Brù Bears
Erie, Ireland

I am so thrilled to be an URSA Awards Competition winner.

Thank you to everyone who voted for me.

And a big thanks to Valerie as well.

I am so happy to be included among the amazing talents of other bear artists.

Congratulations to all the winners!

I have been making bears for as long as I can remember, but moved into crocheted and felted bears about three years ago. I love experimenting with a variety of natural yarns and fibres, and simply picking up my hook and creating.

I look forward to entering again next year.

Thank you again

Angela

2.04
Henry

Purple Bean Bear
Hong Kong

First of all, I would like to thank the Bears&Buds for organizing the annual URSA Awards Competition so that bear artists from around the world can get together to showcase our bears and learn from each other.

My heartfelt thanks go to all who have voted in support of Pierrot the clown bear and my other bears. The “canvassing for support” is fun as it gives us a good reason to send e-mail to old friends to say “Hello”.

I really enjoyed the one-pattern-for-all category. It is really amazing to see how the same pattern can turn into bears of individual character after injection of the artists’ creative ideas and different design concepts. I benefitted a lot from joining this category.

Finally, my congratulations to all winners in URSA 2014!

Angela

17.03
Pierrot

Anna Tide Bears
Bad Bergzabern, Germany

14.08
Samuel

The Tuscany Bear Maker

Tuscany Italy

I am absolutely thrilled and proud to have four of my bears receive an URSA Awards in this year's competition among so many talented artists and their amazing creations!

I want to say a particular thanks to my lovely and patience "helper" that with his encouragement brought me to be a bear maker: my Husband!

Thanks to my daughters for their help too.

Special thanks to everyone who participated in the URSA Awards Competition and thanks to all people who love my bears and voting for them! THANK YOU SO MUCH!

A great thank you to Valerie and Bear&Buds staff for with their tireless work; they do know this fantastic world of bears!

Really a lot of Bearyhugs to all!

Annalisa

3.07
Desiree

5.05
Grace

11.02

Tango

16.05
Brandy

Bears by Becca
Orelia, West Australia

1.03
Lil Lion King

BrendaBears

Wyoming, USA

To be a part of the 2014 URSA Awards Competition has been a delight.

It is always exciting to be able to share my work with others.

I am absolutely thrilled and honored to have my "Hunter" receive an URSA Award in this year's competition among so many talented artists and their wonderful creations. 

I would like to send warm hugs to all those who voted. I receive so much joy in creating my bears and it is truly rewarding when others like my work enough to vote for it. Thank you for your support!

A special thank you also goes out to Valerie and the whole team at Bears&Buds for the terrific job they do.

Congratulations to all the winners!

Bear hugs, Brenda

7.02
Hunter

Brendan's Bears
Oxford, England

I am delighted to have this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to each and everyone one of you who voted for Horatio.

He is now living with his new owner in London.

The URSA Awards Competition has once again showcased, to a worldwide audience, wonderful bears and buds created by hugely talented artists.

I am honoured to be in such illustrious company.

A special thank you to Valerie and her colleagues for organizing a truly international contest.

Kind regards,

Brendan

6.03

Horatio

Chole Hand Made Bears
Hong Kong

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, my teacher Ms. Gloria Chan, my family and all my lovely friends for the support and encouragement. I could not have reached the achievements without your support.

I also thank you everyone for voting.

I love making bears. During the process I sometimes encounter many different problems creating the bear the way I want it to turn out. Although the problems are full of difficulties and challenges, I can quickly to resolve them. This experience makes me continue to growth and create more bears.

I hope my bears can spread love and joy to everyone.

Finally, congratulations to all the finalist-artists in the URSA Awards Competition. Let us together and diligently keep making bears.

Chole

9.06
Hakuna Matate

15.04
Iku BB

A The Peach Peddler Bears
Merrifield, VA USA

I am both thrilled and grateful to learn that two of my bears won URSA Competition awards in 2014.

All of the artists' submissions were impressive and inspiring. I honestly did not expect to receive an award, especially in the face of such magnificent competition.

I've had a lot of help along the way. My husband, Jeffrey, urged me to learn teddy bear crafting and my friends cheered me on, giving me input each time I tried something new with my bears.

Without the help from wonderful artists like Paula Carter and Joanne Livingston, who posted tutorials online, I would have floundered and possibly given up very early on. I will always appreciate the way that artists in our community help fledgling artists along.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to cast their votes, and to Bears&Buds for investing so much time and energy into organizing the competition.

Being recognized for some of my work has inspired me to improve and evolve in my bear-making.

Thank you for your kindness,
Christie

1.11

Wuzzie

12.04
Serenity

Bears *n* Bling

Ontario, Canada

Thank you for supporting the 2014 URSA Awards Competition by voting. Your love for bears is what makes creating them so special and rewarding for me.

I am super thrilled to have had Pierrot and my Pearly King and Queen place in their categories and I am honoured to be included amongst the talented artists represented.

Congratulations to everyone that participated. Your creations are inspirational and are ALL winners in my eyes.

A BIG thank you to the "Magical" Bears&Buds team for their hard work in organizing this prestigious and successful event.

Valerie; a very special thank you for orchestrating the URSA Award Competitions and promoting the bear artist world. Your ongoing enthusiasm, encouragement, support and most importantly your friendship mean the world to me. You are definitely a "KEEPER".

The URSA Awards Competition has been an exciting experience and "oddles" of fun. I look forward to next year!

"Live, Laugh, Love...and CREATE!"

"To watch a little bear come to life and dance around the room is a joy that has no words."

Thank you again to all who voted!

Bear Hugs,
Erin

Little Piggies Nursery

Hampshire, United Kingdom

This is the third year of entering the URSA Awards Competition and I am absolutely delighted and overwhelmed to have two of my creations voted through as URSA Award Winners.

Henry the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Willow, the life-size baby giraffe calf, are quite contrasting entries particularly in their size and creation. Willow being by far my biggest ever creation.

I would like to thank all those who have taken the time to view and vote for their favorite entries in the great range of exciting categories. It must have been extremely difficult, as the standard of all the entries as usual, is just superb.

Henry, Willow and myself would like to personally thank everyone who felt them worthy of their valued and important votes.

My interest and passion for animals, both great and small, is always a wonderful inspiration to me in my creation of life-like artist dogs and other realistic animals.

Finally, I would like to thank and congratulate, not only all the other highly talented competing artists from across the globe but also an enormous thank you to Valerie and the team
at Bears&Buds for making this wonderful International competition once again possible.

I feel very honoured to be included in such illustrious and talented company.

Doggy Hugs,

Hayley

Hilda Ng Bears
Hong Kong

I am very honored to be here and would like to thank everyone who has voted for Mac and PanPan.

Thanks to all who had participated this year’s URSA Awards Competition.

This year has been so exciting and inspirational.
I will continue working on new teddy bears and can’t wait for them to meet you all.

Wish everyone a happy teddy year!

Best regards,
Hilda

Idy Law Creations

Kowloon, Hong Kong

First of all, I would like to thank all who have voted for “Lovely-couple: Karen & Ken”. I am honored to be one of the finalists in the URSA Awards Competition.

This is my second time to participate in this competition. I hope you enjoyed looking at my bears as much as I enjoyed making them.

Thanks to Valerie for organizing the URSA Awards Competition. It was a good opportunity to show my work and to see so many marvelous bears from all over the world. It really motivates me to strive to reach higher and to do better.

Finally, I want to thanks my friends and bear artists for their encouragement. I wish all the Hong Kong teddy bear artists every success in future.

Congratulations to all the artists who entered this year.

Thank you.
 
Regards,  Idy

9.07
Lovely Couple

Inna's Bears
St. Petersburg, Russia

I'm very happy to take part in the URSA Awards Competition and I'm really surprised by the result.

A huge thank you to my husband and children for their great patience and taking care of daily household problems while I am creating.
Special thanks to our dogs because they had not eaten any part from Punk Rock and his guitar during my work!

And seriously, I want to thank the URSA Awards organizers for the opportunity for beginners, from all over the world to show, to their works together with well-known artists.

And of course, I sincerely thank all who voted for me!

Hope, art and music will always be above politics. Creativity will help to bring together all of us!

Hugs,
Inna

Jinglebears
Wellington, New Zealand

Firstly I would like to thank Valerie and her team at Bears&Buds for once again bringing the URSA Awards Competition to the world. They do such

a great job every year.

The competition gets better and better each year and  I feel very honored to be amongst the winners.

Congratulations to all the other winners in the URSA Awards Competition, your talent is amazing.

Last but definitely not least, I would like to thank everyone for voting for my work. I really appreciate it.

Beary best wishes from the other side of the world in New Zealand.

Jan

4.12
Arnie

Heir Bears
Palm Beach Gardens, FL USA

Thanks to everyone who took the time to vote for Navy Bear and Father Christmas! 

I was absolutely thrilled to see them both in the finals. 

A special thank you goes to my friends for encouraging me to step outside my comfort zone and enter the URSA Awards Competition. It's not easy taking that first step, but after that it is an exciting adventure!

And I am truly honored to be sharing this adventure with so many of you.

Cooper Bears
Kelmscott, West Australia

Firstly I would like to say a 'big thank you' to all of the wonderful people who took the time to vote for Mr. Bojangles and support Cooper Bears.

I truly appreciate everyone of you.

I am so proud and honored to have won a prize in this wonderful competition and I would also like to thank Valerie and Bears&Buds, not only for the URSA Competition Awards but all the work she puts in to promote all bear crafters.

I would like to thank my wonderful family who always stand by in me in my mad bear addiction, they understand that making bears is my happy place and are always supportive.

I would also like to congratulate all the wonderful artists that participated, I am so honored to be among you.

Hugs, Kay

9.01
Mr. Bogangles

Fool's Gold Bears
San Luis Obispo, CA USA

The URSA Awards showcases excellence in bear artistry to the world. What an honor it is to learn that two of my creations have been named finalists in the 2014 competition!

Thanks to my loving husband for his enthusiastic support of my art, and eternal thanks to The Creator, whose kindness gives me a small part in his vast creative nature.

To everyone who voted for my work, thank you so much. You make me want to raise the bar one more notch, and see what will happen next.

Valerie and everyone at Bears&Buds magazine, Your dedication to bear artistry helps keep it in the public eye. You deserve lots of appreciation. I look forward to the future of this stellar competition.

Each artist has their own unique expression. The artful quality is always advancing, so it's a joy to be included among the winners.

With Gratitude,
Laure

Briar's Bears
Midlands, United Kingdom

This has been my first experience of entering an international competition like this. I have been making bears for about 3 years now and have really become addicted! Briars Bears was named for Briar my little Border Terrier. 

There is something magical about seeing a little creature develop at your fingertips; seeing a personality come through.

The standard of entries was so high this year that i did not really expect to have a hope of winning anything so you can imagine how excited i was to get the e-mail to say i was a winner!

Congratulations to all the entries in this this years URSA awards. Everyone is a winner in my book!

Lisa  x

2.08
Scribbles

lbbears
Amherst, OH USA

It is so exciting to be a part of 2014 URSA Awards competition!

It is very rewarding to share my art with others.

I am so honored to have one of my bears receive an URSA Competition Award this year. There are so many talented artists and their wonderful art.

Big hugs to all that voted, Thank you so much.

I enjoy designing and creating my bears and it is so rewarding when others like my work.

I would like to thank Valerie and Bears&Buds team for the great they job they do! You open a lot of opportunities for all the artists.

Thank you,

Lisa

7.01

Brody

Fred-i-Bear

Gauteng South Africa

URSA Awards is an online competition.

Through voting, the number of votes your entry receives decides his position.

I thank everyone who voted for Nanertak, making it possible for him to be placed within the top 3.

I have received many compliments on my work and this gives me the encouragement to continue with my art.

This year, sees the 9^th Annual URSA Awards Competition, made possible by Valerie Rogers and her team. Thank you to all, lots of hard work that goes on behind the scene.

I congratulate all the winners of the 2014 URSA Awards.

Beary regards

Lynette & Nanertak

Quilts-N-Critters
Middletown, OH USA

12.06
Sheenu

Moscow, Russia

So many great artists entered the URSA Awards Competition and it is a huge honor for me to be among the winners! It is wonderful feeling!

I want to thank each and every one who voted.

Especially I want to thank those who voted for my entry 'Bros'. I feel your support. Thank you! I'm so happy!

Let the smile of my Bros bring happiness and prosperity to your home! Thank you all from the bottom of my heart!

I want to say a special thank Valerie and her team for a great job. When Valerie chats with me I feel great pleasure and happiness!

I am already looking forward to next years URSA Award Competition!

Once again, Thank you!

Bearhugs, Marina

11.04
Bros

Little Bittie Bears 

Florida, USA

I am delighted to have been chosen for an URSA Award again for the second year.

Once again, I want to thank my customers and fans, honestly without all of your help, inspiration, ideas and words of encouragement, I would not be where I am today.

I truly have the best customers, whom, over the years have also become some of my best friends.

Valerie is such a hard worker and I truly appreciate all she does for us artists. I am glad we have a place to show and sell our work through her magazine, shows and awards, so THANK YOU Valerie, you are amazing.

I hope we can all keep the teddy bear world alive forever and pass it on to our families to keep collecting traditions.

Thanks again,
Hugs, Michelle

Petelina Natalia Toys

Lugansk Region Ukraine

I am glad that despite the difficult times in my country, I decided to participate this year in this wonderful contest and have the opportunity to be seen here, with all your favorite and most talented artists from around the world.

I congratulate each of them with a well-deserved award!

I want to personally thank each and every collector and all the people who voted for my teddy, very important for me to know that you like my bears.

For me it is a great incentive to move forward, ongoing development and to know that each time you are pleased with my creations!

Thank Bears&Buds for the opportunity to show their teddy such a wide audience around the world!

Natalia

18.03
Kinkato

Bungalow Bears
Manchester, United Kingdom

After taking the plunge and deciding to enter the URSA awards this year, being very much a competition novice I am over the moon that Tito and Daisy-May made their way into the final round and will be receiving an award.

I would like to thank everyone who has supported us not only within this competition but throughout our bear making journey and thank you to all who voted for our entries, it is very much appreciated and I am more than grateful.

Thank you!
Pamela

16.01

Daisy Mae

Serieta Harrell
San Marcos, CA USA

Thank you with all my heart for all who voted for my 'Star Clown' in the wonderful 2014 URSA Award Competition.

I consider it a huge honor to be included with the other winners of this prestigious competition.

Special accolades go out to Valerie and the team at Bears&Buds. Valerie, your kindness, positive direction, and caring support made this experience a very rewarding one for me.

The long hours spent working on my beloved creations is miniscule compared to the pride and joy I receive from collectors, friends, and especially my loving family. They are my inspiration and my strength.

I put my heart into every stitch, and the love and excitement I feel when looking into a newly created and sweet little face is my true reward.

I am looking forward to future competitions.

Bear Hugs,
Serieta

17.02
Clown Star

The Rabbit Maker
Hesketh Bank, England

This is the first year I have entered the URSA Awards Competition and I am thrilled to have been placed in my category.

As the URSA's are judged solely by the public, I thank everyone who has taken the time to vote.

It is great to be part of a competition which includes worldwide artists, which therefore attracts voters from all over the world.

This can only promote the soft sculpture industry and introduce the public to its diversity.

Congratulations to all the other competition entries and a big thank you to Valerie and everyone at Bear&Buds teddy bear magazine.

Shelly

15.05
Little Lord Fauntleroy

The Mountaineers 

Germany

12.01
Ailian

Bearlooms
Carlinville, IL USA

Thank you so much to my family and to all of those who took the time to vote for me.

Your support and interest in my bears means the world to me and I'm thrilled with this award.

I'm also giving a huge hug to Valerie Rogers for her unending efforts to promote and nurture the teddy bear community of artists and collectors. She knows how much we need each other. Teddy bears represent love and comfort; just what we all crave these days!

With much appreciation,
Sue

6.08
Sweet Violet

The World of Our Bears
Moscow, Russia

My dear friends, collectors and fans, thank you so much for voting for Filippo and Ludwig.

I am so happy and proud that they both were awarded. Your support was great!

Special thanks for Valerie and Bears&Buds team for organizing this fabulous and exciting URSA Awards Competition. You are wonderful people who bringing all teddy bear artists and fans from all over the world together.

I want to congratulate all the winners and to thank everybody who took part in this amazing competition. You all are very talented and creative!

Bear hugs,
Svetlana

ts-mini bears
Odessa, Ukraine

Dear friends! 
I am very grateful for the win in the URSA Awards competition and for your support and faith in me.

Bears are part of me. 

In my bears I realize not only the need for creativity but also to let them speak, showing my desires, dreams, likes and feelings.

I am very pleased that you understand and appreciate my work so highly! 

Now in this difficult time in my country, your votes were especially important to me.

Thank you.

I wish peace, love and beauty for all of us.

Tatiana

Terries Bears
Sherwood Park, Canada

I was thrilled to hear that Candy Cane was in the top three of the category!

Thank you so much to all who voted for my bears.

It is such an honor to have any of my bears receive an award among so many adorable bears and talented artists. 

I love to create bears and it is so rewarding when other love the bears that I make. 

Thank you also to Bears&Buds for hosting this fun competition. There are always interesting categories to enter as well as being a wonderful worldwide platform to showcase our bears.

Thanks so much again Valerie for all of the work that you and your staff do to host this URSA Awards competition.

Hugs,
Terrie

10.02
Candy Cane

Elegant Creations
Ithaca, MI USA

I want to thank all of the wonderful collectors that took the time to view and vote in all of the URSA Awards Competition categories for their favorite bear or animal.

There were so many talented artists that entered the contest, and so many wonderful entries to choose from, that it must have been very difficult to make a choice in many of the categories.

I feel very blessed to have one of my creations make it to the final voting. I am in very good company!

Bear Hugs and Blessings!

Vicky

10.08
Oh Christmas Tree

Carson Creations
Macomb, IL USA

How exciting to be among such outstanding artists receiving recognition in the 2014 URSA Awards Competition.

I am humbled to be included among such extraordinary talent.

To the collectors who have loved my bears all these years, I extend a heartfelt thank you.

Without you, this would not be possible.

Special thanks to Valerie Rogers for continuing with the URSA Awards Competition which require a lot of time and effort to become reality.
Thank you for encouraging me to enter the 2014 competition.

And to all who voted for Capt. Rondel Bannister, the Steampunk Pirate, thank you so much.
He was a lot of fun to create.

Hugss, Wanda

6.05
Captain Rondel Bannister

Honorable Mention Winners!

The Voting was close and
Bears&Buds honors the 4th Place winners with a Certificate!

1.07

Tabata
Tuscany Bear Maker

2.03
Penelope Pit Stop
Shaz Bears

3.12
Hershey Bear
The Peach Peddler Bears

4.03
T.C. Conner
Bears *n* Bling

5.08
Shamus

Madabout Bears

6.07

Joyful PHD
Purple Bean Bear

9.04

Melisande
Martha's Bears

9.09
Jester w/Scepter
Furbearsake

10.04
Patch and Rudolph
Loppi-Bären

12.03
Darcy
Hilda Ng

14.05

Lesya
Teddyana

15.06

Harley
Little Bittie Bears

16.03
Good Shepherd Maxie
K9 Athletes in Fiber Art

18.06

Li Wei
Nikkel Bears

Bears&Buds

Loudly applauds
all the contestants
and the Winners!

Our hat's
off to YOU!

7.01
Brody
LBBears

6.08
Sweet Violet

Bearlooms

11.04

Bros

Marina Osetrova

17.01

Pierrot

Bears*n* Bling

The URSA Ribbons come from a
small company in Ohio, USA.

See how the ribbons are made.

Behind the scenes
at the URSA Award Competition headquarters!

<<Click on the curtain icon