The Roosevelt Bear, also known as

The Teddy Bear

 

Who would have ever thought that those cute and cuddly little teddy bears would have been created and named after a man who was also the president of the United States Of America! The teddy bear has practically been a household name for many years now, especially for children. Children from all over the world go to sleep at night with some kind of stuffed animal in their arms and it’s usually a teddy bear. So how did this phenomenon happen? Read below for this unique story.

 

How The Teddy Bear Began

 

The story of the Roosevelt Bear originated from something that happened on a hunting trip that Present Roosevelt took in 1902. Governor Andrew Longino, from Mississippi, invited the President and others to a hunting competition.

 

Some of Roosevelt’s attendants cornered and tied a Black Bear to a willow tree, after winning the chase and capturing it. When President Teddy Roosevelt got to the site they suggested he shoot the bear. Present Roosevelt refused to do so, saying it was not sporting to shoot something that was already knocked out and tied up.

 

Well, as you know how news travels, word of his so called “affection” to bears spread and it wasn’t long before people wrote cartoons and drew pictures for the comic strips. Designer Morris Michtom saw one of the drawings of Roosevelt and the bear cub and decided this was a great idea for a new toy.

 

After getting permission from Roosevelt the first toy was called “Teddy’s Bear”, but soon it was just shortened to “Teddy Bear”. Since that time the teddy bear has become an icon in the stuffed animal arena.

 

The first teddy bears that were made looked a lot like real bears. Their snouts were more extended and their eyes beady. Today’s bears are all cute and cuddly, with big eyes and a cute button nose that say “take me home”. There are many brands of teddy bears available today, and two of the most commonly sold brands are Gund and Ty.

 

Here is a list of just some of the more popular teddy bear brands:

 

• Gund
• Ty
• Ruxpin
• Care Bears
• Winnie the Pooh
• and many, many more…..

 

There is also a trend to make your own teddy bear. This can be done out of recycled materials and furs from your home, or you can even go to the “Build A Bear Workshop”, which is a store that allows children to mix and match parts and clothing to make their very own personal teddy bear.

 

Today teddy bears also are sold by “theme”. For example you can purchase the wedding bear, fireman bear, or get well bear. It doesn’t seem to matter what the occasion is, there is a teddy bear to go along with it. Theme bears are favorites by some collectors!

 

The economy fluctuates up and down for many trends and fads, but the world of the teddy bear tends to change trends and shift a little more slowly. And even with swings in sales ,of new and innovative teddy bears, it’s obvious that after a century, teddy bears are here to stay! Do you have your very own Teddy Bear?

 

 

Image Credits: Sweet Flower Art, Wiki Commons, Gund, Vermont Teddy Bear Company

The Panda Bear, The Cutest Teddy Bear Of Them All

 

The Panda bear is one of the post popular teddy bears around today, and with good reason. There is just something so cute and adorable about them that people can’t resist. Maybe it’s the little black circles around their eyes, or their black ears, but whatever it is children and grownups alike love the Panda bear. So how did they get so popular?

 

The love of the Panda bear started with the real Panda bear. The world has always been fascinated with this cuddly looking bear from China ever since it was first discovered. Although the Panda bear is a true carnivore, their diet is basically 99% bamboo. They also eat grass, tubers, and even birds and rodents.

 

What makes pandas so cute?

 

One characteristic that separates the Panda bear from other bears is their nose. Most bears have a long snout or nose and even have a menacing look

about them. With the Panda bear you see a shorter nose and a face that appears just as cute and round as the one on the Panda teddy bear.

 

The Panda bear is plump and even a little clumsy, which make him even more adorable. Research indicates the Panda is one of the oldest families of primitive bears around, and fossils believed to be over 8 million years old have been found to support this theory. A great place to find out more about Giant Pandas is at www.sandiegozoo.org.

 

Kung Fu Panda

 

There has been a surge in Panda teddy bear sales since the movie Kung Fu Panda was made. In the movie the main character, an adorable, yet confidence lacking, Panda named Po aspires to be a Kung Fu master. He needs to do this to save everyone from the evil snow leopard Tai Lung.

The story has a great moral example for children, showing how important it is to believe in yourself and to trust others. Many children have a Po Panda bear sleeping with them at night now because of this great movie.

 

Get your very own Panda Bear

 

There are many companies that manufacture the Panda bear, as well as other cuddly bears, so your selection is vast. The Build A Bear Company even has shops where you and your child can select all the bear parts and clothes you choose, and make your very own creation. Other companies that manufacture bears are The Vermont Teddy Bear Company, and North American Bear Company.

 

The next time you need a get-well bear, or a gift for a child, you should consider buying a Panda bear. They each have their own personality and are loved by all. You can see different varieties of Panda bears by looking online. Shopping online for a Panda bear will usually save you money as well because the overhead of online stores is less. Pandas come is all sizes and brands, so have fun and enjoy your very own Panda bear!

 

And here is very cute video of a Panda bear picnic, Enjoy!…

 

 

Let’s Take a Tour of Teddy Bear World Hawaii

 

If you love teddy bears then you will really love Teddy Bear World. This bear heaven is located right in the heart of Waikiki, in Hawaii. In fact, Teddy Bear World is located where Planet Hollywood used to be, right across from Prada. Visitors have been known to say it’s unlike anything else they have ever seen. And Teddy Bear World is not just for kids, it is for the entire family!

 

Teddy Bear World was started in 2001 in Jeju Island, Korea, but it was called Teddy Bear Museum there. They then expanded to North Seoul Tower at Mt. Namasan and Peju Heyri. Once the bear museum came to the USA and settled in Hawaii, it was able to share it’s joy and entertainment to even more people.

 

It does cost to go through the museum unless you are four and under. It starts out with a gated escalator that will transport you to the top of Teddy Bear World where you will see bears that are showcased in different settings. It will take you about 45 minutes to go through and take a good look at all the bears showcased.

 

So Many Bears, So Many Themes

 

Teddy Bear World has bears that go with many themes, such as the 8 Wonders of America, Dinosaur Park, and Save The Planet. And you will also see other themes including Jurassic Park, and even San Francisco. It really is amazing how many themes and costumes there are.

 

The King of Teddy Bears is in the House

 

And of course no museum in Hawaii would be complete without a bear that depicts Elvis and his movie Blue Hawaii! Here is a video of the Elvis Show at Teddy Bear World Hawaii.

 

 

Teddy Bears from Around the World

 

You will also see bears dressed in the attire of various countries and even some antique teddy bears to show the history and evolution they have gone through over the years. The staff are there to assist you or answer any questions, but the tour is really a self tour. You can see the exhibits in any order, and go through as many times as you like. You really should look at each exhibit twice in case you missed something the first time through.

 

Be sure and take your camera with you. Photos are welcomed by the staff so take as many as you would like. These bears have so many cute clothes on, you really need pictures to show to your friends.

 

Get Your Very Own Teddy Bear World Bear

 

On the first floor they have a gift store where you can purchase teddy bears. Teddy Bear World bears are very cute and have moving parts as well. After viewing all the different bears you will feel you just have to have one of them for your very own.

 

Most people go to Hawaii for fun in the sun, but taking a couple of hours off to visit Teddy Bear World will be one of the best extra excursions you will ever make. Teddy bears are adorable, cuddly creatures that you just have to see, so be sure and visit Teddy Bear World.

 

You can visit the official Teddy Bear World website here:

http://www.teddybearworldhawaii.com/

 

Winnie-the-Pooh and Friends

 

 

How old is Winnie-the-Pooh?

 

Deep within the 100-Acre Woods lives the friend to all, Winnie-the-Pooh. One of the most beloved characters of Disney is a teddy bear named Winnie-the Pooh. There was a dispute about the actual birthday of Winnie-the-Pooh. Some argue that Winnie’s birthday is 1921. That’s the year the author of these popular children books, A.A. Milne, gave a teddy bear to his son, Christopher Robin, for his first birthday. That would make Winnie-the-Pooh 91 years old this year (2012).

 

Others argue that Pooh was not born until 1925, the year that his name changed from “Edward Bear” to “Winnie Pooh.” That would put Winnie at 87 years old. A.A. Milne settles the argument when he wrote in the House at Pooh corner a conversation between Pooh and Christopher Robin.

 

Christopher Robin asks his beloved Pooh bear to always remember him, even if he lives to be a hundred years old. Pooh agrees, but is still curious to know how old that would make him. Christopher tells Pooh that would make him 99 years old. Sadly, Christopher Robin only lived to be 75 years old, but pooh kept his promise to always remember him. In fact, pooh is now 91 years old and he and Christopher Robin will remain in the hearts of Winnie the Pooh fans for evermore!

 

Winnie-the-Pooh’s Beginnings

 

Winnie-the-Pooh got his unusual name from two live animals familiar to the Milne family. Winnie was a live bear living in the London Zoo and Pooh was a swan who swam in a lake near their home. It’s not clear why Christopher Robin changed the name of his bear from Edward Bear to Winnie-Pooh.

 

The story began from a bedtime story Alan Milne would tell Christopher Robin about his Pooh bear. When Alan was asked by a publisher of London Evening News for a Christmas Eve story, Alan’s wife, Daphne, encouraged him to

write the bedtime story about Winnie-Pooh. The story was so popular it became the first chapter of the book, “Winnie-the-Pooh.”

 

The book “When We Were Young” introduced Pooh Bear’s neighbors and friends of the 100-Acres Woods: Eeyore, the gloomy donkey, Piglet, the timid, stuttering baby pig, Kanga, the kind-hearted mother kangaroo and Roo, her son. Tigger, Rabbit and Owl were later created by Milne because they were not a part of Christopher Robin’s nursery. The world loved the idea of the teddy bear and his friends and over 150,000 copies were sold in the US alone by the end of 1926.

 

“Now We Are Six” was published in 1927 and sold 94,000 copies in England in the first two months of its release. The final book written in 1928, “The House at Pooh Corner” added Tigger to the group of friends and the game called “Poohsticks.” Sales were so numerous that the last book in the series had an astounding 130 printings from 1928 – 1943.

 

Why Everyone Will Always Love Winnie-the-Pooh

 

Winnie-the-Pooh is portrayed as a helpful friend who is willing to do anything he can to help his friends. He is always seen on his way to melancholy Eeyore’s house or one of his other friends to help them out of a dilemma. Winnie-the-Pooh may not be the sharpest teddy bear in the world, but he is the most caring of them all. The object lessons we have all learned from Winnie-the-Pooh over the last 90 years will go on to teach love for others to future generations.

 

And here is one of my favorite Pooh episodes, featuring Owl, who is probably my favorite character. Enjoy…..

 

 

Teddy Bear Sewing for Fun and Profit

 

At the top of this post you will find some great resources for free Teddy Bear sewing patterns, then we discuss options for turning your hobby into a serious work from home business. Enjoy….

 

My Favorite Free Teddy Bear Sewing Patterns

 

• Sew Bear-y Sweet Pumpkin Teddy

  A pattern to make a Teddy Bear and his pumpkin
  www.sewing.org

• Goldie – A 13 1/2″ Teddy Bear

  A Teddy Bear sewing pattern for a cuddly, huggable teddy made from mohair
  www.teddy-talk.com

• How to Make a Panda Teddy Bear Sewing Pattern

  A pattern for a panda-ish Teddy Bear
  www.allfreecrafts.com

• 6 inch Teddy Bear

  Instructions to make a teeny tiny bear
  www.teddybearandfriends.com

• Howjoyful Teddy Bear

  A tutorial and pattern to make an adorable Teddy Bear
  www.howjoyful.com

 

And here is a pretty nice video with sewing tips to help when making your own Teddy Bears

 

 

Ever Thought of Starting Your Own Teddy Bear Sewing Business?

 

No other home-based business offers the opportunity to enjoy your work while making a profit more than teddy bear sewing. It is very unlikely that anyone dislikes teddy bears. In fact, sales of all stuffed animals including teddy bears reached $1.3 billion in 2006 and continues to grow. You may not have aspirations of building a large corporation selling manufactured teddy bears, but you can easily build a part-time business with teddy bear sewing and selling them at local flea markets and craft shows.

 

Large Teddy Bear Sewing Companies that Grew into Major Corporations

 

Two multi-million dollar companies in the United States that manufacture teddy bears began with one person starting a teddy bear sewing business. Barbara Isenberg wanted a special teddy bear for her little son and made one for him when she couldn’t find what she wanted. That was the start of the North American Bear Company.

 

John Sortino was frustrated by all the foreign-made teddy bears his little son owned and set out to bring the teddy bear back to its origins, the US. John and his wife started a teddy bear sewing business that turned into the Vermont Teddy Bear Company, one of the largest teddy bear manufacturers in the country. You can start a profitable teddy bear sewing business on a smaller scale to make the money you need for extras or to help support the family.

 

What You Need to Get Started

 

First of all, you need a love for sewing and have at least intermediate sewing skills. The business of teddy bear sewing will require love for sewing in order for you to sit and sew for several hours per day. At least intermediate sewing skills are needed to make teddy bears that others will want to buy.

 

Basic supplies needed:

 

• Heavy-duty sewing machine that will easily sew fur and other heavy materials
• Sharp scissors in various sizes
• Various thread colors to match fabrics
• Several patterns of bears
• Bear joints for movable arms and legs

 

Marketing plan

 

You will also need a marketing plan to let others know about your unique craft business. You may want to use business cards and brochures to sell your teddy bears to customers one-on-one. Some crafters throw home parties to introduce their crafts to potential customers who have been invited to the homes of friends and families.

 

Others sell their bears at craft shows and flea markets. Since teddy bears are very easily shipped to other parts of the country or all over the world, many sell them on Ebay or other auction sites and on their own websites.

 

Another fund-raising idea is to donate one of your teddy bears to be auctioned off in charity auctions or as a prize in contests. These two methods gets your name out there as a artisan with a teddy bear sewing business.

 

Become a member of several craft business forums online and place your teddy bear sewing business in your signature as you contribute good advice and support to the forum. You can also be a regular on craft blogs that allow you to comment and place your website URL in the comments section.

 

The idea of a home-based craft business has been presented in this article. Two great teddy bear manufacturers began as home-based businesses and have grown into multi-million dollar corporations. You have been informed of the basic supplies needed to get your craft business off the ground and several ideas for marketing your business. There is other small business information you need to know to start a teddy bear sewing business that can be found very easily on the Internet.