Hello Everyone: I wanted to check in and let you all know that I am still here.
My new medication makes it difficult form me to do anything quickly which is good but also difficult and causes me some moments of depressions. I am trying to adjust.
Because of this I have left my stockist stores in the USA and UK. I will now simply be working to make bears for you through me.
In the recent change I have also made a wonderful discovery... I no longer have themes and deadlines to contend with and this has opened all my doors and windows to allow the beautiful spring air in which has been inspiring. In this I have begun creating an entirely new design and style and am completely in love with these bears. To date I have designed three new designs all of the same style: A bear, A bunny and an Ellie. The first three are almost complete... two bunnies and one ellie and two bears are in the making. I am also designing a style of outfits for them that I think you will embrace as I have. My decision to change my style was also important to reflect this new change of leaving the stores to go on my own. It will mark a time and it was my way of honoring the stores that had me in as their guests for the short time I was there.
It was not until I began working on my own that I realized how restricting my working for my stores was. I am not saying that doing so is not a good idea but I think I was offered this position too soon in my bear making career. I had not yet settled on a style and was still experimenting on where I wanted to go in my style. It has only been since 2009 that I have been making bears so if I compare that to how long I have been doing hair, I am still new.
The positive of me being slowed down by my medication and heart issues is that a lot of things were brought to the forefront of my mind. I realized where I wanted to be in my art and I have the time, as I am forced to take my time, to go slowly and focus on character again and the style that is in my heart. Of course I also feel that my health has effected the desire to create a style that reflects where I am in my life right now. I feel that I have landed on a style that I enjoy and will be making as my style of bear for quite a while.
I will try to have some photos soon but I can say that I do have three entries in the up and coming URSA awards... and I will be planning on entering into the online Teddies Worldwide Christmas show, two local shows and one Toronto show this year. Due to my restrictions currently I am trying to build up my stock a bit before I release anything so please bear with me for just a bit longer!
I will be able to post more frequently for you and post available bear for you here, on bear pile and etsy.
Big Hugs and thank you so much for sticking with me these past few years and months!
Things are about to change for the better and get really fun here at Seraphim Bears!
Sounds like you have a made a good decision Michele. I know it probably haven´t been easy but we all need to step back at times and do what´s best for us. Can´t wait to see your new design.
ReplyDeleteYou take care now and hope you´ll feel better soon.
xx Tina
Glad to see you are doing well Michele. I look forward to seeing your new design. It is freeing to work only for yourself, because you love what you are doing at the moment.
ReplyDeleteО, я не знала, что у вас проблемы со здоровьем, ссори :(( Мне нравятся ваши медведи, все в любых стилях и я уверена, что в новом исполнении они будут великолепны! Больше отдыхайте, кушайте свежие овощи и фрукты, возможно вам нужно сменить привычную обстановку и поехать к морю :) Я очень переживаю за вас!
ReplyDeleteHello all, well, yes it was not an easy decision to make at first but my body made it easy to make the final decision in the end. And yes Joanne it was absolutely freeing to finally make that decision and realize that I had been craving a design change I was not even aware of. I love all my bears of course but sometimes we need to change and I did feel I was being held back and also there were a lot of restrictions with themes and colours of mohair etc that might not have been what I would have chosen. All a good learning experience in the end and I would not have changed it.
ReplyDeleteAs to my health and eating and a visit to the sea... I am definitely getting back to eating more foods from the earth and trying my very best to stay active without over doing it. I try to eat well and eat healthy although I do love my chocolate and sweets. But everything in moderation.
Thank you friends for your kind words and thoughts... it's at times like these that they are truly treasured!
I am so glad you feel as though you are in a good place at the moment. Just enjoy making them. I look forward to seeing the new design.
ReplyDeletehugs
I'm so relieved to hear that the medication is helping you and that you have made positive changes for yourself and your life. I will truly miss seeing you this August, but please know that you will be in my heart and thoughts. I can't WAIT to see what new creations you have up your sleeves!
ReplyDeleteHeaps of Hugs,
Cheryl
The medication is helping in a way but it is a big adjustment as it also makes me really tired and I have to go slow. I over did it the other day, simply walking up the stairs at our new train station carrying my Mum's suitcase and it have taken me two days to get over the nausea of that little amount of exercise.
ReplyDeleteAhhh, but I still feel better than I did before and I am grateful for finally having the information and being able to have a chance at getting better.
As to the bears... they go slowly also but happy happy they make me every minute and the end result... well you shall all soon see.
Thank you Cheryl and Kay for your kind words and support!