Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

My advise based on a recent experience is not to refund the customer's money until the insurance claim has been settled with the PO.  This can take months.  I had a box go missing over a year ago now and still don't know where it is.  Anyway, I filed a claim and after 3 months the PO sent a letter refusing the claim because according to their records the box was delivered on time.  My customer still says she did not receive it and is demanding money back from me.  She has done nothing that the letter instructs her to do in order to dispute the claim.   This happened in January 2006 and continues to upset me because the bears were one of a kind and there is no way I can refund  $500 plus no bears.  There are issues with this customer that I won't go into that could explain the missing box.  I am have learned that not only should you insure (which I always do)  but also have the box signed for when it is delivered.     Janet

Well,  Iam back from being lost in winter the past few days.  I go THREE feet of snow on Tue and lost power and since I am totally electric it has been an ordeal...The power just come on so was without for nearly 46 hours.  I am going to take a nap as I have been sitting on my couch for the past two nights feeding the fireplace trying to stay warm (and keep my birdie warm)  Will spring ever come????????   
   Going nuts here,
Janet

Mozart was commissioned by a violist in the orchestra I play in.  He is 14 inches tall of honey Alpaca with a kid mohair wig.  The period costume is of silks and velvets and was a lot of work.... but fun....    Janet

The theme for TBAI this year is movies.  This is my interrupation of Out of Africa a long favorite of mine.  At the bottom of the skirt is an actual scene from the movie that I printed on the linen fabric.  The bear is 15 inches tall. made of Intercal mohair .  Janet

I have had two bids from the same person  ... and the bids are the same amount. (both $50 )  There is a reserve but the bids are no where near it.   Can't figure this out either???????
Janet

A Few Things you may not have known about me.....

jobs I have had in my life: (up to becoming a Bear Artist)

  1) waitress at a county club
  2) ushurette at a Cinerama theater... saw The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm 100s of times
  3) junior high school Home Ec  teacher
  4) Doll artist

Four Movies I have watched over and over...

1) Out of Africa
2) Jane Eyre
3) Pride and Prejudice
4)Phamtom of the Opera 

Four Places I have lived......

1) Minneapolis, MN  area
2)  Ames, Iowa
3) International Falls, MN
4) Evergreen, CO

Four TV Shows I love to watch.....

1)  Charlie Rose
2)  Masterpiece Theater
3)  Nova
4)  MASH 

Four Places I have been on vacation....

1)  Camping in Natinal Parks ( Glacier, Yellowstone, Maine, Rocky Mountian )
2)  Canada  ( from Alberta to Quebec.....  World's Fair in Montreal in '67 )
3)  Hawaii
4)  a few extra days connected with bear shows such as Lincoln City, OR  or Sante FE, NM

Four of my favorite foods.......

1) Chocolate
2) Bananas, blueberries, strawberries, apples, pears, citrus... could live on fruit
3) Chinese
4) Oatmeal

Four Places I would rather be right now.......

1)  on a vacation anywhere
2) playing with my orchestra
3) with my new boyfriend
4) shopping at Denver Fabrics, a yarn store or needlework for supplies

OK, I was not going to admit my age until Sue Ann posted.   WHEW!!!!!!   I just slip under being the oldest!    I will be 64 in March.   I handled 60 all right  but  this is  ....

Bear Hugs, Janet

    A friend loves at all times.
        Proverbs 17:17

Chrissi,
    I did actually have my account suspended for about three days last fall and this is why this false email really through me when I got it a few days ago...  In the case last fall someone broke in and listed on my account and the fees were charged to my paypal so while the situation was being delt with Ebay blocked my listings (had 3 bears) .  But the thing is they would not compensate me for the time  and bids being placed that were lost during that time.  I wrote to complain and wanted my auctions at least started over but they did not think I had any ground to stand on...     so I relate to your statement.....

Chrissie wrote....................................................................................................................
But I don't like the idea that when your "store" is broken into or vandalized the ebay police tell you nothing and protect themselves and the bad guys.  That part stinks...for seller and buyers across the board.
........................................................................................................................................
   
Janet

Thanks everyone for the insightfull replies which I am really appreciating.  I thought I have been heads up on detecting these so  called emails from ebay as most come in the spam folder.   I am glad I did not act on this one and did check on my ebay account and saw nothing amiss there..  It seems like these frauds keep trying new things to trip you up so YES  you do have to be so careful!!!    I hope by posting this others will be on the alert also.  It is getting like having to go through a land mine to use ebay  so YES   also that Bid4 bears alternative is looking good!!     
     I am going to change right away my pass word for my email along with the password on ebay.     
Thanks,
Janet

It seems Ebay is getting crazier and so difficult to deal with.  I have recently been suspended and blocked from ever setting up an account again...    I only set up an auction occasionally and never buy anything.    But, the reason for the suspension is that there are strikes aganist me for not paying for items I have won bids on?????????  I have not bid on anything ever so I don't know what is happening.. 
    Has anyone else had this problem with Ebay?   

I did have another issue last fall with someone listing a tractor on my account but got that resolved and changed my pass word and all that they told me to do ..   But in this case I am not being offered a way to resolve this issue...  ????????   
Frustrated, Janet

Luann,    I have been reading with great interest about the direction of shows and meant to comment earlier (busy with the incredible winter I am enduring).   I do really like that your show is focused on being an all artist bear show and this is one reason I do like to come to Albuquerque.  Also, it is within driving distance and the only show close enough as there are no more shows in CO except for a doll and bear show in the fall .  (As for that show I mainly sell to bear collectors I invite and there have only been a very few crossovers from the doll people)  I do think you should jury your shows and juried shows are ones I prefer to exhibt in.  I have been at shows where just any one who can make a bear is included and think the poor quality bears really downgrades the show.  There is as has been mentioned a big glut of bear makers now in relation to the number of colectors.  Getting new collectors involved is where it is at and this is going to take a lot of education and publicity by everyone .  I really believe that artist bear shows should be just that and not craft shows, doll shows or other.  People who attend come to see and hopefully purchase a bear as ART and I see the direction of shows elevating the teddy bear as art.  This does not mean all bears have to be expensive on your table but there can be bears within the range of beginning collectors. 
      Event shows are great but often very expensive and I only can afford to do a few.  The best model for what I think an aritist bear show should be is TBAI held in August in Binghamton, NY which I have been involved with for the past 5 years.  It is probably due to the large number of volunteers putting the show together that they are able to keep the cost very reasonable.   So,  I know this show is rarity.
     Having a large inventory of bears for a show is no longer an issue for me.  In the "old days" of bear shows where you sold lots of bears because collectors were buying bags of bears at a show it was important.  Now I see collectors being very selective, not atending as many shows, or buying on the internet so if you only sell a few very special bears at a show that is great.   Shows still fill a need for buyers to see and feel in person plus talk with the aritst..... especially NEW and beginning collectors.
     I hope to bring this topic back to the front because I think it is the biggest issue right now in our industry. 
    Bear Hugs,   Janet

wow... this really hit home    Thanks for sharing it....  As a survivor of many life happenings I know I could not have gone on without my "sisters"   Janet

I have a Valentine KISSES    bear    ready and just getting the photos ready to list....

I also think this is a great idea.   Yes, it will take committment on the part of a group to get it going and noticed as an alternative to ebay..   Iam willing to get going on some bears to have ready by April.  I have listed before on Bid4Bears and had lots of lookers but no sales.  But I think with a big promotion with quality fresh bears  like with the lemonade deal it could work...  I am willing to give it another try because I really would like to see it fly..    Janet

Yes, things are definitly out of balance.       Up here in Evergreen, CO   I just heard that we have gotten 81 inches of snow over the last two and half weeks... way over the normal for the year.    I  have a foot of new snow so far today with this lastest storm and truely buried in now.  My sons have gone back and so I a alone for this one... HOwever, they did  excellent job of shoveling the snow from the last two blizzards so all is not hopeless.   There has been no garbage collection or mail delivery for weeks and I have not had phone service since the 20th of Nov.  (not the fault of the snow)  so feeling a little isolated.   Better go work on some Bears!!!    I do have power and plenty of fire wood for the firplace so there are positives to keep in mind..     Janet

As you can see I am still laughing despite getting another three feet over night.  Two of my sons are here plus a nephew visiting so they did some shoveling so we can get out the front door.  They went sking yesterday further up in the mountians and did not get back here untill 3:00 in the morning with horrid tales of hazordous contitions including multiple accidents all along the highway...  No one should have been out and I am glad they are back here safe and sound and keeping me company.  We will not be going anywhere for some time but we are enjoying each other's company. I lost the Internet and don't have phone service so that was unerving last night but it is back now....      HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!!!!   Janet

Can't believe I am getting dumped on with more major snow  up here in Evergreen.       Here is how it looks now with about 8 inches of new snow on top of the 3 feet I already have..      Yes, the store shelves are getting low.   I went this morning to stock up as it looks like this storm will last into Sat. and it was a zoo with everyone having the same idea.   Janet

Snowed in the mountains of Colorado all alone except for my Birdie and all the bears.  Here is Cinderbearella standing in my front door  trying to sweep some of the snow away..  I got nearly  4 feet up here in Evergreen so I am not going anywhere any time soon...  My oldest son is driving home but had to postphone due to the roads so won't see him until Sat to dig me out...    It is truely a White Christmas here in CO!!!      Janet

a man

I am with you Aleta about looking forward to walking the beach, listening to the birds and just relaxing.  I love going to Lincoln City every year as it is a mini vacation for me and a wonderful get away. 
     Iam busy getting a bear ready for the contest and hope to have it done before I leave.  I will be participating in all the activites and so looking forward to it all..  I will see you there in one week!   

Janet

Hello..... Iam going to TBAI and so excited about  it again (5th time)  I am leaving tomorrow going to Philly and  visting my sister for a few days and then driving up to Binghamton.
     My gallery piece is nearly done and Iam putting on the finishing touches today and taking him in my carry on hoping not to get snarled up in security at the airport.   
     See you there!      Janet

This is my new birdie   .. only 6 weeks old.   I had one for over 10 years who died last fall and finally felt I could have one again just recently.

Hi Luann,     I think it is great to be trying new ideas to generate fun and more interest in shows.  That is what is so sorely needed. 
      I will be there with one of my first bears which started out LARGE  and will be able to bring him along accomping me in the front seat as I am driving down to Albuquerque.  Other shows that have done this idea I haven't participated in because of flying in.
      Looking forward to it!    Janet

Thanks gals for you thoughts about my lost bear.  It does not look good because this bear was mailed in mid Dec so it has been a long time.  My customer did not notify me that she did not get it until mid Jan.  because of the Christmas rush, they went on a vacation etc.  Anyway, I did file a claim right away and just talked personally to someone at the PO this morning to see what was going on as I had not heard anything for weeks.  They can't find it and the tracking number does not show at the PO I sent it too.  (it  only went to the next state   ..NE)
      So nothing to do but wait now and I don't want to send a replacement until I have the insurance money to cover myself again. 
      Janet

Hello all......  I just thought I would warn everyone sending out their bears to be very smart.  Do take all precautions,  insuring, delivery comfirmation, etc.
            I have heard of packages getting lost in the mail but thought it would never happen to me because all these years all the bears I have mailed have arrived safely.
         I just had a special one of a kind expensive bear not get to the new owner.  I did insure the package and have all receipts and did everthing right EXCEPT.  I wanted to save a little on shipping so did not insure to the full amount   (less about $100) So, I don't know how much I will get from the PO on my claim and it will take up to 60 days they tell me.  I will make the customer a new bear but it won't be the same and I feel very upset about my bear being out there in the COLD world.. and LOST!!! 
      HOpe this will save another bear,  Janet