Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Last year I was dwelling on the lack of representatives and shops at shows (whom used to bring quite a selection of artist bears), most of them are no longer in business. As these days it is hard to get around, I thought that I might have a crack at an Interstate and International traders stand, where the artist wasn't required to attend- just their bears.
You can read more about it at http://teddy-talk.com/viewtopic.php?id=22134
We didn't manage to sell all of the bears, but it was a start and now people will look out for these traveling bears from afar.
So we will do it again next year, and tweak it just a bit to keep up with the times- but more of that to come later.
Maybe some of the other shows could pick it up as a new feature: but beware it is only good if there is someone to man the table, unfortunately all of my (6) helpers that day were getting torn from pillar to post trying to be everywhere at once....

Mel

Hi Guys,
Firstly like I said earlier in my looooong editorial 

This was not directed at posts in this thread actually, like Alexis said earlier

Well I think that after taking so long to write something out sometimes you can have a variety of thoughts that get a bit jumbled.
I was thinking that when advertising or promoting pursuits or endeavors perhaps (and I am probably guilty of this, though now I will check myself for it) we don't need to point out the failings of others, perhaps we could just promote the benefits of our own without dragging others down.
So lets not all worry about this us and them stuff. Of course everyone can have their feelings about the subject- like Grace out of Will and Grace said "just let me have my feelings" here! here! But lets not get caught up in this, sorry it's just not productive. We all have a right to our views and this should be the place to get them out there for the benefit of a think tank rather than a blame game.
Although Luann started this thread on shows, I just wanted to point out that as individuals we can do small things that would inform and educate the mass population and help the industry as a whole.
It is too much for any one promoter, supplier, designer, manufacturer or artist to be expected to resurrect teddy. But as individuals we can make little gestures that will get the message out there.
Already (for those of you who have read my anemic blog will know) I have in motion some excellent initiatives that will redefine I hope the way that we can search for things, live and online, making things much easier for everyone. I'm just waiting on my web designer to get back from a humanitarian cleanup expedition to Cambodia.
SO although I am jumping the gun a little on this one due to the matters we are discussing, soon there will be an extensive listing of all shows that have anything to do with bears in the one place. Looking for something to do on June 8th zap: info produced. Looking for all the shows in Japan this year: zap info produced. This as you will all understand is a massive undertaking and the database will take a lot of upkeep, so for those of you that have a show can send me details (just not quite yet though- I'll wait to my designated email is live) and I will list them for free.
I loved Chrissi's idea about a computer station at the shows, but just at the moment I would hate to have my beloved laptop hurt, but I will design an online info brochure that can list key sites so that folk could go to their library or child's computer and not waste valuable time searching. The info will be at their fingertips (for the : just give me an address people!!). At the last show I organised in April I had a little Teddy Talk stand with banner and business cards I made up. I will also take them to the Gold Coast show I am doing in June this year.
I must say at a few shows we gave tables to ebay so they could promote their business when it first started, so we were with the times then.
However I don't believe bears slowing down on ebay is a bears thing as so much as a revolt to the changes ebay are insisting on implementing making it so unprofitable now to go on there. The whole gammut of items on ebay is slowly disappearing.
Another of the ideas I have I can't talk about just yet, it is bigger than ben hur and is going to take a few months in development, but you guys will be the first to hear about it when it's ready.
Who's got more ideas about little gestures that we can all do in our own communities- remember from little things big things grow!

Mel

Oh Gemma,
She is a gorgeous bunny, thanks for sharing her with us, it's the first time I've seen Beatrix's website and I must say I am so impressed with her bears- they're all beautiful. See something new everyday day!!!
I'm sure Penelope will be happy with her ears soon!

Mel

Hi Guys,

I am another that is quite keen to hear everyones thoughts and ideas on this subject, I have been following this thread closely of course as with the others about the subject of shows etc though with all of the information I've managed to gather from here (TT), in person at shows and from talking with artists, collectors and makers I've realized a few things that might help.

Now I wouldn't like to presume that what happens here, in Sydney or even Australia (as we witness different styles of shows finishing in different countries) is the same for everywhere, but I do believe that Australia with its small population is a good indicator of world trends and there is a close comparison that can be drawn with the slow down of the industry as a whole. Of course there are the obvious reasons: economy, fuel, blah blah blah.......but also it's interesting that beading and papercrafts have never been so popular! But one of the major reasons teddy bear shows here slowed down (before the credit/oil crunch) was basically there became too many of them!

The big boy (read: corporate event companies) promoters saw smaller events doing well and moved in, not from an artistic/creative/positive angle, just a market that was booming that could be exploited. The next thing we know the excitement and anticipation of these wonderful events was diminished. If you missed out on one it was only another few weeks till the next. Chances were if you missed out on a bear or fabric you could get it at the next one, artists were trying to cover all of them which left little time for creating, (and repetitive table stock) and collectors were left with little time for saving up for the next one. It also became just as easy for those that could to get online with the plethora of new sites.

So a new breed of artist was born: the internet based artist.

Now for those of you thinking that I'm on a negative downward spiral fear not- I'll eventually get to the point!

Over the years I've coordinated Bear Fairs in Australia I've used dozens of initiatives and ideas to enhance our shows for all concerned. Some years I have been drained of all energy as the work that has been put in to get to that point of the doors opening is enough to leave anybody cold (and then there is that point in time when you can do no more about 15 minutes before the doors open and you just feel sick!!) not to mention the cash that organizers gamble with if something goes wrong (our 2001 show was held the weekend after September 11 in Sydney's tallest tower complex- the same weekend Ansett our number 2 Australian airline collapsed...nerve wracking to say the least!) Though this is not a pity party it's just how it is and as a whole with 10 years in tow I wouldn't trade my organizers role for the world.

Every year we've gained coverage wherever we could; newspapers (city, suburban and regional), craft and bear magazines, calendar listings, local and national radio, local and national TV, coupons, websites, billboards, local business, tourism info centres, traders flyers, postcards, direct mail, banners, street signage, people dressed up and handing out flyers on the day as fairies with bears, as bears, as angels you name it!

We've given out free patterns, once full kits to the first 200 visitors through the door, discounted entry, free entry, amazing lucky door prizes, I've brought overseas artists over, the list goes on and on....

But over the past two years (and I may be burned at the stake for this) this idea has crystallized for me: we are a specialty market! We have to embrace this not hide from it. To convert people off the street to go to a show is nearly impossible and the slight possibility is costly and time consuming, and if you do manage to get them through the door traders usually spend most of the day watching their beautiful stock get PPP'd (picked up, put down, then they P#$% off) - especially those with real fur littlies, you all know what I mean!

So where does that leave us- one word EXCITED! There are so many avenues that have been left unexplored in this situation, some TT's (forgive me for not quoting but there are quite a number of suggestions around) have rightly suggested we back the shows by booking tables, we should all endeavor to get at least one bear magazine subscription, and we should announce what we are doing whenever we can- there is more we can do though.

Have you all been noticing the climbing membership in this very group. When I joined it was static for months and then in the last 6 months a day doesn't go by when we don't have more new members sign up and log in. This is just one of the encouraging measurable tools we have at our disposal. Just when you think everybody is sure to know by now, there come more that have never even heard the news.

Once again forgive me while I reminisce, my own story is that I found teddy bears not by seeking them out- there was a massive teddy bear convention in town just a few months before I picked up my first bear fabric, that I knew nothing about. It was while in a regional town on a day trip I went into a craft shop looking for a cross stitching kit, what I found around the corner was a room full of teddy fabric and some patterns- I WAS INTRIGUED! Admittedly I was a bit bamboozled at first and went home empty handed, but I went the next week to find out more, I bought my first magazine, grabbed some material and notions and the rest as they say is history.

I think if many of us think about it, teddy's find us not the other way around.

These days if you walk into any major craft store and ask for teddy bear supplies they tell you to mail order it. If you go to the news agency they tell you they don't carry magazines because they don't move. Teddy bear teachers around these parts (in a major city of 5 million) are as rare as hens teeth, and so if someone was to say have an inkling about bears somewhere along the way, it would remain undiscovered because they found beading at a craft store/show that seemed cheap and easy. We missed out on another convert because they didn't realize that they had to look out for us.

Where the web also fails us is this way as quoted to me by a gorgeous well reputed bear artist: "I'm only any good looking for an exact web address that I've been given, searching is not my thing!"

I applaud what our art has grown into- it is outstanding the talent that is presented on so many levels, whether at shows, on the web, magazines or in shops. But has anyone else out there heard that "it must be so difficult" to make a bear, "I would never even attempt it". In most cases even if they wanted to attempt it it is made very difficult by the lack of on hand resources.

I like many other organizers have had to evaluate the situation and change our tactics. Thing's that worked 10 years ago will not cut it these days. We not only have other crafts to compete against in the market but also a rash of other entertainment pursuits. We do have to be savvy and not waste our precious time and resources butting heads up against the wall.

I've realized that we have to get people interested in the teddy bear as a craft and art well before we try and convince them to come to a show. It is always interesting for me to note that to this day my biggest collectors make their own bears, I was their teacher they found at the local craft shop and their informed appreciation for the craft translated into sales for myself and other artists as they grew into collectors realizing the outstanding nature of the work on offer. I for one am another collector that usually buys far more at a show than what I make in sales.

Many comments from all of my limited quality traders these days are that they have come to sell and the visitors have come to buy. We have cut trader numbers by half from 10 years ago, we have moved to a less expensive venue. At this present time we are a quality event with gallery level items for all levels of collectors and makers. It is special, not run of the mill.  Visitors that make the trip these days are the enlightened and aware collectors and makers, and although not every item in the room walks off the tables, traders are happy because they've sold substantial bears and supplies, had a great day seeing their friends, and collectors are happy because they've had their long awaited fix and seen exciting NEW stuff.

We need to begin this teddy revolution on the streets so to say.

Not everyone is on the internet (for example a large majority of the traders at our show don't have a website- 8 don't even have an email address) although I am in the process of helping them get more effective affordable exposure to the net, but I digress. There is no better way, just ways that suit some of us better. We should be positive in our pursuits not negative towards others trying to promote other avenues.

So when at your local craft store ask for supplies (you don't HAVE to buy them if by some chance they are brought in) but if requested enough they may get stock in that others will get the chance to see. At the news agency do ask for the magazine and complain when they don't have it. Eventually they might regain some valuable shelf space. Teachers out there could you offer your services to a local store or community college, if you've been out of the game for a few years, even if no students book in at least there has been in store promotion of bears, possibly even direct advertising to the stores databases of customers, and if they do book you've made up some fees.

As I've read earlier in this very thread leave your old magazines in the doctors surgery or hair dressers and the like. My local teddy bear supplier has started a new competition instore to promote fresh ideas and perspective, encouraging everyone to have a go!

I want to challenge everyone to list new ideas, I for one have read very interesting ones that I hadn't ever thought of (old mags for eg) some I had, but I'm positive of this there is always someone who is hearing the news for the first time.

So lets get the ball rolling on simple grass root informing and educating. There is a new generation of makers and collectors out there waiting to stumble over a teddy bear.

Cheers
Mel

PS SOOOOO sorry for the long rant, this is why I don't post too often, you would all get square eyes reading them.

Ann,
I was just reading everyone's posts and they all ring true, I just had another thought, years ago before we all took up this technology so easily and had the web and this great forum, you could easily be working on one concept only to have it turn up in another state or country- I witnessed it year after year at our shows! The only difference between then and now was that unless it was published in a magazine (which very few of the thousands being created were) generally you had no idea and could merrily work away in blissful ignorance.
These days (although not all artists) many artists have taken up and run with this great new technology and nearly every piece that comes to life is in digital colour for all to see a few hours after it has been completed, on the web and in people's homes. It is awesome for collectors and enthusiasts, not so much for artists, like Daphne said ...

... so I guess it helps to have blinkers on to a certain degree.
I for one would be sad if no one created anything in case they trod on someone's toes. Like Paula said earlier though

Mel

Awesome idea Sandi, keep up the great work- love the site!

Hey,
Of course I'll be there too!  :dance: as they say with bells on!!!
Where Sophie will be in the hall, directly across from her there will be a table with info about TT: so if any visitors or traders want to say hi, find the poster for TT, then turn around and Sophie (and all of Louise's gorgeous creations) will be right in front of you.

Now if I could just get some bears finished.... a bear makers constant goal    ....

Mel

Hi TT'ers,
The closing deadline for the Sydney Teddy Bear Fair's People's Choice Awards is just 3 days off (5 April 2008). I can tell you that we have had many many votes which is fantastic - and I figured that alot of you have put in your 2 cents worth, but the race for Grand Champion is still very close, so if you haven't voted yet: hop to it  :dance: .

If you have voted thank you very much, though you needn't worry about voting again, because the system will not recognize subsequent votes.

Happy voting
Mel

[url]http://fs10.formsite.com/cjsmum/form125 … index.html[/url]

That sounds like an amazing trip Gemma,
I hope you'll find the time to pop into Sydney.
We'll definitely have to have a meeting spot at the Sydney Fair, I'll put up a little poster and hand out some cards with TT info on it, so that even more can find out about the group and present TT groupies can meet!

Cheers Melissa

Hey Heather,
Fun times hey!
I'm just finishing up those months (big one is turning 3 this week  :cake: , little one is 21 months) so with a little of their independence comes time for these other things, Fairs, bears, etc.
I basically left bear stuff packed away for the first 12 months, not only was I out of time and energy but I had very little creative flow at the time. When the little one started to sleep through the evening (no 10pm feed) I found I got some quality time where everything could be left for more than 5 minutes without cries for my help and I could get some worthwhile work done. Also this was about the time that I was craving to do something for myself again.
So what seemed like a long time without, went like a flash I cannot believe that we'll soon be celebrating another 2nd birthday. It goes soooo fast -up until 6 months you get them having regularish sleeps, they cannot "get at" things, are really fairly steady with feeds etc you're busy but coping- it's really just training you for the months ahead. They sit up one day by themselves and then you'll really know you're alive- that's when the time starts to really fly.
Enjoy her now, have lots of rest (there will always be more housework tomorrow) and organization well, I'll let anyone else out there that has managed to achieve that to tell you how- I'm still fitting in things when I get the chance....
Wouldn't change it for anything!  :dance:

Mel

Miyu you've done a great job- he looks like a bear so you've achieved your first goal (mine looked like dogs with round heads until about the 10th).
I think you are well on your way to getting the results you wnat.
As for his decoration, I think he might suit a rusty old antique key on a leather necklace. He just seems to me to be one of those little scallywags that need a key to get in.
Good luck, I know your mother will love him....

Mel

Tina your Tiny shop is great! Definitely one of my  good luck with it!

Mel

This is the golden question for me, it always seems as though I'm rushing from project to project, but I am trying to be determined this year.
I'm trying to finish each before moving onto the next - that way (I'm hoping) I'll actually finish something instead of leaving lots of half dones that I'm "over" when I try to go back and finish them off.
Let's see how long it will last!!!

Mel

Congratulations to all of the finalists.

The standard of entries was brilliant, not that we weren't expecting that, but we were amazed at the diversity and quality of them all. Well done to everyone that entered.

Now everyone has an opinion on these things, so please go and vote for your favorites - the online voting is open till the 5 April 2008, we'll be announcing the winners on the 12 April and publishing them on the 14th April on the website.

Oh it'll be exciting to see how this comp turns out: Good Luck guys!

Cheers Mel

www.sydneyteddybearfair.com

Hey everyone,
Hope you've all manage to get over the Silly Season without too much of a sore head.

Now although you might still be very busy (especially here in Oz as we all look forward to sending the kids back to school this week) I wanted to remind you all that entries for the People's Choice Competition for The Sydney Teddy Bear Fair closes on the 1st February (at midnight your local time) - just a couple of days away.

If you need more information just head to the website:

www.sydneyteddybearfair.com and follow the links.

For those of you overseas this is an excellent opportunity to participate downunder without the costs associated with posting your gorgeous creations. Just email your favourite pics of your bears to have a go.

If you plan on entering a bear for "hands on" judging the deadline for entries into the "Critique" Section of the comp is 1st April for ALL forms and postal entries and 12 April for hand delivered entries. Once again check out the website for the relevant info.

Feel free to post, email or PM if you have any questions.

Also a big Good Luck to those that have entered, the finalists will be announced on the website on the 5th February and will be open for Public Voting then.

Cheers
Melissa

Just some more food for thought, taking into consideration what has been discussed on TT before, we decided here in Sydney that we would "host" artist bears for those that live so far away or are unable to make the trip.
I truly believe that most of us are realists and of course we cannot for a minute consider doing all shows in our home countries let alone overseas. But what a huge dissappointment for many collectors (especially here on the "other side of the world"), that they will never get to see some of the awesome work that is created, even though there is the net (although there are MANY people who are still not online) there is not much better than seeing these beauties in the fur.
I'm always so happy to see the many traders who do make the long trip, to spend some time in this great city of ours and generally sell alot of bears- as collectors love to connect with the artists. But if you aren't able to make it the next best thing is to have your bears attend the show for you.
These days I think we do need to take a 360 degree (for lack of a better term) approach to presenting our creations.
Advertising, comps, websites, blogs, online shows, shows, eBay, B4B's, shop events, agents and even (importantly) TT all play a very important role in getting your brand name and all that that entails into the public arena when done well. Like any business the mix should be catered to the individual's circumstances, but there it is: to sell you have to be seen.

For me I'm just going to try to do a little of all of the above! :dance:

Mel

Hi Louise,
I'm stunned that a little fellow of yours went into the great yonder on his way to Sydney- did you ever find out what happened. Usually (although slow) Australia Post get it right, but to alay your fears for this year, yes your bear can be entered via email with just your form and picture.

It would be great to have the finalists all there on display at the Fair to not only show the visitors what can be acheived in comps, but to inspire other artists to great heights. It is part of the conditions of the comp to have the ted available which is why the time spent between submission and notification of finalists is very minimal. Though as all of the online voting is based on the picture only, the ebar in the fur is purely for promotional purposes. But I am very practical on these issues, and understand where you're at....soooo without saying it.....I'll say that I usually look upon these things on a case by case basis, when the event arises.

Cheers
Mel
www.sydneyteddybearfair.com

Oops: by the way for anyone wondering about the deadline for the "People's Choice" Comp it is the 1st February 2008

Definitely, but I'm like you Cheryl I would be sooo happy with any of the little creations that have gone up on the TT tree, my other main worry was that with all of the luck we usually have with the postman, how do we know what to report if anything goes wrong (like a sidetracked teddy to Greenland!)?

Mel

Oh Nancy,
I'm so happy that Cupid arrived safely (I think in record time-he definitely has earnt his way onto the sleigh team) I cannot believe Australia Post managed to help him get from Sydney to Florida in 3 days. The trip has restored some of my faith in their system.
I'm still checking my letter box everyday, I'm busting with anticipation....tis the season!!

Mel

Well, my little friend has left for his big adventure to his new Christmas tree, I must say he did look very small in his big express post parcel, but that's just to make sure he arrives safely!

I have been so impressed with the gorgeous ornaments going up on the TT tree, it's amazing the talent that is housed right here- well done EVERYBODY :clap:  :clap:  :clap: .

I can't wait to see what's going up on the tree next, I check in every day, but if the decos we've had so far are anything to go by I'm sure I'm going to keep drooling.....

Thanks Tami and Tammy for all of your great work  :thumbsup:

Mel

Yep Ellen,

She is definitely a she, but so sweet, I love the insets.

I think it is amazing with all of the different results, it just goes to show- there are never two teddy's alike!

Thanks for the great challenge Paula. It's fantastic to see the original big boy he is wonderful- a real Teddy Bear!!

Mel

Hi everyone,

Wondering if there is anyone out there that sells a "Sarah" bear pattern?

I had a lovely lady ask at a show for a namesake pattern for her grand daughter. The pattern has to be originally named "Sarah" when it was published (she does not want to have a renamed bear), it can be any style and in most formats.

If you know of one, or sell one or have seen one in a publication could you let me know and I'll pass on all of the details, she might even get a few to choose from.

In my time I'm sure I have seen several, just getting my hands one at the moment eludes me...

Thanks in advance
Melissa

Well, I've finally finished him (and he was definately born a he).

For Soren I reduced the side head pattern piece about 15%, and I can definately say although he looks like he's from the Happy Little Souls family, he is probably a cousin from overseas  He ended up at 42cm. I wasn't quite sure of him to begin with, but now that he is finished I'm rather chuffed with his shy looks.

Can't wait to see more finished challenge friends soon.

Another fun idea Dilu,
Thanks for organising it all, count me in too!

Mel

Hi Tami,
This sounds like a great idea, another little project to help stretch the imagination 
Maybe we could even ask Quy for a gallery as well as Tammy's teddy tree to see all of those gorgeous little decos in detail. (the receivers could add them to the gallery when they get them- so that the surprise is not spoilt!!!)

Mel