Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Wow Jenny, that sounds like the staff there just make up their own minds on what procedures to take! Nevermind any training to keep some kind of consistency.

And yeah, what you say reminds me of something my apprentice-jewelry-maker said. It can be hard not to be influenced by some things, especially when you are being taught techniques and design in a class or whatever. In such an instance there's no escaping the influence of the teacher's methods and style. Although most people will try to work it and turn it into something of their own.

I'm wondering if I can get some advice regarding the copyrighting of sewing designs? The story is a little long-winded but I'll try to simplify it.

Someone I know made a pattern for a beanie with cute animal ears on it. You know the sort, a lot of people make them. Anyway, she developed a pattern so there were less seams making up the ears. Recently someone else (whom had also made a pattern earlier for hats with a similar seamless style) has made a complaint about copyright infringement on their design. Consequently Etsy has removed person A's items from her store and another online site has closed her account completely.

What I discovered in Australian Laws (and US laws are very similar in this instance so I'm told) is that patterns and instructions may be copyrighted but "Copyright does not protect ideas or information. Nor does it protect styles or techniques or methods."

So the person whom the complaint has been made against presumably hasn't done anything wrong? So long as the pattern hasn't been stolen or reverse-engineered. Yet both Storenvy and Etsy are ignoring her when she points this out.

Does anyone here have any advice on what she can do? Or has had any similar situations in regards to their work? She's not a friend but I feel for her predicament, especially when the person who made the complaint sells work based off trademarked characters from movies and cartoons. Seems very hypocritical to me!

I'm surprised they're even able to claim they're covered because they had 'no returns' on their page. If an item is faulty and not described as faulty when sold, it's illegal to the claim they don't accept refunds. At least it is in Australia. Whatever happened to consumer protection?

Definitely take it up and make a claim!

Thanks for the tutorial! Nicely explained and photographed.

Good point about following the nap of the fur. Will definitely practice on a small section. And yeah, want to give him a nice fluffy neck and chest, with the shorter fur more on his back and sides. I'll be looking at lots of photos as I design this.

Hi guys! Long time no post. Not that it's stopped my brain from thinking about what animals I want to sew and how I can joint them with armatures. But this particular question is about fur and how best to trim it.

I've bought some lovely rusty red fur that's very long and fluffy. Perfect for a fox tail but not for the body. As I want to have the same red used for both, what would be the best way to 'shave down' some of the fur for the body pieces?

Obviously I want it to look even and not choppy. I was considering borrowing my brother's hair trimmer (one of those ones with the interchangeable blade guards so you can limit how short you cut). Has anyone else tried this? Or is there a better way?

I'd not heard of the technique using different-sized discs. Must try it for my next bear! But would it still work on a miniature bear? The disc size I use for them is usually the size of a hole-punch. Would it still work if I trimmed one down to be smaller?

One way to find out of course. ;)

Such a cute rabbit! And I have to agree, I love his pose - standing on tiptoe like that. Very very cute!

Ok, this is probably a very very odd question (it came to me at 2am last night so forgive me). But I was pondering how to shade my bars without using copics since using alot of copic on fur tended to make it feel sticky. Dying wouldn't work because I am addicted to synthetic faux fur. I'd try airbrushing but I haven't got the machine, although I have yet to give the ol paint-brush technique a go.

Annnnyway.... what did pop into my head was whether make-up would work? You know, just your usual eyeshadow powders?

I did a little sample on a scrap of white fur (working it right down into the fur fabric) and it blended in quite nicely and looked (and felt) very soft. I couldn't get my sample to smudge very much at all but then I did only put it on a small amount. I wonder if using a hair-dyer on it would heat-set it like paint?

Has anyone else tried this? Is there anything I should know before trying it on a bear?

They have adorable faces! So cute! And I really love the colours you've used. Not your usual greens and reds (not that there's anythng wrong with green and red dragons of course) but I think it makes them stand out. 

Heehee, I love foxes too! Despite them being considered a pest here and all. But I can guarantee this guy won't be eatting any native wildlife.  :lol:

I'm hoping to sell him (and some other's I'm working on) at an upcoming convention. Just reading up the topics on pricing. It's a tricky subject! I was quietly horrified when a workmate estimated $30. Best to ask the artists and collectors themselves I think. The ones who know the business. The $10 per inch sounds fair enough, since he's about 5".

Haven't been very active here lately. Oops..
But I would like you all to meet my latest little critter. First non-bear plush, also my second self-designed pattern.
I'm very pleased with how he came out but I also learnt alot of things while making him that I'll incorporate into future designs.

More photos here:
http://deeed.deviantart.com/art/Take-Me-Home-87347124
Facial close-ups here:
http://deeed.deviantart.com/art/Fox-Plu … s-87348079

That.... just blew me away. Amazing work and ideas! I'm very impressed! I'd never really thought of what else might be scuptured with needlefelting but as you can see here, practically anything can! Thank you very much for sharing the link. :D

What a great idea! I'll certainly be trying out this tip next time.

Oh they are all so darling! They'll sell out in no time at all.
I really love Ambrose too!

I adore the face and expression! I'd never thought to use doll eyes on bears - gives a great dimension to their personality.

Absolutly gorgeous! So much detail. I really love the eyes. I've never seen anything like them - except on real lemurs of course! :D

Gorgeous! They look like great buddies. A very happy home for the both of them - with each other for company. Awww...

I particularly love the colours around Sebastian's eyes and muzzle. Is it painted lighter or another piece of lighter fur? I've always wondered how it might be done and if painting lighter colours onto darker fur works. I hope you don't mind me asking.

She has such a sweet face! And I love the dress.
How big is she?

Has anyone ever thought to have stencils made of their most-used patterns?
I read in Debbie Kesling's book how she suggested making stamps of patterns but then I saw a stencil stall at a craft fair and asked them about having custom stencils made.

I suppose you would have to draw any notes you need on them with pernament marker (unless it was part of the cut-out area) and it's more expensive than paper cutouts. But it'd last longer and could save you having to pin alot of different bits of paper to the material. Especially if you set up the stencil to get the most out of a patch of fabric.

Just an idea that crossed my mind..

Congrats on the award! And as Marilyn said, it's well deserved! I like the downward tilt, he looks almost shy, awww....
And are the pawpads NF'ed too? You did a great job on making them a realistic shape.

Thank you. *blushes*

Funny thought though.... of the 6 bears I've made so far (the ones before this using other kits and patterns from books) 5 of them have been given away to friends and family as birthday prezzies. I need to make some for myself too! 

Thanks for all the advice guys!

I have to agree that the foam mold doesn't really do it for me as art either. All the fun of sculpting it into shape yourself is taken away! And I can imagine a foam block inside would deteriorate faster, particularly if it's been stabbed and broken up by the needle.

Looks like wool is the way to go. 

As for merino, yes I saw your post about it not being as good as it's proclaimed to be and that other types could be soft and far better to work with (if I could just fine it again and make a note of the breed's names). I'll use up what I have bought already, waste not want not, and then make an effort to check out this new wool shop I found. It might take longer to get to but I think what I'll save on fustration and wasted effort by using the right wool will make up for it. You'd think in Oz I'd have no trouble finding wool!

p.s. Thanks Judi!

No, haven't tried eyelids yet. It was just a litle suede backing behind the bead.

Thanks guys! I look forward to coming up with more patterns.

Wow, that rabbit is incredible!

Oh, I know about the foam for leaning on but I may have mistaken what I thought I read....

But the sewn felt body base sounds like a good idea. I've always wondered how people put in weights in their NF work!
Would shot be best for that? So the needle go through the little balls with less risk of breaking?

The main reason I ask is that I only have a supply of merino wool at the moment and get the feeling that it'll take a much longer time to felt. I know it's not recommended for large creations but it's the only stuff I can find in stores here. Although I hope to find a better selection at a newly discovered store...

Of course you should always take your time and put in the effort on all your creations. *wink*