Friday, April 12, 2013

Spring Bunny

It has been raining for a few weeks in Hong Kong, hope that such gloomy days will end soon ............. longing for sunshine!

Have finished a sweet bunny that cheers me up : )
I've given her a sweet name, too. Let's meet Hunny, my spring bunny to welcome sunshine!


Hunny is about 11.5"/29cm tall (13.5"/34cm from ears), made from beige mohair and buttermilk faux fur.


Though Hunny is made from a new pattern, she also got YuYu Bear's signature innocent eyes and puffy cheeks.


Sweet Hunny is now looking for a new home, for more details please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/128965015/ooak-beige-mohair-and-buttermilk-faux?ref=shop_home_active



Friday, March 22, 2013

Featured in Poppen & Teddy-Beer

I'm happy to share with you a feature article of my bears in the current issue of Poppen & Teddy-Beer from Holland. Since the magazine is written in Dutch, I've included the original interview in English if you're interested in what I'd like to share with the readers about me and my creations : )

Poppen & Teddy-Beer Nr. 99 p.16

Poppen & Teddy-Beer Nr. 99 p.17


Hi, I’m Rita Yuk Ying Ng from Hong Kong. There are only a few Chinese bear artists in the teddy bear and soft sculpture scene, and I’m one of the minorities. My business name "YuYu Bear" comes from my initials. The pronunciation of "Yu" is similar to that of fish in Chinese, that's why I designed my logo in fish shape with a teddy bear and a heart inside to illustrate my love of artist bears.

I began my journey of bear making a few years ago as I came across a craft shop displaying artist bears which caught my attention. I searched the internet to learn more about these collectibles. I found the world of artist teddy bears really amazing and started taking courses at a local bear shop. My thirst for improvement then attracted me to Taiwan to take an intensive course in June 2009. With guidance from Elaine and Maggie of Dear Bear, I not only learnt the skills but also found the joy in making artist bears.


I started designing my own pattern and made a fairy bear from it at the end of 2009. My first bear “Fairy_love green”, with open-mouth and crystal dip leaves as wings, won the 1st place in miniature category of 2009 Taiwan Teddy Bear Creative Awards! I dreamed of becoming a bear artist since then and posted photos of my creations on Facebook. After a few months, my angel bear which was dedicated to the memory of my beloved mother caught a collector’s attention, and I got my first commissioned order from overseas.

Then, I kept working on different materials and adjusting my designs. Such experimental form of learning not only enhanced my bear making skills, but also helped to achieve the sweet round faces with puffy cheeks as the trademark of YuYu Bear. Besides needle and scissor sculpting, I also apply needle felting skills to give my bears round noses of wool. Some of my new creations also have felted eyelids which help to create an innocent look and make them more appealing!

In addition to needle felting, I love to incorporate other skills like crochet and embroidery into my contemporary bear style. As I enjoy crocheting, sometimes I crochet hats, capes, shoes or other adornments to dress my bears. I also like embroidery, besides using such skill to embroider nose, it can be used to embroider flower, name or date on foot pads, especially in making wedding bears. And all my creations have "Y" embroidered on foot pads symbolizing "YuYu Bear".

My interest in making artist bears grows as bears are born from imagination to lovable designs. I enjoy creating individuality for each bear and keep experimenting to bring my ideas alive. So my previous creations are quite different from what I’m making. Now, I create artist bears and friends of variety from small to medium sizes and miniatures, I also make big bears if commissioned though. The largest bear that I've ever made is about 40cm named Rupert, who is photographed with a mini bear in red and white sitting on his arm.

Besides bears, you can also find bunny, elephant, bee and panda in my creations. I like designing and making animal friends, pandas especially. They are fun to create as different color combination can be used other than black and white. However, I’m very attached to the black and white panda, DaDa, who is sitting in a normal size bamboo steamer as shown in my profile picture. He won the 1st place in British Bear Artist Awards 2011 (international artists category)!

As more and more people are interested in Chinese culture, collectors welcome the idea of “dim sum” bears, especially panda in bamboo steamer. Dim sum is unique culinary art of Chinese food prepared as bite-sized or individual portions traditionally served in bamboo steamers. I usually create bears from 3 to 4 inches to fit in mini bamboo steamers.

To better promote my creations to bear collectors from around the world, I participated in an online bear show last year for the first time. It was great experience and hope that I’ll participate in a real bear show someday, meet collectors in person and also other bear artists, it must be fun!

Thursday, February 14, 2013

The Season of LOVE

wedding bears to celebrate love

Wishing U all a sweet and happy Valentine's Day !!!!!!!!

Monday, January 7, 2013

Happy ending, good beginning

Last year, I tried for my first time to participate in a Christmas online bear show, it was wonderful experience and some of the show bears found sweet new homes. And it was such a great chance to promote my bear creations and meet new customers. Just before Christmas, one of my previous creations, Holly (the Santa's helper) was adopted by a collector from USA (as mentioned in my previous post), she then sent me sweet comments of the bear arrived and adopted bunny Chiffon before year end. I'm so happy for them as they're now living merrily with their loving new mom.

Chiffon

At the beginning of 2013, another collector has adopted two girlish bears, Sakura and CoCo from YuYu Bear. The collectors' support and their sweet comments is great motivation for me to design and create more lovable bears and friends. Hope to show you my new bears soon, stay tuned! If you'd like to receive latest news about my new creations, you're cordially invited to join my mailing list : )

Sakura

CoCo

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

2012 TBAAF Awards

This year's TBAAF award winners have been announced and Cherry Plum has won 5th place in "It's a Costume Party" category : ) Thanks for your support of the awards by casting a vote and congratulations to all the winning entries!

http://www.teddy-bear-artists-and-friends.com/tbaafawardwinners2012.htm





Besides, Holly is now on his way to meet his new mom in USA, he must be very excited as he's going to celebrate a white Christmas with his sweet family!


Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Good shows

These five bears have found loving new moms at the Teddies Worldwide Christmas show (from left to right, Angelina, Grape, Charlie and Foxy) and Bears That Care charity show ("Loving Heart", mini panda), thanks for those who visited the shows and also the organizers for their hard work!!


Saturday, November 17, 2012

Show bears of TW Christmas online show

Promised to display my show bears when the Teddies Worldwide Christmas Treasures online show opens. Altogether I've made nine bears from 4" to 10", here they are and two of them have already found new homes. So don't hesitate to visit the show from now till Nov 18 at: www.teddiesworldwide.com to see all the wonderful creations by 80+ bear artists from around the world!

Mao Mao (7.75 inches)
Chestnut (8.25 inches, bended legs)
Sakura (8 inches)
Kiwi (4 inches)
Jujube (4 inches)
Foxy (6 inches), adopted
Charlie (5 inches), adopted
Grape (7.25 inches), adopted
Angelina (10 inches), adopted

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Preview bear for Teddies Worldwide Christmas show

Please accept my apologies that I haven't posted new blog for six months!!! Although I'm a bit lazy on writing, I've been working hard on new bears and gifts for the coming Teddies Worldwide Christmas Treasures online show (Nov 16-18).

Here comes my show preview bear, Angelina, and she represents a Christmas carol: Let it snow!

Angelina brings with her faith, hope and love to U

It's the first online show that YuYu Bear participates in! I have finished 8 bears and 6 gifts especially for the show that will begin on Nov 16 at 4pm New York time. Please mark your calendar so you won't miss the chance to adopt beautiful bears created by 85 artists from around the world. Voting for your favorite bear has begun, be sure to visit www.TeddiesWorldwide.com to catch the holiday spirit!

Only a few days left, and hopefully I'll finish one more bear. So I'd have nine bears from 4" to 10" and crocheted bear gifts including bear photo clips, Christmas socks and key holders. When the show begins I can post more photos here as those "under wraps" show pieces are opened for adoption then.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Beesy and Buddy

Beesy and Buddy (both 11"), my themed bears for this springtime.

I like fluffy mohair and used it to make a bee bear and a ladybird bear. They were fun to make, the wired antennas have matching color wool felted balls attached. For their bodies, I made a pair of wings from light yellow wool felted sheets for the bee, and needle felted black spots onto the beetle's body. They remind me of the nature's beauty, and it's time to go out and have fun : )

Buddy, the ladybug bear

To know more about Buddy, please visit: http://www.bearpile.com/item/55403

Beesy, the bee bear

And for Beesy's adoption details, you're welcome to visit: http://www.bearpile.com/item/55274

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Easter bunny and big bear

My lop-eared bunny, Chiffon (9 inches tall)

Easter is coming, I'd like you to meet Chiffon, a very sweet bunny made from chinchilla Tissavel faux fur, with needle felted eyelids. Love the fur, it really suits her!

with beautiful handmade adornment on head

To make her more girlish, I made her a headband with matching color ribbons & adornments which is tied to her head and can be removed. 

Bunny Chiffon is now available for adoption on Bear Pile: http://www.bearpile.com/item/54017


Rupert, with my signature puffy cheeks and a round needle felted nose.

Besides, a big bear (15.5") was born and has arrived his sweet new home. Rupert who is a commissioned bear made from brown and white alpaca, big and cuddly!!

Comparison of my big bear with mini bear, Rupert (15.5") vs Red Bean (3.5").

And one of my "dim sum" bears, Green Tea was off to Austria, leaving his girlfriend Red Bean behind.

If you'd like to bring her to your sweet new home, please visit: http://www.bearpile.com/item/54178

Monday, February 27, 2012

"Dim Sum" bears and commissioned orders

Green Tea (4.25") and Red Bean (3.5"), sending love and bear hugs
Please meet Green Tea and Red Bean, my "dim sum" bear series. Both are made from white alpaca, green and red mohair. I think the mini bamboo steamers are really cute for these little fellows. Hope they bring you smiles : ) 
For adoption details:

Judy and HY (about 6"), altered from my previous creations
And this set of bear couple is altered from " The B Trio" to become a pair of wedding bears as requested. For the groom, a ribbon bow and three red beads are added to the body. While for the bride, beautiful laces are used to make the wedding gown and veil. Besides, their names and wedding date are embroidered on foot pads to commemorate the Happy Day (^O^)

A.W. (4"), a commissioned bear made from Schulte silk mohair
I'd also like to introduce A.W., this sweet little bear wears a light blue lace tutu and a yellow striped scarf, with initials embroidered on foot pads. I enjoy making such small sized bear that can be held in hand. Mostly, I make bears from mini (3") to medium (10") sizes, but I've just got a commissioned order of a 15 inches bear, a change for me. I placed an order of fabric for making it, can't wait to receive the fabric and start sewing!

Monday, December 12, 2011

Winter bears

Cherry Plum (the Red Riding Hood) and Cotton Candy (the snow angel)

Here comes my latest design, two winter themed girlish bears, please meet Cherry Plum and Cotton Candy : ) Haven't used my crochet needle for a while, as it's a bit chilly now, wanna crochet something pretty to keep my bear warm. So I crocheted a red cape for Cherry Plum to complete her innocent look. Besides, I like to try something new from time to time, I added eyelashes to my bear for the first time which made her more charming! She's now looking for a new home:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/88488069/ooak-golden-mohair-red-riding-hood-bear

Cherry Plum (10") with crocheted red cape

For Cotton Candy, this little angel wears a feathered skirt and a pair of feathered wings, with a green wreath secured on her head. She's a peaceful sweetie who brings with her love to warm people's heart! If you'd like to bring her home:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/88487743/ooak-silk-mohair-angel-bear-cotton-candy

Cotton Candy (5") with feathered wings and skirt

Christmas is coming, I'm busy knitting and crocheting, have already knitted a few ruffled scarf and crocheted hats as presents. Then, I'd like to crochet a shawl for myself, will start working on it, hope to show you some photos on my next post ...........  

Monday, November 21, 2011

BBAA and Pretty Toys

DaDa, 1st place (International artist) British Bear Artist Awards
I'm so thrilled that my panda, DaDa has won first place in British Bear Artist Awards (International category). And I'm delighted to know what the judges said about my bear:

"Delightful airbrushing on the eyes",  "Beautifully cub like",  "Wonderful shaping on the face". These valuable comments are an encouragement to me, and I'll keep designing and creating more lovable bears and friends in the coming year : )

Besides, I'd like to share with you a feature of YuYu Bear on the latest issue of "Pretty Toys" magazine from Russia (English version) No.4-2011.

Artist profile of YuYu Bear on Pretty Toys

Article written in both Russian and English

Photos of my creations and descriptions

A full page photo of my first ellie, Rosie


For 30 days you can download the digital version of "Pretty Toys" for free:  

Don't miss the chance!

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Autumn bears

Tarocco and Morello, my autumn bears
Here are my autumn themed designs, Tarocco (left) and Morello (right). Have kept the two pieces of beautiful color mohair for a while, the colors are just so great for creating seasonal bears!

Tarocco (10.25")
Tarocco is made from orange nectar color tipped mohair. I tied a wired ribbon with pumpkin pattern around her neck in a bow, hope you like her : )
She is now available for adoption:

Morello (7.25")
Morello is made from autumn leaves color Japanese mohair, and he has been adopted. 
Hope you like this mixed color of maple in fall and enjoy the season : )

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Christmas themed bears

Though I'm still working on autumn themed bears, I've finished three Christmas bears and they're delighted to say "Merry Christmas" (a bit early) to my blog readers.

Let's meet Rudolphmade from white string mohair, is inspired by a white Christmas. I needle felted his muzzle, nose & mouth, and named him Rudolph because of the big red nose. His ear pads are hand shaded in green, and he wears a big red bell around his neck. Besides, his paw pads are made from checkered cloth in matching colours.


Rudolph is about 10.25 inches tall.

Twinkle is made from white curled mohair & antique blue wavy kid mohair. I gave her eyes a bit of hand shading in blue as she’s a panda. Besides, I needle felted her muzzle, nose and mouth. Her paw pads are made from ivory wool felt and needle sculpted. She wears a crystal bell ornament from Swarovski to match the Christmas theme.

Twinkle is about 8.25 inches tall.

Holly, the Santa’s helper, is about 6.25 inches tall and 8.25” with hat. Besides yellow alpaca for head, red and green mohair is used to make him a Christmas themed bear. I needle felted his nose in brown with tiny holly on it to reinforce his image. He wears matching color embellishment around his neck and a red hat to complete his characteristic look.

Holly is about 6.25 inches tall and 8.25” with hat.

They are now available for adoption on my Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/yuyubear

My Halloween bear

Here comes my Halloween design, Mollie, a sweet (not scary) panda witch, made from white alpaca and apricot mohair.

Mollie is about 6.25 inches tall and 7.5” with hat.

Usually, I scissor sculpt puffy cheeks for my bears. However, as I'd like to practise more on needle felting, I not only felted her a round nose, but also needle felted the muzzle and mouth.

She wears a cat pendant and a witch hat.

She is now available for adoption on my etsy shop: 


She has amber glass eyes and hand shading around the eyes.

Halloween reminds me of witch, black cat, Jack-o'-lantern, pumpkin, fallen leaves and ............... autumn. I'm working on autumn themed bears, stay tuned.