Apple Dumpling Bears

Enjoying the last of Summer

2011-09-06T08:34:00.000-07:00

It's been a nice and quiet summer here. I've enjoyed the flowers, growing strawberries & squash, and visiting the little farmer's market just a few miles from my home. It's been wonderful.

I've been playing with a couple new little designs. :)

Working on bears and things for the Teddies Worldwide Holiday Treasures Show (see link to the right) in November. Lots to do there...planning, cutting, sew, creating, dressing...oh all the good stuff.

Most recently, we've taken in yet another stray (they just show up here to be loved and fed) cat. This one is especially loveable. Deep down I keep hoping no one claims him because I really really like him. He's just a joy. By the way, I created Fiona weeks before 'Tux' arrived at my house. hee hee

And of course, I've been spending time with family & friends. I hope you are enjoying the last bit of summer as much as I am.

Much love...S

Christmas Treasures!!

2011-08-16T11:43:00.000-07:00

I almost forgot....oh jeez!! I'm once again participating in the Teddies Worldwide Online Show. This year's theme "Christmas Treasures" will definitely be fun and I can feel the creative hum. huummmmmmmmmmm!!!!!

Don't forget to mark your calendars....November 18 -20, 2011!!

Kitten Kaboodle

2011-08-05T08:34:00.000-07:00

I've been playing with some new design ideas and here's a little sneak peek. She's not finished except for her face.

I'm toying with the idea of doing a local art & craft show put on at Christmas time. It's a juried show and I still need to turn in my application & photos of my work. It's a juried show and a little intimidating to be honest. My daughter said she'd do the 2-1/2 day show with me but it's still a lot of time sitting or standing and I'm not sure how well I'll hold out. O_o There were still a few booths left a week ago, I need to make a decision.

I hope everyone is having a fun filled summer. Enjoy what's left of it. Is it really August already?

Avery!!!!

2011-08-02T17:08:00.000-07:00

Introducing Avery!! A darling little dumpling waiting for a new home. Could it be YOU? He's so anxious to meet his new family. You can find all his information in the Available section.

Thanks for taking a peek!

PS Andy & Annie are still available for adoption too. :)

Andy with his Annie doll

2011-07-25T14:47:00.000-07:00

I've just made Andy & his little Annie doll available for adoption. You can find all his personal information in the Available section. Please stop by and visit them.

Hugs,
S

Getting those creative juices flowing!

2011-07-25T08:07:00.000-07:00

My friend & fellow bear artist, Daphne of Back Road Bears, have been challenging each other this past week. We both created the same ellie using a pattern from GingerMelon found on Etsy.

Here's mine...Dotty!!

She was fun to make and doing it as a challenge was a great way to see how we each did things just a little different. Although it's from the same pattern, our ellie's look slightly different. She lowered the ears and I turned mine upside down and flipped the tips down. I blanket stitched the paw pads and she did hers the traditional way. Little changes can make big differences in the final outcome. This upcoming week, we are doing a puppy (her) and a kitten (me). Same pattern again...but they will really look different this time. Fun, fun, fun!!!

It also makes me think about some future pattern designs...hee hee!!! Get's the mind thinking it does, that can be a dangerous thing when it comes to me.

Yes, I'm still working on my own little dumplings. I couldn't forget them. :)

Much love,

S

Facebook Fan Page

2011-07-20T17:06:00.000-07:00

I've been on Facebook for a couple years and just today decided to make a fan page for my wee little dumplings. If you are on Facebook, I would love it if you would "like" my Apple Dumpling Bears fan page.

In other news, we have cute little lambs in the pastures. hee hee

:) Shantell

What are you waiting for?

2011-07-17T08:23:00.000-07:00

Get yourself on over to the Bears on Parade online show before you miss out on some wonderful bears. Over 650 bears have been waiting for homes...many have found them but there are some still waiting.

Here's Avery, one of mine. He's still needs a good home. Maybe he could show you around and you could get to know him a little and then, he might follow you home and then, you'd want to feed him and then, let him spend the night and then, you'd just decide to adopt him. It could happen...

S

Let the Parade Begin!!

2011-07-15T13:00:00.000-07:00

It's started the Bears on Parade. Hurry don't be late. It's a very important date (and time). Check out all the wonderful, adorable, fantastic, creations strolling down the boulevard just waiting for new homes. The show runs from NOW until Sunday, July 15, 4:00 p.m. NY time. But, don't wait too long, you might miss that perfect little (or big) bruin just for you.

Have a wonderful weekend,

S

Bears on Parade!!!

2011-07-03T08:17:00.000-07:00

Here she is Amy is waiting for the Bears on Parade online show to begin, July 15 - 18. You can now see Amy and 75 of her friends on the show page. Just click the link above.

There is Collector's Choice award being given so be sure to pick your favorite (hint hint). You can choose one bear from each category, just click the name of the artist (not just the bear). If you are using IE, you will receive a note saying "Thank you for voting for...." If you are using Firefox, you might not see a note but don't worry, I've been assured each and every vote is being counted. So go vote for YOUR favorite!!!

~ Shantell

Little Chubby Brown Bear

2011-05-22T07:51:00.000-07:00

A new bear design I'm trying. Completely different than any I've ever made before. Bear is my prototype so I'm offering him at a special price. I think he's kind of a cutie pie, myself. :) He's now available for immediate adoption on my Available page. Go take a peek at all his information. :)

I've also been busy in my yard getting rid of all the winter weeds and preparing the flower beds for new flowers. I love this time of year when everything is fresh, new and full of color. I love Fall for similar reasons. I have a new neighbor, actually several, but here's my most frequent visitor. He seems quite curious about what I've been doing and why he can't sample everything.

Thanks for looking in on me & the Dumplings. Enjoy your day!!

A Brand New Me!!

2011-04-22T12:09:00.000-07:00

Well, not exactly a new ME but a new looking blog. I have to give a very special thanks to my teddy artisan friend, Shelli (Potbelly Bears), for her help in designing my new branding (logo, banner, blog, etc.) I hope you like it as much as I love it.

My hope is this update will make it easier for YOU to purchase any of my creations whether it be a bear, an annie or maybe even a quilt if I get the notion. I've added a page with a little something about who I am and hopefully through this new blog you will get to know me just a little bit better. I think getting to know the artist helps to appreciate the art.

I'm keeping this short so you can take a peek if you like. Enjoy!!

Penelope the Ellie

2011-03-24T14:49:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited. I finally made my very first ellie and I love how she turned out. As much as I want to keep her, she's telling me she'd like to go on an adventure. Silly little ellie... So here are her details if you should be interested.

~ Made from pretty pink hand dyed (by me) alpaca. The result came out uneven with almost a tie-dyed look. With that in mind, she has different shades of pink all through her fur.
~ Stands approximately 7-1/2 inches tall
~ Premium glass eyes
~ Cotter pin & disk jointed
~ Her ears have been lined with high quality quilt fabric in cream with pink roses.
~ Penelope comes with her own personalized & signed hang tag
~ Penelope will also come with her own sewn on tag so you will always know she is an Apple Dumpling original

This is a collectible item and not safe for small children.

Thank you for peeking. Penelope has been adopted!!!

Johnny Jump Up!!!

2011-03-18T17:17:00.000-07:00

Johnny's ready for Spring and dressed up as a clown to celebrate it's arrival (when it arrives)!!

~ One of a kind clown teddy in a pretty lavender color
~ Stands approximately 8 inches tall (not including his hat)
~ Premium glass eyes
~ Cotter pin & disk jointed
~ Embroidered nose
~ Wears a polka dot ruff and matching hat
~ Johnny comes with his own personalized & signed hang tag
~ Sewn in tush tag so you will always know he is an Apple Dumpling original

This is a collectible item and not safe for small children.

Thanks for peeking! Johnny has been adopted!! Thank you.

Blooming Bears Show....NOW!!!

2011-03-12T08:05:00.000-08:00

The Blooming Bears Show is going on RIGHT NOW through Sunday, March 13th, 9 pm NY time or 6 pm Los Angeles time. Click on the link to your right and stop in and take a peek at all the wonderful bears, friends and gifts to be had. Oh and here's another one of my little dumplings currently available at the show. Meet Pink Cotton, the very first Apple Dumpling Bunny.

The show is over but Cotton is still available. Her adoption fee is $95 including US shipping, please add $15 for Canada and $20 for the rest of the world.

Happy March 1st

2011-03-01T07:15:00.000-08:00

~ The bears are out of hibernation and ready to strut their stuff. Check them out at http://www.teddiesworldwide.com/ Here's my little bruin, Bachelor Button. He's all excited to be in the show and can't wait for everyone to meet his siblings.

Bachelor Button has been adopted. Thank you.

Couple little things...

2011-02-26T07:35:00.000-08:00

Just a quick little reminder that the Teddies Worldwide Online Show is fast approaching. The preview will begin on March 1st which is TUESDAY. Can you believe it...March already!! Click on the Teddies Worldwide Show link to the right on March 1st to get a sneak peek at some of the wonderful bears being offered. Oh and of course my little bear too.

I've also added a mailing list sign up on the right hand column of this blog. If you would like to be on my mail list, please scroll down and fill in the information. It will ask you to also go to your email and confirm. I'm sorry for that but, unfortunately, I cannot turn off that feature. I promise to only send mailings when I have something available for adoption or some other newsworthy information. You will NOT get spam from me. Should you, please contact me immediately so I can deal with the situation. Thank you.

xoxo

New Year, New Blog...

2011-01-11T15:56:00.000-08:00

...and the Teddies Worldwide Blooming Bear Show coming up on March 12 & 13, 2011.

I completely demolished my blog and reconstructed it. I found this background and thought it was a great way of also including my love of books. I've been a book-aholic my entire life. I'm never without a book to read...or at least not for very long.

For those of you who have been patiently keeping me on your followers list, I thank you. I hope to be more active this year with bears, annies AND blogs. hee hee! I also hope to see more people finding me in the near future.

Here are the last bears I made in 2010. They have all been adopted but I thought I would share.

Cocoa with Whipped Cream

Cranberry Jubilee


Apple Strudel

All the above bears found homes during the show!!!

Hugs,
~ Shantell

Merry Merry!!!

2010-11-28T10:35:00.000-08:00

It's time for a complete blog overhaul. I'll be completely updating the entire look and removing old posts, links & whatnot. Stay tuned....it should be fun.

So if you sneak a peek and it's all a big old mess than you know I'm busy working on it. :o)

Have a Merry Merry Christmas!!!

2010-09-22T18:10:00.000-07:00

I'm really excited to share that I will be participating in the first Teddies Worldwide Online Bear Show in November. There will be a host of wonderful artist from all over the world participating so be sure to mark your calendars for November 20 & 21. Here's a little sneak peek of what I will have to offer. Stay tuned for more tempting news and updates.

Thanks for visiting!
Shantell

My latest quilt project....DONE!

2009-06-07T06:41:00.000-07:00

I finished my latest quilt project yesterday while watching TV. It's so nice to just sit with a nice soft quilt draped over your lap and hand sew at your own speed. I find it very relaxing.

I had to stand on an end table and the arm of an overstuff chair on my tippy toes to get ALL of the quilt in my picture. I'm glad I didn't fall on my butt...now that would have looked funny.

Enjoy

For the Love of Quilts

2009-03-29T10:40:00.000-07:00

I think everyone should have their own quilt...even a new baby. So after going through all my quilt books, choosing fabrics in just the right color scheme and obsessing as I always do, I finished this little crib size quilt for my dear friend, Aleta and her little grandbaby. I forgot to photograph the backside (silly me) but it's the middle shade of pink with cream polka dots...and oh so cuddly soft flannel.

Hugs,

Spring Please!!! ~ Blog Giveaway

2009-02-17T10:33:00.000-08:00

As promised, I'm doing another blog giveaway. I just love them...participating in them, crossing my fingers hoping it's my name drawn and even more doing them and giving away a little something special from my own hand & heart.

If you would like to win this violety, stripey barefooted Annie just leave a comment stating "Spring Please." You can always leave a comment even if you don't want to win. Those are lovely too!!

Annie is about 10 inches tall. Created using tea-stained 100% cotton muslin & wool hanspun curly hair. Her dress & bow are made from quilting cotton. Her features are all hand painted & sealed.

I'll draw a winner on February 28th.

Thanks for peeking!!!

First Annies of 2009

2009-01-06T15:22:00.000-08:00

Gosh, two post in one day!!!

Here's a picture of the two Annies I talked about in my earlier post. Annie in Yellow Flowers and Annie in Polka-Dots. I may change their names yet. I can't decide whether to individually name them or call them all Annie something-0r-other. It's a dilemma...LOL

XOXO

Annie & Babette!!

2008-11-17T16:21:00.000-08:00

Here they are, my blog giveaway duo...10" Annie & 3" Babette.

Annie & Babette

Babette (close up)

There's still time to sign up by either posting a comment here or on my original blog giveaway post below or by sending me a private email. You have until November 30th and then I'll draw on December 1st. Whoo hoo!!! I just love celebrating my birthday all month long. Fun fun fun!!!

P.S. I'm not liking my new light tent very much or else it's not liking me. Definitely gotta learn how to work with it...always something to learn. :O)

Hugs,

BERT says TRICK OR TREAT

2008-10-26T16:59:00.000-07:00

LOOKY...can you believe it...a new dumpling!!! This poor little bear has been in pieces on my worktable for months just waiting to be a bear. Poor thing...but I think he was worth the wait. Here are some quicky preview photos. I'm in the process of shopping for a light tent and lights. All this dragging my stuff outside for photo ops at just the right lighting times is for the birds...tweet tweet. :O)

Meet BERT just in time for Halloween, although, he didn't want to dress up in a costume. He wanted everyone to meet him as a real bear no gimmicks...just BERT. BERT stands tall at 9 inches. He's stuff firmly with polyfil, glass pellets and a few stainless steel bb's in his belly for a nice hefty weight. Bert's fur is a nice thick pile german mohair in a rich chocolate brown and I've hightlighted his wool felt footpads and face using a dry brush technique in black. BERT's cute little nose has been carefully stitched with black embroidery floss and then sealed with a non-yellowing matte sealer to protect it for years to come. He is 5-way cotterpin jointed for ease in posing.

If you are interested in adopting BERT, his adoption fee is $110 with free shipping to US. Of course international buyers are always welcome. Just email me!!!

Thanks for peeking in on BERT.

Hugs,

A Story in Pictures (Mostly)

2008-09-28T15:42:00.000-07:00

All we gotta do is climb this stuff and out we go...

And, then the frenzy began...

Momma called for dinner and it subsided temporarily

(please note: there are FIVE kittens on the fence above...look close)

One persisted (see momma in the top of the photo) and succeeded.

Kittens are 5 weeks old now. Every time they hear our voice, especially mine, they come running to the fence and start meowing like crazy wanting to be picked up and cuddled. They are so cute, funny and just plain fun.

Hugs,

I hear the pitter patter of baby feet...

2008-09-14T05:44:00.000-07:00

They've become mobile all of a sudden...and it's to die for cute!!

Enjoy my blurry, taken at dusk photos. Skippy is laying right there under the hosta next to the house purring. She could have cared less. We put green temporary fencing around the flower bed. They now officially have a playpen. Skippy can get out....they can't (YET).

Enjoy!! You know where I'll be for the next several weeks. :O)

Just a sample

2008-09-05T07:05:00.001-07:00

...and this isn't even HALF the litter. We have 6 little boy orangecicles and 1 little girl licorice stick :) Their eyes are open but the poor little things are facing the morning sun for their unwelcomed lickity split photo shoot.

Today is another day for better photo shoot opportunities...Skippy needs to take longer "vacations." LOL

Everything's Pinks & Purples

2008-05-28T10:46:00.000-07:00

My flowers seem to be all pinks and purples this year. Enjoy!