Life changes.

This photo, taken of one of my favorite old dolls, truly shows the sadness and scrapes and scuffs Bill and I have lived this past year. You may have noticed from spotty posts since April of last year that I really checked out for awhile. The economy and housing crash took it's toll and despite our best efforts to hold on to our beautiful home the time came to let it go when the banks wouldn't work with us. Being self-employed has it's upside and downside. Losing one's home can only really be understood by those who've experienced it themselves.

So, we have put on our best smiling faces and we're moving forward. There are boxes everywhere waiting to be moved. Packing my studio and Macey's room have proven to be the most difficult in different ways.

Speaking of Macey, our most precious granddaughter, here is the most recent picture taken of her. This move hasn't seemed to have fazed her a bit so far. I have to tell you, if not for being her caregiver Monday through Friday, there would be many days I would not have even gotten out of bed. Macey has been a blessing in so many ways no one could have ever imagined. Hard to believe, she'll be two in May!!

I'm sorry this has been a real downer of a post. It's reality though and I know there are many others out there feeling some of the same types of struggles. My heart goes out to those of you who are.

There are bright spots on the horizon for us. We've found a lovely house to lease not far from where we are now. We won't have a beautiful pool and acre of ground but we won't have the maintenance or cash outgo either. We are in the process of rebuilding our lives and ourselves....home will come. We're going to be fine. Better than fine actually. We've got each other, family and friends and health. We have everything!

Warmest bear hugs,

Aleta

Yardley Featherbottom

Yardley Featherbottom will be available to purchase beginning November 20th promptly at 9am New York time at Teddies Worldwide Holiday Bear Show. I do hope you'll visit. Friday I'll pop in with another sneak peek!

Warmest bear hugs, Aleta

Online Holiday Bear Show!

I'll be there with bears in tow. I hope you'll attend! Warmest bear hugs, Aleta

Four bears and a cat.

Meow! This pink kitten has just been listed on my website as well as three new bears and one who's been around the block once already. You can find them here. Bless you for taking the time to peek in. :)

Warmest bear hugs, Aleta

Distractions galore!

I've been celebrating life, family and birthdays.....
watching Macey become the most divine little pixie.....
and creating art!
I've also been nominated for a Golden Teddy Award bestowed by Teddy Bear Review magazine! What a huge honor!! It was so unexpected because although I LOVE this bear design, my collectors haven't been as keen. Life is funny that way.

Warmest bear hugs, Aleta

Charms and Bears

I finally finished all the charms and keepsakes I'd started. I really am trying my very best to stay focused and tie up some loose ends. Life requires it before some possible big changes ahead! The teddy bear related charms may be found on my website.

Also listed on my website are two new bears, sister and brother, Zoey and Zim.

Thank you so very much for peeking in. I appreciate and am grateful for your time and comments.

Warmest bear hugs, Aleta

A sweet little project and weekend treasures!

One of the many little projects I am working on these days is a slipcovering a petite occasional chair. You know the kind....barrel back with a cushion that most people overlook at garage/tag/estate sales. I happen to like these types of chairs because they are just the right size for small spaces. Let's face it though, when you find these types of chairs the fabric is.....um....icky. Voila! A slipcover! This is my first attempt at slipcovering anything. I still have to sew on the ruffle and put a curve in the arms but it certainly has the "shabby beach cottage" look I was going for!!

Lately, estate and garage sales have been a treasure trove of delightful things for me to find! Look at this little beauty!! A sweet little child's sewing machine in excellent condition...with the original box!! I bought it from the original owner and while I was tickled to have made such a lucky find, I was saddened at the same time to know that the owner didn't have anyone in her family that was interested in owning something she learned to sew on.

Another estate sale yeilded a Teddy Doll from around 1908, some old books, a sterling silver teddy bear rattle and a milk glass plate with Roosevelt bears! Score!!

And last, but certainly not least, my best finds of the weekend!! An antique teddy bear and doll!!! Both were from the same estate and obviously well taken care of. The mohair on the bear is in fabulous shape with just moth nips in the paw pads. The doll is in excellent condition as well with all her original clothes!! She also has a beautiful face....not the scary kind that so many old porcelain dolls have. I'm thinking they're from the early 1920's. I was suprised to have been the lucky bid on both. I'd like to think the owner would be delighted to have they remain together. Divine intervention? Perhaps. :)

Warmest bear hugs, Aleta