Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Must be the country air!
hugs,
Sandi

Super...just super! :clap:  :clap:  :clap:
I love what you've done Deborah, especially Sludge he's awsome!
Hugs,
Sandi

Jennie,
He does look like a lost soul. Such a very sad look on his face too! He's going to need lots of lovin'.
Hugs,
Sandi

So you're the one who stole them away! I bet you had a great birthday you lucky, lucky girl.
Hugs,
Sandi

Hey Dilu,
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Big beary hugs,
Sandi

You all look gorgeous...young on the inside as well as the outside...enjoy it while it lasts.
I'm at the stage I introduce my son as my brother. Who want's to own up to having a forty year old son.....I sure as hell don't!
And I reckon I'd just about sell my soul, for a thirty year old body.
Big hugs to all,
Sandi

I think you might have a fight on your hands. :crackup:

Hugs,
Bearlysane Sandi

Kimberly,
I have used both and now only ever use locknuts for jointing. I find them easier to use and much better for having more even tightness in the joints...you don't get any limbs looser than the other. However, I don't do minis, my bears range from 7 to 30 inches.
Time wise I don't think there is any difference.
The one inserted in the head is glued with superglue prior to inserting. After you have inserted this into the body, hold the head and tighten the nut with a spanner. The head must be hard stuffed or the joint will slip around when you try to tighten.
I hope you can follow this...if you need more detail PM me.

Big hugs,
Sandi

Becky,
I also use plastic quilters template, then store them with a pic of the bear and a list all the items used including the mohair, in envelopes like this.

I also colour code for each of the 3 different ranges I design. Hope this helps.
Hugs,
Sandi

That's a great mohair to work with Wendy. I used it on Bluebeary and as you can see the colour makes up well.

I think a blue roo would be good too!
I've started a graveyard collection of those sorts of needles... they are very unique! I must admit, they do come in handy from time to time.

Big hugs,
Sandi

Chrissi,
I don't think anyone can pinpoint the moment...success (being known or recognizable) isn't something that happens overnight, it's earned, through a lot of hard work and perserverance.
Sure advertising plays a part in getting your name seen, so do editorials, competitions and shows.
But when all is said and done...it still all comes back to your work...it's originality and quality.

Big hugs,
Sandi

Wendy,
He's gorgeous. :clap:  :clap:  :clap: Love him dearly.
I like that spikey mohair and although I've never used it myself, I have seen some really great creations made with it.
Nelson ... short for The Admiral Horatio? I'm rather partial to sailors you know.

Big hugs,
Sandi

Becky,
Are you designing a new head or trying to modify an existing one? Sometimes, when I'm not happy with the shape and want the head to look rounder, I tend use darts.

Hugs,
Sandi

Chrissi,
As a collector, I always look for a quality bear who has instant appeal, but still stands apart from the norm, one tht's well made with even joints and a nicely stitched nose.
As an artist, I have found by trying to please everybody or follow the trends, you may as well try looking for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow...you'll never find it.
Try new styles, sizes and experiment by all means, this way you'll find the techniques you do best. However, if you want to develop a unique recognizable style of your own, stay true to yourself.

Big hugs,
Sandi

What wonderful ideas you girls come up with! :clap:  :clap:  :clap:
First I find you swap bears, now this.
I love giving and getting surprises.
How did you two organise this?

Big hugs,
Sandi

Like Kimberly I only use nail polish, several coats, making sure it's dry each time before recoating, finishing with a sealer.
But I do have an eye day, where I do a whole pile of different sizes, different shades, a bit of an experiment here and there, etc...bit like a production line I guess...it works well, because by the time I have finished with one colour, the first coat's dry.
But I always know who I'm going to use them on...either the bears or the ideas are all there in advance if you get my drift.
I also tie off at the back of the head, as close to the neck disk as possible.

Hugs,
Sandi

Ooooo I do love your racoons Kimberly. Me thinks I will have to have one, they are soooo cute!     

Hugs,
Sandi
P.S. Did you see the pic I found for you on the previous racoon thread?

Ah! That's better Lynn.
Now I can see them.....I like what I see! :clap:  :clap:  :clap:

Hugs,
Sandi

Lynn,
They are the best invisable bears I have ever seen!!!
:crackup:  :crackup:  :crackup:
Big hugs,
Sandi

He looks very cuddly Sophie, I'm sure he'll get lots of lovin'     from Fabienne.
Big hugs,
Sandi

Comon girls... it's always been this way...up one day, down the next...that's life! If you're enjoying making bears, what the heck.
Be happy and enjoy what you're doing and it will show in your work...and you'll find that sales will soon pick up again.
Keep smilin'

Big beary hugs,
Sandi

Look what I found for you...

Big hugs,
Sandi

Oh Kimberly, you have just have to go and see it...you and the kids would love it. You will all have a good laugh and you'll come away so inspired to do more little critters.

Big hugs,
Sandi

Hi there Kimberly,
Just came home from seeing "Over the Hedge" at my girlfriends...the racoon looked just like yours...cute and cuddly...great movie for critter ideas!

Big hugs,
Sandi

Thanks again Charlotte.
Sabine a Christmas swap would be fun...even a Christmas theme. Winter in the northern hemisphere and Summer in the southern!!!

Big hugs,
Sandi