Boot Button Bears

DAHLIA - A New Little Lady

2011-08-20T03:32:00.001-07:00

Here is little Dahlia, a new little 8 inch poppet that I have created in a vintage style.

Dahlia is made from mohair and has boot button eyes. She is filled with polyflock and pellets for a gentle weighted feel and has been trimmed and shaded to give her an aged appearance.

She is also wearing a little tutu and necklace and headband. If you are interested in adopting little Dahlia, please visit my website at www.bootbuttonbears.com for more details.

Adelaide's Special Guests......

2011-04-30T19:34:00.000-07:00

WANG WANG

In 2008, Adelaide Zoo was lucky enough to be chosen to host two Panda's from the Wolong Panda Research Centre in China. The two pandas are able to live in Adelaide for ten years, and the hope is that as they get older, they may breed, helping to increase the numbers of this at risk species. Wang Wang was born in 2005 and is the little boy, and Funi was born in 2006 and is the little girl. Both were very young babes at the Wolong Centre in China when the dreadful earthquake hit in May of 2008. Thankfully, 280 Panda's survived at the Centre after the earthquake, but unfortunately Wang Wang's Mum, Mao Mao, did not. Wang Wang is very laid back in his style and takes things in his stride, Miss Funi is quite agile and loves to chase around quite a bit. If you are ever in Adelaide, please take the chance to visit the Adelaide Zoo and see these wonderful animals. We are so lucky to have them here.

FUNI

Please meet Clyde.......

2010-02-15T00:09:00.000-08:00

Please meet young Clyde, a 13" fellow that I have created in an antique style. Clyde has just gone onto ebay. If you want to visit him, there is a link on my website at www.bootbuttonbears.com

2010-02-13T19:11:00.000-08:00

I have just read in the paper about this amazing new dog kennel for pampered pooches to stay at whilst their owners are away. The newspaper had dubbed it "Barkingham Palace" and it is in the Adelaide Hills, about 40 minutes away from us. I am sure our little Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Muffy, would be completely at home there. The photo of the dear little Cavalier shows him having his morning "puppyccino", made from lactose free milk and dusted with liver sprinkles. Isn't that just the best photo ever.

FRED BEAR - Now On Ebay...

2010-02-07T23:34:00.000-08:00

I have just put this new little poppet on Ebay. He is 13 inches tall and I have called him Fred. I hope you can take a peek at him. If you visit my website, you will find a link, www.bootbuttonbears.com

Valentine's Day Show Bears......

2010-02-07T01:39:00.000-08:00

Here is a sneak peek of the four bears I shall have available for sale at the Valentine's Day Teddy Bears and Critters Online Show. The show commences at 8am (Eastern Standard Time Australia) on Saturday 13th February, 2010. For more information, please visit the website at www.teddybearsandcritters.com I hope you will have time to visit the show this weekend as there will be lots of beautiful bears from lots of wonderful artists.

It's Been A Long Time.....

2009-12-20T01:27:00.000-08:00

I am so sorry that it has been so long since I have posted. As a lot of you know, my husband Bernie has been battling a dreadful Cancer since the beginning of the year. For the past four months he has been in hospital having a stem cell transplant. Unfortunately the transplant did not go as smoothly as we had hoped and he is still recovering from all the complications. The hospital have finally let me bring him home, but he is still so very weak, and needs help with all his daily needs. He has lost nearly 40 kilograms as well, and so I am trying very hard to fatten him up. The only problem is that whilst fattening him up, I am doing a very good job on myself as well. Now that we are home, I am delighted to say that I have finished a bear, and I hope now to be able to spend a little more time blogging with all my lovely bear friends. I have just popped this little fellow Frankie on Ebay, and it took me an eternity as I had forgotten how to do everything. Ebay changes so much, even if you are away for just a short time.

2009-07-09T02:56:00.000-07:00

I wanted to let you know that we had a good result at the Doctors, and Bernie's blood has recovered enough for us to proceed with the next round of Chemotherapy next Monday. So, it will be a week in hospital for him, but at least you feel like you are doing something to try and get this awful disease under control. Then we should have one more round of chemotherapy again in a few weeks and then, fingers crossed, the stem cell transplant.

It was late afternoon by the time we had finished at the Doctors, and so we decided to go to get takeaway from our favourite seafood cafe. The other day my hair was looking decidedly ragged, and, not having time to go to the hairdresser at the moment, I decided to take to it with my scissors. Well, when I came out of the bathroom, Britty nearly died. She said "Mum, what on earth have you done to your hair?" I went back and had a closer look, and to be truthful, I really did mangle it a bit. Nevermind, I thought, I'm too busy to get too fussed about it. When I went into the seafood cafe to order our takeaway, the lady behind the counter took my order and then said, "Wow, I love the new style you have your hair in, it looks terrific. Where did you get it done?" I was too embarrassed to say I had hacked away at it myself, and was thrilled to tell Britty the comments about my "fabulous" new hair cut. You have to laugh at yourself don't you?

2009-07-09T01:49:00.000-07:00

I am delighted to let you know that a very dear lady, Sandi Smith of Bearly Sane, Blog of a Bear Nut, has given me the Bella Sinclair Award for blogging. It is an award dedicated to Friendship, Sisterhood, Sharing and Caring. I am thrilled to have received this from Sandi, but I also feel a little guilty as my poor little blog has been a little neglected of late. Sandi not only makes the most delicious bears, but she is also the creator and administrator of a wonderful site for Bear Artists to show their creations to the world. It is a lovely site to visit, and you will also see a link on my side bar for "Bruin Banter", which is a lovely little forum for bear artists and collectors alike to chat about all aspects of bearmaking and collecting. Please visit at any time, we love to talk!!! http://www.teddybearsandcritters.com/

2009-07-08T18:12:00.000-07:00

Well, we are off to the hospital this afternoon to see if Bernie's blood has recovered enough to go ahead with the next round of the "extra strong" chemotherapy. They want to do this round a little sooner than normal, to try and get these awful tumours that have regrown and knock them for a six. Fingers crossed, and I shall let you know if they can go ahead as soon as I hear. We have a little sunshine here in Adelaide for a few days as a nice break from the Winter dullness, and it is making us all feel a little brighter. It is my Mum's 79th birthday tomorrow. I am so proud of her as she fought Cancer 18 years ago and was so brave. They told us that no more could be done for her and gave her 3 months to live. She told the Doctors not to be so silly, and that she still had all her Grandchildren to look after!!! That is why, 18 years on, we treasure every day with her, as she proved that miracles do happen. I love that quote of Abraham Lincoln, "Everything I am.... I owe to my Mother". In my case it is so true.

Aren't These "Pretties" Gorgeous......

2009-06-16T01:03:00.000-07:00

I thought I would show you some of the "pretties" I have started collecting. They are the most wonderful "over the top" very weighty metal animals that are adorned with diamontes. I see them more and more in gift shops about the place and I have fallen in love with them. My favourite is the little teddy bear that my daughter Britty got for me for Mothers Day this year. I have seen the most wonderful little snail, and I think that I may be dropping some rather large hints for him for Christmas!! All I want for Christmas is a snail!!!!

Finally a New Bear.....

2009-06-13T03:14:00.001-07:00

Finally I have a new bear to show you. This is Bailey, a sweet little fellow that I have dressed in a distressed little vintage baby jacket and little vintage badge. Bailey is currently on Ebay, and if you would like to visit his auction, here is the link:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&salenotsupportedhttp://=&item=280357799577&viewitem=&sspagename=ADME%3AL%3ALCA%3AUS%3A1123&salenotsupported
Thanks for peeking at Bailey.

Australia's Convict Past....

2009-06-10T01:05:00.001-07:00

As a lot of you would know, Australia was originally settled by convicts who were sent over from England, as poor old Englands jails were full and this new land across the water seemed a great place to "dispose" of these poor souls. Did you know that you could be transported to Australia for seven years for stealing just one loaf of bread? Many hungry children suffered this fate. Generally only petty criminals were sent to Australia as more serious crimes were dealt with in England with the death penalty, e.g. for murder or rape.
Australia's first police force consisted of a band of 12 of the most well behaved convicts!!!
In 2007, it was estimated that 22 per cent of living Australians had a convict ancestor. I am not aware of any in my family tree, but I am sure if we did have one, it would be for stealing chocolate!!! It's in my genes!!!

Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear......

2009-06-08T03:12:00.000-07:00

There's a rip and a tear in my teddy bear..

and love pours from him everywhere.

You Never Know How Strong You Are.....

2009-06-06T22:35:00.000-07:00

Well, I have had to face something that I never thought I could. Bernie's Doctor told me the other day that I would have to start giving him twice daily injections at home. Yeeeeeeeek!! I took a deep breath and said "Yes, that will be fine, so long as someone is able to teach me how to do it". I didn't say that inside I was crumbling as I really didn't think I would be able to do it. When it was time for my lesson, the Nurse couldn't have been sweeter or more patient and after some very good tuition, I stood with injection in hand, I looked and Bernie, Bernie looked at me, I then lined up his stomach and.................................................I did it!!!

I gave one to him just before we left hospital and I have been doing them now for a couple of days. I thought that it would get easier each time, but so far it hasn't. I don't say a word to him that I am uncomfortable doing it, but deep inside, I just wish I could yell out for a nurse. I don't know if it would be easier to give an injection to someone you don't know, or whether the emotional attachment of giving it to a loved one makes it harder. Any nurses out there to give an opinion? Anyway, by me giving him the injections it means we can have him home this week and so it is certainly worth it. Bernie is being prepared for a stem cell transplant soon, and the injections are an important part of the build up to it. Luckily, I have to do them into his stomach and not his bottom like the picture above. I keep joking with Bernie "This wasn't in the wedding vows!!!!!"

Plastic Bags Banned....

2009-05-17T21:09:00.000-07:00

I suppose it is not often that we congratulate our Governments for doing something, but our South Australian Government has just brought in a great new law. From the beginning of May, all lightweight, grocery checkout plastic bags have now been banned. We now do our shopping like Grannie used to and take bags with us to put our shopping into. Some people have been quite annoyed by this ban as they had become very used to being given lots of plastic carry bags everytime they did their shopping. This resulted in over 400 million plastic bags being discarded in South Australia alone each year. They never break down in landfill, and many millions of them end up in our oceans and kills thousands of wonderful creatures each year. Some sea animals, like turtles, think they are jellyfish floating in the sea and swallow them, only to choke and die a horrible death. I for one am happy to take my own reusable bags to the supermarket to try and do a little bit to help our poor old environment. Let's hope the rest of Australia follows us with these laws.

Gorgeous Dolly.....

2009-05-03T00:50:00.000-07:00

Look at this gorgeous rag dolly I just brought. Have you ever seen a more wonderful face?

I am completely entranced by her and I have to smile everytime I look at that expression.

What do you think of her?

Forget Fashion.....

2009-04-25T17:48:00.000-07:00

Bernie has just come home from hospital after round four of chemo, and whilst he was in hospital for the week, Adelaide's weather turned from sunny to really quite cold. Bernie has never been one for pyjamas, but, since losing his hair and some weight, he is really cold at night now. So, I went off shopping for some "Grandpa" flannelette pyjamas for him. Now my husband goes to bed all rugged up with his strippy PJ's and a woollen beanie. He actually looks quite cute, but the main thing is he feels warm. This time before leaving hospital he had to have two blood transfusions as his blood counts were too low to recover on their own. When you are given blood after an accident, where you are losing blood, they can pump it in quite fast to replace the volumes lost. When you are having it as a way of boosting your blood count, it has to be done quite slowly, as your body already has all the blood it needs, and it needs to "make room" for this new, enriched supplement. So, it took 3 hours each time to infuse just 300 mls of blood. They can only take between 3 to 4 hours to infuse it as, after the four hour mark, the blood starts to clot in the bag and won't feed through. The blood transfusion seems to have really worked as he is a lot stronger this time than last time. Our biggest thanks to all you blood donors out there. It is a real gift.

Look At This Gorgeous Little Poppet....

2009-04-22T03:50:00.000-07:00

Isn't this little girl just the most wonderful sweetheart. She is holding on to her doll with such care, I think it might have been her pride and joy. I remember my Mum used to cut our fringes that short when we were little. I don't think I ever went to a hairdresser until I was a teenager!! I am now making myself sound ancient aren't I!!!

Easter in Australia....

2009-04-09T03:21:00.001-07:00

Here in Australia, a trend has been developing lately to give chocolate Easter "Bilby's" at Easter instead of Easter Bunnies. The Bilby is the cutest little Australian critter and it is actually a type of Bandicoot. It loves to eat insects and fruit and it loves to live in the hot and dry desert regions of Australia. They have the most enormous ears and these help it to find its prey. The females have a rear opening pouch so that the pouch does not fill with soil when they dig. Don't those big chocolate ears look yummy!

Have a Lovely Easter Everyone....

2009-04-08T15:00:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone has a wonderful, relaxing and safe Easter. Let's hope we all get a visit from the Easter Bunny!!!

Update on My Husband

2009-04-07T02:42:00.000-07:00

My dear husband Bernie came home from hospital on the weekend after his third round of chemotherapy. It is such a strong regime of chemo that he needs to be in hospital for one week for each cycle. It is very taxing and exhausting for him, and it is quite incredible the amount of medicines that are pumped into his body in the hope of taming this awful disease. He has slept for most of the time he has been home this time, and we have been told that this is due to the cumulative effect of each cycle of chemo. He has not had to deal with nausea thank goodness as the drugs they give him for this work so well. His biggest problem is his mouth. His taste buds have been completely altered with the chemicals, and things he normally loves, he can't stand the taste of. Meals that are normally his favourites, I cook for him and he can't stand the flavour. Now it could be my cooking, but I am still blaming the chemo!!

He will be back into hospital the week after next for round four of chemo treatment. After round four the Specialist will do a full scan to see how the disease is being affected by the Chemo treatment. That is going to be a very anxious time. Thanks to everyone for your continued good wishes and prayers for us. You are all angels. xxxxx Christine. xxxxxx

Look What I Just Bought.....

2009-04-05T18:01:00.000-07:00

I really adore vintage baby shoes, I don't know why, they just look so cute and I can imagine some poor Mum saving up for ages to buy a wonderful pair of little shoes for their precious one. The boot button shoes amaze me the most as, you know how hard it is to get a toddler to sit still long enough to get their shoes on, can you imagine trying to get these on and done up. I suppose one thing, once you got them on, it would be a bit of a struggle for the little'un to get them off again. I have always wanted a little black and white pair like this for my collection, and, as I have absolutely no will power, here they are. They are cute though aren't they?

I'VE GOT ONE OF THESE ON ORDER........

2009-04-03T02:55:00.000-07:00

Anyone else want one too? .....

EVERYONE NEEDS A HUG........

2009-03-16T02:11:00.000-07:00

BABY BLUEY... A Little Toddler Bear...

2009-03-16T01:43:00.000-07:00

Here is little Baby Bluey, a little fellow that I have created in the style of a little toddler bear. Baby Bluey was lucky enough to be featured on the cover of Australian Bear Creations this issue. He is also available for purchase on Ebay. Please visit his auction if you would like to see some more photos of him:

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/BABY-BLUEY-A-10-Toddler-Bear-by-Boot-Button-Bears_W0QQitemZ280322962639QQihZ018QQcategoryZ3904QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Sally - Now on Ebay...

2009-03-16T01:39:00.000-07:00

Here is dear little Sally, a new little poppet that I have just put on Ebay. I really enjoy making these funny little souls. If you would like to visit her auction, please go to:

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=280321775143&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=018

My Husband and Big Bertha.....

2009-03-13T15:27:00.000-07:00

Well, my husband has just spent the last week hooked up in bed with "Big Bertha". This past week has been Bernie's second round of chemotherapy, and for this one, they needed to use the biggest pump they have, and the nurses affectionately call her "Big Bertha". If you look at the picture you can see that there are four vertical chambers for delivering the chemotherapy. Above this pump is four large steel poles which hold the chemo bags and other necessary liquids. The reason for "Big Bertha" is that some patients, like Bernie, need lots of different chemo drugs at the one time. Other chemo pumps look similar, but are much smaller and can deliver just one, two or three fluids at a time. Bertha patiently pumps away, 24 hours a day, without fail, delivery these drugs that will hopefully help my husband. I can't possibly be annoyed that he has spent the last week with this amazing lady!!!!

This Is A Picc Line.....Who Knew....

2009-03-06T14:48:00.000-08:00

Bernie has graciously let me photograph is arm for you!!!!! When we found out that "normal" chemotherapy would not be enough for Bernie, and he would need the "heavy stuff", we were told that he would have to have a "Picc Line" inserted permanently. This involved a trip to theatre, and a permanent line being inserted at his inner arm up into a vein, then up inside his arm to his shoulder, around his shoulder and down near his heart. On the outside of his arm he has two ports and so this means that he can be hooked up to two pumps at once. This Picc line can stay in for up to twelve months if it is looked after. We have to have it drained and re-dressed every week. I call it Bernie's service and tune-up. When he needs bloods taken now, they can just put the syringe into one of the Ports and it means no more pricks. When we arrive at hospital for his chemotherapy, they just hook him straight up to the "beetlejuice" through his ports and away he goes. At first it looked so scary, but now we realise how wonderful it is and it means no more jabs trying to find a vein, and the "beetlejuice" can go straight into his system and start working straight away. There you are, you are now an expert on a Picc line!!!!!

Easter Challenge Entry....

2009-03-06T14:43:00.000-08:00

I thought I would show you my Easter Challenge entry for the "TeddyBears and Critters" group I belong to. The brief was that you had to make a critter suitable for Easter, and then photograph it in an Easter setting. Miss Betty Bunny, and her "Chick Minding" Service were the result. If you would like to visit the site, please go to http://www.teddybearsandcritters.com/ and click on the Easter Challenge page. There are lots of wonderful entries to see.

Life Has "Bit Me in the Bum".....

2009-03-06T14:32:00.000-08:00

For those who don't know, my wonderful husband, Bernie has recently been diagnosed with a very aggressive Cancer. The inital shock was just awful, and it was a couple of weeks before I could even talk about it openly, it was like I was just visiting someone elses life for a while. Anyway, after a zillion tests in hospital, and after a proper diagnosis, we are now getting our strength back to fight this thing.

I have had so many wonderful messages from other bear artists and collectors, and requests for me to keep people up-to-date with how Bernie's treatment is going, that I thought I would make it a part of my blog. From the scariness of the inital diagnosis and description of treatment, I have come to realise that the more you "accept" what is in front of you, and the more "open" you are about it, the easier it is to deal with. I knew very little about current treatments for Cancer, and so it all came as such a shock and such a learning curve. I thought if I touch on a few things here, it might be of use to someone else who knew as little as I did of treatments and such.

Bernie is such a strong, proud man and is facing all this with such courage and dignity, after all our years of marriage, I am still learning so much from him.

Fundraiser for "Free The Bears".....

2009-02-27T15:13:00.001-08:00

I have created a little fellow called BUSTER, as a bear to raise funds for the "Free The Bears" charity, which is a wonderful organisation giving bears in Asia a wonderful new life after years of abuse and torture. BUSTER is availale for US$140.00 plus postage, and you can find all the details about him on my website http://www.bootbuttonbears.com/. All money raised from Buster's sale will go to "Free The Bears".

Australia's Kangaroos.....

2009-02-04T00:09:00.001-08:00

When Captain Cook first landed on these shores, he saw many strange things - shuffling wombats, sticks that came back when you threw them away (the boomerangs) and strange men in vests and mullets. But nothing could have prepared him for the oddness of the kangaroo bouncing over the land... Kangaroos are marsupials, which means their young get a free ride in the female pouch, and they are found all over Australia in many different guises - from the 'Big Red' in the Outback, to smaller rock wallabies and some that even live in trees. When European Explorers first saw these strange hopping animals they asked an Aborigine what they were called. He replied "kangaroo" meaning " I don't understand your question".

A New Little "Old" Poppet....

2009-02-03T17:40:00.000-08:00

Please meet Miss Ellie Floyd, a new little girl that I have created in a vintage style. She is 11 inches tall and is made from mohair. She is dressed in a little vintage dolly dress and also has a genuine vintage badge. Miss Ellie was created during our current heatwave here in Adelaide, and so I think she is really hoping to be adopted by someone in a much cooler climate. If you would like to visit her on Ebay, here is her link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/MISS-ELLIE-FLOYD-Vintage-Mohair-by-Boot-Button-Bears_W0QQitemZ280310052355QQihZ018QQcategoryZ3904QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Super Dooper Book Find...

2009-01-29T00:31:00.000-08:00

I was out shopping the other day and I found this wonderful book on sale. As a lot of you know, I just adore old photographs, and especially old photos of children. This is a delicious book full of photos of olden day children and their dogs. Some of the photographs are really beautifully posed studio shots, and others are taken at home or in the garden. The one feature in every photograph is how much the children adore their dogs. It is written by Donna Long and printed by Ten Speed Press if you are interested in chasing it up. It is a real delight.

Amazing Alpacas.....

2009-01-23T00:52:00.000-08:00

Remember I mentioned that we were going to my Brothers Alpaca Farm to babysit the Alpacas whilst he and his wife went off to a conference? Well, we are now back at home, and I have some photos to share. The area, near Port Lincoln in South Australia, is in drought, and so everything was so dry. There was a really big bushfire whilst we were there, about 50kms away, and it had us concerned for awhile. The Alpacas are just the most beautiful, calm animals and I was completely captivated by them. They were very happy for us to walk amongst them and were very interested in us and any movements toward us were very gentle. I had heard that they can spit, and thankfully I didn't experience that directed at me. I did see them spit at each other occasionally when one got too close to another at food "treat" time. I totally fell in love with one fellow in particular, Gizmo. He is a young male, and he was just so full of personality, and was always the first to come and say hello and walk around with us. I was amazed at how docile they were. Thankfully the pregnant ladies didn't go into labour, as I think I would have been in a total panic. Hope you like the pictures.

A group of the Alpacas waiting to be fed.

This is Gizmo, my special fellow.

This is Dusty. Her new baby has exactly the same colourings as she does.

This is from the farmhouse looking towards the ocean. They are in a drought at the moment and everything is so dry.

I Made an Alpaca.....

2009-01-08T20:55:00.000-08:00

We are off in a few days to my Brother's Alpaca farm, and I decided to make my Sister-in-Law, Di, an Alpaca. Well after lots of trial and error, here is Mrs. Alpaca, made from Alpaca. I'm just off to wrap her now. Will post some pictures of our stay at the farm when I get back. I'm going to have to get the lady Alpacas to cross their legs whilst I am in charge, as two of them are heavily pregnant. I shall have kittens myself if one of them decides to deliver......

My Christmas Present.....

2009-01-08T20:52:00.000-08:00

I thought I would share a picture of my Christmas present with you. This is Fred Bear and he is a wonderful 26" Joy Toys bear from approximately the 1930's. He still has his original sewn tag on his foot pads and he is quite unusual as he is so big. I am completely in love with him and I am a very proud Bear Mama, or Fred Bear Mama!!

Isn't She Beautiful....

2009-01-01T16:11:00.000-08:00

Isn't this antique bear just wonderful. Her name is Teddy-Girl and she was the life time companion of Colonel Bob Henderson, who served in World War 2. Colonel Henderson spent his time after the war promoting the love of Teddy Bears, and Teddy-Girl really became his mascot. After his death, Teddy Girl was sold at auction in 1994 for 110,000 pounds. What a treasure. She is currently on display in the Izu Teddy Bear Museum in Japan.

So if you are ever in Japan, you know who to visit!!!

I Ain't Got No Body........

2008-12-27T16:10:00.000-08:00

This is what my desk looks like when I am preparing for a show. I have six bears all in various stages of creation. The poor little heads keep looking at me and begging for their bodies. I had better get a wriggle on as I need to have them photographed and submitted by the 19th January. The Show I am preparing for is the Teddy Bears and Critters 14th February 2009, 24 hour on line show. I will let you see another preview closer to the date and with the little peeps looking more like bears, I hope!!!!

Look Who I Am Babysitting....

2008-12-18T14:34:00.001-08:00

My brother has an Alpaca farm here in South Australia, about 8 hours drive away from us. In January he and his wife are going to an "Alpaca Conference", and guess who is going to the farm to mind the Alpacas!!

I am so excited as there are several babies at the moment. The newest is this little fellow Toby. This photo was taken when he was only 24 hours old. When they are babies they are called "Crias". I can't wait.

CUBBY - Looking For a New Mama

2008-12-16T02:10:00.000-08:00

Here is dear little Cubby, an 11 inch young fellow that I have created in an antique style. Cubby has just gone onto Ebay to look for a new Mama. Here is his link if you would like to take a peek at some more photos of him:

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=280295094984&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=018

Things Are Tight......

2008-12-10T00:43:00.001-08:00

You know things are tight in England when....

CLARA In Her Sunday Best....

2008-12-09T12:06:00.000-08:00

Here is my latest little bruin, Clara. She is wearing a vintage dolly dress with a piece of vintage millinery near her ear and an old photo badge. Clara is now on Ebay if you would like to pay her a visit.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=280293100509&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=018

2008-12-02T15:06:00.000-08:00

"Any Mother could perform the jobs of several air-traffic controllers with ease"!!

Lisa Alther

QUINN - A New "Old Boy" Now On Ebay.....

2008-11-30T22:38:00.000-08:00

Please meet my latest little fellow on Ebay, young Quinn. I have created him in an antique style, and he has a little ruffle made from vintage American ticking. If you would like to pay him a visit, here is his link.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280290534433&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:US:1123

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Motherhood.......

2008-11-27T15:30:00.000-08:00

Children are like sponges, they absorb all your strength and leave you limp...................But then give them a squeeze and you get it all back!

Might Be The Cutest Photo Ever....

2008-11-26T00:19:00.000-08:00

I think this might just be the cutest photo ever taken!!!

Who Is Who in Bearmaking Online Show

2008-11-20T14:45:00.000-08:00

I will be participating in the Who is Who in Bearmaking online show on Saturday 29th November, 2008. The show runs for 24 hours and if there is any Boot Button Bear that you would like to adopt, you simply email me and I will arrange everything for you. A link to the website for the show is http://www.whoiswho-in-bearmaking.com/ and I have a few bears to show you as a "sneak peek".

Decisions....Decisions...

2008-11-19T01:00:00.000-08:00

In this position, I wonder if it is better to hold on or let go? I think I would let go.

Let's Be Buddies......

2008-11-12T15:46:00.000-08:00

I just love photos that make me smile, and this one is no exception.

Look at that wonderful trusting face on the little monkey. Isn't it beautiful?

Mama Said I Couldn't Go Out Without My Coat......

2008-11-08T00:14:00.000-08:00

Isn't this the best picture. I can just imagine his Mama Elephant telling him he couldn't go out without his rain jacket. Could you imagine dressing him up in this.

I thought he could probably have a matching umbrella to hold with his trunk.

We Aussie Love "Big Things".....

2008-10-31T16:35:00.000-07:00

We Aussies seem to have a love of "big" things, as tourist attractions in our towns. The very first one was the "Big Banana" which was erected outside the Gift Shop of a Banana plantation in Queensland. It is 5 metres high and 11 metres long. I think the idea must be that you are driving along, see this whopping great thing, and decide you must have to stop and have a look. Do any other countries love to have "big things" as tourist drawcards? We have lots here in Australia, and I shall show you some more over the next couple of weeks. Some of them are just plain weird!!!!

Which One of Us........

2008-10-28T00:41:00.000-07:00

Which of these two isn't very keen on having their photograph taken?

Big hint....not the one with four legs!!!!!!

Named After My Grandpa.....

2008-10-23T01:02:00.000-07:00

Here is my latest little old boy, Claude. I named Claude after my dear Grandpa, who is no longer with us. This little fellow just reminded me of him, he was just the sweetest, kindest man. I am sure he would think it funny having a bear named after him.

Here is a link if you would like to pay Claude a visit at his Ebay auction.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=280279351624&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=018

This Is Right Up My Street.........

2008-10-14T18:28:00.000-07:00

Every year around this time, our street is lined with the most beautiful trees full of white blossom. It lasts for about a month, and then, one day when they are ready, a gust of wind will remove them all like a magical snowstorm. I think it is probably the closest I shall ever get to snow!!!! So this is our dear little street. The hills you can see in the background are the Adelaide Hills. Adelaide City itself is situated on a plain, but we are surrounded on each side by the sea and the Mount Lofty Ranges. The hills are a great place for a weekend drive, with lots of lovely little towns, bakeries and wineries.

Who Loves a Sailor.....

2008-10-10T05:07:00.000-07:00

Here is my latest little boy, CUTTY, an 11 inch little fellow created in an antique style. I always think that bears lend themselves so well to the old sailor look.

CUTTY has just gone onto ebay, and you can find him via my Ebay page on my website www.bootbuttonbears.com if you would like to pay him a visit.

Now That's A Hat.......

2008-10-07T00:24:00.000-07:00

Goodness me, will you have a look at this hat. What was her Mama thinking?

She is just the most gorgeous little poppet with the sweetest face, dress and necklace, but how could Mum make her wear that hat? I wonder how long she kept it on before pulling it off. I think is it one of the most unusual vintage childrens hats I have seen. What do you think?

The First Member of the Floyd Family.....

2008-10-03T17:34:00.000-07:00

I have been working for sometime on a new idea I have had for a collection of bears from the one family....and here is my first arrival, Miss Amaleen Floyd of the Floyd Family. Amaleen is the sweetest young poppet who is bright as a button and is the teachers favourite in school.

You can visit Amaleen via the Ebay Listings page on my website www.bootbuttonbears.com

Charlotte's Looking for a Mama.......

2008-10-01T00:25:00.000-07:00

This is my latest little girl, Charlotte. She is 16 inches tall and is made from the most luxurious, soft mohair. It was just so beautiful to work with. If you would like to visit Charlotte to see some more photos, you can find her via the "Ebay Listings" page on my website at www.bootbuttonbears.com

Aussie Food Again..........

2008-09-29T17:38:00.001-07:00

I am just getting you all "in the know" if you come to visit our wonderful Australia one day, and you will know all the yummy things to try. These cakes are called "Lamingtons" and if I do say it myself, no one makes them better than my Mum!! They are a small square of plain sponge cake which is dipped in melted chocolate and sugar and then coated in desicated coconut. They are a real Australian tradition. No one is quite sure where they got their name, but it is believed that they were named after Lady Lamington, the wife of the Queensland Governor Baron Lamington back in 1896. Poor love, perhaps she had a reputation for eating lots of cake - I know I have!!!!

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Don't Get Mad........

2008-09-25T18:30:00.000-07:00

I'm really a Canary.........

A New Little Girl.......

2008-09-23T18:27:00.000-07:00

Please meet my newest little girl "Paige". She is a little antique style girl who is 9" tall. Paige has been made from a sparse mohair, and has been given a gentle "make-over", but the wrong way!! She is also wearing a little aged vintage dolly's dress. You can find Paige on the Ebay Listing page on my website at http://www.bootbuttonbears.com/

Thanks for peeking......

On-Line Show this Weekend.....

2008-09-22T00:33:00.000-07:00

Here is a sneak preview of the six bears I shall have available for the Teddy Bears and Critters On-line show this weekend. The show starts at 8am Australian Eastern Standard time and runs for 24 hours. You can vist the show here at www.teddybearsandcritters.com and if you see a bear you like you can purchase it from me direct. Times around the world that the show is beginning are:

Los Angles USA 3.00pm Friday

Washington USA 6.00pm Friday

London UK 11pm Friday

Cape Town South Africa Midnight Friday

Rome Italy Midnight Friday

Moscow Russia 2.00am Saturday

Abu Dhabi UAE 2.00am Saturday

Beijing China 6.00am Saturday

Sydney Australia 8.00am Saturday

Wellington New Zealand 10.00am Saturday

I really hope you can pay a visit to the On-Line Show on the weekend as there will be some wonderful bears and critters available. Do you think I will be able to stay awake for 24 hours!!!

And Now For Something Exciting......Washing...

2008-09-21T02:35:00.000-07:00

This brings back such memories of my childhood and I think it would to most Australian children of my generation. Luckily in Australia, our weather lends itself to drying washing outside, all year round. No-one ever had a clothes drier. This is called a "Hills Hoist" and every Australian garden had one. You peg your washing on wire which is strung around and around the frame, and it would then wizz around in the wind, drying everything brilliantly. We also used to get in such trouble when we were little for climbing up and hanging on to the hills hoist and having someone swing us around. It tended to bend the poles a bit, and left evidence as to what you had been doing. Clothes Driers are more common now in Australia as more and more people live in apartments and smaller properties. Lots of us though, still always dry our washing outside. Told you it was going to be exciting didn't I......

Lucky Little Mary....

2008-09-16T19:59:00.000-07:00

This is my latest little poppet called Mary. She was the luckiest little girl and was adopted straight away.

You Let Go First...

2008-09-14T17:45:00.000-07:00

My brother works with Aboriginal communities in some very remote parts of South Australia. Last week he was travelling in the Nullarbor region and he came across this amazing sight. A snake was trying to eat a lizard tail first and the lizard was quite obviously letting the snake know that this just wasn't on!! After about 20 minutes, they both decided to let go and went off quite happily on their separate ways. I am so glad they both decided to call it quits!!!

Beautiful Buddies......

2008-09-11T01:02:00.000-07:00

Isn't this just the most beautiful picture of two gorgeous little souls. The emotion in the little monkey's face is just precious.

A Little Boot Button Bear......

2008-09-09T19:07:00.000-07:00

This is little PIP, and she really is a little one for me. At only 6", that is about as small as I go. Everytime I make one this small, I have a complete new respect for the artists who make mini's. They really are a whole different ballgame. You can find PIP on my website at www.BootButtonBears.com.

Best Mates .....

2008-09-08T01:05:00.000-07:00

Don't these two little girls look wonderful together. You can just tell that they are best buddies. I love the way they are holding hands, and the dear little dog wants to be with them, but he is still distracted by something off in the other direction. I also love the little overalls they are wearing. It looks like they take their teddies everywhere with them. It is such a natural looking photograph. These little souls are probably old ladies now with their wonderful memories. I wonder if they still have their teddies?

Ever Eaten A Frog Cake.........

2008-09-05T15:48:00.000-07:00

I suppose every city has its strange quirks of traditional. One of ours in Adelaide is that we invented the "Frog Cake". In the 1800's a Bakery was born which was later to be known as Balfours. In 1922 they developed a wonderful little cake which was to become their trade mark, and it was known as "a Frog Cake".

The cakes are made in the shape of a frog's head, and consist of a square sponge cake coated in jam (the frog's body). The frog's head is made from a firm butter cream and both the body and head are covered in fondant icing. In 2001, the Balfour's frog cake was name a Heritage Icon by the National Trust of South Australia.

It was such a treat when I was little to go to town for the day, and have a cup of tea and a frog cake - sheer heaven. I think we must be the only city in the world that has something you can eat as a Heritage Icon!!! If you ever visit us in Adelaide, you simply must try a Frog Cake!!!

A Bad Hair Day.... Poor Love.....

2008-09-03T18:16:00.000-07:00

Aren't we lucky nowadays all the products we have to keep our hair in order. Also, being able to jump in the shower and wash it so easily and dry it. Have you ever thought of the poor women of say a hundred years ago, who couldn't wash their hair as often (it was considered unhealthy to wash your hair too regularly), and who didn't have hairdryers, straighteners and various products to keep it in check. I know wealthier women in the olden days had little curly headpiece wigs to attach onto the front of their forehead to make their hair look fuller. I would have been in such trouble as I have the finest most hopeless head of hair. Look at this poor darlings bad hair day.

Don't Forget......

2008-09-03T18:06:00.000-07:00

To smile and laugh everyday.....

Stunning Mother and Baby

2008-09-02T19:54:00.000-07:00

Isn't this photograph just stunning. I know that in years gone by, people having their photograph taken were encouraged not to smile or show emotion, but I don't think this young Mum took any notice. Look at the joy on her face. Do you think it is a little girl or a little boy. Little boys were dressed so pretty back then, it is hard to tell.

Another Lesson in Aussie Culture...

2008-09-02T01:01:00.000-07:00

I need to warn you about something if you ever come to Adelaide, and that is our "Pie Floater". It is sold at several outlets in the city and it is a favourite with late night revellers. I am educating you about this so that you know to refuse if it doesn't sound your "cup of tea". A pie floater is a traditional Australian meat pie, covered with tomato sauce (ketchup) and then it floats upside down in a plate of thick green pea soup. It is one of the most filling things you will ever eat, and the few that I have had, I have never been able to finish it all. It is a favourite of several celebrities apparently, like Billy Connolly and Joe Cocker, and they always go and have one after a performance if visiting Adelaide. Don't say I didn't warn you.......

Another Cutie....

2008-09-02T00:55:00.000-07:00

Have a look at this adorable little soul. Can you imagine how much effort her Mum must have gone to with that outfit for the photograph. I don't think I would even know where to start ironing it!!!

New Little Jenna

2008-09-02T00:47:00.000-07:00

This is my latest little girl Jenna. She loves to play dress-up and has been playing Nurses all morning!! She still has her little dolly patient in her pocket!!! Jenna is 10 inches tall and has been aged in the Boot Button style of a reverse makeover!!! She is currently on Ebay and you can find her on the Ebay Page on my website www.BootButtonBears.com

An Australian Favourite....

2008-08-30T02:20:00.000-07:00

I thought I might write some information on my blog about our Australian way of life for any overseas visitors to this site. We recently had a visitor from America over for dinner, and it was amazing the strange things that they had been told about our country. Perhaps I can let you in on a little bit about our way of life.

Aussies are very keen on a food spread called "Vegemite", you may have heard of it. It is considered as much a part of Australia's heritage as kangaroos. It is actually an Australian obsession that has become a unique and loved symbol of the Australian nation. A Vegemite sandwich to an Australian kid is the equivalent of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich to an American kid - but the taste is quite different!!!

Vegemite is a yeast extract spread and it is made from leftover brewers' yeast extract and various vegetable and spice additives. It is very dark, almost black in colour and it is thick like peanut butter, it's very salty, and it tastes, like, well, let's just say it is an acquired taste. Australian children are brought up on Vegemite from the time they're babies. It is said that Australians are known to travel all over the world with at least one small jar of Vegemite in their luggage, for fear that they will not be able to find it.

So, if you are ever visiting Australia, you really must be brave and try our Vegemite!!!!

Upcoming Show...

2008-08-16T22:26:00.000-07:00

I am really please that I have just finished my six bears which will be available at the Teddy Bear and Critters online show which will run from 24 hours straight. It all happens on Saturday 27th September and if you would like to find out more, you can visit the website at http://www.teddybearsandcritters.com/. Sandi Smith of BearlySane is organising everything for us and has done a brilliant job on the website. I have created six very different bears for the show, ranging in size from biggies to little'uns. I hope you can pay us a visit on the 27th September.

2008-08-07T21:22:00.000-07:00

Isn't this photograph of a little Victorian girl just gorgeous. She has the most amazing eyes doesn't she? I am really fascinated by old photos and love to collect them, especially older pictures of children with their bears.