Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

I love this - such detail!

Best wishes,

Claire.

Dear Teddy Talkers

I would like to extend a cordial invitation for you all to visit my new website.  To celebrate its launch I am running a prize draw, wherein you could win your choice of one of the three toys featured in the photo above.  It is my way of welcoming newcomers and of saying thank you to all the people who have supported me in my new venture. 

Simply visit my website, click on the links to join my mailing list, and you will go into the draw to win.  My mailing list will be fun and fuss-free, a way of checking out new designs and getting updates on our activities, as well as recipes and tips.  There will never be any pressure to buy, and your email address will not be shared. 

Check it out at: http://copikhatzcreations.com

The prize will be drawn in time for Christmas 2011.

I hope that you will enjoy browsing my website as much as I have enjoyed making it.  Please sign up to win a toy, and tell any friends you think might enjoy one, too.

With Best Wishes,

Claire.

Hi, Teddy Talkers

It is my pleasure to introduce Archie Luffkin, my newest bear.  I was going for a 1950s feel, inspired by the illustrations in Enid Blyton books (and other classics!)

The wool I used for Archie's jumper is amazing stuff a friend of mine found in our favourite wool shop.  An elderly lady had donated a treasure trove of these 1940s and 50s wools, many still with their original tags.  The ply was very fine, and I knitted the jumper on 2mm needles.  I love the way the colours work together. 

I hope that you enjoy his picture!

Kind regards,

Claire.

Hi, Teddy Talkers

I would like to introduce Kym-Jo, my new monkey.  I was inspired by Japanese art in this design , and tried to use fabrics to reflect this.  Kym-Jo's tail has a wire insert and can be posed. 

I hope that you like him.

Kind regards,

Claire.   

Hi, All

I would like to introduce Sunny, a riot of colour in knitted pants.  It seems ironic, but I was ages tearing the fabric for his mane...

Kind regards,

Claire.   

Hi, All

Here is the male counterpart of Simnel Cake, Oreo Joe.  His hat and scarf were knitted with the softest alpaca it has ever been my pleasure to work with.

I hope that you enjoy his photographs. 

Best wishes,

Claire.   

Hi, All

Every Easter we go to Lambing Sunday.  Here is my tribute to the lambs we met in 2011 - Simnel Cake.  Her hat is an attempt at the hats old ladies used to wear in the 60s.  (I don't know what else to call them, I'm afraid!)

The buttons are Mother of Pearl, supplied by some fabulous friends who went antique-ing!

Best wishes,

Claire.

Hello, All

I would like to introduce Chicory Stick, one of my smallest teddies.  He was meant to be a rabbit, but decided he would rather be a bear.

With no mouth he always looks rather aloof and debonair.  His eyes are antique boot buttons I bought in Saffron Walden.  (Great place for shopping, guys...)

Best wishes,

Claire.   

Hi, Teddy Talkers

It is my pleasure to introduce Stupendous Louis, another of my retro toys.  This time I drew upon my extensive collection of vintage fabrics - some authentic, some reproduction. 

I'd love to explore the circus theme further in later toys.  When I was nine we had a circus camped on our school sports ground.  I used to go and feed apples to the elephant.  True story.

Best wishes, all

Claire.   

Hello, All

It is my pleasure to introduce e-Ponda to you all. 

Lately I have been exploring a retro theme in my designs.  I wanted to make toys that looked like someone's mum had made them, way back in the day. e-Ponda is one such design.  The idea I had is that he would look he was half a bear, half an old football jersey - !

I hope that you enjoy his pictures.

Kind regards,

Claire.   

Hi, Teddy Talkers

After I made Jeremy - my first foray into mohair - I made a friend for him, Little Cousin Colin.  The challenge I set myself was to make a monkey with a central parting, 1930s style; when Colin was finished he looked like such a little boffin that glasses were a must.  Keeping with the theme, Colin's cardigan was inspired by a design for cycling wear I found in a 1930s knitting magazine.  (Though it looks more like an anorak, wouldn't you say?)

Colin has been reserved on lay-away, and will soon venture off to a new home.  In the meantime, his listing can be found on my website.

I hope that you enjoy his pictures.

Kind regards,

Claire.   

Hi, Teddy Talkers

I would like to introduce Vincent Leonardis, another of my new traditional-style bears.  It is kind of a long name for a little bear - my friends thought he looked like an artist and should be named after one.  Some suggsted Leonardo and some Vincent, so I hedged by bets and combined the two.

I took the idea for Vincent's jacket from the embroidered linen people serve afternoon tea on.  My mum had a lot of these when I was little. 

Vincent will be listed on my website in the near future. 

(Not for sale - but joining in on the photoshoot - is Vincent's friend, Abraham Steiffenhov.  One of the first vintage toys I collected on my travels, he dates from the 1930s.)

Hope you enjoy the pictures, folks! 

Kind regards,

Claire.

Hello All

I would like to introduce Eric, one of my new traditional-style bears.  He is extensively aged with natural colourants.  This was my first time working with beeswax; it gave Eric the most glorious smell of honey when I finished!

Looking at the scarf I crocheted, I think I must have been inspired by the autumnal colours of the new season - summer is well and truly over in our part of the world!

I hope that you enjoy the photos.  Eric will posted on my website in the near future.

Kind regards,

Claire.   

Hello, Teddy Talkers!

I would like to introduce my latest creation, Alfred Truffle.  He is made from two tones of chocolate brown mohair, with posable ears.

I hope that you like him!     Please check out his sale on eBay:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? … :MESELX:IT

or by typing in Copi Khatz Creations. 

Best bear wishes to all,

Copi

Thanks very much, guys, I'm really glad you like him - !

Hey Lynne,  I actually own two of your bears.  I bought them from Teddy Bears of Witney and called them Gregor and Mitzov. 

Best Bear Wishes to you both,

Copi. 

Hi guys!  I would like to introduce my latest creation - Leopold Lapin!

His waistcoat is stitched in the 'crazy patchwork' style.  If you look on the back you will see a little embroidered spider's web, which I am told is traditional.

I hope that you like him!  He is now on eBay, if you would like to go and say 'hi':

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/COPI-KHATZ-CREATI … 4aaa08393a

Best Bear Wishes,

Copi

Thanks, guys, I'm really pleased you liked her - !   

Cheers,

Copi.

Hey Linda

This guy is so artistic, I'm really impressed.    The colours really draw the eye, he looks great - !

Super job! 

Best Bear Wishes,

Copi.

Wow, he just looks so gorgeous and cuddly - check out that tail! 

Brilliant job, and I love the sweater - !

Best Bear Wishes,

Copi. 

Hey Mary!

This is really brilliant work, with such detail.  I love crochet, so it is great to see more of it - ! 

Best Bear Wishes,

Copi.

Awww...this little guy looks in need of a hug - !   

So sweet, and I love the hat - !

Best Bear Wishes,

Copi. 

Hey, Carol

I just love what you've done with the belly!  Great stitching! 

Best Bear Wishes,

Copi

What a great elephant, I just want to hug him!!   

Best Bear Wishes, 

Copi. 

Hey, Catherine!

I love your bears, all of them, and especially the little pink guy - he reminds me of an Ewok from 'Star Wars', so sweet! 

Brilliant job! 

Bear Hugs

Copi

Wow, what a beautiful creation - !  I love all the little details you have added - they really enhance her sweet expression.

Great job, Tanya! 

Bear Hugs,

Copi.