What a success

"Snaps"

All my hard work paid off last Sunday when my web show was a complete success, all the bears and mice found new homes for Christmas!

I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who supported me and came to visit the show and an even BIGGER thank you to those of you who brought a bear!

Now I must get myself organised for Christmas, I've started my Christmas shopping but don't seem to be very successful in getting much or any inspiration! I spent all day shopping yesterday and found about 3 things! This morning though I've just done some massive internet shopping and I'm about half way done, just got a few more people to get for now, oh the joys of Christmas.

Christmas Webshow Tonight

I have been working very hard over the past two weeks to get 4 bears and 4 mice ready for my online show, its starts at 6pm (GMT) tonight.
This is the first time I have done something like this and I must admit I am very nervous about it, "what if nothing sells?", "what if the website crashes?!", many questions have been running around my head over the lat few days, however you have to give these things a go and if nothing sells, nothing sells, what will be will be and all that. So if you'd like to take a look pop over at 6pm tonight an have a peek at whats on display!

http://www.shantockbears.com/Xmas%20Webshow.shtml

New Bears off to see Edwina

Here's 2 new bears and a big mouse that have just been sent to Edwina's Friends

http://www.edwinasfriends.co.uk/index.html

"Benjamin"

"Twizzle"

"Blitzy"

Christmas parade!

http://ellen-borggreve-design.typepad.com/

Exciting news! The talented Ellen Borggreve is having a Christmas Parade from her blog on 23rd December 2008. The idea is to promote our "art" and creativity and have a bit of fun drooling over the wonderful creations on display. I do hope you will be able to pop over on the 23rd and have a look.

Long time no blogging!

Well the past 2 months seem to have flown by in a flash! I can't believe how busy my life has been of late, I just can't keep up, unfortunately my blogging duties have been neglected so let me tell you what I've been up to recently.

Firstly as some of you know my fella Lex left on the 31st October to travel the world, he's gone for about 7 months, travelling through South East Asia, China, New Zealand, The South Pacific and the USA, you can check out his travel blog at

http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lekka/1/1225464900/tpod.html

So alot of October was taken up with us trying to spend as much time together as possible, it was'nt always easy with me working ALL the hours under the sun and Lex getting ready for his travels, but we did get the chance to do a few fun things before he went as the following photos show.

Me and Lex at his fancy dress/bouncy castle leaving party!!!! The theme was Halloween, bad taste or superheroes/villain, the night was a total success, a mad night was had by all.

Emma, Lex's cousin and fellow traveller

Lex Poiing at the party

Me & Lex at his last supper!

Me & Lex in the Buddha bar after spending the night in a posh hotel and our last day together in London

As well as all this gallivanting around I have been very busy with work, I'm currently working around 60 hours a week, still doing the 2 jobs and making the bears! I've had orders non stop since Hugglets and I'm gradually getting though them all. 10 bears went to Hamleys at the beginning of the month, 3 bears have just been finished today for Edwina's Friends and will be available from Kathy soon. Next I'm working on bears for Bear Paths in the USA and bears for my online show in December, its all go so I really haven't got time to miss Lex at all, having said that I do, like mad but its only 7 months and that's nothing really and he's promised to be back for my 30th next year with lots of exotic presents!

A couple of the bears that are now available from Hamleys

Charity Raffle

WIN THIS FAMOUS BEAR!!!!

I am sure some of you are aware that I work in a day centre for adults with learning disabilities, well we have a little charity that raises money for our clients to have a few extras that the Social Services budget just won't allow, things like a people carrier to get out and about and art equipment. A few months ago I decided to donate my cover star bear "ABE" to be raffled for this charity so close to my heart! We have so much trouble raising awareness of what we do and find raising money even harder! I am selling tickets at £5 each and they are available until the draw at our Christmas party on 10th December. If you would like to purchase a ticket and help support this worthy cause please contact me for details:

shantockbears@tiscali.co.uk

Just a few things you may want to know about "ABE"

“Abe” is worth over £130 and was exclusively made to feature on the front cover of Teddy Bear Club International July 2008. “Abe” is 12” high and is made from golden brown Schulte mohair, with felt paws. He is heavily weighted with steel shoot, has black glass eyes and red, white and blue ribbon details.

Thanks so much!

Edwina's Friends!

Edwina

Kathy's bear, she's very special!

A while ago I was asked to produce some bears for a new a venture from Kathy Martin (formally editor of Teddy Bear Scene) and I'm pleased to announce that her new online shop "Edwina's Friends" is now up and running, Kathy has handpicked some of the best of the best artists to make exclusive bears for her and am honored she has including me in that list! I wish Kathy the very best with her new business and I am sure she is going to make it a success, please pop by her website and have a look at the wonderful bears she has available.

http://www.edwinasfriends.co.uk/