Little Scruffs miniature Bears

19th January 2012

2012-01-19T14:02:00.000-08:00

I think it has been about 2 months since I last blogged- can't believe how time goes by so quickly!! In fact, does anyone have time to get bored nowadays, everyone seems to be rushing round so much.
Christmas and the New Year went by in a flash. Amy came home from Sicily for 2 weeks and it was so nice having her around. Anna (and Steve) came too so it was very special.
The bears sitting on the books above are Rita and Peter, 2 of the bears going with me to the Hugglets Fair on the 26th February in Kensington in London. I will be adding more preview photos during the next few weeks. I have changed places and am now in Hall 1 table 55. I have a couple of spare free tickets if anyone would like them.
I have been really enjoying creating new designs during the last few months and intend to keep creating more.

Take care all and speak to you soon

Hugs from Jean and the Little Scruffs
http://www.miniaturemohairbears.co.uk

22nd November 2011

2011-11-22T02:03:00.000-08:00

What's been going on in the month since I last blogged? probably the reason I haven't blogged before is that apart from working flat out on the bears I haven't had a chance to do anything else!I hate keeping people waiting and I don't like having a long order book so I forfeited a month in France for getting up to date. It wasn't really a hardship though as I do love it and I am very grateful that I have such brilliant collectors and work coming in.Even more heart warming for me is that so many people tell me that the bears seem to have healing qualities for them
Meanwhile my daughters have a much more exciting life!! Amy , who recently graduated, has a job with the British Council working in Sicily. I don't think I could go off completely on my own to a new country but she is amazing. She has settled in very well and everyone has been very kind to her. She has had some hairy moments but is thoroughly enjoying herself. The town she is living in still has donkeys collecting the rubbish! I am looking forward to visiting her shortly.
Anna is on the move again this weekend to a new home. Luckily she doesn't live so far away so we can still see her easily.
Try not to race around too much with all the Christmas festivities coming up ladies- I say ladies as I am sure 99% of men don't even realise Christmas cards have to be written, presents bought before Christmas Eve etc etc!!!
Hugs

17th October 2011

2011-10-17T15:15:00.000-07:00

I have just heard that the book is being printed at the moment. If you have no idea what I am talking about this is it.

Juggling Tales by popular childrens author Dot Taig is a book of seven short stories including one about Little Scruffs aimed at 8 to 12 year olds(But I enjoyed it!) It is being published towards the end of this month and Dot would like to know orders this week if possible. The price will be £6 and would make a very nice gift. Please email me on littlescruffs@yahoo.co.uk if you are interested. Here is the front cover - spot the Scruffs!!!
and here is a bit more information
“Have a wonderful adventure,”

Stargazer said to the Little Scruffs.

We hope you do, too, as you turn the pages of this book and read all about the Scruffs, a magic pumpkin, a Tree Spirit, an invisibility hat and many other strange and wonderful things...

not forgetting the bag of wind!

Ghillie Dhu's Lost Amber
The magic pumpkin
The city under the sea
The little scruffs
Toytime
Is anyone there?
The Lost Christmas present.
I love thinking up new style bears and I have been making quite a few new dogs recently. I have just finished my first FatHead dog - a very vicious looking little one but his bark his worse than his bite! See Dawg on my bear page at http://www.miniaturemohairbears.co.uk
Bye for now
Jean

21st September 2011

2011-09-21T03:16:00.000-07:00

Oh gosh I am getting longer in between my very interesting and entertaining (NOT!) blogs!! This also is going to be a very short one just to let you know I am here, in the background, beavering away everyday bear making! I say bear making but recently I have been making more dog like bears than ever. I must show you these 2 incredibly sweet photos of Tabitha, a tri coloured fox terrier and the little Tabitha I made of her. The real Tabitha is 14 years old and a very much loved family member so I was pleased that her owner was happy with my mini version.
The new Teddy bears of Witney catologue came out this week and I am pleased to say that the little grey dog has almost sold out and I have been asked to make a similar edition in brown.
This time next week my daughter Amy will be on her way to Sicily for a year in her first proper paid job since finishing Uni this year. So far she still has no where to stay so if anyone knows anyone living in Castelbuono, Sicily PLEASE contact me so that I can stop worrying!! I have just made her a mini Soldier Bear to take with her.
Don't forget to take a look at http://www.visionfinearts.co.uk/ where the artist Helen Jones has packs of Little Scruffs notelets for sale. If you want paintings or drawings of your dog/bear/bike/house, the list goes on- see what she creates.
Well that's all for now, hopefully next time I will have more information about the book of short stories coming out for Christmas by Dot Taig which includes a story on the Little Scruffs

12th August 2011

2011-08-12T00:40:00.000-07:00

12th August 2011

I am more than half way through my “holiday” in France now. I don’t know why I call it a holiday as I have to do horrible household chores here that I usually get away with in England since my husband retired. Here in France we have loads of renovating to do and a field of a garden that if I didn’t keep cracking the whip Mike would be out in all day!!!

I have now given up on trying to find a reasonably priced courier to send the bears out with. They all seem to be twice the price of sending them by Royal Mail. Luckily I have some very lovely, patient customers and so far have 16 bears all waiting to go to new homes on my return.

I have become slightly obsessed with making my take on the old Soldier Bears from World War One at the moment but am aware that these funny little bears are not everyone’s cup of tea so force myself into only making every other one an alternative style.

I am thrilled to have a 2 page article in an online magazine this month written about the Little Scruffs. Here is the link and I think I am on pages 28 and 29

http://issuu.com/annelouisemagazine/docs/annelouisemagazineaugust2011

My daughter Anna and her boyfriend are coming to stay next week which we are really looking forward to. They want to camp in the garden but as we have a railway line at the bottom of it I am not sure if they will last the week there!!

We don’t have a phone line in the house so no Broadband for us. I have to walk 2 miles each day to an internet café to check my emails and update my website. If it wasn’t for that and the cost of postage I would be more inclined to stay here longer, especially after hearing about all the terrible riots in England this week.

Well I will love and leave you now and hope everyone has a lovely Summer.

Take Care

Hugs

Jean
Little Scruffs
http://www.miniaturemohairbears.co.uk/

20th May since I last blogged!!!!

2011-07-11T12:18:00.000-07:00

Today is the 11th July 2011- nearly 2 months since I last blogged!!! Where did that time go? The bears have been taking all my time up and I realise that my Blog, Facebook, Twitter and all the other social sites I am on have taken a back seat. That said, I feel very lucky that I have such a wonderful job and that the bears are being adopted by so many people.
I am off to France again on 27th July for a month and this time will be definitely using a courier service for sold bears. If anyone reading this has any suggestions as to the best service to use while over there I would be very grateful.

Today's bear is Martha, above, a girl bear for a change. Yesterday I went to a car boot and bought some old wooden blocks and carts, they were just the thing for the 2 bears I had just finished
Finally, if I haven't bored you already, I must tell you how proud we are of our daughter Amy who has just finished Uni with a 1st Degree Honours in Italian and Spanish with a Distinction. Now who else can I tell!!!!
That's all from me for now
Hugs,
Jean
Little Scruffs
http://www.miniaturemohairbears.co.uk/

20th May 2011

2011-05-20T13:24:00.000-07:00

Phew what a busy few weeks it's been! I have got one day to get everything packed to take to France for a month and I am hoping I don't forget any vital bearmaking stuff- clothes you can buy if necessary, bear equipment not so easy to come by! I have also got to leave our flat spotless as our friends are staying while we are away. I wish Mike was as enthusiastic about housework as he is DIY!!
This is Bong

This little chap caused quite a headache for me last night. Within a few minutes of him going on the website I had 4 emails from people wanting to adopt him! It was a nice headache to have though :0)

I have been doing quite a few smaller bears recently, around about 3". I am taking a couple of huge bears(well they are to me!) to make on holiday, not sure if I will get round to doing them but they have been on my wanting to do list for ages. They are not my patterns and I shall be making them just for myself, which is why I probably wont get round to it.

My daughter, Amy had her last ever lesson at Uni today after 4 years there. I think she felt quite sad. She has lots of exams over the next few weeks and then she will be living in London for 3 months while working (unfortunately unpaid) for a company that deals in film subtitles - the job she would love to do most, especially as they have offices in Rome and Barcelona.

Anna, my other daughter , while still working in a school is also doing a Masters in Education , hoping this will help her with future jobs as teaching is so competitive at the moment.

I have been on a bit of a keep fit binge recently. Sitting on your backside sewing all day is not good for the figure and although I have always walked twice a day it hasn't helped as I do love my food. So I am now swimming twice a week, 40 lengths each time, and by cutting out rubbish food have managed to lose 1 stone 6 lbs this year. Trouble is I am not so good in France so we will see how I go.

Remember if you want to reserve a bear while I am away please drop me an email.

Hugs

Jean

5th April 2011

2011-04-05T06:01:00.000-07:00

Well I am half way through my holiday- did I say holiday??? We have bought a run down cottage in France – my husband’s dream for many years and now he has retired I couldn’t put him off any longer!!!

Back home in England he has been doing most of the domestic chores while I make bears all day. I have been thoroughly spoilt and it is a bit of a shock to the system to have to clean and cook now especially as there is no dishwasher!!!

I spent the first few days making curtains and various items and we are working flat out to make it look as nice as possible as we have our first visitors next week. Luckily it is only our daughters!!

We are both so useless at French. Mike went to night school last year to learn it and I am sure he went to Spanish classes by mistake!!! Our cottage is in a little Hamlet with shops about half a mile away. Our neighbours who speak no English are lovely to us and we all have our dictionaries at hand.

When we arrived we gave Germaine, out next door neighbour, a tin of biscuits. The next day we went to have our breakfast and realised we had given her the wrong tin!!!! In the one we gave her there was a few prunes, half a bag of nuts and about 4 apricots!! Still laughing about it now.

I have just added Antoinette to my website.

I will say bye for now and hope to add more bears in the next few days

Hugs

18th March 2011 Red Nose Day

2011-03-18T09:18:00.000-07:00

Jo King above wanted to get his picture in cyberspace for Red Nose day!!!

It's been a busy few weeks here with the Little Scruffs and we will be going away on 26th March until 17th April.
Now this doesn't mean no bears will be made, there is no way I could leave it that long!!!! I will be adding new bears to the website, designing others and catching up on orders while in France. We have bought a small cottage that we are doing up there. Which means I will be making things for the house as well so I will be busier than normal!! Might just stay at home!!
Anyway, if you were thinking of buying a Little Scruffs for Mothers Day or Easter the last day for next day posting in UK is a week today on Friday 25th.
Hugs
Jean

28th February 2011

2011-02-28T11:28:00.000-08:00

Last day of February already!!! I had a lovely day at the Kensington Bear Fair yesterday. I sold lots of bears and met some lovely people. I didn't realise quite how many bears I had made recently until they were all out on display!
I have been updating the website and as from today, for one week only, I am doing free Royal Mail Special Delivery within the UK. Please take a look and see if there is anyone you like
Hugs
Jean
Little Scruffs
http://www.miniaturemohairbears.co.uk/

20th February 2011

2011-02-20T09:30:00.000-08:00

Sorry my communication has been so limited recently. What with, firstly, no phone and broadband, then Mike being away and trying to prepare for the bear fair next Sunday, coupled with being without my camera I have been a waste of space!!!!

A peep through the key hole shows this little white dog/bear who will be keeping me company next week at the Kensington Bear Fair, together with LOTS more bears. Please let me know if you are also going and if you have never heard of Hugglets and you like bears....where have you been!!!! Get yourself down to the Town Hall next Sunday 27th February :0)
As soon as the fair is over I will be paying lots of attention to my website .
Until then
Hugs
Jean and the Little Scruffs

4th February 2011

2011-02-04T14:52:00.000-08:00

10 days to go until Valentines Day and I have discovered there really are some lovely romantic men out there!! No sadly my husband isn't one of them - imagination is not one of his better qualities!
What I meant was the men that contact me asking for special bears for their other halves and so much thought goes into what they want. Not quickly rushing out to get chocolates the day before!! I can't go into details as I might just spoil it for someone but well done to all the romantics out there.

Hopefully now my communication problems are over and broadband and the phoneline is now working as normal. Sorry if you have had any problems getting in touch.
off to a pantomine tomorrow- don't even know what I am seeing but I know it will be fun as it is my old drama group- yes and they are getting old too!!!
3 weeks until Hugglets Bear Fair in Kensington, London.Please let me know if you would like tickets, it really is the 'best' fair ever
Have a good weekend everyone
Hugs

Jean and the Little Scruffs
http://www.miniaturemohairbears.co.uk/

24th January 2011

2011-01-24T11:26:00.000-08:00

Well after weeks and weeks and even more weeks of having problems with our phone and internet and getting nowhere, it seems that engineers are coming out tomorrow and the problem should be fixed by midnight!!!! if so I am thrilled even though I have spent so much time trying to find the fault, convinced it was our wiring , phones etc. I will keep you posted.
Life is very busy at present and I am struggling to find enough hours in the day but I have got lots of bears due to go on website and who will be going to Hugglets in London on 27th February. Please let me know if you would like a ticket to this brilliant bear show.

Also, as my job involves a lot of sitting down I am desperatly trying to exercise as much as possible so I have added swimming to the 2 walks a day and I also take Lola, a frisky golden labrador walkies for her owner who is partially sighted. No chocolates,cakes,biscuits or any treats come to think of it have passed through my lips since Christmas although I have only lost 6 lbs!!
I have just finished a fuzzy little FatHead today.He is made from some new material I have just received and is pretty cute! I have just taken a quick picture as shown but it's not very clear
If you have any trouble geting in touch with me please try my mobile which is on my website
Speak soon
Hugs
Jean
Little Scruffs
http://www.miniaturemohairbears.co.uk/

7th January 2011

2011-01-07T08:04:00.000-08:00

I hope the New Year has started off well for you with not too many weather traumas. It was really unusual for Evesham to have so much snow and a bit of a novelty......for a while!!!!

Well I have been having a great deal of trouble with my internet recently and it still isn't resolved. Firstly the phone started playing up, crackly and only working sometimes, now that has gone completely. Now the internet is pretty much the same, cutting out all the time. Also people have been having trouble paying and emailing me so things need to change quickly. The trouble is it is a bit of an unusual case but to tell you the truth you would be bored stiff if I carried on so I won't bother.

Rufus, the little dog with the black ears above, is a new design which reminds me of a mohair dog from long ago. Iam enjoying working on new styles but of course I still make the old faithfuls. I shall be at Hugglets bear show on the 27th February in Kensington, London. What a fabulous Fair it is too. You can find more details on my website or through Hugglets themselves.

Well bye for now and I look forward to hearing from you

Beary Hugs

Jean and the Little Scruffs

A Very Happy New Year

2010-12-31T12:39:00.000-08:00

I just want to wish you all

A Very Happy New Year

I will be adding new bears to the site on New Years day so please pop along.

Thank you for looking in

Beary Hugs

Jean and the Little Scruffs

16th December 2010

2010-12-16T10:55:00.000-08:00

McDuff along with other bears, dogs and cats has been added to my website this week

The winner of the Christmas bear was Ursula from Berlin, Germany. I will be doing another free competition next year.

I would just like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and Prosperous, Safe New Year

Take Care and thank you for taking the time to read my blog, buy my bears and be very important to me.

Bear Hugs

Jean

Little Scruffs

www.miniaturemohairbears.co.uk

3rd December 2010

2010-12-04T01:29:00.000-08:00

The Free bear competition is up and running. All you have to do to be entered to win this one of a kind 2" bear is let me know your favourite Little Scruffs bear. Please go to my website http://www.miniaturemohairbears.co.uk and Email me so that I can put you in my competition folder . The draw will take place on 18th December.

Until 18th

Hugs

Jean

Little Scruffs

16th November 2010 A Bear Blog

2010-11-16T02:47:00.000-08:00

Gosh, just noticed it has actually been just over a month since I last blogged! What with so many different online social outlets it is hard to know whether just to concentrate on one avenue or go with everything. If I was a more organised person I would do them all but spread them out so as not to bore and bombard people with my drivel!!

It isn't as if I have anything interesting to say actually. I have had a strange couple of months bearwise. After an incredible 2 years of flat out bear making I have gone pretty quiet on the website. People are still asking for custom orders and as always my customers are fantastic and make me so happy to be doing what I do. There are still a couple of days left for free postage.

I think it is about time I did a free bear competition so will be sorting that out for before Christmas.

Bye for now

Hugs

Jean and the Little Scruffs

www.miniaturemohairbears.co.uk

13th October 2010

2010-10-13T11:49:00.000-07:00

Had a rare day off from bearmaking today and went to visit my daughter Amy in Bristol. I love it there, it is such a mixture of everything!!! So many interesting shops, individual and quirky and we had a fantastic lunch at one of the many, many eating houses.
I finished a 2" bear last night! It took longer to make than my usual 4" bears as I was chopping and changing the style and size as I went along. I tried to take a decent photo but the lighting was bad so will add it to the website tomorrow
It would have been my brother David's birthday today. He died earlier this year after lots of suffering so I hope he is partying today in a better place.
I am nearly up to date with orders so will hopefully be back to adding lots more bears to the website
Bye for now and thanks for reading my blog
xxx
Jean
Little Scruffs

21st September 2010

2010-09-21T01:56:00.000-07:00

Another glorious day here in France. All this walking to the Internet Cafe should be making me thin - in my dreams!!!!! Taffy has just been born, he might have to stay with me for a while!!!!

20th September 2010

2010-09-20T02:19:00.000-07:00

Gosh this holiday is going quickly. I shall miss it here but will be glad to have broadband back again!!!!! I have just taken a photo of 2 of latest bears in the supermarket carpark, haven't got a clue if they have turned out but will try and upload now. Jock is a vintage velvet FatHead and still thinking of a name for the pink one.

Bye for now xxx

19th September

2010-09-19T09:24:00.000-07:00

hat a lovely weekend this has been. It is glorious weather here in France although very cold in the mornings. I have plums, grapes, peaches and apples coming out of my ears from nice neighbours and our own trees, a bit different from back home with no garden!!! Just a short message to let you know that Barney, Paris and Kensington are no longer available from my website. Hopefully I will be back down here tomorrow to add a couple of new bears that I haven't yet photographed.

We are renovating our cottage and there isloads to do but I am just adding a photo of a little unit we found in a second hand shop and all the bits and bobs we have found in charity shops or I have made that goes with it. We have also found a 1950's kitchen unit in blue. I used to hate them but hopefully think it will go nicely in our kitchen

bye for now

Jean

wednesday 15th September

2010-09-15T07:58:00.000-07:00

hello all, here are a couple of new ones to add to the list. Will be putting them all on website when back home but if you want any details you can email me or text my mobile. Contact details on my website http://www.miniaturemohairbears.co.uk/

I have a little kitty and an old time bear. Notice I am being very basic with my photos and details lol

That's all for now

xxxJean

12th September 2010

2010-09-13T00:47:00.000-07:00

Good Morning all on this lovely Monday morning here in France. I have managed to finish another 2 bears so hopefully will add them to my blog now. Non of the bears have bells and adornments as I have left them all behind in England but will add them on my return.

I was going to make a very sophisticated little pink bear for the Fat Heads but she was having non of it!!! She wanted to be a proper Fat Head, scruffy and worn like the rest of them!

Anyway I did try to upload to my proper website http://www.miniaturemohairbears.co.uk but unfortunately I can't do it so they will all be put on the site on my return. But if you would like to know more details of any of the bears just give me an email or text littlescruffs@yahoo.co.uk or 07929310275 . I aim to check my emails every other day while I am here. 2 more weeks to go.

I hope anyone who did Hugglets had a very successful day. Speak soon xxxJean

10th September 2010

2010-09-10T00:47:00.000-07:00

oh got to be really quick as I have very little battery but just adding 3 very basic photos of latest bears. Please contact me if you are interested for details. I will be back on on Monday.

I remembered every thing except adapter plug!!!!! What a wally. Better go before I lose everything xxxxxx

8th September 2010

2010-09-08T00:39:00.000-07:00

What a nightmare not having internet§ My usual internet cafe attached to supermarket is on holiday for a week, I came to this place yesterday and it was closed and was told about another internet cafe. I went in with my laptop only to find it was a graphic design office specialising in internet sites§§§ Anyway I shall have to wait until next Monday to add photos of new bears when I can use my laptop again.
All is good here in France and our neighbours are superb. Whoever said the French don,t like us? Everyone is so helpful especially as we are so rubbish at french.
I have neary finished a large tradition bear in the style of Cath but in a rust vintage velvet it is one of my favourites I have to say.
I shall keep in touch over the next " weeks;
Hugs
Jean,
Little Scuffs
www.miniaturemohairbears.co.uk

20th August 2010

2010-08-20T00:33:00.000-07:00

Well I am pleased to say I have at last finished an order for 25 bears all the same! As I was putting the finishing touches to the last one I had an email asking for 20 of one of the bears off the website and I didn't know whether to be happy or not as I love doing just what comes to me. But after a bit of investigation I am unsure if it is a genuine enquiry so I might not have to make that decision.

Got a couple of moans about services this week. I sent a Royal Mail Special next day delivery to my daughter on Saturday and 6 days later it appears to have gone missing without trace with important documents in it. Thankfully I have never had a bear go missing.

The other moan is also connected to my daughter. She lost her purse last weekend so on Saturday I cancelled all her bank cards and she ordered another card which the man said would take 2 -4 working days. As she was on her own in Bristol with no money he arranged an emergency payment which cost £5. When the card didn't arrive by yesterday I rang them and he hadn't even ordered it and the bank said well she could just go into a branch there and withdraw money at no cost! So that man if you are reading this- have a nice day!!

I am off to post Little Scruffs around the world today, one is going to America, one Australia and one Wales. I was very pleased to send a couple to Honalulu recently. I always wanted to go to Hawaii as a child and the bears going was the next best thing!!

I am excited about doing a swop with a fabulous Dutch artist. The bear is going to be a surprise but I know it will be wonderful as he makes divine bears. I will post a photo when I receive him.

I am off to France again in September but this time I am going to try and keep my website updated and even send the bears from there. I will post on the bears page nearer the time. You are welcome also to reserve bears. If you are a new customer I ask for a deposit of £10 to reserve.

It's a bit rainy here today in Evesham. Have a nice weekend everyone

Hugs

Jean

Little Scruffs

29th July 2010

2010-07-28T23:47:00.000-07:00

Hello from lots of Little Scruffs!!!

We have just come back from 3 weeks in France and the bears above are what I made when I was over there. They were just having their last wish at the old Wishing Well there!!

What a different lifestyle it is there. In all the time we were there we only saw 3 pieces of litter!!! Wish we could get through to people here that it's not cool to chuck your rubbish on the floor- or could it be that the French just don't stand for it like we do?

We picked our girls up from the airport on Tuesday. It was so lovely seeing them. Anna had just spent a month with Amy in Spain where she has just finished her University year abroad and we hadn't seen her since April. She is cooking Paella tonight! We all went for a meal yesterday and saw the film Inception- all about dreams within dreams.It was very good but I kept nodding off lol.

We have had no joy on our house sale so I think I am going to have to knock up a website and try and sell it myself

Now because everyone seems to be on holiday now and I can't stop making bears I have lots up for adoption so take advantage of free postage for the next week by adding Free postage please in the instructions when paying through paypal.

I have lots of materal that I will be adding to the website in the next few days also

Hope you are all well and enjoying the summer- it's nearly August!!!

Hugs

Jean and The Little Scruffs

1st July 2010

2010-07-01T12:55:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, Can you believe it's July already!!! And it's still hot!!! I am not going to have computer access or my landline from tomorrow so if you see anything on the website that you want could you either send a message to my mobile or leave an email and I will try and pick them up as often as possible. It will be back in action on 26th of this month when I should have new bears to add on.
I have managed to add 3 to my site today - Little Jim who is a real cutie and Darby and Joan, an old fashioned couple!!! Can't load the photos here today but they are on my website http://www.miniaturemohairbears.co.uk
Just abit about my girls. Anna has now finished her teacher training so is now a fully qualified R E teacher who just needs a job!! Amy has just finished her year abroad this week but she is staying till the end of July to chill and Anna is going to spend the month with her- alright for some isn't it!
Have a lovely summer everyone, speak soon
Hugs
Jean
Little Scruffs

18th June 2010

2010-06-17T23:21:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I will be at the Arts and Craft fair on the Promenade, Cheltenham. I have never done it there before but am looking forward to it as Cheltenham is such a nice place and we are just by all the good shops! Also there is a great bear shop nearby called The Pied Piper where Georgie and her girls are always most welcoming, and there are usually some Little Scruffs hanging about in there! I believe there is also a Food & Drink fair the same day. We are close to a park so bring all the family!

Evesham property for sale

2010-06-08T04:05:00.000-07:00

Today I am going to blog only about my property for sale on the offchance that it is just what someone is after!! No bears involved.
We live in a large Georgian apartment in the heart of the small market town of Evesham in Worcestershire. The apartment is above 2 shops but when you are in the property it is very private as we have no one living either side of us. We moved here 7 years ago when our daughters were at Prince Henry's High School and it was the best move we could have made. The school is an excellent school and they both did very well there. Because we live in the town centre our flat was a great meeting place for the girls and their friends before their nights out on the town.
Here is a link to the estate agents details. Please look at the room sizes and don't forget there is a private roof garden. The photos aren't very good but give a bit of an idea of what it is like.

Now anyone with teenagers wishing to give them a great education and a fun life we might even be interested in a swop so long as your house is cheaper as the reason we are selling is because my husband has retired and we have bought a run down cottage in France that needs doing up.
Thanks for looking

1st June 2010

2010-06-01T06:22:00.000-07:00

It's the 6th month already!!!! Where have those month gone to?? The little bear above sitting in the life buoy belt is on ebay at the moment-(vintage style miniature mohair bear) He is one of my favourite styles of bears and I love making them- the tattier the better. I seem to be getting more requests for dog like bears recently though.

Mike and I were walking past our local cafe and antique shop The Gateway, the other day and saw a wooden unit for sale. I went in to enquire about the price and this old bear was sitting amongst some old dolls. I just couldn't resist him :) Oophs he has gone to the start of the blog???

We have just bought a cottage in France. It wasn't my idea at all but it's been Mike's dream for a few years. We haven't got a stick of furniture in it and it needs loads of work doing to it. I am trying to get hubby to understand that making it habitable would be the best idea to tempt me over there, not doing the garden!!!!!! Will post some photos next blog

Enjoy June and speak soon. If you want to be notified of new bears please let me know or go to my website www.miniaturemohairbears.co.uk

Hugs

Jeanxx

16th May 2010

2010-05-15T23:43:00.000-07:00

Good Morning All.

No car boot today as it is raining a bit here this morning. I love picking up old bits and pieces and vintage material from there that I can use for making the bears with. Last week I bought the little wooden Triang cart that I have put my new bear Bingo in. The worn out looking bears are still my favourite even though lots of the more cuddly bears are going faster at the moment. It's a good job every one has different tastes though which is why I try and make lots of styles .

Well on Friday we are signing for our new house in France. When I say new,I mean new to us cus it's pretty old. My husband is really excited about it and can't wait to get there. I am staying behind to catch up on my orders and because I want it half habitable before I go over!!!! He keeps inviting people to visit but from what I can remember of it they probably wouldn't want to go just yet!!! The house was furnished when we saw it and apparently they are taking most of the stuff. What makes me think we will be left with an old mattress and broken fridge!!

Sadley our old cat Badger died this week. He was 14 years old. We now have no pets at all and although I am itching for another dog I know it wouldn't be the right time just yet.

It is supposed to be nice here in the UK later so I hope everyone has a nice lazy day.

Speak soon

Hugs

Jean and the Little Scruffs

26th April 2010

2010-04-26T04:03:00.000-07:00

I keep starting this blog & not finishing it!!!! I hope everyone had a nice Easter and you weren't stranded abroad anywhere. I have a friend who went to South Africa for 3 weeks and she will have been there 6 weeks by the time she gets back poor thing. It is a good job our visit to Valencia to see our daughter was only for a few days. She loves it there but she has so many things go wrong that I can't wait for her to come home!!! While we were there she had her purse stolen with her front door keys in. Unfortunately her flat mates were away on holiday and she couldn't get back in for a few days. We bought her a new camera as part of her 21st present and withing 2 weeks she has had that stolen as well. I think by the sounds of it there are professional thieves going round these packed clubs and no-one seems to do anything about it. I say stay in and stop your mum worrying!!!!
The bears are going well and I am still ploughing through shop orders. i have added new ones today so I hope you can take a look.
We have our property on the market so I am having to try really hard to stay tidy- it is not me, I like having everything around me so I know where it is. Whenever anyone comes to see the house it takes me ages to find where I hid all the mohair etc!!!
For all of you who have to "proper work" you will be having an extra day for bank holiday soon so enjoy
Hugs from the Little Scruffs and me

9th April 2010

2010-04-09T00:44:00.000-07:00

My baby is 21 today!!! We visited her in Spain where she is at uni a few days ago. She is on her way to Paris for a few days as I speak but is not very well at all poor thing. I hope the antibiotics work so that she doesn't have a ruined holiday, at least she can't drink!

I haven't been able to put as many bears on the website as usual as I have quite a backlog of orders. We also have just put our apartment on the market and are in the process of buying a house in France. My husband is trying to persuade me to live there permanantly but that is not going to happen!!! So if anyone wants a huge flat in the middle of a town (Evesham) but very private with a roof garden going cheap let me know!!!

The weather here in England is looking really good, must do a carboot to have a clear out. Have a great weekend everyone

Hugs

Jean & the Little Scruffs

31st March 2010

2010-03-31T02:14:00.001-07:00

A fun little picture for you of the bears in a race!!

Well it is the 31st and I will be glad to see the back of this month. A blog should be ablout good and bad so I will have my little wallow. My brother died last week. He had had diabetes for around 12 years and his was the very worst form. He lost both his legs, went blind , had strokes and heart attacks and suffered a lot of pain. He is free from that now for which we are grateful but this is just to say that if you know anyone with this please get them exercising and eating healthy. Sorry about that.

It was also a month for lots of other grumbles but I won't go into those now and just count my blessings .

On the bear front things have been going very well. I have lots of orders and not enough time in each day but I am loving my job (job!!!) all the same.

I have added a panda today- a new design by me with a large centre seam head.

We are off to visit our daughter for a few days soon in Valencia where she is at university so I am really looking forward to that.

Take care everyone and have a lovely Easter

Hugs from me and the Little Scruffs

17th March 2010

2010-03-17T07:56:00.000-07:00

I want to thank 3 people for nominating me for Sunshine Awards and they are as follows:-
Dawn Bevin @
http://dawnbevinsdesign.blogspot.com/

Sprinkles Sparkles

Gallimaufry
I very much appreciate it, thanks ladies!!

Sunshine Award RulesThe Sunshine Award is awarded to bloggers whose positivity & creativity inspires others in the blog world.To accept the award:

Place this award on your blog or in a post

Pass the award on to 12 bloggersLink the nominees within the postLet the nominiees know they have received the award by commenting on their blog

Share the love and link to the person from whom you received the award.I guess we all know what it is like to write a blog sometimes, and feel like no one ever reads it, so the awards are a lovely way to show each other appreciation and spread the word :)

So here are my nominees:

Diary of a Nutty Knitter n ...

Giddy kipper dolls

Helen @ The Beading Lady

incy wincy stitches

Inspired Brides

Blimey only managed 9 and it won't let me put any more- will put the rest up later as don't want to lose this lot!!!

11th March 2010

2010-03-11T00:51:00.000-08:00

I am having trouble with my web hosting today and can't change my website at the moment. This is the panda I will be putting on later so please email me if you are interested. Hopefully normal service will shortly be resumed!!!!!!

28th February 2010

2010-02-28T14:06:00.000-08:00

Wow what a lovely day I had doing the Hugglets bear fair today!!! Sold loads, had lots of shop orders and had a lovely time meeting people and seeing Marijke who I met in September and we had tables next to each other. We did a bear swop and I am now the proud owner of a beautiful bear which I will photograph tomorrow. Thank you Helen for coming on your long journey, it was great to see you and sock monkey is a favourite in the Grogan household. Julieann from Silly Bears in Aberdeen is just as nice in the the flesh as I expected and I enjoyed the day enormously.
I will get some more bears on the site tomorrow hopefully and speak soon
Hugs
Jean

23rd February 2010

2010-02-23T14:11:00.000-08:00

Only a few days till the Hugglets bear fair in Kensington, London (this Sunday 28th at the Town Hall) and then things will get back to normal.

I hae been working flat out so that I have plenty of bears for it and there is no way that they will all go on the day so next week I shall be listing them all on the website http://www.miniaturemohairbears.co.uk/

Will blog next week when it's all over

Lots of love

Jean

Little Scruffs

26th January 2010

2010-01-26T13:08:00.000-08:00

I will not have a computer for a few days so this will be the last post until maybe Sunday. Hopefully I will have a couple of bears to add on. I am just adding an image of 2 bears I will be taking to Hugglets with me. If you are interested in either of them let me know. They are both made from an old mohair pyjama case. i just love using vintage material. They are sitting on an old hankie saying 2To dear mother - 1951" I thought it would make a lovely Mothers day present.I think I should have been born 100 years ago. driving around in an old Ford Popular.... mmmm maybe I was!!! Actually there would have been no computers and no chance of me buying supplies so maybe not! Have a good week and see you soon xx

23rd January 2010

2010-01-23T05:37:00.000-08:00

Hello and a quick Hello at that!! I have just spent a complete morning trying to photograph some bears and editing them with a new photo editing program. I haven't got a clue what I am doing!!!!! I have been really busy with orders this week so haven't got much up on site. I find the taking photos and uploading them to site takes up so much time that I think for the next few weeks with Hugglets coming up I will be doing a couple at a time. I will be keeping a few Hugglets bears a surprise - not that I have made any yet!!! Hubby will be away for a week soon so I am planning to hibernate and make, make, make.

Speak soon and have a good weekend :)

19th January 2010

2010-01-19T04:56:00.000-08:00

23 years ago today I was even bigger than I am now Lol I was living on a farm on small island in the Orkneys called Stronsay and I had been whisked by private plane to the mainland to give birth! I went into labour on a Sunday morning when there were no normal planes so had my own private one. I gave birth to Anna the next evening. She has gone back to her roots this week as she is on 8 weeks teacher training at Bourton on the Water and is living on a farm.

I have been busy bear making this week and here are a couple of photos of bears that I have just added to my site

Have a good week everyone

Hugs, Jean

www.miniaturemohairbears.co.uk

11th January 2010

2010-01-11T07:14:00.000-08:00

The 11th January 2010!!!!!! I really haven't been hibernating, it's much too nice walking out there in the snow. Here in Evesham we hardly ever get any so it has been a real treat. We have had an extra week with our daughter Anna as her uni has been closed and Amy was lucky enough to have no delays with her flight back to milan.

I have been keeping busy with the bears doing orders and as the last few days have been pretty quiet I might get around to sending a newsletter out!! I have been trying to do a proper newsletter for months now without much success and always seem to bungle it up. I long for one of the girls to bring home a new boyfriend and him to be a brilliant computer expert who would sit with me for hours showing me what to do!!!

I will be at Hugglets in London again at the end of February and at the moment need a bit of inspiration to make something different . Think I need to tour the Charity shops, often see something there!

Intentions this year, apart from the old diet thing, is to be more organised, post more blogs and make even more bears!!!!

Keep well everyone, and thank you for looking AND if you make a comment I will answer you or give you 10% off Lol

29th December 2009

2009-12-29T03:14:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,
Hope you all had a really nice Christmas. All is good here in the Little Scruffs household. It has been lovely having both the girls home for Christmas (back to washing everyday!!!) I have managed some bearmaking in between the festivities and will be putting 2 or 3 new ones on the site tomorrow if I get on with it today!! We have a few things planned over the next week before Amy goes back to Milan so the bears will be a little behind but it will be all systems go after that
I would like to wish you all a Very Happy New Year and thank you to all of you who have adopted a little Scruff from me.

21st December 2009

2009-12-21T14:54:00.000-08:00

Well the last bear of 2009 has now gone on the website and I have promised to get on with Christmas, spring clean, visit and all and yet somehow tonight I have been playing around with a new design!!!! Perhaps just a couple of hours a day then hey!

Tomorrow it is taking back throws I bought the other day for my 2 settees that are looking too shabby for Christmas - they weren't big enough and they would have just got on my nerves everytime I sat on them. Then we are off to visit my brother David who has so much wrong with him, poor thing, that you always count your blessings when you come away from him, bless him.

Amy, my daughter in Italy said it is snowing really bad there and she is a bit worried that she won't be able to get home for Christmas - that just cannot happen, I won't allow it!!!!

Well I will love and leave you now and speak again before Christmas xxxx

17th December 2009

2009-12-17T14:54:00.000-08:00

Hello, Little Scruffs here and only 8 sleeps till Christmas!!!! I actually sent most of my cards yesterday and decorations are up. I managed to sort my mess up with losing my website out and even went on my photography session although you wouldn't know it because I am not going to use any of my new found knowledge(!!) until after Christmas when I can sit for a bit and go through what I learnt or maybe call Paul back for a quick refresher more like!!)

I wonder who will be having their first Little Scruff for Christmas? I would love to hear from you.

Life has been really, really hectic (as I am sure it has been for most of you) and I have decided to have my last posting day as 21st December so that I can actually sort Christma out here. Also Amy will be coming back from Uni abroad and we haven't seen her for months so I shall be making the most of having her and Anna here for 2 weeks. Of course I couldn't go that long without making a few little ones!!

11th December 09

2009-12-10T16:58:00.000-08:00

Well it is 1 o'clock in the morning and I have been on the computer all night trying to put right what I messed up earlier. And you wouldn't believe that what I was trying to do was save everything to my harddrive for safety and I ended up loosing my website. I really don't know if I am going to have to do a whole new website now. I have tried restoring my computer back to an earlier time but it hasn't helped so if there is anyone else out there that can't sleep and knows what I can do I would appreciate help greatly!!!
i am giving up now but this might be my onlt means of communiation for a while to let you know what is new & what has sold.

25th November 2009

2009-11-24T22:03:00.000-08:00

Apologies for not adding much to the website this week. I have been busy in the background doing orders and will be adding a few bears that will be going to a shop in the next couple of days. I also am at a craft fair this Saturday in Lichfield at the GuildHall. I will be back soon so please keep looking in. This is one of the bears that will be going to Silly Bears in Aberdeen next week.

19th November 2009

2009-11-19T15:02:00.000-08:00

Is anyone else finding that the hours in their day are getting shorter?!?! It is scary how quickly time goes by isn't it? Not sure what I have been doing since the last blog but the bears seem to be taking longer thank usual, perhaps I am on the computer too long (mmmm that could be it)
Just recently I seem to be making a traditional, then a doglike bear, then 'Fat Head' and back to the traditional although please don't ask for an identical one as I am changing my patterns nearly every time I make a bear and I am so disorganised that I just draw new head etc on card and put it in with all the others, never knowing which one is which. New Years resolution, well one of them had better be to make more notes and stop being so untidy!!

Amy, my daughter who is at Uni in Milan, had her purse stolen on the tram the other day. She was miles from anywhere and didn't have a penny, or ticket to get her home. I contacted the bank and they were so unhelpful. Considering we live practically next door to them, both have accounts with them for years would they listen. "She has to ring us herself" me "But she has no money & a pay as you go phone with hardly anything on it and it costs her 73p a minute to phone, can't you phone/text her?" "No" Grrrrrr
Finished Pud today and have started an alpaca bear now.
Hope all is good with you
Nite Nite from me & the Little Scruffs

7th November 2009

2009-11-07T14:11:00.000-08:00

Well just to say the Misi event was wonderful. I had such a good day, lots of sales and met some lovely people. Must do it again. Too tired to sew now so Nite all and speak soon xx

6th November 2009

2009-11-06T07:28:00.000-08:00

Just to say I hope some of you can make it to the Misi handcrafted goods event at Paintworks in Bristol tomorrow. Would love to see you there.
I am in the middle of a new creation. A different head design which I am quite excited about. I am putting a tradition body on him but think he will also look good with the short legs so might do those as well. This one is in red and should be on my site on Sunday if I get a move on.
Have a good weekend everyone xx

1st November 2009

2009-11-01T05:25:00.000-08:00

Well the sky loooks black outside. Was out at 7 o'clock this morning for our usual walk and got absolutely soaked through - saved having a shower!!! Just in case I don't blog again this week ( am convinced my broadband provider is going to cut us off while the changeover occurs!) i just want to let you know that Misi ( Make it sell it) are holding their first craft fair at Paintworks in Bristol on Saturday 10.30 till 5.00 and I will be there with my bears of which I am going to brink along some of my early bears that I will sell real cheap. All the stallholders will only be selling handmade goods - jewellry, Art, wood, sewing, knitting, cards etc so there should be some fabulous original christmas presents there for you. So far I only know the postcode in Bristol which is BS4 3EH but it is in the Artisan quarter I believe and Bristol has some excellent shops and things to do there. Come and make a day of it :)

22nd October 2009

2009-10-22T02:56:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, I really don't get to blog very often- what with flickr, twitter, Misi and of course my website, and that's before I start bearmaking lol . Anyway I thought I had better blog today just in case I have trouble getting into my website. Now this is because today my husband Mike retires and the company he works for have paid all broadband bills etc. Somehow I have a feeling that when we change over there will be problems and we will be without internet for a while. I really hope not but just in case, I will go to internet cafes to check emails but may not be able to access my website to make changes. Should be able to blog though.
I will leave it for now.
Hugs from me and the Little Scruffs
xxx

5th October 2009

2009-10-04T23:06:00.000-07:00

I have just finished a tiny old bear with long arms and very different proportions to what I have been making recently. I am out today so hope to get him on my site tonight. Hope you had a good weekend :)

It's the 1st of October 2009!!!

2009-10-01T03:54:00.000-07:00

Gosh where does time go to?? The last few weeks have been so busy for me. Hugglets was a lovely experience and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole day. I have been busy with orders and have now got myself up to date but I do so wish I had a little slave that I could say " Tidy up my work room, untangle all the cottons etc that are in such a mess, do my paperwork and don't forget the oven needs cleaning" too!!!!

The good website guide is asking people to choose their favourite website. The winner is able to do lots of improvements with their site so I thought if anyone fancies voting for mine I could make it so much better lol. I myself have actually voted for Misi.co.uk but I would be very grateful for a few votes myself. ( You would need to go to thegoodwebguide.co.uk by the way)

I finished Peanut last night but can't seem to take a good photo of him .

On the personal side I went to my nieces wedding on Sunday which was fabulous and a good chance to get all the family together and went to a Clairvoyance event a couple of days ago with a friend (Such utter rubbish. Talk about clutching at straws lol)

Hope all is well with you. Speak soon xxxxjean & Little Scruffs

11th September 2009

2009-09-11T13:37:00.000-07:00

Phew that's the last bear I am making for Hugglets Bear Fair on Sunday. I have been making non stop for over 2 weeks now and am exhausted!! I have really missed putting the bears on my site and chatting to everyone so I don't think I will be doing many more fairs this year apart from the Misi Event in Bristol on 7th November.
Amy, my lovely daughter, is going to Milan on Tuesday to start her uni year abroad and still has nowhere to live. She has had someone contact her regarding a flat over there which seemed just a little bit to good to be true and it turned out it was a scam. Luckily she sussed it out but the person was so convincing.
Anna, my other lovely daughter, has started her teacher training this week so she is experiencing 9 till 5 - a strange thing for students!!
Mike and I are staying in London tomorrow so that I don't have to get up too early. Unfortunately he agreed to take me before he realised Birmingham City (his team)were playing Aston Villa!!!
Thank you everyone for being so supportive and I will be putting bears on the site again next week. :)

29th August 2009

2009-08-29T07:41:00.000-07:00

I am very honoured to have some collectors (now friends) who are very clever artists . This painting has been done by Helen Jones who specialises in pet portraits but paints much more- including Colin here!!! If you would like to see Helens work please go to http://www.visionfinearts.co.uk/

An update on Hugglets. I now have 2 weeks to go until the bear fair in Kensington. I only allow myself to stop bear making for a few minutes here and there so am getting on pretty well. I shall post photos nearer the date and if anyone would like to order let me know. I have discovered just how much time I am saving by keeping off the computer!!! I shall be back to normal after the show though and adding bears more often.

If anyone is going to Hugglets PLEASE come and say 'Hi' to me. Speak soon Hugs jeanxx

17th August 2009

2009-08-17T12:13:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. Just had to put this lovely picture up taken by David of the bears in the Sweet Peas!

I don't seem to have put so many bears on my site lately but I have been very busy in the background doing orders. Also I never seem to get so much done in the Summer, perhaps it's having the girls home?

i have finished little Barnaby today. Here is his picture . I am starting a shaggy dog type now before another batch of oldies

Speeak soon xJean

5th August 2009

2009-08-05T09:20:00.000-07:00

Well, did I come back from my 11 day holiday in Spain nice and refreshed?? Not really! On day 3 I slid down an incredibly slippy slope - (one that you would have claimed compensation in UK for!!!) and my leg bent back. Apparently I have strained my something tendon and damaged my cartilage. So now I can't walk the old ladies dogs for a few weeks! And I hadn't touched a drop!We did have a nice time though and managed to fit lots in and I also managed to make 3 bears.
I feel I should be tackling a new style bear now and all day long I have been hoping for inspiration - it hasn't come yet.......
I am excited about doing an Event in Bristol at the Paintworks on the 7th November arranged by www.misi.co.uk This is a website for all things handmade which I belong to and is such a friendly group. So I am looking forward to meeting everyone face to face and of course there will be plenty of bears if you want to come along. I shall be giving details shortly.
The lovely daughter Amy has cooked another fab meal now so speak soon
xxJean

18th July 09 Important information

2009-07-17T23:24:00.000-07:00

Hello All,
Just to let you know that I won't be able to access my website until 30th/31st July. If you are interested in any of the bears before then could you email me at littlescruffs@yahoo.co.uk and I will get back to you. Or if you are prepared to wait for the bear in question you can pay and will send it on 31st July. Hopefully I will be able to update my blog and emails

Percy

2009-07-15T14:55:00.000-07:00

Forgot to put Percy up

15th July 2009

2009-07-15T14:42:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it has been nearly a month since I last blogged! The time is going by so fast. I have just this minute finished a bear who I think will be called Robert Hamilton. I can't take a photo now because it is too dark but hopefully he will be on the website tomorrow.
I did a really silly thing yesterday and put a bear on my site and added him to Misi.co.uk as well and 2 people bought him within minutes of each other!!!! Luckily it all ended happily but I won't do that again, it will be one site only!
It is my daughter Anna's graduation tomorrow from Warwick University which luckily isn't too far away so best away to bed now
Hugs
jean

Where is the sun?

2009-06-20T08:52:00.001-07:00

We have friends coming over this evening. Whenever we go to theirs Pat always cooks a delicious meal. Tonight the weather was supposed to be beautiful so I thought I could do a crafty and go for a drive in the country- get fish & chips followed by a walk by the river. I was cooking a pud I am not that bad (well actually is strawberries & cream cooking??) but it is really dull here. Sun come out now!!! I have added Fritz to the website today, a cute little Fat head

have a good weekend all xxx

Forgot to add these photos

2009-06-15T13:57:00.000-07:00

I forgot to add these 2 lovely photos that were sent me of some Little Scruffs in the garden of their new home. Beautiful photography by David- thank you

15th June 2009

2009-06-15T05:33:00.000-07:00

Can't believe we are half way through June already. I have just added Miles to my site, a real saggy old looking one with a big head.
Last week I went to a bear fair as a customer, had a go on the raffle and won an artist bear! He arrived today and is lovely.
I seem to have a thing about my local community centre/police station (Grr) yesterday Mike (hubby) went for a bike ride - fell off really hurting his leg and arm- and somehow managed to loose his keys. I followed his route on a very long walk but only managed to find someone's credit card!
Today I went to the community centre - huge queues, gave up and phoned instead. the operator said no-one was answering and we proceeded to have a moan about how stupid the system is. I said no-one would have waited in the queue to hand the keys in anyway! - rant over.
I have just taken Sophie the lovely Airdale a walk and am now wondering what sort of bear to make. maybe a small one?? Think I might have a mooch in charity shop for inspiration first and buy a teapot - gone mad on Earl Grey Green Tea.
love to everyone and if you want me to make certain style,colour of bear ask away - I never make you buy them if they are not what you expected!!!
x

Friday 5th June09

2009-06-05T10:25:00.000-07:00

Sweet little Pete has just been finished. He is only 3" tall and fully jointed. I have just sold Max and he is going to a very good home with lots of his brothers already there.

I am having another - "I don't know what to make" day!! I have just cut out a new design but still something is telling me to do something else?? Any suggestions welcome Lol

Maybe a panda - I shall go and have a rummage in a bit.

I have just come back from feeding the ducks - I always try and make sure the lovely mallards have more than the Canadian geese & swans - they are so sweet :)

31st May 09

2009-05-31T09:22:00.000-07:00

What a disastrous fair I have just been to. It was such a shame because I think we all wasted a day. It was soooo hot and we were tucked away from everyone and just no-one came along. Needless to say we all packed up and left early. Oh well, met some nice people at least.

Forgot to say

2009-05-29T14:42:00.000-07:00

Forgot to say that the red bear I put up yesterday sold!! I have dyed some mohair a lovely yukky greeny blue and might do another odd eyed bear, there is something rather appealing about bears that are old and well loved!

29th May - sneak preview

2009-05-29T14:36:00.000-07:00

I have just finished a bear and can't upload it to the site tonight due to hosting problems but I will put him up here now. Not a very good photo as it is night time and also Ted looks much nicer in real life. He is under 4" tall including his ears and he has a hanging head and strange button in one eye.

Further details tomorrow

28th May

2009-05-28T14:13:00.000-07:00

Well my block has gone ,thank goodness, due to a chance rummage through my sewing box. I am now making a very different bear to my other Little Scruffs . I have completed the head but until it is on the body I am not sure what the end result will be although I am getting rather excited!!!!

28th May09

2009-05-28T04:32:00.000-07:00

Just put Smithy on my site- having a block with knowing who to make next????? I have just spent a couple of hours tuning a television for my daughters' bedroom!!

27th May 2009

2009-05-27T06:39:00.000-07:00

I am nearing the end of a red vintage velvet 'Fat Head' which I am making with someone in mind. I have got to take the 2 Jack Russells out in a bit that I walk for a disabled lady through a charity called The Cinnamon Trust. they are right little characters. Matty is only young and not used to meeting other dogs so he is a bit of a nightmare with them and Scruffy plays deaf alot just totalling ignoring you when you call him - he is obsessed with trees. I will take photos of them today.
We also take Sophie a large Airdale out. She is gorgeous, just like a cuddly teddy bear but very strong and she belongs to a tiny 90 year old lady. I really don't know how she copes. Dorothy is a lovely lady and really has her wits about her. The other day a rough looking woman knocked on her door and asked if she could use the loo. Dorothy said " You must be joking - if I let you in the dog would go for you straight away - anyway there is a toilet opposite in the park!!!" Sophie would actually have licked her to bits lol

Mr Nobody!!

2009-05-14T02:16:00.000-07:00

I have been trying out a new bear this week- thought he could be the first of my 'Nobody' bears!! He is just a protype but thought I would give you a peep - you have to laugh! He is made from mohair and string jointed so his arms and little legs do move. Would like to know what you think. Just about to start another little bear now as they have been popular this week.

New Bear

2009-05-10T14:13:00.000-07:00

Just a quick blog to say almost finished bear that will go on the site tomorrow. I have got loads of new ones in my head and hopefully won't have too many distractions this week so will be able to crack on with them.
Had a night out with the girls I used to work with on Friday and a trip to Bristol to see my daughter on Saturday plus a very long walk with friends today so that's it for a few days for me - back in hibernation tomorrow!!
On the last day of this month I will be at Evesham Arts Centre which is just up the road from me. It is an open day Art for All where there will be all sorts of arts,crafts, drama demonstrations etc. I will put details on my Fair page tomorrow

6th May

2009-05-06T14:12:00.000-07:00

Well I have been a rubbish blogger this week - where has time gone to?? The bank holiday I spent teaching and I am in the middle of 2 new designs - at this stage I have no idea if they are going to work or not!! I certainly hope so.
I have just realised that I haven't changed my sale of the week either so I will be doing that tomorrow - haven't decided which one yet.
I now have a whole room all to myself to fill (okay it already is!!) with bearmaking supplies. I have been sharing a small part of it with my husbands' tools and rubbish but he has now been sent up in the loft! I might be able to decide a bit quicker what I am going to use now it is on display - sadly I won't be able to convince anyone that I need more mohair!
I shall try and get a new bear up by tomorrow night so it's good night from me

2nd May

2009-05-02T11:43:00.000-07:00

I am having trouble uploading photos today so i will put a photo here of Bobby which appears as a cross on my bear page.

The bears new home

2009-04-25T14:17:00.000-07:00

I have just been sent photos of 2 of my bears in their new home. The photography is just stunning - I think I am going to have to move house and sneak them in for a photoshoot every time I finish one ! thank you so much David. I have to share them!

Jones

2009-04-24T13:53:00.000-07:00

Well I have just put Jones on my website. A cute little 'Fat Head' I have had a very unproductive week with the bears ,what with birthdays, girls home and that horrid thing called housework, and am desperate to get cracking again.
Didn't hear from the police - what a surprise!!

Mrs Angry!!!

2009-04-23T13:32:00.000-07:00

Went a walk in park earlier. It was about 5.45 when we got to the busy childrens play area where we encountered a group of drunken idiots sitting close by. One chap was having a pee up a tree and blatently exposing himself to the children. I shouted at him and he gave me a mouthful of abuse. A Polish man came up to us with his daughter and told us that he had phoned the police at 5 o'clock because they were driving across the grass where the children were and being abusive. Now.... the police station is 3 minutes away!! We charged up there and told them what was happening. The woman on the desk couldn't open the door to tell a policeman to go and sort them out, she had to ring whoever they have to ring. The conversation she had with whoever she was talking to was just ridiculous. She kept having to explain where the incident had occurred and it appeared they didn't know where it was. She then mentioned that 6 o'clock was changeover so they were being briefed before they went on duty - couldn't help wondering if this was why no-one had turned up earlier, perhaps they didn't want overtime! She told them I wanted to them to call me - it is now 9.44 and not a peek! Rant over

Hubbys Birthday!

2009-04-22T03:55:00.000-07:00

Well it is hubbys significant birthday today - he has taken the day off and we have been a nice walk in the park and he has been to the gym while I scrubbed and cleaned!! Now we are off to see our daughter in Leamington. She is studying hard (I hope) for her final uni exams. After a picnic in the park we are off to Birmingham to see my brother and then out for a meal with Mikes' Brother and wife. I shall be taking my sewing while we sit and sunbathe of course.

My favourite bears have both been sold which I am part sad about but highly delighted that they are going to a very good home together.

21st April 2009

2009-04-20T23:40:00.000-07:00

I thought I had better change the layout of my blog so have started again! As it is only 7.40am nothing much has happened today except that I have had a nice walk around the park by the river. Mr Foo and Bear went on my site last night and Bear has been sold. Poor Mr Foo feels a bit unwanted!!
On to some much needed housework now as I believe the weather is going to be glorious today so I might be bearmaking on the roof again!

Rooftop bathing

2009-04-19T08:01:00.000-07:00

I have just been on my rooftop sewing a bear, it was fab. First time as we have to get to it through the loft and at last after 6 years we now have proper loft ladders so I am not afraid!!! So private as well - just us and the pidgeons!! Making 2 bears out of 100 year old upholstery velvet.

Stratford upon Avon bear fair

2009-01-13T14:08:00.000-08:00

I will be having a stall at Stratford Upon Avon Holiday Inn at the Bear Fair on Sunday 1st February. Please come and visit and say hello to me and my Little Scruffs

Valentine Elephant

2009-01-09T10:24:00.000-08:00

Well I have just finished a little mohair elephant created especially for Valentines day. He has shiney red ears and paws and stands just over 4" tall. to see his details visit my website at www.miniaturemoharbears.co.uk or see him on http://littlescruffs.misi.me.uk which is a website especially for handmade products

Little Scruffs miniature bears

2009-01-03T13:41:00.000-08:00

3rd January 2009 Hello and welcome to the 1st Blog by me. I have been trying to create a blog for a few days now by other means and someone suggested blogger.com and so far so good - it seems really easy. Even so I will make this very short until I know it is up and running and visable to all. I have been making miniature bears from mohair and other material for about 7 years now. I have a website http://www.miniaturemohairbears.co.uk/ and sell to various shops. I love old bears and trying to recreate the old look. Speak again when I know it is working okay

Jean

Little Scruffs