Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

On Etsy

Thanks again for all your insight. I suppose it is all in how you look at it, but I believe desertmountainbear has hit it on the head - it is a lot to ask. Wow. Thanks again for your comments, I appreciate it.

Thank you!

I really love him. And stories, I love stories !!!

Well I'm glad to see I'm not the only one in this boat. What a guilt ridden situation, I tend to feel terrible reading the sad stories, then worse for knowing I can't donate! I suppose it is the nature of the business, but I just can't afford to donate this much!! I suppose I will get use to it over time. Harden up my shell, if you may. Thanks for your help.

Hello

Recently, I have been inundated with donation requests. While I have tried to fulfill some of these that I see as legit, I cannot donate on a continuing basis. As you know, costs are high in creating, and like many of you, I am a one-creating businessperson. A friend suggested offering a discount in my store, a coupon, etc. - I'm considering this, but I charge just enough on my creations to pay myself and my costs with very little profit. So putting coupons and discounts out is actually taking from my labor costs, etc. For those of you with many years of experience, how do you handle the requests? Do you do one donation a year? How do you politely decline? Do you have a standard decline letter/paragraph you could share? It's very tough for me to say no, especially with the heart-wrenching stories. However, if I continue the donations, I'll be out of business in no time; and I've not been up for over a year yet.

Thanks in advance for any info

Thank you so much !

Thank you! I appreciate the compliment

Thank you! He really is adventurous, I can barely keep him inside!!!

He dreams of one day owning his own boat and sailing the seas!!!!

Hello

My latest bear, Bruno, has went on an adventure. He would like to share some photos !

Thank you!

Ha!!! Thanks so much

Thanks so much

Thank you it is very shaggy!

I would like to share my latest creation with you, Cecil.

Hello

I would like to share my latest creation with you, Cecil.

Thank you! I believe he plays it down well, hiding behind that lovely fur, but I know him better!

Hello!

I would like to show you all my latest creation, Edgar. He was born late last night. He is available on my Etsy shop bear_original

Thanks very much for your help

Hello

I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions for pattern sites / books for smaller bears? My recent guy is approx 9.5 inches head to foot and I'm at a loss. I'd really love to make him some overalls.

Thank you all for answering. I hadn't thought of that method as well.!!! thanks again

thank you again for always answering. I think you are my most useful teddy bear question answerer!

i'll give it my best shot!

Hello

Recently, I purchased some eyes online. I did not know til they came today, that they were in fact safety eyes. Is there still a way I can use these with mohair? I notice as well they are plastic, so my original thought of snapping the back and cooking a wire into it with clay is just not possible