy Bear Event

with my books for sale, front and centre.

Oh how I wish I was there collecting her bears and mice

What a beautiful display, with a little working train set

Your a gem Elanor!

Another Poppy... by request

2011-11-13T14:44:00.000+08:00

I thought I would share with you my latest cub.

Poppy will be off to join some other

Bare Cub Designs cubs

Poppy is one of my custom requests

and I do hope Poppy's new mum will be happy!

Going high tech...Creating 3D book cover images

2011-11-02T21:02:00.001+08:00

As you might have noticed,

I have learnt how to create these

3D book cover images,

now placed on my sidebar.

As the Bear Making Guides are

supplied via my website you can download

them from the internet onto your computer

to print or download on a tablet like the ipad.

When you down load the guides and patterns

to the ipad you can open them

with a free app called ibooks.

This little shelf stores all your guides,

then you can easily flick thought the pages

while making your bear!

I wonder how many of us are using such devices

Do you have an ipad or thinking of getting one?

Christmas Blog Show

2011-10-28T17:01:00.000+08:00

I am busy making bears for the next Blog Show!

My inspiration will be Christmas

I hope to have something a little different..

Christmas Blog show November 27th 2011

Ready for workshops

2011-10-28T16:35:00.000+08:00

I enjoyed the workshop held last weekend

with my beautiful friend and artist Kay Cooper

at Cottonwool Creations creating little Tim Tams.

Next workshop is almost full so if you would like to

join us to make Tim Tam email me to book your spot

Next workshop December 4th 2011.

Honeycomb ready for a home

2011-10-19T21:55:00.000+08:00

Honeycomb is now available

Honeycomb is a tiny 3 inch cub

Fully lined and created from vintage mink

Extensive scissor sculpting and ever so soft

Honeycomb is $379 inc postge

email helen@barecubdesigns.com

if you would like to adopt this little cub

Thank you

2011-10-10T06:41:00.000+08:00

Thanks to all those who attended my show

I hope you liked the collection

and thank you to my Bare Cub Designs

collectors who adopted another cub!

Your babies are packed with their goodies

and on the way to you.

Poppy still looking for a home

2011-10-09T09:41:00.001+08:00

The Show has had lots of visitors,

thanks to all those who are stopping by

I still have one little bear "Poppy" looking for a home

Click Here

Blog Show Now On!

2011-10-08T09:59:00.000+08:00

Welcome to the show!!

To see the bears available now online

Click Here

A few extra bears have been finished just in time..

Thanks for stopping by to visit the cubs

I hope if you have been waiting to adopt a

Bare Cub Designs cub,

that someone tugs at your heart.

Buy it now buttons allow you to adopt your favourite.

Enjoy meeting the cubs!

Show Sneak Peek

2011-10-01T17:26:00.000+08:00

Your Invited ...

to the Bare Cub Designs "Blog Show"

Opening time Perth Australia

10am Saturday 8th October 2011

Here is a sneak peek of some

of the bears that will be available

A close call

2011-10-01T10:33:00.001+08:00

All the winners for the 2011 URSA Awards

for Bears and Buds are now online

see them all here

While Poppy and Cornel did not come 1st 2nd or 3rd
I thought my chances where over.

then the votes where a very close 4th and

have been honoured with a ribbion.

Thank you to all who voted for me!

Stay tuned a Blog show Sneak Peek

will be here soon!

Hugglets 2011

2011-09-19T13:08:00.000+08:00

To everyone who joined my club, bought a book, patten, kit or bear,

or just came and said hello at Hugglets - Thank you.

I had a wonderful time.

Here are some photos of Hugglets as promised

Bare Cub Designs - Hugglets stand 2011

Hall 1

Hall 2

All Bear - Paula Carter

Benson Bears - Linda Benson

Karen Alderson Designs

Mini Bear Fabrics

Bear Basics

Shantock Bears - Elanor Andrews
If you look carefully you can see my newest adoption Ju Ju
just in front of Elanor's arm with the red hat!

Me, Helen Gleeson and Elanor Andrews

Here are some photos taken on my Beatrix Potter tour

through the lakes district,

all the land owned by Beatrix Potter

has been left to The National Trust.

Tarn Hows - Land owned by Beatrix Potter

More Land owned by Beatrix

Hill Top Farm - Beartix Potters home

Bird on apples at the door to Hill Top Farm

Lettuce at Hill Top Farm

Peter Rabbit? at Hill Top Farm

Hugglets 2011

2011-09-05T12:08:00.001+08:00

Another wonderful surprise,

Bare Cub Designs has been featured in the latest

Collectors Gazette, in the Teddys World section

written by Kathy Martin in the

Hugglets presents Teddies 2011 article.

Well as the article says I am off to London

I hope to meet lots of artists and collectors from

all over the world.

If you want to buy any patterns, kits or join my club

please do so in the next day or two as

I will be away and emails may be delayed.

And for those people who are after
their own Bare Cub, and can't make Hugglets

remember my blog show here on the

8th and 9th of October 2011

Everyone is welcome

Mark your calendars.

Beautiful printing at Moo

2011-08-28T12:31:00.000+08:00

As you have seen my Blog and Web now match,

with my blue stripe and lace branding.

created by Karen.

I have created these beautiful business cards,

stickers and swing tags to go with

the Bare Cub Designs new image.

Stickers on the boxes and swing tags

Round stickers

Leather business card holder

Business cards
Every back photo can be a different image!

Rounded corner stickers
Ever image can be different!

Swing tags
Front & Back with eyelet & ribbon added

If you would like to order your own stickers or cards

I would like to invite you to Moo

here is my invite for you, check out how easy it is to order

Moo link

Milo - Available now

2011-08-21T16:07:00.002+08:00

I am please to introduce my latest cub

Milo

Milo is a special cub as most my bears are

now created from mink fur.

Milo is my other favourite fur

Silk Alpaca.

Milo is now available or adoption on my website

see the "available" section under "bears"

Click here for all the details

Milo

Milo was quickly Adopted! - thanks for meeting him

Alpaca bear - work in progress

2011-08-12T10:34:00.000+08:00

With only one month to go till Hugglets,

and lots of mink bears of late.

I have started a new bear....in silk alpaca

here is my "work in progress"

He will be made available oin the new few days.

Next Workshops

2011-08-10T15:59:00.001+08:00

If you would like to create your very own Tim Tam mink cub

learn the tips and tricks working with mink and

how to scissor sculpt fluffy cheeks here is your chance

23rd October 2011

Cottonwool Creations - Kelmscott

Call Kay to reserve your place 94951876

Show Stands

2011-07-24T20:07:00.000+08:00

I have been busy creating lots of bears

Ready for the Claremont & Hugglets shows.

Meanwhile my sister has been creating my custom stands.

The scroll work has been created from a

template of my my Blog banner.

Yesterady the final touches where added.

A cream base airbrushed with the soft blue edges.

After editing the base, colour and top

many times...this is the end result.

What do you think?

I can just see rows of stands and

beautiful bears, perched on top now

Bears and Buds URSA AWARDS - have your say who wins

2011-07-10T17:17:00.001+08:00

In the ever ending search to see which bears are

loved by the people,

Bears and Buds have the annual URSA awards .

The winning bears are people choice awards picked by you!

There are lots of beautiful bears this year,

stop by and cast your vote for each category

I have entered the following bears this year

- Good luck to them all!

Vote Here

Poppet and Cornel

Cooper

Poppet

Oreo

Introducing my waiting lists

2011-07-06T22:01:00.000+08:00

In an attempt to create bears, collectors want, I have started 2 waiting lists.
Portabello and Lilly Lilly.

Portabello is a sweet 3 inch cub, my smallest mink cub, just nominated for a Golden Teddy award.

Lil Lilly is a larger 5 inch created after Tiger Lilly who was on the cover of Teddy Bear Review, my book Bear Basics and Beyond and just nominated for a Golden Teddy award. Lil Lilly also won the Peoples choice award at the Sydney Teddy Bear Fair.

The waiting list will allow me to (when I create either bear) offer them to collectors who would like to purchase these cubs. There is no deposit required and I can not offer a time frame, but they will both be offered from time to time.

I still have a few custom orders form when I was accepting these last year, and Hugglets show coming up but I feel the custom cubs orders where taking so long to get through and stopping me from being able to ever create an offer special bears for the Blog as I have had "orders to make".

I hope not only to complete my custom cubs, also offer these new bears to my waiting lists collectors but be able to have many more bears available online, and hold "blog shows" on advertised dates so you can plan in advance to come along and meet the bears before they are snapped up - it's hard to keep everyone happy with all the time differences but I will do my best. I would like the first show to be in October (just in time to adopt a bear and have it for Christmas)

If there is a particular bear style or colour you would like to see, I would love to hear just drop me a line at helen@bearcubdesigns.com

To join the waiting lists see the website waiting list page

Waiting list page

Gingermegs

2011-06-25T20:11:00.003+08:00

Gingermegs has been created for my waiting list,

I hope someone falls in love and

Gingermegs finds a good home.

Gingermegs has an open mouth so its only fair

that he has something yum to eat.

So here is a yummy treat I have created

If Gingermegs is reserved, if not adopted

he will become available soon...

A new outlook

2011-06-21T20:27:00.000+08:00

I hope you are enjoying the changes happening around here!

Lots of virtual upgrades happening - its sort of like a fresh coat of paint.

I have been playing with images to make my blog a more beautiful place for you to spend time and be inspired. I hope you like what you are seeing so far.

Even my photos have had a refresh, here is one of my favourites, before and after

Lil Lilly - Before

Lil Lilly - After

Keep watching there is more to come

Time to smell the Roses

2011-06-15T20:05:00.004+08:00

Here are some beautiful snaps I took

after a special friend dropped around

gave me some wonderful blooms....

I thought these images would make

wonderful gift tags or labels for storage boxes

I have been making some covered storage boxes

and will share these with you too

and loads of other organisation ideas

as my sweet hubby Ray is building

me a Art Studio and I am getting ready

to be organised...

Please feel free to use these images

to make your own tags

They would look great with a

nice ribbon or silk bow

Handmade cupcakes stands

2011-06-12T14:16:00.002+08:00

These beautiful cupcakes stands are perfect
for any party or turning a quiet afternoon tea
into "high tea"

The stand is not only a piece of beautiful art
that would look great on display

but comes apart easily to be stored flat
so you don't need loads of pace

for one or two of these stands
in your kitchen cupboard

The stands are handmade and
come airbrushed ready to enjoy.

If you would like your own stand
they can now be orders by emailing Leanne
at splintersrus@hotmail.com

And whats best is they are only $30
and if you mention Bare Cub Designs
you will save another 15%

More special pieces will be shared
with you as they are available.

Bear Basics & Beyond ~ Reviewed by industry leader Kathy Martin!

2011-06-02T18:16:00.000+08:00

Bear Basics and Beyond has received

many wonderful comments from readers

and I appreciate everyone who has taken

the time to write to me.

Now I have a reviewed by Kathy Martin!

Editor of The Teddy Bear Annual and industry leader.

My copy of the Annual was waiting for me

yesterday and I opened it to find an editorial

by Kathy. This is a wonderful publication and

you can order your copy online

Buy Your Teddy Bear Annual Here

Today I have my first Book Review which is now

proudly displayed on the Bear Basics and Beyond website

Read Kathy's review here

Bailey available for adoption

2011-06-01T11:10:00.000+08:00

For those of you watching and voting

on the Australian Design Awards,

All entries are now available for adoption.

My new design inspired by Beatrix Potter

is a sweet little mouse called.... Bailey

You can view Bailey and the others here

Japanese Aplaca and Cooper

2011-05-29T16:50:00.010+08:00

Look at the wonderful Japanese Alpaca I saw new to Bear Essence.

It's the softest Alpaca I have ever felt. It really is so soft to touch.

It comes in beautiful pink, white and brown...

hmmm remind you of Neo?

and banana yellow, black, light beige and warm honey.

All my favourite colours
See them all here

Here is my first creation from this beautiful fur.

Cooper will be in the next 'Bear Tales'

If you would like to make your very own

you can join on the Bear Essence website

Sydney Teddy Bear Fair 2011 - Peoples Choice

2011-05-24T19:28:00.000+08:00

Look what arrived in the mail!

My 2 finalist medals;

Moden (Tiger Lilly) and

Bear under 6 inches (Lil Lilly)

These will be treasured and thank you to all my

friends who voted for Lil Lilly!

Latest adoptions

2011-05-15T13:58:00.001+08:00

Choc Chip and Poppet are my 2 latest creations.

They have both been adopted by collectors on my waiting lists.

Thought I would share them with you.

If you would like to adopt on of my bears,

you can join my waiting lists and be notified of new bears.

Teddy Bear and Friends -Sweet treats

2011-05-14T11:44:00.001+08:00

As you may have noticed,

I have been creating popcorn, waffles and sundaes.

I have shared how I create my little tarts and sundaes

having "Cute as Pie" published in the latest

Teddy Bear and Friends Summer 2011.

I hope you give them a go. Its a bit of trial and error

to get what you want but it's fun playing.

It sure it a lot less pressure than scissor sculpting a face.

I have really enjoyed making these treats.

I will put all the photos to make the tarts and the sundaes

on the Bare Designs Club website

teddy bear making website

What will you create?

Hungry?

Golden Teddy Awards 2011

2011-05-11T14:20:00.000+08:00

I often find myself thinking of my bears as a pastime

as I do work full time. I try not to mention my bears

to people when we meet as they will say,

"oh that's nice, maybe I will by one for my sisters child"...

Thinking I make fluffy bears from plush worth $20

not the artwork I see when I look at my bears

Well I never thought for a second,

I would be listed next to these names

Judi Paul - Luxembears

Kelly Dean - Kelly Dean and Company

Paula Carter - All bear by Paula Carter

Michelle Lamb - One & Only Bears

Ma'Sal - Ma'Sal Creations

Britta Helberg, Hellberbaeren

Helen Gleeson - Bare Cub Designs!

See the bears nominated for under 5 inches here

see the bears nominated for 5-14 inches here

I now know the feeling when people say

"its an honour to be nominated"

I am so proud to be listed amongst artist I have

followed and admired for so many years

cutting their beautiful art from magazines

and gluing them in scrapbooks for inspiration.

Tiger Lilly and Portabello sure has made me proud to be a artist.

Having seen my name on this list I really feel like an artist

not just a bear maker.

you can pre order your copy of Teddy Bear Review

to vote for the winners of Golden Teddy Awards 2011

Thanks!

2011-05-05T10:55:00.000+08:00

A big thank you to all those who voted for me

The waffle has won the industry's choice award!

Peoples choice was taken out by Linda and Therese

well done everyone for raising money for a good cause!

Pin cushion challenge 2011

2011-05-03T19:18:00.000+08:00

The Melbourne Teddy Bear Fair was wonderful,

as was the workshop and I am sad to be

leaving my Melbourne friends tomorrow morning.

The artists at the show created pin cushions,

My entry is to raise money for Bricks for Bears.

If you would like to see all the entries please see this link.

Pin cushion challenge 2011

You can also vote and I would love you to vote for my

"Just Desserts" Waffle!

Thanks for your votes!

Golden Teddy Award- What a Birthday surprise!

2011-04-30T19:21:00.000+08:00

What a way to start my Birthday...

First an SMS from my husband Ray,

then a email from Teddy Bear Review

congratulating me on not 1 but 2 Golden Teddies!

Tiger Lilly and Portabello have both been nominated!

I floated all day with this news, shopping around Melbourne

and preparing for the Melbourne Show.

Tiger Lilly did not carry on like this

naughty one who got a little carried away

with the exciting news!

I hope Portabello will hold up tomorrow

we have a big day at the show!

Melbourne Bear Fair - Sneak Peek

2011-04-26T18:14:00.000+08:00

The last finishing touches are happening,

I am sewing the last ears on and add a tush tag here and there.

My bags are packed and I am heading to Perth tomorrow

to fly out to Melbourne for some shopping, the show and workshop.

We will be having a little "tea party" to celebrate the release of

Bear Basics and Beyond

Here are some Sneak Peek photos for you to enjoy

Handmade Truffle

Handmade Sundaes

Choc Chips

Handmade Treo waffle

Cherry Ice cream

Handmade Neo Waffle

Handmade Black Forrest Waffle

Handmade Truffles

Poppet and handmade popcorn

You don't want to be late....

See you at the show

To all my wonderful followers who have purchased books,

I am signing them and they are on the way!

A family for a family

2011-04-18T19:24:00.000+08:00

Here is my latest commissioned piece.

This family of cubs is off to 3 ladies in Melbourne,

who I will be lucky enough to meet at the show in 2 weeks.

Internet orders...

2011-04-17T15:18:00.000+08:00

I love to play on the computer and I

spend hours (and much money) ordering things....

so to tempt those of you like me, here a few of the latest buys.

New swing tags to match my business cards

I order these online at moo.com and they are

wonderful quality, and each one can have a different photo.

This is a clever use of technology, which I just love.

I insert eyelets into the swing tags

to attach a ribbon to hang around the bears neck.

I have also tried some blank cards, so I can

thank all the wonderful people and magazine editors

who have help me promote my new book.

And lastly these little notecards designed at ellisbenson.com.au

that are a great little space to add your note

And a signature - also created online.

Heart ~ Are you ready to love again?

2011-04-14T13:06:00.000+08:00

To those who followed my heartbreak over Christmas

when I lost my beautiful Kaine, which still bring me to tears regularly.

I thought I would share my new happiness.

A few months ago, I meet Raz a 4 year old Rotti

and he reminded Ray and myself so much of our sweet boy,

that we opened our hearts to love again
Raz and his girl Creeda have bought us much joy

by bringing 7 little girls and one big boofy boy into the world.
We have been patiently waiting for this news and we where

lucky enough to meet Boof at just one week of age

He couldn't sit or open his eyes, it was amazing to meet him
Now look...He is twice the size of his sisters as you can see..

The name "Boof " seems to have stuck too..

Cant wait to have our little Boof at home!

Boof and his sister

"Boof" one and only boy

Bear Basics & Beyond ~ The book is now Published!

2011-03-26T16:21:00.001+08:00

I am very excited to announce my book

Bear Basics and Beyond is now published.

It has been a steep learning curve writing and publishing.

I have enjoyed nearly every minute

(I must admit there has been a few sleepless nights)

I have learnt the true meaning of patience,

which anyone who knows me, I struggle with.

Now that the book is officially published with its own ISBN

(International Standards Book Number) the book is available!

The cover is revealed today

There are still a few steps once a book is published,

to reach the book distributors and then in turn retailers such as Amazon,

Barnes and Noble etc. This can take up to another month or so.

The good news is this book is, using "green technology"

known as "Print On Demand" I have a print run in progress

and access to the first copies.I will be signing them,

for those who want their own special copy.

The book will be available directly from the

Bear Basics and Beyond website.

If you would like to pre order one of the first copies

you can do so now by visiting the website

and using the PayPal “buy now” buttons.

The book is available in soft cover (paperback)

and collector hard back (case bound).

You can read all about the book on the dedicated website

www.bearbasicsandbeyond.com

Aussie workshop @ The Teddy Tree

2011-03-13T20:34:00.001+08:00

Thank you ladies for a wonderful day!

A day filled with sewing bears, feeding 2 joeys

and even and dingo and joey introduction followed by a kiss.

Not quite normal, even in Australia!

"Grace" the 6 month old joey needed feeding so

came along with Leanne her wildlife carer &

owner of The Teddy Tree, Jenny owns the Dingo puppy "Ricki"

Very sweet faced joey hanging in the pouch on the fur racks

Sydney Teddy Bear Fair 2011 - Peoples Choice

2011-03-11T22:19:00.001+08:00

Lil Lilly would like to thank everyone for their vote!

We have been awarded the People choice award

for the Small Bear category 2011

Well done to all the winners - See them here

Thank you all for your votes and support!

I could not have done this without you!

Dreams do come true!

2011-03-09T21:40:00.001+08:00

After a long day at work, I came home to find a parcel on my seat.

I love coming home to mail.

I walk in the door and Ray's been to the post office for me.

I look for a mark... wondering, it is an eBay or Etsy find?

Nope, its Jones Publishing... Teddy Bear Review.

I love having a fresh new magazine to read.

I tear it open, Yep it's pink!!!!!! it's 4 copies of TBR

with my Tiger Lilly posing on the cover.

I am so excited to have Tiger Lilly published

on the cover of such a wonderful magazine.

Photo Shoot

2011-03-07T11:23:00.001+08:00

As my bears are always improving,

I thought it about time my photos improve too.

I have purchased a SLR camera a few months ago,

and its taken some time to understand.

As autumn approaches, the sun disappears before I make it home from work

(and its not really up before I leave in the morning)

Answer - my own light studio.

Light is one of the most important aspects to master for good photography,

so I hope this helps

Here is Lil Lilly behaving for me while I practise.

Only a few days to go...

2011-03-02T14:52:00.000+08:00

Only a few sleeps to go to the Sydney Teddy Bear Fair 2011.

I wish I was there. Maybe again next year.

There are still a few days left to vote and my sweet

Tiger Lilly and Lil Lilly would love your votes.

See all the bears and vote here

or by clicking on the side button "vote for us"

Thanks from Tiger Lilly, Lil Lilly and Me!

Graphic art?

2011-03-01T07:52:00.000+08:00

I thought I would share a few of the photos I have been playing with showing

Lilly and Fortuna, including this pencil drawing of Lilly in her sweet aqua bow.

I like to call this one "togetherness"nothing better than a hug.

Rejuvenation time..

2011-02-28T12:25:00.000+08:00

8 weeks till Melbourne show and still lots of orders on my waiting list...

I will be very busy, and there will be lots of bears finished in the coming weeks.

I have completed a lot of work with:

Teddy Bear Review - watch out for your April issue.

Teddy Bear & Friends - Summer issue coming soon.

Bear Tales - Fortuna pattern.

And I have been busy behind the scenes working to promote, our

Bear Basics & Beyond Book - publishing soon.

After so much going on Ray booked us into a hotel for the night.

Here are a couple of photos from my stay in the Presidential Suite!
I felt like the rich and famous for the night, with a view of the Swan River

spa, lounge, dinning room, and a balcony to eat dinner in the warm night air,

and a 5 minute drive to work instead of the normal hour and a half!

Now it's head down, ...and you know the rest!

Stars in Australian Bear Creations

2011-02-26T18:59:00.000+08:00

What a wonderful surprise to open the latest Australian Bear Creations

to see that both Basil and Yashi have featured in the Realistic Bears story.

here they are along with my club page.

New Design ~ Fortuna

2011-02-23T19:16:00.002+08:00

Fortuna has been created for the "Bear Tales by mail"

"Bear Tales" is a book of 4 Artist patterns, 4 times a year.

Available at Bear Essence a beautiful shop in Tooradin

or you can sign up on the website

www.bearessence.com.au

My next trip to Bear Essence is in May and I can't wait to see everyone.

Kits will be available and will include 3 little handmade fortune cookies.

I hope you like the fortune cookies,

I have been creating little sweet treats to accompany the bears

London calling

2011-02-17T15:46:00.001+08:00

Well I have been talking about the dream show "Hugglets"

saying it would be such an experience to meet everyone in such a place.

So I sent off my expression of interest thinking maybe one year they will invite me

and if they do I will worry about the planning then.

I few weeks passed and I had an email "Teddies 2011 stand offer"

So I am on my way in September half way around the world!

I have wondered what this year will bring

I think a lot of sewing is called for!

I plan to have a beautiful collection of cubs

but I plan to share them with everyone,

may be I can have a few on the blog before I go..

I will need to give this some thought.

I will be at stand 71 next to the entrance so you cant miss me

Sydney Teddy Bear Fair - Finalists

2011-02-14T15:15:00.001+08:00

Lil Lilly and Tiger Lilly are proud finalists in the Sydney Teddy Bear Fair 2011!

If you would like to support them in the Peoples choice, they would just love it.

Please got to the site to cast your vote on these and many others.

"See all the finalists & Vote Here"

Voting closes the 4th March 2011

Well done to everyone who has a nomination!

Sweet Treat

2011-02-14T10:14:00.001+08:00

Here is a sweet Strawberry, Vanilla and Chocolate cub.

This baby is reserved for a special collector.

Be My Valentine Show - Now on

2011-02-11T18:00:00.007+08:00

Java

EDITION: Limited edition

SIZE: 5.5” (14cm)

ADOPTION FEE: $450

Malt

EDITION: Limited edition

SIZE: 3.5” (9cm)

ADOPTION FEE: $350

I thought I would share the snaps
I have been playing with Malt since adopted
Malt is adopted

Here is a special Tiger Lilly like the one on the

Teddy Bear Review cover and book cover

Lilly:

EDITION: Limited edition

SIZE: 8“ (20cm)

ACCESSORIES: removable bow

ADOPTION FEE: $550

I do hope you can stop by the show!

http://www.teddybearsandcritters.com/venueforbmv2011.htm

Be the first in the virtual door

2011-02-11T12:27:00.002+08:00

The show is soon to start...

Here is the site to see all the bears

click here for the showroom

Enjoy the beautiful bears

Full photos will be loaded here soon

I have been keeping a secret... and its out!

2011-02-05T22:25:00.002+08:00

For those of you who subscribe to the digital version on Teddy Bear Review, You would already have the April edition of Teddy Bear Review, and you would already know my secret I have been keeping. For those of you who don’t you can subscribe for just $9.99 for all 6 issues – a year for less than $10.

http://www.teddybearreview.com/ why wouldn't you?

My sweet Tiger Lilly is on the cover! I am still on cloud 9! There is a beautiful profile on my bears and Sugar Pie and Bliss have a full page photo.

So now for my news...yep theres more!!!

I have been busy writing a bear book. - in my spare time..

This book, Bear Basics & Beyond is the book I always wanted to buy but could not find on the bookshelves. So I wrote it myself.

It is everything you need from the bear basics, covering chapters such as Gather supplies, Acquire tools and Collect fur through to some step by step guides including stiches and jointing, to advanced appliquéd paw pads. Two patterns are includes Hershey a mink cub and my award winning Neapolitan.

I have taken one more step “Beyond” covers all you need to know about designing and promoting your own collection, such as websites, attending shows and so much more. The book is full of beautiful illustrative photos and inspiring bears. For the artist and every collector. Bear Basics & Beyond is to be published in soft and the beautiful collector hardback. It will be available April/May 2011 via all the favourite places like Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. Of course you can always order your copy directly from me and I would be happy to sign your copy! I will keep you updated as my publishers supply updates on the production timelines. Bear basics & Beyond is a beautiful book and has been written for anyone and everyone who loves bears. I hope you are looking forward to having your own copy. If you want to make bears, go beyond what you are currently doing or a collector of bears who wants a beautiful book.

All information will be available on this blog and the dedicated page on my website. "Book Release" I will let you know as things progress, I wake each morning to check if there is an email from my publisher (due to the time difference, they email me in the middle of the night.) If you would like to know when the book is released please drop me a quick email helen@barecubdesigns.com

I have also updated the Accomplishments page with some other magazines my bears have been published in for you to see. Lots happening, this is a long post.

Peaches ready at last for adoption

2011-02-02T19:18:00.001+08:00

Peaches as promised....

Peaches is 5 inches, just a fraction under when sitting.

Peaches has been created from creamy mink fur,

I have hand dyed the peach using my secret technique.

Peaches will come with a sweet ice cream treat.

Peaches is now available for $450

If you would like to adopt Peaches

please email me at Helen@barecubdesigns.com
Peaches has found a new home minutes after posting

"Be My Valentine" Sneak Peek

2011-02-01T20:30:00.000+08:00

The wait is over, here is the Sneak Peek for the show

Everyones invited, the show is online!

3 bears will be ready for adoption

All you need to do is email me when the show starts to adopt a bear.

Be early so you don't miss out on your favourite bear.

Show opens at 8 pm (Sydney)which is Australian eastern daylight savings time (5pm Perth)

Bears and Buds February Issue

2011-02-01T14:29:00.000+08:00

Hows this for a cover??

Beautiful Neopolitian is the cover bear for February

on the Bears and Buds Magazine.

There is a beautful story of my bears and

if you have ever wondered how Bare Cub Designs was started...

here is the story

Click here for the Bare Cub Designs Story

I hope you can stop by for a read. (and of course enjoy looking at some photos)

Here is the sweet banner created for me...

I prefer the bears to take the spotlight!

I wont complain having a virtual hug from Bliss!!

Bookmark Bears and Buds, it's a great monthly magazine

you can stop by each month and see all the stories

and see new bears from many artistis

Aquila

2011-01-29T19:43:00.001+08:00

I am looking forward to my next interstate show and workshop.
I will be holding a 2 day workshop to create this cream cub with beautiful soft brown tips, and blue buzzard eyes.

Aquila Workshop
Where: Bear Essence, Melbourne Australia
When: 2nd & 3rd May 2011

If you wish to attend the workshop

please let me know as spots are limited.

Bear Show
Where: Berwick Australia
When: 1st May 2011

A wonderful year with lots to do

2011-01-24T15:16:00.002+08:00

2011 is well and truly here, and I am desperate to get on top of everything.

I have always lived by a "to do list,"

but this has got out of control and I need to surface again.

With all that has happened in the last months of 2010, -

I have been super busy with work,

both my husband and I have been in separate car accidents,

and to top it off, ending up in hospital for Christmas.

I have decided this is the year for me! 2011
I have been busy using January to action outstanding thoughts from 2010
My patterns are now available on eBay, Etsy and my website via E Patterns

I have decided to go green and offer my patterns electronically

not only does it save postage time and money, but the planet too.

I have relisted all my patterns and relisted the Club from 2010,

so you can join and have access to all 12 patterns

and step by step guides straight away.
I have updated the photos on the website - great gallery photos
please stop by http://www.barecubdesigns.com/ for a look.

I have many orders to work through and I plan to take requests again,

however, just a few at a time, so I can balance the requests

with offering bears for adoption on the blog in 2011

I know there are people patiently waiting,

I will be listing bears from time to time this year for you all!
Stay tuned, hopefully a little "peaches" will be showing any day now.
A beautiful mink peaches and cream bear.
May brings a Melbourne workshop at Bear Essence

and bear show http://teddybearfairs.com.au/prestashop/

preview passes available too, buy yours online

I will be stitching for this and hope to offer a few online

for those of you who can not get to Melbourne.

The next Online show is "Be my Valentine"

The sneak peek to preview the 3 bears will be on the 1st Feb

I have lots planned for 2011 (and a big surprise too)

so I hope you can all join me for the ride!

I also hope to be blogging with little updates regularly so you can see

what I am up to, being creative in 2011!!

The Blog Guide Book

2011-01-14T23:09:00.001+08:00

What a wonderful site for all bloggers

I am working on some updates for my blog, one of the latest changes was to offer my blog side bar button to other bloggers. Now I have used the tutorial on the blog guide book blog to create my won little html code see on the right side bar. Now anyone who wishes to grab my button can use the HTML gadget in blogger. Visit the site and check out the tutorials. http://www.blogguidebook.com/

Blog Makeover!

2011-01-14T15:35:00.001+08:00

I hope you are enjoying my new fresh new Blog design

My banner and buttons where created by the wonderful

Grace of Little Crafty Crow and fellow member of

Artists Creating Outside the lines

What a great way to start 2011.

I will be making lots of changes so keep popping back!

If you have a blog or web please feel free

to use this button to link back to me!

Lil Treo

2011-01-07T14:36:00.001+08:00

Meet this 2.5 inch cub

Inspired by.... ice cream in

Lime, vanilla and Mango Tangerine
He even has his own lime Ice cream cone

Lil Treo is off to his new home

Many more Ice Cream inspired cubs to come!

What flavour will be next?

What a holiday!?!

2011-01-07T12:38:00.001+08:00

I knew I preferred to be busy than relax,
but I never knew I was this obsessive.
I have taken holidays and planned to relax.
It turns out, relaxing does not suit me.
Ray and I went to Shark Bay a beautiful spot up north
where the ocean is crystal clear
and you can see the dolphins.

It was beautiful, but as a result I ended up in hospital.
The blood tests show my glandular fever has played up...
...The glandular fever I never had.
Well regardless, the symptom was hands that swelled up
with blisters and looked like I had been
seriously burnt and could not move.

As a result I know am much more thankful for my hands
and do not take them for granted.

We also lost our dog Kaine,
who has been with my husband and I
as long as we have been together
12 years, always there, like our only son.
He was a beautiful boy and had a great life with us.

So its been a holiday, I will be happy to
go back to work after this lot.

I have a few days left and managed to make a
few bears. I will be posting one very soon.

Happy Holidays

2010-12-24T15:02:00.000+08:00

I thought I would share with you all this beautiful image I received from one of my special collectors

Lil' Neapolitan

2010-12-04T17:50:00.002+08:00

Here is a Neapolitan with a slight change..

This little guy is 2.5 inches and made from mink,

in strawberry, vanilla and chocolate
& beautiful blue eyes

Made as a special order for a bear artist and friend.

Tiger Lilly

2010-11-30T19:09:00.001+08:00

Sorry its been so long since my last blog post

I have been busy creating the last of the

12 patterns for my Club members

Tiger Lilly, another mink cub by popular request

has been born and has beautiful patches under her eyes

explained in the step by step guide released tomorrow

If you have not joined the club its not too late

You can join now on my website and

you will have access to all 12 patterns and the

Photo Step-by-Step guides

Hugs Helen

Hershy and Ginger adopted

2010-11-06T23:37:00.000+08:00

Well we had more new mums than bears

in the opening minutes of the show

but Hershy and Ginger have both found homes

Thanks to everyone who stopped by and

I promise to have more bears available

for adoption as soon as I can

whos who show on today

2010-11-06T13:06:00.000+08:00

~~Hope to see you at the show~~

http://www.whoiswho-in-bearmaking.com/

A Bear Place

2010-10-28T10:56:00.002+08:00

Thought I would share with you all the bears

created for A Bear Place - a wonderful store in Singapore

with an online store www.abearplace.com

7.5 inches of gold and chocolate mink

~SOLD~

7.5 inches of warm tan and chocolate mink

~Available~

4 inches of tan and Chocolate mink
~SOLD~

Yashi almost 9 inches with a double neck joint and open mouth

in Ebony and Ivory mink

~SOLD~

If you are interested in any of these cubs please feel free to contact

Urenda at bears@abearplace.com

Truffle

2010-10-26T22:27:00.000+08:00

Truffle is the latest of tiny 2.5 inch cubs to be created

Truffle - the chocolate type of course,

is off to meet the new family

I am happy to say I know Truffle is in safe hands.

I hope Truffle bring you many smiles Kris!

Who's Who's Online Show

2010-10-16T11:58:00.000+08:00

I will be taking part in the

Who's Who in bear making online show

being held on the 6th November and everyone is welcome

Many artists will have work available,

Here is a sneak peak of my cubs

Here is a link to the show ~ Hope to see you there

Whos Who online Show

Introducing Cupcake

2010-10-12T19:17:00.000+08:00

Here is little cupcake to meet the world

Cupcake is another 2.5 inch mini cub

made from chocolate and whipped latte` mink

This tiny sweetheart is a custom order

so off to meet the new family

Sweet Treats... are Simple Pleasures

2010-10-10T14:21:00.000+08:00

My first Fine Art is available...

I have created a blog for my art

if you would like to follow these

collections please see my new blog

Simple Pleasures

I intend to create art from all the

finer things in life, like cupcakes and candy

There is sure to be a ladybug or butterfly too.

My work for now is in my Etsy store

I would love to know what you think, drop me a line

Now back to bears, a new cub is next to be photographed.

Sweets and all that is...

2010-10-09T20:46:00.001+08:00

Having bought an SLR camera, for bear shoots...

I have found myself looking for things to photograph.

I have also enjoyed turning them into water colours.

Here are some of my creations

I will be offering some of this art for sale soon.
Email me if you are interested.
helen@barecubdesigns.com

Website now available

2010-09-27T17:14:00.000+08:00

The Artisans Creating Outside the Lines

website is now online!

Jess has worked very long hours

its under construction but already

looks like a great place to visit

dolls and bears

Here is the button Jess created for

Bare Cub Designs

Stop by and meet the artists

New artist welcome!

http://www.artisanscreating.com

Introducing Oreo Junior

2010-09-25T10:36:00.000+08:00

Sweet little Oreo is the first of his kind

in the 2.5 inches size

I think he is just beautiful, I was a little worried

his dark face may not be big enough to see

but he looks ok to me, with his little white eye accents!

Oreo is going to meet his bigger 4 inch bother!

Double Trouble

2010-09-19T17:31:00.000+08:00

Here are twins I have been commissioned to create

They look like sweet little brothers

They will be off to their new home

~ Happy Birthday to their new mum~

Artisans creating outside the lines

2010-09-17T19:11:00.000+08:00

The new Ning site created by Jess

so we can share our ideas about our art

...and the selling of...

Stop by and join in the fun

Support the wonderful artists

who create with love!

http://artisanscreating.ning.com/