Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Giveaway time--homemade teddy bear!

Update: This contest is closed, but I hope to have another giveaway very soon--keep checking the blog!

This giveaway ROCKS...details at the end of the post.

At naptime and bedtime, I tell Chickie a story about a fictional orange bear named Flame. These days, she often tells at least half the story for me. It's a very special routine.

So today I found an easy pattern online for a homemade bean-filled teddy bear. I saved the pattern image on my computer then resized it so that the image was 15 inches tall, and the bear about 12 inches. (The original pattern was for a small bean-filled bear, like those annoying ones that were sold everywhere several years ago. I wanted hers to be bigger.) I printed the pattern, cut and pasted the pieces (since I had to print the enlarged pattern on multiple sheets of paper), dug out some orange fabric, and got to work.

I made sure to cut 1/4" or so outside the pattern lines, for a seam allowance (as indicated on the pattern):


After an afternoon of work, I had a finished product. Isn't little Flame adorable? And I like the whole beanbag feel of him.


He's even cuter sitting up, though.


And he was a hit with Chickie.


I had so much fun making Flame that I'd like to make another bear for a lucky blog reader. Here are the rules:

Here are the rules:
1. Post a comment below. You can say whatever you want; just comment.
2. Tell your friends about this giveaway. Post it on your blog, send out e-mails, rent a billboard, whatever. When your friends enter the contest, make sure they list your name in their comment. If your friend wins, you'll get a free bear, too.
3. Friday, I'll randomly choose one winner. I'll let you choose from available fabrics (i.e., ones I happen to already have lying around), or if you have a particular fabric in mind you can send it to me. You'll also get to choose whether you want the bear filled with beans, rice, or popping corn.

If you comment multiple times (because you just love commenting or because Blogger is messing up again), only your first comment will count as an entry.

Open only to those who have a U.S. shipping address.

Good luck!

32 comments:

Tia said...

Oh I love it I love it I love it! Ellie desperately needs a bear like that. Off to post on my blog now!

Kristi said...

Adorable! A bear she'll treasure forever!

Anna said...

A certain little boy would love a little bear!

Shannon said...

I love it! Adorable! I wish I could be so crafty!

D said...

ooohhhhh! Very cute. This could save me doing one of my Christmas projects for my son. :o) I have some red corduroy for just such a project.

Lyndsay said...

Awww Beth, I love it. I think Kate needs a little Flame of her own ;)

beckiwithani said...

I want it to match with my rocking chair cushion!

Our Scoop said...

Beth!! So so so cute! How awesome. Did you do the whole face?!?!? WOW!

Amy said...

Such a cute teddy bear!

FindingAnge said...

Love the bear! Reminds me that I have a few projects around here to finish up.

Anonymous said...

What a great teddy bear for her to have and treasure for years to come. Good work.
Caryn

Laurel said...

Beth:
I want one too!!!! So, cute but I won't let Darcy play with it. ;-). Only me!

~Laurel

Anonymous said...

This is so adorable and I must say, I think you have found your etsy calling. You, go girl!

Mistress Meeyee said...

I want to win this bear for my little bear!! My baby boy would be thrilled to have a little bear like this one. They could be friends for a long time because my little one is just a baby right now.

Anonymous said...

Brook told me about this cute bear and now I want one!

Faith said...

What an adorable bear! I especially like the kiss picture. :) What a special treasure.

Bonsack Baptist Preschool Consignment Sale said...

I really like the way you brought the story to 'life'. How wonderful for you little one! You should post some of the story along with the pictures of the bear-how cute! You are going to encourage Mommies everywhere to come up with stories about bears! Great job sharing your creativity with everyone!!!

Angela said...

How cute! If I don't win, can I have the pattern? Paige took 1 look at it and declared it HER bear. Thanks.

x4amommy said...

These are so cute. I'm going to try to make one too :) Oh and I would love to be entered into the contest too :)

Sasha said...

Precious! I wish I was talented like that. Enter us please!

HPR said...

Hi Beth--this is adorable. I have to admit I read your blog daily. Gosh I hope that doesn't make me a stalker?! I remember you from BBC, my son was born in April 08. Like you, I used to be an actor (in nyc) and now am not acting, and living & working in Chicago. So I totally identify with half of your postings on all things artsy fartsy! Anyway, keep the neato blogs coming, and consider my candidacy for a bean bear! :) Henry would so love one. If i don't win, heck..i'll just make one myself.. hmmm..now where did i put that sewing machine? oh yes, that's right--it's buried in the closet with the quilt fabric, that never quite made it into quilt for Henry.

Rae said...

So adorable! I'd love a cute bear like that for my daughter!

Bri said...

Awww Sara loves her some bears! That thing is just adorable Beth. I have a sewing machine with no idea how to use it LoL

stacief said...

Beth,
Your bear is so cute! My son is a big fan of teddy, so please enter us!

Thanks,
Stacie

Unknown said...

My very special Tia told me about this very adorable bear. She is hoping that if I win, I'll share with Ellie...doesn't she know me at all? The bear is so very cute!!! I'm so impressed...

Anonymous said...

Soo cute...what a crafty mommy you are!! I wouldnt even try..I would probably end up sewing my fingers=0

LEstes65 said...

OH my goodness! I just think mom-made stuff is SOOO special. That's heirloom stuff right there, that is!

You are such a good mommy!!

Anonymous said...

Super cute! You're too stinkin' creative!

Becky said...

Very cute, Beth! You made her day!

Jennypenny said...

You did a great job! It's so adorable. At first I thought you did embroidery on it too! And then I realized it was the fabric :)

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