After 16 years in the business of teddy bear making, I am very happy to say that I have one of my bear creations on the cover of a magazine.

Petunia Panda is on the cover of the current issue of Soft Dolls and Animals.  (September 2010)  Inside the magazine are the full instructions for making her, and of course the pattern.  Thank you to the publishers, Scott Publications, for giving Petunia such a splendid prominent position!

While flying over central Africa, I took many photos of the sky from the window. It was constantly changing, from clear skies with vast deserts beneath to tall anvil shaped clouds. In between, the sun would peek through the holes and create amazing color. It was better than watching a movie.

Sky over Central Africa

Once we landed, the days have gone by fast and furious. On the morning of July 5th we got up early to enjoy a hot air balloon ride. Here the balloon is being pumped up, and you see a view of the farmlands near Johannesburg from about 750 feet in the air.

Adding Air

Ready for takeoff

Farmland from 750 ft.

Upon landing we were all treated to a glass of chanpagne, a wonderful breakfast back at the headquarters, and a certificate of bravery. It felt like the Wizard of Oz handing out courage. It was a beautiful day for a ride, and the pilot, who doubled as tour guide did a fantastic job. Although he braced us for a bumpy landing, he fooled us all and set the basket neatly down on the back of the trailer intended for hauling. A perfect landing.

Once finished, it was off to the game reserve. On route we visited a rural school. They are on their winter break right now, but some children were in the area, and of course they were playing soccer. Soccer fever is everywhere with World Cup going on.

Soccer Fever is Everywhere!

More photos to follow later in the week! So much to do, so little time!

For the next 10 days, Nancy will be in Johannesburg South Africa. She’ll be teaching several teddy bear workshops as well as a photography workshop at the South African Creative Teddy Bear Awards and Show.

Photos will be posted here, and on the EbearZ News Blog located at www.kranbearys.blogspot.com
Follow the journey with us!

I recently received a link to this email,  for a video that was created and produced by some very talented young people here in Thunder Bay.  I thought it was definately worth sharing … so here it is …

Can\'t Change the World

Summer’s here and it’s time for gardening, camping, hiking, and sitting around the pool.  But what about teddy bear making?  This is a GREAT time to hone and sharpen your skills. A well crafted basic bear is the best foundation for your more advanced teddy bear art.

12 Video Lessons with Sgt.  She-Bear

• Step by step Drills
• Color Photos
• Agora Forum
• Full Size Pattern
• Teddy Parade

Lessons Include:

1. Pattern Prep
2. Nap, Fabric Choices & Cutting
3. Pinning & Sewing Techniques
4. Types of Joints and Techniques
5. Paws & Gussets that FIT!
6. The Art of Stuffing
7. Ears Made Easy
8. The Eyes Have It
9. Pick Your Nose!
10. Shades of Enhancement
11. Grooming
12. Tying A Beautiful Bow

Sharpen your scissors and we’ll see you in the Mess Hall!  Go to www.ebearz.com to register.

It’s time for an Olympic Push for Fans!   As we approach 100 fans on Facebook, we are inviting you to suggest to your friends that they too become a fan of EbearZ.

On March 1st at 6:00 PM EST we’ll make a random draw from all our fans for a 2010 Olympic Teddy Bear.  Whoever REFERRED that fan will also win a bear AND a free online workshop.  In the event that two people referred a fan, a random draw will be made to select the winner. In the event that no one referred the fan, only one prize will be awarded.

So get fanning!  Log into Facebook, become a fan of EbearZ and tell all your friends!  Not a fan yet?  You can become a fan right from our home page at www.ebearz.com  Just click on the Facebook link!

What is The EbearZ U?  It’s a place where students from all over the world can gather to take online crafting workshops from expert instructors at affordable prices.  We have classes in bear making, doll making, fiber arts, artist essentials and other trendy artforms.  EbearZ brings creativity virtually everywhere!

www.ebearz.com

With only a few days left before Christmas, I have one bear who’s particularly sad as she does not yet have a mom or dad to give her a home. Her name is Faith and she really needs to be adopted! I’ve listed her on eBay and her auction closes on Sunday, December 27th. So, if you don’t get what you wanted under the tree … please keep Faith in mind as a gift for yourself. She’s 17 inches tall and made of beautiful ivory mohair. She has wired arms and wears and antique dress and antique skeleton key. She’s much prettier in person … especially her eyes. The photos just don’t do her justice. To go to the auction, you can click on my eBay link on the right.

To get email announcments about new bears, please visit my web site www.kranbearys.com and sign up for the email list on the home page.

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

It’s been a while since I posted in this blog. Suffice it to say that’s it’s been a very busy year. Early in the year, we celebrated my mom’s 90th birthday. The whole immediate family was able to travel to Thunder Bay for the event. Mom laughed and hugged her favourite Elvis impersonator, Daylin James, who I must say has a magnificent voice and sounds amazing singing non-Elvis songs as well. But I digress.

Shortly after her birthday, mom’s health deteriorated quickly and sadly, she passed away on June 30th, 2009. I should be so lucky as to live to the ripe old age of 90! Mom had 5 children and I think 48 grand & great grand children. It’s a little hard to count and keep track of them all sometimes!

In the apartment building where she lived, they had an elevator that was installed in 1909. A true antique; everyday it would take mom up to her apartment on the 4th floor. I remember the days when such an elevator was used in the Eaton’s department store, manned by a beautiful woman in a marvelous uniform. “Going Up?” she would say.

Now the elevator is manned by a glorious angel, veiled in magnificent angel’s attire. She’s escorting mom to the top floor. Going up? I’m certain of it!