Better give this one a title hey! Let's just say: UPDATE!!!

Oh my goodness- another comment on how fast time flies! Just a quick update on how things are progressing: unfortunately I've had to postpone my website meeting with my designer about the Society site, but that will just leave me with some time to gather more information- it really is a data intensive site that needs a lot of attention. So hopefully we will be launching something in the next few months- slow and steady!!
The Art of Teddy Bears is now online and almost fully active- I still have a heap of products to be inserted but the thought of matching up over 100 photos for fabrics is giving me the chills....but at least I have over 1/2 of the tools listed!!!
Heavenly Stitches is now in full swing, this September is going to be great- we have waited far too long to get a Fair that represents quality, original craft to the people in this area- one thing is for sure it will be beautiful....
This craft and teddy business is managing to consume so much of my time and energy- but I love it!!! :O) today was like Christmas, when my "packaging options" arrived - I am so thoroughly loving the craft process.
My sore fingers have almost healed enough for me to start sewing again, so that means a heap of more samples will be born (if only my hands could keep up with my creative buzz, life would be sweet!)
I'm a bit choppy tonight, must be the fact that the kids got an early night and I am going to try and finish some work off- I won't speak too soon though :O)
Happy stitching folks!!!
Mel

What A Weekend!

Well I've just gotten back from the Jupiters, Gold Coast Teddy, Doll and Bead Fair where I launched my new supply boutique: The Art of Teddy Bears. The weekend went really well and I got to speak to so many teddy enthusiasts it was great. It nice not to be running around the whole time, but to be able to concentrate on teddy bears.....
Won't go on for too long now, still have to unpack and then get the new website www.theartofteddybears.com up to speed with all of the great new things we have. It'll be a busy day!
Melissa

Inspiration!

I've just gone and done it again. I find it so hard to write anything- it's kind of like a form of torture. See my problem is not (as you can see) that I cannot find ideas or words, more that I have trouble slowing them down and picking and choosing what I say. Generally if I give an opinion it is usually regarding all aspects of the subject. Not my finest character trait.
I'd love to be someone who can give an opinion and then move on, or even dwell a little less on something that I can have no affect on. As my Mum always says "circle of influence!"
I'm going to can it for tonight, just to prove to myself that I can occasionally shut my pie hole, the other reason is I just know that I'm going to be woken up with the birds by one of my two little men- time will tell which and since it's nearly midnight I must try and get a little "beauty sleep"....

Mel

The State of Affairs

Wow! Has it really been a month since I logged on to blogger? Unbelievable that so much has happened in such (what seemed to be) a short time. Though a month is a decent amount in anyones book. So where am I up to these days.... let see, TT has me thinking about future plans for the industry- initiatives if you will.
Realistically they have been on my mind for some time (a lot of this time I've been waiting for someone to take the obvious challenges up- but alas no one has yet), and most of which have taken up most of the last month in planning and preparation, but in some kind of cosmic twist it seems that I'm to formalize it all much sooner than I had anticipated.
The world wide bear industry is in, like so many other creative pursuits, in flux. I can list 2 dozen reasons why it is so, but they don't count for much, it is just the nature of the beast we call our world. Things change and we must adapt. Technology advances and we must progress with it.
I for one have spent a few years getting my "life" sorted, reassessing priorities. At one stage I couldn't get far enough away from this work. But as the months turned into years I got the vibe back. That eagerness to actually create again. I haven't stopped thinking about it since. Not only my own creations but others'.
So in the very near future many of things will be changing in my world. Much more work of course and much less time with my family, but they'll be there backing me up as per usual-trying to help where ever they can. Plus two little boys to boot will keep me on my toes. I'm in the midst of starting up a little web boutique supply concern, definitely a mouthful but you get the idea- I'm not planning on bringing every fabric put on this earth to folks, just some really nice notions and bears that should get folk smiling.
I also have two other projects that will require momentous effort and energy to bring them to fruition, but if they work (which I'm betting they will) it will be the start of a new era in not only my life but hopefully this will flow onto those who also hold teddy bears so close to their hearts. Bring along the needs of a show or 4 and you'll see that I'm up for a lion fight- but if anything I have come to realize a few things about myself and like minded arctophiles in the months just gone.
As individuals we can make a difference and as a group we can create a bear revolution!!! It starts at the entry level, encouraging new makers and collectors and fostering them with information and a helping hand when needed. I'll post more information as it comes to hand (don't want to spoil the surprises!) but jeez is this an exciting time for teddy bears.

Just one of the new little tackers for the Happy Little Souls Pattern Collection

Just Starting Out!

Well this is all very interesting, many a time have I looked at other's blogs and thought one day! Well it seems today is the day.... in another of my to attempts to keep up with the modern world and stay connected with the traders and collectors of my Fair, folks who like my patterns & bears and students who need to know whats happening (and now that I have a little spare time) I endevour on this new journey of blogging- who'd of thought!
My hope for this space is that I can share with all of you all the new exciting happenings and goings on in my neck of the woods, without all of the hurdles of my websites.
Of course it may be a little while before we are off and running, but I've always said there is nothing wrong with baby steps.
This week I'll be very busy updating websites and sending out emails, letting everyone know about The Sydney Teddy Bear Fair, the Competition Winners and Silent Auction results and then I'll be embarking on next years plans- all the while making sure the kids get enough Mum time after a very hectic few weeks.
Stayed tuned....
Mel