I'm Back!!!

Yay! I'm back!

Since the loss of Monty a few weeks ago, and with so much else going on in my life, I have found it difficult to keep up with everything, and just lost my inspiration in all things in life there for a while.

But I'm back and feeling more refreshed now all of my hassles are behind me, so here's to a BIG 2010.

To kickstart off the year, I'm attending the 'BE MY VALENTINE' online show on 13-14 February .... oooooh not long to go now!!!! How very exciting!!!

Here's a little sneak peek of what to expect from Nikkel Bears studio - hope you like!!!!

RIP my beautiful boy .....

It is with a heavy heart that I am writing this blog entry ... soooo many things happening all at once (isn't it always the way). All in one week, I had my mum in hospital with a suspected stroke which meant a 8-hour round trip to the hospital for me, a deadline looming for the upcoming Be My Valentine online show (more about that in a future post) and having to make the monumental and emotional decision to let our dear old Alaskan Malamute go to rest after 11 wonderful years together.

Monty will always be a treasured part of our family - larger than life weighing in at a whopping 65kgs in his prime, he had a wonderful temperament, although stubborn at times (a typical trait of Malamutes I'm told).

Who would have thought that this little slip of a thing (no bigger than the cat!)

... would grow,

... and grow ... into such a beautiful boy



Monty loved the water, and living near the beach we would take him for walks - he'd dunk his whole head under the water and looked for all money like he was 'sniffing around' in the rock pools. He also loved to eat! Russ would always catch him some slimy mackeral or Australian salmon which we would freeze, and Monty would love to munch on them like iceblocks!!!


We're already missing him dreadfully - although the girls at Pets at Peace took care of everything for us and returned Monty's ashes to us this week, so we're going to lay him to rest at home with us in a beautiful shady spot in our small tropical garden.

Goodbye for now my darling boy ... and thanks for the beautiful memories.

Christmas Wishes

I would like to wish you all a safe and happy festive season with your loved ones - thanks to all of you who supported me during 2009.



Nikkel Bears is already gearing up for a big 2010 - first in the 'Be My Valentine' online show on the Teddy Bears & Critters Australasia website on February 14 and the Sydney Teddy Bear Fair on March 7 at Sydney Olympic Park. I'll post details of each closer to the dates, but I'm sure the dates will come quickly and be on us before we know it!

I don't have much time off work over the festive season (no rest for the wicked!) but will spent any spare time enjoying my family's company, lazy sunny, summer days at the beach, and of course, finishing off my bears for the shows!

Merry Christmas everyone!

TBACA Christmas Bear Swap!

Introducing .... Bon Bon.





A little bear with lots of character made especially for Linda Down of Lombard Bears (www.lombardbears.com.au) as part of the Teddy Bears & Critters Australasia Christmas Bear Swap for 2009.

Bon Bon is a well-travelled little bloke - he started life as a beautiful lavender piece of hand-dyed and tipped wavy mohair in my suitcase when we recently holidayed in Thailand, and soon developed into his own unique personality. His eyes were handpainted in shades of blue to complement his fur, and I accessorised him with his own elephant locket which I purchased while in Thailand, and red Christmas bow (in keeping with the spirit of Christmas).

He has now travelled all the way back to Sydney with us, and then over to Western Australia where Linda lives - I'm so glad she loves him, just as I do.

As promised - Thailand holiday photos!

What a sensational holiday Russ and I have just had ... 2.5 weeks in Phuket, Thailand just laying back and soaking up the sun - just what the doctor ordered after a difficult year health wise.



... this year I was lucky enough to leave Russ in Phuket with the boys (our local Thai friends) and travel to Khon-Kaen in the north-east of Thailand with my wonderful Thai girlfriend Tum to meet her family. What a rare opportunity to 'hang with the locals' with not another tourist in sight!

Night markets where baby elephants stroll down the centre of the road (with their mahouts) seeking out anyone with a choice morsel for them to munch on ... OK, so I'm a sucker for a cute baby!


A long 3.5 hour drive further north to the township of Nong-Khai on the Mekong River opposite Laos for some market shopping and sightseeing - a great mix of Thai, Chinese and Laotian influences ....




An equally long 4 hour drive south-west to Si-Saket (near Ubon Ratchathani with the Cambodian border not too much further on) - well worth it though for the Loy Krathong full moon festival .... check out the sun coming up (very eerie through the morning mist)








Back to Patong Beach, Phuket to join up again with the boys (yes, they missed us!) and where Russ and I went apartment hunting, and found our ideal 'home away from home' tucked up on a cool, quiet road overlooking the bussling Patong Beach, yet only 1.4kms from the beach. Still under construction and due to be finished in January 2010 ... you can see why we're keen to get back and move in!

Mittagong Doll & Bear Show 2009 - Photos!

Well, we're back from our holiday in Phuket, Thailand (last Thursday afternoon, so will update my blog with photos etc. once I've sorted through them) still a bit tired, and not really looking forward to going back to work tomorrow!!!

Enjoyed a wonderful show today in picturesque Mittagong in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, organised by Sandra Wigzell (Editor of Australian Bear Creations magazine). Three of my bears found new mums today which was a big thrill for me (and them of course!)

A busy day meant only time enough for a few snaps however.

Here's my stand:






Lorraine Almond of Almond Bears:


Linda Benson of Benson Bears:


Raewyn Todd of Woodbury Park Bears:


Susan Leigh of Bearleigh Bears:


and what's left of Lyn Parker's stand (Parker Bears) - who almost sold out!


All in all a lovely day catching up with friends, and a beautiful drive home through the bushland in the gorgeous Southern Highlands district and Kangaroo Valley.

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween to you all!

Ok, I'm getting in a bit early, but as I won't be around for the next few weeks I thought I'd post to my blog early (we're off to Thailand for a bit of R&R and sunshine .... something that's been sorely lacking in our part of the world lately!)

To celebrate, I have a new bear which will be available shortly - introducing Bailey: a mischievous bundle of cheek who is ready to celebrate Halloween. Already decked out ready to 'trick or treat' his way into your heart. I'll be posting him for sale on my website once I get back, so keep an eye out for him if he tickles your fancy.






It's late here now ... I'd better go pack those suitcases!