Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Yes, Shelli, please get that bear to your photo closet and let us see.... it's fun that so many of you shared pics of your workspace, I can picture you all there!:D

Kim,
I don't know about Winney but I found froggies to be easy to design but tough to make.... I recommend going BIG... tiny frog legs are almost impossible to turn!! The froggy I made was 3 1/2".... that's pretty small legs with big feet to squeeze through!

(get out your magnifying glass... sorry the pic is so tiny!!) Here's a link to the big pic: http://www.backroadbears.com/Rhondas%20Froggy.jpg He's got spots on his back but they don't show in the photo.:(
Daphne

Kirsten,
I completely understand your situation. There is certainly a time and a place for everything. Keep it as a hobby. It should never feel like you HAVE to do it. Your family certainly comes first. Once you've settled into your new home, mommyhood and teaching if you plan to go back you'll find a routine that's comfortable. Then maybe you'll feel like persuing bear making once more.

Do be sure to do three things for us though:

1. Make some special bears for that baby before life gets to hectic with moving and it's arrival!
2. Let us know if you need us to take some of your supplies off your hands!!:D
3. Post pictures of your baby for us when it comes!!! You know how we are about such things!!! All the Aunties will want to see!

We would miss you terribly if you left but love you just the same!!!:)
Hugs,
Daphne

Kim,
Like you and Amanda I too keep checking and checking and checking... I bookmark the auction so I can bring it up quick. In the beginning I watch like crazy, then I have to try to forget about it for a day or two in the middle... usually nothing happens til the very end. Then on the last 12 hours I am GLUED to my computer. The last auction I did went up  and up and up every time I clicked refresh in the last 3 minutes. It was nerve racking. I had 27 people watching, only 5 bidding. I know many were other artists here and family and friends so like Amanda said, don't read too much into that!
Don't drive yourself too crazy but know we all do the same thing!
Good luck!
Daphne

Nanc,
Thank you for all that info!!!
All of the symptoms you mentioned dad suffers from. Malnutrition is such a concern of mine. Not only does eating hurt, he has to be extra careful because many foods have nutrients that cause Kidney stones and his kidneys are making them constantly. He is now lactose intolerant.
I know he's been tested for the diesases you mentioned and others as well. All with negative results.
But there maybe something else in all you mentioned that hasn't been thought of or retested in the past year (he repeats all the test annually just in case...) so I'm going to send your post along to my mom... she's the researcher.

I'm glad your friend is recovering from her IBS.

Nancy, thank you for your time, prayers and sharing your knowledge!

Hugs,
Daphne

Dilu - I sold the dog right away on eBay! I only have picutres now!

Wow, news to me too! I searched for it at least a year ago without success and hadn't done another search before I asked the question of you all last night. Guess I need to do more research!!! I'm going to go all Jo Ann's right now after I check out CRs Crafts!
Thank you, Donna, Gina & Jill!
Sue Ann, you don' have to use any!!!:P:D
Daphne

Yes, I'm going CRAZY!!!:|:/:):D:lol:

No, actually I'm not! I had a question to post and also wanted to tell you about the yummiest little snack I discovered today!!! So, I'm combining the two.....

First the yummy thing.... Nestle Toll House Swirled Morsels.... Milk Chocolate & Peanut Butter!!!! I'm in heaven!!! Yup, eattin' them right out of the bag!!!! I suppose they'd be good in cookies but doubt I'll have enough left in the bag for that!!! Besides, why go to all that trouble???:lol: OK, I'm being good and not having the whole bag all at once and it's better than eating a whole pint of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream (my former addiction). Other than these I've quit eating chocolate so please don't yell at me!!!:/

Now, the question....

Has anyone stumbled upon BLACK fiberfill?????? I know they make black batting for quilting but I want black stuffing. When I make my four legged black bears trying to get all the stuffing out of the seams and trying to brush the stray fibers away is a real pain.... I wonder if fiberfill can be dyed??? What a mess that would be!!!

I'll go back to nibbling, err..... sewing now!!!

Hugs,
Daphne

Sue Ann,
My grandfather died of complications from Alzheimer's after living with it for 2 years. It seemed to be a fast progression for him. He was in a nursing home for only 3 weeks before he passed away. I'm sure as you said that many of us have some sort of experience with this disease. Keep doing those crosswords!!! They say using your mind actively is a great way to keep demensia & Alzheimers at bay a bit longer than those who don't so. I'll keep your mother in my prayers (and you too!!)
Hugs,
Daphne

Hayley....... Americans & TP....... what a riot!!
I suppose the Britts and Aussies don't use as much TP!? Do y'all ................ oh, never mind!!!

Ya know, they actually make extensions for your TP holder so the humongus 'tripple' rolls will fit... all so we don't have to change the roll so often!! (I SAW a commerial on TV... I don't actually HAVE one!!!) Talk about lazy!!!

Linda - Welcome! I've made bunnies, dogs, a frog, and moose. I'll see what I can find for pictures but they are all on my website should you be interested in taking a peek!

Kim - Pomeranian mohair: Edinburgh has 3" mohair in the perfect color for a blonde pom... I think they have it in black too. It's #A30... they don't show a color selection on their website but if you call or email them you can find out what colors they have in stock. I used color #4044 Honey. It's so yummy! Here's the wheaten terrier I made with it: (he's about 9" sitting)

Sue Ann - That bunny is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!! Wow!!

Such creative, imaginative folks here!

Kim,
I couldn't even get the forum to come up this morning. I have Teddy Talk bookmarked and it just wouldn't open... kept getting that 'page cannot be found' or whatever message. I could bring up everything in my bookmark list.
Oh well, we're all here now! :)
Daphne

Louise, Hayley, Sue Ann, Shelli and everyone...
Thank you!!:)

As an only child I sometimes feel like I carry the weight of the world but it's a comfort, although maybe selfish, to know I'm by no means the only one carrying such burdens as sick/dying parents. I just thank God for every day I have with them and that He gave me life so that I could be here for them. I also know I'm very human and get to feeling overloaded sometimes, no matter how hard I pray! But I keep putting one foot in front of the other... Thank you for your kind words and prayers!

Nanc - good for you in your diet habits and changes. I have cut waaay back on chocolate and feel so much better from doing so! I had chocolate for breakfast I was so addicted! (Hmm... not a smart thing for a diabetic!!) I also bought a ton of bottled water at the grocery store today.... while thinking of you! Our faucet water gives me a stomach ache! Hubby thinks it's great...ick! Speaking of hubby... he drinks flavored sparkling spring water (no sugar) instead of regular water.... says it quenches his thirst and settles his stomach which is always upset due to stress. I think he'd have less tummy problems if he didn't drink all those 'bubbles'!! Do you suppose sparkling water falls into the SODA category??

You Are What You Eat!!!

Jossan is right, you can be stressed by doing nothing if it gives you feelings of self-worthlessness etc. I sometimes feel that way as a bear artist, feeling like I should be out there, at 35 yrs. old, having a real career earning 'real' money as I call it. Being like the majority of the american population.

Hayley & Sue Ann, you and your families face many challenges with your hearing losses. Thankfully you've been able to hear in your life time and there are aids and implants to help in most tho' not all situations. Medicine has come a long way and new developments are always being made, new technology always being introduced. As long as doctors know what's wrong I hope they'll be able to provide the solutions you need when the time comes to 'give you back your hearing' so to speak.

Hugs to you all!
Daphne

Thank you, Shelli!

Yes, Hayley, please read that article and tell us what they meant! Then we'll all have a protest!!

Hayley,
Your mom and dad sound like a very special couple! How lucky they are to have eachother! They've been and continue to go through a lot together. And they have you too!! I hope your mom can get the headaches under control once and for all. And Dilu too!!! It can be so disabling to have a long term headache.
My heart and prayers go out to you all!!

Hugs & Warm Fuzzies,
Daphne

I"ll try not to get too carried away on the medical thing here but as an addition to Dilu's ceveat:
Knowledge is power... read and learn...

Most doctors are too busy to look beyond the surface to get to the root of a problem.
They only treat symptoms, not the cause.

Many times the meds they perscribe cause side effects that the doctors then turn around and treat with...
yup... more meds. See a vicious cycle forming here??

Many patients are too trusting in their doctors to question what they are told but it's so important to do some research yourself!! With the technology and information available to us there is no excuse not to!!!

Medicine isn't always the answer either... water is a perfect example!! I don't buy into ALL homeopathic remedies but many are a simple, less harmful solution to what ails you!

My father has been sick for 5 1/2 years... had to retire at 54 (He's 60 now), on disability, has been to all the big hospitals in the USA (8 anyway) and suffers every day with pain, fatigue, IBS (irritable bowel syndrom), perpetual kidney stones, the inability to eat food other than eggs and rice cakes... the list is endless of the ailments that crop up. Anyway, the bottom line... NO DOCTOR KNOWS WHATS WRONG WITH HIM!!!! He's had every blood test, scan, x-ray, etc. They all come up normal! He's gone to Natropaths, holistic practitioners, 11 different medical specialists and then started all over. He keeps having tests hoping SOMETHING will show up. Any diagnosis would be easier to deal with than not knowing and wondering what the future brings. It's not looking too bright. His muscles are starting to degenerate, skin tone is getting grayer, ability to hold a train of thought for any extended period of time is impossible, memory isn't too sharp. He's got a great sense of dry humor though... when he has the energy. But, he's waaaay to young for this. Mom is such a trooper. She's diabetic and suffered a heart attack at 58 and has a 93 yr. old mother to care for too. She could really use a break from the medical profession when it comes to treating my dad.

Wish water was the answer for everything!:|

I'm sorry I rambled... I keep it in most of the time... don't face it at other times... then get mad... then feel sorry for dad...... then dump on you all!! Sorry! I just spent this past weekend with my folks and although we had some fun I could really see how much dad is suffering now... something you don't see over the telephone.

You are all like family to me and I know you'll listen and I appreciate that very much!! Thank you!

Bear Hugs,
Daphne

Hi Mark!! So glad you've joined us!!
I went to my bank where I have my bear business account and had my account set up to accept credit cards as well. They gave me a merchant number and an 800# to call to get authorizations. So, anytime someone pays by MC/VISA I simply call the automated 800#, provide my merchant # and the credit card info and I get an approval right then and there. The money goes directly into my business account within 24 hours. Nothing to take to the bank. I can call while I'm at a show if cell phone works and I'm not real busy or I can call them all in at once after the show. Always get the person's phone number and a mailing address if you can... just in case!! I've not had any problems yet...2 years. There is a fee per transaction and a monthly fee as well... I'm sure each bank is different. Paypal is now offering members with a business or professional account (I've forgotten what they call it) the ability to accept credit cards off line. This might be something to look into as well.

It's helpful to accept credit cards but it also costs money. You might want to do a few shows and see if it's worth doing or not. I know just as many artists who don't acept credit cards as those who do. I used to offer lay away with free shipping at shows so as not to loose a sale.

That's just my two cents.....

Good luck at your first show!

We'd love to see a photo or two of your bears if you're willing to show us!!:)

Daphne

I always aim for 'dainty' features when trying to make a girl bear... doesn't always work out! When I make girl bears the muzzle is usually shorter or comes to more of a point, embroidered nose is small. I use small eyes, set fairly close together. Ears are usually small, often set higher on the head. But mosly I'd say it's all just by chance if I get a girl bear. I've tried for girls in the past... even made a lavender mohair bear once, meant to be a girl of course, but no matter what I did she had a very male face. So, I made a hat with a veil for he/she to wear.... with the pearls, bouquet in hand, etc. you'd never know the diffrence... even stitched the veil down!! She sold fast! Go figure!!:lol:

Oh, Di....
I did read your post before I went on vacation and thought of you often. I hope one day soon you and your doctor can get to the root of your headaches and end them once and for all. I can just imagine how draining and fatiguing a head ache can been when it lasts that long!!
I hope it's gone and you are back to your wonkiness and making us laugh real soon!!!
Big Bear Hugs,
Daphne

Hi Sue Ann,
Glad you are back... The girls didn't listen too well.... lots of chatter while you were gone!!!
I must get catching up myself!!!
Hugs,
Daphne

I'm back and boy did I miss you all and our chats!! Thought of you often but I did it...I went almost four whole days without my computer!!!

Here are a few pictures from our long weekend at our cabin. It's in the northwestern part of Maine in the mountains, by a lake.... a beautiful spot as you will see...

Our cabin (2 bdrm, full bath, full kit, family rm w/frplc, elec., running water... by no means roughing it.. as close to 'camping' as I get!!) :lol:

One of the lakes... Mooselookmaguntuk.... it's pronounced just as it's spelled! And yes, many moose in the area... no good pictures this time though.

Shot of a magnificent sunset from the water...

See that first tall peak to the right of the sun? Henry proposed to me there 5 years ago this summer!;) What a climb that was...

Speaking of my hubby, here he is with Tucker...

And my folks came to visit us this weekend... first time to the cabin... we had a wonderful time showing them around and dragging them up a mountain......

Hope you've enjoyed our vacation as much as we did!!

Now, I have two weeks till my first show this year and lots to do. Had a box from Edinburgh waiting for me when we got home today.... FUN, FUN, FUN!!! That's like Christmas even though I know what's in it! Big question is, now that I know I can go 4 days without my laptop can I stay off it that long this week? I already know the answer to that one!!!;) See you tomorrow!!:P

Bear Hugs,
Daphne

Shelli, I thought the same thing back about a month ago ... doing a Teddy Talk cookbook when I got something in the mail from a company that publishes just such 'club cookbooks'. I think it's a great idea!!! I'll be in charge of.....whatever part I can be! Just as long as I don't actually have to COOK any of the recipes... unless it's sweets or breads... I LOVE to bake - totally different thing.

Sue Ann, I've baked some of that Kookie Brittle to take to our cabin with us this weekend. I bet it doesn't last the 5 hour drive!!! Mmmmmmm!

My bags are packed, I'm ready to go
Standin' here, but can't let go...

How will I survive the next 4 days?

No laptop or Teddy Talk
(What fits that rhymes with teddy talk?)

OK, that went down hill fast but I LOVE Peter Paul and Mary and that song. I think John Denver did a version of it too.

Anyway, hubby and I (and Tucker too) are off to our cabin in the woods for 4 days. I usually bring my laptop but have decided to leave it behind... so you all won't have to 'listen' to my blathering on about nothing for a few days and when I get back I'll have a zillion new posts to read so like Sue Ann said - "Don't post anything while I'm gone!" :lol:

Have a great weekend, talk share, learn and have fun!!! I expect to be able to put together a whole weeks worth of menus when I get back with all the wonderful recipes and hope at least 5 more of you lurkers out there will jump in and start chattering and sharing with us!

See you Sunday night!

Bear Hugs,
Daphne

Laura,
Thank you (I'm blushing)..... I try to live by the K.I.S.S. motto (Keep It Simple Stupid) when doing my website cause let's face it... some folks aren't as swift with internet surfing as others, some don't like to read a whole lot, many just want to see pictures and I try to make the first page simple so they can jump right in to where ever on the site they want to go without holding them up for a long explination of me & my bears. If they want to know more they can click on the appropriate link. First page is a brief intro encouraging visitors to check out the rest of my site. That's just MY feeling. :)

A bit of advice for anyone designing a site: Think about what you like about sites you visit. Think about what it is you'd want to know/see right off the bat when logging on to an artist's site... what would entice you to visit the other pages of a bear site? My other word of advice is keep it easy to follow.... easy fonts to read, graphics that pop but don't take away from your verbage or photos of bears... make it clear where to click to get to get to the info they want.

Less Is More!

Now, if you were to see my house it's anything but LESS as we're pack rats and just walking through my sewing room is anything but simple!!!:lol::lol:

Oh, one more thing....

Once you've got your site up and running don't think it stops there! You can and will tweak and tweak and tweak and tweak some more!!! (OK, I'm sounding like a mouse!!)

Hugs, especially to you, Laura! Your site really looks fantastic!!!
Daphne