Large Toby

Large Toby

The Plush Stuffed Animal and Teddy Bear Artists

The plush stuffed animal is made up of such an enormous amount of soft toys, it's difficult to know which one to choose. If you're a first time buyer and are feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of having to wade through a throng of plush stuffed animals, have no fear – there's always a fall back. And, that, of course, is the teddy bear. Just look for the one with the most pleasing face, the softest 'fur' and the one that is the most squishable when you hug it. Once you have found 'the one,' you will see that the decision wasn't such a daunting one after all.

Over the course of the last two decades of the 20th century, the number of artists around the world producing handmade teddy bears, has continued to increase. While their output has been much smaller than that of large manufacturers producing teddies for the collectors' market, their work has still been highly influential and was even encouraged when the Golden Teddy Awards were first introduced in 1987. That was soon followed, in 1990, by the TOBY (Teddy Bear of the Year) awards.

Through the years, traditional-style teddy bears, both that are dressed and undressed, have continued to be the favorites of artists and collectors. One of the best representations in the field that has emerged in recent years is a Dutchman named Audie Sison. Sison began collecting artists' bears in 1990 and then, five years later, began producing his own designs under the trademark A Teddy...by Audie. He has won numerous prizes including two TOBY's, a Golden Teddy, and the highly sought after Golden Teddy's 'Winner's Circle.'

The traditional teddy bears made by Gregory Gyllenship, owe a lot to early Steiff teddies which have long arms allowing the bear to stand on all fours. Gyllenship's bears are made out of the finest mohair plush, have boot-button eyes and are really a tribute to early days of great bearmaking. Gyllenship is a London based artist who has also made large huggable bears which includes polar bears that have realistic pads on their feet.

Wickenden Bears' Sandra Wickenden uses top of the line mohair plush, hardboard joints, wool felts and old boot-button eyes – all traditional materials – when creating her teddy bears. While many of her bears are made undressed, there are some that have old collars and laces or leather muzzles which can sometimes be found at antique markets. She also makes multijointed bears which are very realistic as she sculpts – in leather- their noses, mouths, and claws in such detail (in leather) that they look like wild animals.

In 1991, Janet Clark started making bears and sold them at local craft fairs. She is an award-winning artist who has since moved on to produce limited edition bears under the business name Teddystyle. Clark's speciality is making realistic toy bears which includes an American Black, Chi (a panda), and Kermode (a polar bear). In addition, Clark also makes beautifully dressed, accessorized bears that include an organ-grinder that comes complete with a monkey.

When choosing your first plush stuffed teddy bear, you don't have to run out and track down a specific artists' bear; with the many mass manufactured teddies on the market, there are plenty to choose from - either online or at a local retail shop. However, if a one of a kind plush stuffed teddy bear is what you really want, whose going to stop you from buying one?

plush stuffed animal

large plush stuffed animals

Copyright Shelley Vassall, 2010. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.

 

About the Author

Shelley Vassall is a writer and collector of the plush stuffed animal and large plush stuffed animals

Toby $10 Toby

Canthigaster solandri Spotted Toby - Large $39.99 The Spotted Toby ( Canthigaster solandri ) has a gold-brown body covered with pale blue-green spots. Wavy blue-green lines may decorate the upper part of the body and there is a black spot at the base of the dorsal fin. This toby is very similar to the Papuan Toby ( C. papua ) and the two were once thought to be the same species. There are, however, small differences in coloration between the two species as well as in the geographic ranges of the fish. The Spotted Toby is more widespread than the Papuan Toby, and the Papuan Toby has more orange in its underside. Puffers are not too demanding in terms of care, but they need plenty of space and ample filtration to keep the water quality pristine. They're messy eaters, and the diet required for these fish can leave a lot of waste. Puffers have strong, ever-growing front teeth (beak) that they will need to wear down. They may chew on live rock in the tank to aid in the process. Feeding hard-shelled items, such as whole clams or shellfish, can also help to keep the teeth worn. "Toby Puffers" or "Sharpnose Puffers" ( Canthigaster sp. ) have a much different appearance than their larger relatives. These puffers stay much smaller - usually under about 5 inches in length - and have a pointed face. They are generally peaceful toward other fish, but will not tolerate other puffers. They also have a reputation for being "fin nippers", and should not be kept with invertebrates or with passive or showy-finned fish. Tobies are bold eaters that do best on a diet of frozen meaty foods like clams, mussels, squid, and shrimp (shells intact) as well as some algae. All puffers can be destructive inverts and corals so it is not recommended that they be housed in reef tanks. It is important to never provoke a puffer to see it inflate. Puffing is a stress or defense reaction, and it can cause health problems or even death for a puffer. The fish can swallow air or over-inflate with water, leading to even more stress as the fish attempted to recover and even death due to stress-related complications or internal injuries. If a puffer inflates, remove the source of the stress, lower the lighting on the tank and allow the fish to recover on its own. Avoid using a net or removing the puffer from the water and exposing it to air. Instead, transfer with rigid containers, which will minimize stress that can cause them to puff. Visit That Fish Blog for more information from our marine biologists on Pufferfish and other aquarium-related topics!

Canthigaster coronata Crowned Toby - Large $39.99 The Crowned Toby ( Canthigaster coronata ) is white with dark brown "saddles" edged in orange and orange and blue markings on the face and body. These saddles rarely extend past the horizontal midline of the fish, unlike the Black Saddled Toby ( C. valentini ) whose saddles extend to the belly. The Crowned Toby is only found in Hawaii, although other very similar species are found in the Pacific Ocean ( C. axiologus ) and Indian Ocean ( C. cyanospilota ). Puffers are not too demanding in terms of care, but they need plenty of space and ample filtration to keep the water quality pristine. They're messy eaters, and the diet required for these fish can leave a lot of waste. Puffers have strong, ever-growing front teeth (beak) that they will need to wear down. They may chew on live rock in the tank to aid in the process. Feeding hard-shelled items, such as whole clams or shellfish, can also help to keep the teeth worn. "Toby Puffers" or "Sharpnose Puffers" ( Canthigaster sp. ) have a much different appearance than their larger relatives. These puffers stay much smaller - usually under about 5 inches in length - and have a pointed face. They are generally peaceful toward other fish, but will not tolerate other puffers. They also have a reputation for being "fin nippers", and should not be kept with invertebrates or with passive or showy-finned fish. Tobies are bold eaters that do best on a diet of frozen meaty foods like clams, mussels, squid, and shrimp (shells intact) as well as some algae. All puffers can be destructive inverts and corals so it is not recommended that they be housed in reef tanks. It is important to never provoke a puffer to see it inflate. Puffing is a stress or defense reaction, and it can cause health problems or even death for a puffer. The fish can swallow air or over-inflate with water, leading to even more stress as the fish attempted to recover and even death due to stress-related complications or internal injuries. If a puffer inflates, remove the source of the stress, lower the lighting on the tank and allow the fish to recover on its own. Avoid using a net or removing the puffer from the water and exposing it to air. Instead, transfer with rigid containers, which will minimize stress that can cause them to puff. Visit That Fish Blog for more information from our marine biologists on Pufferfish and other aquarium-related topics!

I heart toby Love Large Mug by CafePress $18 I heart toby Love Large Mug Super-size your favorite beverage or just size-up to avoid spills with our hefty, 15 oz. ceramic Large Mug. Large easy-grip handle. When you need more, mug it up. Measures 4.5 tall, 3.25 diameter. Dishwasher and microwave safe.

Toby the CAG Pets Large Mug by CafePress $18 Toby's having fun hanging upside down Taken from an original watercolor by Janet Bray, this shows just how entertaining parrots can be Show you're a parrot lover by wearing this silly Congo Africa Pets Large Mug Super-size your favorite beverage or just size-up to avoid spills with our hefty, 15 oz. ceramic Large Mug. Large easy-grip handle. When you need more, mug it up. Measures 4.5 tall, 3.25 diameter. Dishwasher and microwave safe.

Toby Pets Large Mug by CafePress $18 Super-size your favorite beverage or just size-up to avoid spills with our hefty, 15 oz. ceramic Large Mug. Large easy-grip handle. When you need more, mug it up. Measures 4.5 tall, 3.25 diameterDishwasher and microwave safe

Toby Keith $70 Toby Keith

Canthigaster valentini Black Saddled Toby - Large $29.99 The Black Saddled Toby ( Canthigaster valentini , also known as the Valentini Sharpnose Puffer) is characterized by the 4 black "saddles" over its back. Light brown dots and lines cover the sides and face. The yellow tail is edged in black. There are a few other similar species, but the Black Saddled Toby is identified by the 2 middle saddles that extend to the belly; these saddles stop around the midline on most other species. Puffers are not too demanding in terms of care, but they need plenty of space and ample filtration to keep the water quality pristine. They're messy eaters, and the diet required for these fish can leave a lot of waste. Puffers have strong, ever-growing front teeth (beak) that they will need to wear down. They may chew on live rock in the tank to aid in the process. Feeding hard-shelled items, such as whole clams or shellfish, can also help to keep the teeth worn. "Toby Puffers" or "Sharpnose Puffers" ( Canthigaster sp. ) have a much different appearance than their larger relatives. These puffers stay much smaller - usually under about 5 inches in length - and have a pointed face. They are generally peaceful toward other fish, but will not tolerate other puffers. They also have a reputation for being "fin nippers", and should not be kept with invertebrates or with passive or showy-finned fish. Tobies are bold eaters that do best on a diet of frozen meaty foods like clams, mussels, squid, and shrimp (shells intact) as well as some algae. All puffers can be destructive inverts and corals so it is not recommended that they be housed in reef tanks. It is important to never provoke a puffer to see it inflate. Puffing is a stress or defense reaction, and it can cause health problems or even death for a puffer. The fish can swallow air or over-inflate with water, leading to even more stress as the fish attempted to recover and even death due to stress-related complications or internal injuries. If a puffer inflates, remove the source of the stress, lower the lighting on the tank and allow the fish to recover on its own. Avoid using a net or removing the puffer from the water and exposing it to air. Instead, transfer with rigid containers, which will minimize stress that can cause them to puff. Visit That Fish Blog for more information from our marine biologists on Pufferfish and other aquarium-related topics!

THE ROYAL TOBY HOTEL $177.27 HOTELYEAR BUILT 1957ADDITIONAL PROPERTY DESCRIPTION THE ROYAL TOBY HOTEL IS A 53 BEDROOMS, 4 STAR VENUE WHICH CAN CATER FOR A VARIETY OF OCCASIONS. WE ADDED OUR STYLISH BEDROOMS TO THE EXISTING GRAND BUILDING IN APRIL 97. THE AMBIENCE IS MATCHED WITH COURTEOUS, FRIENDLY EFFICIENCY. WHETHER ON A BUSINESS TRIP OR HERE FOR A SPECIAL WEEKEND BREAK, WE WILL ENSURE YOUR EVERY NEED WILL BE CATERED FOR. AS SOON AS YOU ARRIVE, YOU WILL BE TREATED AS A SPECIAL GUEST. OUR FRONT OF HOUSE TEAM IS HERE TO ENSURE YOU HAVE A CAREFREE AND MEMORABLE STAY. THE HOTEL GUESTS HAVE A CHOICE OF TWO RESTAURANTS, THE FALLEN ANGELS WHICH IS THEMED AROUND THE 14TH CENTURY ITALIAN RENAISSANCE PERIOD, SERVING A MEDITERRANEAN STYLE MENU. THE MORE TRADITIONAL MAIN RESTAURANT IS A VERY POPULAR VENUE WHICH SERVES THE FINEST STEAKS IN THE AREA, AT AFFORDABLE PRICES. STD MAX OCCUPANCY 3 MAX NBR OF ROLLAWAYS 0 ROOM DESCRIPTION OUR SPACIOUS EN SUITE BEDROOMS ARE DESIGNED WITH FLAIR, STYLE AND LUXURY. MOST HAVE A DOUBLE BED OR 2 SINGLE BEDS. EQUIPPED WITH WELCOME TRAYS, TROUSERS PRESS, HAIRDRYER, SATELLITE TV WITH IN HOUSE MOVIES ROOM AMENITIES CABLE/SATELLITE TV / CLOTHES PRESS / HAIRDRYER / IN ROOM MOVIESA1D MAX OCCUPANCY 2 MAX NBR OF ROLLAWAYS 0 ROOM DESCRIPTION FOR THAT ULTIMATE INDULGENCE, CHOOSE FROM THE BRIERLEY, SEDDON AND RODO SUPERIOR ROOMS. THESE ROOMS FEATURE A FOUR POSTER BED, LARGE SCREEN TV, AMPLE DESK TOP SPACE AND HAVE LAVISH INTERIORS WHICH MAKE FOR A BEAUTIFUL BRIDAL SUITE. OR FOR A MORE CONTEMPORARY DESIGN WITH ADDITIONAL SPACE AND A MODERN FEEL, WE OFFER THE MAXWELL OR VICTORIA. ROOM AMENITIES DESK / TELEVISION

I heart toby Love Mug by CafePress $15 I heart toby Love Mug The perfect size for your favorite morning beverage or late night brew. Large, easy-grip handle. Treat yourself or give as a gift to someone special. Measures 3.75 tall, 3 diameter. Dishwasher and microwave safe.

Toby Tyler $19.99 Toby Tyler - Premium Poster

Punch and Toby $49.99 George Cruikshank Punch and Toby - Giclee Print

Toby Hanks Sampler $14.99 Toby Hanks Sampler

Toby the CAG Pets Kids Light T-Shirt by CafePress $15 Toby's having fun hanging upside down Taken from an original watercolor by Janet Bray, this shows just how entertaining parrots can be Show you're a parrot lover by wearing this silly Congo Africa Pets Kids Light T-Shirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt The youth-sized version of our popular adult favorite. It's preshrunk and durable - just what a playful, active kid needs.6.1 oz. 100% cotton. Runs large, size down for better fit..

Toby Gerhart Stanford $99.99 Toby Gerhart Stanford - Wall Decal

The Office - I'm Toby $21.99 The Office - I'm Toby - T-Shirt

Alternatives Toby $119.85 Alternatives Toby Eyeglasses for Unisex are available at BestBuyEyeglasses.com in the following colors: Black, Blue, Brown, Silver. The style is Rectangle and the frame material is Metal. Alternatives Toby Metal. These frames accept prescription lenses.

Rembrand Toby $89.85 Rembrand Toby Eyeglasses for Unisex are available at BestBuyEyeglasses.com in the following colors: Gray/Gunmetal, Silver, Yellow. The frame material is Metal. Rembrand Toby Metal. These frames accept prescription lenses.

Punch with Toby the Dog $49.99 Emily Lees Punch with Toby the Dog - Giclee Print

Youth: The Office - I'm Toby $17.99 Youth: The Office - I'm Toby - T-Shirt

Juniors: The Office - I'm Toby $21.99 Juniors: The Office - I'm Toby - T-Shirt

MaxStudio Women's Toby Slingback Sandal $49.5 MaxStudio Women's Toby Slingback Sandal

Toby in the Dark (Unabridged) $6.79 For sixty-five years Toby the toy panda has lain in the dark loft....

Uncle Toby's War Games $49.99 Rowland Wheelwright Uncle Toby's War Games - Giclee Print

Uncle Toby and Widow Wadman $49.99 Charles Robert Leslie Uncle Toby and Widow Wadman - Giclee Print