Happy New Year

Well its nearly over, Christmas has really gone quick. I can look back and see 2009 has been a nice year, I do hope 2010, a new decade will be just as good. No New Year's resolutions for me, 2009 was the year that finally saw me no longer having a weight problem. Although its 10 years since I lost 5 stone (70lbs) its only this year I've not had to think about being careful, I eat what I want, its took 10 years for me to mentally change how I feel about food. I also go the gym and enjoy it. Now if I could just cut back on wine.........nah......got to have some vices!

So Happy New Year, lets hope its a good one!

Its not over yet!!!!!

Is anyone else feeling like 'people' are trying to say Christmas is over? I know in the UK we tend to have two Christmas days with Boxing day being an added extra but all this sales talk etc and some people even taking their decorations down......

When I was a child in the 70's I suppose Christmas started later but you were still feeling Christmassy right up to and after the New Year. OK I don't don't leave my decorations up until twelfth night but I'm determined to keep that Christmas spirit until after New Year's day! Its so hard though, the awful rain did'nt help today, neither did my lights breaking on the kitchen tree. Still hubby has ordered some in the sales, we shall be back and lit up in a day or two.

So if you feel the same, munch on those mince pies, get those bargain sale decorations AND put them up now, not next year, it ain't over yet!

Merry Christmas

Yay, I won!

The lovely Cheryl from Bingle Bears has had a give a way, I was the lucky winner. A winter warmer, just the thing for those cold nights. Look out soon for another give away, this one will be one of her gorgeous creations.

Thank you Cheryl.

Feathering my nest

Hi everyone, hope your Christmas decor is going well. Last year I loved the feather wreaths, a quick look on the net and everyone makes their own. So one black feather boa off ebay, £2.99, a wire coat hanger, a bit of wired ribbon from Tesco, glittery berries from Dunelm and my new door looks a treat!

I also made up my mantel garland. I used a lovely faux ivy swag from Dunelm and lots of bits and pieces. I also liked the black feathers and had one for the top of my tree. A few more things for the opposite wall, then this room is finished. Although I'm due a trip to Trentham Gardens and they have lovely Christmas ideas, I can hear the moans now, 'not another Christmas decoration'. Can you ever have too many?

Mince pie recipe

OK, I found this photo on the web but mine did look like these! I forgot to take a photo and there is only one left.....one looks sad on its own. I found this gorgeous butter pastry recipe, its really is worth doing.

Traditional Christmas Mince Pies Recipe

The instructions are great and there are so many tips. Enjoy, I've got to make some more!

Now wheres that horse?

Well today was the day I decided to hang our new door. I had the bright idea of having a glass one to 'open' the rooms up. I wished when we did the house up we had french doors but thats too much trouble now. Any way, hours later and its where it should be, minus handles but I have a full set of digits, intact too! My dad trained me up and having an electric planer makes life easier. I'll let hubby paint it......

Of course all this messing around means no bears. It will probably be monday now as I've other stuff on. I would also like to maybe do some crafting in the next few weeks, I never get chance usually and it would be something different. Time sure is flying but I'm so enjoying reading all these Christmastime Blogs, so cosy.

The house is half decorated for Christmas, photos to follow, so perhaps the weekend deserves some mince pie cooking, a nice glass of sherry and finish the rest off......

Its a cold inside...

Hiya, I've had a bit of a nasty cold so no bear making. Its my 'real' job tomorrow so I need to be fighting fit for that. I've enjoyed, when my head has not ached, reading some lovely blogs. Anyone thinking of putting their decorations up this weekend? Its feels a bit early but......I don't know if I can wait. I'll get this cold gone then have a look around the loft, I've got a new lounge colour scheme to sort out!

Orlando - available from my website

I've used this name before but this bear is such a ray of sunshine, I hope you like him.

Guess what I'm going to have.....

Ever since we did the garden there is a little space near the bottom that was flagged over but was not used. Such a waste me says......if I had a little summerhouse I could make bears in summer.....I'd pay for it with my bear money.....its tax deductible (OK perhaps not but sounds good) .......you get the drift! Then hubby says, sounds like a good idea! Yay!!!!!!

I fancy painting it and although I love shabby chic, vintage things my house style does not really lend itself to this, so my little fancy shed could be my oasis. I make my bears in a little windowed cupboard in the bedroom, no fun stuck up there in the summer. I'm too messy for the rest of the house so this will be great. You can just see where it will go in the photo below, behind the clock. Wish me luck, when we do get one, it will be us putting it together. Still we put the conservatory together (with my dads help) and thats still standing!

Its beginning to feel a lot like Christmas....

Well I can't believe where the weeks are going, so here is Harris, getting ready for Christmas. He is available from my website.

Here's Cathy Cupcake.....adopted

Here is my latest bear, Cathy Cupcake. She is really as sweet as can be, marshmallows spring to mind. Please go to available website for more information.

Blog award

Thanks to Kelly at the all new style blog, A Stuffed life a fun award which I'm passing on to anyone who would like to join in.

Rules :-
1. Use only 1 word answers.
2. Pass along to 6 of you favourite bloggers.
3. Tell them you've given them the award.
4. Have Fun !!

1. Where is your cell phone? shelf
2. Your hair? fair
3. Your mother? cuddly
4. Your father? helpful
5. Your favorite food? curry
6. Your dream last night? extensions
7. Your favorite drink? wine
8. Your dream/goal? house
9. What room are you in? kitchen
10. Your hobby? decorating
11. Your fear? cotton wool
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? here
13. Where were you last night? parent's
14. Something that you aren’t? tuneful
15. Muffins? bad
16. Wish list item? library
17. Where did you grow up? Staffordshire
18. Last thing you did? shower
19. What are you wearing? pyjamas
20. Your TV? Porridge
21. Your pets? none
22. Friends? nuts!
23. Your life? contented
24. Your mood? hopeful
25. Missing someone? mother-in-law
26. Vehicle? automatic
27. Something you’re not wearing? jewellery

28. Your favorite store? department
29. Your favorite colour? black
30. When was the last time you laughed? today
31. Last time you cried? weeks past
32. Your best friend? hubby
33. One place that I go to over and over? gym
34. One person who emails me regularly? Kay
35. Favorite place to eat? Wetherspoon's

Blog giveaway, Sandra

Sandra from Skye Rose bears is having a blog give away, why not pop along.

New bear coming soon

I managed to finish a pink and white bear but the lighting is awful, so proper photos then. Have a good weekend!

Oriano - adopted, off to live in France

Hi everyone, I've just had time to introduce Oriano, my latest bear. Just click on website if you would like to see more.

Lily - adopted

Lily is smaller than usual and is available from my website. I've been very busy, catching up and am pleased to say my little friends are off to good homes. My next design will be a black and mink coloured panda.

Connie - Sold

Peek-a-boo!!!! Here is Connie, my latest bear. Hide and seek is her favourite game, do you want to play?

Connie is off to play hide and seek in Germany where a few friends will be waiting to play.

Samuel - SOLD

I finished this little brown bear a week or two ago but had trouble getting the photos right, he is available from my website. Hopefully I'll have the pink one done tomorrow.

Least we forget.....

New bear coming soon

Hi everyone, well its been curtains for the bears this week, I've been making curtains for the front room so less time bearmaking. I've just got the limbs to stuff etc for a little shell pink bear so either sunday or monday for that one. I was going to do an elephant but the poor ellie will have to wait until next week. The weeks are really flying and I'm thinking of Christmas bears, decorations and the like, it won't be long. So have a good weekend, its my weekly wine and curry night tonight, yahoooo!

Bowie on my website

This my latest bear Bowie. He is available from my website. I hope you like him. I also hope to design an elephant in this newer style and size, watch this space!

Day out, no bearmaking today!

Well I went on a little trip out today, to Bridgemere garden centre and I even bought a plant! I usually go for the nice drive out and they have a large Hobbycraft store. Bits and bobs tend to get ordered over the internet but its always nice to wander around and pick things up. I managed to get an evergreen clematis with 50% off. Hee hee I like a bargain and one that lasts all year round. They have a wonderful Christmas display but it all felt just that bit too early. The drive was lovely and the colours so Autumnal, very mild for the time of year too, a proper Indian summer. Then it was off to The Wetherspoons at Stone, for our afternoon tea, good old fish and chips with a bit of bread and butter. My dad loves the chip butties more than anything, he even used to have roast dinners and still have bread with it, dipping in the gravy. Some things never change.

Sanders on ebay

This is my latest panda, Sanders. As you can see he is very fond of his morning cuppa! Hes on ebay for a week.

Hubble Bubble Toil and Trouble.....

No trouble at all actually! I love dyeing mohair and managed to get some lovely shades, the pale pink was a favourite. The dye pot on the left was used to get the pink, you would not think it. Anyone who makes bears will know what its like to feel and just look at your stash of mohair and when you get bored just dye some new colours!

I'm working on a soft gold and black panda, I forgot how it was sewing black, or have I got older and my eyesight worse? Time to put some new contacts lenses in!

Sara Dumpling on ebay

Here is my latest bear, on ebay for a week. I must say although ebay can be hit and miss I'm 'meeting' some lovely collectors, hope you like this little bear, hubby says the colours are weird. LOL

Pandy Potter....whats in a name?

Hi everyone, I thought, having seen an old post on a forum, its interesting to see where people's Blog names or other names come from. Pandy Potter.......well I am Amanda and Mandy but was mostly called Mandy by my parents. As you can see my childhood toy was a panda, I got called Mandy pandy, then pandy potter. The potter bit? Well we live in Stoke-on-Trent, well known as the Potteries, maybe that was it. So when I came to a name Pandy Potter seemed apt. It was my dad who called me that. The lovely panda will be 41 at Christmas, old thing! Yes it was my first Christmas present....LOL I've still got a soft spot for pandas and they do tend to be my favourites to make. So the next bear is a panda, hopefully finished for friday.

What about your name?

Pooky Spooky available on my website

Pooky Spooky is available from my website. Please go to the Bears for Sale page to see more photos.

Harry Halloween now on ebay

Hiya, I've decided to put Harry on ebay, at a 99p start. Its always a risk but so far lots of people are taking notice! Its an easy way of getting my bears seen. Hopefully tomorrow I'll complete my other bear.

Harry Halloween

Here is the first of my Halloween bears, Harry!

New bears coming soon

Hiya, hopefully later I can get moving on two Halloween bear, cross fingers I might even finish them tomorrow! Theres always other stuff to do but I always try to keep fridays free, its nice after my 'other' job, relaxing doing the bears. So until then, ta ta for now.

Posie and Frankie on ebay and website

Hiya everyone, thanks for the lovely comments. Frankie will be available on ebay, click the button to the right and for Posie please go to the available bears page.

I've so enjoyed these bears and can feel a panda wanting to be born!

Quick photo of my two new bears.....more to follow later

Blog giveaway

Check out Kelly's latest give away, just click on the photo top left.

Where I'm at.....

Hi everyone, don't you just love the backgrounds this lady does, just click the logo in the top left corner to see her wonderful designs.

I've managed to finish another bear and start a pink one, 'real' work stops me from doing more but hopefully thursday and friday I can get on. I'll try to put a bear onto a special for sale page on the blog as I'm such a lazy websiter, I'd rather do the blogging.

Special shout and thanks to Kelly at Yesterday's Glitter who always has little snippets of interest and can inspire anyone, check her lovely blog and website out.

Freddie on ebay

As I've not finished my new bear I've decided to put Freddie on ebay, a low start again. It gets the bears seen by a lot of people and hopefully someone out there will give him a loving home. I'll have finished my new bear tomorrow and can start on a pink one, my favourite colour.

Chip on ebay very low start

Hi everyone, here is Chip my latest design. He is 8" tall, slightly bigger so I can machine stitch him. I find hand sewing makes my back ache more so this pattern is ideal. As he is a prototype and I used some left over mohair I have started him at 99p, so hopefully someone will get to love him! Tomorrow I'll be starting another, I'll let you know how I go on.

Update

Hi everyone, thanks for the welcome back good wishes! I've managed to do the head, body and arm, so far so good, just a leg to design! Its looking pretty much what I'm after even though the fabric is'nt quite right. Although I've not got as much time as I could have, I'm really enjoying what I'm doing. I could have it finished late tomorrow! Hopefully monday will see me start another in some material I like, a panda would be lovely too. Ooohhhhh I think the bug is back with me LOL

I'm back!!!!!

Hi everyone, that was a long break LOL I finally got back bearmaking today. It was the perfect day, ie no nice weather to distract me. I think I will concentrate on slightly larger bears than usual, I've bought a new machine and handsewing makes me ache, weird but all that concentrating, I tend to hunch up. So today was spent clearing my workspace and doing a new head pattern. Tomorrow I hope to sort the new body and limbs out, might take me a few attempts. I've used some mohair I've had for ages but if I like the style I've got my eye on some pink mohair.

I must say it was if I'd never been away, glad to be back......

Naughty me....

Well its been ages and ages since my last post. I've enjoyed the garden, finished (more or less) the drive, so what next? I'll be very honest at the moment I seem caught up in every day life, nothing stressful, just getting on with it. Last year I made bears through the summer but enjoyed it less. I love those cosy afternoons making bears in the winter and autumn, so it won't be long until I'm back to it. Maybe with a fresh perspective, who knows. So until then, enjoy when the sun shines!

Busy doing something....

I've had a busy couple of weeks, my birthday last week (41 where did that year go?), away at Southport, night out, all very nice. We are also on the last project for the house, digging the front garden up for a drive. My dad has been a star but I've still done a fair share of digging, then there was ten tons of hardcore to move yesterday. It will be worth it as parking on the main road will get harder in years to come.

Bears.....I've not given up, just on a summer 'other things to do'. Thats OK as I just like making them and would never like to feel I have to, I feel lucky in that respect. It will be interesting to see what happens after my break, will I have changed slightly design wise? We'll see!

Busy doing nothing.....

I've had a mild cold this week, can't complain as it must be over a year since I had one, but it has been a bit of an excuse to do nothing. Of course things I have to do like my job etc, I've done but today I find myself....doing nothing and guess what, its nice!

Rules for busy doing nothing successfully:

1: The weather has to be pleasant, rain etc will just make you feel depressed.

2: There must be no one else with you or you would feel guilty.

3: You must be on your guard that when family etc are due back in, you have made up an excuse to why 'nothing' has been done.

Theres the thing, why do we feel guilty, or make excuses to why we do nothing. 'What have you been up to today?' 'Nothing'. Eeek, its almost a swear word. So there you go, apart from putting a little bit of ironing away, until later, I'm busy doing nothing and I don't feel gulty!!!!!!

If anyone asks, I ironed a pile of clothes, cleaned all my cupboards out, did the gardening, paperwork........

Cranford Christmas special

Well there has been a bit of excitement around our way, The Cranford Christmas special is being filmed near to us!

 'BBC One viewers became addicted and entranced by Cranford, a small Cheshire market town in the early 1840s on the cusp of great change.

The railway was pushing its way relentlessly towards the town from Manchester, bringing fears of migrant workers and the breakdown of law and order.

 

The Christmas special picks up the story in September 1844, a year after the town celebrates the wedding of Sophy and Dr Harrison.' 

 They are using the railway at Foxfield and the colliery, also shots of the countryside. Its been said  Dame Judy might be filming today. My friend has being walking her dog an awful lot as she lives in Dilhorne, LOL.

Cathie Davey, BBC publicist for Cranford, said the production team had chosen Dilhorne because it was an ideal location with its beautiful, unspoilt countryside.

She said: "There is a storyline in the second part of the drama which requires filming in a beautifully preserved area.

"The landscape in Dilhorne is perfect because we can get great panoramic shots of scenery without the trappings of modern day life."

Although we live in Stoke-on-Trent, a very industrialised city, we have countryside just minutes away. I was unlucky a few years back to miss my Aunt's 60th birthday which was held at the railway, I've never been! It often happens like that.

Although I was looking forward to watching the two part special anyway, it will be even more fun now.

Sunshine and lazy days.....

Well I still have'nt even considered making any bears, its too hot! I did a crazy thing yesterday and did some intensive gardening, in that heat? Only mad dogs and Englishmen....... 

That said I do enjoy making my bears and would hate to 'have to make them'. I'm lucky at the moment, my 'real' job is doing OK, the weather is lovely and hopefully nice weekends out and away soon. I do think when the sun shines in Britain its the best place to be.

Lets face it, I'll be bored soon, it will rain, so.......bears! 

Catch you all later.

Holiday......

While I was away Ruth from Flutter by Bears send me this lovely award, thank you! Too much to catch up on to pass it on for the moment, but a nice surprise!

We had a lovely two weeks being pampered in Turkey, oh that bar table service, 'another drink?' can't be bad. I must say these All Inclusives are fabulous, The Susesi in Belek if anyone wants a fabulous hotel, wonderful weather and people.

Come next week I'll be ready to get back to my bears, I always slack off this time of year, but I have missed them and all the chit chat. So nice to be back, catch you all when that washing and ironing goes down!

Whats happened to making your bears.....

.....is the comment from hubby today. Well I will admit, I was chatting to him after lunch, when he reads the newspaper, I'm usually upstairs making bears. Do you think he was trying to get rid of me? Ha ha, anyway I said it would be after my hols, all refreshed and ready to go. I got the hint though and sorted some drawers out that needed doing. You know, thoses jobs 'I can't possibly do, because I'm making bears'.

Trouble is I opened my little work cupboard, yikes, what a mess. Hey ho, I can feel another excuse get blown to pieces, so another job for monday. I'll take a before and after picture. The before one will be very, very brave, messy does'nt really sum it up.

Have a good May day weekend!

Hi everyone.....

Well those accounts are done, works meeting also done with, so how come my routine is shot to peices? Serves me right for taking time off from the bears, hee hee. Saying that it does mean the house is more tidy than usual. I enjoy making my bears but a break can do you good, I'm looking forward to my hols, but also coming back with that 'ready to go' attitude, well hopefully. Hope you are all OK, ta ta for now.

What a lazy Blogger....

Well its ages since I posted or even read my favourite Blogs, oops! I'm on a go slow with the bears, the holidays and mooching around? I have started a little miniature, which I will see if one of my lovely collectors likes. I'm also on countdown for my holiday abroad, which I'm really looking forward to. Next week is accounts, yawn, the bear ones and my main job ones. They won't take long to do but are a chore. Boring! I hope you are all well, see you when those accounts are done!

Heather and Freddie

Here are two little newbies available on ebay. I have really enjoyed doing the bunnies, the poor bears have'nt had much of a look in. I'm able to post yet another gorgeous afternoon, we've had more sun in the last few weeks than summer last year! That said, rain for tomorrow, well you can have too much of a good thing.

Rosebud a new bunny on ebay

Hi everyone, its been ages since I last posted. On the countdown to the Easter holidays and my holiday abroad in may. Today has been another gorgeous sunny day, perfect to think about spring. I try to get my sewing organised so I can sew in the conservatory. I have a little windowed cupboard in the bedroom where I do my main sewing but that's on the non sunny side of the house. We all need a bit of cheery sun! Hope you like Rosebud.

MJ a new ellie

Here is MJ! Finally finished......and on ebay at the moment. The fabric was kindly given to me by Melanie Jayne of Bear Treasures. I wonder where the name MJ came from? Thanks matey!