Pud Bears And Pollys Vintage Bears

I have made the decision to temporarily close my Etsy shop whilst the 'stay at home' order from the government is in place. This is because I do not think that visiting the Post Office with parcels during this time is an essential trip. I will continue to photograph the bears but unfortunately they will not be for sale for the time being. I will be spending my time getting our pretty little garden ready for the Summer.

Isn't she just so cute? Not sure of her maker, but she is such a pretty little bear with a turned up nose!

A group of bears ready to be listed in my Etsy shop.

Just listed this gorgeous little bear in my Etsy shop. Now SOLD. He has his faults, but is such a sweet little chap that I felt he was better left as he is with no major restoration done. Just a new waistcoat and hat. 🥰

This pretty bear arrived. I was originally disappointed as it was 2" bigger than I had expected. However I started to examine her and removed the replacement cord foot pads. I was looking for a label or signs of a label. I was pleased to find an Eire red and white label which dates the bear around the 1940's (it was Republic of Ireland after 1949). The foot pads can be patched, no replacement needed. Not so lucky with the paw pads, one was not there at all and the other is very badly damage. I will replace those with felt of a colour as near as possible to the original. There is a growler that makes a slight noise. I will see if I can improve on it. My initial reaction to the nose is that although I do not think it is original, I think it suits her so I plan to leave it as it is. Any thoughts?

Just finished this knitted toy for the craft fair tomorrow at Moulton Windmill. It is my first unicorn and I am quite pleased at how it has turned out.

Another group of bears for my Etsy shop, two Chilterns and a little Farnell. The large Chiltern and the little Farnell at the front are sold.

These bears are now listed in my Etsy shop. All SOLD

This 20" Pedigree bear is now SOLD.

A hug of Sootys (and Sweep) ready to be listed in my Etsy shop. They are all now SOLD.

I have reduced the old bear down to about a 10". Here are the two pieces of mohair that I have ready to cut out. Watch this space for the resulting bears...

This is my 2nd Pud Bear in the new style - Chas. It just goes to show how much difference a change of material and ear positioning makes. Believe it or not Chas was cut out exactly the same as Biff. The fur is a beautifully soft and silky synthetic that I have had for a long time. It is very tactile, I can't stop stroking him! It was difficult to use at times as pieces kept slipping out of my hands. I have a red and black piece to use at some time, but my next bear will be the traditional mohair. I like using the mohair more and prefer the old bear look it gives.

Here is the new Pud Bear, who I have named Biff. He is 16" tall and has a growler. He is now listed in my Etsy shop.

I've been working on a new design for my Pud Bears. I wanted to take some of the features from the old bears that I restore but I'm not trying to make a copy of them. This is what I have so far.

This little bear looked very sorry for herself in the group photo of the antique fair bears. She looks much happier now she has a pretty bow in her ear and her very own teddy. SOLD

The Chad Valley from the antique fair looks very pretty in her new dress and headband. See more photos of her in my Etsy shop. SOLD

This little group have been listed on Etsy this morning. L to R - Chiltern Hugmee SOLD, Austrian Teddy Baby Style, Chad Valley SOLD and a Chiltern Cat SOLD. I am trying to build up the bear section. There are over 40 bears there now from 1920's to 1960's. Visitors to my shop very welcome www.etsy.com/uk/shop/PollysVintageBears