Chiseled Wooden Bear-Knots

BEARS INDIVIDUALLY CHISELED FROM OHIO AROMATIC CEDAR

Bruns, known for her work with wood, is the creator of the impressive one-of-a-kind “Bear-Knots”.
Chiseled and hand-painted in the foothills of Appalachian Mountains, these cedar bears are carved from freshly cut fragrant wood found in the coniferous forests of North America.   Each 29’ Bear-Knot develops a distinctive look as it goes through the natural drying and aging process.  Bear-knots have a cloth body with wooden inner-structure. Designed by artist Nancy Bruns to sit on their own.  One-of-a-kind costuming, made to look tattered and worn, adds to the charming quality of these companion animals.  A burlap bag is just the extra touch you may expect from the original doll and bear artist Nancy Bruns.  Each Bear-Knot is specially named and registered at Brunswood Dolls and Bears. 


Pair of Bears

Mountain Cedar Climber Bearknot

 

THE LEGEND OF OLE’ RUSH

Escape of the Dancing Bear By Nancy Bruns ©  2010

According to mountain folklore, a dancing bear, in colorful costume, escaped from a Russian Carnival while performing at a Tennessee side show.  Fleeing his pursuers, the bear followed the French Broad River back toward the Great Smoky Mountains.  After shedding the flashy attire, Ole’ Rush, as he was called, encountered a cantankerous Appalachian farmer, named Lijea Brown, who along with his fiests and curs set out to catch the burly bear with unrelenting vengeance. 

It was close to sunset, Rush was in an orchard where he had taken up residence since his escape. As he was pawing the ground, Brown who had ridden his donkey up the trail, suddenly appeared from behind some trees.  With trusty knife in hand, he began chasing the bear in hot pursuit.  After a long chase, the bear was able to distance himself from his trackers, taking refuge in the dense woods to elude detection. 

With the passing of summer and the chill of winter in the air, Rush settled high in the mountains.  A bruised and tired ole’ bear found refuge on a cliff overlooking the valley below.  As he crouched in the darkness under a sheltering rock, for protection from the howling wind and rain, two green eyes suddenly appeared.  A wolf with wet hair quietly lay down beside him, and they warmed each other through the stormy night.  Bewildered but content, the creatures fell into deep sleep knowing they had found temporary peace.

 

 

 

Pricing

Ole' Rush Bear
$60
Chiseled Cedar Bear Knots
$150