Just Bears and Stuff

Collecting Teddy Bears

2009-10-31T14:31:47-07:00

One of my favorite things to do is find fun articles about teddy bears. I just found a beary informative article from Jo Ann Wentzel.

It is called "Starting a Teddy Bear Collection"

Collecting teddy bears can be a fascinating hobby. Teddy bears are a popular collectible for everyone. The teddy bear has often been thought of as a substitute soft toy for boys in place of a girl's doll. Today, many males as well as females collect teddy bears. With the prices vintage teddy bears have fetched at auction, this is definitely a respectable collection for men to pursue ... to read the full article click here.

Bear hugs

Patricia Twitchell
The Teddy Bear Lady of Myrtle Creek
Visit the Bear Watch eBay Store

Teddy bears, angels, fairies and other collectibles.... what to watch out for

2009-10-26T21:01:49-07:00

Lots of people would love to know how to start a collection responsibly while having fun in the process.

I have owned a specialty gift shop for years. Many of my wonderful clients from around the globe are collectors. They collect everything from teddy bears, fairies, dolls and angels. Of course, the list could go on and on with how passionate many of them are.

Over the years I have had countless inquiries on how to become a collector. In response to this I did an extensive web search and came across some excellent information from an eBay seller whose ID is bonfire4u.

The information is so useful I just have to share it with my readers.

Collecting Faerie Glen Faeries by Munro

In 2002, Munro Gifts began the Faerie Glen series of numbered faerie collectibles. They have grown in popularity as each new collection has been offered. Each faerie has a unique personality, theme and coloring. Their similarities are only in their beauty. In this guide, I'll offer advice on collectibles in general, the most popular pieces in each collection, what's retired and where it can be found, and what's new and how soon you can get it!

Starting your collection...

When you begin to collect anything, there are a few things to remember. After you decide you have to have it, and you want more of it, you need the following to begin to have value for your collection:

A safe and secure location to display or maintain your collection a clean environment, preferably free of dust, dampness or direct sunlight a storage location for all certificates of authenticity, tags and original boxes and packaging receipts for purchases with dates and costs clearly visible

Additional considerations include:

Do you have an original advertisement for your item(s) was there any promotional material or mini catalog that came with your purchase did you register your item with the seller or manufacturer, what date & where is there an email list or newsletter you can get that keeps you informed about new items, retirement notices, any changes or recall notices, or other information Remember that today, yes, you absolutely love what you collect.

Tomorrow things may change & you might have a valuable resource with your collectible that could bring you big dollars if you choose to sell it. The more information you have about your item, the better. It makes it easier to sell, easier to prove you have the item you are presenting and easier to determine value.

Even if you want to keep your collection forever, you made need as much information as possible to determine insurance value.

Bear hugs to Munro. Obviously someone who knows about being a collector.

To see the largest selection of Monroe Faerie Glen, Faerie babies and more click here.

Teddy Bear sales honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2009

2009-10-19T18:52:33-07:00

Rarely will you find someone who is not impacted by cancer. Breast cancer is one of the most common.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, also known as NBCAM for short. The pink ribbon will be visible vitually everywhere to remind men and women to raise awareness about breast cancer.

Fast Facts About Breast Cancer

1 in 4 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lieftime.
Over 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. this year.
Over 40,000 women will die from the disease.
Breast cancer occurs in men. Infact, over 1000 men will be diagnosed this year.

Just Bears and Stuff supports awareness for both men and women. A portion of every Life Bear we sell during October will be donated to the American Cancer Society.

Bear hugs

Pat Twitchell
The Teddy Bear Lady of Myrtle Creek

The Passing Of My Father

2009-10-14T07:39:02-07:00

On Monday, October 12, 2009 my father passed on from this lifetime. He celebrated his 82nd birthday on the 8th. That was the last day out of bed he enjoyed.

My sister wrote a very nice tribute to my father that I thought my readers would enjoy.

Click here to read.

People who love Teddy Bears often love hedgehogs

2009-10-09T08:19:25-07:00

Did you know the hedgehog makes an interesting pet? Actually, the hedgehog is quite a fascinating little creature that makes an interesting pet. There are some areas where they are illegal so before you decide to make this your next pet you might want to check your local laws.

Originally from Africa, hedgehogs can live up to about 4 years in the wild and nearly 10 in captivity. Their diet consists of insects so if you have lots of those little critters around a hedgehog might be a much appreciated addition to your family.

Their backs are covered with rows and rows of short, prickly spines and yet their bellies are soft and covered with fur. I can’t say that I actually want the experience of touching one to find out how true this is so I will just believe it to be so.

One of the best parts of the hedgehog is their compact size. They are about 5 – 8 inches in length and weigh practically nothing. No wonder they weigh so little; with a natural diet which includes insects, slugs, snails, worms and, occasionally, small vertebrates and fruit wouldn’t you weigh practically nothing?

In captivity their diet often consists of commercial cat food, hard boiled eggs, and chopped up fruit and vegetables with mealworms or crickets as a treat. Again, is it any wonder they are so light?

Similar to a teenager, they don’t especially crave being touched and seem to enjoy their independence. Yet, underneath that prickly exterior and under the right circumstances some good loving can work wonders for their disposition.

Unlike the teenager, they are fairly low maintenance. Although they can’t see very well, they have really good hearing and an incredible sense of smell.

If you don’t mind being kept awake at night, then the hedgehog will be a fun addition to your menagerie of pets. However, don’t do anything to frighten them because chances are they will make a very high-pitched hissing sound and spit.

A female hedgehog can go full term on delivery of her “pups” in 34 – 37 days. Wow! Imagine going through your pregnancy that fast. A standard size litter is 1 – 7 pups. If their pups disturb them, the mother has been known to leave them or even eat them. Kids, watch out! Don’t disturb mom!

With all this wonderful information, you may think, “Hmmmm, I sure think hedgehogs are cute, but don’t want to have all the insects around for their feeding, listen to them at night or have them leave their pups.”

Never fear, because you can still enjoy hedgehogs and not have to worry about feeding or watering them. Many gift shops carry a great selection of ceramic, clay, stuffed and wood hedgehogs.

Take a look at a fun hedgehog. Click here.

The Magic of Dragonflies

2009-10-07T20:28:51-07:00

As a child the unexplainable beauty of dragonflies fascinated me. I could be mesmerized for indefinite periods of time watching them buzz around and appear to float in midair.

I most often would see the dragonflies during family time near the river. Maybe that is why I have such fond memories. Maybe it is the magical way they fluttered about that intrigued me. Or, maybe it is because I heard so many mystical stories about what a dragonfly meant.

Have you ever wondered what the origin of the Dragonfly is? I know I have.

Here are some fun facts you may not know…dragonflies are among the most primitive groups of freshwater insects. They are noted for their striking colors and almost motionless flying abilities.

Did you know that dragonflies were flying in steamy prehistoric forest long before the dinosaurs appeared? Unlike our waistlines and hips that seem to grow with time, the wingspan of the dragonfly has actually been reduced. In prehistoric times they had a wingspan of over 31 inches. Today, the wingspan is only 5 ½ inches.

Did you know that a dragonfly senses the world through its eyes? The two huge eyes have very good color vision and are sensitive to movement in order to detect prey, potential mates and rivals.

In ancient times, the dragonfly was believed to be the spirit of the rice plant by Japanese farmers. Dragonflies were a welcome sign of a good rice harvest. They were also believed to bring good luck in battle.

About 500 A.D. the dragonfly was the symbol of a great Japanese warrior clan. It later become one of the emblems of the emperor. In ancient mythology, Japan was known as Akitsushima, which means "Land of the Dragonflies".

For some Native American tribes they represent swiftness and activity. It is said in some Native American beliefs that dragonflies are a symbol of renewal after a time of great hardship.

Not every culture believed the dragonfly to be good luck. In Europe, dragonflies have often been viewed as sinister. The Norwegian name for dragonflies is "Øyenstikker", which literally means Eye Poker

Long ago in Great Britain dragonflies were considered evil and dangerous. The reason was because people saw them darting at horses. They got the name horse-stingers. The fact was that the dragonflies were catching horseflies, which were the real horse-stingers. So in reality the dragonflies were helping the horses.

If we had to depend on eating what dragonflies eat we would all be thin as a rail. As adults, dragonflies eat mosquitoes, gnats, flies, flying ants, swarming termites, mayflies, midges, butterflies other dragonflies, or just about anything small enough for them to catch.

Most people have heard that a housefly lives for a very short time. This is true also for dragonflies. Adult dragonflies live for only a couple of months at best. The average life expectancy may be much less than this because they are caught and eaten by a number of predators; including fish, frogs, turtles, other insects, spiders, and birds. Still others meet an untimely death on the windshield of a passing vehicle.

One of the most amazing facts about dragonflies is how people friendly they are. Dragonflies do not normally bite or sting humans although they have been known to bit in order to escape someone’s grasp. They are actually a valued creature that helps control the population of harmful insects, such as mosquitos. Because of this they have sometimes been called mosquito hawks.

Dragonflies are found in every country on the planet. From Japan to the lands of the American Indian, most people see the dragonfly a symbol of positive forces.

Today, many people love to add a dragonfly tattoo to their body. Dragonfly tattoos symbolize good luck, freedom, change, and inspiration.

If you’re not one to get a tattoo of a dragonfly, perhaps a nice porcelain dragonfly is your choice. Actually, due to numerous requests I now carry a full range of dragonfly gifts for every taste at Just Bears and Stuff.

To see more dragonflies and other fun things I carry click here.

Winnie the Pooh brings comfort through the years

2009-09-28T11:14:27-07:00

Most of us get an immediate feeling of joy and comfort from periods in our life when we were impacted by a movie character, stuffed animal, storybook hero or fantasy figure. For many of us Winnie the Pooh is one of the “feel good” characters we grew up on. Pooh is so impressive that he has impacted millions through the years. My grandchildren love Pooh.

Recently I came across a poem that immediately gave me that familiar Pooh Feel Good Feeling. I am sure you will enjoy it too.

Poem by Peggy Readon

When I'm feeling down

and don't know what to do.

I take a look around

and grab my buddy Pooh.

I hold him in my arms,

snuggle him nice and tight.

He keeps me from harm,

and takes away my fright.

Pooh is my best friend.

He's with me in times of doubt.

He'll be with me until the end,

and that's one thing I never worry about.

###

Feel free to share your experiences about Pooh in the comments section of my blog.

Take a look at my Pooh selection by clicking here.

Bear hugs

Pat

7 Tips to an Easy Holiday Shopping Experience

2009-09-26T12:52:47-07:00

The holidays can be one of the most exciting times of year and at the same time, one of the most stressful. To avoid unnecessary stress you can take a few simple steps to ease through the season with joy, ease and fun.

1. If you are going to shop – pace yourself. You don’t have to get everything done in one trip. Set aside a short period of time over several days rather than trying to accomplish everything in one trip. For some people, this type of shopping is favorable to doing everything in one trip.

2. There are some personality types who find it less stressful to get all their shopping done in one shopping spree. They do better to complete all shopping in one trip. It saves the need to make several trips to the stores. This is a great way to avoid the crowds often associated with the holiday season.

3. Shop in smaller stores. You will avoid crowds by visiting small shops in quaint towns. Often, you will receive more personalized service due to the owner being the one to serve you.

4. Get your gifts wrapped as soon as you purchase them. This one tip can save countless hours of frustration. There are still shops that will take care of the gift wrapping at no additional cost. Even if you have to pay, the convenience alone may be worth it.

5. Write a list of people you plan to shop for. To avoid unnecessary debt put a dollar amount you are able to comfortably afford. Stay within your budget. Although a couple dollars here and there doesn’t seem like much, it can quickly add up.

6. Be aware of misleading sale items. Often what may seem like a great deal really isn’t. If you are buying a large ticket item, do some research before you go shopping. You can save an incredible amount of money by doing so.

7. Enjoy the experience. Often people get so caught up in the pressures of the holiday season they forget to enjoy themselves. Relax in the experience.

The origin of Gollies

2009-09-24T13:39:33-07:00

The origin of Gollywogg (Golly for short and sometimes spelled as Golliwogg and Golliwog), as creator, Florence Upton herself said in an interview, "is passing simple.

(The above from my eBAY store)

He was born of no deep, dark intentions, nor was he the product of a decadent craving for ugliness on the part of his creator. He simply walked quietly side by side with me out of my own childhood...Tracing him back to as near the beginning as I can get, he came from an American Fair. Farther we cannot go, and must fall back on the Topsy theory - 'he growed'."

For full story go to Bears and Buds at http://www.bearsandbuds.com/June2008/Golly-June2008.asp

To see my selection on my eBay store CLICK HERE.

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Creating a Halloween Full of Beary Special Treats

2009-09-23T20:42:24-07:00

One of the most exciting nights of the year for children is Halloween. It is a night of laughter, fun, candy, and more candy.

Although a night that is meant to be memorable, it can also be one of the most concerning for parent’s. The following recommendations will help everyone enjoy “tricks and treats” to the fullest.

Fix all outdoor lighting to make walkways visible
Secure pets, especially dogs, to avoid unnecessary barking and biting
Use battery operated jack-o-lanterns rather than those with real flames
Offer healthy alternatives to candy
Keep police and fire department numbers handy in case of an emergency
If you are taking your children door to door keep them in sight at all times
Have children walk in groups
Everyone should carry an operational flashlight
Teach children to obey traffic signals and stay on sidewalks
Stay in familiar neighborhoods
Have an emergency plan
Make sure children have a cell phone with them
Wear a watch that can be read in the dark
Make sure shoes fit
Put reflective tape or markings on clothing
Approach only well lit homes

When you buy costumes make sure they are made of flame retardant material and easy to move in. Make sure your children know where to reach you in case of an emergency. Have them carry your contact information on them in a pocket.

If you will be welcoming Trick or Treaters to your home, make their experience is a pleasant one by being enthusiastic and welcoming. If you are taking young folks door-to-door display lots of enthusiasm as you set the tone for the evening. You can help to make a special occasion even more exciting by remembering that this is what memories are made of.

A super special treat for this holiday season is a teddy bear. Visit the Bear_Watch eBay Story for a selection of over 4,300 gift ideas to select from.

Yes, take me to your Bear_Watch eBay store.