Bearleigh Bears

I did it again!

2012-01-19T16:57:00.001-08:00

I just don't know where the time goes.....it is already half way through January and I have not posted yet. I received some very exciting news...Yong Xiang was chosen as the Public Choice Bear for the Australian Bear Creations Awards. What a great start for 2012. I am busy working on some new bears and hope to have pictures of them shortly. Here is a picture of Yong Xiang.

How time flies

2011-11-03T12:31:00.001-07:00

I did it again. I have not blogged for ages. Sorry, but I have got back from a month overseas doing, a bear show in Bamberg, Germany, then Hugglets in London, England and then another one in Ghent, Belgium. Since arriving home, I have done workshops, classes and shows nearly every weekend. I am going to my last face to face show on Sunday 6th November at the RSL in Mittagong, New South Wales, Australia. And then on the 18th until 20th of November I will be doing the Teddies Worlwide Online Show with 74 other artists from all over the world. Look at www.teddiesworldwide.com....there are some amazing bears. The preview starts at 4pm New York time tomorrow (Friday). I will post a photo of my preview bear then. That's all for now...have to get back to finishing those bears off for the show and I have classes this morning as well......busy, busy like a little bear....isn't it fantastic!

I am still here!!!

2011-07-22T01:54:00.001-07:00

I have just got back from Miss Marples Craft Shoppe in Adelaide from doing workshops. We did Chewy. I think we have done a workshop in nearly each state of Australia, just not Western Australia, Queensland and Northern Territories. So he has travelled far and wide. Here is a picture of him. I just love his big smile!

Where has the time gone?

2011-06-26T20:37:00.001-07:00

Hi there! Yes, I am still here. I have just been really busy with orders, shows and workshops. I apologise for not blogging more. I have just added some new bears to my website....there are some very cute fairy bears.....take a look at www.bearleighbears.com. Here is one of the little fairies, Faerydae

New patterns and kits available

2011-05-25T00:02:00.000-07:00

I have just added some new patterns and kits on my website...www.bearleighbears.com. Here is a taster....

GUESS WHAT?

2011-04-24T18:45:00.001-07:00

I entered Iridessa and Tian Tian in the Sydney Royal Easter Show this year and I am very happy to report that I received a First for Iridessa in the Dressed Bear Section and a second in the Undressed Bear Section for Tian Tian. Here are photos of the bears.

Bags are packed

2011-04-01T03:27:00.000-07:00

My bags are packed....I am off to Hahndorf in the morning for the Adelaide Hills Doll and Bear show. Hahndorf is such a lovely village to visit. Jeremy has his bag packed as well. Pop in and say hi!

A cute Panda

2011-03-19T00:11:00.000-07:00

Here is Tian Tian....means More & more. He is available on my website now...www.bearleighbears.com

Off to Sunbury

2011-02-17T04:14:00.000-08:00

I am off to Sunbury this weekend to do a workshop....we will be making Kassandra...a cute pink bunny! Teddys Bits will also be having a mini show there as well. Please contact me on susan@bearleighbears.com if you would like more information about the show.

Be my Valentine Show 2011

2011-02-09T22:41:00.001-08:00

Please come over and join us for our Valentine show on www.teddybearsandcritters.com. Here is a sneak peek of the bears that I will have for adoption.

Been out gardening

2011-01-27T22:53:00.000-08:00

Venetia has spent the whole day out gardening.......she looks like she has had fun. She is now available on my website .....www.bearleighbears.com

A new panda for 2011

2011-01-19T23:15:00.000-08:00

Here is Tian Tian, a panda made from cream and brown mink made from recycled vintage mink coats. Tian Tian means " more & more". He is 27cm tall. Go to my website www.bearleighbears.com for more details.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-05T17:52:00.000-08:00

A little bit late, but better late than never. Happy New Year to everyone.....may all your dreams come true in 2011. I didn't stop over Christmas.....have been sewing like mad as I have a quite a few shows in the first few months of the year....and I am also doing a few workshops and travelling to Hugglets in February this year to trade. So I have been busy like a bee.

Not everyone has been busy....take a look at the horses......they have been so relaxed most of them have taken to sleeping mid morning. It is so funny, we catch a least one of them each day taking time out. I think that they have got it right.

WOW, Where has the year gone?

2010-11-30T17:01:00.000-08:00

Here are some of my latest bears that are now on my website:

The year just seems to have flown by......still have quite a bit to do before Christmas. A couple of orders to finish, Christmas tree to put up, presents to organise..etc. etc. On the 21st of November, I did my last show for the year at Mittagong in New South Wales. We had a great time, catching up with everyone and meeting new people.

I have also received some great news....I will be trading at Hugglets in Kensington, London, in the United Kingdom next year in February. I am so excited.

Better end off now and get some of those orders done. Speak again soon!

Last show of the year

2010-11-20T05:33:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow I am off to the last show of this year for me. It is in Mittagong in New South Wales in Australia. It is a lovely country town. I hope to see some of you there!

I am also participating with 74 other bear artists in the Teddies Worldwide Online Show on www.teddiesworldwide.com. It starts at 1am (sydney Time) on Sunday morning. Here is one of the bears that I will have available at the show.

Woodend Show

2010-10-31T05:09:00.000-07:00

I have just arrived back from Woodend Teddy Bear Show. What a lovely time and what a fantastic show. I managed to complete my first Halloween Bear, Spinifex and he went off to his new home at the show. Here is a picture of him!

Who is Who in Bearmaking Online Show

2010-10-23T14:28:00.000-07:00

Here is a sneek peak of my bears that will be available on www.whoiswho-in-bearmaking.com on the 6th and 7th November 2010. Make a cuppa and take some time to look at all the bears from various artists around the world.

Just a few photos

2010-10-18T17:00:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share a few photos of some of the ladies that I teach or have had workshop with me and their creations. Aren't the bears gorgeous?

I am still here!

2010-08-17T03:44:00.000-07:00

Sorry that I have not blogged for a while, but I have been working quite a lot at my part time job and have also been trying to get up to date with orders. Not quite there yet, but I will be shortly.

I have just released a new pattern. Angelina has just scurried in. What do you think of her?

Look who has just flown in!

2010-06-30T04:03:00.001-07:00

Tuscany and Aelfwine have just arrived. You can look on my website for more information.

Australian Bear Creations Nomination for Benji

2010-06-10T05:39:00.000-07:00

Benji has been nominated in the small bear category, buy the latest Australian Bear Creations magazine to see all the nominations.

Off on our travels

2010-06-10T00:22:00.001-07:00

In the morning I leave to fly up to the Gold Coast for the Gold Coast International Teddy Bear Show.. it is on Saturday 12th June and Sunday 13th June. I am so excited as I have never been to this show before. I will give you an update when I get back.

Fantasy Ball

2010-06-01T17:50:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to go and look at all the wonderful creations in the Fantasy Ball......it runs until the 6th June. Click on the button on the right hand side and it will take you straight there! You will be amazed with all the creations.

Doesn't Chewy just make you smile?

2010-05-26T02:13:00.000-07:00

Well, almost all the boxes are unpacked.....and now I have to get back to bearmaking, as I have a whole lot of shows in the month of June.

Just look at this happy fellow. Go to my website for more information at...www.bearleighbears.com

Just a little Blue!

2010-04-27T05:30:00.000-07:00

Look who I've finished. Blue is now available on my website. He is made in a hand dyed ratinee mohair with a slate grey backing and dark blue tips. Have a look at www.bearleighbears.com for more information.

BOXES, BOXES AND MORE BOXES!!!!

2010-04-24T16:03:00.001-07:00

Hi there! Sorry that I haven't blogged for a while, but after getting back from a great show in Hahndorf, Adelaide, I did a real fur workshop the following weekend which was fantastic. Then I have been packing. We are moving next week to a property with 5 acres, so that we can have our horses with us. I just hate packing. I also have had bears to get ready for online shows.....the first three have already been sent and I have finished the next three, and now just have to photograph and send off the last three. And in between all that, try and pack. It is so difficult when you would rather be making bears. But never mind, hopefully after next week, I will be able to get back into the full swing of things. I will post some photos of our new house as soon as I can!!

Adelaide Hills Doll and Teddy Bear Show in Hahndorf, South Australia

2010-04-09T07:58:00.001-07:00

I am just writing a short note, because I should already be sleeping. I have to get up in 3 hours to catch an early morning flight to South Australia to the show in Hahndorf. It is such a beautiful village and it will be great to see old friends again. The show is on for two days, Saturday 10th and Sunday the 11th April 2010.

SYDNEY ROYAL EASTER SHOW

2010-03-30T15:25:00.000-07:00

Hi there! Just an update. The saddle posted below...was entered into the Sydney Royal Easter Show, and got first place. I am so happy for my husband. He couldn't believe it. I also entered one of my real fur bears(a little panda), and she got second place. She is pictured above, her name is Mei Sheng! So we are two little happy chappies at the moment!!!

JUST LOOK AT WHAT MY HUSBAND HAS JUST FINISHED!!!

2010-03-22T13:53:00.000-07:00

My husband, David, has just completed his saddle, isn't it just great. It took him many hours of hard work, but I think that the result was worth every minute!!

NOW I CAN SHOW YOU!!!!

2010-02-13T16:06:00.001-08:00

Here are my creations from the Be My Valentine Show on www.teddybearsandcritters.com. I made 3 bears from mink and a rabbitt from mohair. The top two are Rollo and Russell, and the bottom two are Mei Sheng and Emily.

Babies have flown the nest

2010-02-03T14:30:00.000-08:00

Two of my little bears, Raspberry Ripple and Boysenberry have left the nest on their way to their new home in North Carolina, USA.

Be My Valentine 2010

2010-01-21T17:23:00.000-08:00

Here is my Sneek Peak for the Be My Valentine Show on the 13th & 14th February 2010 at www.teddybearsandcritters.com. There are 4 bears available. Take a look on the above dates.

Coriander eating Possum

2010-01-20T19:34:00.000-08:00

I planted these coriander plants in my pots a few days back, thinking how lovely it would be to have fresh coriander to put in my salads, etc and after the first day, one plant was just stalks and the next morning so was the other one. We have possums in the garden in the evening, so I obviously have a possum that has taken a liking to coriander. I thought that they only ate fruit, roses buds, but this one likes a bit of flavour with his food. Here is a photo of what has been left.

REAL FUR WORKSHOP

2010-01-18T18:09:00.000-08:00

I will be doing a Real Fur workshop at Teddys Bits in Castle Hill, NSW on the 27th & 28th March 2010. Please contact Valma at the shop on 02 9680 3777 to book your place. The workshop is filling up fast.

ISN'T SHE BEAUTIFUL????

2009-12-17T01:57:00.000-08:00

Isn't Joy absolutely gorgeous? She is my Christmas Swap. I did a Swap with Susan Mitchell from Blue Valley Bears. It was the first time that I have done a Swap with anybody, but what great fun. It was so exciting receiving the box in the post and opening it, and seeing the wonderful bear that had been made for me.

NEW WORKSHOP

2009-11-25T20:39:00.000-08:00

I will be doing one day workshops on the 16th & 17th January 2010 at Teddys Bits, Castle Hill, NSW. We will be making Kassandra, a gorgeous bunny in a soft pink mohair and white alpaca. She has detailed appliqued pads on her feet. For more information, please contact me on susan@bearleighbears.com. Here is a photo of her.

He Ho, He Ho, It's off to Woodend I go!!!!

2009-10-23T12:26:00.000-07:00

I am going to Woodend Teddy Bear Show in Victoria today, flying there today, doing the show tomorrow and then flying back in the evening on Sunday. I am looking forward to this show and also to meet a few of the ladies from TBACA that I have only ever spoken to by e-mail. This is a picture of the main street. It is a quaint town in the Macedon Ranges in Victoria.

It's a Dog's Life

2009-10-08T14:53:00.000-07:00

Here are photos of Honey and Sam relaxing.........no stress in their lives. Aren't they just gorgeous??? They are brother and sister and are cross labradors/golden retrievers.

AREN'T THESE CUTE!!!

2009-09-24T17:13:00.000-07:00

Here are two new bears that I have just completed. I found the containers that they are in and then created the bears to fit in them. I just love the way they have turned out. Blossom is the little bear in the pod with a blue cap and wool trim skirt and Dewdrop is the little white bear made from Japanese silk in the glass dewdrop lying on a bed of moss and flowers. Go to my website: www.bearleighbears.com for more information.

A BEAUTIFUL TIME OF THE YEAR

2009-09-10T22:11:00.001-07:00

Don't you love spring? When everything bursts into life after being dormant for winter. Here are
a few photos from my garden. Starting with Blueberries, camellias, clivia's, strawberries and a minature azalea in full bloom. Hope that you enjoy it as much as I do!!!!! Get into your garden and look around!!! I hope that this season I get to eat the strawberries and blueberries before the possums!!!!

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NOW YOU CAN SEE

2009-09-07T03:20:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend of the 5th & 6th September 2009 I took part in an online show with www.who is who-in-bearmaking.com. Now I can show you the bears that I had on show there. They are Snuggles, Oreo and Kaitlyn starting from the left. Snuggles is on his way to his new mom in New South Wales, Australia. The others will soon be available on my website.

Real Fur Workshops

2009-09-07T03:05:00.001-07:00

I have just finished running two real fur workshops at Teddys Bits in Castle Hill, New South Wales. Great fun was had by all. We only finished the heads on the workshops, so hopefully soon I will get photos from the ladies to show everyone the completed bears. Here are a few photos from the
workshops.

SPRING HAS SPRUNG

2009-09-07T02:57:00.000-07:00

Here is Rosebud, my Spring challenge Bear for Teddy Bear & Critters. Have a look on www.teddybearsandcritters.com. I just love this time of the year, when all the new buds are starting to emerge.

EXPERIMENTING

2009-08-26T01:41:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to make a mouse for a while, so about 2 weeks ago, I put everything else aside and set about designing a pattern for a mouse. And this is what emerged. He has found a new home in South Australia.

IT'S A BOY

2009-08-22T01:21:00.000-07:00

I have just completed a new bear and it's a boy. He is made from a recycled mink coat in a gorgeous cream shade. He has such a sorrowful look on his face. He will soon be off on his way to his new home in NSW.

SNEEK PEAK

2009-08-22T01:12:00.000-07:00

Here is a sneek peak of my three bears which I have made for the "Who is who in bearmaking Online Show". The show is on the 5th and 6th of September 2009. Visit it on www.whoiswho-in-bearmaking.com

South Australian Doll & Bear Show 2009

2009-08-12T19:55:00.000-07:00

Hi there! Sorry that I have not blogged for a while, but my fingers have been working overtime. I have been getting ready for the South Australian Doll & Bear Show which is on th 15th and 16th August, 2009 at the Norwood Town Hall, Norwood, Adelaide. I have had quite a few orders to get done and an online show to also prepare for. But it is fantastic. What more could I want, to be able to sew bears all day everyday, and leave all that awful, mundane housework for a while.

The two bears shown below have gone off to their new homes. Tai Shan, on the left, has gone to live in the United Kingdom and Sweetpea, on the right, has gone to live in Forster, New South Wales.

What I have been up to!!!!

2009-07-15T16:25:00.000-07:00

I have been busy sewing like mad, as I have a few shows coming up. I am doing an online show on the 5th and 6th September on www.whoiswho-in-bearmaking.com. I am also going to Adelaide for the South Australian Show on 15th and 16th August 2009. And I have also have two workshops coming up in August. I will be showing the ladies how to take that gorgeous fur coat and turn it into a beautiful bear. I will be doing these courses at Teddys Bits in Castle Hill, NSW on the 22nd and 23rd August and also on 25th and 26th August 2009. So things have been really busy!!!!!

Feel like a Tim Tam

2009-06-22T01:44:00.000-07:00

To stop myself eating Tim Tams - it is so difficult when it is cold and you just feel like something sweet. Once you open that packet, you just can't stop. So to keep my hands busy and mouth shut, I decided to make a bear from recycled fur called Tim Tam. Now my fingers are sore, but I think that Tim Tam is as delicious as the biscuit.

Now I can show you......

2009-06-11T00:39:00.001-07:00

Now that the Black and White Ball is over, I can show you the bears that went to the Ball.

Firstly, there is Diana. She is on the right. She is made from a recycled mink fur coat is a beautiful cream shade.

Then there is Caramello. He is on the left. He is made from mink fur coats in ginger and cream shades.

Lastly, pictures in the middle at the top dressed in red, comes Mr and Mrs Warren dressed for the ball. They are made from a Schulte mohair/alpaca ratinee blend.

Please go to my website for more information about the bears. www.bearleighbears.com

What a wonderful week!!!

2009-06-10T22:57:00.001-07:00

Now that the Black and White Ball is over on www.teddybearsandcritters.com, we can catch our breath. What a lovely range of bears and critters were available. The winners of TACDA awards were announced and Katrina from Bumble Bears was the winner. Her bear was absolutely gorgeous. Linda from Benson Bears and Kim from Russel Bears were the runner ups. I was a nominee. I entered the Domino Brothers, which is the picture on the right. I think that Sandi Smith did a fantastic job and everyone had a great time.

What has been keeping me busy!

2009-05-31T02:40:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of my new bears that I have been busy with the last few weeks.

Black and White Ball

2009-05-31T02:23:00.000-07:00

It is all very exciting. The Black and White Balls starts at 8am on Monday 1st June 2009 and runs till 8pm 7th June 2009. Go and have a look at www.teddybearsandcritters.com.

Sutherland Show

2009-05-19T22:41:00.000-07:00

Long time, no blog. I have been very busy with some orders, but now that they are done, I hope to blog more often.

I am attending a show on the 30th May in Sutherland, New South Wales from 10am till 4pm. Hope to see you there!!

Sneak Peek of the Black and White Ball

2009-05-05T15:05:00.000-07:00

Here is a sneak Peak of the bears that will be on www.teddybearsandcritters.com from June 1 till June 7. They are in the Black and White Ball online show. The show runs for the whole week. Come and have a look.

Leigh Ting, my new Panda

2009-04-23T17:44:00.000-07:00

Look at the cute new panda I have made. I have the pattern and kits available on my website, www.bearleighbears.com. The number of kits are limited because I am not able to get the gorgeous brown alpaca any more.

A little Magic!

2009-04-15T15:33:00.000-07:00

I have just finished 4 bears for 2 orders. I was given a mink fur coat and a rabbitt coat. Look how they turned out!!!

Return from Hahndorf

2009-04-09T16:51:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful town is Hahndorf. I had not been there before, but it is a beautiful village in South Australia. The show was fantastic, I met a lot of people that I had only spoken to before and everyone made me feel so welcome. It was amazing to see the diverse world of dolls and bears. Now it is back to the grindstone as I have a few orders to complete and more bears to make for my next show.

DOLLS, BEARS AND COLLECTABLES SHOW, HAHNDORF, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

2009-04-01T00:28:00.000-07:00

I am off in the morning to the Doll, Bear and Collectables Show in the beautiful village of Hahndorf, South Australia. The show is on the 4th and 5th of April, 2009. Here is one of the creations that I have been working on for the show. His name is Cadbury and he is made from a vintage French rabbitt coat.

Thanks

2009-03-24T23:56:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful show at the Sydney Teddy Bear Show. It was very busy and I met a lot of new people. What was really good, was to meet people that have bought my bears at on-line shows in the flesh, as I had only spoken to them by e-mail before. I hope that everyone had as much fun as I did!!!!!!

Amongst the bears that I sold was Cuddles, my favourite little boy bear, he went to a new home in Sydney, New South Wales.

The Sydney Teddy Bear Fair : 22nd March 2009

2009-03-18T20:37:00.000-07:00

I am off to the Sydney Teddy Bear Fair on Saturday evening for a Preview evening and then for Sunday 22nd for the whole day. I have been sewing up a storm and have a few new bears to display. Fifi, a bear made from a recycled fur coat(the one with the blue background) was nominated in the People's Choice Awards and she has started her journey to her new home in Canada. Luckily she is not travelling alone, Cupcake went with her. Cupcake is also a bear made from a recycled fur coat. Cupcake is only 11cm tall. Pop in and visit me at the show! I hope to see you there!!!!!

2009-03-15T13:58:00.000-07:00

Have a look at Bugsie, my Easter challenge for www.teddybearsandcritters.com

My family

2009-03-03T21:21:00.000-08:00

I thought it would be great to introduce some members of my family....Mascot with David, my husband and Lone Pine Sundown with Jessica, my youngest daughter on the left and Sarah-Jane, my eldest daughter with me.

2009-02-16T01:52:00.001-08:00

After the "Be My Valentine" Online Show on Saturday on the Teddy bear and critters website, 4 bears are off to their new homes.

2009-02-10T15:02:00.001-08:00

I have been sewing all day everyday for the last week. My fingers are so sore. So I thought that I would take a break and let you know what is happening over the weekend.

On Saturday from 8am on the 14th February 2009, the "BE MY VALENTINE SHOW" on www.teddybearsandcritters.com starts and runs for 24 hours until Sunday 8am on the 15th February 2009(these times are Australian times). Go onto the website www.teddybearsandcritters.com and have a look at all the gorgeous teddies and critters. Hope to see you there.

Heavenly Stitches Fair 1st February 2009

2009-02-07T13:47:00.000-08:00

Hi there! Just a quick note to say that I traded at the Heavenly Stitches Fair at Eden Park on 1st February 2009. What a lovely venue. I sold a new bear Su Lin. She is a little panda.