Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Oh goodness, Johnna . . . hope there was no damage!  No, I didn't feel it! 

Hmm . . . that's really interesting, Laura!!

Just gotta report what happened last night!!    I know I've posted about the varmints that have come through the kitty door . . . raccoons, possums, next-door neighbor's dog, across-the-street neighbor's cat . . . but I draw the line at snakes!!  Yes, as I was checking to see where all the cats were before going to bed, I noticed that two of the kitties were stalking something in the pet room (enclosed patio).  On closer inspection, I saw that it was a juvenile copperhead snake!!    The pet door was slightly ajar, so guess it had just come in as it hadn't gotten very far.  Paul ran to get some kind of weapon and I went to open the door in case it wanted to escape the cats.  Fortunately, I'm assuming it's immaturity at what to do when cornered served in our favor . . . it slithered quietly out the door and into the night.  Whew!!  I almost died laughing when Paul appeared with my rolling pin!!     Needless to say, we will block the pet door from now on at night!

Oh, buying mohair and eating chocolate will cure most of my ills.  Sorry you still have the problem - I'm glad mine wasn't that hard to fix!!  Take care . . .

Shelli and all the rest of you that haven't shared your pictures . . . where are they??

Cute, cute, Hayley . . . you and the bears!!  Thanks for posting! 

Great, girls.  Any more of you want to think about this??

Rita, there are NO dumb questions!!!  I didn't know what an avatar was when I started on the message board, either.  It's the little photo in the box to the left side of your message.  There is a "sticky" with information on how to get one up called "Creating your avatar" under the General Discussion topic.  Sorry, but I can't answer your question about noses, but there are MANY talented artists here who can.  Good luck! 

Oh, Eileen . . . I had the very same problem with trying to download photos to my computer from my camera about two weeks ago.  I'd done it a gazillion times before, but all of a sudden, it wouldn't recognize the camera.  I went to CompUSA twice before we got it figured out.  I re-installed my camera software and that didn't solve the problem.  CUSA tested my USB cord and nothing was wrong with it.  Finally I plugged the USB cord into another port on the computer and that DID solve the problem.  Something had gone wrong with the port I was using and I have no idea what.  If you have an extra USB port on your computer, you might try that.  Good luck!

Since my bears are mostly sewn by machine, I have to stick to my workroom.  But I have one or more cats to keep me complany, plus I listen to my favorite music.  Since my computer is also in my workroom, I just bounce back and forth throughout the day . . . computer, sewing, sewing, computer.  I do confess to watching one soap opera that I've followed since 1983 . . . "General Hospital".  However, I've programmed everything so that hubby and I watch GH while we eat our main meal . . . so I rationalize that I'm not wasting time (since I HAVE to eat!).   Otherwise, I don't watch anything else on the tube until the 10:00pm news.  I'm lucky that Paul is as hooked on GH as I am or it might be a little harder to pull off!! 

I live about 20 minutes away from the place where all the Dallas shows are held . . . so that would be really handy.  I have participated in the Houston show many times and it usually is a good one.  I do have to say that I was VERY disappointed in Pat's Feb. show this year.  Not many artists and not a good attendance.  The best part of it was that Jennifer Laing was there and I enjoyed visiting with her.  All of Valerie's and Pat's shows that I participate in have gotten smaller over the years.  I just think it's a sign of the times that the teddy business is in a bit of trouble these days.  Even ABC's shows are getting smaller and they cancelled one in Mesa, AZ, that I had been attending.  The show in Austin is fairly small - but that is on purpose.  There are usually in the neighborhood of 20 - 25 artists that do that show.  I'm not sure I could guarantee anybody's success at any of these shows, but we'd sure have a good time paaaaarrrtttaaaayyyiiinnngg!!  Let's think about it and get more input from everybody who's interested.  Ladies/gents???

Sure thing!!  I'm participating in Lulu Bears Austin Show in two weeks.  But I need longer notice than that so I can clean the house!!       Valerie Rogers has a Houston show in the early spring, and Pat Moore does one in Dallas in late Jan. - early Feb.  Valerie used to have one in Dallas in the fall, but I notice this year there isn't one scheduled . . . boooo!!  And there are various other smaller shows around the state.  I say let's do it!  Come one, come all!! 

There is also the swivel/tilt head joint contraption, also, that allows the head to be moved in all directions.  Think Edinburgh carries it.  It is a little pricey so you probably wouldn't want to use it on every bear!! 

Kirsten . . . Beezley is center-seamed, but Sugar isn't.  You are right . . . the noses are embroidered the usual way, then coated with melted beeswax.  As many layers as you want until it looks good to you.  Then you rub them with a piece of plain white paper and voila!!  There's your jellybean!! 

Many good vibes are going your way, Kirsten!!

Anyone want to come to Texas??  I live on an acre, so we could spill out into the yard if we overran the house!!  That is, if you don't mind 5 cats!! 

Penny and Laura . . . wonderful photos!!  See, Penny . . . told ya you were quite attractive!  And Laura . . . such a cutie and even more so in person.  Hugs to all ...

Good grief - that woman's work is remarkable!!  I wish I looked as good in pantyhose!! 

AWESOME, Gail!!

Yeah, c'mon, Louise!! 

:DHmmm . . . I'm just the opposite.  I like to sew everything I can with the machine.  I usually make bigger bears, so I don't have to do a lot of hand sewing.  It's a time saver for me, plus I have arthritis in my hands (most everywhere else, too :/), so it helps to do as much as possible on the machine.  On my smallest bears, I will hand sew the gusset and footpads.  BUT, Penny . . . and Millie . . . sewing everything by hand IS NOT crazy.  It's just a preference!! 

Laura, Good Earth Teas is the brand name.  It's located in Santa Cruz, CA, so the West Coast people will probably know of it.  We have it here in Texas, so I would guess that IL has it, too.  It is YUMMY and comes with or without caffeine.  It contains cinnamon, ginger, and orange peel among other stuff; the sweetness is derived from the herbs and spices.  If you go looking for it, the name will be Good Earth Original.  Happy hunting!! 

Thanks much, Jane.  My second one is up on the Bears for Sale forum . . . Sugar.

Just REALLY adorable . . . what a sweet little guy.  Wonderful creation and thanks for sharing!! 

I'm a tea drinker, too . . . but mine is "Good Earth" original - aaaaahhh, sweet (but not with sugar - just natural stuff) and spicy.  And I drink about as much as you do, Judi . . . even in the hot summertime!