Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Kim, I make my hangtags . . . . print them from my computer.  The tush tag I use is a sewn in tag with my signature and the date (year) on it.  Perhaps others know a commercial maker of tags.

WooHoo, girls . . . count me IN!!

Penny, Penny . . . what's a kerfuffle??!!

He looks really sweet, Eileen . . . we want more pictures!!

Dilu . . . you look adorably happy.  And that is beautiful!!

Hmmmm . . . I've never gone to the extremes that some people have to distress mohair.  If I want a more vintage look, I just get the sparse or ultrasparse mohair and go from there.  I have dyed mohair with tea, Rit dye (oops), and spray dyes and have always been pleased with the outcome.  Dyeing and, certainly, drying it in the dryer will change the appearance of the mohair, so I always let it "drip dry".  I, too, am reluctant to pull out the mohair or randomly trim it.  I have heard of sandpapering where you want worn spots, but haven't tried it.  The curly matted, or ratinee as Danni calls it, gives a vintage look - especially when it's brushed out.  Sorry, I know I haven't helped much . . . but I'm a little conservative when it comes to beating up on the expensive mohair!! 

Girls, girls . . . the category that Shelli and I are in has four other great nominees!!  However, deep in my gut - I think Shelli will go home from D.C. with that Golden Teddy Award - and my guts are very often right on.  I've already told Shelli this, and she thinks I might jinx her chances . . . but I can't ignore what my insides tell me.  Yes, it is truly an honor just to be nominated - just like at the Oscars - and, last year when I actually won the Golden Teddy with my entry "Campbell", I was absolutely stunned.  Shelli, thanks so much for your very nice comments - it's so easy to become friends quickly on this board.  Everybody is so genuine, warm, and supportive; it's amazing to me that our wonderful teddy bear is the connection we all share.  We are ALL WONDERFUL !! 

Glad you're back with us, Dilu . . . you were missed! 

Laure!!!  You are soooooooo pretty . . . but then we already knew that from your first avatar.  Did you make the top photo bear??  Uhhhh, very unusual!!  :lol:

Marion, I'm 64 and zits are no longer a problem . . . but old age spots . . . now that's another story!  AAACCCKKK!!!  Fortunately, there was a period in my life that I had neither one, but those days are gone forever.  Your English is supremely better than my French, my dear, since I know about three French words!!  Look at you . . . you converse VERY well with all of us here . . . and we understand everything you post!  Most of us probably don't know any language other than English, so you're way ahead of us.  Believe me, I understand your shyness and lack of confidence - been there, done that - but with your talent in bearmaking and your natural charm, I can't imagine your not being successful in life.  Value yourself and everybody else will, too.  Big hugs,

Woo woo . . . Aaron is waaaaayy cute, Danni.  Alas, he's a tad young for me! 

Nope, Sue Ann is only nominated for a Golden Teddy this year.  But I'm always thrilled with whatever comes my way!!    My TBR came today and our Judi, as well as our Shelli, is nominated for a Golden Teddy also.  Hope I haven't inadvertently left someone out . . . if so, yell loudly!!  Also, Christine Pike has another interesting article in this mag, too.  It's about NOSES!!

Jane, you're a very cute girl along with your very cute bear!! 

Congrats, Janet, on your bear photo being published . . . sorry I didn't say something about it, too.  I knew of Millie Gage . . . that is very sad.  Danni - TBR is Teddy Bear Review, another of the USA bear magazines.  You know what I love, too??  Bear Creations - your Aussie mag.  I really like it a lot and get it whenever I go to shows.  Some dealer always has a bunch of back issues.

Hey, All.  Just wanted to point out that our Millie (Nina Potter) is featured in the Bruins 'n Buddies section of the new Teddy Bear and Friends issue (August 2005).  Also, our Christine Pike has written a great article on hunting down English bears.  For those who don't live in the USA and who might not know, TB&F is one of our bear magazines.  Congrats, Millie, on your cute bears, and Christine . . . your article is interesting reading.  Hugs to all . . .

Make that a couple of pounds of DARK chocolate and it's a deal!!    Of course you can use the name Beezley!  I certainly don't have a copyright on it so, as far as I'm concerned, it's up for grabs.  I just changed the spelling of Beasley.  Thought for an anime bear, the name should be a little wonky (I LOVE that word - thanks for bringing it up, Penny)! 

You are sooooo cute, Paula . . . just like your bears!! 

I think so, Dilu . . . your analysis works very well for me . . . NO RULES!!  YAHOO!! 

Penny, you're kidding us, of course!!    I looked at the photo of you on your website and found you to be QUITE attractive!!  And I'm NOT kidding!!  So, ladies, go ahead and post your photos . . . Penny is kidding!

Thank you much, ladies . . . I'm looking forward to seeing your anime creations!!

Hmmmm, Daphne . . . I do just the opposite.  I put in the eyes first, then position the ears based on the distance from the top of the eye.  Nose is last and centered between the eyes . . . like yours! 

Eau de Chicken Feed!

HA, Penny . . . you wonky girl!!  I prefer to finish the head first, then my bear can watch the rest of itself being made.  They like that, you know!! 

Oh my goodness . . . all of you are so beautiful!!  Just like your bears!  And, Rita, no way you look 66!   Because we are all different in our characteristics, our bears look different, too.  You've all seen what happens when a group of artists takes the same pattern and makes bears that are totally different looking.  I think that what's inside each artist determines what his/her bear is going to look like.  So, whether the resulting bear actually "looks" like its maker or not, that teddy contains LOTS of its creator's spirit!!           Boy, I can go on!!     

Ummmmmmm . . . I can just smell it now - fantastic!!  A LONG time ago - before all the "vanilla" perfumes came out - I loved that fragrance so much when I cooked with the flavoring, that I started using vanilla cooking flavor (Adam's Best) as a cologne.  EEEEEKKKK, that was desperation!  Now, guess I could smear some dark chocolate around . . . naw, I'm not THAT desperate!!