Max!!!

Our family welcomes big loveable Max into the fold! Jason had the opportunity to rescue this beautiful kitty who had been abandoned.

He has just spent his first night in Jason's Maryland apartment and, from this pose, looks as if he feels right at home.

And just like all kitties, he seems to like playing in the tub! I can't wait to visit and hug that big bundle of joy! Jason had decided against adopting a kitten since he's away at work for many hours during the day. I think this partnership was meant to be and both guys will enjoy being the best of roommates!

Whirlwind weekend!

I was so thrilled with my table for the show in Philadelphia this past weekend! I hope you are able to get an idea of how my little woodland scene looked! Some of the bears were danding around a Maypole and others were playing in the gardens of the "tree houses."
The show itself only lasted four hours - from 10-2 - and there were many collectors to visit with. I saw some folks that I haven't seen in years - both artists and collectors.
I hardly left the table because I didn't want to miss seeing anyone! Right at the last, though, I did remember to get some photos of those near - and dear - to me.

Donna Neilson

Diana Lee Palumbo

Sharon Barron

Martha Burch

Barbara Burke

Penny French

And I did get a few shots of some really grand bears!

I wish you all could have been there! It was truly a magnificent weekend and Susan and Terry Quinlan are to be commended for having planned and executed one of the great moments in time for the bear and doll world. Their work through their museum in Santa Barbara adds so much to all who love bears and dolls.  Please do visit the Susan Quinlan Doll and Teddy Bear Museum and Library if you are in or close to Santa Barbara!
www.quinlanmuseum.com

Philly Show second day - The Gallery

Friday morning started out with the fabulous Gallery of one of a kind Bears and Dolls - in two separate rooms. Featured here are some of my favorites.















And now for some dolls! These are just magnificent!

Coming next - and this may be after I return home: views of the show!

The Philly Show in Full Swing

The Ballroom was filled with enthusiastic bear and doll lovers on Thursday evening; All convention participants received a packet of information and schedules which include classes, book signings, a little marketplace of goodies to buy for our dolls and bears, wonderful meals, and opportunities to mingle with just the best folks on earth.
Here are some happy participants on that first night of fun!

Coming next:: The gallery of Bears and that of Dolls!

One more little peek!

As Prom season is in full swing, this little Miss wanted you to see her very fancy dress just before she leaves for the teddy bear show in Philadelphia! When I embroidered her nose using a peach colored thread, I decided that her dress should be the same color. The peach batiste skirt has an overlay of beautiful cotton lace. Each of the scallops has a tiny pearl and there are pearls in the flowers for her ear. The dress has a bustle of the same pale peach satin ribbon flowers.

I've always loved little things. I remember particularly thinking how adorable Kim's Strawberry Shortcake Dolls were. For the time being, I'm working with a limited pallet of these 4 inch and smaller bears to see how pretty and sweet I can make them. The faces are my first concern and then I think they should be graceful.

Of course, materials and trims for clothing have particular considerations. The adventure has much to offer!

And finally a look at my tote bag for the show! For the past few years, I've had tote bags made featuring my bears along with my web address to send my bears home in from the shows. I think it's just a little way that I can help the environment giving the collectors a reusable canvas tote so they can take it to market once they've unloaded all the bears from the show!

Please come back and see my reports from the show!

Happy May Day!

Later in the year annuals will bring bundles of joy with great patches of color, but just now a tour around the yard finds glorious perinneals planted in previous years. One forgets just how beautiful they can be!

I'm always looking for anything blue or purple to add.

But for sheer drama, a white peony is a fine choice.

And for a smile, nothing beats this little swinging
bunny - a Mother's Day gift from Kim a decade ago.
His little swing has needed repairs over the years,
but he keeps smiling in any weather!