Monday, December 22, 2008

Moms Angel.....

On our news tonight, there was a story about a picture taken in a hospital that looks like a "light angel". Their "angel" looks a lot like my moms "light angel". Hmmm......
My Aunt was here visiting from Germany. She took this picture of my mom sleeping, just weeks after my dad died and my brother had killed himself. Mom has had three strokes and has minimal use of her left arm and neck- her mind and speech are ok......but, she hasn't been out of bed in several years.
The picture was taken early in the morning and the sun was on the opposite side of the building. The light reflects ON everything around it: moms face, the INSIDE of the curtains, on the bed rail, etc. ---as if it really is a "being". Of course, I have played CSI detective with the photo.......Love and Believe, the two most difficult things in life!? Hmmm.......

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Kings of Leon eating Silkies?!?! OMG......



Normal Sunday evening, listening to music...watching videos and sewing...then, OMG!! Kings of Leon video for 'Sex on Fire'....they're eating little Silkie drum sticks!! For those of you who know me, I have PET chickens. Among them are the beautiful Bantam Silkies....adorable little feather footed cuties. They have "fur" instead of feathers with mulberry combs and turquoise ear lobes.
At first, I thought "how neat" they have Silkies in their video! Then I saw them hanging upside down....then, OMG...."Is that a tiny drum stick he's eating???" OMG!! Really, check it out!

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Sunrise in Caswell County


The pink light from the sunrise this morning was stuningly beautiful! A humbling reminder of Gods awesome love!

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Christmas bear presents



My last bear Christmas presents turned out really cute! Bear on the left is made from premium synthetic Norweigan fox with a arctic fox fur chest. The bear on the right is made from premium synthetic Golden fox. I love the quality of the Tissavel Fur. No wonder they charge sooooo much for it!
The newest pattern (left) has wired arms for cute poses and I finally acheived the "fat cub" body!!! Designs in the past just looked liked they ate a basketball...LOL!
As usual, the bears refused to go into their stockings...but, I squished them in. Now I just have to get them to their new moms and dads. Wish me luck!

Monday, December 15, 2008

Thank you, Santa Claus....






I really don't care how many shopping days are left until Christmas! But, I am concerned about budget cuts at the nursing home. Santa Claus has come to visit my mom every year since 2005.
I can tolerate the "burrito-looking-things" they served for Christmas dinner....but, if Santa doesn't come?!?! He makes her so happy, even if it's just for a few minutes! So, if you see a Santa out and about this year...be sure to stop and tell him thank you. It really does make a difference!

Bear of the week...


Spent the weekend doing farm chores, sewing and watching football.....couldn't ask for better!?! Hoping for a good photo session with this bear tomorrow! She/he turned out really cute! Still needs a few finishing details.....more to come.....

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Tater turning gray....



My Great Dane, Tater, turned six this summer. He looks so "old". I know the giant dog breeds age rapidly and he will pass way too soon. Hopefully, we'll have several more good years!
My twenty-one year old kitty, Lumpy, died on November 7th. He's the black "after-shower-kitty-warmer" in the picture taken last year.
I found him in a dumpster when I was sixteen. I could hear him crying. Had to climb in to find him, yuck! He had just been born....still wet. Lucky for him (and me) it was my second year working at a veterinary hospital. He prompted my interest and career in neo-natal feline medicine....
Turned out he had seizures, and appeared "dead" in the postdictal state. Probably why someone threw him away?? He was tiny....for many months. Had to tube feed him for a week before he would nurse on his own. He never gave up and had such a strong will to survive. He has been my constant companion, pillow and friend for a long time! Miss him a lot.......

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Does he look like me?


Oh my.....it's happening to me!

So many artists look like their bears. I love to browse teddy bear show pictures of artists with their creations, because more often then not; they look like their bears. How cute!

LOL....my newest design (prototype) could be related to me! He is made from high quality, golden fox synthetic fur. About 14" tall standing. The pictures don't do him justice. And, yes...he looks like me!

Hugs,

JeannieB

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Meet Snowden...





It was a close race, but the teddy bear won! He is celebrating and in the holiday spirit! His little mouse friend still needs arms and legs....and he's not happy about that.



Snowden the bear is made from premium, woven backed- synthetic fur; in a creamy white color. He is 12" sitting and 16" standing up. He has matching ultra suede paw pads and earliners.



More pictures of Snowden are available on my web-pages.



http://home.bellsouth.net/p/pwp-teddybears







Thanks for taking a minute to visit Snowden!



Hugs,



JeannieB

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Inspiration from the strangest things.....Snowden or Snowden??


Inspiration for making my bears seems to come from a variety of senses ..sight, feeling....even smell can inspire a color scheme for a new critter! My favorite bears (and the quickest to be finished) are usually inspired by someone's child, especially around Christmas time.
Last week I read the tiny writing on my favorite surgeons gold handled forcep. (I work in the operating room) This forcep is used to "sew" tiny vein grafts onto the heart. "Snowden" was one of the words. I really like it as a teddy bear name! Too cute!
I went home that night and with "Snowden" in mind, drew a new bear pattern and a mouse pattern. This is my first mouse.
Of course, white would be the color. I chose Lapin(recycled rabbit fur) for the mouse and an expensive woven backed synthetic for the bear.
Usually I make myself work on one project at a time. So there are no UFO's (unfinished objects) hanging around. But, I just couldn't help myself and cut out both of them at the same time!
The race is on! Who ever is finished first will be "Snowden" and the runner up...well, haven't thought that far ahead. Any name suggestions for the second place finisher will be taken into consideration!
Look for Snowden and "his friend" in the weeks to come...

Meet Oliver....

This is Oliver, my newest cub and first bent leg design. His premium synthetic fur has a deep olive color base with rusty tan guard hairs. Super soft quality fur! He sits at 12" tall and is five way jointed. All stretched out he measures 19" from head to feet....a big boy! His paws and ear linings are made from ultra-suede. He is heavily weighted and feels like a real baby when held....too cute!
Thanks for visiting with Oliver. He is available directly from me. See web pages for details...
http://home.bellsouth.net/p/pwp-teddybears
hugs,
Jeannie and Oliver

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Welcome to JeannieB Bears.....


Hi from teddy bear artist: Jeannie Bantel
Teddy bear designer since 2006. All of my creations
are hand sewn and made with lot's of attention to detail!
I use mohair, premium synthetics and recycled fur to bring
these critters to life. Please take a minute to visit my web
Thanks for stopping in.....big teddy bear hugs,
JeannieB