Looking Ahead!

It's that time of year again when we are reviewing the past and looking ahead to the wonderful new year. Grandkitties  Sam and Max are enjoying the view and have been such a joy to have as visitors.

I hope you are as eager as they are to see what's in store for big 'ole 2012!!! Happy New Year to all of us!!!! Cheers!!!!

Cheers!

Early this morning, Beau peaked down the stairs. He just KNEW he heard those reindeer on the roof!
We had some fun enjoying Christmas Crackers during our feast! Joining our British friends, Kim and I bought some crackers while shopping last week. The jokes were so much fun, I thought I'd share them:

Our constant companion during the present opening was Rocky. He found a piece of tissue paper to lie on and paid attention to each gift. The kitties received their Santa gifts before we did and enjoyed the day as much as Travis, Jason, Kim, and I did.
Wishing you all every Joy of the season! Love from all the Griffins - two legged and four.

Waiting for Santa Paws!

Kim captured grand kitties Beau (above)  and Beaker (below) with catnip plumbs dancing in their heads.

Happy Holidays to all!!

Warmest Wishes for Love!

Wishes for Love and Joy from my home and family to you and yours!!

All Right!! Time to wrap the presents!!

Sam: "OK boys! Let's get to work!

Cleo: "All right, Rocky, I'll pass the presents out and you get the wrapping paper and tape!"

Max: "Wow, look at the gold stuff with the snowflakes! Let's use that"

Beaker: "Look, Cleo, I'm folding this so nicely!"

Beaker: (thinking) "I just don't know why I have to do this all myself."

Max: "Wow!" Look at that! First there were butterflies on the tree, now there are fireflies all over those twigs!"

Let's Get This Decorating Done!!

Beau: "This string looks ok!"

Rocky: "Uh oh"

Beau: "Where did all those butterflies come from?"

Oh Shenandoah!

On the way home from visits to Jason and Kim, I took the scenic route through the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. I wanted to share a couple of views!!

Holiday Dress Up

Rocky is not too sure about this dress up thing - but the collar works for him, don't you think? It was only on for the snap of the photo and then it became a toy! A little added Pixlr fun to frame it up was added too.

Then there's Humphrey. He was a little upset as his hat wasn't done in time for the "going to Hunt Valley" photo shoot - along with some others come to think of it - anyway, Humphrey went to live with Lisa in Maryland, but he should have a moment in the spotlight!

He's an extra fluffy boy - just like Rocky- with that air of expectation about him. I expect Lisa will see that his stocking is filled!

And now, I'm puttin' on my driving shoes again for a quick trip up to "the Burgh" for Kim's birthday on Saturday. I'm going via Maryland to see Jason and his kitties. Don't you know, I've bought plenty of kitty Greenies to take to all my grandkitties!!

Show and Tell

The Christi Freisen (www.cforiginals.com) workshop I was lucky enough to attend had a theme each day. Saturday's was "Winter Wonderland" and, of course, I made a polar bear.

Here's a photo of Christi  - the most delightful, fun, entertaining - I could go on - person you'll ever meet. She gives workshops all over so if you love polymer clay - or even think you might - try to get to one of her workshops. I first got to know her work though a delightful book of hers called Steampunkery. And wouldn't you know, the second day of the workshop, the theme was "Steampunk."

And I made this cute little Steampunk dragon inside an old pocket watch case. Pretty neat, huh??

I had a grand time in Black Mountain and at the workshop and have added some polymer clay supplies and tools to my wish list!!! But for now, back to the bears!! Santa will be stopping by to pick up some soon!

Cupcakes and a Road Trip

Have you ever bought a cupcake for the decoration on top? Well, I did. This little snow guy was just too cute to pass by. One has to accumulate happiness wherever it is  - my theory any way. And now look. Who knew Snow Guy would be so functional as well as adorable!

Frodo inspects Snow Guy as functional bottle stopper! I expect one day, I should make a little body for him, but for now Snow Guy is right on my work table to cheer me any time I look in his direction. Joy can be anywhere - even after the cupcake is eaten!!


I've just returned from a fun weekend in Black Mountain, North Carolina. I traveled there to attend a two day workshop held by the polymer clay artist Christi Freisen. I had such a good time and learned many things about working with polymer clay.
As luck would have it, I arrived just in time for the town's annual "Holly Jolly." All the stores - which in this town includes many art and craft galleries - stay open at night and offer refreshments to those visiting. Black Mountain is located very close to Asheville, NC, and is very picturesque and welcoming. It seemed like most of the town's population joined me in last Friday evening as we enjoyed wonderful decorations and the hospitality of the shops. The main street - called Cherry Street - was blocked off making it easy to navigate the street to visit all the wonderful galleries.

There was even a saxophone ensemble playing Christmas music for the festivities!

Festive windows invited us all in to see the wonderful treasures inside!

There are many artist living and working in that area of North Carolina and I was so lucky to be able to visit the some of the shops where they display their work!

I even found a bear!

The workshop was absolutely wonderful! If you are interested in working with polymer clay, I hope you will  be able to take a class with Christi in person, or, perhaps, do so online. Please visit her website here and take a look at all her wonderful things:www.cforiginals.com

My friendly Blog won't let me put photo where I want them, so I'll save more for another time.

In the Spirit of Things!

Despite that disgruntled look on his face, my dear little Peek a Boo, kindly serves as model as I crochet a little hat. He's the only little guy I have on hand as all the show bears have traveled to their new homes. He did point out that he wasn't a girl and frills just weren't his thing, but got in the Spirit of Things when I promised cookies after.

Yesterday was called Small Business Saturday, so in the Spirit of Things, Travis and I spent the morning in beautiful downtown Smithfield doing our part to help our favorite shops prosper! Here's the window of my favorite store in the world, Wharf Hill Antiques. I bought some Christmas decorations and can't wait to display them!

In the Spirit of Things, Kim's Beau sinks his teeth into her candy cane! My favorite photography quote - besides all those wonderful things that Ansel Adams said - is "the best camera is the one that's with you." I thoroughly love all the moments Kim and Jason are able to share with me as they use their iPhone cameras to snap these delicious memories!

And finally this moment of brotherly love! Jason captured his Max and Sam sharing the very best part of the holiday season - a time to remember and be with those we love in the Spirit of Things!

Look what I found! My little helper! and Happy Tofurkey Day!

Isn't this great? While shopping at my favorite store - Wharf Hill Antiques in beautiful downtown Smithfield, I found a group of giant mushrooms that are also containers. You can see the join on the stem in the photo. My little Marc Andre, flower elf, volunteered to give you an idea about the size of the mushroom. Marc Andre is less than 3 inches tall. The shop carries things other than antiques and I suspect this isn't old. The others in the group were all unusual and I might just have to go back for more.

Rocky felt left out in the last posting of snuggly kitties. He's often like a little puppy following me around and paying close attention to everything I do. Monday night, he assisted with my laundry detail - "holding" the hangers while I ironed and making sure the laundry basket was empty when I was done with the folding and putting away chores. He is so helpful.


And finally, I wish everyone a Happy Tofurkey Day tomorrow! I am thankful for the soybeans who have provided my feast!

Long Winter's Nap Time!

Now that the weather is getting chilly, the Griffin clan kitties are getting quite snuggly! We find we have lap cats quite frequently!!

Mr. Frodo

Samwise

Beaker


Bundle up, if you don't have a fur coat attached!!

The Show Has Begun!

The bears in the banner at the top of the page are the bears I will have on offer on my show page. To visit any of the artists, first go to www.teddiesworldwide.com and then click on the preview bear of the artist you wish to visit.

As of 4:37 p.m. Panda Claus, Rudolph, and Cindy Lou have been adopted. There seems to be some problem with making them so, but hopefully that will be fixed soon!

All of the bears have been adopted! Thanks so much to everyone!

More Show Photos!

Lovely Janet Wilson! Winner of every award there is, this lady is also head of the Wilson team that joins with Mark and Susan McKay as promoter of the Hunt Valley Show. We were all so sad at the passing of her wonderful husband, Alex, this past year. I'm sure Alex was looking over us all making sure we lived up to his view of this grand show. We miss you Alex!
What I love about this photo is that my son, Jason, bought the little bear on the right later in the day - or if not that one, maybe his cousin! Jason is an excellent collector after many years of being around the bear world.
Janet's Handmade Treasures are such a treat!

By the time I get to Barbara Burke's table, it's pretty empty! I'm so glad she did have this adorable kitty to hold for you to see. You know how I feel about the kitties! Barbara, award winning artist, lives in Ipswich, Massachuetts and I just love visiting with her here and at TBAI. Should you wish to contact her about this kitty or another Wuv "n" Cuddles creation, write to: BBwuvncuddles@gmail.com.

Diana Lee Palumbo has marvelous bears of all sizes! Her Timeless Expressions incorporate the gorgeous laces and other treasures you see represented in the bear here in front of Diana Lee. I met Diana at TBAI the first year I attended. She was world famous having had her bears on magazine covers and being a multi - award winner. Can you imagine how I felt when she selected one of my little pandas which would be a birthday gift? I was floating on air! I always enjoy seeing Diana Lee and her husband at the shows!

Penny French is one of the funniest people you'll ever meet! Notice her feathered hat? You should see the rest of her outfit! I think she's doing Swan Lake - tutu and all - between the bear making. Penny's wonderful bears have been featured on magazine covers and she's won the Public Choice first place award at TBAI more than once (not sure of the number there)! Well, just look at them! The bears are as adorable as Penny!! She brings a smile to my face when I'm lucky enough to be around her. I hope you'll get to meet her at a show one of these days.

And finally, the grand prize winner for making us all merry! Marilyn Wagner and crew brought us Rudolph and his story! Marilyn is the one with the blinking nose. I hope you'll take time to visit her at www.quiltsncritters.com There's a little dancing teddy on the opening page of her site echoing the fun she brought to the show and the happiness she brings with her grand bears!!

I hope you've enjoyed this little look around the showroom. Do make a point to attend the Hunt Valley Christmas show if you can!

Don't forget the show this afternoon! I'll post my bears on offer after the 4 p.m. opening. Up to an hour before the show, you can visit and vote for your favorite preview bears! www.teddiesworldwide.com

More Hunt Valley Fun!!

Here are more views from around the showroom at the Hunt Valley Teddy Bear show which took place last Saturday, November 12, 2011, at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Hunt Valley, Maryland.

Here are Alan Hsu and Joe of Teddy Bear Barn. Their display and great outfits added to the festive day!
If you'd like one of those adorable polar bears, visit www.teddybear-barn.com  The opening page for the site is worth the click! Give it a try!

Diana Watts makes the most magnificent real fur bears, bunnies, elephants, lions - you name it! She and her husband always look grand in the costumes they choose for the show. I hope you get a chance to meet her at a show! You can email her at Dibears@aol.com.

Now isn't this the cutest thing?? I'm not talking about the darling bear, but the wonderful couple in the back!
Tami Eveslage and her husband pack up some of the cutest bears in the world to bring to this show and this year was no exception. The little sleeping polar bear is Tami's preview bear for the online show which begins Friday, November 18th at 4:00 p.m. New York time. You'd better have your finger on the button if you want that little polar bear because I'm sure he'll be adopted first thing. Do have a look at Tami's website and you can ooooh and ahhhhh at all her marvelous creations! www.TamiEveslage.com

Here's Cindy! Not only does she made wonderful bears, she's an expert at creating wonderful birdies - just about anything from ducks to hummingbirds. Cindy Malchoff is the brains behind the TBAI yearly show in Binghamton, New York, which raises money for the endangered species program for the Zoo at Ross Park there in Binghamton. I hope you will visit Cindy's website and be amazed at her artistry! www.myappletree.com

I do have another batch of photos, but the Internet is running sooooo slow and I have a hungry husband!
Don't forget the online show tomorrow!! Visit the preview page and vote today!!! www.teddiesworldwide.com