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MKinsey/TBF Editor of Teddy Bear and FriendsFeb 13, 2006

On the artist side, we saw Lynn Gato and Karen Meer. Lynn mentioned that the storm that paralyzed New York left no snow at all in her home state of Vermont—there’s some irony for ya! We don’t see Lynn on the show circuit much, but she mentioned that she’ll be doing the Springfield, MA, shows in April and November and possibly the upcoming Kennebunk, ME, show. She’s also repped by Felicia Hymer, the Bear Scout.

- Lynn with some of her Christmas bears.
- Lynn’s bears “The Alumnae” (with H sweater), “Americana bear” (hat), and “Calverton” (overalls.

Karen told us she decided last fall that this would be her last Toy Fair—after 19 years! But she isn’t throwing the towel in on bears, just going for alternate methods of marketing them. She’s started doing open-mouth bears, and is still doing old-style bears and historical characters.

- Karen with a new open-mouth bear.
- Karen’s “George Washington”.
- Karen just did a wonderful piece in collaboration with Pat Urso. Karen made the bear, and Pat silk ribbon embroidered flowers on the front and back. Gorgeous!
- Karen repped Sharon Dressman at Toy Fair. These are Sharon’s pandas.
- We caught Salli DiFrank of Village Bears (Sarasota FL) shopping Karen’s booth. She’s looking at whimsical dolls by Sarah Westenberger (AKA, Martha Burch’s sister). Salli and her husband Jim mentioned that they really liked the gollies presented by the Teddy Group, feeling that they are more traditional than many of the gollies on the market today.

SueAnn Help Advisor, Banner SponsorFeb 14, 2006

Love, love that you are getting pics of the artists, so we can put a face with a name!  Great work in those photos!

Marie_ Feb 14, 2006

Wow , I'm so exiting to see Artist bear + Artist self !!!!
   Adorable & Gorgeous bears !!!!! 

Thanks for pics, Mindi !!! 

Marie

DebbieD Feb 14, 2006

Truly nice to match the artists and bears....and such lovely bears!  I wonder how long it took to make the panda with the silk embroidery?

MKinsey/TBF Editor of Teddy Bear and FriendsFeb 14, 2006

Karen said that she cut out the bear pieces and sent them to Pat, who embroidered them and sent them back so Karen could sew and stuff the bear. She didn't mention how long Pat took to do it, though.

Mindy

Jo-Ann G Feb 14, 2006

Wonderful bears.

doodlebears Celebration AmbassadorFeb 14, 2006

Lovely artist bears, I just love Karen’s “George Washington”!

Hugs Jane