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Shelli Retired Help Advisor, Banner SponsorFeb 1, 2006

Hello happy bear makers!

I've been in contact with Laura Janssen at TEDDY BEAR REVIEW; she's in charge of both the GOLDEN TEDDY (for bears) and the DOLLS AWARD OF EXCELLENCE (for dolls), both announced at IDEX in Florida this last weekend.

And she has graciously and cheerfully handed over the "official" list of nominees for 2006, which she okayed for posting here at TEDDY TALK specifically.

I see some familiar names and a lot of new ones, especially from Asia and Europe.  Time to get serious for 2007's contest, everyone!

For those (like me) who didn't make the list, please remind yourselves that "no nomination" does NOT mean "YOUR WORK SUCKS AND SO DO YOU."  Even one nomination, in one contest, in a lifetime of trying, is unusual for most bearmakers, and -- as we discussed many times before -- there are many factors that go into the nominating process, which have nothing to do with quality, attractiveness, and desirability.

And no, I am not consoling myself publicly with these words.  

I did that privately already with an hour of self-loathing and a few tears of disappointment (that's the honest truth of it), and I'm over it already and have moved on to joyous celebration for my friends and colleagues in bearmaking.  On that note, however... big thanks to Sue Ann for making a huge and intentionally public scene about my new avatar for her which, I'm sure, was intended to soften the blow.  You gals are the best here.  And Sue Ann, I won't forget that kindness on your part.

:hug:     :hug:

Congratulations to everyone who made the list!  It's a wonderful honor and one to be immensely proud of! 

Enjoy the read!!!!!

PS Please excuse the "n"'s.  They were bullets in the original email attachment and I don't want to spend an hour reformatting them out, below.

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2006 Golden Teddy Award Nominees

Individual Artist, Undressed, 5 Inches & Under
n    “Hiney-Bee” by Rosemary Morse for With Love Rose
n    “Chuckles” by Janine Marie Genua for CTE, Ltd.
n    “Rubie” by Britta Uhlendorff for Nugget Bears
n    “Frazzle” by Michelle Lamb for “One&Only” Bears
n    “Shu” by Masako Yoshijima for Bears Lane
n    “Mellonie” by Janet A.C. Wilson for Handmade Treasures

Individual Artist, Dressed/Accessorized, 5 Inches & Under
n    “Noelle” by Becky Wheeler for Becky’s Bears
n    “Reginald Timothy Braunbruin, III” by Sue Pendleton for Bluebeary Treasures
n    “Kumataro, Matsuri Fan” by Sayumi Koizumi for Nana’s Bears
n    “Cookies” by Sharon Anderson for Miniature Bears by Sharon Anderson
n    “Lady Ascot” by Janet A.C. Wilson for Handmade Treasures
n    “A Dear Little Angel” by Eriko Ito for Noely Bear

Individual Artist, Undressed, Over 5 & Under 14 Inches
n    “Woodrow” by Jane Monroe for C. Riffenberg Bear Co.
n    “Smile” by Park Yuk Oae for One Teddy
n    “Narni” by Judi Paul for Luxembears
n    “Beezley” by Sue Ann Holcomb for Past Time Bears
n    “Baby Grizz: Pssst…I’m innocent” by Hannelore Daab for H. Daab Design Bears
n    “Whisper” by Louise Carrick for Bears by Beesley

Individual Artist, Dressed/Accessorized, Over 5 & Under 14 Inches
n    “Rachael” by Isabelle Lee for the Isabelle Collection by Bear Studio Co.
n    “Mrs. Alicia Pinkerby” by Lora Soling for LoraBears
n    “Eskimobear Tiahny” by Helga Torfs for Collector’s Bears by Helga Torfs
n    “Tildy” by Heidi Vandevannet for Pompernello Bears
n    “Isabella” by Christy Firmage for Christy’s Bears
n    “Geisha” by Terumi Yoshikawa for Rose Bear

Individual Artist, Undressed, 14 Inches & Over
n    “Red” by Yvonne Graubaek for Hovvigs
n    “Spike” by Michelle Lamb for “One&Only” Bears
n    “Nanova Smiles” by Karen Lyons for KJ Lyons Design
n    “Sherwood” by Judi Paul for Luxembears
n    “Blue Beary” by Jane Monroe for C. Riffenberg Bear Co.
n    “Barney” by Karin DeLorezno for “Werkstatt Allerliebst”

Individual Artist, Dressed/Accessorized, 14 Inches & Over
n    “Duke Alexander Romunouf” by Lisa Rosenbaum for Oz Matilda Bear Co.
n    “Bobby the Bellboy” by Kerrie Mouat for Best Dressed Bears
n    “Life” by Park Yeun Hee
n    “Geppetto” by Jolanda Schneider for Jolly-Bear
n    “Mifuyu” by Masako Yoshijima for Bears Lane
n    “Forest Father” by Martha Burch for Martha’s Bears

Individual Artist, Soft-Sculpture/Plush Animals
n    “Cheri” by Yvonne Graubaek for Hovvigs
n    “Bessie” by Michelle Lamb for “One&Only” Bears
n    “Monte Court Jester Cat” by Lisa Rosenbaum for Oz Matilda Bear Co.
n    “Pudding” by Ma’Sal (Masaru and Kumiko)
n    “Sergei the Siberian Tiger” by Judi Paul for Luxembears
n    “Gummy: I’m freezing, it’s so cold!” by Hannelore Daab for H. Daab Design Bears

Manufacturer, Undressed or Dressed, 5 Inches & Under
n    “Spells” by Deb Canham for Deb Canham Artist Designs
n    “Bear on Wheels Ornament” by Steiff North America
n    “Seppi” by Eleonore Unkel-Schäufelin for American Mint
n    “Celeste” by World of Miniature Bears
n    “Samantha & Salem” by Jamie and Betty Stray for Bearington Collection
n    “Ornament Blue Bell” by Ulla Hermann for Hermann-Spielwaren

Manufacturer, Undressed, Over 5 & Under 14 Inches
n    “Orion” by Steiff North America
n    “Showshoe” by Jamie and Betty Stray for Bearington Collection
n    “Panda Bear” by Anne Katrin Mehlan for Koesen USA
n    “Ming” by World of Miniature Bears
n    “Goober” by Gund

Manufacturer, Dressed/Accessorized, Over 5 & Under 14 Inches
n    “Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart-Birthday Edition” by Ulla Hermann for Hermann-Spielwaren
n    “Tom Sawyer” by Robin Rive for Countrylife New Zealand
n    “Basa” by Steiff North America
n    “Duke McSpook” by Jamie and Betty Stray for Bearington Collection
n    “Lou Lou” by Deb Canham for Deb Canham Artist Designs

Manufacturer, Undressed, 14 Inches & Over
n    “Gabriele” by Steiff North America
n    “Big Rascal” by Jamie and Betty Stray for Bearington Collection
n    “Ophelia” by Robin Rive for Countrylife New Zealand
n    “Fleming” by Gund
n    “A Gift for the Queen” by Ulla Hermann for Hermann-Spielwaren
n    “Addison” by Russ Berrie and Company

Manufacturer, Dressed/Accessorized, 14 Inches & Over
n    “Baby Princess Elizabeth” by Robin Rive for Countrylife New Zealand
n    “Mathilda” by Hildegard Günzel for Teddybär GmbH
n    “Old Hermann-the Bear Stuffer” by Ulla Hermann for Hermann-Spielwaren
n    “Victoria Rose” by Jamie and Betty Stray for Bearington Collection
n    “Winston Churchill” by Beverly White for Cooperstown Bears

Manufacturer, Soft-Sculpture/Plush Animals
n    “Tumbleweed” by Deb Canham for Deb Canham Artist Designs
n    “Squirrel Ornament” by Steiff North America
n    “Tiger Cat” by World of Miniature Bears
n    “Bobby” by Hildegard Günzel for Teddybär GmbH
n    “Yomiko Mommy & Baby Penguin” by Russ Berrie and Company
n    “Big Red Panda” by Ulla Hermann for Hermann-Spielwaren

Tableaux
n    “Little Bear Foot and Sly Fox” by Jolanda Schneider for Jolly-Bear
n    “The Happy Revelers” by Karen Lyons for KJ Lyons Design
n    “Snow Bear and the Seven Dwarf Hares” by Judi Paul for Luxembears
n    “First Date” by Jodi K. Moisan
n    “Ice Bear Generation” by Adelheid Grimm
n    “Grizzly Tranquility” by Jo-an Gast for
Jo-G Collectibles

shantell Feb 2, 2006

Thank you Shelli for the list!   WE know that you are deserving not only because your bears are incredibly adorable but because we also know the very sweet, kind and generous person YOU are.

Congratulations to all of you who recieved a nomination.  Everyone deserves to win...too bad that doesn't happen.

Shantell

TamiL Feb 2, 2006

For those (like me) who didn't make the list, please remind yourselves that "no nomination" does NOT mean "YOUR WORK SUCKS AND SO DO YOU." 
And no, I am not consoling myself publicly with these words.  

I did that privately already with an hour of self-loathing and a few tears of disappointment (that's the honest truth of it), and I'm over it already and have moved on to joyous celebration for my friends and colleagues in bearmaking.

Shelli you crack me up!!
Hon, your bears are to die for!
I love your work. 
Hugssssssssssssss
And congrats to all who got a nomination  :clap:

thumperantiques Feb 2, 2006

Hi Shelli,
     Thanks for posting the Nominee list - I've been dying to see it all day.  No nominations for me either this year, but its funny - just getting last years one after all the times I tried, made it much easier for me this year.  A big congratulations to everyone who garnered a nomination - well done, all of you!  I've already got my piece finished in my mind for next year!  I can't wait until they post the pics for the nominees. 

                                                      Hugs,

                                                      Brenda

Dilu Feb 2, 2006

Hooray to all the nominations, but I have favorites in my heart of hearts that i really really hope will win.....and oddly they are all from here, TT....fair?  Balanced?  Who me?!  No Way !!!!  I got my fingers and toes crossed and am hoping for the best for all TT participants up for awards..... even that catagory over 5 and under 14.....yikes!!!!  I love all you guys and am so glad I am not making the decision there! 

The gollies are dancing and turning summersaults.....There will be no setteling them down now!

good luck and know that those of you who didn't get nominated are just as wonderful, and just as loved and just as important in our world and our hearts!

dilu

TamiL Feb 2, 2006

I've already got my piece finished in my mind for next year!

Hi Brenda,
all new to me, when do you send in your pics each year? And is all this from Teddy Bear Review? Is that the entry form I saw in my Feb. Issue?
Thanks,

Eileen Feb 2, 2006

Thanks for the list, Shelli!

You do know, of course, that your bears are the ultimate inspiration for many of us here trying to bring fur and thread to life. That 'take me home because you know you know I'm your long-lost child' look is an infusion of beautiful soul (hint hint--yours) and shows the rest of us what heights bear-artistry can reach.

I'm not saying that in your position I wouldn't be throwing things against walls, but you know you're always a winner here!

Eileen

SueAnn Help Advisor, Banner SponsorFeb 2, 2006

Shelli, thanks much for the list, my dear . . . you are always the very helpful one and I WILL sing your praises to the high heavens until my last day!!  Boy, I am throwing in the towel right now - no way am I going to win over Jane Monroe, Judi Paul, or Louise and Garnet Carrick.  I'm not familiar with the other two, but I'm sure they are outstanding.  I do have to say that I am in the very BEST of company in that category!  Congrats to all of you who got nominated.  I am grumbling, however, at not seeing a Potbelly creation on the list.       

Bonnie Feb 2, 2006

:clap:  :clap:  :clap: HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE NOMINEES!! :clap:  :clap:  :clap:

Thanks for the list Shelli. Honestly, I'm shocked your name isn't on the list.   :hug:
I remember what you said and I guess next year we won't be seeing pictures of your entries before the list is out! lol

P.S. I noticed Sue Ann's new avatar yesterday and it really is beautiful! Nice work Shelli!
hugs,

Deb Feb 2, 2006

Thanks for posting Shelli, and huge congrats to all nominees!

-- as we discussed many times before -- there are many factors that go into the nominating process, which have nothing to do with quality, attractiveness, and desirability.

Could someone point me to that thread please.  Thanks.

And no, I am not consoling myself publicly with these words.   

I did that privately already with an hour of self-loathing and a few tears of disappointment (that's the honest truth of it), and I'm over it already and have moved on to joyous celebration for my friends and colleagues in bearmaking.

Don't think for a second that most of us didn't spend the afternoon checking back, checking back, looking for some news from you.  Going through the other two posts, looking for news from you there ... looking at the clock and thinking "well it's only 2:00 pm in California."  I'm thinking that many of us, probably most of us, were nearly as disappointed as you were .... and that should give you some indication of how much you're respected and admired here.

I am grumbling, however, at not seeing a Potbelly creation on the list.

Kinda like that!

Time to get serious for 2007's contest, everyone!

You bet! 

Carolyn Green Feb 2, 2006

Shelli, many thanks for posting the list, for us all here at Teddy talk.

Congratulations to all of the nominee's on the List.

kbonsall Feb 2, 2006

CONGRATS JUDI, LOUISE AND SUEANN!!! WOW What an accomplishment!!! Judi, you are awesome!!! 

bearlyart Feb 2, 2006

I must say, I have had a most enjoyable afternoon checking Teddy Talk to see a list of my online peers getting nominated... first Judi, then Sue Ann, then Louise!  My hats are off to you ladies, you greatly deserve the recognition of the hard work I know each of you has become well-respected for!
:clap: 

I was expecting to have to wait a day or so to see the full list of TBR's web site, so it was a pleasant surprise to see it posted earlier (thank you, Shelli!).  The judges must have had a difficult time choosing from the extensive spectrum of applications they received, I don't envy them the responsibilities involved with selecting their nominees!  I was thrilled to see a broad range of talent on the nominee list, with representatives from around the globe and covering what I know is a fantastic selection of different artists' styles, the judges have my respect for a job well done!

I know in my case, I am also grateful to have learned a very important lesson from submitting my one lone Golden Teddy applicant this year.  I must be prepared earlier!  I was rushed to get photographs, used the wrong film and didn't have time for retakes (and had to completely nix some other bears I'd been considering), and mailed the packet off on the last possible day by overnight mail.  I learned my lesson best from Judi, Sue Ann and Louise right here on this board, who I know did their bears earlier in the year, and were careful to take competition-appropriate photographs of them at the time they were created.  Wise women! 

By the way Jared, I hope you will extend our congratulations to your mother on her two nominations!  You were kind enough to share the photos with us earlier, her bears were lovely and will make for some tough competitions in her categories!

A big warm bear hug to everyone!   :hug:
Kelly

Daphne Feb 2, 2006

Shelli - Thank you for getting and posting the official list!

Congratulations all you TT'ers with Nominations!

Sue Ann - Don't be throwing in your towel!

I think we should start our own Teddy Bear Contest.... Teddy Talk Bear Awards.... we could have our own categories...... our own rules.... panel of judges.....

Ok, it was good up through the 'own categories' after that I'm afraid of all the gray areas that we'd have to sort out and someone to head up the award process and, and, and.......

But we could have awards for the newbies, the mini artists, the needlefelters.... as well as the experienced.... LOTS of awards! Give everybody a chance.

Well, anyway, CONGRATULATIONS again everyone!

And big hugs to Shelli.... though the world may not be able to give her a Golden Teddy award we can all give her the Golden Friend award!!!  :hug:   :hug:

Shelli Retired Help Advisor, Banner SponsorFeb 2, 2006

And don't think it went unnoticed, dearest Kelly, that your gorgeous and deserving winged horse wasn't on that list, either.

Your diplomacy, wisdom, and kindness, as always, shine thru.  And from me... a personal thanks to you for sending a message to Jared, re: his mom's nominated entries.  Yes, Jared... please send congratulations from TT on our behalf!

kbonsall Feb 2, 2006

And congrats to you gals who entered as well!!! ALL LOVELY LOVELLY CREATIONS WORTH OF NOMINATION!!

:hug:  :hug:  :hug:

Deb Feb 2, 2006

Ok, it was good up through the 'own categories' after that I'm afraid of all the gray areas that we'd have to sort out and someone to head up the award process and, and, and.......

But we could have awards for the newbies, the mini artists, the needlefelters.... as well as the experienced.... LOTS of awards! Give everybody a chance.

All winners.  TT t-shirts for everyone!

Just Us Bears Feb 2, 2006

Shelli,
I'm sure at first this must have had that same old feeling of 'not getting picked' that one sometimes experiences when teams are being chosen at Primary School, and your one of the last waiting. It's gotta hurt.   

But you my friend, are taking it like a true champion...and that is what you are in our eyes.  Smilin' on the outside' cryin' on the inside, but forever praising and being thrilled for your much loved friends who were successful nominees. You are a true winner, there's no doubt about that! :hug:
There's always next year...and there's still the TOBY's to come.   :hug:  Unfortunately life is full of disappointments, some worse than others, and I can imagine how deep yours is at the moment...whether you claim you are over it already or not!   :hug:
I'm confused now too...were your ballerina and piggy entries in this comp or are they TOBY entries..or both? I cannot see HOW it's possible that your piggy could have missed out...he's so darned CUTE!!!!

Congratulations once again to Sue Ann, Louise $ Garnet, and Judi. We are all enormously proud of you....and in this case it's not going to be 'let the best man or woman win' 'cos your all just the best!!!!

Jared, please pass on congrats to your mum too...most deserving! And thanks Kelly for picking that up....I missed it at first!

Kelly, I remember your beautiful winged horse too. Despite the fact that you were rushed etc, etc, you've gotta be disappointed too...so I'm sending you big hugs. :hug:  :hug:  :hug:
Brenda, your racoon was a real cutie...so sorry he missed out too. And Nance's adorable little mousie and Jenny's Bunny Wabbit....you're all so clever and you should be proud of yourselves even entering. Oooohhh I wish everyone could win! You're all winners here on TT!!!

Is there anyone else out there who entered but didn't share???? C'mon...let us commiserate with ya!!!!

Terrie Feb 2, 2006

Thanks for posting the list Shelli, I can't believe that there isn't AT LEAST ONE Potbelly Bear on there! ......next year for sure!

Shelli Retired Help Advisor, Banner SponsorFeb 2, 2006

Well, I thank you for your consolation; I feel well loved, and appreciated, and seen -- which is rare in this world; truly.  And, later tonight, I will also feel:  stuffed full of enormous amounts of chocolate, and beer...  and will be receiving an awesome backrub... because my husband has offered me all three as his own consolation prizes.  Maybe I should get passed over more often...

;)

I really like that quote that goes something like, That which doesn't kill us makes us stronger.  I'm not sure I'm gonna have it tattooed on my lower abdomen, in another language, like Angelina Jolie did, but it makes sense to me all the same.  And hey... if the worst that can happen to me is to be surrounded by talented, kind, wise, helpful people, and NOT get a nomination for a contest (even if a lovely one), then I'm pretty much the luckiest person I know.

Now stop talking about me, will you? IT'S NOT MY DAY!!!!! (but still... thanks)

:)

PS to Hayley; GT got PIROUETTE and IN HOG HEAVEN; the TOBY got those two plus POSY

Deb Feb 2, 2006

Now stop talking about me, will you? IT'S NOT MY DAY!!!!! (but still... thanks)

Okay.  Let's talk about Jenny and Nancy.  The two of you are inspirational ... have inspired me to THINK ABOUT submitting something for ... 2008 maybe!  Thank you! 

Gail Feb 2, 2006

Huge congratulations to Judi, Sue Ann and Louise on your nominations- and so now the long period of waiting begins to see who actually wins. Talk about wishing your life away!!!
Shelli you will always be a winner in our eyes and there is still the Toby's to come
Good luck to all of you- I will most certainly be voting
Hugs
Gail

bearlyart Feb 2, 2006

The funny thing is, the only great disappointment that I had in this entire experience was the initial trauma of picking up my photos and finding out that 98% of them were LOUSY!  Then having to weed through the bad photos, eliminating other bears that I'd wanted to submit... all I had left were some photos of my horse, I was not completely pleased with them but did submit the best that I could find in the set.  So it makes a little more sense to say that I am actually relieved that my horse got passed over for this... now nobody has to see those photos!  Hindsight being what it is, I shouldn't have submitted anything at all when everything seemed to be working against me at the time. 

On the plus side, I did get to retake photos for the TOBYs, as we had an extra few weeks in between the two deadlines!  The photo I posted here of my horse was the TOBY-submitted photograph, not the earlier one.  Think we can convince TBR to push the 2007 Golden Teddy deadline back into January?  I found it hard to make the December deadline past the holiday crush, the January deadline for the TOBYs was much easier.  A girl can always dream, can't she? 

And so it goes 
Kelly

Marie_ Feb 2, 2006

Shelli,  Thanks for posting the Nominee list .     

Congratulations for all TT members who are in the Nominee  and who were not, I admire  for your hard work of making contest bear .  :hug: 

I think, I would love to challenge for 2007.
Bear hugs/Marie

bearlyart Feb 2, 2006

I think Jenny's and Nancy's submissions were for the TOBYs as opposed to the Golden Teddies.  They may get to sit on pins & needles for a few more weeks (month? how much longer until the TOBYs are determined, anyway?).

Cheers,
Kelly