Bear it in Mind

Opened in late 2006, Bear it in Mind, located in Beaulieu High Street is literally brimming with bears of all shapes, sizes, colours and designs. Owned and run by Julie Tatchell, a true local having lived in and around the Forest for the majority of her life, the shop is aimed at both children and adults alike and walking into the welcoming and fun store I defy anyone to not discover (or, as in my case, rediscover!) their love for bears.

The space is split into a dual purpose, one side housing the retail shop and the other, a workshop, allowing children (or those slightly older!) to explore their budding creative talents. With prices starting at £3.85 per child and a wide range of crafts on offer including beadwork, mosaic, wool and textile, printing, and plaster mould and tile decorating Bear it in Mind is sure to keep your little ones occupied for hours! CLICK HERE to see the upcoming events on offer at Bear it in Mind this summer. The studio is also available for Kids parties...what better way to keep them quiet?!

My favourite section, however, has to be the vast selection of bears that house themselves in the shop. From well known brands such as Deans, Steiff, Gund, Hermann and Robin Rive to the limited edition, one-off bears designed by local artists it is easy to find a bear to suit all pockets and put a smile on anybody’s face!

The small Hardy Bears designed and made by June Kendall. Made in our town of Lymington from quality mohair, June uses the same techniques to make her beautifully detailed bears as in the 1900s.

My favourite bear in the whole store was Poppy (left), part of the Shantock Bears collection by Eleanor Andrews. Eleanor started making bears only 4 years ago, but after a lifelong love for bears her flair really shines through and already she has been recognised and appeared in several premier bear magazines including Teddy Bear Club and Teddy Bear Scene.

Exclusive to Bear it in Mind is “Bartie Bristle of Beaulieu” (right). Using the company artwork and designed by Amanda Middleton of Hairy Hugs, Bartie is only available until the end of this year when a different edition will be available.

These are to name just a few of the artists that show and sell their work in Bear it in Mind. This summer there are opportunities for  anyone to go into the store on selected dates and watch artists demonstrate their trade and maybe even commission your own unique teddy bear! CLICK HERE for more information on artists and dates that they will be appearing in store.

Thanks to Julie, Bear it in Mind has a welcoming, friendly atmosphere that from the moment you step through the door provokes a childlike feeling of energy in anyone of any age. Whether you pop in for a few minutes to browse the wide range of bears, or stay for hours painting your own, the service you receive will be of the best possible and you will certainly look forward to your inevitable return visit. HM

Bear it in Mind, High Street, Beaulieu, Hampshire

Tel: 01590 612098

Email: info@bearitinmind.com