Canal Days Winner...

  Last weekend --- Thursday through Saturday --- was  Canal Fulton's annual Canal Days.  Canal Days, for those who have never been ... is a carnival with street vendors that covers a five block area.  Everything from deep fried pickles to Pampered Chef to the local Lions selling hotdogs.  The highlight every year is the firework show that is done on the last day of the weekend.

 

I have been one of the vendors on the street for years.  It is always a joy to reconnect with customers who haven't been in a while, while also meeting new people for the first time.  Canal Days is always so much fun between the people, the food and the fireworks; I just look so forward to this time of year.

 

Every year Keillor's A Teddy Bear Shoppe offers a bear raffle.  The bear that was raffled off this year was by Gund, and named Huxley.  The picture posted here is the winner of this bear ... Michelle Ammon.  Congratulations Michelle, it was so nice making a new friend through the hobby of bear collecting.

Some Background History about Annette Funicello

Annette Funicello (of Mickey Mouse Club and teen beach movie fame) founded the Annette Funicello Collectible Bear Company in 1992 to fund research of neurological disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis, with which she had been diagnosed in 1987. Funicello teamed with world-renowned Teddy bear artists "to share with people all over the world the comfort and love a Teddy bear brings."

In 1996, Funicello received the Teddy Bear Review Lifetime Achievement Award – the first person ever to receive the honor. Annette's bears also were the first collectible bears offered on the QVC shop-at-home network.

L.L. Knickerbocker was the first to manufacture Annette Funicello Collectible Bears, followed by Papel Giftware. The newest products are manufactured and distributed by the Annette Funicello Bear Company itself – giving Annette more control over the process than ever before.

Annette Funicello produced a line of teddy bears for the Annette Funicello Collectible Bear Company from 1992 until the last collection was made in 2004.  The closing was quick and announced, which shocked teddy bear shops and collector's.  Her line of bears can be found on E-bay for those who still wish to buy her bears.

She partnered with talented teddy bear artists from around the world to make bears for her company. Each bear comes with Annette’s signature logo pin, sewn in label and comes in a gift box with a hand tag and a certificate of authenticity.

Annette Funicello bears were issued in a series of collections that are now retired. Some of her collections include:
                              Angel Bears
                             Bear Buds
                            Bears Of The Sea
                            Beary “Licious
                            Holiday Collection
                            Spring Collection

Annette Funicello suffered from multiple sclerosis (MS) and donated a portion of the profits from the sale of her teddy bears and other enterprises to MS research and the Annette Funicello Fund for Neurological Disorders.

On October 6, 2012, the CTV flagship current affairs program W5 profiled Funicello as an update on her after she had spent fifteen years out of the public eye. The profile revealed that her disease had severely damaged her nervous system; Funicello had lost the ability to walk in 2004, the ability to speak in 2009, and, at the time of the profile, she required round-the-clock care in order to survive. In the profile, Holt and Fabares discussed Funicello's state at the time, as well as the numerous medical interventions and treatments that had been attempted in order to improve her condition.

Sadly on April 8, 2013, Funicello died at Mercy Southwest Hospital in Bakersfield, California, at the age of 70, from complications due to multiple sclerosis.^[ At the time of her death Annette's family was with her. Her funeral was  private and held on April 12, 2013, at the Cherished Memories Memorial Chapel in Bakersfield, CA. Commenting on her death, Bob Iger, Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, said,

"Annette was and always will be a cherished member of the Disney family, synonymous with the word Mouseketeer, and a true Disney Legend. She will forever hold a place in our hearts as one of Walt Disney's brightest stars, delighting an entire generation of baby boomers with her jubilant personality and endless talent. Annette was well known for being as beautiful inside as she was on the outside, and she faced her physical challenges with dignity, bravery and grace. All of us at Disney join with family, friends, and fans around the world in celebrating her extraordinary life."

Please note that the bears pictured in this article are not available at Keillor's A Teddy Bear Shoppe and are used as illustration purposes.

Enesco: Britto Pop Plush

Pop Artist Romero Britto uses vibrant colors and bold patterns as a visual language of hope and happiness.  He has been credited with the largest public art installation in the Hyde Park history and exhibited at the Carrousel du Louvre Museum.  Romero Brito's art appeals to all.  More of his art work can be seen at http://www.britto.com



Enesco. Britto Pop Plush.  This colorful teddy is named Jackson the Panda (which is similar to the one posted below, except this bear does not have the fabric heart on his chest). 

She is made out of a mix of ultra-suede, velvet, corduroy and outdoor fabrics.  Jackson has corduroy eyes that are surrounded by black velvet.  Jackson measures 8.5 inches long (which is smaller than the one posted below) and sells for $15.95 plus tax.











Enesco. Britto Pop Plush.  This colorful puppy is named Pablo the Puppy.  He is made out of a mix of ultra-suede, corduroy, plush and outdoor fabrics.  Pablo has embroidered eyes and a "velveteen" nose.  Pablo measures 5.5 inches long and sells for $15.95 plus tax.















Enesco. Britto Pop Plush.  This colorful monkey is named Matisse the Monkey.  He is made out of a mix of ultra-suede, corduroy, plush, and outdoor fabrics.  Matisse has embroidered eyes and a "velveteen" nose.  Matisse measures 8.5 inches long and sells for $15.95 plus tax

Enesco. Britto Pop Plush.  This colorful teddy is named Jackson the Panda.  She is made out of a mix of ultra-suede, velvet, corduroy and outdoor fabrics.  Jackson has corduroy eyes that are surrounded by black velvet.  Jackson measures 14.5 inches long and sells for $35.95 plus tax.

 

 

 

Enesco.  Britto Pop Plush.  This colorful teddy is named Tallulah the Teddy.  She is made out of a mix of ultra-suede, corduroy, and an outdoor fabric. She  measures 26.5 inches long and is ready to give you a hug. She is priced at $100.00 plus tax

 

 Tallulah also comes in a smaller size that is identical to the larger one.  The smaller version measures 8.5 inches long and sells for $15.95 plus tax 

 

For those wanting more information on the very talented Romero Britto, please read below.  This is direct from his website, which I encourage you to visit. 

Internationally renowned pop artist Romero Britto uses vibrant colors and bold patterns as a visual language of hope and happiness, reflecting his optimistic faith in the world around him. Born in Recife, Brazil in 1963, Britto lived an extremely modest lifestyle while growing up amongst eight brothers and sisters.  However, his innate creativity allowed Britto to fill his life with images of a bigger and more beautiful world beyond his own.  Self-taught at an early age, he painted what he saw and what he imagined on surfaces such as newspapers, cardboard or any scraps that he could find.  With an inordinate passion to excel, he prospered academically.  Still, Britto's artistic nature eventually led him to seek experiences outside the classroom.  In 1983, Britto traveled to Paris where he was introduced to the works of Matisse and Picasso.  After exhibiting in a few galleries and private shows, Britto was encouraged to travel to the United States where Pop Art was   With an unshakable resolve and belief in his art, Britto spent the next few years exhibiting and attracting the attention of many.  In 1988, he was selected alongside Andy Warhol and Keith Haring for Absolut Vodka's "Absolut Art" campaign.  He combined influences from cubism with pop to create an iconic style that The New York Times described ?exudes warmth, optimism and love.?  His work has been exhibited in galleries and museums in over 100 countries  including the Salon de la Soci't' Nationale des Beaux Arts exhibition at the Carrousel du Louvre in 2008 and 2010.  As well, in December 2013, Maria Elena and Carlos Slim Domit invited Britto to be the first living artist to exhibit at Museo Soumaya.  He has created public art installations for the 02 Dome (Berlin), John F. Kennedy Airport (New York), Cirque Du Soleil at Super Bowl XLI, and has been credited with the largest monumental sculpture in Hyde Park (London) history.  He served as an official artist for the 2010 World Cup and was recently appointed Ambassador to the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil.  Britto's pop sensibility has since leant itself to many collaborations with such brands as Audi, Bentley, Coca-Cola, Disney, Evian, Hublot, Mattel, and Technomarine to name a few. Romero Britto's art appeals to all.
flourishing. Britto moved to Miami and set up a studio open to the public.

Romero Britto is an artistic activist for charitable organizations worldwide and most of all an artist who believes "art is too important not to share."  He serves as a benefactor, donating time, art and resources to over 250 charitable organizations and on several boards such as Best Buddies International, and St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.  Britto was named an inaugural founding benefactor of the Harvard International Negotiation Program by Daniel Shapiro, a program that seeks peaceful resolution to modern conflict.  Not a silent advocate, Britto has been selected several times to be a speaker for the arts at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. A firm believer in the role of an artist as an agent of positive change, Romero Britto is committed to developing and supporting the powerful role art plays in world issues

4th of July Boyds Bears

The Fourth of July maybe over, but you enjoy the day and your memories year around with these adorable patriotic bears.  With Canal Fulton's Bicentennial coming in August wouldn't his make a cute gift.

 

Fashion Family Collection.  Boyds.  This is Levi Maybearie with Max.  Levi wears denim overalls that have red buttons and two patches that are cotton and red and blue in color. The overalls do come off as the button holes are functional. Child safety eye, hand embroidered nose, fully jointed.  Levi measures 10 inches.

His companion Max is a red, white and blue cotton teddy with button joints, hand embroidered nose and glass bead eyes. Max measures 6 inches long.  Max is sewn to Levi's hand and overalls.  The set is priced at $26.95 plus tax.

Fashion Family Collection.  Boyds. This is Ruby Mae Maybearie she has a light brown plush fur, fully jointed, child safety eyes, hand embroidered nose.  She wears a cotton red, white and blue dress that has a Velcro closure in the back which makes it fully removable.  The dress is adorned with three red, white and blue cotton posies with red, white and blue button centers.  She wears a denim pants underneath the dress, and has a denim bow with a red and white cotton posie on the bow with a blue button.

Ruby Mae measures 12 inches tall and sells for $29.95 plus tax.

Fashion Family Collection.  Boyds. This is Glorianna Sparklebear.  She wears a ruffle top that is cotton red, white and blue in color.  One corner of the top is a blue with white stars, the top has a blue starred area, while the straps are ribbed grosgrain ribbon.  The pants  are blue cotton and trimmed with orange star buttons.  Child safety eyes, hand embroidered nose, fully jointed.  She wears a red, white and blue cotton hat with a white grosgrain white ribbon trimmed with blue stars.

She holds a "mylar" sparkle that she holds in her right hand.  She measures 13 inches and sells for $29.99 plus tax.

Fashion Family Collection.  Boyds.  This is Samantha Maybearie with Roxie. Tan plush fur, fully jointed, child safety, hand embroidered nose, felt paw pads.  Samantha wears a denim dress trimmed in white rick-rack and a red, white and blue cotton posie whose center part is lightly stuffed.  The dress as Velcro closures which make it fully removeable.  Her bow is denim and has a white posie with a red slightly stuffed center. 

Samantha measures 11.5 inches tall.  Roxie is a red, white and clue cotton teddy that has button joints, hand embroidered nose and glass bead eyes.  Roxie measures 6 inches long and is sewn to the dress.  The pair come together and is priced at $26.95 plus tax.

Family Fashion Collection.  Boyds.  This is Maddie.  She has a crème colored plush and felt paw pads.  Fully jointed hand embroidered nose, child safety eyes.  Maddie wears a red cotton "bow tie".  She holds a cotton red white and blue cotton star that has embroidered on it Stars and Strips Forever.  Maddie measures 7 inches long and sells for $14,95 plus tax.


As always if you see anything you like and want to purchase you can email me at keillorsteddybears@yahoo.com, call at 330-854-0481 or make a visit to the shop.

Settler Bears: A bear with ribbon emboidery accents.

Settlers Bears.  This is Zali.  He has alight crème colored plush fur and his paw pads are a corresponding shorter pile plush, child safety eyes, hand embroidered nose.  His body is a dark green plush, while his body is adorned with two "rhinestone" buttons that are trimmed in gold.  He wears a dark green ruff at his neck that is removable.  The ruff is trimmed with a gold trim with "rhinestones" in it.  He also wears on his feet bunny slippers that match his overall color scheme.  The bunny slippers have hand embroidered eyes. He measures 11.5 inches tall, has an embroidered Christmas tree on his left foot, and sells for $25.95 plus tax.

Settler Bears.  This is Monique.  She is a light tan color plush, hand embroidered nose, child safety eyes, fully jointed,  and "velveteen" paw pads.  She wears a pink velour dress with French Ribbon Embroidery, wears a pink Gossamer ribbon and has a matching French Ribbon Embroidered flower on her left paw pad.  She measures 14 inches long and sells for $40.00 plus tax.

Settler Bears.  This is Tamara.  She has a crème colored plush fur, and her paw pads are a corresponding in color "velveteen".  Hand embroidered nose, child safety eyes, chocolate colored gossamer bow.  She wears a drab olive colored velour dress that is trimmed with French Ribbon Embroidery flowers, her left paw pad has a matching French Ribbon Embroidery Flower on it.  The dress as a brass colored large safety pin "brooch" that has  a matching brass colored chain and three blue-green beads.  Arms and legs are jointed.  She measures 11 inches long and sells for $25.95 plus tax. 

Settler Bears.  Crème colored plush fur.  "Velveteen" paw pads. Child safety eyes, hand embroidered nose.  This bear wears a tan colored "velveteen" dress with French Ribbon Embroidery with glass seed beads. Fully jointed, a green gossamer ribbon adorns her head.  See wears a green eyelash loss crocheted shawl.  The shawl is pinned to her dress and it done with a large safety style pin with green "rhinestones" as trim.  A gossamer ribbon adorns her head, and a matching French Ribbon embroidered flower is on her left paw pad.  She measures 11 inches long and sells for $25.95 plus tax

Settler Bears.  Light Golden plush fur, with a matching, shorter pile foot pad.  Child safety eyes, hand embroidered nose.  This bear wears  a teal colored "satin" dress with French Ribbon embroidery accents.  Her shawl is a loose crochet technique done in eyelash yarn.  The shawl is pinned to her dress and it is done with a large safety pin style pin with pink "rhinestones" as trim.  A gossamer ribbon adorns her head, and a matching French Ribbon embroidered flower is on her left foot pad.  She measures 16 inches long and sells for $45.00 plus tax.

Settler Bears.  This is Xavier, a light crème colored plush fur with a corresponding "velveteen" paw pads, hand embroidered nose, and child safety eyes. He has a dark green patch  on his chest with an embroidered Christmas tree trimmed with three crystals.  His left foot pad has a matching embroidered Christmas tree and crystals on it.  He wears a dark green "velveteen" bow that matches the patch on his chest.  He measures 15 inches long and sells for $35.95 plus tax.

An Interview with Dick Franz

Interviewed by Charlie Dale

 

When Dick Franz, North American Steiff Archivist, was here for the Spring Steiff Event, he agreed to an e-mail interview for this blog about Steiff. Hope all of you enjoy this as much as I did putting it together.

 

Dale: How many hands work on a Steiff piece before it's finished?

Franz: It can vary from animal to animal depending on the complexity of the design but there are over twenty stations in the manufacture of one Steiff. These range from cutting material, sewing the body, placing eyes, , stuffing bodies, sewing noses, and detail painting. Of coarse at every stage there are quality control check points before the product proceeds to the next phase. 

Dale: How many kinds of stuffing are there?  Are they ever combined? What determines what kind of stuffing?

Franz: There are two basic types of stuffing for non replicas. These are foam or fiber. Both are non allergenic. These are sometimes used in combination with pellets for ballast. The ballast is used to help make the animal more posable or feel or more realistic. For example we might weight the paws so that they dangle or weight the bottom so the animal will sit easily.

Dale: How are the artist's picked for Steiff?  Is there a reason they are not credited on the merchandise like the "Charlie Bear" line?

Franz: In Germany many Companies use internships or work study programs. Steiff takes advantage of these and uses them in many skilled areas including the design department. As with most artists, Steiff artists have a style. Some are better at designing teddy bears and others do better with animals. Artists are put on projects according to there strengths. At Steiff we refer to the "Steiff Look". It is unique and the overall objective is to obtain the best Steiff design possible.    

Dale:  Have you ever designed a bear/animal Steiff?

 

Franz: Steiff is a worldwide company selling to countries that have very different tastes. We have our worldwide line that is the same for all countries but we also manufacture Country specific items. I attend the US product development meeting where a small group develops concepts and designs for our US market. In these meeting we develop the concept, the pattern and size, and pick the fabrics. These notes are sent to the design department in Germany to be formulated into a pattern which is then sent to the sample department where a sample is created. The sample is then sent back to us for changes and then finally approval. Many of my concepts and ideas have been used over the years. But a Steiff creation is ultimately a group effort. 

Dale: Is there a "job" at Steiff that you would like to do but haven't had a chance to do yet?

Franz: This year begins my 44th year with Steiff. I have always liked variety in my work and my time at Steiff has certainly provided that. I can't think of any other job that would suit me as well as what I am doing. I love being involved with the new product, meeting collectors and retailers all over the US. 

 

Dale:  Would there be a "Holy Grail" ( a piece a collector would kill for) Steiff piece, and if so what would it be?

Franz: This is a great question. In my experience in meeting thousands of collectors, I have found that Steiff has something for everyone. Steiff has created many one off pieces that have turned up over the years. They were samples for buyers or made just for a special display. I quickly learned "with Steiff that you never say never". As soon as you say "they never made a piece like that" , one will turn up.


Thanks to Dick Franz for the interview, and his time.  Please be aware that the Steiff pieces shown in this post can be ordered through Keillor's A Teddy Bear Shoppe,  and are part of the new Fall Steiff Line. 

I can be contacted at Keillorsteddybears@yahoo.com or call 330-854-0481.

October 4, 2014 Steiff Event featuring Dick Franz

 

I am so excited to announce the Fall  2014 Steiff Event in which I will be hosting the incredible Steiff US based archivist Dick Franz.  Dick is the author of "The Readers Service for the Steiff Club Companion".  Dick is also a long time collector and has been featured on Martha Stewart Living, Antiques in the Attic and QVC.

Mark your calendar ---- Saturday, October 4th, 2014 ---  Dick Franz will be from 11-2 only and will be appraising up to two items that you currently own.  Dick will also be more than happy to sign your pieces you either bring in (limit to two) or your purchases made that day.

Come see what's new at Steiff for Fall 2014 as many new items will be on view.  The adorable, Steiff 2014 Event Bear, Bert (pictured left) is artificial silk plush , dark beige, five joints, surface washable, 21 centimeters tall  (approximately 8.5 inches), limited to the year 2014, gold-plated "button in the ear" and only available for club events.  Bert is $99.00 plus tax.

 Bert looks wonderful with last years 2013 Event bear Flora who also happened to be artificial silk, which I have currently for sale as well for $99.00 plus tax.

Bert would be a handsome addition to any Steiff collection, as well as any Teddy bear collection.  As we all know some people only collect the event pieces so this is a not to missed opportunity.

Peter Rabbit: Nickelodeon's newest plush

 Gund. Nickelodean.  This is Benjamin Bunny.  Honey colored synthetic plush fur, knit brown coat, knit winter cap with red pom pom, embroidered eyes, crème colored plush muzzle, knit inner ear.  7 inches tall (which includes ears).  Price $6.95 plus tax.

Gund.  Nickelodeon.  This is Peter Rabbit.  Honey colored synthetic plush fur, knit blue jacket with embroidered buttons, knit knapsack, crème colored plush belly, knit inner ears, embroidered eyes.  7 inches tall (which includes ears).  Price $6.95 plus tax.

Gund, Nickelodeon.  This is Lily Bobtail. Grey plush synthetic fur, knit red dress, knit pink jacket, knit inner ear, knit flower, embroidered eyes.  7 inches tall ( which includes ears).  Price $6.95 plus tax.



Pictured below:


Peter Rabbit TV Show Episode (Nutkin's Nut Catch)

It's a nut-tacular day and the squirrels are playing nut catch. Peter, Lily, and Benjamin want to play too, but Nutkin thinks rabbits can't be as good as the squirrels. Will you help Peter, Lily, and Benjamin pass the really hard nut catch challenge? Let's hop to it and start catching! Move your bag back and forth with your mouse to catch the nuts. Watch out for leaves and pine cones! If they hit your bag, you will lose a nut. Count all the nuts you've collected as you go!