In the early part of each year, we put our heads together and design several new and challenging categories to stretch the creativity of the teddy bear artists.

Once that task is complete, we start designing the entry forms, soliciting businesses for support with their lovely gifts, preparing web pages, ordering the awards and designing the yearly URSA Awards Competition lapel pin.

Bears&Buds keeps a sharp eye out for unusual gifts as well which adds to the excitement when the winning artists open their award boxes! Many gifts are contributions from collectors, artists and sponsors.

"It is like my birthday and Christmas all wrapped up in one!" said Bev White.

With a little help from the "supervisor," sitting in the box on the table, we wrap all the gifts and pack the awards for shipping.

Seven months after the first entry was received, with voting completed by our site visitors, the URSA awards are finally ready to ship.

A very special "thank you" goes to the URSA Awards Competition judges who are our collectors, artists, friends and all who came
to Bears&Buds to vote. You know bears!

Congratulations to all who entered and to all who have won!

We are so very proud to be in the circle of such marvelous and creative teddy bear people. Your design work, creativeness and craftsmanship have set the bar high!

We look forward to next year and will once again be amazed at the fabulous creations competing in all the categories.

Online entry forms will be opening in mid March 2022

Bearhugs,

and the Bears&Buds Staff Editors, writers and Graphic Artists