Originally, when I settled on the design for the MiniBear pattern (unsurprisingly it had taken a number of attempts) and created the first one it had not occurred to me what variations I might come up with.
I suppose it never really occured to me that I would be able to vary such a small bear. At that time, it would have been unthinkable for me to have come up with the idea of the MiniBear Chess Set let alone the complexities of creating it.
I was relaxing in my bath, listening to the music that I enjoy (the kind you hear in health spas) and I began to consider other ideas and projects for my little creations one of which was a little Santa MiniBear. Perhaps it was the sounds of waves breaking over a pebble strewn beach with the harmonic classical music quietly blending into the sounds, but I began to think of a very small project, possibly containing only one little bear. A Santa maybe standing in front of a fireplace making a delivery of presents.
The last time I tried to make a santa bear, was a good few years ago. I had never designed a pattern before but when I received a telephone call from the editor of 'The Teddy Bear Scene' asking if I could create a pattern for inclusion in their first issue I felt there was every reason to have a go. As it was near christmas time, I tried to design and make a Santa Claus Bear.
Whilst I was delighted that the pattern I created actually made a proper teddy bear, unfortunately the last thing it looked liked to me was a santa! The more I looked at it, the more I saw it with a belt, hat and collar to be something entirely different. Which is why the pattern in the first issue became 'Pilgrim Bear'.
So, would my MiniBear version look right? No way to tell unless I had a go. If it was successful then I could go ahead and see about making the accessories to go with it.
This little Santa is 2" tall.
So, he was okay. Now for the rest of the project.
Having just recently completed the Sushi Bar, I wanted to make this far less complicated. If it turned out to be the smallest scene I have made so far, then no problem.
I used plastic plaque for the base. The walls and fireplace are made from card and the carpet is some minibear fabric. Originally the wallpaper was the same patterned one, but it looked a bit to plain so I added a dado rail and some plain paper below it and felt it much improved, especially when I added the Christmasy decorations along the top.
 The scene is set - now to add the santa and the tree |
 Almost there, just needs 'tweeking' a bit . Santa's probably need a sack with some toys... |
MiniBear Christmas 2008 project
The scene is 5 1/2" long, 3 1/2" wide and 2 1/2" tall and contains just one Santa Minibear (all the other MiniBears are asleep of course!)
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL MY LOVELY VISITORS