Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

This here is actually really really scary if you're not aware of the lead issue.  Little trinkets like metal charms and costume jewelry should not be bought AT ALL for kids, especially when you don't know where they came from or what they're made of. You know how little kids will wear a necklace or bracelet and it always winds up in their mouth...they tug on it and pull on it when they're bored...too many kid have become gravely ill or died from these cheap trinkets.  They don't even have to swallow the charm itself (although sadly this is how a few children have died..the doctors thinking the little piece would just pass not realizing the lead content was there..).  Just having the charm in their mouth is enough to poison a child.  Items made to look like aged silver or pewter are supposed to be much worse too....the lead content being even higher.

* In March 2006, Reebok International recalled 300,000 charm bracelets following the death of a four-year-old Minneapolis girl due to lead poisoning after she swallowed a piece from the bracelet, according to the CPSC.

The bracelet, found to contain high levels of lead, was given away free with certain Reebok shoes.

* On May 5, 2006, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recalled metal charms Sold with Twentieth Century Fox Shirley Temple DVDs because they could cause lead poisoning.  Shirley Temple DVDs are marketed to children as well as adults.  The Shirley Temple DVD metal charm recall involves about 730,000 metal charms that could cause lead poisoning. 

*Hazard: The recalled charms contain high levels of lead, posing a serious risk of lead poisoning and adverse health effects to young children.

Description: The charms are small silver-colored metal shapes that include flowers, bugs, pumpkins, and picture frames. “Art Accentz,” “Changlz,” “Provo Craft,” and “For ages 3 and over” are printed on the charm’s packaging. The charms were sold as decorations for craft projects such as scrapbooks, home décor and jewelry making.

Manufactured in: China.

* The firm, Cardinal Distributing Co. of Baltimore, MD, announced a voluntary
recall in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
The paint on this jewelry contains high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and
can cause adverse health effects. This product should be taken away from children and discard them.
The recalled necklaces have sports-themed pendants including blue or green basketballs, yellow stars,
“01”, and “Perfect 10.” The pendants hang from a black cord. The bracelets include green or pink
painted heart-shaped charms and silver-colored charms shaped as suns, moons, stars, padlocks, keys,
rattles, and fishbones.
These necklaces and charm bracelets were manufactured in India and approximately 900,000 were
sold in vending machines located in malls, discount, department and grocery stores nationwide from
January 2006 through April 2007 for 25 cents.

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07035.html

Scary scary stuff....how does it even get in here to get to our kids???!!!! ugh
:hug:
~Chrissi

Hi Catherine!

Years ago one of the first patterns I ever bought was Andrea Brewer's Twig bear (she's a member here too!).  It's a free pattern now out on her web site and it has awesome toe directions.... easy to follow and with illustrations. 

http://www.brewersbruins.com/index.html

:hug:
~Chrissi

I'm using this over a stitched nose, so it's absorbed into the fibers...it's a very very thin coat you would be applying. It's not like you're creating a "shell" of any kind that would have  surface to "crack". I'd say I'm using the equivalent to 3-4 lightly tip of the brush dipped brush strokes...it's so minimal and absorbed. I've also used over nosed that had already seen a 50/50 glue solution and that took even less to coat...just 1-2 brush strokes with a lightly dipped brush. I have dolls that my aunt made....jeez, probably 28-30 years ago...where she used a 50/50 solution on certain yarn/floss pieces and those dolls are still mint today. 
I can't talk to putting this over a solid surface, like clay or resin...but you could probably find out via Aleene's...I would guess that they have a research department that could give out longevity numbers.  You figured people are mainly using this for decoupage on solid wood, metal and glass, so the idea behind the stuff is to last and see wear-n-tear via use.
Water based glues hold up pretty well if treated with basic care.  I still have macaroni projects from grade school that are in good shape, glue-paper- and noodles attached by a 1st grader (now physics bound 1st graders would gasp and guffaw at the thought of such feeble work  ). But it's still here after 28 years!

Hope that helps!

:hug:
~Chrissi

I use Aleene's instant decoupage (water based glue) in gloss finish.  It gives a really nice shine and I don't loose any detailing of the stitched nose at all.

:hug:
~Chrissi

Have you guys ever seen this site?  I worked with a gal who knows a co founder.  It's a cool concept..you can rent the bags of your dreams! It's pricey, but not as pricey as one Fendi bag 

http://www.bagborroworsteal.com/

:hug:
~Chrissi

Hi Ruth (fellow PA'er)!

If you're in an area without shops (for varying reasons some like to use retailers & some don't) my suggestion would be use the internet to it's fullest in order to promote and sell your bears. Using a web site, blog, eBay, Bid4Bears, Bearpile, TT Showcase/Friends section all to promote your stuff.  Send in quality photos to magazines in order to get your name out there. You might not ever sell consistently to your own area...but you could have collectors all over Europe!

Looking forward to your pics!
:hug:
~Chrissi

:clap:  :dance: Hooray Magda  :dance:  :clap:

Here's one I like to do....I get email coupons all the time for my favorite sewing and crafting stores.  I always print an extra with my own. I like to look for someone who has a bunch of kids and an obvious school project going on or someone who looks like they need a "hug" and I ask if they could use the coupon.  People light up with a good coupon 

:hug:
~Chrissi

I wasn't to sure about hosting a blog either...then I looked into it a little more and it's very easy to update. It's no harder than typing right here and uploading photos like we do here.  You don't have to know anything about HTML, although it can help with some things if you want to get a little "fancier" with design. 

As far as privacy goes I think a lot more has been shared out here in chatting.  Even while typing out here you have to be smart....if you're sharing your pet names, kids names, favorite movies online then don't use those things as passwords or privacy protection secret question answers etc. Forums may hold a false sense of security for some, but there are just as many scams that run via registered forums as there are on eBay, Paypal , and the internet in general. You still have to be safe and smart in sharing and protect yourself.

I can't imagine sharing photos would make someone want to rob a specific house, but again take precautions....don't announce to the internet world that you're leaving for your annual, always the same week every year, summer vacation and your cats are being fed by your 82 year old neighbor once a day. 

You're essentially sharing what you want to share, whatever that may be and however often it may be....crafts, dogs, recipes, teddy bears, life's ups and downs....once a day, twice a week, 4 times a month....it's up to you

:hug:
~Chrissi

So glad to hear that Kellisa is doing well!  Look at her up on that billboard, such a cutie.  Her strength makes her the perfect girl for the job!

:hug:
~Chrissi

Michelle have you ever tried a skinny cow??!!  Oh my gosh are they fantastic!  I used them years ago when I first did W.W.  They're only 2 points each and they're big servings!  The sandwiches and the bars were both so YUMMY!!  http://www.skinnycow.com/

:hug:
~Chrissi

Wow Roxanne those look too pretty to eat!

Favorite splurge "easy" dessert.......I was about 8 years old when the "Chipwich" was the newest and best thing to get on the boardwalk and from the ice cream man. How perfect was that idea...2 chocolate chip cookies, ice cream in between and then roll the ice cream layer in more chocolate chips .   I've got dietary restrictions now, but I can still make a pretty close copy with nondairy "ice cream" and wheat free cookies. 

For the everyday/healthier desserts I LOVE baked apples and baked pears.  Take out a little of the core (not all the way to the bottom) and stuff with raisins, walnuts, maybe drizzle a little maple syrup....YUM!! 

:hug:
~Chrissi

Martha Stewart is a crafting, cooking, catering, gardening, retailing,  book publishing, tv hosting, stock market queen   :lol:, jack/"jill" of all trades.  She does all of this to make us American girls feel inadequate ( kidding!!). 

I like her magazine, it usually has some pretty good ideas throughout.  Some are ridiculously far fetched, but most are pretty good.

:hug:
~Chrissi

I dig you Jennifer!!  You crack me up with your observations!      

I'm loving the blogging thing, I look forward to posting and I know that my fam and friends are peeking in, so anything on top of that is bonus for me right now.  My observation on blogs (and I'll probably go there myself at some point...) are the photos of artistically strewn stuff.  Those pics are my "coffee".  I imagine the technique is like those painters who load up their brushes and flick paint....I picture crafters taking out the buttons, rickrack, sequins and calico fabrics and doing the same...just artfully chucking them along the table for a photo op.  That makes me giggle...it's not a bad thing, it's just a funny thing for me.  Someone did it once (probably Martha Stewart) and now it's the marker for "cool craft photo"    And like I said I'll probably do it someday....maybe.    

As for the comments....some folks will always just get more signatures in their yearbooks.  I never got lots of those, but the ones I got.... did then and still do mean a lot to me.  It's the quality, not the quantity.  

:hug:  :hug:
~Chrissi

PS...This holiday weekend I finally will have the time to sit down, sort the blog list here and add all of the wonderful blogs ! 

Hi Dorothy!
You could check out a couple of things....first do you have a google/blogger account in order to leave comments on those accounts?  If you don't you can register right there and then you can leave comments all of the blogs that use blogger (I see you use typepad ).  If you do already have a google/blogger account and you're having password trouble I'd use a forgot my password feature or a help feature to see if my password was altered or deactivated or something.

Good Luck!
:hug:
~Chrissi

Once my natural light fades with the sunset my studio lighting pretty much stinks...I need some new lighting!!

Anyone here use an Ott Lite ?  I've been looking at them for a while and just found them on sale at Joann's online for 50% off + $5 shipping on entire order (good deal!).   If you use one, what one do you use and does it make a big difference for you? 

:hug:
~Chrissi

:crackup: Roxanne, you're such a hoot! 

Ellen....luv that swirly blue mug.  How calming!

I've never bought cute mugs.  I have the 8 basic mugs that came with my dinnerware set.  But back when I was at my worst with being sick I was at the pharmacy picking up a script and saw a little "sale" table.  I saw these 2 mugs and thought "I'd rather be there"...so I bought them and now they're my favorite tea-n-honey cups. I'd still like to be there, but for the good reasons....fall and pumpkins, crisp air....

:hug:
~Chrissi

Oh Louise I'm so so sorry for your sudden loss.   Take all of the time you need to heal, it's very important that you allow yourself that.  They're not just dogs.... they're the best kind of friends to have in life.  Thinking of you and Garnet :hug:  :hug:

:hug:
~Chrissi

Hi Sheila!

He's so cute! Best of luck with his auction...he'll do fantastic out there! 

:hug:  :hug:
~Chrissi

Ewwwww cool, I LOVE costumes and all that stuff!! 

Shane, I adore the hoodie idea for the frog!  Could be a green sweatshirt.

I was a duck one year for halloween at work...(our wild and whacky team picked a Old McDonald...it was old mcdonald :doh: theme and I was the duck, ok... ).  Anyway.....    I made wings of plain thin white poster board (it bends or "bows" and makes moving around easy).  I just cut out the shape of the wing, and I used Sheets of crepe paper for feathers.  I cut them like the "feathered" stuff they use on pinatas.  I'd make one long strip and then cut all the "feather" strips up width wise just to about the final inch.  That inch of uncut paper was what I  glued down and it was then hidden under the next layer of "feathers".  Then I just took 2 strips of elastic and glued/stapled them  on the inside of the wing.... right above my wrist and where my mid upper arm would be.  I just slid my arm down through those 2 elastic pieces and had full wing control!   

:hug:
~Chrissi

EDIT...big bulging eyes could be ping pong balls cut in half...that's what a lot of puppeteers use

touché

  :crackup:  :crackup:  :crackup:

Good one!
:hug:
~Chrissi

Ilze, I'm sending tons of positive thoughts and prayers your way.  I posted a lil' bit of what happened to me in Sarah's thread about "spoons".  It's a very draining experience to be ill and on the roller coaster of addressing and managing that illness.  If your doctors are guessing and giving up...find new doctors.  Travel to the best if you have to, but find a doctor/doctors who will give you more than a guess.  Jeez...when did doctors turn into magic 8 balls??? 
The 2 doctors who wound up helping me the most are true blue MDs associated with very very good hospitals, BUT they practice what is called "preventative medicine".  I guess you could say it's more on the holistic side......but it's really not as much of that as it is simply going back to basics. Really addressing the body as a whole rather than dissecting it like all of these "specialists" do.  These 2 doctors who worked together addressed for me what 6 specialists and at least 3 Emergency room visits could not.

I'm really thinking of you, let me know if I can assist you in any way at all :hug:  :hug:

:hug:
~Chrissi

Good good good information!!! Thank you!!

I didn't even think of an AIO before posting here and I should have since I need a scanner too  :doh:   I've been borrowing my sisters scanner and thought I'd be making a separate purchase!!  Been googling all the brands listed here and it was hard to find a recent "test" review (without subscribing to consumer reports....), but I found one that seems pretty fair in testing. 
Here's the link...  http://www.popphoto.com/photoprinters/4 … otout.html

Keep the pros/cons coming, looks like there are a couple of us needing to go printer shopping soon

:hug:
~Chrissi

I just sold a ton of stuff on eBay for funds toward a new printer.  I want to get a really good one and I'm looking for opinions and feedback on what you use or what you would get.  I'm hoping to tap into the crafters here who do printing on fabrics too!! Excellent photo quality, printing onto fabrics, ease of use & not a lot of maintenance issues, etc
Whatever you can add is appreciated!

:hug:
~Chrissi

Cute Blog Jodi!! And you can change your blog design really easily.  I pop into Lisa's (twincubs) blog often and she just posted a link to an HTML tips blog (mark the site!!).....so super easy to make changes. (THANK YOU AGAIN LISA!!)

For writing I just write as if I was telling my sis' about my day.  I'm not going to write about buying shampoo at ShopRite (unless I bumped into Johnny Depp whilst paying for said shampoo) but I did just write about one of my favorite shopping places.  For me it's like everyday kicked up a notch.  I love nice pics too. I take my camera everywhere now ...new babies will do that to you, you always want a camera on hand!!

:hug:
~Chrissi

That's so cool Tami!  I use altoids tins to hold my mini pattern pieces!  They all smell like mints!! (the patterns...not the bears )

:hug:
~Chrissi