Original, Online Teddy Bear Magazine |
Beginning a New Life |
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July 2015 Kay Cooper |
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"I loved the challenge to restore an old bear, " began Kay Cooper of Cooper Bears from Perth Australia.
"It is a
bit nerve racking to repair a delicate old bear and I don't take it on unless it's a sentimental issue and I can see that in the eyes or hear that in the voice of the owner.
I am not interested in repairing bears for museums or for additional income; the only purpose is
to restore and old bear and reunite it with their best friend." |
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How this restoration came to be was, "one of my collectors followed my last restoration online and
said 'I don't think you could help my old friend!'
I asked her to send me a
photo. I could see the possibilities, so she sent Ted with a friend who was traveling to Perth.
The darling old bear wore a knit dress which helped hid his well-loved condition." |
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Lyn, from NSW (New South Wales) Australia, said "Ted was given to me on my first birthday and that was some 57 years ago.
"My mum tells me he was just a cheap old bear from a thrift shop but this is
irrelevant to me. He has always been with me.
I had not thought about printing old photographs of me and Ted to be used as he provenance.
I know of two old photos. One is a bit like the Christopher Robin, the photo where he is holding Pooh by
one arm and the other photo is of Ted and I in my dad's wheelbarrow, while he was
watering the garden."
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"I am not sure if I have any photos with Ted and my children. Ted was
certainly a big part of their lives too, as you can see by his wear and tear. When
my grandchildren were little, he was there at bedtime for them too." Lyn said. |
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Disassembling the 38cm (15") bear revealed his true color that was protected between the joints.
"I have the very same color in my work shop," said Kay with a sigh of relief.
Trying to match older fabrics can often take many hours of searching. |
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"Poor Ted had lost his nose, eyes and smile. That is the first thing I wish to fix." Kay stated.
The head was very fragile and
I delicately hand sewed every part back together. |
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Old Ted's head has been repaired and we do believe he is smiling!
"To keep his old loved appearance, a sparsely stitched, string nose was sewn on," commented Kay. |
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Placing his ears and eyes just right, was the next step.
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Next came his new body and limbs.
"I take photos as I advance," began Kay, "and show the person so they can see what I am
doing. We always discuss what is happening and they follow me every step of the way."
A digital camera and a computer are a must to conduct repairs from afar.
"I do believe he is starting to come to life!" smiled Kay. |
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All done!
Ted, with his new arms and legs, and his smiling face was so very happy to wear a colorful bow around his neck.
"Can you hear him? He's so happy to be new again!" said Kay.
Bring on all the hugs! |
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"There is something
magical about giving a long lost friend back to the caring owner.
Kay Lesley Cooper
Cooper Bears
Member since June 2012 |
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Old Ted Goes Home! |
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Old Ted arrived at Dee's office. The excitement and they joy show on her face and the bear is smiling too!
"Thank you for everything Kay. I can't express how grateful I am xxx" said Dee. |
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