A History of Boyd's Uncle Beans Treasure Boxes

We love it when we get in a Boyd's shipment earlier than expected.

 

In addition to several Boyd's Bearstones, we got in 8 new Boyd's Treasure Boxes.

 

Did you know the story behind these? Way back in 1996, founder of Boyd's G.M. Lowenthal, created miniature resin boxes ...called 'Uncle Bean's Treasure Boxes'. G.M. was know as the 'Head Bean', hence 'Uncle Bean's Treasure Boxes'. 

 

Anyway, each contains a McNibble miniature resin character that hides inside the hinged box. And there is always an escape hole purposely placed in the treasure box itself so the little McNibble can escape. (Note that in the brand new Cherry's Tomato it is very evident). The cool thing about Boyd's Treasure Boxes is that they take up very little space and there truly is room for just one more! And as is always the case, we place our orders with Boyd's Bears by Enesco very early so we are fortunate to get 1E editions.

Enter to Win in Our First Contest!

Win A Limited Edition Charlie Bear Collector's Print!

"Like" Us on Facebook for a chance to win a limited edition Charlie Bear Collector's print!  Winner can choose a print from 6 different styles - a $68.95 value.

Contest ends Sunday, March 2nd, and the winner will be announced shortly thereafter.  Good luck!

Quote of the Day - "The sure way to success is to miss the opportunity." - Victor Chasles

Department 56 Downton Abbey Castle Replica

How many of you are Downton Abbey fans?  Did you know that more than 8 million fans watched the recent third season debut?  The show, aired on PBS, on Sunday nights has an astounding following.

Department 56 is introducing an incredible Downton Abbey castle replica which is expected to start shipping in early June.  We have already received several requests for this piece, and are thinking that this will be a 'must-have' for Downton Abbey fans.

Quote of the Day - "You miss 100% of the shots that you did not take." - Wayne Gretzky

Lorella Falconi Debuts 2014 Collectible Doll "Summer Breeze"

Don't you love this time of the year when doll and teddy bear artists debut their latest creations? 

We have been anxiously waiting to hear what Lorella Falconi Dolls incredible doll creations will be for 2014.  And this afternoon we were pleaed to hear from Lorella Falconi. Her latest creation is "Summer Breeze". 

She is a sweet sun-kissed doll with brunette hair and blue eyes.  Her little pal, Comet, can be ordered separately as well and he is from the 'Lorikens' collection. She is one summer sun-tanned little beauty!

As Lorella has stated:  "Summer Breeze" was inspired by this beautiful quote.

"One cannot collect all the beautiful shells on the beach.  One can collect a few, and they are more beautiful they are a few." - Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Minky Bear Bubbles and the 2014 TOBY Award Competition

It was definitely worth a try but Brenda's little Minky Bear, Bubbles, did not make it to the TOBY(Teddy Bear of the Year) finals.  Bubbles was entered within the "Small Dressed Bear" category.

But that does not mean that she will not stop trying. :)

Quote of the Day - "Commitment leads to action.  Action brings your dream closer." - Marcia Wieder

The Debut of the 2014 Part 1 Collection of Charlie Bears

Surrounding much anticipation, the 2014 Part 1 Collection of Charlie Bears has been introduced. 

Charlotte and William Morris, owners of Charlie Bears, has once again outdone themselves.

This collection includes several limited edition teddy bears, as well as several very popular Plumo (plush and mohair) bears.  There are even heavily weighed bears that can be used as bookends named Giga and Pixel. Too numerous to mention, there looks like there will be many popular collectible bears from this collection.

As is always the case, expect these plush and Plumo bears to arrive in the next 12 months.  In regards to Charlie Bears, our stance is "Good things come to those who wait".

Quote of the Day - "If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door." - Milton Berle

Erika Catellani Dolls Coming Soon

We are so excited to announce that in the very near future we will be carrying Erika Catellani dolls from Switzerland.  These exquisite dolls are hand-carved by Erika from the finest maple wood and each face is hand-painted as well.  (Erika additionally creates each and every outfit).

Erika is an incredibly talented doll artist and her dolls come in 6, 8, and 10 inches.  We will be carrying some of each size.

The faces, arms, and legs are carved from wood and each one has an amazing pattern or wood-grain.  The expression on each little face is so very sweet. 

Each of these one-of-a-kind (OOAK) dolls comes from a small limited edition.  And each is sure to become a treasured heirloom passed down from generation to generation.

Stay tuned as we are expecting to receive our first shipment from Switzerland at the end of February.

Quote of the Day - "Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be." - Abraham Lincoln