Christine Pike's Web Log 2008-05-09T12:45:24Z http://christinepikeblog.com/atom.aspx Quick Blog House-Warming Party! tag:christinepikeblog.com,2008-04-16:35ef39dc-ab27-4cad-9a27-105471cfe205 Christine Pike 2008-04-17T09:05:04Z 2008-04-16T20:23:00Z
If you plan on attending the show I hope you have a great time!  Here is a sneak preview of the bears I am sending to the event...

                                          
                                            Francois, 7 inches                            Araminta, 12 inches
                          
                                             
                                                  Claudine, 5 inches                       Chuckles, 5 inches 


                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                
                                                                                 
                                                                   ]]> Flora tag:christinepikeblog.com,2008-04-09:7b26de63-6bdc-42e1-9fd9-643796683ce7 Christine Pike 2008-04-09T20:20:53Z 2008-04-09T20:08:00Z
Since I have been practising my sculpting skills, I decided to make use of the college kiln where I spend every Thursday evening at ceramics class. 

I adore the work of Dutch doll artists, such as Ankie Daanan, who take their inspiration from old portraits by the Dutch Masters, so I thought I would try something in a similar style. 

                                     

I was very pleased with how Flora turned out - although, of course, I have a loooong way to go before I get to be anywhere near as good as my idols, hehe!  For those of you who are interested in the technical bits, I sculpted Flora's head and limbs in paper clay, which were then bisque fired.  Here elaborate hairstyle is made out of Apoxie Clay.  Her features were painted with artist acrylics, including her eyes, and she is constructed on a cloth body and wire armature. 

I found that I particularly enjoyed sculpting the feet, not sure why!  But I deliberately left her without shoes, so that I could show them off.]]> Teddy Bear Artist Event ; Stratford-upon-Avon tag:christinepikeblog.com,2008-04-09:51116a89-8483-4494-b397-2e58f75c042e Christine Pike 2008-04-09T20:24:29Z 2008-04-09T19:56:00Z

However, I can reveal my auction bear for the up-coming teddy bear event at Stratford-upon-Avon on June 8th.

His name is Marmaduke and he stands at 16 inches.  This is a hefty chap, since I filled him with crushed mineral sand (the filling is encased in little muslin bags, so there is no risk of leakage!).

This will be a silent auction, in aid of the British Heart Foundation - a very worthy cause, I am sure you'll agree!

                                                     

If you would like more information about the show, there is a link from my website here: Christine Pike]]> New bears have arrived at Abracadabra! tag:christinepikeblog.com,2008-02-04:564fce22-2124-441c-b11b-6f7cd4a1e3dd Christine Pike 2008-02-04T12:04:28Z 2008-02-04T11:48:00Z
You can find them at: www.abracadabra-teddies.com

Here is a sneak preview of 'the boys':

     

    ]]> On a Roll Now!! tag:christinepikeblog.com,2008-01-27:1658d153-4f50-4ba3-8d2d-ae2528c621fa Christine Pike 2008-01-27T14:01:11Z 2008-01-27T13:57:00Z
Tadah!!!  Meet Harvey - who will soon be off to Abracadabra Teddies in Saffron Walden, along with a few friends.
                           

These pictures show him slightly bigger than actual size.]]> A New Year - a Radical New Design! tag:christinepikeblog.com,2008-01-27:1b784069-60de-41d3-8472-ebc0d7f4a5b7 Christine Pike 2008-01-27T13:57:18Z 2008-01-27T13:37:00Z
Well, I think I have finally achieved something I have wanted to do since I began making aretist bears nearly fifteen years ago.  Back then, my first bears had faces sculpted from polymer clay, because I was aiming for something that looked semi-realistic but cute - and gave me a perfect outlet for my sculpting skills.

Times have changed and materials - and my skills have moved on and improved.  I was never entirely pleased with the way the clay met the fur in an artificial join, but could not figure out a way to make the progression from fur to skin look more natural.  But now I have discovered a fantastic epoxy clay that is used by taxidermists and sculptors.  After some trial and error, and a bit of research, I am proud to present the first of my newest design: 
This is Otto, and he stands around 14 inches high.
     
I created this much more natural look by making the fur head first, and then sculpting a muzzle directly onto the fur - it takes nerves of steel and some skill to get the clay to go where you want it (and not everywhere else!) and you have to have a very clear vision of what you want to achievem as the poor bear looks like an alien during the construction of the face.  Once I was happy with the shape, I let the compound cure and then I painted many thin layers of acrylic paint onto the muzzle to make it look like skin.  I added a little more fur here and there, to give a downy appearance - and voila!  I am so pleased with the way Otto turned out, I plan to take him to the Hugglets show next month...

Christine]]> Straw Bear Festival tag:christinepikeblog.com,2008-01-13:8d2a7347-aa67-478b-bc81-38ceb1950f4a Christine Pike 2008-01-13T20:35:04Z 2008-01-13T19:36:00Z Ever since moving to East Anglia last summer, I have wanted to witness this event - the last remaining straw bear festival in England, which takes place every January, in Whittlesey*, near Peterborough.

Believe me, nothing quite prepares you for your first sight of the 'Bear', which looks more like a moving haystack.  Mind you, after a while, you do start to see it as a lumbering, dancing bear, accompanied by its 'handler' and a motley array of Molly dancers, Morris men, and blokes (it is mostly men!) in makeup and strange costumes.
 
                

        The Straw Bear in all his glory!                                       Part of the procession of different bands of 'Molly Men'



The bear and his entourage process around the town at various times throughout the day, chased by spectators (and plenty of local press), eager to get their own pictures and lasting mementoes of the day.

The event harks back to the days when agricultural work was scarce in the winter and so farm labourers would beg door to door for money - the various 'Plough Monday' festivals around the country were a form of organised begging.  The Straw Bear festival at Whittlesey is the last of its kind in England and the tradition was only revived in the 1980s.  Although it no longer provides for farm workers scraping through the winter, it still makes a bright splash of colour and zest for life during the dark days of January - and certainly gives a boost to the local economy, since all the hotels and B&Bs get booked up months in advance and the local pubs and cafes do brisk business throughout the three day festival.
   
                                      
              The German bear, from Walldurn (twinned with Whittlesey), getting decidedly frisky with a bystander!
This year, there were three bears - two from the home town, and the German bear, who was clearly out for a good time!


There is real ale a-plently, good food, a wonderful spectacle, and a great vibe to the whole event - there is story-telling, barn dancing, various styles of Molly/Morris dancing, and the 'bear' is given a final, dignified sendoff on the Sunday, when the costume is ceremoniously burnt. 

I tell you folks, it made me proud to be English - this is possibly one of the few remaining genuine rural spectacles to be had in England.  this is no 'Disneyfication' of Merrie Olde Englande; this is the real deal, and - believe me - the participants take it VERY seriously!  There is no limp-wristed flapping of handkerchiefs and skipping like girlies - these Molly Men mean business and you are never quite sure whether they are dancing or fighting with each other. 

 
                                               
            The 'Squire' of Bourne Borderes Morris Dancers - a really friendly and knowledgeable guy!


Having said that - and, given the amount of real ale flowing through out the three days -  the atmosphere is extremely friendly and perfect for a family day out.  The event is very well-organised and policed, and everyone is exceedingly good-natured.  If you have never been to the Straw Bear Festival, and you find yourself within hailing distance of Whittlesey next January, then, beg a car, hitch a lift, buy a train ticket - do whatever you have to, but GO!  This is one event you won't want to miss!!

*Although the town is called Whittlesey, the festival uses the older spelling of 'Whittlesea' - if you google this you will find all sorts of information, and the history of the Straw Bear Festival.

** A full feature on the Whittlesea Straw Bear Festival will appear later in the year in Teddy Bear & Friends magazine.  ]]> Pottery and Ceramics Festival!!! tag:christinepikeblog.com,2007-08-05:967c446e-d97e-4f53-9d7f-2710bf9566ac Christine Pike 2007-08-06T10:05:58Z 2007-08-05T21:32:00Z Ooooh, have to share!!  We have just come back from a brilliant day out at Hatfield House, and the 13th National Pottery and Ceramics Festival
If you are into ceramics, sculpture, or just want a great day out, I can thoroughly recommend it!!  The standard of work on display was amazing and there were free demonstrations from various master potters and sculptors.  Even the other Half enjoyed it, and he usually hates these kind of events, muttering darkly about spurtles.  Well, I can honestly say there wasn't a spurtle in sight, just really talented people selling wonderful pots and sculpture - and for about the same price as an artist teddy bear.  Oh, and the admission price lets you into the grounds of Hatfield House too.  

My camera doesn't like bright sunshine, so please forgive the quality of these pictures, but here are a couple of images of one artist's work - David Cooke.  The rather bleached out cockerel was wonderful to behold (shame this pic didn't come out) and stood about three feet high.  David was in the process of building a giant, 4 foot tortoise as we watched!

  

My lovely husband has bought me an Anthony Theakston jug, to be put away until Christmas.  I would have loved to take home any of his wife's pieces too, but have run out of funds at the moment - I'm working on it for next year.  You can see some of her fabulous animals on her website:  nicholatheakston.com

Check out these artists too:
Paul Smith



I treated myself to a turntable and some bits and pieces as I am going to take a ceramics class in September.  And now I feel truly inspired and want to get stuck in to some CLAY!!

But before then, I have the TBAI in New York to attend.... ah, but pictures and information will have to wait for another day - stay tuned!]]> Pastures New... tag:christinepikeblog.com,2007-08-05:411a5ce5-5702-4118-bdb0-5617cc5b1f0d Christine Pike 2007-08-05T21:31:54Z 2007-08-05T21:11:00Z Sorry I have been away for a while, but moving from the Isle of Wight to Norfolk doesn't happen overnight - it took us six months, actually!  I will draw a veil over the miserable two months spent in a grotty, dingy, and overpriced alleged three-bedroomed shoebox just outside Cambridge (ahem), during which time I still managed to produce enough bears for the Abracadabra signing in June - very proud of myself there!!

Anyway, we are finally moved in to our new abode in Downham Market.  the house glories in the name of "Puddlefoot" - which, given the recent floods around the country, no longer makes me smile.  Hmmnnn... think we will have to change it;  the front runner at the moment is "Coventina" which, as those of you familiar with Celtic legends will know (I wasn't - looked it up on Wikipedia), was the name of a powerful river goddess.  Given that our house backs onto the River Ouse, maybe she will be nice to us and protect us from flooding!

Here are some pictures of our house - it is made from Carrstone, which looks like dry stone walling, and dates to about 1860.
This is the front:                                                             and this is the view from the top of our garden

 

Best of all, we now have a huge garage, which we are planning to turn into a proper studio for me - and we might even be able to create some gallery/workshop space above so that I can hold classes, yaaaay!!!

 

I am still finding my feet here but so far, I have to say that East Anglia, and Norfolk in particular, is rather splendid - beautiful and strange, especially the Fens.  I think we are going to like it here!!
]]> Abracadabra Signing - June 2nd tag:christinepikeblog.com,2007-06-07:7197827d-a9b8-42d2-b400-77db1b016d20 Christine Pike 2007-06-07T18:50:00Z 2007-06-07T18:50:00Z For the first time in weeks, we actually had some decent weather, so Saffron Walden was sunny and warm all day.

This summer signing is turning into a regular event and this year two other artists were invited to join me - Vicky Allum and Art Rogers. 

Here we are at the beginning of the day, all fresh and raring to go!

As soon as the doors opened the collectors rushed in and made a beeline for their favourite bears.  Vicky's lovely vintage style teds were among the first to be snapped up and Art had excelled himself by bringing 29 of his wacky bears and critters (I don't know how he does it - I have never made that many pieces for one event!!)

Marsha had arranged the bears beautifully, so that they all mingled with one another - so much nicer, I think, than giving each artist their own regimented space.

                               

I am delighted to announce that all but one of my bears found new homes, Vicky also returned with a lone ranger, and Art Rogers will be going back to the USA with an even lighter suitcase than he imagined as, apart from selling 21 bears at the show, another 5 found new homes in the days following the signing.  All in all, a very successful event.

I love these small, intimate gatherings as they are a wonderful opportunity to meet with collectors and spend time chatting and sharing our enthusiasm for all things beary.  Sometimes, bear fairs can be too hectic and there is not enough time to spend with people.

The whole day was rounded off with a glass of chilled Chardonnay and a lovely meal at the local Italian restaurant thank you Marsha and Malcolm for a fantastic time!

Roll on next year!!
Hugs to all,
Christine




]]> Long time no speak... tag:christinepikeblog.com,2007-06-07:98d796ce-7bc4-40af-a466-607527a8ce64 Christine Pike 2007-06-07T18:46:00Z 2007-06-07T18:46:00Z Apologies for my silence over the past few months!  As some of you will know, we have moved house and are currently kicking our heels in a rented house in Cambridge, while we wait for the purchase of our new house to go through - but more of that anon, along with pictures and some amusing house moving anecdotes, do doubt!

]]> 2007 begins on a high note! tag:christinepikeblog.com,2007-02-10:3aa55899-2e5b-4bee-83fb-4883f0debd2f Christine Pike 2007-02-10T21:32:00Z 2007-02-10T21:32:00Z Well - what a lot has been happening already this year!!!  First of all, I am thrilled and delighted to announce that I have been nominated for a slew of awards:  one TOBY and three Golden Teddy Awards.  I am even more proud of this achievement since I haven't entered any competition for at least ten years!  The nominated bears are as follows;
Robin, 4"  nominated for a TOBY and a Golden Teddy
Odo, 3 3/4" nominated for a Golden Teddy
Bobby the Band Leader nominated for a Golden Teddy

The pictures of all these bears are on the front page of my website, so I won't post them again here, but just go to: www.christinepike.com to see these clever little chaps

Secondly, I am making steady progress with my sculpting - nothing to show you yet, but I have at least four pieces in various stages of finishing.

I am hoping to be able to cast some of the heads in papier mache and then attach them to a fabric body as I love the combination of hard and soft textures and I really enjoy putting a great deal of detail into the sculpted faces.  If anyone is planning on coming to the Hugglets teddy bear show on February 25th, you 'might' catch a glimpse of one or two pieces, if I can get them finished in time!!

That's all for now...
Christine]]> What I did on my Holidays, Part II tag:christinepikeblog.com,2006-11-16:6e356051-ac07-4521-a9ce-a2f3adb6c701 Christine Pike 2006-11-16T19:47:00Z 2006-11-16T19:47:00Z ))

First of all, I should say that one of my primary motives for going was to visit the AHOY Doll & Bear show in Rotterdam.  Now, to be honest, this is not a great show for selling at, but it is wonderful to wander around as a customer.  You see all kinds of things that are just not available at UK or US shows - such as a stand selling whole leather hides, and a chap who was carving the tiniest wooden bears in the world. 

It is also great for antique dolls and bears as many dealers from all over Europe converge on this show and it is possible to see items you might otherwise come across only in a museum.



You will be able to read the full show report in the next issle of Teddy Bear Club International Magazine.

After a happy day poking around the show we went for dinner at our favourite restaurant in Rotterdam; De Twaalf Heeren, which is handily close to the main railway station.

On this trip we chose to base ourselves in Delft since it is only ten minutes away from Rotterdam and we picked a Best Western hotel because we get loyalty points, yaay!!  The BW in Delft is called the Museum Hotel - and it is mad bonkers crazily stuffed with art and sculpture.  These pictures will give you a flavour:
 

  These were in the reception and dining area, but all the bedrooms had art and ceramics hung on the walls too (happily, not scary sculptures though!).  The hotel is housed in a 17th Century canal house and is right in the centre of the old part of town - perfect!
]]> The NEC Miniatura show tag:christinepikeblog.com,2006-11-16:f6287299-a314-4dc4-bbe8-a05e7840d3e0 Christine Pike 2006-11-16T19:39:00Z 2006-11-16T19:39:00Z The NEC bears and dolls show was pretty good this time - after April's disastrous decampment to Coventry I had deep misgivings... presumably, so did several other people, because there were noticably fewer stands this time.

Still, as I say, this was a pretty good show and, although I had very few bears to sell, due to my Holland trip, I was kept very busy all day - so busy that I didn't have time to take any pictures, sorry!  You will just have to come along and see the show for yourself next April

This was my last show for 2006 and now I must begin to tackle the mountain of Christmas orders that has been piling up.  With any luck, I shall emerge on Christmas Eve, like a mole blinking in the sunlight...

Until next time,
Christine]]> The Dutch have a word for it... tag:christinepikeblog.com,2006-11-10:0c04bdaa-b498-4307-9033-06d3796f114e Christine Pike 2006-11-10T22:39:02Z 2006-11-10T21:42:00Z
Anyway, I have just returned from a very gezellig time in the Netherlands - I should say, the Benelux countries, since we took in Antwerp as well as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Delft.  I have eaten some of the most delicious food and sampled some wonderful beers (the Dutch and Belgians excel at brewing beer) - and utterly, utterly fell in love with Delft!

If the name sounds familiar, yes it is that place where they make the famous blue and white decorated pottery!  Mercifully, the tacky, tourist so-called Delft ware is confined to a few shops around the market square, and it is still possible to buy the genuine article (even antique pieces) and to see it being made in a couple of the last remaining factories in Delft.  I even managed to pick up a beautiful Delft tile with a bear motif on, dating from around 1640.

But the main reason Delft won my heart is that it is just so unbelievably picturesque and charming.  Locals call it Little Amsterdam - and it is; right down to miniaturised canals and dinky four storey houses.  It also bristles with history: William of Orange was assassinated in what is now the Prinsenhof museum - you can still see the bullet holes in the wall! - and it was the birthplace of Johannes Vermeer. 

 Here is my husband standing outside the Lambert van Meerten museum in Delft - a kind of 'Arts and Crafts' house, containing a vast collection of Delft tiles.

 Like these!

If you ever go to Delft - and I can thoroughly recommend it - you have to visit the Cafe de Wijnhaven!!  It is gezellig to the max; small, intimate, and with great food and friendly staff.  You can even visit their website:
www.wijnhaven.nl


I shall sign off for now, but after the weekend I will bring you pictures from the AHOY Doll & Bear show in Rotterdam - the main reason for our visit!

Right now I have to go pack for the NEC show in Birmingham on Sunday - I hope some of you will come and see us on stand C6.  You can get a sneak preview of the bears I will be taking by going to my Preview page.
See you there!!
Christinex]]> One more thing before I leave... tag:christinepikeblog.com,2006-10-30:98b0219d-1a16-48aa-8de3-9872500abd0c Christine Pike 2006-10-31T09:55:21Z 2006-10-30T20:47:00Z
That leaves just one last Pomeroy to be adopted.  I shall have to roll up my sleeves as soon as I get back from the Netherlands since I have several private orders and some bears to make for Party Bears in Bath... and now the rest of the Rowland edition to finish.  I am also planning to do a web update before Christmas - where do all the hours go??

Oh, and before I forget - the latest issue of Teddy Bear Club International magazine has a feature about my bears; I haven't seen it yet, but I hope some of you will be abe to grab a copy.

** Stop Press!!  I am told that, if you go to: www.teddybeartimes.com you will see an 'I-Mag' function in the top right hand corner.  If you click on that, it should take you to a virtual copy of the current issue (you may have to type 'November' into the search box) - and you can see the article on my bears.

Be back soon,
Christinex]]> Turning 40 and other milestones! tag:christinepikeblog.com,2006-10-29:4ddc60ac-ff1c-4389-a17e-070e9c398ecc Christine Pike 2006-10-29T18:52:00Z 2006-10-29T18:52:00Z Well folks,

There's no escaping the fact - yesterday I turned 40!!  I didn't think it would seem like such a big deal, but it does.  Fortunately, I didn't turn into a pumpkin or anything, but I still feel as though something significat has taken place (there is a world of difference between being 39 and being 40, I can tell you!).

Anyway, I celebrated this momentous event by getting down to some serious sculpting.  I have struggled for years, trying to model a human head that doesn't resemble the Elephant Man... and yesterday - finally - I started to achieve something I might actually be able to use.  You can see the work in progress here.  I am aiming for something more faery rather than human and I plan to take a mould of this sculpt and cast it in papier mache slip.  If all goes well, this will be the basis for a fantasy cloth doll.  I will keep you posted!



I am postively not abandoning the bears, however!  Sculpting is just something i torture myself with in my spare time.  I am delighted to say that, having worked my socks off to get the Abaracadabra Teddies order finished and sent out before the end of the month, all the bears sold within the first twenty-four hours!  I am now putting the final touches the the Bear Garden's order and that will be shipped out tomorrow - and then I am going away for a well-earned holiday to the Netherlands.  I shall take plenty of pictures and share them with you on my return.

A Bientot,
Christine

]]> Welcome to my Weblog! tag:christinepikeblog.com,2006-10-29:aac93391-fb5a-4e1e-a166-4cb4007e555f Christine Pike 2006-10-29T13:11:00Z 2006-10-29T13:11:00Z This will be a place where I can share with you something of the daily life of being a full-time bear maker.
This will be a chance to share with you some of my work in progress, tell you about some of the things which will be going to the shows and, and just chatting about bears, and bear-related things.

I'll be updating this on an infrequent basis, just a little here and there as I get time, so subscribe using the link to the sidebar on the left and you will get a notification, whenever this blog gets updated.

Regards




Christine]]>