Welcome in the Year of the Snake!

Just in time to welcome in the Year of the Snake and celebrate Chinese New Year, is my first bear for 2013!

A custom order for a lovely collector in Cambodia - this imperial Chinese princess is named Jia Li (pronounced Jah Lee) meaning 'good' and 'beautiful' in Chinese.

Because her costume is very intricate, I have deliberately kept the bear herself quite simple, except for her very detailed hand-painted eyes. Her fur lined hooded cape is made from crushed red velvet, lined with red and gold Chinese brocade, and her headpiece is hand-crafted by me in an intricate design of silk flowers, crystal and gold filigree.

I've got to say that after discovering and teaching myself how to needle felt last year, I'm absolutely loving it! This bear's face, eyelids and paw pads have all been needle felted in the softest white merino wool, then shaded with oil paints in varying depths of colour.

2013 - Off to A Big Start!

Can't believe it's been so long since I posted anything here, but am hoping 2013 will be a wonderful big beary year full of fun bear news from my studio plus loads more, including a few new Nikkel Bears!

To start the year off, I've got the best news to share with you all ... I was awarded another prestigious TOBY Industry Choice Award this year for my last creation for 2012 ... a little 10" chestnut and white Christmas panda called Jasper! I was so thrilled to receive this award - and to think I nearly didn't send in an entry after such a busy year! It just goes to show that you really do need to be 'in it to win it'!!!

The lovely people at Teddy Bear and Friends Magazine will have all of the Industry Choice winners in the June edition of the magazine, so make you grab your copy to see all of the wonderful entries from around the world. Voting will also open for the TOBY People's Choice competition.

I couldn't finish this entry without posting a few photos from our daughter Kel and new son-in-law Chris' wedding in November which was held on the beach at sunset in Phuket, Thailand ... the most beautiful wedding I think I've ever been to!