Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Well when it comes to mass produced bears I would say yeah the quality is going down because most companies are cutting cost.  But then companies like Steiff and Merry Thoughts and others still make wonderful traditional bears!  I found a Gund the other day that was so cute & very traditional, it almost looked like a Steiff ^_^

When it comes to artist bears I think everyone has their own style, but I'm sure some people make what sales too.  As an artist you might find that if you make a small change to your "style" and it sales better then you go with it LOL.  If not for the internet and shows I'm sure my bears would look nothing like they do, but I feel I'm still developing my style on my bears, because I haven't made as many as say like my Dragon Flutters.

Just sold all my 10mm but I'm pretty sure I have some 12mm and 14mm.  I'll check for you ^_^

Glad your back Krista! I can understand about the networking LOL I always feel like I'm in too many places.  Between having my website, blog, etsy, e-bay, Facebook, and so on I end up spending a whole day networking, and still find I've forgotten to update something  :doh:  And I'm finding facebook is a good way to get people to see your artwork but a big time waster all at the same time  :crackup:
But happy to see you here  :hug:

Sent you a PM Krista! I have a bunch of 10mm but sadly nothing smaller I can ship where ever someone wants ^_^ I also added a picture so everyone could see what type of eyes I'm talking about, but I have other sizes and colors  :hug:

^_^ it's all good! Yeah I use doll eyes for my soft sculpture creatures but have more than I can ever use.  I'm asking .50 cents to a $1 a pair depending on size + shipping.   :hug:

It means they are oval shaped not round and well have a flat back not fully round like most doll eyes. The fully round doll eyes are used on dolls that have a hollow head so they can be inserted in from the back. The flat back eyes are good for bears and sculpted dolls because they can be glued on the front.
They are like these http://www.ebay.com/itm/6-Pair-10mm-IRI … _932wt_689
But I have a bunch of different mm sizes

So I'm cleaning my art studio again! I have tons of fabric scraps that I just can't seam to throw away lol. There is some mohair, real fur, faux fur, felt, etc. When I say scraps most pieces are tiny under 2" so if anyone wants them they are free if your pay shipping ^_^ I can take pictures if anyone would like to see them.

Does anyone use acrylic doll eyes? I have a ton of flat back oval doll eyes that I know I'm never going to use. If anyone's intrested I'll sale them super cheap or trade for full round (globe style) doll eyes.  I have lots of sizes and colors ^_^

Thanks so much Lisa!!! I sent the info over to you  :hug:

Thanks so much Becky!!

Yeah I love the red & gold tother it's so "Asian" 

Finally got this guy all done!   The metallic fibers where a nightmare to work with LOL

I'm starting a project/website called Bzopa.com. What does Bzopa mean? It's artist in Tibetan! What is Bzopa.com? It will be a site for artist made by artist. Where they can sale their artwork online and be seen by collectors, licensing agents, galleries and more.
I need a few volunteers that are willing to answer a few simple short questions. Don't worry nothing personal will be asked and your answers will not be shared. This is for research only on my end so I can build a better website!!

If you're willing to volunteer just send me a PM or e-mail me at ninabolen@featherheart.com

Thanks everyone!!!

I just love my little Margo!

My swap partner was Bluberrycreations She's a needle felter like me but I wanted to make something different not needle felted.
I made this little bunny named "Bing" out of a vintage fox fur collar.  It's a new pattern that I've been designing for some time now.
Bing is now safe and sound in his/her new home ^_^

I use magic sculpt which is an epoxy clay.  It comes in 2 parts that you mix together and then you have about an hour before it's dry.  You can add a little water to it and it works just like clay Once it's dry it's like resin and very hard.  It can be sanded, drilled or have what ever done too it.  I've used it for eyes, noses and horns.  But I still mostly use good old polymer clay because of the price ^_^

Yeah I noticed there wasn't much there so I had to start a group!  Glad you have you join  :hug:

I've started a new needle felting group on FaceBook.  It's basically a place for you to post needle felted items you've made & promote them if they are for sale.  It can even be bears with needle felted noses I'll also be posting tutorials and links to supplies, and people can ask for tips and post ideas and patterns.  https://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=gr … 05425&ap=1 :hug:

Yes what Us Bears said No Heat!  Heat is bad even on non mohair bears, faux furs that are acrylic based can melt with heat.  Just put them all in the freezer and it will kill any bugs

Aww I saw Crystal on FB & just love that one! Sooo much expression  :hug:

I collect Steiff, Gund and boyds bears. But I love Hermann bears Ive just never been lucky enough to own one oh and I also collect artist bears when I can afford them.

I always think about gears and metal parts when I think about steampunk

I actually use copic markers. It works great and blends really well. You can even use a little water and work it almost like watercolor & they make a copic airbrush system

Yeah I think they saw that some of it was mohair & thought oh that stuffs pricey so this must be worth a lot. In reality there was maybe (if it was clean, not smelly and bug free) about $20 to $40 of mohair in the lot. Most of it was scraps or in such bad shape it would have been unusable. There was a hand written price tag on one piece for $245.45. Which is an odd amount anyway and for less than  a quarter yard of mohair, that can't be right lol

Oh um quick back to the original subject lol.  Uhmmmm ummm......... I am still waiting on a refund....

Funny point the seller would never tell me a shipping total & just kept saying it was over $100 even when I asked very nicely form the total in shipping so I could know if I could afford return shipping (before e-bay paid for it)
After packing the box up and weighing it, I checked on shipping just to see.  It would have been $48 with the shipping method they used or $67 with UPS. So how is that over $100? Lol so more lies

wow that's tiny!  My neck & eyes would be killing me lol.  So cute!!! Did you make the tiny dress too?