PANDY POTTER BEARS

Busy January, Peterborough

2012-01-16T16:11:00.002Z

January is always a busy time for me, real workwise and our anniversary (see previous post). We are'nt big card givers, celebrations, but we do like to use it as an excuse to have a weekend away. We stopped at a lovely grade two listed hotel, The Bull in Peterborough. Absolute bargain, we payed £99 for a golden ticket, very Willy Wonka, and for that we got two nigths stay in an executive room with three course evening meal included. Its right in town and lets just say very convenient for the shops and pubs. Would be rude not to partake in the said establishments. Hey the Wetherspoons even have a bit of history, former college and drapers.

Theres not an awful lot at Peterbourgh, apart from shops, pubs/clubs, but the cathedral is stunning. I'm reading The Pillars of Earth so it made it extra special to go visit. Rosie from Corners of my Mind read it last year and I also enjoyed the TV series. I also read a novel about Catherine of Aragon a while back. Sad to think a Spanish princess should end up laid to rest in Peterborough, although I can think of worse places but you know what I mean. Mary Queen of Scots was also buried here but was later moved to Westminster abbey.

I really liked Peterborough and would definitely go back with the same deal. Nice to have 4* treatment at B&B prices.

Happy Here and Now

2011-12-31T19:36:00.001Z

I'm not much for New Years Eve, for some reason the looking back thing, well I try my best to be a here and now person, finding that the easiest way to contentment. Of course today theres also the looking forward bit too. Back, forward, sideways...oh sorry theres no sideways!

Then of course thinking on my last post I start feeling a bit hmmmm because its nearly time to pack Christmas away. Still tonight will involve, DVDs, wine and takeaway well you can'nt ignore the date totally.

So how ever your year has been, and will be in 2012, have a very Happy Here and Now.

Have you had a nice Christmas?

2011-12-29T12:04:00.000Z

I was a child of the 70's, Tiny Tears.....

Weeble wobbles....but they don't fall down!

Pack of knickers.....

Pack of knickers!!!! Santa, I don't wish to be ungrateful but tell auntie Maureen I don't want knickers at Christmas.

Good old Wizard of Oz

Heres the thing though did'nt Christmas last until at least New Years day? In fact did'nt it last until you went back school?

Have you had a nice Christmas? I'm HAVING a nice Christmas thanks.....its not over yet!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas time....

2011-12-19T19:34:00.001Z

I find it very hard to photograph my decorations so this is the best I could do. I am very sad in that I like colour themes and they tend to change each year. Just as well I've got a big loft. In the conservatory its winter white.

We'd recently wallpapered a feature wall in the kitchen so it was a grey/silver, fushia and black scheme.

The lounge this year was ivy, pine cones, gold, brown and a touch of green. The glowing candles were a brilliant present from hubby. They are glass, you turn them over, they light up and can be recharged. We went on holiday once and they had them on the tables outside. Still like my candles though!

OK I'm a sad theme queen....I used to decorate an old people's home at Christmas and I remember a girl doing some crafts with them and then hanging them on the tree! Errrr they don't 'go'....so I put them in the bedrooms. It used to take me ages, two lounges, dinning room and the corridors but everyone loved it. I just hate the putting back bit don't you?

Edit: just realised as I'm sat in front of the tree, hmmm.....I buy wrapping paper to match the colours and everyones pressies get wrapped to match my trees. Apart from Amy's hers get wrapped in Hello Kitty paper and get locked in a suitcase, no peeking now!

The senses of Christmas....

2011-12-18T15:37:00.001Z

This was my view through the summerhouse window on friday. I'm well set up in there, internet, heating, telly, so sewing is very much a pleasure, although its not bear related at the moment. As the snow came down I felt like a little kid and what with the red berries, well so Christmassy!

Today it was home baked sausage rolls, oh the smell.....yummy.

Then there is my favourite room spray from Dunelm, cinnamon and ginger.....

Oranges studded with cloves.....

Later in the week mince pies.....

The turkey roasting in the oven.....

And that long ago memory, the smell of pine needles.....

Whats your favourite smell of Christmas?

Mrs Laalaa's giveaway!

2011-12-08T18:20:00.001Z

What can I say? Lynda at Hookin' with Laalaa has only gone and become Mrs! Congratulations Lynda. You're a lovely, warm, generous lady and deserve a fantastic wedding.

Talking of generous, Lynda is having a blog giveaway, so why not pop over and visit her at Hookin' with Laalaa.

Smudge

2011-11-28T19:01:00.001Z

Heres my latest bear, Smudge. I used an old pattern and would like to do some more from it, when I get chance! Smudge is waiting to join lots of other panda bears in Australia, lucky Smudge.

Goodley

2011-11-14T18:33:00.001Z

Introducing Goodley!

Land Girls, series 3

2011-11-07T18:17:00.000Z

Did you watch Land Girls today? Really enjoyed it. Check the link out if you want to know more and if you missed it watch it on the iplayer.

Bingle Bears giveaway

2011-11-07T17:55:00.002Z

Cheryl from Bingle Bears is having a fabulous giveaway. She is a lovely person and her bears are delightful. Why not pop on over?

Fleur, a new bear

2011-10-24T16:18:00.000+01:00

At long last here is a new bear! I'm trying to get a few ready to sell, as those all important Christmas shopping weeks will soon come around. I hope you like her.

Kelly's fabulous giveaway....

2011-10-14T15:35:00.001+01:00

Kelly over at 'A Stuffed Life' is having a wonderful giveaway. She is an artist who I really admire and I also love reading her take on life in 'A Stuffed Life'. Every year I look forward to seeing Kelly's Halloween pieces as she has the best ideas.

So go on and pop over!

Natwest offer some free Help!

2011-10-13T18:51:00.000+01:00

Last month I read The Help, lovely story with wonderful characters. Just love the name Mae Mobley! Anyway, just went to my emails and as an 'everday banker' I could get free tickets to see a preview of the film next monday. Yay! I never go the cinema as I think its too expensive but this is one film I might have paid for. Heres the link if you bank with Natwest.

The Link

And.... after a beary, beary bear drought this summer, I've finally made one.....watch this space for a peak at the new design.

Toadstool House giveaway

2011-09-23T14:05:00.000+01:00

The lovely Julie from A Tale from Toadstool House is having a great giveaway, why not pop over and check it out.

With Amy now settled in college you'd think I'd be back to some routine, nah! My bearmaking is still on hold. I really am going to have to give myself a kick up the bum. Can't blame it on anything but laziness. I could go do some sewing now but I'd rather read some blogs.....

Schools out for ever!

2011-09-06T15:40:00.003+01:00

I know lots of bloggers have children starting or going back to school and lets face it, it feels very much like we're doing the starting or going back. Amy was only just 16 a few weeks back and starts college on thursday. Oh for the building to look like this one, Clifton college but its a year old sixth form college. Her secondary school was also a brand new building.

We went for her interview the other week and I'm so happy (think Amy is LOL) that she is going to be doing three years instead of the usual two. I feel as if we've got back a year stolen due to her being so young. If she had been born one week later she'd be in her last year of school.

So lets hope any of 'us' who are starting school, college, university survive the week!

Line up in a straight line, walk don't run, it will soon be friday night.....

Typical bank holiday sunday

2011-08-28T17:41:00.004+01:00

Well being a typical sunday on a bank holiday weekend, ie rubbish weather, I decided to watch Glorious 39. I had it on my player from a few weeks back. Well I really enjoyed it, hubby stopped watching as he said it was too 'jolly hockey sticks' LOL but the scenery, costumes and just general look was very much my thing in a movie. Of course the player had not recorded the last few minutes but You Tube to rescue. In fact you can watch it all on there, split into 13 parts. Just google it and you can find plenty of trailers to give you an idea of what its about.

Something else I enjoyed and again starring Romola Garai, is The Hour. Although there were some liberties taken with modern expressions in the lines (so they say, I was too busy just watching it) again I enjoyed something set in another era. They are going to do another series so good, good, good!

Catch them if you can!

Birthday girl and Dr Pooh

2011-08-23T17:58:00.004+01:00

Tomorrow is my daughter Amy's 16th birthday. Here is the cake she made herself last year. This year she was'nt fussed on a party so we've had a meal out today as I'm working tomorrow. Shes a great daughter and no trouble at all, I think we've got away lightly over the years! We're all still enjoying the extended summer as shes finished school. Normal bear service will resume in the autumn as family life takes a slightly new direction.

Don't you just love this T-shirt design? Well perhaps you don't if you're not a Dr Who fan! I've just ordered one for my daughter here at othertees.com Just use the code blogtorwho to get a small discount.

A shout goes to a fave blog for letting me know about it.

Blogtor Who

What a few days....weeks....

2011-08-09T16:42:00.004+01:00

Can you believe the news? I hope you are all safe out there.

Its been a funny old time here at home. I feel like I've been on an extended holiday. My daughter finished school so plenty of lie ins and general mooching around. I've even been lazy in my summerhouse, no bearmaking until Autumn.

I'm not much of a cook or baker but have really enjoyed making sushi and seeing as I'm the only one who likes it, eating it.

The kits are a bargain from B&M, 99p. You just need fillings like the cheap smoked salmon bits from Tesco or crab sticks. Everything else is included and each kit makes approximately 32 sushi as you get four seaweed sheets . I just cook all the rice, split everything into four and freeze the other portions. Anyone else like sushi?

Pretty Little Jewels giveaway

2011-07-22T13:33:00.003+01:00

Juli at Pretty Little Jewels is having her first giveaway! Its a lovely girly giveaway so if you fancy a bit of pampering, check her out.

Time really did fly....

2011-07-07T18:19:00.002+01:00

Like many of you Mollie Makes has been a lovely magazine to collect. I say collect as its one I like to come back to, even the adverts look good! A few weeks back it was mine and a friend's birthday. Kay is a fellow bearmaker under the name Katie Country Bears and I always try and make something for her. She sends me really thoughtful gifts so its always nice to think of new things for her. Here is a brooch I made using the kit in issue 2. I hope you like it.

Time flying? Yep that time of year and I've been lucky to have been away to Tunisia. I find in the few weeks before and after there are so many things to do of the most boring or tedious nature. Thats YOU ironing pile! Yes I do think of it as a living thing, because it seems to grow....and if hubby says one more time 'have you ironed this?' .....when I have....well then it will be a cry of 'I was provoked ma Lord, diminished responsibility.....

Everything stops for tea....

2011-06-10T18:33:00.003+01:00

As a present for a friend I made one of these teacup pincushions. I managed to get three teacups for a £1 in the charity shop, smaller sized, so they did the job beautifully. Anyway, saying that I sew a lot my pincushion was a bit of foam! So I made the Hello Kitty one for me. It has come in very handy as my next sewing project is handsewn, a present, so I can't say too much yet.

Do you like the little chap above? I used to make miniature bears, he is 3" tall. A clue to my next idea.

As for everything stops for tea....its coffee for me, I can't stand tea to drink, but don't mind strawberry tea to dye my fabric!

Have a great weekend everyone.

A change is as good as a rest?

2011-05-30T13:23:00.003+01:00

Well where did that month go? So much 'seems' to be going on.... there has been a massive change in routine at home. The last few weeks have been hectic work wise but that has now gone back to normal. The other big change is with my daughter Amy, she is doing her last few weeks at school, so is in an hour here and there for the lessons she still has exams for.

Then theres my dad who has just come out of hospital, a knee replacement. Its usually dad that runs me errands, helps with Amy, as her school is near to their house. My turn now!

So my poor bears and Blog have been very neglected. I still try to pop on by Blogland and one of my favourite bloggers was having a mega giveaway. Yippeeeeee, I was a winner and Annie could not have been more generous. Thank you Annie.

Annie at The Felt Fairy

Please pop over and see her, shes got a wicked sense of humour and I love reading her Blog.

Next change.....we have being going our local gym for over 10 years, found out this morning they are closing for 12 weeks while they have a total refit and change of brand/company. So need to find another gym in the meantime. Mind you the fee will be going down by half! £9.99 a month which is great value.

So is change as good as a rest? Not bloomin likely!

Happy Easter

2011-04-22T13:49:00.003+01:00

Well can anyone one remember such a nice UK Easter? Not even a nasty cold will stop me enjoying this one. April makes.....a bit of bunting! With all the pale pink blossom then the black accessories in the garden, a pair of black and pink polka dot pyjama bottoms got cut up. Jollies it all up and goes rather nicely.

And because I've felt lazy, a bunny I made a couple of years back. Gotta have bunnies at Easter! Although we've got some robins visiting the garden...'ya don't go with the season or decor, come back in 9 months!'

My tree at night, the blossom looks like snow. The seasons sure do get mixed up around here.

Have a lovely weekend everyone.

Buddy and what a weekend!

2011-04-10T18:11:00.003+01:00

Hi everyone...hope you've had some glorious weather. I've had a really good weekend, staring friday with LaaLaa's giveaway, then a charity Zumbathon.

Yesterday we spent the day and night at our local town, it only cost £9 to stop at the Travellodge so was cheaper than a taxi, lots of wine, chatting and a rather good curry to finish off with.

Then today, well, BBQ!!!! Yay, its so nice to sit as a family, have some lovely food and a good natter. Then fall asleep on the sunlounger :) Poor Buddy had to wait a bit as it was just too nice to be indoors, I hope you like him.

Enjoy the rest of the evening or day if you're further afield!

Laa Laa's giveaway

2011-04-08T13:42:00.002+01:00

Look what I got! The lovely Lynda of Hookin' with LaaLaa had a great giveaway and I won. I'm so pleased, hubby agrees how lovely everything is. The bear below was made by a friend, I've now re-christened him Stanley. Lynda made the fine needlepoint brooche and also the Stanley keyring. A massive thank you to Lynda, its a lovely treat.

Toffee....hmmm

2011-03-29T15:13:00.003+01:00

Hi everyone here is Toffee, my March makes bear. He has my same head design but has a complete new body, could do with one of those myself!

I've spent an enjoyable week in the summerhouse making bears and just generally messing around. Glorious weather here in the UK and I've enjoyed looking at all you spring inspired blogs. If you would like to see more of Toffee, just click on the tab at the top under the header.

Update: Toffee is reserved and will be with his friend soon.

Introducing Clara Kupcake

2011-03-11T17:39:00.003Z

Here is my latest bear, Clara Kupcake. I'm on a bit of a go slow at the moment as I'm re doing patterns but it keeps it interesting!

Update : Clara will shortly be traveling to her lovely new family in France. Bon Voyage Clara!

February makes.....

2011-02-28T19:37:00.005Z

Where did that month go? Not that it was quite the kind of month I want to see again for a long time. So the February make was started today....I suppose you could say it was conceived in February!

These makes were by my daughter, cherry bakewells, yum. Better get on tomorrow if my bear wants to be born in March and not April!

LaaLaa's giveaway

2011-02-18T15:40:00.002Z

Lynda at Hookin' with LaaLaa is having a fab giveaway. Don't you just love the keyring? Pop on over and check it out.

2011-02-18T15:20:00.002Z

A big thank you to Bec of Bears On Bellair, I received this a while back but its nice to get it twice!

I hope to be back to bearmaking soon, I'm decorating the conservatory and its taking me longer than I thought.

Have a great weekend everyone.

One of those days.....

2011-02-15T14:36:00.003Z

.....a bit like life. Today its hubby's birthday, but.....it was also his Aunt's funeral. I was also lucky to win a runner up prize of Romantic homes magazine. It was kindly sent by Alison at Vintage Amythest. I shall save it for the weekend, something cheery. Tomorrow there is also another funeral. The mother of my daughters internet friend, so sad as she left three children. My heart goes out to them.

We shall go out for a meal later and I've told hubby we can go out at the weekend, we don't need an excuse for a curry and a few drinks but I do think we'll be raising a glass and toasting those lives and deaths that have touched us recently.

Monthly make for January....

2011-01-31T17:32:00.001Z

Tom Tulley

Grab the brightness where you can....

2011-01-27T12:55:00.002Z

I read a post yesterday from Charl at Pretty Vintage. She pretty much summed up the last few weeks and what it really means. Its been so dreary and it can get you down. Heres a photo of what cheers me up, half price lilies from Aldi, less than £2 and over a week old, bargain. And...my daughter who as the teenage years roll on is becoming more and more lovely. Don't believe what everyone says about the teenage years, although still a few more to go!

I also heard some bad news about a relative's health and a client had the awful news that her friend had been killed in a hit and run. I so felt for her.

So I'm going to concentrate on the little, important things in life and put a bit of brightness into January.

Talking of brightness look at what Alison of Vintage Amethyst is giving away. She was featured in the magazine. I love Alison's blog and shop, everything is so pretty and always comes nicely wrapped. Go check her out for some January brightness.

An award!

2011-01-25T17:21:00.002Z

Heidi from Bord and Butik has very kindly passed on this award. I'm supposed to share 7 things about myself!

1: We named our daughter Amy, nice name and one that could not be shortened.....I end up calling her Ames a lot, maybe not shortened but lengthened? I think I've got a thing for calling people anything but their actual name.

2: I seem to be a tidy person. If you came my house you would think so. Clever cupboards, nice cupboards, I just throw everything in and close the door then every so many years have a tidy up, behind closed doors.

3: I'm a brown sauce girl (Daddies), not a red sauce girl! (ketchup)

4: I always wanted a proper Paddington bear and bought one when I was pregnant with Amy. It was supposed to be for the baby, but was really for me. I told Amy this recently and she said not to worry as the Doctor Who book I had for Christmas was really for her.

5: I hated every minute of my driving lessons but they have to be done, means to an end. We now drive an automatic, stop go, stop go. So simple yet not so common in the UK as elsewhere. Why would anyone want to make things harder when there is an easier way, the car does it for you.

6: Soggy toast: Can't stand soggy toast, it has to be hot and slightly well done. I used to love the 'doorstops' we used to toast on my nana and grandad's open fire, bliss. The worst toast, soggy, was given to me after I had Amy. Thanks NHS, no food all day, then soggy toast! I always said if I had another I'd take food in for after the birth, I was starving.

7: Untrodden snow, so tempting.....you've just got to run around in it! If I see untrodden snow I get an urge to leave footprints and mess it up. I did that on my dads drive recently and he told me off 'In case I slipped'. Got my wellies on dad.....chill out! Amy just said 'wow, I did'nt know grandad tells you off like he does me'. He worries too much.

Thanks so much Heidi. Now this is the bit where I can't chose, so many lovely blogs......

Leny's giveaway

2011-01-24T16:45:00.003Z

Leny from Lediteds is having a birthday giveaway! What a wonderful idea and her creations are so lovely. Go on over and check them out.

I married a Count!

2011-01-23T17:23:00.005Z

Today is our wedding anniversary, 14 years, but its also 24 years exactly since we met, eek! We got married in the Monte Carlo hotel, Las Vegas. Crikey when I look at the photos.....hubby looks like Bela Lugosi. Mind you I do have a thing for vampires and they are quite fashionable and sexy now.

Just look at my hair, wow thats what colour it was, I'd forgotten. I'd also lost a lot of weight but eventually lost more. I made the dress but went off it but as the wedding was more about other things it did'nt really matter.

Amy learnt to walk here, lazy thing was 17 months. I made her a bear instead of having a posie to hold. We were in Vegas for two weeks, my parents, brother and sis in law and Mark's mum and aunt were all with us. We had such a good time, people either hate or love Vegas but it was so much fun and we spent lots of time together as a family. The wedding was mainly about being married and not the wedding itself but lets just say two weeks in Vegas, I do!

Keeping out of mischief

2011-01-16T17:46:00.002Z

Our house is a very, very little 1930's semi that we modernised, did up should I say. The conservatory was the last to be built and by that time, after a year, I was all pooped out in the decorating department. We don' use it too much in winter so I think the decor needs to be more spring/summer, makes sense!

Modern TV's....nowt you can do to make them look more, pleasing? Hubby was in my summerhouse the other day, wiring some tree lights up and he commented on how pleasant it felt/looked. Thats the look I'd like to go for but maybe a bit more toned down!

Last year I had my summer house as a project and this year its the conservatories turn. Its very hard to have some kind of decor/theme going on, hardly any walls, so cushions will play a big part. If you have a gorgeously decorated conservatory, do tell, I'll love to see what you've done to it.

A monthly Make 2011

2011-01-11T15:16:00.006Z

Annie from the Felt Fairy is running a monthly make, maybe the kick we need? I feel like kicking someone today! And not me! I feel very let down with my day job, circumstances, people not thinking, it will pass.....but one thing that does make me feel better is blogging, my summerhouse and making things! So this could not come at a better time.

Of course I need to start my bears again, I would have done today but feel wound up, not fair to include that in a bear! I do fancy making a Stanley and Annie is very kindly helping there. Here is the link, Stanley.

LissLou's giveaway....

2011-01-10T13:31:00.002Z

LissyLou and the 2 Little boys is having a giveaway! Why not pop over now!

Reasons to be cheerful.....

2011-01-09T18:29:00.003Z

Larkrise to Candleford!

Yay and double yay! Sunday for the next 6 weeks, just looked brighter. My aim for this year is to be grateful and feel lucky for what I have but thats always easier said than done so anything to cheer a post Christmas winter up is good.

I've also decided to re decorate the conservatory, that will keep me out of mischief, I enjoy the planning the most, thats the fun part.

So rerun of Dr Who at 7.00pm then Larkrise and a glass of the old vino at 8.00pm. Ha there you go, and as the vino maybe stretches into two, I'm sure I'll feel grateful and lucky! Tis the simple thing in life for sure......

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T15:48:00.002Z

Well its that day again, the last one of 2010! As many of you said 'where did that year go?'. Never been a big New Years eve person, it just means the decorations have to come down soon, boo hoo. So it will be spent like Christmas, with my family, at home and some goodies to drink and eat. How will the first day of 2011 be? Same again please! Its a good enough formula for me. Then sunday......go on....same again, why not?

To end, a massive thank you to all the Bloggers I follow and all your good selves too, you brighten my days.

Happy New Year, enjoy!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T19:04:00.004Z

My daughter's tree, she sure likes Hello Kitty.

Have a lovely Christmas everyone.

Amanda and the bears x

Snow.....it looks nice...but

2010-12-22T12:09:00.003Z

Hi everyone.......that blooming white stuff. Set off for work but turned back and I live on a main road! That feeling when you put your brakes on and you keep going. Still others have it loads worse and then there is the airport closures, terrible.

I'm determined to get there later and will set off early, the roads seem better now. So ta ta for now and I'll leave you with some of my Christmas decor photos.

Yum yum yay!

2010-12-21T15:02:00.003Z

Look what I won! It was Julie's giveaway at Vintage and Cake. I was only telling hubby about her Blog and business last saturday. My daughter is a good sponge maker and I emailed her the link. That makes her seem as if she lives away, she just lives in her bedroom LOL I'll so enjoy them, well one, got to share. Its not often I have cake

Yum yum yay!

Panic over, well mostly

2010-12-20T19:17:00.002Z

My mum and dad both have birthdays in December so Christmas gifts are even harder as you use some ideas up for the birthdays. I like to get things they will like but won't necessarily buy themselves. Town was so busy, I think everyone stayed in over the weekend and went out today. I popped into Matalan and got these bargains. I will fill the large lantern with fake snow and the baubles. At least there is a bit more for mum and dad. Not quite there yet but hopefully a trip to Dunelm will see me finished. Well not quite I still need to......better get that list going!

21 Christmas questions....

2010-12-19T16:34:00.004Z

Annie at The Felt Fairy blogged about this and I thought it would be fun to do. Just link back if you would like to join in.

1: Wrapping paper of gift bags?........Wrapping paper and it has to match my decor!

2: Real tree or artificial?........Artificial. Although I like real trees I have 6 trees up, so it would be too expensive. My latest one was a feather tree for my summerhouse.

3: When do you put up the tree?...... As I have to do a lot, I start the beginning of December.

4: When do you take the tree down?.......Usually 2nd January.

5: Favourite gift received as a child?........I can't really think of one. I used to have a stocking/pillowcase and my most favourite thing in that was a cocoa cola can radio. I switched it on and Silent night was playing.

6: Hardest person to buy for?........Hubby as if we want something we get it and at Christmas we don't buy gifts for each other for the sake of it. This year he does'nt really want anything so its even harder.

7: Easiest person to buy for?.......Me! Because I know what I like. Thats why I tend to get Christmas money.

8: Mail or email Christmas cards?........With cards I'm a bit of bah humbug so I do like to send ecards, more fun. I do send a few 'real' ones too.

9: Favourite Christmas movie?.......I do like Christmas Carol ones. I prefer things like Dr Who Christmas special or Christmas versions of things like Fools and Horses and the Royale Family.

10: When do you start shopping for Christmas?.......December.

11: Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?........Yes......

12: Favourite things to eat at Christmas?.......Its got to be the actual Christmas lunch.

13: Lights on the tree, coloured or clear?........Clear.

14: Favourite Christmas song?.......Last Christmas by Wham.

15: Travel at Christmas or stay home?......Stay home.

16: Angel, fairy, star or ribbon on top of the tree?.......A mixture. In the lounge its feathers, kitchen its a rustic star and conservatory a tall bauble type topper.

17: Opening presents Christmas eve or morning?.......Morning.

18: Most annoying thing about this time of year?.......People saying 'Are you done yet?' NOOOO! Don't you know I'm not that organised.

19: What do you want for Christmas this year?........Like Annie I buy what I want but enjoy my few surprises. I would like things that go in my summerhouse, to make it look nice.

20: Traditional colours like red and green or others?........Everything has to match and most years I change colours. This year the lounge theme is black feathers, with gold, silver and crystals. The kitchen is red and white. The conservatory, old gold, purple and brown, sounds odd but it works. The summerhouse was a mix. I'll post piccies another day. I love seeing everyones decor.

21: I'll add one......custard, brandy cream or fresh cream with your Christmas pud?......fresh cream.

The winner is...

2010-12-19T12:26:00.003Z

Leny!

Thanks to all that entered. I did the very technical names on paper and my hubby drew one out. Why not pop over to Leny's Blog. Shes a collector of bears and now makes some lovely creations.

Giveaway....

2010-12-13T17:02:00.003Z

Well I was looking through my fabric stash and found a head! OK I'm very naughty, start a bear then never finish it. I thought what a shame, so....turned it into a Christmas ornament. Its about the size of a tennis ball.

If you would like her, please leave a comment. If you're a follower let me know and I'll put you in twice, if you Blog about it, thats another chance and if I follow you LOL thats another. The draw will be on sunday 19th. Open worldwide.

Mince pies.....yummy

2010-12-05T15:49:00.003Z

I posted about this recipe last year but for those that would like it, here it is. Its the most wonderful shortbread type pastry. These were a little rushed but as they are the first batch they get eaten straight away and not shared! The recipe is enough for two dozen so I froze half the pastry.

Traditional Christmas mince pie recipe

Berry, my latest bear

2010-11-28T15:38:00.003Z

Hi everyone. hope you're all keeping warm, well if you're in the Northern hemisphere! This is Berry my latest bear, hope you like him.

My summerhouse....or winterhouse?

2010-11-27T12:32:00.005Z

Well I woke up to snow this morning and that made me want to do the Christmas decorating even more. So I decided to decorate my summerhouse instead. With my little heater its so cosy and my little bolt hole. I need to get some baubles for my feather tree, I wanted one of those last year and dotcomgiftshop were selling them off last month.

I did treat myself in the end and got the Cath Kidston stocking. Its rather big, Santa can fit a few satsumas in that one!

I also love the paper chain, just the right colours.

I think I'll sort through my decorations later, they are all in the conservatory as we had to empty the loft when we had a new roof. I think I'll put some of the mantel things out, they are candlesticks etc so I can ease myself into Christmas decorating.

Have a great weekend, stay cosy.

Deck the halls.....

2010-11-25T19:10:00.004Z

OK......admit it.....who is going to start putting up Christmas decorations this weekend? I know my friends in the States do this after Thanksgiving but elsewhere? I keep thinking its too early, then if I do them next week, I've missed out a bit. Can you tell I'm chomping at the bit. Maybe it will be so cold and snow at the weekend it will be a great time to start, as staying in will be on the cards.

Come on, fess up if you are starting this weekend!

Bon Voyage

2010-11-23T22:23:00.003Z

This is Sammi who started the long journey to Australia yesterday. As are my cousin's family, they are off for a new start in Brisbane.

Bon Voyage!

Blog award

2010-11-23T15:11:00.003Z

Laura from Vintage Laura has given me an award! Why not pop over to her Blog and check out some of the goodies shes managed to get.

Thanks Laura it was a lovely gesture.

Its here!

2010-11-20T14:00:00.001Z

Its here the Online Bear Show

I hope you enjoy visiting!

Vintage Lifestyle giveaway

2010-11-18T19:24:00.003Z

Kelly from Vintage Lifestyle is having a giveaway, lovely. I've recently found this blog and its so worth checking out.

Also about the Cath Kidston stocking, Cath had all sold out so I ordered from John Lewis and got the postage free as I bought a few Christmas things, can't wait. You were all right, I did deserve a treat!LOL

Cath Kidston stocking

2010-11-17T21:05:00.005Z

I received the Cath Kidston Christmas catalouge today, very nice. Although I find a lot of things too expensive for myself, I very much like the fabric. I'm loving this stocking and at £10, affordable. Does anyone know if they do just the fabric, its lovely. The wrapping paper and ties caught my eye too. Postage is £4.95 but John Lewis also do it, and postage is £3 or free if you spend over £30.

Can I be tempted?

Michelle's giveaway

2010-11-15T20:50:00.002Z

Just look at this giveaway, wow. Its at Handcrafted Teddy bears by Michelle. I love some of her quirkier designs, definite eye candy. Why not pop over now.

Sneak preview for the online teddy show

2010-11-15T16:22:00.006Z

Hi, fancy a peak at what I've been up to? Just go to Teddies Worldwide Online Show to see a preview of some wonderful bears. The show starts this weekend.

Remember.....

2010-11-11T09:43:00.003Z

Both my grandads were miners so never got to go to war, I think I'll be grateful for that. A great uncle did though and suffered many horrors in an Italian prisoner camp. My maternal grandad used to joke about dodging the bombs when he was courting my nana. He probably did though! Lots of the women in our area worked at Radway Green where they made bullets. A sobering thought, you make a bullet and it could take someones life. So a day to reflect on what has been and whats going on now.

Thanks to them all.....

Amy's got a giveaway

2010-11-03T21:16:00.002Z

What lovely lovelies! These are the giveaway form Amy at Blighty Boutique

She is the vintage inspired daughter of Annie at The felt fairy

Some really nice images and shes only just started. Go on over and support her!

Love a bargain?

2010-10-31T14:36:00.001Z

Well we've just been town and 'bought' some Yankee candle tealights. I love them but they are'nt the cheapest things. Hubby had seen the Debenhams £5 voucher, printed a few off and it meant they ended up 99p! No minimum spend, just one per customer and email. With gmail if you put a . in the wrong place of your email address it still gets sent to your email, so extra vouchers! We just went to different tills. Plenty of people were using them. I don't feel too guilty, I've certainly spent some money in Debenhams over the years.

Bit early but......

2010-10-25T18:04:00.004+01:00

Has anyone else noticed how red the holly berries are this year? A bumper crop and as we don't seem to get many birds here (too many cats) they'll make the most wonderful Christmas display.

Look what I got today! Its a goose feather Christmas tree from Dotcomgiftshop. It was reduced to £8.95. I love these type trees and I hope to get some vintage inspired baubles to go on it. Talking of holidays and Christmas, I'm busy doing bears for the online Christmas show, more about that later.

Ta ta for now, enjoy the half term for those with children.

Magazine swap

2010-10-11T18:47:00.002+01:00

Floss from Troc, Broc and Recup' organised a magazine swap. My partner was Barbara from Moveable feasts who is a real foody, check her out if you love cooking.

Then Heidi from Bord & Butik and I became partners too. She was very naughty and sent three magazines!

Its a lovely way to get to know people and have the chance to get your hands on something different. Thanks to everyone involved.

Norman

2010-10-10T12:22:00.003+01:00

Here is my latest bear Norman. We're having a bit of late summer here in the UK this weekend, its gorgeous outside. Then the leaves are falling off the apple tree and my holly tree is covered in red berries, what season is it? Lets make the most of it!

Versatile Blogger award

2010-10-04T18:37:00.007+01:00

Before I went away, Lynda from Hookin' with LaaLaa kindly gave me this award. I now have to list 7 interesting things about myself! Eekkk, here goes......

1: This was my first teddy. My mum and dad bought him for my first Christmas, 1968. I loved soft toys, and when I was older I used to have a rota of which toys were in bed with me. Although I now make bears, I don't really collect them, I just like to create them.

2: The best day of my life was when I passed my driving test. I was on cloud nine all day. Shhhh....don't tell hubby or daughter, weddings and births usually figure as the best days!

3: I'm a ginger! Yep, its official, once a ginger kid, always a ginger kid. OK its a lot lighter now, bits of grey, hair dye to hide said grey, but I'm still a ginger LOL

4: I once went over a year without chocolate, just to see if I could. Its seems to have made me immune to its charms now and I hardly ever eat it.

5: Lynda has a nut allergy, mine is rabbits. I start sneezing, my eyes itch and my breathing is laboured. When doctors ask if you have any allergies.....its very tempting to say....yes, rabbits! I just say no and hope never to be surrounded by an irate warren of rabbits.

6: I'm very shortsighted, -9.5 and -10. I wear contacts and have done for years. For my driving test I memorised two number plates nearby before the test, OK I can see but just in case.....

7: I used to be 5 stone heavier. All the chocolate I ate? Nah, just a greedy person. I've kept a healthy weight now for over 11 years but never lose sight that the fat me could resurface at any time.

There you have it, 7 interesting facts LOL I'm supposed to link to 5 others but I always find this bit so hard. So if Anyone would like to just join in, I'd love to read your interesting facts. There is one lady I'd like to nominate though, because I'd just love to see what she comes up with, its Annie at The Felt Fairy, go Annie! Check her out.

Thanks Lynda.....and ta ta for now

2010-09-23T18:01:00.003+01:00

Lynda from Hookin' with LaaLaa kindly sent me this blog award, thanks! I love reading her Blog, so why not pop over and have a look.

I'll follow up on the award next week, as I'm taking a little break.

See you all then. x

Cherish

2010-09-19T11:14:00.002+01:00

Hi everyone, this is my latest bear, Cherish. I dyed the mohair a lovely soft pink and it went perfectly with some Cath Kidston fabric, so she got some angelic wings. With her looking like butter would'nt melt I new I had to give her eyelashs too!

Tis the season to be......?

2010-09-14T20:15:00.003+01:00

Well, confused, I think I am. I've got Christmas going around my head at the moment, decor wise and bears......

Then today I started a Halloween bear.......

Then saturday afternoon was gorgeous and I sat in the summerhouse, with all the doors and windows open and started a very ice cream, summer coloured bear.

Hmmmm, I sit and look out at my holly tree with the berries already turning red, yet I have the sun streaming in. Still makes a change for me to be be thinking ahead for my bears, it will all soon come around and if the birds don't get my berries first, they will soon be decorating my house!

Mitch

2010-09-11T14:09:00.002+01:00

Hi everyone, hope you've got a bit of sun! Its does'nt half make you feel better. Here is my latest bear, a panda. I do love these, they do tend to be my favourites.

Online show....

2010-09-10T17:47:00.004+01:00

Hi everyone, I've just signed up for this online show. I felt it was a great way to 'meet' new collectors and it also means I can't dither and will make some exclusive bears for the show.

Should be fun!

Where did those years go?

2010-09-07T19:36:00.003+01:00

A few weeks back we celebrated Amy's 15th birthday, which means......

nine years ago she has just turned 4 and was off to school for the first time. Yikes! Today was her first day (well half as it worked in) of her final year in high school. Well its not even a year, they leave in May 2011. A very sobering thought, well for me. All I got was 'huh that was a waste of time, all we did was get our timetables'. While not actually loving school, it does'nt bother her either. I don't think its sunk in yet, she actually has to do some hard work this year!

On the bear making front I've started a black and corn coloured panda, I hope to have it finished for friday, all being well. Laters!

Clivey - available from my website

2010-09-03T20:08:00.002+01:00

Hi everyone, I do hope you've had some lovely weather where you are. It was a pleasure to finish Clivey off in my summerhouse. I even ended up falling asleep on the sofa after, mind you its been that kind of weather.

Friday night, where has that week gone? Amy goes back school Tuesday, its her last year in high school. I do worry about after that, shes not academic, but a very happy, contented teenager. I suppose thats all that matters.

Have a lovely weekend, its my usual curry and wine night, yipppppeeee!

Great swap idea

2010-08-29T15:53:00.002+01:00

Why not join in this no frills giveaway, easy peasy. Its over at Troc, Broc andRecup'

Tilly Rose

2010-08-28T12:32:00.005+01:00

Hi everyone this is Tilly Rose. She was a naughty little bear as she was very hard to photograph. She is hand dyed a pale pink and sports a Cath Kidston fabric bow, very jaunty. I must confess a weakness to pink bears as do a lot of you, I hope you like her.

I'm pleased to say Tilly is off to join Crosby and a lovely lady in France.

Bon voyage Tilly Rose!

Crosby

2010-08-20T18:19:00.006+01:00

Here is Crosby my latest bear. This time I went for slightly smaller eyes, I think I like them. My next bear will be in pastel colours as I've dyed some mohair a light/mid pink, pale pink and a lovely blue. I do like the pastel coloured bears.

Georgie

2010-08-12T19:42:00.003+01:00

Hi everyone, this is my latest bear Georgie. He has slightly bigger eyes and a nose but I hope you like him!

On another note, whens summer coming? OK so the south coast, so I'm told, was nice last week but here in old middle for diddle Stoke, its been very unsummery. It got so bad I ordered this book, Sew pretty Christnas homestyle and started daydreaming of Christmas! Lets hope for a nice tail end, Indian summer. Other than that, 'not to worry, it will soon be Christmas'.

Lovely giveaway....

2010-08-07T18:36:00.004+01:00

What a lovely giveaway over at Mouse Droppings. I'm going to have a look at Susan's work, I love those little mice! Check them out.

Perry

2010-07-24T10:50:00.003+01:00

Hi everyone, here is my latest bear Perry. I was'nt sure of the colour at first but seen as its goes with my blog and my other bits and pieces, I like him!

Bargain madness!

2010-07-22T18:37:00.002+01:00

Hiya. Do you have a B&M store near you? If you do you'll know you can get everything from great value food to pretties like these.

The clock is my latest bargain for the summerhouse, and like all the other items is £2.99 (around $4.56) I'm still not bored of the Union Jack vibe and glad its gone mainstream, bargains galore.

Tomorrow I should finish a lovely blue bear, its the kind of blue in the pictures below. I've just got to do the face and shading and he'll be done.

So as it says above LOVE from the UK with all my heart.....Amanda x

Vinnie

2010-07-10T12:39:00.002+01:00

Hi everyone here is my latest bear Vinnie, my first panda in this newer pattern. I do have a fondness for pandas, well my first cuddly was a panda after all.

Enjoy your weekend!

Jules

2010-07-03T20:25:00.003+01:00

Hi everyone, this is my latest bear Jules. I'm so enjoying the Union Jack vibe, or should that be Union Flag? I think Union Jack is the nautical term. Its such a shame England flags just come out for sports, though they sure need to get hidden for sports lately!

Its a gorgeous evening here in the UK, so I'll raise a glass of very British cider then raise a glass of Californian chardonnay and wish everyone in the States a happy 4th of July!

Enjoy your weekend where ever you are.

Lacey

2010-06-22T17:07:00.004+01:00

Hi everyone, heres Lacey! I can't believe its over 6 months since I made a bear....She is a new pattern but still hopefully has the Pandy Potter look. I was to start another one but that summer house and sun made me feel sleepy LOL. I'll go cut another one out soon, I really enjoyed making Lacey, hope you like her.

Happy Father's day

2010-06-20T17:34:00.003+01:00

What a difference two years makes

2010-06-04T16:20:00.010+01:00

Hi everyone, hope you are enjoying some sunny weather. A few years back, long story short, we renovated a 1930's semi. We loved our old house and garden but had to move due to bad neighbours. I'm not a natural gardener but love the garden as another room so to speak. We finished the renovations in december then in spring 08 tackled the 'garden', what was left of it. I'm no good with adding photos in order so here goes....

The latest edition, my summerhouse which is near the bottom of the garden and in the space in the photo below. I never did know what to do with this space so just paved it over.

The above photo brings back many memories....those rubble piles kept getting bigger!

Skips are very expensive, all the rubble from the foundations of the extension and conservatory....hmm...... sloping garden...... guess where the rubble went? Under the decking!

Where the concrete mixer is, thats where I decided to extend the decking and build the pergola. A decision made because......more rubble to hide! We even ran out of room to work at one point and I had to move the rubble piles around. My dad lost his car keys and then we found them....you've guessed it, under a pile of rubble we were moving.

Like I say, I'm not a gardener, all the plants apart from two were given to us, the bamboos were my aunts, then mums, now ours. It was really funny the day we dug them all up, loaded the trailer and drove our new garden home.

So I hope the suns shining where you are and make the most of this lovely weather.

And not a pile of rubble in sight.....

What a weekend.....

2010-05-28T13:26:00.002+01:00

Long time no blog......we've just had a lovely holiday in Belek, Turkey. We got back last friday morning to the most glorious sunshine so decided to carry our holiday on over the weekend LOL. Having had enough lounging around I decided to finish my outside bunting off for the summer house.

Some time soon I hope to get my bears going again, I've got to sort my accounts out and then hopefully get some 'me' time. I'd read on a blog about someone painting a cheap office chair so before I went away painted mine a candy pink colour, you can just about see it in the picture. I even painted the fabric, I'll see how it lasts but its better than the black and blue colour it was.

I got the Easy Living mag with the Cath Kidston bag at the airport, came in very handy as a beach bag when one of our cases went missing.....the check in girl miss labeled it with someone elses details and sent it Greece. Got it back a day and half later but at least I had a bag to put my beach stuff in. Its now in the summerhouse as a bits and bobs bag.

Not sure what weather we'll get this weekend but enjoy it everyone!

Thank you....

2010-05-07T09:35:00.002+01:00

I know not everyone, like me, carries a donor card or would even like to donate after death but I would like to say 'Thank You' to the person who did.....'Thank you' to the family that said yes....

Monday my cousin, 27, got the second call this year, come in we have a kidney for you. The last time she went down to theatre but the kidney was cut too short. This time it was a fabulous match, all went well.

Mixed emotions, I bet. Did someone have an awful phone call sunday? Maybe the decision to turn off machines....My aunt says the hope in the ward, of a future, of a better future is wonderful. I hope that helps the families.

Thank you.....

Winnibriggs giveaway

2010-05-03T14:39:00.002+01:00

Hi everyone, does'nt time fly. I've had a few stressful weeks at work, good stress as it meant once finished I get my work done quicker. We went electronic! Far less 'paperwork' now. I'm also on countdown for my hols. I did manage to get my sewing machine in the summer house and started to make some bunting but thats on hold now until after my hols. Its a really gorgeous space to sew and the bears will be back by the end of May.

A lady who is also lucky to have her own space is Jenny at Winnibriggs. Love this Blog and shes only been blogging for a few months. Check her out and shes got a great giveaway too!

Why I've not been making bears....

2010-04-17T11:05:00.002+01:00

Ta da! Its finally finished, the summerhouse.....

All that painting was worth it in the end. I did a light blue for the outside with a bit of shabby painting to make it look less 'pristine'. The inside had two coats of white masonry paint, same for the floor then varnish. The sofa I got off ebay and also painted. If it stopped still, it got painted. We decked it last week, the slabs were a bit tatty looking, especially when I got paint on them!. I want to make some new cushion covers and generally 'pretty' it up, a bit at a time. Its a gorgeous space and ideal for my bear making in summer. Hubby has to do some sockets then I'll be sorted. With the decking, paint, sofa, its probably cost about £450 but worth every penny. I paid £300 for the actual house and they usually cost a lot more. So on a gorgeous day like this, I think I'll settle down with Country Living and enjoy my first try out of my den. Hope you can enjoy the weather too.

Happy Easter

2010-04-01T17:52:00.003+01:00

Hi everyone, I've been very quiet on the Blog and bearmaking front, I'm still painting my summer house! Nearly there, ceiling to do (two coats) then the floor. I'll then deck around it to tidy the outside up and then......move in. My first craft project when I do get in will be a give away. Might take a few weeks but I'll let you know near the time and of course take some photos.

I hope you all have a lovelyEaster break. We drove home in a blizzard last night, hardly spring like. Oh well, keep smiling, keep dreaming sunny images!

Lucky me!

2010-03-21T16:21:00.002Z

I won one of Michelle's fabulous drawings, yay!

Michelle Palmer

Its turning out to be a lovely sunday, the suns shining, I've just had a lovely lunch out, what more could you ask for? Then a wonderful email off Michelle. Mind you I had a lottery email this morning for my dad, he had won, £39! Better than a tenner LOL There were those few seconds as you log in, could it be the big one? Still we're lucky in many other ways, maybe next time.

Wonderful giveaway by Michelle

2010-03-17T20:59:00.003Z

Just look at this wonderful work, go to Michelle's Blog to see more. She is having a great giveaway!

Sunshine award

2010-03-08T18:22:00.003Z

Hi everyone I've had two sunshine awards! One off Annie at The Felt fairy and one off Sarah at Gallimaufry I must confess I'm a bigger blog reader than blogger LOL so choosing 12 others, well.... I currently have 70 Blogs to read in Google reader! I've started a Blog list as I've found some lovely Blogs using other people's lists.

I'm going to be painting the summer house again tomorrow, and again......and again......those darn windows. The white paint needs at least three coats. I should not complain as its perfect weather and it will be great when done. Pictures when its finished!

Yay, I'm getting my summer house!

2010-03-04T20:39:00.005Z

Well we are having the 'parts' delivered tomorrow, its going in this boring space. I really want it to be my little den! I'm sure it can't be too hard to put together.....well we did build the conservatory, with help from my dad and thats still standing. It does mean my bear is still just a head, but I'm sure the head won't mind waiting. I'm lucky I make bears because I like to and not have to. Of course I did tell hubby the summer house was so I could make bears in the summer and not be stuck indoors.... I might be due a bit extra off my normal job, a bonus for just telling others I enjoy my job, if so thats paid for it, so its cost us, well, nothing really!

Just to say this is the one we're having!

Ginger's give away

2010-03-02T09:20:00.001Z

The love Ginger has got a fabulous give away, just click on the bear in the side bar to go and visit.

Where are you Spring?

2010-02-27T11:47:00.003Z

Hiya everyone, we were promised by the lovely, accurate Met Office sun today and its raining, grrrr. My friend up north as got the sun so maybe it will head down at its leisure.

I'm a bit behind on the bearmaking front but should have one done for monday evening. I'm too busy day dreaming about my summer house. I missed out last sunday, one was on ebay. I've got my eye on one, a bit small but I can add an extension LOL, so I might get it at a good price. It will mean I can make my bears in summer, my bearmaking space is a cupboard in the bedroom. I'd show a photo but its too messy.....

Hope there are signs of Spring where you are!

Marsha - adopted

2010-02-12T14:50:00.003Z

I finished Marsha the other day, but we've had computer problems. Hopefully they will be sorted soon, lending my daughter's laptop at the moment. I hope you like her I was'nt sure of the bubblegum pink but it works nicely with a bit of 'grubiness'.

Percy

2010-02-05T16:37:00.002Z

Hiya here is my latest bear Percy. He is slightly adapted from my usual pattern, hope you like him.

Melvyn

2010-02-01T17:56:00.002Z

Hiya, I've managed to get the second bear done from the new pattern, a couple of subtle tweaks and here he is. I must order some more mohair, I love doing that but it is so expensive I have to justify it by 'having nothing else of use'. Ha ha thats my excuse!

Selwyn a new design

2010-01-25T16:56:00.003Z

Hi, this is my finished bear, Selwyn. He is 11" tall and a brand new pattern. He needs a few tweaks maybe but I'm pretty pleased how he turned out.