Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

I've never read the books either....(have seen the movies ).....but it's sounding like Harry and the Saprano's are leaving fans in the same "that's it" boat this year!! 
Maybe Bill and Hillary will do a Harry Potter parody now too...:crackup:  :crackup:  :crackup:

:hug:
~Chrissi

Oh my gosh how cute is HE???!!!       Tracy, he is awesome....what a FACE!! 
Chole's such a lucky duck!!

:hug:
~Chrissi

Don't be scared!!  

I fray check on smaller sized bears, where a little fray can be the end of the bear. (I double stitch on all sizes)  I'm careful to fray check really lightly around the muzzle...'cause that stuff can make the fabric stiff and with littler bears it matters a lot more.  Using a brush rather than right from the bottle makes it a lighter/more exact application in that area. I've done fray check before and after I've cut out pieces.  Both ways have worked fine. (edit: I use the same brand as Patty )

Good Luck and have FUN!!
:hug:
~Chrissi

I'm tooting Lisa's horn, 'cause she's too darn modest to do it herself! :redface: 

I just got my very first copy of Art Doll quarterly (fantastic magazine by the way) so I took the time to sit down for a cover to cover read.  Imagine my surprise when I turn to the last page and it's a FULL PAGE write up on our own Lisa Bunting Thomas of Twincubs....."hey I know her"!  Not only is it a fantastic write up for Lisa, crossing over into a doll magazine, BUT I'm sure it will bring curious eyes over to teddy bear artists as well.  How cool is her creation, Stella Glitzgerald?! 

Congrats Lisa!!!  :clap:  :dance:  :clap: 

:hug:
~Chrissi

Oh my gosh, I just saw this on the new tonight.  I hope you're ok Samantha!  Thinking of you and others....what a mess for you all!  They showed pics and video of the navy trying to keep waters from the power plant...something like half a million could loose power if it floods out..I hope it doesn't get that bad. 
Drinking water looked to be scarce too...bottled water selling out they said.  Smart to fill up containers and pots with clean water while you can..even the tub for washing up. 
BIG HUGS and thinking of you!!

:hug:
~Chrissi

No, not troubled at all with true facts not being presented... good grief not at all and that's not what I wrote or meant at all. I still can't believe that you saw PM's asking for specifics and more info!! -jaw drop moment -

It's easy to see that you're on the up and up and that what you've presented is beneficial in it's base discussion, it's just so -ugh- that it involved members and that it was incredibly easy to find everything with the info given.  But like I said, they should've thought of that.  You had every right to correct it.

Totally agree that this was a BS move & was wrong..can't say that enough....I'm not as far from the other side of the coin.   

:hug:
~Chrissi

EGADS!! No don't give up!   When I first started out a very well known artist gave me some really really good advice.  She suggested I buy as many cheap/ thrift store teddy's that I could to practice sculpting on.  You could do the same to try to work through the look you're going for, without fear of messing up or ruining the "good ones".  She suggested I open up the back of the bears and shove as much stuffing into the head to get the "feel" I wanted...then practice sculpting.  You could work on the mouth/muzzle you want the same way. 

:hug:
~Chrissi

Bobbie,
I'm very very glad that this situation has worked out best for you in the end. I really am. What happened with your words, is totally wrong.  The title isn't inaccurate in the least. But I wonder if maybe this forum being a place for scandal(s) to be taken/tried is unsettling for anyone else.  They should've thought of that first, yes I totally agree...believe me.
I do not know this other artist(s)not at all, but the simple text that was given lead easily to all articles on and off line.  40 seconds tops.
Again, don't know this other person and what they did was obviously (read it myself) wrong....but I'm totally freaked out that whether right or wrong....true or false, things can be tried out here, knowing that it's members involved.  Please don't perceive this as "playing un nice", hope it's not perceived as such in any shape or form. I wouldn't "play" when it comes to talking out loud and discussions between adults.  And like I said...I've read it all first hand, this was indeed what the title says.

I am truly glad that you're seeing resolution and that others will see via editorial corrections. But in this very public forum, I'm offering a small.....jeez..something.....to you and to the other
person(s) too. Something very wrong transpired. I hope all can move forward, wounded (self inflicted or not)......but not totally broken.   

:hug:
~Chrissi

I found pricing to be difficult too, Edie.  It was hard not to get emotionally invested in that aspect.  I've since used the basics for pricing that Paula's typed out here a few time...materials, labor, % of profit.  There's really zero second guessing when worked like this.  It's just adding up what's fact in materials and what you've preset your working labor/profit at.  Which brings up that emotional part.  Since that recent thread about "how long does it take to make a bear" was posted I've timed the acutely working hours/minutes on a few bears. Just jotted down the hour or minutes from when I started and stopped..no big whoop.  I'm SO glad I've done it!!  It takes the guess work out and really puts it into real time rather than thinking "jeez I spent a week...or 2 days....or 4 days.... on that bear".  After doing it a few times I can guesstimate what each bear of similar size and style would take if I don't remember to track exactly.  (tracking and trending as the old "real job"     would have called it!!)

I don't think that ebay/buyers should be "setting" prices and I think it's where a lot of newcomers get lost and then disappointed. Artists need to set their prices and if it goes over AWESOME, but it shouldn't close at less than what you wanted to see for that bear/item either.    Over the past few weeks I've been to at least 4-5 websites from crafts to kitchens that have a "Bargain shopping" or "Bargain Basement" button that when clicked.... links directly to eBay.  It's still a place where people in general hope to find a deal or steal..shouldn't let your "value" suffer due to that.   
Do all of the things you can to get your name and product out there from magazines, to advertising opportunities, to web sites, to participating in charity auctions, etc to get noticed and in turn...bring in sales.  I wouldn't advise lowering your prices just to make a sale ....nor would I advise overpricing to try to lure buyers.  I don't think a new or even seasoned seller could survive longterm with that business plan. (??)

:hug:
~Chrissi

I went up to the library, drop down, click on mouths.....  that's working for me right now...not sure why the link wouldn't

The library is FULL of awesome info (I've litterally read it end to end!), but don't be shy about asking questions.....if we reference the library all the time it's going to get stagnant out here and we'll have nothing to talk about. -boring-

There have got to be some new approaches to working things, new explanations...new ideas too...there ae new members everyday!! 

:hug:
~Chrissi

Picture #1 without a doubt for me! It's taking everything about your bear into consideration ....from background, pose, to the wings being highlighted and tied back into the shot by the use of the tree. It really fits the bear so much.   Really a COOL picture and a fantastic bear!!

:hug:
~Chrissi

Hi Shantell!

I think your listing is fine     The shipping says worldwide up top and down below...the shipping  insurance says not offered internationally.  That might be based on the type of shipping you've chosen, not sure about that part....but the "shipping" itself is worldwide

:hug:
~Chrissi

Me being 100% honest, I can't say that I'm totally happy with the idea that those less inclined for spirituality were able to motivate the project. That makes me a bit uncomfortable. BUT the positive aspect wins out in the end!  Those needing support and compassionate uplifting will still receive,  no longer  vulnerable to those who would prefer not to read.  By indicating their concerns those less inclined have in turn created a FULL section for love, support, good will, and compassion.  So THREE CHEERS for that  :clap:  :clap:

Regarding the forum as a whole I'd really like to see the challenge area bumped up.  The challenges are based on getting a group of artists inspired, creating and sharing. It would be nice to see it up there on the list for all to see and fully appreciate.  We're not driven by swaps like lots of other "creative" forums, but challenges are fun, exciting and fresh.   

"cling clang" go my 2 cents   

:hug:  :hug:
~Chrissi

I had a bottle of micro shot from Sassy that lasted forever!  I just ran out and will have to reorder.  It was perfect for weighting in legs and bellies of mini's (mine tend to be about 3.5 inches).  I see she has glass too, just never used it myself.   I like a mini to have weight, gives it a nice feel....plus I like to have my minis holding balloons and stuff, so they need the belly weight to sit and never tip....don't want tipsy bears 

:hug:
~Chrissi

Cool! Thanks for posting Lisa    I just got some Kool-Aid for a different kind of "project", but I'm gonna try to dye a swatch or two now!!

The other project ( ) Anyone ever had a Koolickle???  I cracked up at the articles online and decided to try to make a batch, it being summer and BBQ time up here..why not give it a try  

Check it out here  http://tinyurl.com/2wwz9d ......and let me know if you've tasted these things yet.....how are they?? 

:hug:
~Chrissi

:dance:  :dance:  :clap:  :clap:  Wooooohhhooooooo TAMI!!! :clap:  :clap:  :dance:  :dance:

You have an awesome art teaching gig AND we won't have to say goodbye to your bears with you getting part time!!!  (didn't want to see your bearies go away )

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

:hug:
~Chrissi

You could do a treasure hunt type thing...give a cute/romantic clue inspired by your time together that leads to a place that holds another clue..in the house/yard....it could always end in your supporting garments    :crackup:  :crackup:  :crackup: Heather you cracked me up with that one :crackup:  :crackup:

:hug:
~Chrissi

Binder rings too...check them out (???)

:hug:

With those specifications I'd buy a dowel at or close to the size you need and shaped the rings by hand. 

You've still got a bit of time for shipping it out so don't panic yet!!     The only other thing I can think of is a key ring.  They do sell them in single bands, as well as the 2 band type you have to pull apart to slide your key around.....know what I'm talking about...not sure if what I've typed made sense   You can find the the key ring loops at all the craft stores too.  GOOD LUCK!! 

:hug:
~Chris

I've found a light mist of water (misting bottle) and a hairdryer works very well for taming "odd spots", while not loosing the wonderful overall finishes that many mohairs have.  Now if it only worked as well for MY cowlick!   Cowlicks add character 

:hug:
~Chrissi

Good Luck Tami!!   Anyone would be blessed to have you as an art teacher, they'll see that right away

:hug:  :hug:
~Chrissi

Awesome pictures!!

Judi, You guys look GREAT!!

The hair lady has to be part of a show's cast....hairspray is playing. (???)  Her makeup is very "theatrical" even.   Boy, I bet that's heavy .... great posture!!  
:hug:
~Chrissi

I personally love that idea.  The recognition is truly deserved, the showcase would be GORGEOUS!!  It also shows new comers to the art all that is achievable in the industry. It is an extra technical thing to ask for,  so here's hoping it's workable 

:hug:
~Chrissi

PS....If this was added I'd personally like to see pieces from set awards within the industry.  I think show and fair awards are fantastic, but for a gallery I'd like to see specific competition's pieces.

You look lovely Heather!  Long hair looks great on you & pulling it back in 2 seconds with no fuss is what all new moms need 

:hug:
~Chrissi

Congratulations Aleta :clap:  :clap:  Your blog review is wonderful, your family lovely and your wins so well deserved.  Your constant warmth and creative positivity is so appreciated!!  Thank you for sharing it all 

:hug:
~Chrissi