A panda in the making

I am excited to be working on a new mink panda. It is made from black mink and ivory cross mink. The cross mink has black hairs scattered throughout.

He/she is staring out the window waiting to have the last seams closed, and the second ear attached. Hopefully it will be ready by Friday.

Looks like I better get busy cleaning the window next LOL.

Come on a tour, but beware of GIANT Pumpkins

Today was so beautiful that we decided to take a drive to the Valley , about 90 minutes outside the city. It is a really pretty area, and we stopped at a few of our favorite places. Come along and enjoy the little tour....

Our 1st stop was at the pumpkin farm where you can indeed find GIANT pumpkins. Several world record size pumpkins have come from this farm over the years. There was one here today that weighed 1002 pounds !!! They just look so out of place; like pumpkins on steroids LOL. Some of the larger pumpkins are actually carved out for the annual pumpkin boat races on the pond. Now that is quite a site to watch LOL. It is fun to roam around and enjoy the brilliant colors, feed the horse, and look at the freaky gourds too.

Stop #2 was the U-pick apple orchard.
We picked the yummy Red Delicious variety.

As well, we discovered a new green Japanese apple called Mutsu. It is crisp and has a terrific flavor. Kind of like a Granny Smith but not as tart.

The trees were loaded down to the ground.

Stop #3 was at a Lookoff over the Valley. It is a fantastic view overlooking some farms and part of the ocean/basin. I love the multitude of colors in the landscape here.

Then we headed home with our 20 pounds of apples, a Halloween pumpkin and a big appetite for leftover Turkey :)

Happy Thanksgiving Fellow Canadians !

There is so much to be thankful for, where does one begin.........

We just finished our yummy turkey dinner with all the trimmings awhile ago. My belly is stuffed , and I am ready for a nap now :) No this isn't our turkey, but wouldn't it be funny to serve one like this LOL

A week of special projects

I've been busy this week working on a few special things just for me, sort of :)


Project #1 ) I feel in love with a precious little bear awhile ago by a sweet bear artist. She asked if I would make her a bear at a reduced price in exchange for her creation that I love. Sounded like a fun idea to me so I created this cutie this week, whom she named Peabody :) He is on his way to New York , and I'm excitedly awaiting the arrival of Lily. I'll show her picture when she arrives.


Project #2) I've been wanting to make an Annie doll ever since I won mine from Shantell last Christmas. These cloth dolls have just captured my heart . Soooo, I drew up a pattern of my own and started on my doll this week. I just need to put her together and make some clothes, then I can show you the finished girl .

Project #3) Ever since I bought my featherweight I've been planning to buy a thread stand. I have a lot of spools of thread that are just too tall for the regular holder. After forgetting to pick one up many times I decided......hmmm... I bet I can make one of them. I found an online tutorial, found all the tools and supplies I need around the house, and voilà ...a thread stand.

It has been a productive and fun week.

Teddy Bear & Craft Magazines

I always enjoy browsing though the pages of Teddy Bear and Craft magazines. There is always so much eyes candy that really inspires me. I am disappointed though because locally I can't buy Teddy Bear magazines anymore. I do have some subscriptions, but it always takes a bit longer for copies to get to my mailbox.

I was excited to receive a link from Teddy Bear Review to their first online digital version. You can enjoy this complimentary copy also HERE. Just make sure you have a flash player installed. I think I'll be subscribing to this paperless, eco-friendly version !


The U.K. Magazine , Teddy Tear Club international, also offers a sample Digital version too. You can learn about that HERE.

I've also recently discovered a wonderful and unique magazine called "Where Women Create". This high quality magazine offers lots of gorgeous photos and you can enter the studios of many talented women. This isn't available online, but is worth looking for in your favorite bookstore. I even placed a small add in a recent edition.
So, what magazines do you enjoy ??? I'd love to hear from you.

Jonas is finally completed !

Yeah...it took awhile, but I finished the new head and Jonas is finished. I think he look so much better, and I hope you agree :) I really like this light fur color. I've never seen or used this shade before . It was a small collar and I have no more left after making 2 heads. So, he is definitely one of a kind from me.

Jonas is available on my website via silent auction. You can get all the details HERE.


I also took a group shot of some of the bears I have here. I don't often have more than one with me at a time. It is interesting to see the size comparison with them all together I think. They range from about 3.75" -13".

Another Memory Bear

....I know ...I said I probably wouldn't do any more of these LOL. I decide to do this one for my Dentist from his mom's coat. This muskrat fur is in beautiful condition considering it is from 1959. It was wonderful to work with , which made it more enjoyable to create this keepsake. I started yesterday, worked late last night and finished this 13" fella this morning. I'm pleased with it considering it has safety eyes, and nose that are installed before the head is stuffed. It's always a challenge getting them to look right. I hope he likes it :)


Now I need to get back to that headless mink bear. I just lost interest after the first head didn't work out. I need to get at it though , or I'll never get it done.

Hannah is now looking for a new home too. Yuo can learn all about her HERE.