REPURPOSED

TEDDY BEAR CONTEST

WINNERS - 6 IN ALL!

First 3 winners featured here.

Next 3 winners in June's issue.

When we first came up with the idea to run this contest, we did some research on what materials have been used in the past for creating teddy bears. The usual list of materials included just about every fabric known to man, but we also turned up some interesting things that most of us would probably overlook in our search.

Velvet pillows (a popular item 60 years ago), old theatre curtains (made from velvet, mohair and other fabrics), cashmere sweaters (complete with label), and other interesting goods. Artist Diane Gard created some grand bears from mohair salvaged from old theatre seats, and perhaps her most unique find - Alpaca linings for G.I. coats found in a surplus store!

Teddy manufacturers are getting into the act as well, with a line by Mary Meyer titled "Fuzz that Wuzz" and Aurora's Eco Plush-line that is said to contain soybeans and kapok. But my most unusual discovery was a college student in Namibia who took first place in a contest with her teddy made from used tea bags! I tried to get a picture of that one, but was not able to come up with it.

Mary Morgan, Liberty Township, Ohio.

Mary shared the story of her best friend Anne's mother who passed away a few years back.

Anne returned from California with much of her mother's belongings, including both grandmothers' fur coats.

Mary was able to craft a delightful teddy for Anne from the coat that included Grandmother's initials. She was able to add a beautiful rhinestone pin that came with the collection.

The bear was named Trudy Esther Diane, incorporating the first names of both Grandmothers and Anne's Mom.

Needless to say, it is a cherished family keepsake.

BEST ESTATE SALE FIND

Cathy Lynn Forcino, Apollo Beach Florida.

Cathy made a discovery at an Estate Sale that most of us can only dream of finding.

She was able to purchase a 100 year old mohair child's coat from a New York estate - a discovery in itself that would make your heart beat a little faster. But there's more!

Along with the coat were two hats, plus a photo of the original owner as a child, posing on a little donkey!

Cathy purposely kept the bear sans clothing, adding only a large silk ribbon and the three shell buttons from the coat.

I hope that Cathy will consider taking us along on her next round of Estate Sale shopping.

BEST FAMILY HISTORY OF REPURPOSED TEDDY BEAR MAKING
Doris Criss Nadon, Edmonton, Alberta Canada

You may recall the story of Doris Nadon's father that she wrote in the March issue that shared the heart warming tale of her father's seven year recovery in a veteran's hospital back during World War II. For therapy, he hand crafted teddy bears from a host of materials his wife was able to round up. This, despite being totally bedridden for the entire time! Her father passed away in 1980, and no trace of his pattern was found until 2003, when Doris' Aunt passed away and the pattern was discovered in her belongings.

As you might have guessed, Doris decided to carry on the family tradition.

Because of the family history Doris decided that all her relatives should have a bear made from the original pattern as a special gift for Christmas about 5 years ago.

	What started out as a 3 bear project turned into the creation of 19 of the huggable critters! A host of fabrics were used, including corduroy, jeans, velvet, a wool Hudson Bay blanket, a fuzzy pink housecoat and all manner of scraps for trim.
One of the bears she crafted was from a fuzzy pink housecoat that was a special gift to one of her daughters at age 13. It was the perfect choice to craft her special bear.
You can be sure that this delightful family tradition will continue for many generations to come.

This contest has taught us that there is simply no end to the creativity of teddy bear makers and artists, and we will be pleased to share stories of our other three winners in the June issue of Bears&Buds.

Stay tuned!

Terry & Doris Michaud

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