|
What are teddy
bear shows?
Bright Star Promotions, Inc. connects the
teddy bear collector with the teddy bear artist at shows in an eleven state area.
| A show is a gathering of soft-sculpture teddy bear artists who
display their adorable bears on tables in hotel ballrooms. Customers pay to attend. The
show doors swing open at 10 a.m. and collectors enter the ballroom; they smile with adoring
eyes |
 |
|
and exude great enthusiasm. Even the teddy bears begin working their mystical charms.
Adoptions begin. Collectors choose big bears, small bears, fancy or plain bears, bears
made of clay or wood; whatever captures their attention.
|
| |
 |
Collectors have a hard time deciding which of the
thousands of bears to adopt. The bear artist's heartstrings tug, one of their 'cubs' is
leaving the den.
Bear
making is a serious business and an appreciable art form. Bear artists don't like
hearing the term 'buy/sell' bears, it's much too harsh. They prefer the word
'adopt'. A teddy bear takes from 8 to 10 hours to make and then another 1 to 4 hours
to dress. |
|
Imported mohair is the fabric choice. Shoe-button eyes are used to give
the bear that all-caring gaze. Artist's fingers get numb sewing noses, jointing and
stuffing bears. Most bears are stuffed with Polyfil fibers, while others have
excelsior, or pellets adding a soft squeezable or heavy feel. Each artist creates a
special look for their bears, making them one-of-a-kind and highly collectible. Artists
identify bears by signing paw pads, and do it gently, because bears are ticklish.
|
The shows also have bear accessories such as clothing,
jewelry, toys, figurines, furniture, teddy bear books and magazines. The collector's
like to chat with the artists who weave stories about their bears, adding life, spunk,
character and charm to a once flat piece of fur-like material. The quality and
craftmanship is truly amazing.
|
If you are unfamiliar with a teddy bear show, or are
among the millions of teddy bear owners who have room in your house for "just one
more bear", come to one of our shows and see for yourself.
Show hours are Noon. until 4:00 and Morning Eye Opener with the Artist Continental breakfast from 10 to 12, early registration and tickets are required. Adults $15.00. General admission to
the show is $6.00 for adults, $2.00 for children 3-12. Doorprizes are announced
every half-hour.
|
| "A true friend is a soft and cuddly teddy bear who'll stand by your side and love you forever," said the show's sponsor, Valerie Rogers. |
|
