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For artists and collectors sponsored by Intercal...your mohair supplier and Johnna's Mohair Store
Hi Heather,
Yep, I like doing other animals, too. The give your table a bit of a different look at shows and I find there are always customers who collect certain kinds. Good luck!
Hugs,
Brenda
Thanks for the tips, I think I'll try the vinegar and honey. I'm off to try it and see if I can get some sleep! Night night.
Hugs,
Brenda
Lots of great inspiration and tips!
My sister used to use something called Stevia as a sugar substitute. Its from a plant - an herb I think. It's all natural and 300 times sweeter than sugar. It's been used in Japan to sweeten diet coke. I know you she used to buy it at the health food store - might be worth looking into.
Hugs,
Brenda
Hi there,
It's 1:15 a.m. and I'm so tired my eyes ache, but every time I go to bed I start to cough. I went to the doctor today, and it's nothing that needs antibiotics, but the over the counter stuff isn't working. Anyone know any home remedies? I've had it about a week - caught it from my grandson, but I think I have picked up a new one from my son. He came home from Japan with a nasty cough. I've even picked up Camphorated Oil to heat up and rub on my throat and that's something I haven't done since my kids were small and lived at home. Anyway, I'm game for just about anything - if I have to drink one more hot cup of tea I'm going to ralf!!
Hugs,
Brenda
Hi Danni,
I read your post with interest - I've been selling on Ebay since my son was injured in a motorbike accident in South Korea four years ago and after surgery, we flew him home to recoup for 8 months. He needed to have someone home to help him, so I stopped doing shows and turned to Ebay. I consider my self very fortunate to be able to sell everything I can make, but I don't think I undersell my things. I did sell my first toy on Ebay for $40.00 because I was too naive to put a reserve, but now I always have a reserve which I feel is what I would sell the piece at a show. The unexpected upside to Ebay is that I don't have carpel tunnel problems anymore, since I make one at at time, and pace myself more. I also love the fact that I can make "anything" I want, without having to take orders, which are the kiss of death for me. For me, Ebay is total control, which is exactly what I need.
Dilu, I agree with you about re-listing a bear that didn't sell. If I have a piece that doesn't sell, I almost always "re-do" the piece before I offer it for sale again. I made an exception recently when I listed my raccoon during the U.S. thanksgiving. The viewing numbers were so low, I decided to wait till the Xmas season and re-list it and it sold the second time. I don't know why some artists seem to be able to sell "anything" they list for large amounts, and other artists with beautiful bears, don't seem to sell well at all. I guess it all boils down to individual taste. I have a faithful, core group of customers (which I am eternally grateful for) but no matter what I do, I don't seem to be able to branch out to gain other customers. There is one artist on Ebaythat makes beautiful small, traditional bears and they consistantly sell in the $40.00 range and it breaks my heart.
I don't know what the answer is. I've toyed with the idea of a web-site, but so far haven't done anything about it. I don't like to sell through shops, as I don't like to sell wholesale. I guess for me, Ebay has been a good thing. I don't spend money on show fees, or travelling expenses anymore, so it more than makes up my Ebay fees. I'm anxious to hear more opinions for others. Take care.
Hugs,
Brenda
Hi Judi,
Hubby's had a Dell for the past four years and it has been great - we just got a new one, so the old one will be mine. Before the Dell, we had an HP ( Hewlett-Packard?) and we had nothing but trouble with it. I vote for Dell, too!
Hugs,
Brenda
Hi,
So it is a steamed pudding, wrapped in cloth? I'll bet it's similar to the puddings I remember. Mmmmmmm good! As a child, I loved the plain one with treacle - it was my favourite. See - now I'm going to have to google and see if I can find a recipe for it - I haven't thought about it for yeaaaarrrs!
Hugs,
Brenda
Hi,
When I started buying mohair, I bought the sample pack of 1/16th inch Shulte mohair from Edinburgh. I got 12 pieces about 7" X 12" in different colours and they literally lasted almost a year, since my bears were "really" tiny then. When I did shows, I bought both from Edinburg and Intercal, and found the Intercal mohair frayed more, but that was over 5 years ago. I have to say I like Shulte mohair a lot. I have a friend that used to have a bear supply business, and I used to buy from her but it was all Edinburg stock. I have lots of mohair still in my cupboard, but like everyone else, I loooove to touch and feel new "stuff". I am looking forward to being within driving distance of "Disco Joints and Teddies" in Peterborough, when we move. Then I can actually "see" the fabric in person - can't wait! Oh, and I fraycheck every piece of mohair I cut, since my bears are still on the small size and I sew all my bears by hand.
Hugs,
Brenda
Hi Kathy,
Thanks for the compliments on Rascal - he is 3 inches tall when standing. I've made a few miniature cats, but unfortunately don't have any pictures on the computer to show you. My scanner is toast. Do you have any stuffed toy cats? If you don't, hit a toy store and bring a pencil - when you find one you like, check out where the seams are and how they have put it together. You might even be able to google a picture of a real cat, to check out the shape of the head. The nose is shorter and the head is wider than a teddy, and of course the ears are pointed. So make the gusset nose part shorter and thinner and then really widen it as it goes up to the eyes and towards the back. The sides with be lower. Play around with just a head pattern with cheap fabric or even cotton, until you have the shape you are satisfied with. Hope this helps a bit. I wish I could draw a picture for you on here.
Hugs,
Brenda
Hi Rita,
My parents were British and mum used to make a Suet Pudding or Treakle Pudding. It was a steamed pudding and I'm drooling just thinking about it. If they put raisins or dates in it, they called it a "spotted dog". Boy, you are dredging up major memories from my past. Since my mum died, no one in the family knows how to make them!
Hugs,
Brenda
Hi,
I make miniatures animals with whiskers quite often and have the best success using nylon thread. I have done it two ways. One, I cut a piece of nylon and put a knot at the end and gently pull it through the fur, so it's locked in. Second, I discovered it's faster to cut a longer piece of thread, put two knots quite close together near the middle and gently pull both knots through the nose to lock in place, leaving thread at both ends - then just trim to desired length. It's better to get all the whiskers in first, and trim them all together for a more uniform look. I'm posting a picture of a raccoon I made, so you can see how it looks. Hope this helps!
Hugs,
Brenda
Hi,
I make miniatures animals with whiskers quite often and have the best success using nylon thread. I have done it two ways. One, I cut a piece of nylon and put a knot at the end and gently pull it through the fur, so it's locked in. Second, I discovered it's faster to cut a longer piece of thread, put two knots quite close together near the middle and gently pull both knots through the nose to lock in place, leaving thread at both ends - then just trim to desired length. It's better to get all the whiskers in first, and trim them all together for a more uniform look. I'm posting a picture of a raccoon I made, so you can see how it looks. Hope this helps!
Hugs,
Brenda
Hi Judi,
Your card simply says it all. I wish we could all learn to be happy with who we are. I also lost a sister, 10 years ago. She died from Scleraderma, which is a horrible disease that thickens all the collagen in your skin, and makes it look like leather. She was a United Churh minister and did not let the disease keep her at home, no matter how ugly it looked. Unfortunately the disease triggered lung cancer and that was how she evenually died, a year after her diagnosis. We all knew she was terminal, but my mum died totally unexpectedly of a massive heart attack, three months before my sister. I believe my mum could not bear to bury a child and the stress killed her. Anyway, even though she was so ill, my sister travelled from New Brunswick to Ontario and looked after the funeral for my mum. She greeted every single person that came to the funeral home and astounded all of us. Three months later, we all travelled to New Brunswick for her funeral - it was such an awful time.
When I see your card, I think of my sister. She was the lion for all of us. Thanks for sharing it.
Hugs,
Brenda
Hi Nancy,
My son has lived in Japan for almost 6 months and loves the food. He also lived in South Korea for 6 years. I only know that they do not have ovens, in either country. All their meals are prepared on the "stove top" (you would think that wouldn't be so healthy). I'll have to ask him more about it, and see if he has any useful tips.
Hugs,
Brenda
Hi there,
Sue Ann, what a fabulous idea. The support in this group is the best I've ever felt. I need to loose a lot of weight, but I'm like Shantell. The minute I feel I "have" to do something, my brain finds ways to sabatoge it. I did find out there was a name for it, when I was diagnosed with Attention Deficit a few years ago - it's called "oppositionality". Really - there's is a name for it! So, like Shantell, I want to participate, but it will be on my own terms - no postings for me on a regular basis, but I will definitely let you know if it's working or not.
I have a lot of problems with my sicatic nerve in my left leg, so walking has been out for me. A few years ago I started doing some simple Pilates and it really did make a difference, but I stopped after I felt better and eventually it came back. Our lives are crazy now, trying to clean and get the house ready for sale, but once my hubby leaves for his new job, January 23rd, I am going to schedule one half hour for my pilates exercises and this time, I won't stop when I feel better. I have bronchitis right now, anyway, so I want to get better first. Good luck to everyone!
Bear hugs,
Brenda
Hi there,
Yes, Mary has been around for a long time - one of the forerunners of bearmaking. I've been making bears for 10 years and she was a big name long before I started. She was also one of the designers for Ganz Cottage Collectibles a few years ago.
For those of you drooling over her work, when she first started on ebay a couple of years ago around Christmas time, she sold a one of her pieces for over $14,000 and two others for over $6500.00 each. I still remember totaling her earning for the month and it was over $27,000.00 and telling my husband about it. I do loveher dogs - they are absolutely magnificent, but honestly I do not think I would feel comfortable with my things selling in that range, even if it was possible. I don't think you could ever expect them to retain their purchase value and it would leave me with an icky feeling. But obviously people like her toys enough to pay that amount for it, so good for her. I can't imagine the stress of being the only breadwinner in the family, especially with the fickle world of art!
Hugs,
Brenda
Hi Tammy,
Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and best wishes for the New Year. We were driving to our daughter's house on Christmas eve, listening to Christmas music - the roads were bare and perfect, we had just found out our son had arrived safely from Japan and we would all be together for Christmas with our wee grandson. I was thinking there was not another thing I needed for Christmas. We had it all. I hope everyone at Christmas had a lovely Christmas.
I loved your pictures of Nova Scotia. My sister lives outside of Yarmouth and my late sister lived in Digby for a few years. I love the east coast. I thought I would post a picture of the pariament buildings in Ottawa. They are sooo beautiful and I will miss seeing them, when we move to the Toronto area. Take care and bye for now.
Hugs, :hug:
Brenda
Hi there,
Yes, there really was no question, was there? I did have several chocolates, not enough to spoil it for the rest of the holiday, but just enough to enjoy them and phone my daughter to tell her what I was eating (she was working) - OKAY, I'm a big tease, too! I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas!
Hugs,
Brenda
Hi Deb,
Merry Christmas to you and your family and t hank you for the beautiful message and card. It's crazy arouind our house, with Christmas and trying to get the house cleaned up for sale. Hope we can be in touch in the new year! Take care and a lovely holiday.
Love Brenda
Hi there,
It's 10:00 p.m. and hubby won't be home for another hour at least. I've just finished hand dipping over 200 chocolates and it's the last thing I have to make before Xmas. So, here I sit: me, the chocolates, and an empty house - how many do you think I can eat before I get ill or hubby arrives home to stop me LOL! I wish everyone on Teddy Talk a wonderful holiday season, surrounded by friends and family - MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM CANADA
Hugs,
Brenda
Hi Julia,
Thank you for the beautiful message and Merry Christmas from Canada! Your words ring true - I think teddy bears have magic in them. If every person in the world could have one teddy, maybe it would bring us all a bit closer together. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas season and I will be thinking of you on Januay 7th!
Hugs,
Brenda
Hi Sabine,
I live in Canada, but eggnog is something we can buy in the carton, like milk. I'm sure it's the same in the U.S. My mum used to make if for us if we were sick, when we were kids, to get something with "value" into us, as she used to say. I've "googled" a couple of recipes for you - one with alcohol and one without alcohol. The recipes are for large amounts, but you could adjust the quanities for a smaller amount, to see if you like it first.
NON-ALCOHOL EGGNOG
Good old-fashioned eggnog flavored with vanilla and rum extract. Be sure to make extra! This recipe contains raw eggs. We recommend that pregnant women, young children, the elderly and the infirm do not consume raw eggs.
Original recipe yield: 3 quarts.
Prep Time:15 MinutesReady In:4 Hours 20 MinutesServings:24 (change)
INGREDIENTS:
8 eggs
3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon rum flavored extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 quarts milk
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
DIRECTIONS:
In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs at high speed of mixer until thick and foamy. Gradually beat in sugar and salt, then rum and vanilla extracts. Slowly mix in the milk. Cover and chill in refrigerator until ready to serve.
Just before serving, whip whipping cream until soft peaks form. Fold into eggnog. Pour into punch bowl and garnish with nutmeg.
ALCOHOL EGGNOG
It is relatively easy to toss a few quarts of eggnog and a bottle of rum into a punch bowl, but take the time to make some eggnog from scratch and you will be amazed how great real eggnog can be.
Original recipe yield: 12 servings.
Prep Time:20 MinutesReady In:4 Hours 20 MinutesServings:12 (change)
INGREDIENTS:
12 jumbo egg yolks
1 pound granulated sugar
1 quart whole milk
1 quart heavy cream, lightly whipped
1 liter spiced rum
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS:
Beat yolks in a large mixing bowl. Gradually add sugar. Beat until mixture thickens. Stir in milk and rum. Pour into a large punch bowl and chill for 3-4 hours.
Fold in whip cream before serving. Garnish with freshly ground nutmeg.
Hope this helps and you get to try some eggnog this year! Merry Christmas to you and everyone on Teddy Talk!
Hugs,
Brenda
Hi there,
I've been reading the last few posts and Chrissie, I'm sorry your grandad won't be with you at Christmas but all your memories will keep you feeling loved at Christmas. My mum and my sister passed away within weeks of each other, 10 years ago, and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of them. That was definitely the worst time in my life, but I do feel like they are still with me.
Winney, I'd thrilled that your are feeling well, whatever the reason and that you have received such generosity of spirit to help you through this month. Isn't it exactly what this season is supposed to be about? Your beaded spiders sound wonderful and I'm sure they will be treasured - a gift from your heart and the best kind!
I got interested in geneology a few years ago. I digitally copied a lot of our childhood photos and made them into photo ornaments. I matted the photos, encased them in two pieces of glass with copper foil and flux, and soldered them together and hung them with ribbon. My remaining sister had always had a strained relationship with our dad and our late sister. I made her three photo ornaments - one with all our family as kids, one of her on our dad's knee as a baby, and a picture of her with our late sister when they were about 4 and 6 years old. When she opened them I thought she was going to cry - I've never felt better about giving a gift. I'm working on an ornament for my grandson now - it will be a mini book that he can open and it will have a picture of him, followed by pics of all his grandparents on my side of the family, back as far as his great, great, great grandparents. I'd like to do one representing all four grandparents. I don't know if I can finish it tomorrow or not, but maybe I will post a picture when it's done.
My husband, Neil and I are always struggling to "meet in the middle" over Christmas. I didn't have a lot as a child, but had a loving home and two parents. He spent his early childhood in foster homes and several years in an orphanage, even though he had two parents - they weren't capable of caring for their four boys. He just goes so beserk over Christmas that it's hard to rein him in. Well, I have a wicked cold and my neocitran has kicked in - I'm off to lala land. Night night!
Hugs,
Brenda
Oh no, don't get me started about Christmas! We just found out we will be relocating after Xmas. Hubby starts a new job in the Toronto area Jan 23rd, and I will stay and sell the house. I REALLY wanted a simple xmas, with everything else going on, and we go to our daughters near Toronto anyway (that's why we are relocating). HOWEVER, hubby and daughter are HUGE kids and want EVERYTHING. He was insisting I decorate the house even though we weren't going to be there, tree and all. I could not see the point of putting up the tree. ROUND ONE!
On top of it all, my birthday was Dec. 12th - no problem. I had told my hubby, "pleeease, no pointsettia this year" (he looooves plants, I don't) Last Xmas, his company sent us a HUGE trunk full of plants, and I have been trying to kill it ever since! I already had my Birthday gifts and was happy, when hubby showed up on my birthday with the biggest freaking pointsettia I have ever seen, and says "happy birthday hon!" Well, my face must have said it all and we ended up in a big fight. I was livid that he tried to pass off something he wants as MY present. After a whole day of arguing, we now have a new rule in our house "NO FLOWERS FOR ME - EVER!" I said he could buy ONE rose on a very special cuz they are usually dead in two days. I looove plants in my garden, but not in my house. I must sound like a grinch, but I just think flowers and plants are a big waste of money - anyone else feel the way i do about flowers? ROUND TWO
Anyway, the next day as I arrived home for shopping, a big truck pulled in behind us with Valley Flowers on it. Hubby's company sent ANOTHER huge basket with about a dozen plants - I could have cried, and hubby is laughing his head off! The only good thing about all the flowers is that I don't have to put up our Christmas tree, cuz there is absolutely NO ROOM for it, so maybe I got the last laugh after all! ROUND THREE - I won! :dance:
Other than that, gifts are wrapped, baking will be done today and tomorrow, so I should have one day to breathe normally, before we leave for our daughters house. Then after New Years I will be working like crazy, to clean out the house etc. Anywayyyyy, I wish everyone a wonderfully Merry Xmas and New Year. Take care.
Hugs,
Brenda
Jane,
I'll bet you feel that Christmas has already arrived! What an AMAZING accomplishment for Sarah and a great gift for your family, to see her accomplishing her dreams. I'm sure she will make a wonderful doctor, knowing what it's like to be a patient. You must feel like the proudest mum on earth - well done, both of you.
Hugs,
Brenda :clap: :clap: :clap:
