Banner Sponsors

All Bear Mar 5, 2008

I am so thrilled!  I received my TOBY Award this week and I'm sorry if this seems a little braggy, but it's so rainbow pretty that I just want share it with you all! 

I have photographed the TOBY with my British Bear Artist Award which was awarded to me ten years ago ... I made a 32" bear for what was our most prestigious national competition and was completely bowled over when he actually won the 'Big Bear Undressed' category.  Such sweet memories! 

'Himself' - British Bear Artist Award winner 1998

Billy Buttons TOBY Award winner 2008

As you can see, with ten years between awards, it can take some time for your labours to bear fruit!  I haven't entered competitions every year and I had a long period when I lacked the impetus to take part, but I have been so 'lifted' by these two achievements over the past decade because I believe they recognise what I do and why I do what I do. 

So no, this isn't really a brag, instead it's a 'keep at it' message for us all ... a message for us to continue to believe in ourselves and to keep on keeping on, so that our bear world can continue to inspire for many years to come. 

Good luck to everyone taking part in the forthcoming round of 2008 competitions.  If you haven't entered before now, go on, give it a go ... you never know what your luck will bring!

Laura Lynn Banner SponsorMar 5, 2008

Congratulations Paula and you have every right to share!!  Not braggy at all!  When something like this happens you want to share it with people who understand just how much it really means... that means bear people!! :dance:

:hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:

DebbieD Mar 5, 2008

:clap:  :clap:  :clap:   Congratulations Paula!!!   :clap:  :clap:  :clap:   Its a lovely treat to see your two awards side by side...and certainly an impetus for us to get our very own 'shiney, sparklies' 

LisaAP Mar 5, 2008

How wonderful Paula, such a lovely posting.    Awesome bears the both of them, congratulations again.  :clap:

Regards

Lisa

KJ Lyons Mar 5, 2008

I love that TOBY award, too. I got one a couple of years ago and it's such a perfect award. It comes in a nice little box so you can carry it to your shows and the rainbow effect catches everyone's eyes. Great choice, Mindy! Paula, enjoy it and use it  :clap:
Karen

Tami E Mar 5, 2008

OOOH they are lovely!! The bears and the trophies as well! You are so right about continuing to try. I have not entered Tobys every year but have entered a lot of years and while their is some disappointment from years when you are not chosen, it is all washed away the one time (or more for a lot of folks) that you receive the award!

Marlys Mar 5, 2008

Congratulations, Paula. The awards are beautiful themselves and "Himself" is a big, impressive boy. I can't imagine how long that took you to stuff. But I have to say, I've been in love with Billy Buttons since I first saw him posted here.    

p.s. Thanks so much for the comment you left on my blog recently.

Daphne Mar 5, 2008

Wow! I think that is really neat to see!!! You are more than entitled to share the excitement with us! I'm so glad you did! You are most certainly an inspiratition!
:clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:

Amanda Mar 5, 2008

So no, this isn't really a brag, instead it's a 'keep at it' message for us all ... a message for us to continue to believe in ourselves and to keep on keeping on, so that our bear world can continue to inspire for many years to come.

Thanks for this as it can just be what people need, an inspirational thing to keep going. I thought it was great for you to tell us about the competitions so am entering my first this year. Sometimes its hard to keep at it, so thanks for sharing.

Well done!!!!!

Shelli Retired Help Advisor, Banner SponsorMar 5, 2008

Paula, your positivity and grace are always so inspiring.  Congratulations on your award and THANK YOU for just plain being such a cool, real, positive person.  It's a joy to witness.

Barling Bears Mar 5, 2008

Yes, very well done indeed Paula!!   :clap: You so richly deserve this!  I think a lot of us are going through a difficult time with finding inspiration to carry on, but with a beautiful trophy like that, it certainly seems something to aim for!  Congratulations once again, and also to everyone else who received one too! :clap:

With the fact that I have tried to stuff the same head three times today and have now dropped it into my wastebin, I think I need something to aim for!!!!!!!  :

Hugs

Marilyn

K Pawz GuestMar 5, 2008

:clap: CONGRATULATIONS Paula!!! Still waiting for mine to arrive here in Canada, but I am sure it will be soon! My Golden Teddy Ribbon arrived last week though, and that made me feel really good, so I know how happy you must be to have your TOBY in your hands!

hugs,
Krista

All Bear Mar 5, 2008

Aw, behave you lot!    I wasn't fishing for compliments and now you've made me blush.  :redface:

I'm so pleased if seeing my awards has given some of you a little inspiration to keep going and maybe a wee shove to give the competition world a go ... yay you!!!!!!!!!! :clap:  :clap:  :clap:   

FenBeary Folk Mar 5, 2008

A well deserved award, crow as much as you want, preen away. It must have been such a thrilling moment  

lulu Mar 5, 2008

Bravo, Paula!  I agree that your post is an inspiration.  And it also lets us share in your success!  hugs,
Louisa

patsylakebears Mar 5, 2008

:clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap: Congratulations Paula, it is a well deserved award. :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:

TamiL Mar 5, 2008

Congrats Paula, very well deserved, love your creations!!!
I won a TOBY last year and I remember how exciting it was to open that package and see this wonderful rainbow of color!!!
Congrats again!!!!

SueAnn Help Advisor, Banner SponsorMar 5, 2008

:clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:                        Those two awards are very well deserved!

edie Mar 5, 2008

Thanks for posting your awards and the bears that won them, Paula. They are both great bears and you should be proud of the wins!

BootButtonBears Mar 5, 2008

It is just wonderful to see your two awards together, albeit 10 years apart!!  I agree with all the other girls, it is terrific to share, and it is a wonderful inspiration to us all.  Let's all look forward to the next ten years creating our bruins and making the world a little "softer" place!!

Stellajella Mar 6, 2008

Congratulations, Paula!!!!! You go girl :)

Gaby

puca bears Mar 6, 2008

Yes - they are pretty, aren't they? Mine came last Saturday - now I have a pair - bookends!!!!!!!!! (only joking!)
Paula - the BBAA is a really lovely trophy (fitting tribute to such a lovely bear!)
huggies
Maria

doodlebears Celebration AmbassadorMar 6, 2008

:clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:

Congratulations Paula two well deserved awards. I love your bears, they are soo cuddly an armful of love!

Hugs, Jane.       

thumperantiques Mar 6, 2008

Paula,
     I can't think of anyone that deserves it more!  CONGRATULATIONS!

                                 hugs,

                                 Brenda

KiddoBears Mar 6, 2008

Wow!  They are beautiful. I have the hopes to maybe get one someday Paula         :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  that is great,Congradulations very well deserved to a beautiful,lovely teddy professional artist.     :hug:  :hug: