New look, new treasury

Well I finally got round to creating a new template for my Blog giving me more space to share delights. I still need to create a new banner and fine tune, it's been fun :) I just heard that my Story for Two-o-o Print has been featured by the lovely Cyn in a gorgeous treasury on Etsy. Also available as a Bookmark.




I am also busy starting a new Artist Bear, if you love chocolates and cream you will love the swirled batik style mohair I'm using! Also working on adding and choosing colours for some new illustrations, many choices to make! Wishing you all a great weekend, Hugs, Catherine x

Smiles

Busy days here, with steam coming out of my ears as I try to design and make decisions about my new website design for my Bumpkin Bears & Friends. I am creating a site to integrate my illustrations better with my Artist Bears. Oh what Parties they will have all together! But before we can have any parties I need to make decisions on colours, fonts, layout, style.... and I have so many ideas I keep flitting from one thought to another like a butterfly. I need to just settle on one flower :) Still, we are getting there. I was going through my photos and I think I forgot to introduce you to a special friend that I created for a girl's Christmas. I'm happy to say he his well loved and will have wonderful tea parties with his friends! Don't you love his smiley face and flower buttons, just what we need on these long winter days! I am also busy working on a new series of illustrations which I can't wait to share in a little while. Do pop back soon, Hugs, Catherine x

Friendship

Well, two posts on one day! I am a busy bee today :) I have just put together an adorable set of Notecards showing the friendship between the Bumpkin Bears & Friends. Talking of Simple Things today (see post below), one of my favourites is writing and receiving hand written letters, so I thought these folded Cards would be a special way for you all to send your notes to those special in your life. Pop along to my Etsy store to catch up with their adventures! The Bears always love your visits. Hugs, Catherine x

Simple Things

My dear friend, Tracy, of Pink Purl told me about this wonderful Blog event called Simple Things. It is being run by the lovely Christina who will also be donating $1 for each person joining in to Doctors without Borders to help Haiti. January can often be a difficult month with grey, cold days in this part of the world and trying to know what to make of this new year, thoughts of another year passed by and where we will be heading... SO this is a wonderful opportunity to just stop. take a deep breath and think of all those simple things in life that bring that true deep pleasure to our lives.


Here is my list -

Pure, fresh air that makes you want to breathe so deeply.
The sight of the first spring bulbs venturing out of their rest.
The sound of birds singing a chorus.
Watching the birds enjoying the food I give them.
The sight of the cottontail of a wild bunny hopping away over the fields.
Seeing rolling green hills stretch out in front of me.
After dry times the scents of nature after the rain.
The sound of leaves crunching under foot in woodland walks.
Lying on my back in the garden taking photos of wispy clouds floating by.
Tip toeing following a butterfly flit from flower to flower to take a photo.
The scent of a horse when I put my arms around them for a hug.
The smell of leather transporting me to the days with my horse.
The feeling of freedom riding on a beloved horse.
The flower scent of soap.
The silver droplets of dew dressing leaves like jewelry.
Early evening sunlight glowing on plants.
The joy of writing & receiving hand written letters.
The first blossom of Spring.
Hearing my little 2 year old niece saying "I luv you Aunty Cath".
The contented purr of my cats.
Beautiful creamy yellow primroses along the banks of country lanes.
Picking blackberries in the wild.
Pulling out carrots from the ground, mmm that scent!
Drinking home made lemonade on a warm summer's day.
Running bare foot in the grass in the Summer.
Watching Spring lambs skipping about in the early evening.
The sound of a donkey eeee-oooooring.
The softness of a donkey's ears.
Trees with the sunlight streaming through their branches
Driving along country lanes where the trees arch over either side.
The clip clop of horses passing by.
The hoot of an owl at night.
The colours of threads and pencils, just like candy.
An old Teddy sat looking out of the window.
Vintage Children's Books.
The enchanting swirl of flames from an open fire.
The warmth of a loving hug.
The glow from a candle on a chilly evening.
The little Robin that is always nearby when digging in my Garden.
The petals of an old fashioned rose nestled like layers of the finest tissue paper.
Ribbons on presents.
Scent of lavender.
The heads of little snowdrops nodding in the winter.
The sound of wellington boots walking along.
Feeding a newborn lamb from a bottle.
Seeing a new character appear on a page as I draw.
The sound of a loved one on the phone.
The joy that a home made gift brings to people.
Last and most definitely not least, the gift of Friendship, thank you to you all.

I had such fun looking through all my photographs to choose just a few. I hope you too will take a moment to treasure your favourite Simple Things. I'll be launching some new sets of notecards to my Etsy store shortly, so do pop back very soon. Hugs, Catherine x

Even on the greyest of days

.. there is hope! Just this morning despite the cold I went out into my garden to clear some of the zillion fallen leaves. As I gradually cleared some of the flower beds to my delight I uncovered many little shoots of spring bulbs starting to venture out! It never fails to give me a thrill, Spring is on the way! Despite it just starting to snow a little again! Come back on Wednesday when I will be taking part in Simple Things. It is being run by the lovely Christina who will also be donating $1 for each person joining in to Doctors without Borders to help Haiti. In the meantime enjoy these little images of hope! Hugs, Catherine x

Hello Beppe!

Beppe is a Bear full of Spirit and Childhood Cheer,
Perfect for the start of a brand New Year!

He loves to play dress up, being the clown with a twinkle of happiness in his eyes. He is the kindest wee bear and loves to sit cuddling after putting on a performance with the other Bears. He is made of the most fabulous curly schulte kid mohair, just a dream! He is available for adoption from my website (click here). **UPDATE 25 Jan - Beppe has now been lovingly ADOPTED**





I bought his ribbon some time back and when he came to life with his baby boy blue eyes I just knew he would love it! Behind the scenes I'm very busy working on a totally new look to my website, so excited about it, lots of work and thinking but it's starting to come together. Also sketching lots of new ideas for illustrations! So exciting times to share ahead of us. Hugs, Catherine x

Off line for a moment

Hi everyone, just a quick note to say that I am currently transferring my website to a new hosting company and having a few hic-cups, so the site is off line and I can at the moment not receive any emails, so sorry if you are trying to contact me. You can always leave a message here and I'll get in touch. Today I have been sewing a new Bear in a lovely wavy Schulte mohair, with Phoebe all curled up on this rainy winter day. Catherine x
Tuesday 19th-Update - finally my website and email is back again. I have not been able to receive any emails over the last few days so please do re-send any. x New Bear can see, smell and now just the ears to sew on! Come back soon to meet him!

Hedgehog Love!

There is a little friend that has come out of hibernation especially to tell you all how much he loves you! He's rather shy as you can see by his little blushing cheeks! Welcome Hedgehog into your home and show your special ones, big and small, just how much you love them too. I have just launched a new range of this Hedgehog Love illustration, available as a Print, Notecard, Cameo Gift Tags and Bookmark! I must say that I too LOVE Hedgehog! Do pop along to my Etsy store (click here) to give him a hug, just watch out for his prickles!






Don't forget Hedgehogs Love Books too!



Next on my list is carrying on with the design of a new look website for my Bumpkin Bears & Friends and starting on a new Artist Bear. I have some fabulous wavy Schulte Mohair just begging to be used! In the meantime enjoy your visit to Hedgehog.) Hugs, Catherine xx

Popcorn & Hedgehogs!

Now that's a title you don't see everyday!! Popcorn was my latest commission Bear flying his way to Sweden for a new life!



I have been hibernating creating a new Bumpkin friend that has been asking me oh so kindly to be created! Who am I to refuse such a cute little fellow! I ADORE hedgehogs, do you? Come back very soon to make a new friend!

In my Garden..

I'm busy working on some new illustrations and keeping warm! The birds in my garden are all fluffed up with the frosty snowy weather we are having. Here are some shots I took through my kitchen window! I'll be back soon, Catherine x

It's Party Time!

I'm thrilled to share with you a new range of Bumpkin Bears & Friends Party Invitations as well as the cutest Cameo Gift Tags! I was given this wonderful craft punch for Christmas, it gives the cutest scalloped edge, just love them, hope you will too. You can see them all in my Etsy store.

We've got a white wonderland here again with the snow & more expected. I've been so busy creating these new treats to share with you all along with designing new bag headers. Also busy working on a new website design, so it's all go here! I am also working on a new Blog look and want to remove the automatic music from here, but I just can't work out how to do this! Any ideas? I've looked in my layout section etc, but no luck. I hope you are all keeping well and having a good start to the New Year. Hugs. Catherine x

Hoppy New Year!!

Hi, it's Bumpkin Bunny here wishing you all a fabulous Hoppy New Year full of dances through the meadows, cuddles by the fire, adventures with friends and most of all so much happiness that you feel like you will bounce up to the top of the trees and beyond! Mum has a new Bear to share with you very soon and lots of adorabubble new treats! Cuddles, Bunny x

Let's go Ice Skating!

I hope you all had a magical Christmas Day. My fiance, the cats and I had a lovely relaxing Christmas at home this year. As you can see Phoebe helped me out reading Nigella's cook book! Most of our snow here was washed away by rain. The sun came out on Boxing Day so we went for a lovely walk in a local forest, all the paths were like ice rinks still! I'm back busy with my bear making, in the middle of a commission Bear which will be finished this week. I promise to share photos when he is brought to life! In the meantime enjoy this frosty world! HUGS, Catherine x

Merry Christmas from all the Bears & Friends!

I've got mince pies cooking in the oven and the christmas lights sparkling as the sun dips for another day. Tomorrow brings Christmas Eve already! I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas filled with love & delight. I received these lovely photos from Peter who has given a beary cosy home recently to Crosby and Winston, who join Bailey and Lewis. As you can see they got up to all sorts of mischief in the snow we've had here in Belgium recently.



Where did that snowball come from?!

It wasn't me, honest!
Lastly here is my tree glistening all merrily along with the little felt snowman I made!



Christmas Trees in the making!


Happy Holidays! Catherine & Bears xx

Nestled in a sea of White!

We had snow blizzards arrive on Thursday with lots more yesterday. So after trying to clear our drive way and making our paths walkable (they were like an ice rink this morning!) we are staying in the warm! I'm busy cutting out a new commission bear that has just been requested, this little one will be a gorgeous soft gold and white Bear. Tomorrow I'll be going to the shops by foot hoping to find all I need for our Christmas meal, I think I need to borrow a donkey to carry bags! I received some lovely photos of my Bears in their new home in the snow which I'll share soon. In the meantime here are some snowy photos from our village before we got the snow blizzards! I wanted to invite the horse in for Tea! Snowy hugs Catherine x

Time to play Dress Up!

There is a little Bunny that is hopping with excitement for Christmas! Keep little hands busy this festive season by helping to dress Bumpkin Bunny in all of her adorable outfits. All you need are some scissors to cut out Bunny & best friend Robin. Dress Bunny up in either her santa outfit, complete with cosy hat and boots or in her Sunday Best dress with adorable polka dot bow! Of course not forgetting Robin and his cosy snowflake scarf and stocking!

You will also receive a page filled full of craft project ideas for your Bunnies.... no limit to your imagination! This cute dress up Bunny is available as a pdf download in my Etsy store. So no postal costs and no need to wait for the post to arrive, more time to spend on crafting! Have fun x




The snow came this morning and so I slid my way by foot to the post office to send out some orders! I took some photos which I'll share over the next few days. In the meantime hop on over to join in the fun with Bunny. Hugs, Catherine x

Dreaming of a White Christmas

Yesterday morning I had a lovely time meeting Peter, a collector that came to meet his special commission Bear that I have been making for him. Crosby was brought to life with a fabulous Schulte kid mohair, all swirly and with fabulous different colours of Christmas silver and chocolate! He was a big Bear to bring to life, a real treat to create. My all time favourite Christmas Song is Bing Crosby's "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas", and when this Bear was sat looking at me all finished, the name Crosby just seemed to suit him. We could even have a White Christmas, with our first winter Frost today.




As a Thank You Christmas present I knitted this little teddy tree ornament from a free pattern from Little Cotton Rabbits.


It's always nice to chat will fellow Bear enthusiasts and Winston was made a very happy Bear by being taken home with Peter and Crosby, all snuggled up in a lovely warm fleece! They sure are going to be very loved Bears in a wonderfully fun home. I can just imagine the mischief they will get up to, with their other Bumpkin Bears brothers already well settled into their home.

I am busy working on a super cute Bunny illustration, if you love Christmas craft projects, then you must pop back soon! So excited! Hugs, Catherine xx

Woodland Baby Shower

I was recently asked to create custom Baby Shower invitations and gift tags from my "Time for an Adventure" Print. It was my delight to do this for such a special occasion. It sounds like it is going to be so beautiful, with 8 ft tall maple trees, clear crystal prisms, vintage deers! Oh my these little friends really are going to have an adventure! Photos will be taken so I can't wait to share them with you at the start of next year! Next year, that always sounds so far away, where do the days go! The illustration and custom text of Oh Dear Baby was on the front and all the information in lovely whimsical text on the back in woody tones of hazel, moss and mustard. This was such fun that I plan to design invitations to launch in my Store, I can feel party time coming on!


My commission Bear is coming along well, he can see, smell, smile and hear! Today I will be filling and jointing him, such fun to see him coming to life! I promise to share photos when he is finally finished. Winston is sitting watching and feeling just a little sad, he has not yet found his special family for Christmas and is feeling a little unloved, although of course I am giving him plenty of hugs! **UPDATE 13 Dec - Winston has found his very special home so is no longer sad!**

Back to work for me, I need some of Santa's Elves to help out! I will have to settle for my two cats!! Hope you like my new Christmas background! See you back soon, Hugs, Catherine & Bear to be! x

Special times and reaching goals

Hi everyone, I'm safely back from my trip to England, full of early Christmas festivities with family and friends, such a lovely time. It was also my sweet niece's 2nd Birthday, I knitted her a little winter doll which she carried around, so I think it was a success! I have not knitted since I was little so it was fun and very relaxing to pick up the needles again. I found this wonderful free knitting pattern from Jean Greenhowe here.


I had a fun time strolling in the rain round the Town where my family lives. I used to walk past these buildings all the time and never really take much notice. But this time I really appreciated them and I'm sure you will like their higglety pigglety nature too!




We went out and got our Christmas Tree yesterday and it's here twinkling prettily by the side of me, oh how I love this time of year. I'll be sure to take some photos to share.

When I left a week ago I had not quite reached 100 Sales in my Etsy store. I was excited about the prospect of reaching this goal having started my illustrations around Christmas time last year. Whilst away the Bears & Friends whizzed past 100 Sales much to my delight. So I've been busy today getting all the orders together and off to the Post Office. THANK YOU to you all for your support, kindness and encouragement over the last year, I really do appreciate everyone of you x

Don't forget if you want any of your goodies to arrive in time for Santa's sack please order before December 11th.
This week I'm busy working on a special commission Bear in a fabulous mohair. Hugs, Catherine x

England here I come!

Tomorrow I'm off to England for a week to see my family. Busy getting packed. Just wanted to pop by before I leave to wish you all a good week. You can still order from my Etsy store. I will post your goodies on 7th December once I'm back. I also want to say a big thank you to Koralee of the beautiful Bluebird Notes Blog, for featuring my "For the Love of Books" Print, which is also available as a cute bookmark. She has the beautiful suggestion of buying lovely vintage stories as a Christmas gift, how lovely to do this with a sweet Bookmark tucked in.

See you back here soon. In the meantime you can click on the England link below for lots of pictures from my previous trips. HUGS, Catherine xx

Get your Dancing shoes on, it's Party Time!

It's Party time over at my Etsy store. The Bumpkin Bears, Friends and I wanted to say a big Thank You to you all for your support and encouragement over the last year, you keep us going and wanting to have more adventures, so THANK YOUUUUU :)

We are having a HOLIDAY SALE from today until Monday 30th November. 15% discount off all the Prints in my Store, including on the sets of Prints that already had special prices. So a great opportunity to get some Christmas Gifts for all those young and young at heart :) As always all secondary postage in my store is only 0.50 cent. Pop along to see all the Bumpkin Bears & Friends having a Party, except little Mouse far too comfy on his pillows to wake up from his Sweet Dreams!

Come Fly with Me!

Favourite Moments Print Set (4 for price of 3 & 15%)

Friends for Tea Print Set (15% discount and $5 saving!)


Talking of parties I am excited to introduce you to Little Miss Josephine. Josephine had been counting down the days until her Tea Party, she had invited all her best friends and had been busy baking the most delicious cup cakes. She had selected her most favourite little tutu skirt and was all ready for the party to start! Would you like to have your own Tea Parties with Josephine as star guest? She would love to come and live with you.**UPDATE, Josephine has been lovingly adopted to a beautiful home in The States**






Josephine is brought to life with precious Schulte mohair which I hand dyed just for her in such a pretty plum colour. A truly one of a kind Bear coming in at a sweet 4.5". She has traditional old bear style with lovely long arms all ready to fluff up her skirt! She was entirely hand sewn and her little wool felt paw pads were also hand dyed a heather tone. I had made her little tutu from genuine antique lace with the prettiest of details. Lots more photos and all her adoption information can be found on my website.**UPDATE, Josephine has been lovingly adopted.**

We'll see you over at the Party :) Hugs, Catherine and Friends xx

Treasury love

I have just finished a wee little bear made of the plum coloured mohair that I dyed a few weeks ago. I have even given her a little ruffled tutu in antique lace! I hope to take some photos of her soon to share with you all. I have also been busy cutting out and sewing a commission bear, the other end of the spectrum at 20"!

I've been so grateful to appear in two different treasuries recently, so thank you so much to Cyn and Daisyfleur (check out her gorgeous girl's outfits). Here you can see my Friends for Tea - Bunny & her Teacups Print and Bunny & her Cupcakes Gift Tags.



As promised here are the photos I took on a lovely sunny day last Saturday in Antwerp. Amazing weather considering the rain and storms we have had over the last few weeks. I hope you enjoy these photos taken of the newly renovated Train Station, the art nouveau buildings around the zoo and the main shopping street.












I'll be back soon to share my new little bear. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you that celebrate this. Hugs, Catherine x

Hug Time!

What a day it is here, bucketing with rain, and it's so dark I have even drawn the curtains to shut it out! It's only 11 am but you would think it was midnight! Thank goodness I have a new friend sat here next to me to brighten our day. I'd love you to meet Winston, the latest Bumpkin Bear to come to life from my studio.

Winston was born on a rather wet, Winters day. Just the kind of day when a warm Bear Hug is the perfect way to pass the time. As the rain battered against the windows Winston cuddled contentedly and fell fast asleep with dreams of all the cuddles and adventures he would have with his new family.

You can see many more photos of him and all his adoption information from my website.



A busy week ahead getting orders ready to send out, working on a commission bear and preparing for my trip to England next week. Don't forget if you would like any Christmas Cards etc sent out before I go, then take a look at my Etsy store this week.

I also went into the city of Antwerp at the weekend, the weather couldn't have been any different, 18c and bright blue skies!! I took some photos of the architecture so pop back soon to take a look. HUGS, Catherine and Winston xx

Your Inspiration?

My new Bear is coming along well, his face is taking shape so I hope to share him with you next week. I was asked the other day what I think of when I hear the word Inspiration, well for me I love to find inspiration in crafts, visiting new places, and nature is a wonderful source. Here are a few inspiring photos of the last Autumn colours holding on, in our local woods. There is a sweet little Tea House at the end of the alley of trees that links to a a very grand castle. (If you click on the links at the end of this post you can see more castle photos).



So my question to all of you is what comes to your mind when you hear the word Inspiration, what things inspire you, or if you looked up the word Inspiration on a search engine what would you be hoping to find/looking for?

I'm looking forward to your thoughts. Have a wonderful weekend, HUGS, Catherine x

Time for an Adventure... or two!

I'm so excited for you to meet these new friends, they have been a long time in creation, but they are now ready and it's Time for an Adventure!

The sun began to rise and the friends looked at each other excitedly as the most Regal looking Deer pranced through the forest towards them. Right at that moment they knew it was Time for an Adventure!
Share in their adventure by bringing these friends into your home. This Print is available in my Etsy store.




It feels rather like Santa's Grotto here at the moment with all my new Christmas Cards. I have listed them all individually in my store as well as sets, including a set of 6 for the price of 5. You can select which cards you would like in my Store. or contact me directly. I know that the bears and friends can't wait to meet you, so join in the festive fun.






Don't forget time is whizzing by so order before these dates to avoid disappointment
4 Dec - Australia/Singapore
10 Dec - USA
11 Dec - Europe
22 Dec - Belgium

(I will be away visiting family in England from 1 Dec-5th Dec, all orders placed during this time will be sent on 7th Dec)

Right, back to my mohair bears, patiently waiting for me to bring them to life! Hugs, Catherine x

Nature's Jewelry

I'm busy creating some more Christmas illustrations to share with you all next week. In the meantime we had a bit of sunshine today so here below are some shots from my Garden, rather like nature's jewelry. Talking of Jewelry, you must check out my Friend, Tracy's Etsy Store this weekend. Her Pink Purl store displays the most precious, elegant jewelry and gorgeous cosy knitwear that would make beautiful Christmas gifts/treats for yourself. This weekend only she has an amazing Sale of buy one get one half price! So pop along to her store here. Here is a small selection of the delights to be found at Pink Purl -









See you back soon, Hugs, Catherine xx

A Bunny for Christmas!

I started on a new Artist Bear today in gorgeous long pile Maple coloured, soft as soft can be, Mohair, so watch this space! I have also been busy creating new Gift Tags, you can now see all the Friends for Tea Bunnies, as well as all these others -






I have also been loving creating a new Bumpkin Bunny, all dressed up for Christmas! She is available as a Print, Notecard and Gift Tag set from my Etsy store.-
It was early on Christmas Day and there was one very impatient little Bunny tapping her paws in her sweet polka dot box! She was just so excited about meeting her new family that she hopped right out of her box wearing her cute Santa hat! OH what a Delight, an adorable fluffy Bunny!




Hop along here to see all these new Delights.
Hugs, Catherine xx

Remembrance

On this Remembrance Sunday my thoughts turn to my Grandfather, Paddy Coote, who sadly lost his life in WWII whilst on mission with the RAF in Greece. My Mum and Aunt had to grow up without their Dad and my Granny without her dearest Husband. They were all incredibly strong women with the kindest of hearts. I miss them all each and every day, today my thoughts and love go out to them and all the families that are sadly still in this current day losing their loved ones in battle.Click here for my post about my Grandfather from last year with a very special photo from his wedding day. My Grandfather loved poetry so this is for you Paddy x

There's a very special garden
Where the trees of memory grow
Nurtured by the kindness
And concern that good friends show.
The roots are cherished memories
Of good times in the past
The branches tender promises
That souls endure and last.
It's a place of peace and beauty
Where bright new hopes can start
It's memory's lovely garden
That soothes the hurting heart.

Thank for you sharing with my Remembrance. Come back soon for some Christmas delights. Catherine x

Whirlwind!

What an amazing response the bear's have had to their Calendar for 2010! You can see about it in the previous post. Thank you to you all, I have been a busy bee in a whirlwind printing out lots of them to send to their new families. I know that many of you saw that they were sold out in my Etsy store., but I list one item at a time, re-listing each time one is sold, so there are always plenty of everything for everyone :) My new Bookmarks have been loved too, so I have just added some new ones.

Here is Bedtime Story (Bear couldn't sleep without his bedtime story from Owl)



Share A Story (Mouse asked so kindly if Bear would share his stories that he could not resist!)



Storytime (Little Bear had so many favourite books he couldn't choose just one, as usual Storytime could take a while!)



Christmas is starting to appear (working on some other drawings at the moment) here in my studio and I have just created these darling festive Gift Tags showing Bear and his Best Friend Robin. A special touch to your Holiday Gifts. These Gift Tag sets can be found in my Etsy store.




Today my order of Schulte Mohairs arrived, I was like a little girl at Christmas opening up, watch this space for some wonderful Bears. Also some more Gift Tag sets will be on the way next week. Have a wonderful Weekend, Hugs, Catherine xx

Happiness is.... new treats

**UPDATE 5 Nov - all my new items sold whilst the bear's and I were sleeping, but there are plenty for everyone as I print myself so all items are now re-listed in my Etsy store.**

What a day it has been, I have so many new treats to share with you all, so first get a nice warm cup of tea and pull up a good chair. Are you sitting comfortably, then I'll begin!

Join the Bumpkin Bears and their adventures throughout the year in this 2010 Calendar. Each month depicts a different whimsical scene, from flying kites in March, going to the beach in August and carrying wobbly towers of books back to school in September! You can find this Calendar in
my Etsy store.





I'm also excited to share a new range of Bookmarks, kept safely in professional vinyl sleeves with pretty cord tassles. They are designed from my Prints. Firstly is -"Happiness is A Cup of Tea & A Good Book", put the kettle on and invite this wee Bunny to hop into your favourite book! Then of course a Cupcake (or two) always makes a Cup of Tea even better, so here is Bunny and her Cupcakes as a Bookmark.



It was a long walk back from the Woodland Library but they could not decide which books they wanted to read first, so for the love of books they piled them high and set off on their way home. They had to be careful they didn't bump into any trees along the way! Share some of your Favourite Books with these Bears in this sweet Bookmark.


Are you still with me?! I've also been busy creating sweet sets of Gift Tags (6 in a set), adding the perfect finish to your presents. Here is Sweet Dreams Mouse and Bunny & her Cupcakes. Each have pretty pink borders and ribbons.



That should be enough for today!! Tomorrow back to my bear making and away from this screen before I go square eyed!
See you back here soon, Hugs, Catherine xx

Hibernating!

It's a really cold, windy and rainy day here, perfect weather for bears (and bear makers!) to hibernate. I've got so many exciting new projects on the go, just can't wait to share so much with you, including the first ever Bumpkin Bears Calendar - right now the bears are deciding amongst themselves which month they want to appear on!! Whilst I'm waiting for their decision I've got lots to get on with, a darling new drawing, with bear and some new friends, that I'm having such fun with (can't wait to share it). Plus commission bears to finish and start. Last week I ordered some GORGEOUS Schulte kid mohairs, the top of the top in the mohair world for softness, these are going to be some cuddly bears! I'm trying to be patient until they appear from the UK, it will be like Christmas for me when the box arrives!

I have just been featured on Indiepublic along some other fabulous artists. You can even see a photo of Finnegan, one of the first bears I designed many moons ago! Click here to take a look.

Yesterday I received the sweetest photos from Peter, a very kind collector (and brilliant photographer) right here in Belgium, he is a very good Dad to two of my Bumpkin Bears, Lewis and Bailey. As you will see in these gorgeous photos they have just received a Peter Rabbit story book. As many know I am a huge fan of Beatrix Potter and I can just imagine all the stories of Jemima Puddleduck, Mrs Tiggy Winkle, Benjamin Bunny and of course Peter Rabbit... those bears are going to sleep very well after their bedtime story. Mind you, I think they will not let poor Peter go to sleep until they have heard many many of them!!




Come back soon to see lots of new friends, calendars, gift tags.... such exciting times :) Hugs, Catherine x

Hocus Pocus!

Today I'm like a witch making potions in her cauldron, I'm having fun dying some mohair for a wee bear! Whilst I'm waiting for the colour to appear like magic I thought I'd share some castles from Scotland. I'm so glad you've enjoyed the photos from our Summer trip, we had the most fabulous warm, blue skied days for the whole 2 weeks. Just imagine what it must have been like when these castles were inhabited and all the battles that went on... spoooky dark places with just flames flickering for light...! Eileen Donan Castle with the arched bridge was stunning, I had always wanted to see this Castle since I bought a postcard of it on one of my trips to stay with my Scottish family as a child. See that catapault for the canon balls at the ruins of Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness - nope we didn't see the monster! Happy Halloween everyone. I've got lots to share next week so come back soon, Catherine x

Fly me back to Scotland Harry Potter!

It's been such busy times with the bears that I realised I didn't share that many photos of our trip in Scotland in the Summer. If you missed them at the time you can see some of my photos here and here. I've chosen some random shots taken on the West Coast, it really was the most wonderful holiday, I just love Scotland, which I know would make my Scottish Granny ever so proud. You can even see the beautiful steam train following the route of the Hogwarts Express from the Harry Potter films! It was amazing as it whistled by.

It's all go behind the scenes here working on beary commissions as well as some new treats from my drawings. We also spent the whole weekend re-doing the wallpaper in our hallway, as we live in a Bungalow there are lotssss of doorways to have to cut the paper the right size for and of course all is wonky! We still have half left to do next weekend! Anyway I'd better get back to my bears. Enjoy the photos, click on them to get full sizes so you can see the amazing seals in some of them! Pop back soon. HUGS, Catherine x

Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye with their wild seals -

Creating Special New friends

I've been busy lately creating this little girl as a special commission for the lovely Julie Marie. It's been fun to design a bear with her wishes in mind. She named her Honeybeary and this little girl has now started her journey to America to be with her New Mum and family of bears.

I am now working on a new design for a grand 20" bear as a commission. I love big bears and am delighted to have this opportunity to bring this chap to life. We have chosen his mohair together which will be just gorgeous. Today I've been surrounded by sketches and lots of paper to work out my thoughts for this bear and his pattern design.

I have also been excited to start designing little gift hang tags of my illustrations, can't wait to show you all and launch them in my store.

We seem to have skipped Autumn and gone straight into chilly winter over here. A few weeks back I took these photos of animals around my village on a sleepy afternoon. The sheep came charging at me with a chorus of BAAA-BAAA-BAAA, sorry guys don't have any food for you!! Don't you just love those donkeys?! I have adored donkeys ever since having a dear Donkey friend in a field down the lane from my Granny's home in the Dorset countryside of England. I called this Donkey "Dinky Donkey", and he would eeeey-ooooorrrrree all the way down the field hearing me walking down the lane until we met at his gate way :)





You can always click on the photos to see a bigger size. Thanks for stopping by, see you soon. Hugs, Catherine x

Friends for Tea Set and keeping cosy

Just popping by quickly in between bear making and drawing to say I've just listed this sweet Set of 3 Friends for Tea Prints, with a saving of $5. Take a peek in my Etsy store.


I have also started to re-list some favourites there too, including this Story Time Print, a cosy fire and a nice story is just what we need on these chilly days.
"Are you sitting comfortably? Then I'll begin" said Little Bear proudly. After a long day playing out in the woods, the bears loved nothing better than Storytime by the warmth of their fire. Little Bear had so many favourite books he couldn't choose just one, as usual Storytime could take a while!

See you soon! Hugs, Catherine x

Sweet Dreams and Cupcakes!

We had the first frost of the season this morning, so it seems just the right day to share this new cosy image, don't you just feel like snuggling under a quilt on these chilly days? I must say when I finally finished this new Print and saw her printed out I felt like a little girl giggling with delight! This little Mouse was a little shy about saying hello, so I have been working hard to finish a darling new Print for my Friends for Tea Series so that Bunny could keep her company on Etsy. Both Prints are available from my Etsy store. So without any further ado I would love to introduce you to your new friends -

Sweet Dreams
It had been a long day of playing out in the Bumpkin woods, Mouse always wants to keep up with the bears. As you can imagine with such little legs she gets ever so tired! Her Mother got together all her favourite pillows and tucked little Mouse in to sleep under her cosy patchwork quilt. "Sweet Dreams my dear", she whispered as Mouse drifted off to sleep.




Bunny and her Cupcakes

Don't you just love having Friends for Tea, using your sweet antique china? I can't think of a better guest than a wee fluffy Bunny, but you'd better eat some cupcakes before they are all gone!! Bunny much prefers her cupcakes to the healthy carrot option! This is the third in a darling series of Friends For Tea which will be available as an adorable Set in my Etsy Store.





Right, time for a cup of tea, all those cupcakes have made me hungry! Then back to my latest commission Bear. More soon. Hugs, Catherine xx

New Friends

It's been a busy day with painting our front door, we are on the home stretch finally with all the painting, just the door two more layers and we'll be done - phew! I'll add a photo I took a few weeks back so you can see the colour, a big change from old dark brown varnish!

I have also started on a new commission bear in a gorgeous cream mohair. I love to create bears, I put a part of myself into every character I bring to life and each one holds a place in my heart. It's therefore always lovely to hear from their new families. Hearing how much happiness and comfort of friendship that my bears bring to people is the main reason I keep creating. It may seem funny to some but it makes me feel that I am doing something worthwhile. You may remember this sweet photo of Halo bear in his new home. I got this gorgeous photo from Kathy in America who adopted Jaunty into her family, look at her adorable Bichon's, Anna and Archie. Don't you think one is smiling at the camera and the other is thinking "oh no, not another photo!". I felt very honoured that Jaunty was the Kathy's first teddy bear adoption and he couldn't ask for a better home, snuggling up on the beautiful quilts she makes with his new friends!


Talking of snuggling up with quilts, I have got a sleepy little mouse waiting in the wings to meet you, hopefully tomorrow if he wakes up for a while to say hello! ** WED - UPDATE - Little Mouse is a little shy and is waiting for a bunny to join him before he is brave enough to say hello, so wait a wee bit. ** See you soon, HUGS, Catherine x

Wish upon a Star

It was late in the Bumpkin Bears Cottage and the Little Bears were meant to be fast asleep. However the sky was sparkling so full of stars they just had to make a wish. One by one the Bears chose their very own star and thinking long and hard made their wishes. That night they snuggled into bed with sweet dreams of when their wish would come true.



This sweet archival quality print is available in my Etsy Store.
The Little Bears are looking forward to your visit.


I was very touched the other day when a surprise parcel arrived with the post from Susy of The Enchanted Pumpkin.


She had kindly been collecting all sorts of goodies that she thought would be nice for my bear making! Aren't all these items gorgeous, such pretty lace trims, ribbons, buttons and the sweetest vintage cardigan... I think my next bear will have to be designed to fit this treasure :) Do pop along to visit her blog she makes the cutest crochet items, including gorgeous little owl hats for dolls. Thank you SO much Susy, your kindness means a great deal to me.

I am also busy working on a new illustration with a wee mouse this time! Thanks for popping by and for all your kind comments, I love visitors. Bear Hugs, Catherine x

Take a Peek....

Would you like to meet a new group of friends?


Hugs, Catherine xx

Where do I start!

I have so much news to share today I'm not sure where to start, I guess at the very beginning, that's a very good place to start!!
I am thrilled to say that the first Print in my Friends for Tea Series has been featured on Belle and Boo's Blog. I adore Mandy's Illustrations and it was discovering her Art and her kind encouragement that inspired me to jump onto my dream of illustrating my Bumpkin Bears and Friends, I'm enjoying the ride! If you pop along to her Blog you'll also find a little thank you treat from me! THANK YOU Mandy.



I'd love to show you too my latest Notecard, the Thank You Parade. I love to send and receive real mail, this Card would be a lovely way to brighten someone's day. The Bears and Friends certainly know how to say Thank You, the whole Forest could hear them as their Marching Band came along!



Are you still with me... ok then I'll carry on... I am excited to share the second in my Friends for Tea series - Bunny and her Teapot Don't you just love having Friends for Tea, using your antique china? I can't think of a better guest than a wee fluffy Bunny, but you'd better wait to put the tea into your Teapot!! Hop along to my Etsy Store in time for Tea!




Ok, I promise this is my final bit of news for today! As promised last week I have finally brought to life a baby Moon Bear. His name is Honey. Many of his Moon Bear family have a very hard life in cruel Bear Farms and being the little sweetheart that he is he wanted his adoption to help his family far away. Therefore 20% of his adoption will be donated directly towards Moon Bear Rescue. Go along to the Animals Asia website to find out about Moon Bear Rescue. You can find all of Honey's photos and his adoption info on my website.**UPDATE - Oct 2nd Honey has now been Adopted and the Moon Bears will be helped, thank you**



Now that I expect your eyes have gone square looking at the screen I will let you go :) Thanks for popping by, have a great weekend. Bear Hugs, Catherine xx

Dance like no one is watching!

Bunny was brought up to - "Dance like no one is watching, love like you'll never be hurt, sing like no one is listening, and live like it's heaven on earth." He just loves to bounce around dancing across the meadows singing with the birds! Fun words to think of when you look at Bunny all framed in your home.



He has a taupe background and precious robin egg blue border, hard to photograph correctly, but the colours come out so sweet together. Click on images for larger versions. I've had such fun bringing this illustration to life. Pop along to Etsy to see this Print and of course Bunny would love it if you danced along :) I hope he has brightened your day.




My Moon Bear that I'm working on at the moment is coming along, bit more of an intricate pattern, but fingers crossed he will be brave enough to show his face to you next week! Have a lovely hoppy happy weekend :) Catherine x

If you go down to the woods today...

look at who I spotted in the woods.. the friends were out pumpkin hunting and found all these amazing toadstools with mini frogs hopping about, which did make Bunny jump! Although I think the frogs were more surprised of Bunny in his ghost outfit!!






Talking of spooky look at this deserted house I found in the woods!!




Today I started making a special Moon Bear in gorgeously soft faux furs, can't wait for you to meet him.

There's also a Dancing Bunny waiting behind the curtains ready to put on a performance for you all any moment, so hop back soon!
Hugs, Catherine xx

Pumpkin Time and Halloween Parade!

I've been working on these new illustrations for a while now and am happy to share them as Notecards in my Etsy store.

So many Pumpkins to choose from, what a fun day Bear and Owl had. It was lucky they took their wheelbarrow! Take a look at their Pumpkin Time Card here.



They had spent all week on their costumes, carved out their most spooky faces in the pumpkins and set off for the Trick or Treat Halloween Parade! Bunny was sure that no one knew it was him under the sheet and Little Bear insisted he REALLY was a witch's Black Cat! It was going to be a fun night! Take a look at their Halloween Parade Card here.



The sun has been glowing this week, I've got some photos of the animals in the village which I'll share soon as well as more sweet Art. Have a great weekend, Hugs, Catherine x

Personalised Mother's Love

I'm excited to share with you the first Personalised Print in my Etsy store. This comforting Mother's Love Print will add a charming splash of colour to a nursery or playroom. Makes a great gift for a child of any age! You can select between Rose Pink or Sky Blue borders and of course the special touch of Personalising it to your name of choice. Pop along to Etsy to see this Print.





I am also busy creating some fun Fall and Halloween inspired images for new Notecards, so pop by again soon.
Hugs, Catherine xx

Hello Alice, Hello Germany!

I hope you all enjoyed your weekend. We went for a lovely forest walk to take advantage of the sunshine. A busy week ahead with lots of updates of Cards and Prints, but for now there's a little girl that would like to meet you. Her name is Alice and she has just come to life and looking for a special new family. (**UPDATE 15 Sept - April has now been Lovingly ADOPTED**)

She is a rather shy girl with a gentleness about her that just asks to be loved. She adores to spend time reading poetry especially with a glass of milk and one of her home made honey cookies. She is a girl that enjoys her baking. Alice is brought to life with beautifully soft antique peach mohair with a vintage style swirl to it. She likes to feel pretty and will come wearing her genuine soft rose vintage lace shawl.


Alice is a bear that will always be by your side with a loving twinkle in her eyes that will lift your spirits and bring smiles to your days. You can see more photos and all her adoption info on my website.
**UPDATE 15 Sept - April has now been Lovingly ADOPTED**

I'm also excited to share that my Blog is being featured in a monthly online magazine translated into German by the lovely editor. Go along to Teddy Bear News and sign up for their newsletter if you are German speaking and would like to enjoy this as well as many other fantastic articles. Welcome to any new friends from Germany :) Do come and visit again soon, lots of fun coming up.

Bear Hugs, Catherine and Alice xx

Summer's Last Smile

Thanks for all your lovely response about my Bunny and her Teacup Print, it's been a delight to send these prints off to special folk around the world, more of this series to follow. I have always loved Bunnies, but seeing the wild bunnies in my garden every day and my Summer Trip to Beatrix Potter's home has really got me into Bunny mode! If you missed out on the photos just click here and here.

So I've been having fun drawing a dancing bunny today, after painting yet another window frame of our house! The painting is nearly done, just the front door to go, then our old dark wood will have disappeared and been replaced with a pretty yellowy cream. After many Autumnal days we suddenly had a very hot day yesterday of 30c, Summer's last smile. Here are some photos I took in my garden. I'm busy bringing a new Bear to life in pretty antique peach mohair, a girly bear, so come back soon to say hello to her.


Hugs, Catherine x

Friends for Tea

Don't you just love having Friends for Tea, using your pretty antique china? I can't think of a better guest than a wee fluffy Bunny, she has even brought her very own Teacup - can you spot it? How very well mannered of her! This Print is the first in a darling series of Friends For Tea. You can have this Bumpkin Bunny to Tea in your own home by going along to my Etsy store. Click on photos to see Bunny closer!





Have a lovely weekend, Catherine and Bunny xx

Peek-a-boo!

Hop, Hop....... I can't spring high enough yet, but soon we will meet .... are you ready to have some Friends For Tea?! Bumpkin Bunny x

squeek, squeek..

uh - hum excuse me up there, it's me little mouse here! My Mum is all busy creating a new series of prints and cards and going crazy with builders hammering on the roof so she asked me to pass on a message to say that the full range of Pickles Cards and Prints are now in her Etsy store if you care to take a peek, squeek squeek :) You can see me starring in the "Be Brave" Print and Card. Mum promises to be back soon. Mouse x

So many goodies!

I have so many new items to show you I am not too sure where to start! Firstly my latest bear has come to life in mohair, his name is Jaunty. Jaunty is a very dashing bear with beautiful lemony golden Mohair, this is a special colour and is the Rolls Royce of Schulte mohair! It has the most gorgeous wave to it and is heavenly to hug. Jaunty is a real character that loves to visit antique auctions. All the other bears know him in the antique world with his splendid jaunty bows! He is always on the look out for unique items to decorate his tree home with. He would love to share this passion with his new family and help to decorate your home, he would certainly bring lots of sunshine into your life. Not only would his charming smiley face brighten up your day but his lovely mix of colours will always make you smile even on the greyest of days. He is available for adoption from my website.



I have a new set of Prints and Notecards featuring Pickles the Bear which I will be gradually listing in my Etsy store over the weekend. Each one has a sweet moral typed on them, Be Good (featuring Pickles hiding the chocolate covered spoon behind his back!), Be Brave (featuring Pickles feeling a little nervous of a wee mouse!) and finally of course Be Happy (featuring Pickles dancing through the grass as we all should do), nice mottos for us to follow in our lives, whether bear or human! (click on photos for larger views)




So keep an eye out for when they are in my store, right now I need to take a break from the screen. We've had builders here banging on our roof since 7 am all day and my head is ready to explode! But I'll be back soon to list these prints and cards, hope you enjoy them. Have a lovely weekend, Hugs, Catherine x

Hello My Friend

SO happy that you love Pickles, he asked me to send you all rather shy hugs! Just listed the sweet Print you can see in the previous post as a Notecard. It has vintage rosey red text saying "Hello My Friend", a nice way to brighten a friend's day. You can see this card in my Etsy store..



I have just discovered a wonderful blog having a Rooster Blog Party on Friday, I am thrilled to be part of it with this Print and Card showing Pickles with his new Rooster friend. Do Go along and join in the fun at Barb's Blog.

A new set of Pickle's Prints and cards are coming up soon too, watch this space! Hugs, Catherine and Pickles x

Introducing your New Friend - Pickles

There is a Bear called Pickles that is so excited about finally meeting you all.


This little Bear has been circling in my imagination for a long time and it is such a delight to finally see him in print. From the moment that the sun rises Pickles pulls on his red Welly Boots and heads out across the meadows. He gets up to all sorts of adventures and is always making new friends with wildlife. My very first Print of Pickles shows him making friends with a sweet chicken all nestled in amongst the cottage garden complete with my favourite Foxgloves. (On my recent trip to Scotland the fields were all edged with these beautiful pillars of pink flowers.) This Print is available in my Etsy store..


I have also reduced all Secondary shipping costs to just 50 cents, so shopping just got more fun in my Store.
I have more Prints and Notecards to introduce over the coming days so come back soon to see what Pickles and I are getting up to! My new Mohair Bear hopes to meet you later this week too, busy busy! Bear Hugs, Catherine x

Special Homes

Whilst you are patiently waiting for New Friends to be revealed here I just had to share these adorable photos. A little family of my Bumpkin Bears have found their way to the loving home of Joni, with Halo recently joining them. She sent me these sweet photos of Halo and his new friend Mylo! Don't they just look so sweet together :) I always love to hear how my Bears are settling into their new homes and I could clearly not ask for a more special home than this with Joni's lovely dogs, what fun they must all have! I just love this photo of them together on the step!





It was a very busy weekend, still sanding and painting our windows and doors outside as well as decorating our hall too! I'm also making good progress bringing new friends to life, my new lemony yellow mohair bear is waiting for his filling and I'm nearly ready to reveal my new illustrations. Pop by again soon, Hugs, Catherine xx

Would you like a new Friend?

I am so excited to reveal a little friend that I have had floating in my mind and sketchbooks for a long time. I couldn't wait until he is totally ready to meet you all so I thought I would share a few little sneaks out of my sketchbook! This little Bear loves his red welly boots and can't wait to share all his adventures with you. I've been behind this screen for days on end working on colours and digitally painting, time to step away from the computer I think before my eyes turn square! But do come back again soon, I have so much excitement to share. Bear Hugs from Catherine and your New Friend in waiting! x

Lemons and Teapots!

After a sunny weekend I've been encouraged to start on a new Bear using the most luxuriously gorgeous wavey soft mohair (you can tell I like it!) in a sweet lemon yellow. His pattern has just been cut out and I'm excited to bring him to life. I have also been doing lots of drawing, I have so many ideas for illustrations swimming around in my imagination I have to remind myself to focus on some rather than a bit of all of them! I'm having to politely say to my characters, one at a time please ;-) I am currently working on some new sets of Art including some inspired by the Wee Bunnies I brought to life a while back, think High Tea with the prettiest china! So lots to look forward to revealing!

In the meantime here are some more photos from my holiday in Scotland, this area was near Glen Coe, an amazing valley. Our hotel was right on a Loch side, with our room's balcony looking out over the water with beautiful sunsets. I hope you enjoy a glimpse into these happy moments.








Hugs, Catherine x

Sandy Moments

It's been a busy time in my Studio, sketching lots of new ideas for Prints & Cards and bringing to life a new bear called Sandy. **UPDATE Aug 12- Sandy has been ADOPTED**

He was first brought to life in my imagination when I was exploring the beautiful sandy beaches of Scotland. He loves going to the beach, the feeling of the soft warm sand on his paws and he just giggles with excitement when the first chilly splashes of water come in with the gentle tide. Hunting for shells is his favourite, running to show me every little one that he finds!


After a long day out at the seaside and all that fresh sea air he gets quite sleepy and loves lots of cuddles with his bedtime stories. Sandy is such a fun baby bear with a loving nature, he will bring a lifetime of childhood delights to fill your heart. He is a new 13" design, brought to life with beautiful top quality faux fur, fabulously soft and fluffy. You can see lots more photos and all his Adoption information on my Bumpkin Bears Website.** Sandy has been Adopted**

Here are some photos of one my favourite days from my trip to Scotland. After we had taken the ferry to the Isle of Skye we walked to this little secluded bay on a gorgeous sunny day with the most pristine white sands and crystal clear blue waters. What a dream it was. First thing I did was rolled up my jeans and went for a paddle of course :)






I've got so many more photos of Scotland to share so keep popping back. Beary Hugs, Catherine and Sandy x

The Big Re-Jig and Story for Two-o-o...

Lots of news to share today, firstly the Bears have decided that because they want to visit as many new places as possible, with the current economic hic-cup we are experiencing they have discounted all their Art Prints by 25% in my Etsy store. This will continue for the time being until times smooth out. All the Print prices in my Store have been reduced, including a Special Offer of 3 prints for the price of 4 in my Favourite Moments Series.



I have also been busy bringing to life this new Print called Story for Two-o-o.. "It had been a long day of adventures as Bear set sleepily off to bed being careful to keep his candle glowing. All through the woods the sound of Owl's Twit.... Two-o-o could be heard. Bear couldn't sleep without his bedtime story from Owl".

This precious print is available in my Etsy Store or directly from me, just send me an email.

Have fun exploring the world of Bumpkin Bears and finding some Bargains. Still busy creating my next Artist Bear, so back to work! Hugs, Catherine x

In the footsteps of Miss Potter - the movie

It's been a busy week, trying to paint our house window frames in between rain showers, sewing a new bear and lots of sketching. Back to my trip in the world of Beatrix Potter..... After visiting Hill Top we went on to the Beatrix Potter Gallery in nearby village, Hawkshead. A wonderous amount of original sketches and watercolours are displayed within the old solicitors offices of her husband. A beautiful 17th Century building, with wonky wooden floors and low ceilings (not good for bumping your head if you're tall like my fiance!).



Then we went in search of Yew Tree Farm , that was one of the farms that Beatrix had owned, and was used as Hill Top in the Miss Potter movie. If you click on the red link above you can see why the actual Hill Top was not able to be used in the Movie. We had a lovely cup of tea in their garden, with little lambs sleeping under the benches! A truly beautiful house, wouldn't you just love to live here, I know I would!






I have just changed my banners here on my blog and on my website, hope you like them. Many more photos coming up soon. Wishing you all a happy weekend. Hugs, Catherine x

In the footsteps of Beatrix Potter

It has been a wish for a very long time to visit Hill Top, the home of Beatrix Potter in a little village called Near Sawrey.

For those that have seen the Miss Potter movie you will know that she bought Hill Top in 1905, at a very sad time of her life when she had just lost her fiance to a sudden illness. She bought Hill Top with the royalties from her first few books, written at her parents home in London, but inspired by her annual holiday visits to the Lake District. She visited as often as she could, but never for more than a few days at a time, sketching the house, garden, countryside and animals for her new books. After she bought the farm, she busied herself writing more books and running the farm. Beatrix wrote many of her famous children's stories in this little 17th century stone house. Characters such as Tom Kitten, Samuel Whiskers and Jemima Puddleduck were all created here, and the books contain many pictures based on the house and garden.

I took lots and lots of photos of the house, village, bunnies and gardens (more than 40) which I have put on my Flickr page. Just click on the red text to get to Flickr and then click on the first photo of the set and follow my journey :) I hope you have a good time!

We also visited the Potter Gallery, full of original illustrations as well as the beautiful farmhouse that was used as Hill Top in the Miss Potter movie, it was also owned my Beatrix and was so sweet. More photos coming soon! Yesterday I started on a new bear inspired by the beautiful beaches on the West Coast of Scotland! I have also been busy drawing, who could not be inspired having been in the home of Beatrix Potter! Hugs, Catherine x

Join me on holiday!

Hi everyone, we're back safe and sound, we had THE most fabulous holiday in The Lake District and Scotland, finishing with a few happy days visiting family before driving back to Belgium. We took nearly 2000 photos over 2 weeks, no ... no.... come back, don't worry I'm not going to show you ALL of them ;-) We started off taking the Eurotunnel from France to Kent in the UK, this is quite an experience, driving into a train, sitting in your car for half an hour and then driving out and voila... there you are in England -isn't that just magic! Here you can see the train and a few shots taken out of the car on our road trip up to the North of England and the beautiful Lake District. This is the most beautiful area, with lakes at every turn, charming hand built dry stone walls dividing up the fields up and down the hills, with sheep dotting the hillsides. We stayed in a lovely hotel on the Lake Side in Ambleside, look at that sweet window sweet in our room. I was excited as a little kid on Christmas morning because the next day we were going to visit Hill Top, the farmhouse where Beatrix Potter lived! I'll show photos of this as well as the landscapes over the next few days. So do hop back along my garden path to visit Peter Rabbit's playground!






Hugs, Catherine x

Berty dreams of being a cowboy!

Look who wants to be a cowboy when he grows up! Liberty is his name but his friends call him Berty. This little bear loves horses and after a day riding out in the meadows he likes to read a good story. In fact really he prefers to have a story read to him, the books can be rather big for him and so it takes a long time to read each page! He is a little bear at only 4.5". He dreams of America, galloping across the plains so I gave him his cute outfit of red and blue with soft gold velvet paw pads, so now he feels a true red, white and blue cowboy! He has his fireworks ready to celebrate the 4th of July!

He is ready for adoption, you can see all his details here on my Bumpkin Bears Website. If you would like to adopt him just send me an email.





We are off to the Highlands of Scotland at the weekend. We are driving with our car and stopping in The Lake District to break up the journey and to visit the home of Beatrix Potter, Hill Top. Click on the Hill Top link to read all about it, we will also visit her gallery nearby with lots of her original drawings, I am so excited! Needless to say I will have heaps of photos to share with you all when we return in a few weeks time. I have also recently joined Twitter where I post little tweets about what I'm getting up to in between blog posts, so feel free to follow me..

When we get back I've got lots of exciting treats and special offers for my Etsy Store. Any orders placed when I'm away will be delivered from July 22nd.

We are having a heat wave here in Belgium at the moment, let's hope we take some of the sun with us to Rainy Scotland :) In the meantime you can click on the tags at the end of my posts to visit places I've seen before. See you all back here soon. Hugs, Catherine x

Shocked

I am so shocked to hear of the passing of Michael Jackson, just can't believe it. I feel so sad for his children. I remember growing up loving his music, singing along to the lyrics, wanting to dance like him (who never tried to do the moonwalk?), with his posters on my walls. His music will live on forever and I hope now that he can truly rest in peace.

Our holiday to Scotland has been delayed by a week, so still here for a week then off we go :) So I'm planning to try and fit in a little bear before I go, maybe a red, white and blue one to celebrate 4th of July. Watch this space! Catherine x

Childhood Memories

I was commissioned to make this bear for a very special girl, it's been such fun to create a bear to the wishes of a child. All her toys have to be happy so Mr Bear got a nice smiling face. I love to think that my bear will be loved and played with and have tea parties and adventures, just as my bears did when I was a child. I made him his outfit and found these cute flower buttons. He will have his own naming ceremony so for now he is Mr Bear :) I remember even having a christening for a little china doll when I was little, my Granny made a beautiful chocolate cake with white icing letters spelling out her name - Elizabeth Ann! Happy memories, just as I wish this bear to bring to this little girl's world.




Busy busy washing and packing ready for our trip. Will pop by again before we leave. Hugs, Catherine and Mr Bear! x

If I can't see you....

you can't see me, thought Miss Molly Hopper as she hid shyly in her favourite tea pot! Eventually I managed to persuade her that you were all very friendly and that she didn't need to be shy at all!





This wee little bunny is brought to life with a lovely tatty Schulte mohair and I gave her a little hand shaded pink nose. She always likes to look her best for tea parties with the bears so I gave her a sweet lacey bow. She was created with a customer's sweet black bunny in mind called Molly Hopper, so she is already hopping her way to her new home where I know she will be very loved.

I have also just finished a special commissioned bear who I have also made some cute dungarees (overalls in the US I think!) for. Photos coming soon :) It's a busy week as I'm packing for a holiday to .... Scotland - yipeeeeeeee. As many of you know my Grandmother's side of the family are Scottish so this is going to be such fun. Hugs, Catherine x

Grandmother always said....

make sure you wash behind your ears! This wee baby bunny certainly remembers to do this! This sweet little bun was having a good old clean and tickle in my garden, I can see them from the kitchen which makes washing up far more interesting!! Do click on these photos for a much better view of his cute face, you can see all his little baby hairs in these photos.

First the Toes!

Then to the left...

Then to the right...


All Clean!

I have also just finished a tiny black bunny, she'll show her face here very soon, once she gets over being shy!! Hugs, Catherine x

Join me in my Garden

It's been such a beautiful day today, I love to sit out in my garden on a warm evening and listen to the bird song and watch the bees buzzing from flower to flower. I have a few pigeons that 'live' in my garden, there one is on my bird bath. I've been sketching lots of new ideas for my illustrations, amazing the inspiration that nature can give. Often if I am having a block and feeling uninspired for my art, I take a walk along the fields or sit on the bench in my garden and then the ideas trickle back into my mind! Do join me in my garden, the sky was beautiful this evening and the flowers glowing in the evening light.



I also took some photos of a baby wild bunny having a good old clean and tickle, I'll share these photos soon. For now, just relax and enjoy. Hugs, Catherine x

Favourite Moments

I've been busy for a while creating this sweet set of Favourite Moments Prints, following the Bumpkin Bears through their year.
I had great fun imagining these and they seem to come alive when they are framed on the wall, such fun to cherish through the changing seasons. They are available as a specially priced set ($10 less than buying individually) from my Etsy Store. Click on the image to see the bears better.


If you would like any of them individually just send me an email. I'd love to know what you think of these and if you have a favourite? What are your favourite moments in the year and what makes them special for you? I love kicking through fallen leaves in the Autumn, cuddling by a warm fire in the winter and watching the beautiful spring blossoms appearing in the Spring....

I'm busy working on a commission bear over here which is keeping me warm as it's dark and pouring with rain and more thunder storms forecast!! See you again soon, Hugs, Catherine x

Come fly with me!

I'm not sure who stole the Summer, if you know could you kindly ask them to return it please! We are having really chilly, windy weather at the moment, but the Bumpkin Bears don't mind!

The wind was whistling around their Tree House so what better weather than to go kite flying. Pa Bear had to hold on to his little boy to make sure he didn't fly away too!

They were having such fun they didn't even see me sketching this moment. You can enjoy this moment too as a sweet
Print which I have just listed in my Etsy Store. Along with this Print you will receive a matching Notecard as a free gift.

If you prefer you can also just buy the Notecard seperately. You will see lots of Notecards in my store, if you would like more than one then just send me an email, the Bears will happily help me print any amount or combination your heart desires :) Don't forget Father's Day is coming up too, do you remember flying kites with your Dad?



Pop back again soon, I've got a really sweet set of seasons prints that are nearly ready for showing you.

A little Angel

I hope you're all having a good week, I'd love you to meet Halo - a very special bear starting his life on the day of the hail storm over our house. He was a little angel keeping us and my cats safe and sound, so I felt he deserved his angelic name, with his pure white coat I can almost see his Halo shining in the sunlight! He has a gentle kindness about him, offering the last honey biscuit to you even though they are his favourite! With his long pile faux fur coat he is a real bundle of fun and will bring you a lifetime of pleasure and a hug whenever you need his comfort.

He is available for adoption from my Bumpkin Bears Website where you can see all his photos and adoption info. **UPDATE, Halo has now been ADOPTED to a lovely home in Wales**




I am also busy working on some new illustrations so pop back soon to see. Beary Hugs, Catherine and Halo xx

Kindness

Thank you to all your kind messages after our hail storm. We have been busy clearing up and getting quotes for the insurance, turns out half of our roof will have to be completely replaced as well as our veranda. It is now clear that our street and the next street on from us are the worst hit, luckily the rest of the village hardly had any damage, it started right at the windmill at the end of our lane (the houses JUST before it had no damage at all!) and charged on to our house!
This photo is of the hail stones that landed that someone in the village froze over night and I saw it on the news!

I have been so touched by the kindess of people. On Friday I was outside clearing up all the broken tiles when the postman came along with a parcel for me! To my delight there was the sweetest little box of sweets with a gorgeous teddy on the front with a sweet teddy notecard from one of my collectors here in Belgium to brighten my day after all the damage we had from the storm (thank you Peter) .

I had this sweet note from Lewis and Bailey , two of my bears that are in their cosy new home.

Since being part of the teddy world I have to say that I have met the nicest people. I just love hearing from people when they have received their adopted bears, it really makes all my efforts worth while when I hear how happy my bears make people. This week I received these kind messages from England and The States, Colbyhas the prettiest cutest face and is so cuddly with his soft coat and sits proudly on my desk beside me.
Lily is wonderful in every way, and I am thrilled to have her here with us. I will take excellent care of her. (Thank you Suzanne and Kathy x).

I've also been given some lovely awards for my blog, thank you Wendy for her Friendship Award and Lyn for the Makes My Heart Smile Award. I'm sorry for not being able to follow the award rules for now, but please know that everyone of you that visit me here make my heart smile and I appreciate all your friendships.

I will have a new Bear to show you next week so pop back soon to take a peek. Have a lovely weekend, Hugs, Catherine x

OH MY!!

What a night! We woke up to a thunderstorm at 3am which soon turned into the most extraordinary hail storm I've ever seen! The hail balls were the size of tennis balls, no joking!! We've had a lot of damage to the house, the plastic all around the edge of our house looks like it's been eaten by giant caterpillars! Our roof has got some damage and our garden looks like a mad man went round with a chain saw, all my lovely plants and flowers :( My cold frame is completely smashed and any pots I had out are all broken. I have never heard noise like it, pretty frightening really. It seems like we were right in the centre of the storm, the next door village didn't have any at all! Most important is that we are ok and my cats are sleeping off a noisy night!
(click on photos to see full size)




I started a new bear yesterday in the most amazing long pile faux fur, this bear is going to be quite a wispy sweet character....
Back to the clear up.... Catherine x

Look who I found in my Vegetable Patch!!

Hattie McRadish is rather partial to radishes, especially in my garden! To try and save my new vegetables I invited this wee bunny in for tea. A little shy at first I encouraged her by showing her the radishes in Peter Rabbit's stories! I don't think Hattie has been to tea very often, if at all, as she seemed to think that the tea cups were far more fun for hiding in than for drinking out of!! Not that I minded, as long as my little guest was happy and who could ever get cross at that little lop eared face! **UPDATE, Hattie has now been ADOPTED to a lovely lady in America**






I hand dyed her Schulte mohair and soft wool felt bunny feet a sweet baby pink. She has a cute little white cottontail that you can see as she hops around through the garden. She is one of a kind and such a precious size at only 4" not including her lop ears if you held them up!! Hop on over to my website to see all Hattie McRadish's adoption info and photos. **Hattie has now been Adopted**

Hattie was inspired by the baby wild bunnies I've got hopping around in my garden that you can see in the previous post, they have been tucking into my radish leaves!! Beary Hugs, Catherine x

Lily and bunnies!

Thanks for all your kind words about my bears in the last post, my special offers continue until May 24th. As promised here are some photos of Lily, a bear I just created for a special commission. I love her Lilac fur and her new Mum chose her name which suits her just perfectly. She will be making her journey to America tomorrow along with little Heather who has also been adopted to a very sweet person in Washington.




I had such fun creating mini Heather that I am busy creating another mini right now! I was inspired by the wild baby bunnies in my garden and so you will soon be seeing a wee Bunny Rabbit in the sweetest pink. I have been dying the mohair this morning for her and it now drying out ready to be sewn.





Hop along soon to see her. Hugs, Catherine x

New Friends & Special Offers

What a busy time it has been in my bear studio! Lots of photos on this post, keep going down to see the Special Offiers!

I've just finished bringing to life two very different bears. Colby is a 17" baby bear cub with THE MOST gorgeous luxurious silky soft faux fur. He has a really unique colour mix. He is a bear that likes to help, especially when it comes to making honey cake, he'll be the first one there with his apron on and spoon ready for mixing! Sitting in your arms with a glass of milk and slice (or two!) of cake would make Colby one very contentend bear. If you would like to share your life with this very special boy then he promises to love you forever and ever! You can see lots more photos of him and all his adoption info on my Bumpkin Bears Website.
** Update - Colby is now ADOPTED**



Heather is a wee miniature bear created from Schulte Mohair which I hand dyed in this precious colour, inspired by the soft lilac haze of colour that the heather creates over the hills of Scotland. She gets up to all sorts of mischief, but with such an innocent little face all you can do is smile when you find her head first in the sugar bowl!! I lovingly hand stiched every tiny stich to bring this Bonny Lass to life. She is one of a kind and such a darling size at only 3.7" from the top of her ears to her tippy toes! All her photos and adoption info are on my Website.

** UPDATE Heather has now been ADOPTED to a special new home **





Now for the even more fun part - SPECIAL OFFERS on all my available Bumpkin Bears from Friday 15th-Sunday 24th May (only Su-Lin the Panda and Hattie the Bunny are still available)-

If you would like to adopt Su-Lin The Panda you can choose from ONE of these special offers -

1. FREE Worldwide Registered Postage
2. One FREE Mounted Print worth $30 from my Etsy Store
- just choose a Print you would like and let me know and I will mount it for you and send it with your bear.
3. One FREE pack of 5 assorted Notecards worth $14 from my Etsy Store

If you would like to adopt Mr Tibbles The Kitten you can choose from ONE of these special offers - ** UPDATE - Mr Tibbles is now ADOPTED**

1. FREE Worldwide Registered Postage
2. 3 FREE Notecards worth $10.50 from my Etsy Store
- just choose 3 Notecards you would like and let me know and I will send them with your bear or kitten.

Stanley
** UPDATE - Stanley is now ADOPTED**



Su-Lin



Mr Tibbles The Kitten
** UPDATE - Mr Tibbles is now ADOPTED **



I hope you've had fun seeing all these friends, they are really excited about meeting you all. (UPDATE - Most of them have now been adopted but there is still a few friends looking for a special home). I have nearly finished a special lilac faux fur commissioned bear, she will be showing her face here shortly! I've also got some photos of another park and castle we visited. So pop by soon, Beary Hugs, Catherine x

Inspirations from the garden

Thanks for all your well wishes for the Hatch Studio and Gallery Opening that my Bumpkin Bears Prints & Cards were part of, it was a great success, you can see all the photos on Bethany's Blog. It's thrilling to be part of this along with so many other talented creative souls. I've been very busy lately working on a commission bear in a gorgeous lilac tipped faux fur as well as starting on a new Bear in a really special stripey faux fur too! As if this was not enough I got inspired by the flowers in my garden and have been hand dying some wool felt for paw pads as well as some mohair (as I type this it is sitting there getting a lovely colour) for a wee mini bear. I am hoping it will be a gorgeous heather plummy colour! I just love hand dying, so exciting to see how it will come out. Last weekend we discovered a new landscaped park that is being brought back to life near Brussels, it was really stunning, with some incredible historical buildings. I hope you enjoy the photos. Pop back soon for lots of bear photos! Hugs, Catherine x

Exciting News

I was contacted a while back by the lovely Bethany Hissong to be part of her new Hatch Studio and Gallery in America. I am thrilled to be part of this exciting new venture and a selection of my Prints and Cards will be available at their Gallery starting with their Opening Show this Saturday, May 2nd.

I've been working on a new pattern design and am looking forward to starting on a new bear tomorrow as well as a special commission bear. So do join us here again soon. Beary Hugs, Catherine x

Mother's Love and Happy Days

It's been a busy but sun filled week here in Belgium. The bluebells are out under my oak tree and the little lambs are still skipping around in the field - they are too cute! I've been doing lots of drawing and working on some commission bears. I'd love you to see my two new Notecards
called Mother's Love and Happy Days. I had such fun creating them and working with the vibrant colours for my Happy Birthday clown bear. I love the gentleness of the Mama Bear with her cub, this would be the sweetest card for Mother's Day or a new mum.

I enjoyed trying out a new little set dressing for my photos of these cards which I hope you'll like. You can see these cards in my Etsy store.






Finally the weekend has arrived, have a great time everyone. Back soon with some exciting news of a venture with an Art Gallery! Beary Hugs, Catherine x

Spring in my garden

Thanks for all your kind words about Stanley bear, he says you are all invited to his Tea Party! Spring has arrived in my garden, with blossom on my plum tree and the wee little lambs are playing around in the field behind our garden. I love to sit on my garden bench and watch them in the early evening - too cute :)
Lots of new plans for cards on the go so watch this space. Enjoy your weekend, Hugs, Catherine x

Stanley and his tea parties!

I hope you all had a lovely Easter, we had lovely Spring sunshine, perfect for walks and relaxing. I've also been busy bringing a new Bear to life so I'd love you all to meet Stanley.



Stanley is an old fashioned boy that takes such delight in tea parties, even better if there are honey sandwiches without the bread!! At the weekends you can find him head first rummaging in boxes in little antique stores, he insists that you can never have too many china tea cups, you never know when you will have more friends to tea! He is proudly wearing an adorable vintage neck trim.

If you would like to have a life time of love and tea parties then Stanley would be a very happy bear to live with you. All his photos and adoption info can be seen on my website.



Here are the last of my photos from France, taken on the coast near Calais - it was such a clear day I could actually see the white cliffs of Dover in England across the sea!! You can click on the images to see the full size, see if you can spot England!





It's such a lovely sunny day here, time to sit outside and do some drawing. Back soon with some Spring images from my garden. Beary Hugs, Catherine and Stanley xx

Cosiness at Easter Time

I'm so glad you've been enjoying the photos of our short trip to France, here are some more of the sweetest interior shop in Lille, of course I found the teddy bear (yup that's me). What a cosy home you could make from all these delights! Some Spring sunshine is forecast for this Easter weekend so looking forward to discovering a new park for an Easter walk, maybe we'll even see some Easter Bunnies! We've got the cutest wee Spring lambs in the field behind our garden, I'll take some photos of them to share with you all next week. Back to my bear making for now. Have a lovely Easter. Catherine x

Follow the sun!

As promised here are some more photos from our trip to France last week, here are some more of Lille with amazing art nouveau shops and bizarre statues for an art festival! There was the sweetest interior design shop which I'll share with you over the next few days.

I've just started drawing out a pattern for a new bear, the mohair I'm going to use is just gorgeous with this amazing swirl in it :) Watch this space! I've also been taking some photos in my garden which I'll share soon. Hugs, Catherine x

Favourite Spring Moment

Two posts in one day! I have just listed this new Print called Favourite Spring Moment in my Etsy store. Bear loves Spring time just as his friends do too! Picking Spring flowers from the meadows for his home is Bear's Favourite Moment of this time of year.



Don't forget that I have still got my Easter Sale going on until April 12th with 25% off my prints.

This Print will also be available as a card soon. I am working on a series of Seasonal Favourite Moment illustrations which will look so sweet as a set. Enjoy :) Catherine xx

Chasing the Sun!

With a good weather forecast last week my fiance and I decided to go and find the sun on the coast in France. A few days filled with relaxing walks, fresh sea air and sunshine :) We first went to the city of Lille, just over the border from Belgium. It's full of amazing architecture and lovely little streets with antique and design shops. There was an art display on the streets of HUGE black statues of baby's like dragons (photos of these coming up soon)!





After Lille we went further to the Coast - Cap Griz Nez and Cap Blanc Nez, beautiful limestone cliffs and golden pristine beaches. I'll share more photos of the shops in Lille and the coast throughout the coming week, so pop back to chase the sun with me :) Today is the Grand National Horse Race, it is a family tradition that we follow this, choosing our favourite horses, so I'm off to decide which is my fave, I can never decide! Beary Hugs, Catherine x

Jasper and his Rainbows!

With a week of chilly winds and rain I have hibernated indoors bringing to life this new Bumpkin Bear called Jasper. Jasper is a bear that treasures all the sweetest things in life. Even on the greyest of days he finds the rainbows. He will bring a lot of love and joy into your life. He is a perfect bear for hugs being made of a totally gorgeous warm and snuggly Alpaca.

You can see all of Jasper's photos and adoption info from my website. **UPDATE - Jasper has now found a new home**




He wanted to also have his photo taken with his new friends also looking for a special adoptive family, Su-Lin the Pandaand Mr Tibbles the Kitten.



It's been such fun meeting so many new friends through the Ultimage Blog Party. Thanks so much to all of you that joined in the fun, I look forward to chatting lots more x

Still a few weeks left of my Easter Sale with 25% off my Bumpkin Bears Prints over in my Etsy store.

Have a lovely weekend, I'll be back soon with a new illustration. Beary Hugs, Catherine and Jasper xx

The Ultimate Blog Party!

I've just joined in with The Ultimate Blog Party being held by 5 Minutes for Mom.  Do go along and join in the fun and there are also some great prizes to win.  If I had the chance I'd like to win the $100 gift certificate to Pedal cars and Retro or Rocking Horse to Love!

Welcome to all the new friends joining me here. I create Artist Bears & Friends as well as a new range of nostalgic Prints and Cards showing the adventures that the Bumpkin Bears get up to in their little village by the woods. If you'd like to be kept up to date with new items then just send me an email to join my mailing list. I love blogging and meeting new people so thanks so much for stopping by and saying hi :)

A new Bumpkin Bears Spring illustrated Print is on it's way soon as well as a new Alpaca bear, in the meantime have a look at my Easter Print Sale in my Etsy store. Have a great weekend and don't forget the cupcakes for the party, here is one of my Prints titled "One Cupcake is never enough"! Oh so true :)



Beary Hugs, Catherine and my Bears x

Happy St Paddy's Day

May the sunshine always brighten your days

and the beauty of Ireland be in your heart.

Happy St Patrick's Day everyone

For those that don't know, my Grandfather (Paddy) was Irish, and my Granny was Scottish! Spring has come to life in my garden with all my daffodils smiling their sunny faces one by one and the little scillas as bright as the bluest sky.





Don't forget to pop by my Easter Sale in my Etsy store. Click on the Etsy images to the left. I've started a new bear in a gorgeous alpaca, so pop back soon to see him. hugs, Catherine x

Cards, Sales and Cupcakes!

It's been a hive of activity here in the world of Bumpkin Bears. The bears and I have been busy creating individual note cards of most of my prints so you can now pick and choose which you would like from my Etsy store.





I was inspired by a gorgeous pastel coloured set of cupcakes I saw in a Country Living magazine and immediately had this image in my mind -

"One cake is never quite enough thought Bear as he rubbed his tummy. He never could resist Cupcakes and thought if he disguised himself with the cherry on his head that the other bears would not notice if he had just one more!"

This print "One Cupcake is never enough" is available in my store or directly from me.



You may have noticed I created a new banner here with The Merry Band of bears announcing our Easter Sale from now until April 12th. We are offering a bear rolling 25% discount off all our Prints. So they hope you have fun exploring.

The daffodils in my garden are flowering, I'll share some photos over the next few days. Thanks for popping by,
Beary Hugs, Catherine and the Bears xx

Spring peering round the corner!

Thanks for all your birthday wishes. The weatherman was kind enough to send us some Spring sunshine on Saturday and we visited a beautiful arboretum, but I forgot to take my camera - old age is setting in ;) That little bit of sun nudged the crocusses in my garden to wake up, I just love Spring time when colour starts appearing again after a long winter.


Yesterday I finished a commissioned panda, Violet will be whizzing off to her new home in Singapore along with Rufaro, another of my bears.




I'm working on some new illustrations for notecards and prints, so come back soon to see what the bears are getting up to! Beary Hugs, Catherine x

Mr Tibbles The Mischievous Kitten

Mr Tibbles always seems to be found in the middle of any trouble! He is a mischievous kitten that loves to find the baskets full of wool! There really is nothing better than chasing after them and getting all tangled up in the threads! Looking into his warm amber eyes you know that he has a heart of gold so it never takes long to forgive his mischief!

Mr Tibbles is available for adoption from my website.


My fiance has been away for work all week so I've been working hard in my studio and have nearly finished bringing to life a special commission panda. I've been hand dying some wool felt for her paw pads too. With my Birthday coming on Saturday I'm hoping for a bit of early Spring sunshine to be able to go for a nice walk.

Wishing you all a lovely weekend when it arrives,
Kitty Hugs, Catherine and Mr Tibbles xx

Storytime

"Are you sitting comfortably? Then I'll begin" said Little Bear proudly. After a long day playing out in the woods, the bears loved nothing better than Storytime by the warmth of their fire. Little Bear had so many favourite books he couldn't choose just one, as usual Storytime could take a while!





With all the cold winter weather many of us are having I hope this new Mounted Print will bring some cosiness into your life. It is available from my Etsy store or directly from me, just send me an email.

Busy days here in the world of Bumpkin Bears, working on commissioned pandas and bears. We are also re-doing our bathroom, about half way through so far, can't wait for it to be finished! I hope you all had a lovely Valentines, my wonderful fiance surprised me with the most beautiful framed print from Mandy atBelle and Boo. I mentioned some time back how much I loved this one image especially and he remembered :)



Beary Hugs, Catherine x

The Merry Band

HOP 2, 3, 4, HOP 2, 3, 4
Sing along with Me,
Like a Very Jolly Bee,
For you Are my Friend
And this is our Band
As we play for every mile.



This is my latest illustration, "The Merry Band" now available as a mounted print directly from me with paypal if you send an email or from my Etsy store
I had such fun creating this with their new friends Bunny and Chick.






I am starting on a commissioned panda today so back to work! Hugs, Catherine x

Back from the land of snow!

I'm back safe and sound after a lovely trip back to see family and friends in England. I chose the one week when snow seemed to have brought the whole of the UK to a stand still! Salt reserves ran out to grit the roads, schools were closed all week and it stopped some of my family being able to get to us, which was a shame. But it did make for a pretty picture and I was delighted I got to see my little niece that is now a year and 2 months old, a real cutie pie. I made her a soft fleece elephant which I took over with me on the Eurostar train, how funny it must have looked going through the security x-ray machine! She loved her new friend, giving her a cuddle and tried to feed it cookies! I modelled this Ele on one I had as a child that is now on the grubbier side of white after a life time of loving!



I have just listed a new postcard set of my illustration "For The Love of books" in my Etsy store, with 6 sweet postcard sized prints for the price of 5. They would be a lovely way to brighten someone's day with a little note or sweetly framed.




I have a new illustration which I will share over the next day or so (there will be a bunny to see in this one!). Hope you've all been well. I look forward to catching up with you all. Beary Hugs, Catherine x

A Little Bit of Something Very Cute!

I'd love you to meet Su-Lin, a wee little panda cub to have arrived out of my studio just this morning. Her Chinese name means "A little Bit of Something Very Cute", looking into her eyes no other name seemed to suit her so well :) She is made of the prettiest rosey pink and black silky soft faux furs. You can see lots more photos of her and all her adoption information on my website.

She is the only Bumpkin Bear now available for adoption, both Rufaro and Milly found very special loving new homes. I'm getting ready for a trip to England next week, so it's busy busy over here. I hope you are all having a good week,
Beary Hugs, Catherine and Su-Lin xx

Big Hearted Sale!

Hi everyone, with Valentine's Day on the horizon the bears and I wanted to share a bit of love, so this week (until 31st Jan) we have got a Sale of nearly 50% off my artist bears, Rufaro and Milly. UPDATE - Both bears are now adopted.

If you would like to open your heart and bring either bear into your home then just send me an email.


Rufaro (ADOPTED)

Milly (ADOPTED)

I have also just launched a new set of 5 cards and red envelopes, from the you are "My Sunshine" illustration. They would make a lovely way of showing the ones you love how much they mean to you. They are available from my Etsy store.




This is rather a short post, more coming up in a few days. Hope you are having a great weekend, Beary Hugs, Catherine xx
**UPDATE Rufaro and Milly are now adopted and will be flying to their new homes soon**

Brighten someone's day

Hi everyone, I'm delighted to show you a range of cards that I have created from my Bumpkin Bears illustrations. They are available as a pack of 5 cards with lovely pastel pink and blue envelopes in my Etsy store. I myself love to write letters and send notes to loved ones to let them know I think of them and brighten their days. I always think there is something special about getting letters in the post in this day and age of the ease of email.




I'm busy bringing a panda bear to life behind the scenes and working on some new illustrations too. I'll show you the moment they are ready for their photo shoot! Have a great few days, Beary Hugs, Catherine x

My Sunshine.... and ice!

It's been a cold busy week in the world of Bumpkin Bears, with a beautiful sparkling white world. I took lots of photos in a local forest, it was -7c and just like Narnia!

I have just brought a new illustration to life called "My Sunshine" -

As the sun rose over the emerald hills they both set off to surprise each other. Wearing her best bonnet and favourite polka dot shoes she carefully carried her lovingly made heart. He had polished his red welly boots and searched for her favourite wild flower then set off to her home across the meadow. With dreams in their heads of what they would say they nearly bumped into each other! Each bear, so keen to be the first to give their gift they said in harmony "You are my Sunshine...". They often said the same things and finished each other's sentances, something they were teased about, but they never minded. They just loved their friendship.



This would be a precious gift to show how much you care for your friends, children and loved ones.  It is available as a beautiful mounted print in my Etsy store.

Click on these photos to enlarge and loose yourself in this magical world -





Thanks for popping by and leaving your lovely comments, it's such fun to hear from you all. Lots more news on the horizon, so join us again soon. Beary Hugs, Catherine and the Bumpkin Bears x

For the Love of Books

"It was a long walk back from the Woodland Library but they could not decide which books they wanted to read first, so for the love of books they piled them high and set off on their way home. They had to be careful they didn't bump into any trees along the way!"

I just love books and so had great fun imagining these bears with their favourite books! I remember this dilemma as a child at the library, you could only take out a certain amount of books but there were so many I liked! This sweet mounted print is available now in my Etsy store.

It's been a cold week, with some snow and then lots of frost so it's like an ice rink out there! Although this very pretty ice rink tempted me out for a walk yesterday to take some photos and I nearly ended up on my backside more times than I care to mention ;) So I hope you all enjoy these photos, the windmill is just at the end of my lane and no that grand white building is not my house, it's at the entrance to a little wood in the village ( you can click on the photos to enlarge)!





I've got lots more that I am busy creating at the moment, so do join the bears and I back here soon. In the meantime keep warm,
Beary Hugs, Catherine x

Friends Forever

Happy New Year to you all! I hope this year brings you all you dream of and more. The Bumpkin Bears are very excited about all the adventures they are going to get up to and can't wait to share them. To start off the New Year I would love to show you my latest sweet new Print -



"Friends Forever" said Bear to Robin as he let him fly away towards the woods. Last winter on a cold frosty day Bear had found Robin all weak and alone as a baby. He nurtured him with berries and taught him to fly. Letting Robin fly bravely away was a big step for both of them, there was a sadness to their hearts but they had promised that they would be Friends Forever no matter how far apart.

I had such fun creating this illustration and just love the soft nostalgic colours. It is available as a beautifully mounted print in my Etsy store.



I was inspired for this print by the sweet friendly robins that have always visited me in my gardens through my life. I took this photo just the other day in my garden.



I've got lots more exciting Bumpkin Bears treats in store coming up so do pop back soon.
In the meantime wishing you all a wonderful start to 2009. Beary Hugs, Catherine and the Bumpkin Bears xx

Castles and festive joy

I hope you all had a special Christmas day. It was a delight to hear how many enjoyed my short story, many people sharing it with their children and grandchildren, I could not ask for more :) I cooked the traditional turkey with all the trimmings, nice to have a feeling of England when I'm here in Belgium, there is something very comforting about these traditional meals that I have grown up with.

I always love it when my Bumpkin Bears are given as surprise gifts, it is such fun keeping the secret :) This happened this Christmas with the lovely Kim of Victorian Parlor blog her wonderful husband gave her Hamish as a Christmas present - if you scroll down her posts from christmas day you will see some sweet photos of him in his new home with his happy Mum :) It always makes me feel so full of joy to share my love of bears with others.

Boxing Day was really chilly but beautifully bright and sunny, so a walk in our local forest was just the ticket :) In the woodland there is this beautiful castle and a little tea house that used to have an underground tunnel leading from it to the castle for the butler to use to take the tea and cake to the lucky few!! What a life!





I'm a busy bee working on my brand new website design and some sweet new illustrations and mohair bears, so do join the bears and I again soon. Warm Beary Hugs, Catherine and the bears xx

The Day Before Christmas

(scroll down to see the first two chapters of the story)

The Day Before Christmas

As they were nearly through the forest they could see the lights of the village sparkling through the branches when all of a sudden they were startled by a strange screeching noise. Trying to be brave and bear like on the outside, on the inside they were imagining a giant forest monster stomping towards them to eat them for supper! They all just huddled together behind a tree and closed their eyes.

The noise was getting closer and closer when Lewis suddenly felt a tap on his shoulder. He jumped higher than a bear has ever jumped before! Screaming with his eyes so tightly closed he swore he could never open them again! Suddenly through all their noise they heard Papa Bear's voice, Lewis thought he had come to save them. Forcing one eye slightly open he saw Papa Bear and…. NO monster, just the old red wheelbarrow with a fir tree in it. Mama Bear had always complained of the schreeching wheels!



Once the little bear's hearts had stopped pounding and their legs stopped wobbling enough to stand up they were glad to be on their way home. The surprise didn't seem to matter so much anymore although it was a very beautiful tree Papa had chosen just for them to decorate with some of their berries. The rest of the berries will be for Christmas dinner tomorrow!
Back in the warmth of their home they decorated their tree and sat down by the comforting fire. Mama bear told them a story about the night before Christmas and Santa visiting all the good little bears. That night although they were so tired they just had to wait to see Santa out of their bedroom window.



As they all wished upon the brightest star Lewis was sure that he saw a sparkling light fly by. It was way past their bed time and they clambered up into their beds, "it must have been Santa, it just must have been". Lewis said over and over until his eyes closed as he dreamt of this very special day before Christmas.

THE END

(Copyright of all text and images - Catherine Young)   The whole story is published at Teddybear-news.info

Thank you to everyone that has come along to read my story. The bears are now all happily waiting for Christmas to arrive :)
I've just got back from the supermarket, got the last turkey on the shelves! I'm cooking christmas lunch tomorrow, here in Belgium. I've been taking lots of photos of the wild birds in my garden, including my friendly robin, I'll share them with you all in a few days time. Have a wonderfully Beary Merry Christmas, Catherine, my cats and the bears xxx

and so the Story continues...

The Day Before Christmas

Chapter 2

These little bears were so worried that they would not get their surprise they all just sat in a heap looking very sorry for themselves. Before too long the bunnies, twitching their ears, came out to see what the matter was. Followed on by the rather shy Mr Badger, a family of very sleepy hedgehogs woken by the bump and lots of twittering birds including wee Master Robin.

Lewis explained why they looked so sad and all their friends took pity on them, especially as it was the day before Christmas. New berries were found even before the bears had had a chance to stand up and shake all the snow off their coats. Their wooly hats became baskets as the birds dropped berry after berry into them as they swooped by.

The winter sun started to hide behind the hill, the bears tummies started to rumble and they realized it was time to go home for tea. They ran as fast as they could when waving goodbye, shouting thank you and holding onto all the hats brimming full of berries! How excited they were to get home and see their surprise.

As they were nearly through the forest they could see the lights of the village sparkling through the branches when all of a sudden... (come back on Christmas Eve to read the last Chapter of my story) Warm Beary Hugs, Catherine and the bears xx

Are you sitting comfortably?

.. then I'll begin the first part of my short story which I wrote to go with my illustrations . The main character is Lewis Bear who is available for adoption to a special family. I'm going to share this story with you in 3 parts, the next chapters follow on Monday and Christmas Eve. So get comfy and believe in the magic of Christmas...

The Day Before Christmas

Today was no ordinary day as the sun shone through the winter mist. Lewis appeared at the brow of the hill, shivering as the cold wind whistled through his fur and the snow dripped on his shiny black nose! He did not see the three bears moving out from behind the lone tree. The snowballs came flying towards him before he had time to duck! His brothers were known as a rather mischievous bunch of bears and Lewis, all covered in snow, feared today wasn't going to be any different!

The problem was that they had promised Papa Bear they would be on their best behavior as today was the day before something special called Christmas. Being such young bears they had never heard of this Christmas before but it seemed to be an exciting time in the Village. First thing this morning they were promised a surprise if they were good and gathered lots of red berries getting home before dark. After hearing this they had run all the way across the fields, through the woods and up the hill to the biggest berry bush.

Lewis, being the youngest bear, had been last to get to the top of the hill. It had seemed to take forever to get there but once they had enough berries the bears knew of a much quicker way down! Without a second's thought they were rolling down the hill with the wind in their fur and rather a lot of squashed berries as they landed with a tremendous bump! What a sight they were with red stains all over their fur! What was Papa Bear going to say?

...... (find out what happens next on Monday)

Christmas in a window!

I was so enchanted by the christmas windows in Bruges at the weekend, look at that little chocolate shop squeezed in! it's been such fun to share all our Christmas homes, thanks to everyone that has visited this week. Lots more christmas delights to share soon. (click on photos to enlarge and see all the magic, look at those sweet penguins and delicious goodies in the top photo and the amazing toy shop lower down!)





Warm Beary Hugs, Catherine and the bears xx

A Pretty Little Christmas

The bears and I are joining in a wonderful Pretty Little Christmas party held by Heather over at PrettyPetals. There are the most beautiful homes to enjoy. There is also a wonderful Christmas Tour of Homes