For artists and collectors sponsored by Intercal...your mohair supplier and Johnna's Mohair Store
I posted this here cuz I thought "Showcase" is for bears we make ourselves. I got my Forget-me-not bear today and I am over the moon - I don't know how they make them look and feel so authentically old. I am in love with him and I know I will probably never be able to afford another one. This one is 10 inches and is made by Liz, my favourite of the four sisters. His limbs and tummy feel so old and squishy. I'd love to know a few of their tricks. I can't resist posting some pictures for everyone to see.
Hugs,
Brenda
Gorgeous Bear, Brenda - love the costuming, also and that old worn loved look.
thanks for sharing.
Hugs
Carolyn
Gorgeous bear Brenda! Old is new again! They don't make um like they used to do they?
Many Hugs Louise
What a treasure, Brenda!! This bear looks fabulously old - Liz did a tremendous job!
Wow ! Really fantastic ! He looks TRULY old !! Great bear !
Wow what a great bear .....I love the aged look ....... wonderful Brenda
Holy COW!!! He's Beautiful!
Thanks for all the kind remarks about my new teddy! I have friends coming for tea in a few mintues and I think they are really coming to see the bear LOL! One of my friends is Deb Burnham of Bearhaven bears, and I've been telling her about Teddy Talk. She's a bit shy, but I'm trying to get her to join. Wish me luck.
Hugs,
Brenda
Brenda - what a lovely vintage looking bear. I had never heard of these artists before - how neat.
What a beautiful bear Brenda - lucky you!
I have heard of the artists before but have'nt seen too much of their work but how lovely is this bear!
Penny :hug:
Brenda,
I adore your Forget-me-Not bear! I've been lucky enough to have acquired two of them myself this past year, both made by Liz. They've come by way of collectors in a pinch. It just breaks my heart when collectors find themselves in a "spot" and have to give their babies up for adoption. I know it must break their hearts too.....
It seems to me that we have similar taste in bears.....Forget-me-Nots and Wee Scones! Funny, sounds kind of like things you'd find on a table set for tea!
Warmest bear hugs, :hug:
Aleta
Ooooh Brenda, I'm in love with this bear!!! I LOVE old fashioned bears!! Absolutely charming, you lucky thing!!
I haven't heard of them before, have they a web site??
It's funny you should ask, Claire, because they are originally from England, and I thought they were better known in Europe than in North America. Forget-me-not bears are 4 British sisters, Liz, Alice, Mary and Joy Wiltshire, who moved to Maple Creek, Saskatchewan. It's kind of a weird story, as those names are aren't their real names even. They told me they had a store when they started making bears, and didn't want their friends to feel pressured to buy them, so they came up with different names to sell the bears! They all make bears (Liz is my favourite) and they used to have a mailing list, but don't take orders anymore. They sell through a few stores such the Kleinburg Teddy bear store, near Toronto, Teddy Bears of Whitney and they used to sell through Teddy Bears Picnic in Holland. They have been making bears at least 8 years, and they don't do shows, don't advertise and yet they still sell everything they can make. You can see their bears at www.theoldeteddybearshoppe.com. They embroider a tiny forget-me-not flower on one of the foot pads of each bear. My niece and I have actually foiled a couple of auctions on ebay, where they were trying to be passed off as antique Steiff bears. They are so expensive, I never thought I would be able to own one, until a customer decided to sell one to me for a partial trade, so I am a really happy camper - I've played with him all afternoon. He just begs to be picked up and hugged!
Yes, Aleta, it seems like you and I have extemely similar taste! Are your Forget-me nots boys or girls?
Hugs,
Brenda
Wow Brenda, huge prices!! Beautiful bears, very authentic!! Very lovely!! And what a fascinating story...... Thanks so much for that!! You learn something new every day!!
Oh for the days when I wouldnt have to advertise and be so in demand.......<sigh>!!!
Oh WOW
Hugs
Vicki
Thank you for sharing the story about the bears, Brenda! I didn't know the whole story behind them. I knew there were sisters making the bears and I knew they were in Canada.....and I knew I loved their bears the minute I laid eyes on them. For some reason I thought they all had a hand in each one. I didn't know Liz was my favorite until I skipped in to take a peek at their tags earlier this afternoon. Both of my bears are boys. I'd dearly love to find a little girl!
Warmest bear hugs, :hug:
Aleta