Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

I just wanted to say that I've just heard that too. I think somewhere on here.
I haven't tried it yet, still trying to use my "other" polyfill. But I did buy some, opened the package and I can really see how the stuff will be better. With my other poly fill from Micheals, I find it has a mind of it's own, and slips like crazy. Plus, I think that Wallmart brand is even cheaper! Can't get any better than that!
Heather

Hey guys. I have to say I love embroidering noses, but since my background is in sculpting, I figure I should try and sculpt some noses. Problem is, I can't really think of anyway to attch them.
How do you guys do it?? Is it as simple as adding your own wire in before baking? Would that be stong enough? I thought of using apoxie, but I don't have any at the moment and was hoping there was another way.
Thanks in advance for sharing your secrets,
Heather

yeah, me neither. Although lavender sounds good in a belly of a bear, I think that after time it would get nasty. I think that washing the mohair with something nice smelling is the safest way, but it doesn't last forever.
let us know if you come up with anything though
Heather

The only thing I can think of that maybe the sprayed it with something, and the smell will go away. Or I've heard of some people stuffing their bears with lavender etc. Or maybe trew in one of those perfume samples from a magazine into the belly. Or maybe they washed the mohair before making the ted and you're smelling the soap or fabric softener.
In other words, I guess they could've used anything. LOL
Heather

I also agree that we should drink tonnes of water, but I swell very badly. NO idea why, but it's really gross. I look about 20 lbs heavier when I'm all swollen, and I happen to take a fluid pill ( which I don't too ofter, i hate pills) after that, if I drink water, I notice I dont pee and just start to swell again. So maybe lots of water isn't too good for everyone, although Nanc, I agree that you do start craving water, and nothing else will quench your thirst.
Heather

Sue Ann, you are amazing!! I also thought this would be more complicated than it is. Now, I just have to figure out how to create the face I want.
Do you have to be able to draw well to create your own patterns?? Needless to say, I don't draw too good. :D
Heather

Wo, Nanc, great Jewlery! I can't even imagine how you wuold go about creating that. Amazing! Is it an expensive hobby? Jewlery making that is.
Heather

ahh, didn't work and I can't find the photo button. I guess some of you are lucky eh?? LOL:lol:

Now I can say for sure that I love Canada and our cold, snowy winters. This means we don't really have any sort of bug problem. Just some ants I guess. Never seen a brown recluse, or a black window in person before and I can't even imagine taratulas walking around.
So I guess my story would be about my "pet" tarantula. He was inherited from a friend that bought him, and then didn't want him anymore. I just couldn't stand to see the spider get killed, so now he lives in my bedroom, and I have to say he's very cute. They are very fuzzy, just like our teddy bears. And I've found that if you rub the underside of their belly (abdomen) he likes it! He will lift it up and stay there for hours. Cute I think. Also, I used to have a chinchilla and once I was holding the spider up to the cage so the chinchilla could see him. Well, I sure didn't plan on the chinchilla reaching throughout the bars of his cage and grabbing one of the spiders legs. I was horrified and thusly dropped the spider in fear of my little rodent friend.
Sorry if I've freaked anyone out. I do know a few people who wont come over because of the spider, but he does make a great conversation piece :D
Let me try and post a pic of him. Hard to get a good pic though

I don't have any pics to share yet. I have not made 2 bears out of the same mohair yet. But I can say that out of the 2 kits I have made, my bear looked totally different than the original artists bear did. Amazing how your own style can shine through. I don't think I could ever do more than one of the same bear. It would get boring.
As for dollmaking, as a doll maker with many dollmaker friends, those of us who don't use molds could never come close to making the same face\body more than once. I believe your mood, where you are that day etc. have alot to do with how our art comes out. I was grumpy making my 1st bear and he looks like he's mad. I think that's awsome!!
So that leaves the question, do we look like our bears? Or at least do they reflect your personality?
Heather

Shantell, I was in the same boat as you about 1 month ago. I know it's the most overwhelming thing ever!! It's good that you've made some bears already though. Right after I made my 1st bear from a kit I went out and ordered a WHOLE bunch of mohair. Spend WAY more than I should've, and the problem with that is, I just didn't know what I liked to use yet.
So if I could do it again, I'd think about my bears before I started buying mohair.
Do you like curly mohair? I find it's easier to work with than the straight. At least for us beginers. How big are your bears? If you make little ones, than for sure you don't want 1" long mohair. Also, really think of color. That pink mohair may be beautiful, but in the end will you really make a pink bear?
Other than that, I find here at intercal, it's alot easier to pick, because you can at least see a bear made from that material.
If all else fails, and you don't want to buy samples, but one of each, one sparse mohair, one curly, one straight, some mini mohair etc.
I hope this helps, I spent soo much moeny on mohair when I was in your shoes and ended up with lots that I may never use, and too much of the stuff I thought I'd like.
Heather

Hello Jane. I beleive you can just paint the eyes with acrilic paint. Just make sure to seal it when you're all done. But I'm sure Shelli should really answer your question just in case.
Also wanted to say to my fellow Albertans! Nice to see that there are bear makers close to home.
Heather