Link Party Feature: A Dandy Bear

I have to smile whenever I see this dandy chap of a fellow.

He doesn't let his short stature bother him in the least. He stands dignified and ready to melt your heart.

A Well Loved Teddy Bear

Here's another feature from the Sunburnt Cow link party: a well loved bear!

Aww, now doesn't he look like he's been loved for years by a child? So sweet.

Name That Bear Contest Giveaway

Traci over at York Mountain Mercantile Sales is having a Name That Bear Contest Giveaway!

She's offering multiple chances of winning; plus, you get a chance to name this cute bear!


Contest lasts until April 19th.

A Senior Raggedy Doll

Raggedy Marge is another sweet handmade primitive raggedy creation from Annabelle's Attic. She's unique in that she looks older - like a senior citizen rag doll!

Particulars:
- Stained and grunged muslin; stitched face; button eyes; wool yarn hair; pantaloons
- Signed and dated by artist
- Measures approx. 17 inches

Price: $38, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see Annabelle's listing - just scroll down the page a bit.

Handmade Teddy Bears Spotlight Artisan: Michelle of Michelle's Bear

Today's featured teddy bear artist is Michelle of Michelle's Bears!

Do you have a favorite style of teddy bear?
I do...my favorite style is and always has been a more traditional/old fashioned/primitive style bear!

Do you have a favorite medium/texture/plush you like working with? Is there anything you eventually want to get in to and master - whether dealing with teddy bears or any other artistic endeavor?
My favorite medium is vintage velveteen! I love the textures, the great retro colors and what happens to it when I "age" it so that my teddies take on a wonderful old fashioned look! I get a huge thrill out of finding old golden velveteen drapes from the 1970's...I get some wonderful looks from people when they see stuff like that in my hands...I'm sure they're wondering what I'd possibly want with something so darn tacky!!! My secret of course!

I think I am where I want to be in regards to my teddy bears. I prefer to stay on track with a more traditional style for now.

As for other artistic endeavors, I've often thought that I'd like to attempt working with polymer clay whether to incorporate different aspects into my bearmaking or to work on completely different projects such as fairies, dolls, etc.

What kinds of other artistic projects do you like to work on?
I love photography. My own handmade bears, vintage/antique bears and dolls as well as other vintage collectibles usually become the subjects of my very amateur picture taking skills! I love to use those photos to make greeting cards and even thank you cards for my customers!

I also like to make whimsical cushions from well worn and sometimes damaged linens and fabrics that I come across on my treasure hunts through vintage shops, antique malls, yard sales, etc.

What do you like to do in your spare time when you're not creating art?
My husband and I love to collect just about anything under the sun including vintage/antique teddy bears and dolls, vintage Fisher Price toys, vintage ladies' hats and gloves, vintage sewing baskets and supplies...well, anything vintage! I guess that means that when I managed to get a spare moment, I absolutely love to frequent antique shops, thrift stores, yard sales, anywhere there might be some hidden little treasure just waiting for me to snap it up!

I also love to organize my home...seems there's always something to organize! Organization brings on lots of inspiration!

How long have you been making bears?
I've been making teddy bears now for a little over 20 years!

When did you first start selling your handmade bears? What inspired you to do so?
I first started selling my bears after I sent off a photo of one of my miniature teddies to Teddy Bear Review Magazine back in 1999! I'd never actually sold before and once that issue came out, I received several handwritten letters (that was long before I ever had a computer...everything was done in handwriting!) from excited ladies who wished to purchase that lucky little bear! That was really my first stepping stone to selling because it made me realize at that moment that I had something worth selling!

What inspired me to do so? I think that I was inspired by the other beautiful bears I saw in the magazines and I wanted desperately to be a part of that wonderful world of handmade teddy bears because, really, before I laid eyes on my first bear magazine, I didn't realize handmade teddy bears extended beyond making a cute little plush bear from a store bought pattern for my children. I found out from those magazines that it was a real art and a way to express my imagination and to really indulge in my own love of teddy bears!

What style do you decorate your home in?
Our 104 year old home is a mixture of vintage and retro styles. My kitchen is in the style of the 1950's and always a work in progress while the rest of our home is in a very vintage style with cabinets in every single corner of all the rooms filled with vintage bears, dolls, cameras, toys, sewing supplies, photos, barware, books, etc. It's really a hodge podge of styles I suppose and we love it that way!

Were you artistic as a child?
YES! I was told that by everyone who knew me so I guess it must be true! I loved to draw and paint and I think I made every single project a little girl could from macaroni and popsicle sticks imagineable!

Did you like teddy bears as a child? If not, when did your love for teddy bears begin?
I can't be 100% sure I liked bears specifically but I did hang onto my first bear who has a very prominent spot in my collection now! I loved my dolls and playing house!

My love for teddy bears started around 22 years ago when I bought my first bear magazine! Shortly after that, I fell in love with bears made by some of my favorite artists such as "Ted Menton", "Brianna Long" and "Barbara Buehl"! Barbara was one of the first artists I wrote to asking for advice on bearmaking! She was a well established bearmaker and very accommodating to me and at one point, even flew with her husband in their tiny plane to where I lived on Vancouver Island to visit with me and to happily pass on two large boxes of British bear magazines, patterns, etc. so that I could learn more about the amazing bear making world! What a great day that was for an aspiring bearmaker such as myself!

Did anyone inspire you as a child or when you were starting to become artistic?
I think I can safely say that my Aunt was my first inspiration because she was very artistic and sewed a lot of fun things including clothing and accessories for my Barbie dolls. She even made my Barbie furniture! I also think that becoming artistic was my way of "hiding" away from the world as I was extremely shy as a child. It was a "comfort zone" for me growing up.

Was there a point when you realized "Wow, I'm an artist/artisan!"
You bet! That was when I was asked to be a part of a book commemorating bear making in Canada! The book was "Bears Across Canada" and I will be forever grateful to the gals who started that book, took an interest in my work and put it out there for bear lovers everywhere to enjoy! I was thrilled to be a part of it and to be included with some of the most well known bearmakers in Canada who were some of my "idols" before I even got started!

Confession time: What does your craft room/studio really look like? Is it organized?
At the moment, my craft room is shared with the spare room in our tiny little two bedroom house! Today, it is very organized as this past weekend was set aside for just that reason; however, at the best of times, it's a cluttered, messy and yet a wonderfully inspirational place for me to work! I have one of my retro kitchen tables and a comfy chair positioned in front of a large sunny window where I can enjoy a tree full of birdfeeders and little visitors while I work on my projects! I have an antique vanity in there as well that holds most of my supplies and books and a collection of vintage canning jars assembled in front of the window holding my favorite supplies such as buttons, vintage ribbons and bells! It's a calming place to be when I need to shut out the world for a few simple hours of bearmaking!

Please list the urls to your blog(s) and shop(s).
Michelle's Bears Blog
Etsy shop
Facebook Fan Page

Huggable is as Huggable Does Mohair Teddy Bear

This handmade mohair teddy bear looks so very huggable, and she is - thanks to being loosely jointed for optimum huggability!

Particulars:
- Sparse mohair in ivory; distressed; hand stitched; gently stuffed; eyes are glass shoe style buttons
- Details include velvet and lace trimmed jumper; mother of pearl buttons; bow and chenille roses in hair
- Measures 7 inches

Price: $165, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see Blondhearts' Junie listing

A Blooming Beauty of a Raggedy Ann Doll

Now here's a unique raggedy doll to add to your raggedies collection! This blooming beauty will look perfect sitting amongst your other dolls or on a window sill welcoming the sun everyday!

Particulars:
- Hand painted petals, legs, and shoes; face is hand stitched, painted, and shaded with artist pencils; wool hair; tea stained body; weighted so can sit
- Signed and dated by artist
- Measures 13 inches

Price: $40, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see Prims n Posies' listing on Etsy.

Mohair and Silk Teddy Bear for Sale

That face! That sweet teddy bear face. You just want to scoop him right up into your arms, don't you!?!

Particulars:
- Blonde mohair and silk blend; glass eyes; jointed; ultrasuede paws; stuffed with heavy polyester fibre fill
- Details include green bow; tush tag, TedBears certificate
- Hand sewn;
- Measures 10 inches seated

Price: Approx. $300 USD, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see TedBears' listing on Etsy.

Asian Raggedy Ann Doll

How can you not smile seeing this sweet Asian Raggedy Ann doll! What a unique raggedy to add to your collection. :)

Particulars:
- 100% cotton body; stitched face; black felt hair; bloomers
- Details include satin poppy in hair; "cutie pie" tag
- Signed and dated by artist
- Measures 13 inches in height

Price: $28, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see Sugar and Spice's listing on Etsy.

Raggedy Ann Ornament or Peg Hanger

If you love Raggedy Ann dolls, you're going to love this mini Raggedy Annie ornament or peg hanger. It will totally round out your raggedies collection. :)

Particulars:
- Aged with coffee, cinnamon, and vanilla stain; dotted black eyes; stitched nose; blushing cheeks
- Details include calico heart that's been blanket stitched; twine loop in back
- Your choice of available fabrics for her dress
- Measures 6 inches

Price: $12, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see Tins and Treasures' listing on Etsy.

Handmade Miniature Mohair Bear

This soft and cuddly bear reminds me a little bit of Winnie the Pooh. And who can resist a Pooh bear? Not I!

Particulars:
- Mohair Canary Yellow English fur; suede paw pads; fully jointed; steel shot and polyester filling; black agate bead eyes
- 100% handmade
- Measures approx. 8.5 inches in height

Price: $49, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see Lisabears' listing on Etsy.

Handmade Miniature Teddy Bears for Sale

If you're like me, you'll get the giggles over this cute miniature bear because he's just soooo tiny and cute!

Particulars:
- Needle felted alpaca wool; embroidered features; blushing cheeks
- Details include woolly scarf
- Measures 1.5 inches in height by 1 inches wide

Price: $23, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see Loveable Treasures' listing on Etsy.

Fluffy and Cuddly Soft Handmade Teddy Bear

Fluffy soft, you'll want to cuddle with this one of a kind bear. And, being a teddy bear, he'll want to cuddle right back!

Particulars:
- Made out of fluffy brown faux fur tipped in white; paws in gold brocade fabric; glass eyes; stitched nose and mouth; fully jointed
- Comes with removable bows
- Measures 18 inches standing; approx. 12 inches when sitting

Price: $65

For more info or to purchase, please see 1st Avenue Bears' listing on Etsy.

Huggable Primitive Raggedy Doll

"I love hugs," declares this handmade primitive raggedy doll. And you'll love her and how sweet and adorable she is sitting in your home.

Particulars:
- Coffee stained muslin; handstitched face and hair; seed bead eyes; Civil War print fabric dress; hand painted and sanded stockings and shoes; pantaloons
- Button on neckline; "I love hugs" coffee stained tag
- Measures 9 inches

Price: $33

For more info or to purchase, please see Wandering Whimsies' listing on Etsy.

Handmade Teddy Bears on Sale

This handmade teddy bear comes with his very own teddy bear! Now how's that for some teddy bear love that a collector would find irresistible.

Particulars:
- Made from plush winter jacket; eyes made out of shoe buttons; paws that are needle sculpted; scissor sculpted face; fully jointed
- Details include vintage sweater; metal car charm; handmade teddy bear toy made from wool
- Measures 12.5 inches

Price: $55, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see Tbmum's listing on Etsy.

Raggedy Doll and Bunny Friend

How adorable and unique - a blonde raggedy doll! And that's not all that's special about her; she also has a bunny friend to accompany her to her new home.

Particulars:
- Muslin stained with coffee, cinnamon, and vanilla; hand drawn and painted face; shading with artist pencils; hand painted and sprayed socks and shoes; yarn hair; pantaloons
- Details include bows on bunny and raggedy that match; purse
- Measures 11 inches in height

Price: $32, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see All is Bright's listing on Etsy.

Handmade "Parka Bear"

All bundled up and ready to give you warmth from his heart, this sweet faced faux fur teddy bear is waiting for you to adopt him into your home.

Particulars:
- Made out of a faux fur coat that's been recycled; paw pads in same pelt; polymer clay foot pads and nose; glass eyes framed with tan wool
- One of a kind
- Measures 16 inches

Price: $75.00, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see Custom Teddys' listing on Etsy.

TLC Raggedy Ann

Awww, now isn't this a sweet Raggedy Ann who will perk you up when you're feeling under the weather! Or even when you're feeling on top of the world. :)

Particulars:
- Muslin stained with tea and coffee; hand painted leg stripes and shoes; yarn hair; painted face
- Details include hand painted heart on shoes; wool felt cross, nurse's cap, and first aid bag; prim tag; name tag
- Bottom has been lightly weighted
- Signed and dated by artist
- Measures approx. 16 inches in height

Price: $32.95, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see Yellow Sweet Potato's listing on Etsy.

Sweet and Pretty is What this Raggedy Annie Is

Sweet face, curly hair, and a fashionable dresser! That's what this adorable primitive raggedy Annie is!

Particulars:
- Osnaburg that's been stained with coffee; handpainted and sanded leg stripes and shoes; pantaloons
- Details include quilt collar; floral apron; vintage buttons; painted and sanded sunflower
- Measures 17 inches in height

Price: $34.95, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see BrendiDoll's listing on Etsy.

Extremely Primitive Handmade Raggedies for Sale

If you're looking for very primitive raggedy dolls for sale, you've come to the right place! Feast your eyes on Raggedy Patty. Talk about prim...and oh so delightful!

Particulars:
- Grunged and baked dress and pantaloons for prim look; stitched face; patch nose; black button eyes; yarn hair
- Can sit if propped
- Signed and dated by artist
- Measures 23 inches in height

Price: $38, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see Annebelle's Attic's listing - just scroll down a bit.

Handmade Teddy Bears Spotlight Artisan: Vicki of Custom Teddies

I want to welcome Vicki of Custom Teddies to our Handmade Teddy Bears Artisan Spotlight.

Do you have a favorite style of teddy bear?
My favorite teddy bears are old, I mean really old, antique style teddy bears. My favorite teddy bear was an old Steiff Clown Bear that was worn out and raggedy. I restored this bear for a friend of mine, and absolutely fell in love with him. I think the real old bears have a character and personality that cannot be duplicated. Maybe it's about age, or maybe it is about the love and care that it took to create such an item.

Do you have a favorite medium/texture/plush you like working with?

I love going to the Salvation Army and other second hand stores to find jackets and other items that look like they would make good bears. I absolutely love working with mohair, but sometimes the bears made from mohair turn out rather predictable. Working with materials that aren't necessarily made for teddy bear construction can result in a finished product that is unusual and has a certain character that I can't seem to duplicate with mohair. Maybe it's that "old" thing. I also love making bears out of items that people have loved... like my granddaughter's little nubby jacket that she wore until she grew out of it... I made her a teddy for her birthday, and it was very special.

Is there anything you eventually want to get into and master - whether dealing with teddy bears or any other artistic endeavor?

Hum.... I guess my main focus for this time in my life is to perfect the art of teddy bear making. I keep trying to get better and better and try new things. In the past year I have stopped (at least for the most part) embroidering the noses on my bears and have instead opted for my own nose creations out of polymer clay. I love the new clay noses and they seem to add so much more personality to my bears.

What kinds of other artistic projects do you like to work on?

The world is so full of opportunities and I get so excited about doing new things, I sometimes just simply overwhelm myself with ideas. I love to crochet, embroider, needlepoint, cross stitch, make clothing, sew (any kind of sewing), redecorate, garden like crazy, and funny as it may seem, I love to write; it seems like I need to be doing something creative most of the time. At this time I have dedicated most of my creative abilities and desires to the making of teddy bears. I have a tendency to have too many "irons in the fire" so to speak. I overwhelm myself and then I can't seem to get anything done. Staying focused is one of my biggest challenges.

What do you like to do in your spare time when you're not creating art?

I love gardening, working around my house, and I do cook a little. I spend a lot of time with my aging Mother, and that is a rare gift I have been blessed with. It's like getting to know myself through spending time with my Mom as we are both getting older. It is an amazing experience.

How long have you been making bears?

I made my first bear from a kit in say around 1984. I started making them from patterns a few years later.... and began my own designs in the early 90's. It has been an obsession ever since.

When did you first start selling your handmade bears? What inspired you to do so?

I started a little shop here in Juneau called Custom Teddys in 1988. The inspiration for doing that came from the dread I had of going to work five days a week at a State job I hated. I took a giant leap, quit my job and started my teddy bear career.

What style do you decorate your home in?

Um...... lace, earth tones, rugged (slightly), doilies everywhere, teddy bears (of course). I don't know what to call it. It is definitely not contemporary. Somewhere between old fashioned grandma style and a few modern amenities (to keep my husband happy).

Were you artistic as a child?

I loved to draw when I was a little girl. And I concentrated mostly on drawing horses. I don't remember being encouraged as an artist. I think in those days little girls dreamed about having kids and getting married....

Did you like teddy bears as a child? If not, when did your love for teddy bears begin?

I don't even remember having a teddy bear as a child. I had a stuffed dog that I liked, but no teddy bears. The first time I remember seeing teddy bears and feeling my heart open was when I walked into a new friend's house. She had teddy bears everywhere. Her house seemed so loving and friendly, I fell completely in love. It seems like I had a dream months later (and it was literally a dream), where I saw my sewing machine in a corner on my little apartment. The next day I set up a little sewing corner in my apartment, bought another teddy bear kit... then bought some teddy bear patterns.. and I was on my way to experiencing this roller coaster ride I would call being a teddy bear artist.

Did anyone inspire you as a child or when you were starting to become artistic?

I just don't remember being encouraged in this direction as a child. I think it was more important to "follow" the crowd... although I cringe at that thought now.

Was there a point when you realized "Wow, I'm an artist/artisan!

I don't think so..... I'm not really sure I think of myself as an artist. I call myself an artist.... but I don't really know if I believe that in my heart of hearts. It's like "I'm a teddy bear maker"... but I'm not sure I can say artist, yet. I'll have to ponder that...

What does your craft room/studio really look like? Is it organized?

OK..... when I am working.... my work room looks like a tornado hit it. Fur, tools, thread.. patterns..... they are everywhere. It is just a mess. But when I am done for the day... I almost always clean it up. Because it is my relaxing room, too. I have a little TV in here and I like to watch movies and relax in here. So it is a multi-purpose room. I do have a closet that I stuff things into. The closet is "somewhat" organized. I find that I can't get the creative juices flowing if things are a mess. It's like I need to make sure everything is neat before I begin to mess it up. I am inspired by neatness.... then I make the mess!

Please list the sites that you have:
Custom Teddys
Custom Teddys Blog

Handmade Teddy Bear and Her Friend

Michelle of Tbmum linked up with the Sunburnt Cowlink party recently. Since I like to do features on all the participants, I thought I'd share this sweet duo: Good Golly Miss Molly!

Aren't they just the cutest!?! They'll be listed on Etsy soon, but to learn more about them, please check out Michelle's blog.

Adorable Purple Sweetness!

Since Pat from All is Bright Crafts linked up to the Sunburnt Cow link party, I thought I'd do a special feature on her latest handmade raggedy doll creation.

Isn't she just adorable?! You want to just scoop her up in your arms! To find out more about Pat and her adorable line of handmade rag dolls for sale, please check out Purple Simplicity and the rest of her blog.

Sunburnt Cow Handmade Shop Link Party

I'm hosting a link party on one of my other blogs where you can post up to four items that you have for sale. These items would have to be in a blog post - as is usual for a link party. Please come and join the fun - showing off what you currently have for sale and looking at other pretties! It doesn't have to be decor or prim related - just anything handmade that you have for sale. :)

Join the fun here and show off what handmade teddy bears, raggedies, and whatever other items you have for sale!

Monthly Contest to Discover New Online Talent

The Handmade Teddy Bears and Raggedies Blog will soon be starting a monthly contest to discover artisans who are new to selling online. Details are still being worked, but what will be considered "new" is someone who has been selling online for three months or less. It will be set up in link party format. This will allow the participants to link up a handmade teddy bear or raggedy doll they've made that they're particularly proud of and that represents the quality of what they offer. The link party system allows people to vote, so to go on to the next round, the top twenty vote getters will move on. The number twenty isn't set in stone. For the first contest, we may not have that many participants until word gets out. We'll whittle it down to the top ten, then top five. Each round may have a "wild card" participant that the judges will vote on to move to the next round, along with those who received the top votes. This will discourage anyone who has the intention of rigging the system by multiple votes. I'd like this contest to be as fair as possible.

The final round will be the judges' decision.

If you have any questions, please post them here, so I can iron out the wrinkles, so to speak.

If you would like to be a judge, please email me and let me know. (My email addy is in my profile). You will receive exposure by being a judge on this blog. The participants will also have to have the contest button banner on their blogs, which will be more exposure for those involved.

Participation as a contestant is not open to anyone who has been featured on the Handmade Teddy Bears and Raggedies blog thus far.

The winner will receive exposure on this blog for three full months, as well as having their button banner displayed on the sidebar. (The winner will have to make the button. If s/he doesn't know how, I can always do a text link back to the winner's blog). The judges will also write about the winner on their blogs. Thus, the winner will receive some very good exposure to help get the word out about their new online shop.

Artisan Spotlight of Handmade Raggedies: Wandering Whimsies

Here's another artisan spotlight, this time of handmade raggedies. Let me introduce you to Wandering Whimsies.

Do you have a favorite style of raggedy
Old fashioned country primitive

Do you have a favorite Medium/texture when making your handmade raggedies? Strong instant coffee - I dye and bake most everything I sew.

Is there anything you eventually want to learn?
I'd love to learn to quilt, but I'm not sure I have the patience :) and to restore furniture.

Are there any other artistic projects you'd like to do?
Woodworking

What do you do in your spare time?
Hmmm...I faintly remember what that is...reading, wandering antique/junk/thrift stores and spending time with my husband and two teenagers (they enjoy wandering the shops too :)

How long have you been crafting?
I did my first craft show about 25 years ago when stationed in New England. I've had my business part-time ever since and it became my fulltime job when we transferred to Kentucky in 2005.

When did you first sell your raggedies?
I've only been creating raggedies for several years. I came across a pattern designer and fell in love with the doll patterns, so I thought why not? And now I make 50 - 60 a year and each is one is different from any other. Most of the raggedies I make are special requests for collectors.

What is your home decor like?
My home is a mix of county primitive antiques, Americana and "comfortable". With all of our travels in the Navy, I've collected quite a few different styles and have managed to make it work together.

Where you artistic as a child? Did anyone influence you?
I grew up learning to sew, draw and paint. I thank my Mom, Aunt and Grandmothers for giving me an interest in sewing and embroidering; and my art teachers for showing me other mediums to create with.

Did you have any Raggedy Ann dolls as a child?
I didn't ever have a Raggedy Anne when I was growing up. I became interested in old-fashioned dolls and toys while living in New England.

Was there a point when you realized "Wow, I'm an artist/artisan!"
I don't think that I've ever had a point where I've thought "wow, I'm an artist", I just like creating :) and I like to think I'm good at what I do. I'm always thrilled with the compliments and comments from customers and people who see my work.

Confession time: What does your craft room/studio really look like? Is it organized?
My sewing room is what I would consider "chaotic" organization. There's a place for everything and I always know where things are, but when I'm working for a show or on a wholesale order, things tend to pile up - like fabric. Then I have to take an afternoon to clean up and organize it all back into bins and shelves.

Please list where people can find your raggedies:
Wandering Whimsies main website
Wandering Whimsies Etsy shop
Facebook page

Primitive Autumn Raggedy Doll on Sale

This primitive Autumn Raggedy Annie Doll is on sale. Scoop her up quick while she's still available!

Particulars:
- Muslin and cotton stained for prim look; wool hair; handpainted stockings; button eyes; hand sewn facial features
- Details include wool felt pumpkin; apron; ruffled neckline
- Measures about 18 inches
Price: $32, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see Jojo's Boutique's listing on Etsy

This Handmade Teddy Bear Shows Sweetness Comes in Small Packages

What an absolute sweet one this small handmade teddy bear is. He even comes bearing gifts, bringing along his own gingerbread house box and bottle brush tree!

Particulars:
- German wool felt; sand and polyfil stuffing; glass beads for eyes
- Details include a gently worn feel due to the stuffing used
- Measures 3.25 inches

Price: $35, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see Blond Heart's Peppermint listing.

A Handmade Raggedy Doll Full of Hope for You

Not only is this handmade prim raggedy doll sweet to look at, she also delivers an uplifting message!

Particulars:
- Tea stained apron; handpainted and sanded face, shoes, and legs; lightly stuffed nose
- Details include pigtails; pantaloons; Hope stitchery; rusty safety pins; rusty bells on shoes; weighted so she can sit
- Signed and dated by artist
- Measures 21 inches

Price: $45, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see Prims n Posies' listing on Etsy .

Handmade OOAK Small Mohair Bear

Awww, just look at this adorable OOAK (one of a kind) mohair bear - so sweet. He's small, but ready to give oodles of love!

Particulars:
- Sparse chocolate colored mohair; 100% hand sewn; glass eyes; ultrasuede paws; stuffed with polyfill; jointed
- Comes with certificate
- Measures 4 inches seated

Price: approx. $41.71 USD, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see TedBears' listing on Etsy.

Handmade African American Raggedy Dolls for Sale

This sweet faced handmade African American Raggedy Doll will add delightful variety to your raggedies collection!

Particulars:
- Brown cotton fabric; hand stitched face; button eyes
- Details include "Sugar & Spice" stamped on bloomers; three different hues of brown to choose from; hang tag; hair bow
- Signed and dated by artist; made from artist's own pattern
- Measures approx. 12 inches

Price: $28, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see Sugar and Spice's listing on Etsy.

Perfectly Prim Raggedies for Sale

Perfectly prim and looking like the epitome of a rag doll with her beautifully rich red hair, this primitive raggedy is sure to enhance any rag doll collection you may have!

Particulars:
- Stained muslin; yarn pigtails; calico nose; black button eyes; pantaloons
- Can be draped or sit if propped
- Measures 14 inches

Price: $25, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see Tins and Treasures' listing on Etsy.

OOAK Blue Mohair Bear

A fat tummy and a smiling face is often what comes to mind when we think of teddy bears. Yet this one is unique in his beautiful coloring!

Particulars:
- Blue German Schulte Mohair; blue suede paw pads; steel shot and polyester filling; black agate bead eyes; fully jointed
- Handmade from artist's own pattern; fresh water pearl behind left ear
- Tag and certificate
- Measures just over 8 inches (21 cm)

Price: $42, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see Lisa Bears' listing on Etsy.

A Heart-ful Raggedy Ann

This sweet Raggedy Annie doll holds a heart in her hand and she'll soon be holding your heart in hand!

Particulars:
- Tea stained; handpainted
- Holds heart; can sit if propped; stitched face; button eyes; bows in hair
- Measures approx. 13 inches

Price: $10, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see My Sweet Piper's listing on Etsy.

Miniature Handmade Panda Bear

Even though this little guy is tiny, he sure can make a huge impression on your heart!

Particulars:
- Silk wool; needle felted; bead eyes; thread jointed so you can gently pose him
- Measures less than an inch seated; a wee bit over an inch when standing

Price: $32, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see Loveable Treasures' listing on Etsy.

Handmade Momma and Baby Raggedies for Sale

What a unique duo to add to your raggedies collection! This handmade momma raggedy will bring you as much of a bundle of joy as her baby raggedy does.

Particulars:
- Muslin dyed with coffee; pantaloons; stitched face; glass bead eyes
- Details include basket that "baby" is in, as well as a little blanket; hair bow; hand painted stockings; heart with "Bundle fo Joy" hang tag
- Momma measures about 10 inches seated and 18 inches in total height

Price: $46

For more info or to purchase, please see Wandering Whimsies' listing on Etsy.

Handmade Vintage Looking Bears for Sale

With longer legs and bent arms, this adorable handmade teddy bear looks wonderfully vintage and ready to be added to your collection!

Particulars:
- Faux fur; brocade fabric paws; glass eyes are German made; brown cotton floss nose and mouth; fully jointed; Poly-fill stuffing
- OOAK (one of a kind); no two bears have the same paw and fur pattern combo
- Details include removable bows
- Measures 18 inches in height; 14 inches sitting

Price: $60, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see 1st Avenue Bears' listing on Etsy.

Handmade Sweet Raggedy Ann Doll for Sale

Here's a sweet as ice cream Raggedy Ann doll bearing gifts! Yes, I'm sure she'd share her ice cream cone with you because, as you can see from her angelic face, she's a sweetie!

Particulars:
- Muslin stained with coffee; handpainted socks and shoes; embroidered facial features; blushing cheeks; wool yarn hair
- Details include buttons on shoe straps; bloomers; dress ruffle; rick rack; button at neck; bows in pigtails; ice cream cone
- Signed and dated by artist
- Measures approx. 18 inches

Price: $29.95, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see Yellow Sweet Potato's listing on Etsy.

Customizable Handmade Mohair Teddy Bear

How can you resist charming and antique style handmade mohair teddy bears? You can't, can you? Well, join the club because I can't either! Equally irresistible is that you can help customize this sweetie.

Particulars:
- Mohair - choose a specific color dye or type of sparse style artist has available
- Vintage excelsior and upholstery stuffing; fully jointed; antique looking paws and nose
- Details include "aged" ribbon with added accessory
- Measures about 10 inches

Price: $54, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see Tbmum's listing on Etsy.

The Grande Dame of Raggedies

This handmade prim raggedy and her cat are just the thing to add to your raggedies collection or prim decor. One could go so far as to say she's the grande dame of raggedies since she looks wise and motherly!

Particulars:
- Heavily grunged muslin for prim look; stitched face; button eyes; perle cotton hair
- Details include osnaburg apron; pantaloons; handpainted stockings; kitty with collar and bell
- Signed and dated by artist
- Measures 25 inches in height

Price: $58, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see Annabelle's Attic's listing on Simply Primitives.

Spring has Sprung for this Handmade Raggedy Doll

This sweet handmade raggedy doll is just as excited and ready for spring as you are - what with her floral and feminine dress and her hand sewn flower.

Particulars:
- Muslin dyed with tea, vanilla, and cinnamon; pantaloons; acrylic paint and artist pencils used for facial features; wool yarn hair; hand dyed wool flower
- Details include button at neckline; bows in pigtails; rickrack around hem
- Measures 11 inches in height

Price: $32, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see All is Bright's listing on Etsy.

A Distrinctive Handmade Mohair Teddy Bear for Sale

Distinct and darling, this handmade mohair teddy bear will leave an indelible impression on you and anyone who sees him!

Particulars:
- Two different mohairs; wool felt muzzle, tummy, and paws; polymer clay nose; fully jointed; polyester fiberfill stuffing
- Details include key; brown and black ribbon
- Measures 14 inches

Price: $100, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see Custom Teddys' listing on Etsy.

Handmade Teddy Bears Spotlight Artisan: Lisa of Lisa Bears

Welcome Lisa of Lisa Bears to the spotlight!

1. Do you have a favorite style of teddy bear?

[The above photo is] what I would say is at present my favourite bear style, I think that the face on this bear is very cute and the body is well proportioned. This bear in question has only just been born so if any of the blog readers want to have a go at naming her (I think it is a girl) I think that would be fun.

2. Do you have a favorite medium/texture/plush you like working with?
About 90% of my bears are made out of Mohair because I love the look of the finished bear. We have done a couple out of alpaca which is a lovely thick, soft fabric. And at the present I am experimenting with silk velvet (23% pure silk) for very small bears, tiny bears don't look that great out of long shaggy fur, however the fabric I've got at the moment is being a bit of a pain and showing the seams when turned the right way round. Never used upholstery material to a great extent......not sure if I like it for bears??

3. Is there anything you eventually want to get in to and master - whether dealing with teddy bears or any other artistic endeavor?
I am still very much into developing the bears, creating the perfect bear is very much a process of trial and error - and what I think is perfect may not be so when it is trialed in the marketplace. Will I move away from needle and thread to other artistic media, I guess photography takes my fancy a bit.

4. What kinds of other artistic projects do you like to work on?
In reality the bear business takes up alot of my time together with being a busy mum and working at my local school as a dinner lady/first aider. I do do the odd ocassional sewing job for friends & family.

5. What do you like to do in your spare time when you're not creating art?
Walking our border collie, cinema, cooking/eating out, gardening......mostly being together as a family.

6. How long have you been making bears?
I made my first bear about 10-12 years ago. For a first bear he turned out to be a bit of a mutant - eyes, ears & limbs not right! I want to do major surgery on him but Chris, my husband, won't let me. I gave up a bit after that until about 5 years ago when I had another go at it, the bears were alot better and it all snowballed from there.

7. When did you first start selling your handmade bears? What inspired you to do so?
I sold my first bear about 4 years ago on dare I say eBay, the primary reason was that it was another source of income that fit around the demands of a young family....It'll never be a primary income but it's family pocket money and a craft that I adore doing. There is an ever increasing social aspect to the whole Lisabears thing too.

8. What style do you decorate your home in?
Our house was built in the very early 1900's so the decor reflects the Edwardian/Art Deco era to some extent, but the style inevitably becomes tempered by mordern electronics and the desires of 2 young boys.

9. Were you artistic as a child?
Not in the painting sense, was good then with a needle and thread though.

10. Did you like teddy bears as a child? If not, when did your love for teddy bears begin?
I have always loved Pooh bear!

11. Did anyone inspire you as a child or when you were starting to become artistic?
My mum regularly made clothes/altered clothes, I am part of a family of 4 girls so money was a little restricted, the old phrase about "cutting your cloth according to your means" really had resonance in our childhood home.

12. Was there a point when you realized "Wow, I'm an artist/artisan!"
I guess the penny only dropped last year after selling a few hundred bears on ebay. We had always received fantastic feedback from customers but I never believed that people really liked my teddies. My husband finally gave me the kick up the bottom that I required to have the belief in myself to enter my bears onto artisan sites like Etsy.

13. Confession time: What does your craft room/studio really look like? Is it organized?
The Lisabears empire occupies a total floorspace area of 5 square feet in a tiny corner of our living room. It's all neatly boxed and hidden away not to impact on the house. My husband on the other hand sits in a computer room with a hundred or more little eyes staring at him from every direction LOL.

Please list where people can find your bears:
Lisa Bears website and Lisa Bears on Etsy.

Lady Bugs and Raggedies

Do you love ladybugs and primitive raggedies? Then let me introduce this long haired sweet lady to you!

Particulars:
- Stained with tea for that extreme primitive touch; pigtails with matching bows; pantaloons; handpainted legs; hand stitched face
- Details include ladybug buttons; rick rack; bag with three ladybugs
- Signed and dated by artist
- Weighted bottom so she can sit
- Measures 22 inches in height

Price: $50.00, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see Prims n Posies' listing on Etsy.

Handmade Mohair Teddy Bears: Presenting Whitaker

Plush and lush is what this beautiful handmade mohair teddy bear is. With such attention to detail, he'll make anyone's best dressed list!

Particulars:
- Mohair of deep forest green; eyes in glass shoe button styling; paw pads are made of tapestry design; distressed by hand; loosely jointed; stuffed gently;
- Details include vest in plaid wool fabric and silk linking; wooden button; bow tie in black velvet
- Measures 16 inches in height

Price: $375.00, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see Blondheart's Whitaker listing.

Sweet and Smiling Rag Doll

Smiling sweetly with her fun loving expression, this handmade raggedy doll is eagerly awaiting warm weather with her spring like dress. Why not welcome spring together?

Particulars:
- Cotton muslin; wool felt hair; buttons for eyes; handstitched face
- Details include striped tights; felt Mary Jane shoes; "sweet" tag; hair bow
- Signed and dated by artist
- Measures approx. 14 inches in height

Price: $32.00, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see Sugar and Spice's listing on Etsy.

Handmade Raggedy Doll Ornament or Shelf Sitter

Don't stop your handmade raggedy dolls collection with just dolls. Why not make it complete by including ornies and shelf sitters!

Particulars:
- Great for hanging on a peg or propping her up on a shelf
- Dotted black eyes; stitched nose; blushing cheeks
- Details include calico heart with blanket stitching
- Choose from available dress fabrics
- Measures 6 inches

Price: $10.00, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see Tins and Treasures' listing on Etsy.

Squeezably Soft is What This Handmade Plush Teddy Bear Is

This handmade plush teddy bear will be just as pleased to make your acquaintance as you are with him! One of a kind, he'll add variety to your teddies collection.

Particulars:
- Ultra soft plush in white tipped russet; eyes that are dark brown glass; jointed; heavy polyester fibre stuffing
- 100% hand sewn; comes with certificate
- Measures approx. 10 inches seated

Price: approx. $132.37 USD, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see TedBears' listing on Etsy.

Handmade Raggedy Doll with Kitty

Curly haired and cute is what you'll find this raggedy doll to be. Bringing along her very own kitty, she'll add a homespun touch to your prim collection.

Particulars:
- Cloth died with tea; handpainted shoes and stockings; curly yarn hair
- Details include kitty cat; bow in hair; buttons on dress; can sit if propped
- Measures approx. 16 inches

Price: $12.00, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see My Sweet Piper's listing on Etsy.

Handmade Country Primitive Raggedy Dolls

Make a wish! Do you wish you could have this handmade country primitive raggedy doll? Then your wish fulfillment is just a moment away!

Particulars:
- Muslin stained with coffee; handstitched face; glass bead eyes; stiffened floss hair; handpainted shoes and stockings
- Details include neckline button; pantaloons; 4 inch star with black stitching and "wishing star" stitched upon it; rusty bell
- Measures 5 inches seated; approx. 7.5 in total height

Price: $33.00

For more info or to purchase this handmade primitive raggedy doll for sale, please see Wandering Whimsies' listing on Etsy.