MaryAnn Wills - Teddy Bears with Expression

2012-02-21T12:39:00.004-05:00

"Until one has loved an animal, part of their soul remains unawakened"............wishing everyone a wonderful day!! (teddybearswexp@aol.com)

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

2012-02-11T18:14:00.005-05:00

..........................................Happy Valentine's Day!!................... Wishing you all peace, love and good health for Valentine's Day and always....................................

(would love to hear from you, send me an email anytime - teddybearswexp@aol.com).

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012!!!

2012-01-01T10:27:00.002-05:00

....................Happy New Year 2012!! Wishing you all a wonderful year filled with the best of everything - good health, joy, happiness, beautiful memories and good health!!!

2011-12-26T11:00:00.002-05:00

.........................Pictures of our current furry buddies and Our memory Christmas Tree - ornaments with pictures of our furry buddies that blessed our family throughout the years and special items or ornaments that belonged to family members no longer with us - near the top of the tree is my Dad's police whistle - he has been gone almost 35 years. Christmas is a special time for our family to remember those that have meant so much to us. Happy Holidays to you!

MERRY CHRISTMAS! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

2011-12-19T12:04:00.003-05:00

..Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!... May all your wishes and dreams come true...wishing you all peace, joy, love, happiness and good health now and for the New Year 2012. I am taking some time off the computer to celebrate with family and friends...looking forward to seeing you next year!!... Hugs, MaryAnn...

Early morning walk - beautiful sunrise!

2011-12-06T11:18:00.007-05:00

**********An early morning walk was filled with the beautiful quickly changing sunrise captured on my husband's phone. A true gift to start the day - memories are made of these special moments.

It's beginning to look like Christmas at our house!

2011-12-04T12:11:00.003-05:00

.............................................................................................................................It's beginning to look like Christmas at our house - a festive time of the year! Here are two pictures - one is a sleigh filled with tiny artist teddies pulled by a Craig Yenke deer and the other is our table top Memory Tree. This tree has special mementos of beloved relatives no longer with us and pictures of all our special furries that blessed our lives through out the past 40 years, along with a few newer ornaments - I treasure my Dad's police whistle and hang it right in front. Have a wonderful weekend all!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2011-11-24T09:22:00.002-05:00

For each new morning with its light, For rest and shelter of the night, For health and food, for love and friends, For everything Thy goodness sends" - Ralph Waldo Emerson.........Wishing everyone a beautiful Holiday today and everyday - thank you for your friendship!!!

New Pup joins the family

2011-11-08T06:27:00.002-05:00

We've added a new little pup - so full of energy and mischief. He is ready and eager to get going in the morning and enjoys playing and learning with our other pup - fast friends for sure. Have a great day!

Autumn - A beautiful, inspiring season!

2011-10-13T14:23:00.004-04:00

Wishing everyone a beautiful Autumn!

"October gave a party; The Leaves by hundreds came - The Chestnuts, Oaks and Maples,

And leaves of every name. The Sunshine spread a carpet, And everything was grand, Miss Weather led the dancing, Professor Wind the band." George Cooper, "October's Party"

.............Miss Weather - available for sale - please click the link above for details...............

Miss Weather has been adopted - thank you............................................................................

A happy day of celebrating....

2011-10-02T04:15:00.003-04:00

Yesterday my husband and I celebrated 45 years of marriage. Time may change the way we live, our dreams, our plans, but it can never change the true love that is always in our hearts. We spent a quiet day at home enjoying the company of family. Wishing everyone a wonderful, happy day filled with love and joy! MaryAnn

A view from my studio window -

2011-09-17T14:41:00.003-04:00

Visitors to our yard provide a lovely, relaxing view from my studio window. The past few months have been a challenge for me to concentrate on being creative. Many hours have been spent just enjoying the view - and being thankful for all the blessings in my life. Just last week, I spent at least two hours watching a small turtle travel from one end of the yard to the other. He was certainly not in any hurry. Wishing you all a wonderful relaxing day to enjoy nature wherever you are!

Chase and Connor - available for sale

2011-09-12T12:29:00.003-04:00

..................................................Chase and Connor available for adoption on my for sale page, please click the above link for details and more pictures. After days of rain, damp and dreary days, the sun is shining brightly today - the air is clean and fresh - a perfect day to get some work accomplished - wishing you all a wonderful day!

Little Shaken - available for adoption

2011-09-04T09:58:00.003-04:00

As it turns out, I won't be participating in the Chantilly Show on September 11, will have to wait until 2012 for any Shows. As a result, Little Shaken is available for adoption. His information is included on the sale page - please click the link at the top of this page if interested. Thank you and wishing you all a wonderful day!

Earthquake - Little Shaken - Chantilly Teddy Show and Sale

2011-08-24T12:15:00.006-04:00

Little Teddy survived the earthquake here in Virginia yesterday - resting comfortably in his little wardrobe house - his chair was turned on its side and he fell to the floor - unhurt and more than ready to make his debut at the Chantilly, Virginia Fall Teddy Show and Sale to be held on September 11 - more info at: http://www.teddybearsonvacation.com/. Little Teddy - now named "Little Shaken" lives in his wardrobe - comes with his chair and table (little woodturned bowl on top) - and some surprises in the top drawer where he seems to be hiding today........... Hope to see you at the show................have a wonderful day!

New Little Pup

2011-07-29T09:42:00.002-04:00

~A new little pup joined our family - our home was so quiet without the sounds of paws running here and there - no welcome barking when you came in the house - or puppy kisses - no big brown eyes to listen to the daily woes - the house seemed so different and so not quite right. One day on a whim - Went to look at puppies - just look -----------------well, one little fellow caught my eye and stole my heart - and home he came tucked in my jacket - he is not a replacement by any means, but he does help to fill the big hole in our hearts. Life goes on - our other precious dogs no longer by our sides, are tucked in our hearts forever. A friend sent me this lovely saying - wanted to share it........

"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, he will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy" unknown.

Have a wonderful day~

Happy Fourth of July!!!!

2011-07-02T20:22:00.002-04:00

Happy Fourth of July...............wishing everyone a happy holiday weekend - filled with lots of fun, festivities and celebration!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alpaca Bear in the woods.

2011-07-01T09:59:00.002-04:00

Recently I was inspired by the realistic bear photos shared by a friend - this little alpaca guy was the result - he stands six inches tall on all fours and has been adopted - the next one made will have some changes to the body shape and feet - wishing you a wonderful day!

My Sweet Tucker

2011-06-11T12:34:00.003-04:00

Tucker Wills - My precious sweet little buddy - how often I hugged you because I needed to. You listened with understanding big brown eyes focused on me when I needed to talk - you never asked for much but gave so much - thank you my sweet Little Tucker for hanging on as long as you did - my love for you will last forever. The blessings in life sometimes are small little furry buddies.

Tucker Wills - March 13,1997 - June 11, 2011.

Spring has sprung here in Virginia!

2011-04-13T12:57:00.002-04:00

Spring is definately here in Virginia - buds, blooms and leaves in abundance! A welcome sight after the long cold winter. Wishing everyone a wonderful joyous day wherever you are!

Teddies of Mt Holly - Afternoon Tea and Teddies

2011-04-08T11:38:00.003-04:00

Wynnie and her little doll and Ashby

Two of the bears heading to New Jersey for the "Afternoon Tea and Teddies" to be held at Teddies of Mt. Holly on Sunday, April 10th - 10 - 4 - admission is free. More information - http://www.teddiesofmtholly.com/. I am unable to attend in person, but some of my pieces will be there.

A wonderful opportunity to see a wide variety of bears in all shapes, styles and sizes and spend time with bear friends. One of my favorite sayings is "Personally, I experience the greatest degree of pleasure in having contact with works of art. They furnish me with happy feelings of an intensity such as I cannot derive from other realms." Albert Einstein................Have a wonderful day!

New Bear for adoption - Arkin - (has been adopted)

2011-04-02T08:53:00.004-04:00

A new bear named Arkin (which means son of the eternal king) is now available for adoption. He has bent arms (wired) and bent legs - his stand that he comfortably sits on (made by my husband) has a small honey pot attached. His light cinnamon mohair has a darker backing - hand stitched claws and mouth and nose(lightly waxed). He is completely hand stitched with some shading here and there. His silk ribbon has been shaded with spring colors. Stretched out he measures about eight inches. Shipping is free worldwide. Thanks for stopping to visit and hope you have a wonderful day. (if interested - please email for further details to adopt Arkin - teddybearswexp@aol.com Arkin has been adopted - thank you!

2011-03-26T09:57:00.004-04:00

Today my family remembers John L. Wills, 7/11/1917 - 3/20/2011 at a special service - he lived a long full life - sharing and caring - my beloved Father in Law - his love of family and nature has inspired many - he was married to his beloved childhood sweetheart for 66 years - our comfort is knowing that you two are together again - I will be forever grateful for you, Dad Wills and the big part you have played in my life - Thank you Dad for all you have done for us - you definately have made a positive difference in this world! You will be missed! (the photo shows Dad and Mom Wills enjoying their first Great Grandchild a few years ago)

Wymar - new bear ready for adoption.

2011-03-08T09:40:00.005-05:00

Wymar is 9-1/2 inches tall and made of alpaca in a shade of antique gold, brown glass eyes and ultrasuede paw pads. His silk ribbon ruff and trim has been hand painted in soft pale spring shades of color. He has wired arms and can stand on his own. Wymar is the newest bear to come out of the studio. Thanks for visiting and have a wonderful day!...Wymar has been adopted.

One of my favorite bears!

2011-02-21T10:10:00.003-05:00

One of my favorite vintage bears is a golden mohair bear by Chad Valley. He wears a vintage velvet vest adorned with an old Santa pin, a Guardian Angel pin and one that holds a treasured picture of my Dad when he was a small child. I call this special bear Doc - Doc was my Dad's nickname............ Hope you all have a wonderful day!

And the winner of the Spirit Lifter 2011 is..........

2011-02-17T14:47:00.002-05:00

Dear Friends, Please excuse the lateness of the results of this drawing. Two weeks ago I slipped on black ice and wound up with a concussion and strained neck. On Monday, Valentine's Day, morning I had a set back and was hospitalized until this afternoon. I am still on the road to recovery, going to take my time. I appreciate your interest in my work - now to the important issue - the winner of Spirit Lifter is Norma N. Please send me your mailing address. Hope you all have a wonderful day!

Creatively Inspiring first snowfall of 2011

2011-01-28T11:12:00.003-05:00

Two days ago we had our first significant snowfall for 2011 - we wound up with a foot of very heavy snow. The tree limbs all seemed to be topped with soft vanilla custard ice cream. Many branches toppled down from the weight reaching the ground and some even broke off completely. So quiet, so still, so beautiful. We lost power - the perfect time to get out my teddy magazines and cuddle up under some quilts and reminisce. The power is back on - chores all caught up - feeling refreshed and grateful for all the friends and experiences that have blessed my life for so many years. Now off to work on some bears - a Valentine Teddy is waiting to be completed - please don't forget to sign up for my Spirit Lifter 2011 Blog Drawing - (please see following post for details if you are interested) - hope you have a wonderful day - pictures are of a cardinal in flight and looking down the hill from our side porch.

Pictures of Blog Drawing Bear - Spirit Lifter 2011

2011-01-11T09:43:00.002-05:00

My first completed bear of 2011 is offered as a blog random drawing - join my mailing list to be entered to win - receive one additional entry for each comment left here -

Email: teddybearswexp@aol.com

The Spirit Lifter - 2011

The purpose of this bear is a reminder to keep one's spirit up - never say never............

He is a collectible artist bear and not intended for children - is made of dyed alpaca with extra shading - completely hand stitched - fully jointed - extra double joint in neck - suede paws and glass eyes - filled with poly/ pellets -standing on hind legs is about 10-1/4 inches tall - standing on all fours is about 6" floor to back.

Wears a simple ribbon removable ruff and bell. Has a sewn in tag and comes with a certificate.

Free Shipping - Drawing will be February 14th, Valentine's Day. I welcome your questions or comments - thank you for taking the time to visit - have a great day!..............

A few more pictures of the bear show. Post 4 of 4

2011-01-08T08:25:00.001-05:00

Being involved in the bear world is one of the greatest joys of my life - whether I am at a bear show/bear event or just talking bears or visiting your pictures on the web, it brings out such joy and happiness in me. All seems right even for just a little while. I have much to be thankful for.

The bear world is a big circle - keeps on coming back. Have a great day! (teddy bear collectors/friends with their new bears at My Friends and Me 25th Anniversary Celebration - (Diane, Sue and Tony with their new bears).

More Pictures of the Teddy Bear Show - Post 3 of 4

2011-01-08T07:26:00.001-05:00

Suzi and Tina (teddy bear collector friends with their new bears - Tina and me sitting on the sofa at My Friends and Me 25th Anniversary Celebration ( a comfortable place to sit and chat and catch up).

Another Picture of My Friends and Me Teddy Show - Post 2 of 4

2011-01-07T15:18:00.000-05:00

This is photo No. 2 of My Friends and Me 25th Anniversary Show - I really like this photo. Maria Balser is sitting at her desk at her shop with Gunter Dufeu, Marcia Sibol, Gregory Gyllenship and me standing behind her as she was opening an anniversary surprise gift. She does look surprised, doesn't she?

Post l of 4 with pictures of My Friends and Me 25th Anniversary Celebration

2011-01-07T07:32:00.000-05:00

Left to right - Milton Balser, MaryAnn Wills, Gregory Gyllenship, Maria Balser, Marcia Sibol and Gunter Dufeu

**Bear Shows seem to me to bring out the best in folks - happiness, joy, smiles, hugs and even some tears of joy were all abundant at My Friends and Me 25th Anniversary Teddy Bear Show held in early December 2010. Maria and Milton Balser celebrated 25 years of operating their shop in Leesburg, Virginia with a special Holiday teddy bear show - participating artists were:

Gregory Gyllenship of England; Marcia Sibol of Maryland, USA; Gunter Dufeu of Germany and MaryAnn Wills of Virginia, USA.

**This lovely teddy event was fabulous for all who participated - many wonderful collectors and friends visited - Sue, Nancy, and Alice were the event assistants (thanks for taking all these pictures that I am able to share here) *** Maria and Milton Balser owners of My Friends of Me and organizers of this show, thank you for including me. Thanks for visiting my blog and have a great day!

2011 - Where does the time go?

2011-01-03T10:24:00.000-05:00

The start of a new year - 2011! Many new adventures await us all - hope your New Year is filled with the best of everything!................Have been focusing on an effort to eliminate the time wasters in my life and to instead use my time more efficiently. First on my list is to spend less time on the computer and more time on working on new designs and ideas. Will have some new pieces available for adoption in the next few weeks. Wishing you all a creative and happy day!

****************************

Riley - a very special Wheaten

2010-12-06T14:49:00.000-05:00

*************several months ago I worked up a pattern of Riley and this is the 7" mohair replica dog that resulted - I can remember measuring Riley - turning him this way and that way - he was so patient and just followed me with his great big loving brown eyes - this small mohair dog has the Wheatie haircut, we enjoyed keeping our guy with as much fur as possible - we liked him shaggy, except in the summer hot months.

Riley Wills at 12 years of age.

A silly little puppy that did the goofiest things arrived at our home 12 years ago. He came to live with us when our youngest son was recovering from a serious automobile accident. Riley inspired and encouraged our son's recovery - Riley was worth his weight in gold. Even though Riley had the typical wheaten trait of being strong willed, he was a wonderful buddy for our whole family - he made a big loving difference in our lives. Sadly, I held him for the last time this morning when I had to say good-bye, but I will always love him and he will forever be in our hearts -

2010-12-03T09:05:00.001-05:00

Wyman - has been adopted.

Teddy Bear and Pony -

2010-11-03T12:39:00.000-04:00

Pony and Teddy.........**teddy is a 6-1/2 inch Wee Witter of mohair with wired bent arms and bent legs - ultrasuede paw pads ** Pony stands about 9-1/2 inches tall - MaryAnn

Little Black Bear Cub -adopted - thank you!

2010-10-28T08:53:00.001-04:00

Winnie, Wynter, Whistler -

2010-10-20T09:58:00.000-04:00

Winnie, Wynter and Whistler are available for sale at My Friends and Me Shop - contact http://www.myfriendsandme.com/ for more information.

Woodturning and Teddies?

2010-10-19T10:05:00.001-04:00

My husband has been retired a few years now and has been studying the art of woodturning. We are both very active and as I enjoy time in my studio - he spends time in his workshop. He has always been very creative and enjoyed working with wood. This is a picture of some of his first pieces - my favorite is the larger vase of ambrosia maple - we plan to eventually blend some of my work (teddies and little animals) with some of his work - thanks for visiting and hope you have a wonderful inspiring day - MaryAnn

Spooky tree and Milo - adopted

2010-10-16T11:37:00.000-04:00

A Very Special Day

2010-10-01T10:12:00.000-04:00

Today, my husband and I are celebrating 44 years of marriage.
Time may change the way we live, our dreams, our plans, but it can never change the true love that is always in our hearts. Wishing everyone a wonderful, happy day filled with love and joy! MaryAnn

Little white teddy in a tire swing

2010-09-16T09:59:00.000-04:00

Little four inch mohair teddy happily swinging in his tire swing. Another "tree" with a teddy face as part of the trunk with a tire swing hanging - has already been adopted. Thanks for looking and have a great day! MaryAnn

Wee Witter has been adopted - thank you!

2010-09-15T10:23:00.001-04:00

Stokes Witter - Stokes is a Wee Witter. The Wee Witters are the smaller version of the Witter Family established in 1984. The Wee Witters are well-known for being bonded together with unconditional love for all living things. Characteristically they have a childlike spirit, a love of nature and are carefree. They are patient listeners and are very willing to just "be there". They are so willing to tag along anywhere - to absorb sadness and woe and to give endless love. So content are the Wee Witters that they can belong to small families or large families - they are soooooo adaptable. Stokes Witter - has been adopted - thanks and have a great day!

Chantilly Teddy Bear Show - my studio - memories

2010-09-13T08:08:00.000-04:00

Monday after the show, it seems so quiet - yet I am so energized and feel refreshed. Am ready to start working on a new project - but have to take a few days to straighten up my studio after the whirlwind of putting together pieces for the show .- I can barely walk from one end to the other. Bits of ribbon - pieces of mohair - opened battery package -empty cup - boxes - stuff, and so much more scattered about - but, it is the way it should be after a show - it is my studio - my quiet place to think - a place to create from the heart, reflect on the show experience and remember.

The Chantilly Show was the first show at this location in Virginia - Handmade Treasures (Janet and Alex Wilson) and www.teddybearsonvacation.com - Mark and Susan McKay co-producers of the show did a splendid professional job of organizing, advertising and being available throughout the show and much more. No show is ever perfect in every way, the positives certainly outweigh the negatives for my experience. Made sure to sign up for next year's show before the end of the day.

Because our home is not too far away, my husband, Ray was able to come to the show and be my helper - a definite plus as he is my very best friend. We basically grew up together and will celebrate our 44th year of marriage in a few weeks.

I am very thankful that most of my bears found new homes and I shared so many hugs and smiles with old friends and new friends. I am truly blessed to be involved in the bear world....now off to the "chores" awaiting. Have a great day - MaryAnn

Teddy Bear Dream - Dreamer

2010-09-11T11:29:00.000-04:00

....................................“Dreamer”
The keeper of special thoughts, dreams and
treasures. When I was a young child,
many of my friends had stuffed dolls that
had the hoop style open bottom for storing things.
I had always dreamed of having one. Time passed
and it was not to be. This idea was on my mind
for many, many years. I thought of designing my
own with (what else!) a bear on the top. I
enlisted the creative skills of my son, Eric, to weld
together a sturdy frame that I could work with.
He did a super job and Dreamer came to be more
than just another dream for me. She is completely

finished inside and open in the back with

a journal stored inside for writing special dreams

or ideas and room for more. She is fashioned of mohair

with a mohair bottom outside and felt inside - covered sturdy

frame for support. Her head and arms are jointed - she is a one

of a kind piece - made without the use of a paper pattern,

but from my thoughts and dreams - she will be traveling

with me to the Chantilly Teddy Bear Show tomorrow -

...........hope to see you there - have a great day - MaryAnn

Teddy Bear Face Tree Sculpture - 4

2010-09-01T09:15:00.000-04:00

..................................a work in progress. Here are some quick photos - this picture shows a little 6 inch mohair bear in the tire swing that is attached to one arm (limb).

Teddy Bear Face Tree Sculpture - 3

2010-08-30T08:00:00.000-04:00

....................The photos here show the piece after color has been added - black, gray, moss-green, medium brown and off-white. I let the piece dry before adding each shade unless I want the colors to blend together.......more painting to be done later today.......... TEDDY BEAR REVIEW Magazine, February 2006 issue had an article about some of my earlier pieces - Pages 20-22 - entitled "Creative Climbing" - I have always been inspired by the natural beauty of the trees - no two are alike and each has unique details and shading as if they have their own special story to tell. The faces I envision in trees represent different positive emotions and feelings and are a reminder that all things are possible.

Teddy Bear face tree sculpture - 2

2010-08-30T05:24:00.000-04:00

..................................The next step is to mix the plaster - then apply to form in gobs - thicker areas first - forming the face. When it is all applied - the details can be formed - lines - hollow areas, etc. These pictures show the tree and face beginning to take shape. This will dry completely before painting.

Tree Sculpt with Bear Face

2010-08-30T05:05:00.000-04:00

...........................................In cleaning out my studio, I came across an unused shelf and immediately thought of using it for a bear display. For years, I have made tree sculptures for bear displays including the face of a bear somewhere in the tree trunk. When I looked at the shelf, I saw a tree growing up the front with bears climbing around it. When my fingers need a rest from sewing, working on other projects keeps the creative juices flowing. I have taken a series of pictures of the project along the way - the first picture shows the shelf with the front dowels removed - leaving one dowel to start the base of the tree. Following a basic sketch, the base is formed with wire and aluminum foil. Making it solid and sturdy along the way. The second picture shows the next layer of foil.

New Alpaca Bear - Little Pudge

2010-08-17T13:15:00.000-04:00

A white alpaca chubby little bear - Has been adopted - thanks for looking and have a great day!

Little Bear and fawn with Mom

2010-07-18T09:45:00.000-04:00

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> pictures of the little bear crossing our driveway and the fawn romping with Mom Deer - quite the sights. Finally completing some unfinished pieces - Will post some pictures later this week - until then have a wonderful day!

Picture of fawn

2010-06-14T09:28:00.000-04:00

What a beautiful morning to stop and look closely at the not so obvious. Yesterday morning as my husband and I enjoyed are morning coffee, we enjoyed watching a small bear visiting our yard. The bear rolled about and put on quite a show for us - we had no camera close by, the images of this sight are however imprinted in our memories. Amazing moments like this that happen when least expected, I believe, are truly a gift - I wondered how many moments have I been missing being so busy the past few weeks.

This morning, with my camera in hand, walked out onto the front porch. Stood and looked all around - the woods were still - only the sounds of some harmonious bird songs could be heard. As I stood and looked closely, out of the corner of my eye, I saw something move. Looking closely, I saw an amazing sight - a newborn fawn - nestled beside a pile of rocks between two tall trees. Thank you little bear for the reminder to take the time to stop and look and enjoy..........

Wee Witter Spring Fairy

2010-03-29T11:44:00.000-04:00

Wee Witter Fairies are busy little teddylike creatures whose sole purpose is to assist the awakening of Spring - unfolding of green leaves, embracing of swelling buds, opening of colorful petals, leading the birds in a wonderous chorus of singing - all while tickling humans and filling them with restlessness, excitement and sometimes lazy dreaming - ahhhh Spring!!!

This Wee Witter Fairy was completed in a one of a kind fashion and has already been adopted - other Wee Witter Fairies completed uniquely will be available soon. Thanks and have a great day! MaryAnn

Little Sitting Fox

2010-03-03T10:32:00.000-05:00

This little fox is about 7 inches stretched out.

2010-01-13T09:33:00.000-05:00

Here is a small mohair seven inch dog - our Wheaten Riley was the very "patient" model.

2010-01-12T10:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my Blog! I look forward to sharing pictures of new teddy bears and their friends.