Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Bev,

Great show report!  I have been doing the show for several years, and I must say I learned a few things about the history of the show and the wonderful old foundry.  Very informative and fun.  (I'm really glad we don't have to resort to porta-potties anymore.)

About that little flower bear of mine ... this solves a mystery.  Ever since the show, she has been pining away  about some handsome bear that tried to sweep her off her feet.  Now I know who it was!       

Hugs,  Donna B

I use wood wool in all my heads, and love that it makes a nice firm finish.  Another advantage is that you can mold the head somewhat after you finish stuffing.  I take the head in my hands and push firmly with my thumbs to create eye sockets and smooth out any stray lumpy areas, etc. You can also use soft-sculpture techniques with a wood wool stuffed head, but I often find that I can get the shape I want just through surface molding.   

If I want to make a "stand by itself" bear I find that a leg firmly stuffed with wood wool (to at least past the ankle) gives enough support to do the job.  One caution, though -- wood wool makes for a very light bear.  Those of you who like your bears to have some "heft"  may not care for the feel.

Hugs,  Donna B

Oh,  Marie.  Thank you so much for checking the website for me.  It does sound like I can enter without being a member of Japan Int'l Fan Club then.  Not that I wouldn't want to join, as they have a really cool magazine, but it does get expensive and I have to set some limits.   

Thanks again for taking the time to looking into it for me -- I do appreciate it.

Hugs,   Donna

Scott --  You're right,  had entirely forgotten that Audie would be sure to know.  He was the one who encouraged me to enter the first time.  I will send him an email and see what he says.  As far as pictures are concerned, the photos I took of the Hansel & Gretal set were awful.  I am planning on doing another photo session soon -- if they are better I will post,  I promise.

Dilu -- Indian Springs is pretty much the same as you left it -- right now it is mighty wet!!  It's pouring rain and I'm hoping that we don't loose power like we did a few days ago.  Lots of snow (for Oakhurst) a week ago.-- gave me the excuse to stay home, you know what driving on Indian Springs is like when it's icy (one giant slip and slide)   
Keep warm up there in Oregon in your Igloo!

Hugs, Donna

The entry deadline for the Japan International Fan Club's annual TITA Awards (Tokyo International Teddy Awards) is coming up in May.  I am considering entering again this year, as I have had such good luck in the past in this competition.     However, I am having problems understanding a few things.  I think they have changed some of the qualifications since the last time I entered.  The application form itself is easy enough to understand -- but the english translation for the page "Tokyo International Teddy Awards 2007 application important points"  is a little hard to understand.  If I read it right, it says that you have to be a member of the Japan International Fan Club in order to enter the competition.  Could one of you Japanese speakers look at the website and see if that is so?  If that is the case, I may have to reconsider because of the extra cost.  Anyway, the website is www.teddybear.co.jp.

I would be so very grateful for some help!

Hugs,  Donna

Sandy.   Warm hugs for you on this sad day.  Hang on to your memories of Magic ... they will comfort you in the days to come.  I still carry a dog tag on my key chain to remind me of one of my special pets and his silly funny ways ... even though its been five years since he left us.  Magic gave you a great gift ... love abounding.  Treasure it.

Hugs,   Donna B

Hmmmm.......This means I'm going to have to check out your table EARLY at Nevada City ..... so I can have first pick HeHeHe  :twisted: 

Donna B

Shelli,   In regard to your absolutely darling little Fae  --- her face may have started out accidentally, but the results are amazing!!  She well earned her honors at N.C.   One of my quilt teachers many years ago told us "There are no accidents...there are only opportunities."  You certainly made the most of yours with Fae. 
 
I do some rough clipping of the face pieces before sewing, especially with dense mohair, plus I always clip the seam allowances and then sew.  After sewing, I clip a bit more,  stuff,  set eyes and then on to the final grooming.  For some reason I always do the nose the very last...that's why the last few days before a show are generally "nose days".      
 
Donna B

Judi,   The good news just keeps coming.  Great going!!  Your pieces are beyond fantastic and certainly deserve all the attention they are getting.  Two more stars in your crown!! The only problem will be when it comes time to vote, I don't know how in the world I could choose between your and Shelley's pieces.  I think we should call it a tie right now. 

Hugs,  :hug: 
Donna B

Congratulations!!!   What a well-earned honor for you both!!  I know you won't just sit back on your laurels -- and that there will be even greater works from both of you in the years ahead -- I can't wait!!!  (My exclamation-point key is getting worn out -- but it's worth it)  Great job Shelley and Sue-Ann!!

Hugs,  Donna B

Sue Ann,

Your bear is such a sweetie pie, no wonder he was nominated...who could resist that face!!  Congratulations  :clap:

Hugs,  Donna B

Judy,

Amazing work, my dear.  The nominations are well deserved!!!  I hope you plan on going to Washington DC in August to pick up your awards in person.  Again, congratulations,  I'll be rooting for you.

Hugs,  Donna

Louise,

Yey for you!!  Many congratulations for a great bear.

Bear Hugs,
Donna B

Jenny,

Your squirrel is just great -- what a face.  I know an artist is never satisfied -- but to my eyes he's just perfect.  What a sweetie.

Donna B

Scott,

You have gotten some great support from the wonderful gang here -- and all I can do is add my thanks for sharing -- what a loss -- knowing you, I'm sure that you would have been a great nurse.  I'm always amazed that we are often given other talents that compensate for whatever shortcomings we may have.  In your case, as well as being a super bear artist, you have the best "people skills" of any one I know.  For those bear artists out there who might be at a show with Scott  -- watch out!  I have had a table next to Scott's more than once and watched as collectors gathered 'round chatting, laughing, and having a great time and not wanting to leave.  (Leaving the next table -- mine -- empty.)     I could hardly blame them, though.  If anyone can make a show fun -- it's you.    So, even though you struggle with writing -- in person you more than make up for it!

Hugs,  Donna B

CONGRATS SHELLI!!!

I have been a great fan of your bears (especially their eyes) since I first saw them.  A well-deserved honor.   

I am in the same boat you are -- a West Coaster that is still waiting for my copy of TBR.  Really anxious to see Christine's article on your bears.

Hugs,  Donna

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!   You are already a great advisor and super cheerleader on the forum -- I'm so glad they made it official.      Great going!!

Hugs,  Donna

Simone,

Thanks so much for sharing the book of bears.  I had a great time browsing thru the photos -- the bears are all darling!!!  I will be looking for them on ebay.  What a great project. 

Donna

Diane,

What great news.  You are really spreading the Golly fever around!!!  It couldn't happen to a nicer gal.  You are always so encouraging to everyone here on Teddy Talk  -- I know you will make a great instructor.  Well done.  :clap: :clap: :clap:

Donna

Clare,

I think that a light blue is my favorite all-around color for backdrops, and it seems to work for most bears.  But there are certain situations that another color works best.  I just got a yummy pink that I'm anxious to try with a bear that is wearing a burgundy dress.  I also got a great light green that I thought world work behind some of my beige rabbits.  Right now I want to do some trial and error shots and see what happens.  Variety is the spice of life, you know!

Hugs, Donna

I know that, like it or not, photography is an important part of promoting our work.  I have learned a lot from the many discussions on this in Teddy Talk and on other forums.  (Thanks, especially Shelly, for your Bears & Buds articles)  :dance:

I just thought I might add my tiny bit for anyone interested.  I was in a school supply store the other day and noticed they had a huge range of bulletin board paper in a rainbow of colors.  And what was best -- you can buy it by the yard and it's cheap!  I remembered that professional photographers usually use paper for their backdrops -- so I got a great selection of colors to try out on my next photography shoot.  It won't last as long as fabric,  but  it rolls up for storage and can be easily replaced.  It comes 48" wide, so is wide enough for all of my bear photo needs.

Hugs,  Donna

Thanks Laura!

I found the article in Bears Direct by Anne Cranshaw especially noteworthy.  Plus I have always loved her work -- she was one of my early inspirations.   

Hugs, Donna

Judy,

I have spent a lot of time thinking about this issue, too.  When I first started making bears, they were mostly undressed.  Then gradually, I began dressing more and more of them.  I absolutely love undressed bears -- and some of my favorite artist bears are undressed.  But I think for me the thing is that I always want to tell a story with each bear.  Dressing becomes a way of bringing them to life --( they are on the way to bed, they are a character in a nursery rhyme, etc).  I don't know why, but I just have more "fun" taking them this extra step.  As a bear maker who sells her creations, this is often not a very economical way of working, as I often spend more time making their clothes and finding just the right accesories as I do making the bear itself.  But, as this is what gives me the most pleasure, that's what I do.  :rolleyes:

By the way -- your set is absolutely FABULOUS.  The bunnies are adorable!!!

Hugs, Donna

Dilu,

I just read your "hi" above.  I'm soooo glad your Gollys are doing so well -- they seem to be getting cuter and cuter. I especially love your current avatar Golly (what a face!)  It's so fun to hear that they are spreading their Golly-cheer all over the world.  Well done my friend!!  :):)

Hugs, Donna

For those of you that are pandamaniacs:D, don't miss the cool site that the National Zoo has up that has a panda cam that lets you watch the pandas in real time.  They also have some wonderful photos of the new baby panda (which they say is now teddy bear size!)   

There is also a "Name the panda contest going on until Sept. 30.  Check it out at: http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/Giant … fm?cam=LP1  (I hope this link works, if not Google National Zoo pandas and you'll get there.  :):)

Donna