Archive for September, 2011

We’re still collecting teddy bears, stuffed animals and toys for the Victim Assistance Program.

Join us with your favorite teddy bear on September 30th for Teddy & Me.

And bring an extra for the kids!

Hi! My name is Donna and I am a newby at this!  I’ve been a collector and crafter most of my life, just like my mother before me.  I retired a couple years ago and my collecting and crafting increased! I’ve collected things that say something to me.  I have native made and inspired items from North, Central and South America.  I, also, have things I’ve gotten just because it was something I liked or thought was interesting or different.  I love Christmas and Christmas tree ornaments.  I really like anything handmade.  Someone had the inspiration and ability to actually take one thing and make it into something else, amazing!  I’m a Viet Nam veteran of the USAF and my son, Chris, is currently on active duty, also with the USAF.  If it supports or honors our troops, I’m all for it!  What will you find in my little shop? Handmade /painted pottery, Mola’s from the San Blas, wall art from the Americas, handmade Christmas ornaments, native American made or inspired objects, one of a kind pillows to items honoring our troops, almost anything!  Thanks for letting me share space at “Laura’s Emporium”.  It feels like home!

Editor’s note:  Donna’s booth #22 is upstairs toward front of the building.

My son and his wife flew off to Nevada to meet up with my older son and attend the 2011 Burning Man festival.  They left two children and two dogs in my care.  Unfortunately the timing was bad because I do the layout for an e-magazine under a tight deadline that just happened to fall within that 10-day span.  So after dropping the kids off at their schools, I’d race home to my computer in Fort Pierce, work until it was time to pick them up, then race back to Port St. Lucie

First thing, I laid out the ground rules and established a schedule; bedtime, mealtime, homework first, no video games after 7pm, cookies are not a major food group, etc., etc.  The kids (Damien 6 and Gianna 4) have been great, although they did start to salute me after a couple days.

Gianna is starting dance class, so needed the required clothing.  I raised two boys, I can fish, repair just about anything, change my oil, install a dishwasher.  Don’t have a clue where to buy a tu-tu.  Well, let’s start at Wal-Mart, I know they have tights.  After repeatedly asking a salesperson where individual items are located, she finally asks “Is this for a dance class?”  Hhmm, maybe she knows about this stuff.  Turns out Wal-Mart has a dancewear section!  We have tights, leotard, shoes, and in lieu of the tu-tu, something called a dance skirt – all in fabulous, feminine pink.

I discovered that my son’s boxers and a t-shirt will work as pajamas if I forget my laundry at home.  I discovered that no one will tell you that your shirt is on backwards and that size and price are clearly visible on the long sticky strip you forgot to remove.  I discovered that broccoli dipped in Italian dressing is pretty good, corn on the cob – not so much.  I discovered that if you don’t like white milk, but like cereal, add some Nestle’s chocolate.

Four more days to go and I return home – to sleep in my own bed, take naps when I feel like it, the quiet of living with only my senior citizen dog, skip breakfast if I want, leave sharp knives on the countertop, read books that have multi-syllable words.  To my humble abode, where I won’t have to ask my grandson, “Where the heck does mom keep the cheese grater/stapler/dog chews, etc.?”

Yep, looking forward to that.  But I’ve had fun.  My grandchildren are fascinating people with so much to teach me, and I have this opportunity to really listen to them.  Exhausted?  Yes.  Would I do it again?  In a heartbeat.

 A Hug . . . isn’t that appropriate?  Lucky Bears Limited is a UK company, understandable since England’s manufacturers of collectible Teddy Bears outnumbered many other countries.  Although Lucky Bears offers a few new bears for children, they specialize in vintage and antique bears for the collector and new collectible bears are available from selected manufacturers.

Steiff is probably the most well-known maker of Teddy Bears and auction prices confirm its collectibility.  But there are several other companies that produced (some still in business) high quality bears.  As part of their Encyclopaedia, Lucky Bears gives us the history, popular bears, and means of identification for companies spanning five countries.  While many may think ‘one size fits all,’ the characteristics of each company’s bears shows just how unique these creations are.

Browsing the antique and vintage bears for sale, one is struck by the personality of each.  Many were created to commemorate events and people.  Paddington Bear is a classic example of bears who were born from storybooks.  And who doesn’t remember Smokey telling us “Only YOU can prevent forest fires”?

Lucky Bears tells you how to care for your bears – storage, cleaning, pests, etc.  Especially important when adding a vintage bear to your Hug.  Not just for antique bears, this is applicable to the numerous bears your children have been given over the years.  The glossary is well done and includes ‘when’ and ‘why’ explanations.  Vastly more understandable than just a quickie definition, which often leaves one no wiser than before.  If you’ve come across a Teddy Bear term not mentioned, Lucky Bears encourages you to email them and they’ll add it to the glossary.

Just as we have a diversified group of friends, Teddy’s circle includes dogs, frogs, rabbits, beavers and more.  Collectible on their own, Teddy would invite them all to a party.  And don’t forget to dress appropriately; from a casual backyard barbecue to the president’s inauguration, the well-dressed bear is ready for any occasion.  You can find accessories here or inspiration to make your own.

How much is your bear worth?  Lucky Bears gives us an in-depth look at what makes a bear valuable.  Condition is primary for any collectible, manufacturer is important, but size, color and other factors also contribute to value.  Take a close look at your Teddy Bear while reading “How Much is MY Antique Bear Worth?” and you may move him from your bed to a glass case.

Lucky Bears Limited <http://luckybears.com> is a friendly, informative, easy-to-navigate site.  They gladly share their considerable knowledge and have superb photos.  And don’t forget to check out the Links page for clubs, current manufacturers, magazines, and more.

Tell ‘em I sent ya’
Victoria

P.S. For those not familiar with the metric system an easy, one-step conversion is http://www.worldwidemetric.com/measurements.html