Off to work bear..

I used to work in the insurance world - actually employee benefits. My job was to sell health insurance plans to large companies - manufacturing, hospitals, school districts, etc. I would present to the executive at the company and then once sold I would meet with the employees and explain their new plan. We dressed up then. Suits were the norm. Even women wore "lady ties" (bows actually). Anyone remember that?

That was the inspiration for this bear. He's a sales rep for some company. He's on his way to work and since he's not wearing a jacket, he probably works in the south where it's more acceptable to wear a tie and dress shirt. His pants are pin striped - a conservative dresser, but he likes a bit of whimsy in his ties.

Would you buy from him??

Mardi Gras Time!

Mardi Gras time is coming soon and of course the Critters want to celebrate. I've been planning a Mardi Gras themed Ministry Fair for St. Thomas More Catholic Church, my parish, and Mardi Gras has been on my mind. Who knows where this guy will end up, but he's sure ready to party.

While planning this Fair, I've met so many wonderful people and one that I especially connected with is also a doll lover. She's way beyond me in talent, but we shared a common love of creating and playing with dolls and doll houses. Hopefully we'll get to play together soon.

Mardi Gras is a time of celebration before the seriousness of Lent and sacrifice. What a great time to reflect on our lives, what we take for granted, what we appreciate. It's a time to rethink our priorities and to give to those less fortunate. I think of New Orleans and I can hear the music and taste the food.
Happy Mardi Gras everyone!

Critters are for adults!

In my last entry I mentioned that Ellie the Elephant was heading to Orlando to Ellie the newborn. Well, as I've mentioned in previous stories, the critters seem to be better received by adults and children older than 8. I think it's the "tongue in cheek" character of each of the critters. They all have a little humor and imperfection about them which adds to their personalities. Babies and small children just want a cuddle toy or they want to throw stuffed animals around.

The critters were originally designed as humorous, adult cartoon characters. As I've created, I've noticed that young boys have appreciated them also. My grandsons liked the "dudes" I made with camo pants and sports attire. I think they could enjoy them without feeling like they were "dolls" - They enjoyed the personalities and considered them friends.

So when I heard that my friend who adopted Ellie the Elephant and her friends Mouse and Frog, I was not surprised to hear that Ellie's mom and grandma loved them, but the little kids were underwhelmed. "No worries", I said. "Just put them on a shelf until they're old enough, or let the adults enjoy them."