Those who've been paying attention may have recently read my article on Linden Bears, where I pointed out that it seems to be becoming more common that people with the surname Linden are now choosing to have someone build their Bear (the gift that they give away, that's meant to represent them), rather than taking the time to make them personally. At the end of the piece, I explained, by making a bear of my own, that making something personal and cute is not that difficult, and put out a challenge to other sl residents to make their own bears, and send them to me, to show the Lindens how it's done. I'm delighted to say, I've not been disappointed.

First of all, I nagged our very own Trinity Dechou to make a bear. Eventually, she put together this adorable plush toy, which due to it's little ears, has a mole-like charm. It comes complete with a replica of Trin's favourite sniper rifle, and if you're wondering what it's reading, well, it's a lil copy of everyone's favourite Rez Magazine, of course!


Not wanting to be outdone, Trinity's partner and master builder, Aimee Trescothick, put her skills towards bear creation, and sent me this ethereal animal, with amazing use of glow, and a swirling inner beauty, giving it an amazing ghostly beauty. Oh, and I've heard of a special version that only Trin has, with a glowing heart inside.


My partner, Allanah Tomsen, also rose to the challenge, creating this Koala-like red and black bear, which she specially scripted so that when you click it, it gives you a notecard with a hug for you, since there are never enough hugs going round, and this hug you can keep and treasure, much like the bear itself.


Meanwhile, Tucor Capalini had been working on themed bears as prizes to go with the carnival stalls he'd been designing (which you can buy here.. I particularly recommend the Clockwork Orange Bear). When he heard about my bear challenge, he designed this superb Tucor Bear, complete with his signature visor, and some rather fine flexi hair.

Neko Cummere Mayo sent me this fabulously feline cuddly toy, as a simple bear would not have embodied her kitty tendencies. This adorable teddycat has Cummere's crimson hair, and a happy little flicking tail.


Squirrel Wood sent me this very existential "Bear Inside", a kind of Schrodinger's Bear, where as long as you believe that there is a bear is inside the impenetrable box, then there is.


Tal Chernov's avatar is that of a furry polar bear, who wears cyberpunk goggles, so that his bear represents him more most, being in fact, almost a miniature version of himself. And at over 100 prims, there has been some definite time and effort put into constructing this adorable albino.


I even received a bear from an SL Legend, the King of the Hobos, Orhalla Zander. In between the many projects he has going on, he also found time to make one of the cutest bears I've seen. This chubby little cardboard box dwelling bear is definitely all hobo, with the happy go lucky scamp sporting a cheeky wink, a can of beer, and Orhalla's trademark barrel outfit.


However, the bear which has brought the most sheer joy was this Magician Bear by Joeseph Albanese. As well as being a fantastically cute bear in his own right, the delight comes when you click on his wand. The little fella attempts to dazzle you with a magic trick, but unfortunately sets his hat on fire. Once he realises his mistake, he then conjures a magic fire extinguisher (more successfully this time) which you can click to put out the fire, and save his hat from fiery doom.



So there you go. Once again the residents of SL show just how creative they can be when a challenge is thrown down. I only hope more people rise to the challenge. After all, one thing I've learned from this whole experience is how great it is to be given a little bear that someone has taken the time, effort and thought to build. So why not give your friends a bear today? I think they deserve it!