Bear necessities

Today I feel in need of a big hug. I'm cold and tired and can think of nothing better than curling up under a blanket in the arms of the man I love, but sadly he will not be home until tomorrow night, so it got me to wondering who gives the best hugs in the world and them my tired brain started to wonder about where the saying "bear hugs" came from. I would think a bear hug would be quite a frightening thing as, although bears can look very cute, they have huge claws and big teeth. If you hug them, wouldn't there be a real risk it would be your last hug ever? This lead my mind to wonder about how people used bears in their craft. Off I went to the handmade sites and put "bear" in the search engine. These are some of my favourites that came up.

Of all the bears featured today Matte Art's bear is the only one showing off his huge teeth, but even so, he doesn't look like he wants to hurt anyone. He looks more like he would like a cuddle. Most of the people on the bus look quite happy. Maybe the lady at the back hasn't told them about the bear yet.

Winward Bear Co. specialise in in making beautiful little mohair bears that look more likely to cute you to death rather than rip your throat out with giant gnashers. They are all so adorable, but these bears are not for children. These are for the young at heart adults that need a little furry friend.

Poketto little baby bear printed onto these pretty toddler clothes looks like butter wouldn't melt in his mouth, but I'm sure if you tried to tickle his tummy his big grrring mummy bear would have something to say about it.

Tootsies Tidbits has made this simple but effective game to help children learn about colours and matching them up. The vibrancy of the colours and the lovely curved bear shapes will make them a firm favourite of any young child.

Hide n Seek's illustration of a bear and pretty girl is titled "Mom, this is the friend I told you about". Just how shocked is her mother going to be when she comes home for tea with a big brown bear in tow. I love the style of this picture. There is such a whimsy and childhood joy about it.

This stunning porcelain brooch from Poodlebreath is such an eye catching blue I just had to feature it. The crackled glaze adds to it's charm. I've never seen a cameo of a bear before and I have to say I really like it. I would grace the most elegant of clothes and complement them perfectly.

So it seems in the main people do see bears as cute and cuddle creatures in their art. They avoid showing the claws and teeth and show us the more majestic side of bears.

Written by Lynne of Hyperloop Hoops and PiratePixieCrew