Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Denise
I once told a clerk at a secondhand store that I was going to cut up the lovely fur coat I was purchasing...to make teddy bears.  I thought she was going to have a stroke. :doh:
Now I just let them think I'm going to wear them all. 

Oh, and I thought of one more for the heap:
When you have more tackle boxes than your fisherman hubby!!!
Okay, back to work for me.
  Laura

Great idea, Aleta!
I think I may even have a pair, somewhere.
Good tip! 
      Laura

Carolynn
It happens to me all the time.  I'm a newbie, too, and I think that's part of the problem.  I get very attached to each and every bear I make.
I just finished another bear.  About 10 minutes ago I put on the final touches.  And then sadness struck.  But I'm already thinking about my next bear, which helps.  Found some fur I wanted to use, now to decide on a bear to fit the fur.
I'm just now starting to sell my bears, and I'm finding it very hard to part with them, I'm still not parting with all of them. 
When I take a bear down to my shop I'm still not exactly ready to say farewell, but I endeavor to persevere .  Hopefully it'll get easier.  I think holding onto a bear for a week or so before selling them would help, good advice.
So, yes-yes I understand!
  Laura 

When you turn a sofa cushion and instead of finding loose change you find alligator clip, pins, needles, thread, and oh that's where my thimble went to.
When the postal carrier regularly says "See you tomorrow" because he's constantly delivering parcels (of bear supplies) to your front door.  (Parcels too large to be left in an oversized mail box).
And, ditto to nearly all the posts.  My hubby is a very patient man!  
I love this thread!
    Laura

I know this is a dumb question :redface: but...
What is a blog for?  What is its intention, or purpose?  I'm totally clueless.
I don't do much on the computer.  Besides emailing family and friends I occasionally check ebay for teddy bear supplies and, of course, check TT daily.
Are blogs useful or just fun?  I've really been curious about this.
  Laura 

Oprah would love it!  That would get you on her show!
I think you're safe with the one of a kind thing.  Your nips and tucks will surely make a uniquely different bearack. 
Now, who out there knows how to contact Oprah or Obama?
   Laura

Mary Lou
Actually, that's a great idea!  Try to get ahold of Oprah's people.  Really. 
The only problem I see is that you don't have Bearack bear any longer.  Otherwise, she'd probably have you on her show!
You need to make another!!!  I know, easier said than done!
  Laura

Jenny, she is darling!
I just love your old style, your new style, any and all of your styles!
You are amazing!!!
Laura 

Hi Mary Lou
Love your new blog.  I think it's great, especially since I'm very pro-Obama!
I followed your auction, and emailed it to everyone I know!  My hubby spread it around as well.  It's a great bear and wonderful likeness to Obama.  Congrats on the auction's outcome, but I wasn't surprised.  I knew it would skyrocket.
Does Obama know of your bear?  Hope so.  I'd be proud, if I were he.
Good going!
  Laura

Christina, they are real cuties!  Your grandparents will love them!
Maybe your "handyman" boyfriend could help with naming them. 
I'm also terrible with names.  My hubby names my bears for me.  He's really great at picking just the right name.
   Laura 

'would you like to swing on a star'
carry moonbeams home in a jar...
      I'm singing!  :dance:
Oh, it's nostalgia time!  That song takes me back.  I love those old tunes of my childhood.
Vinyl records are making a huge comeback.  Hubby just bought a fancy new turntable ..to play old records on. 
He's a bit of a hi-fi nut  ..(but a very sweet nut!)
   Have fun and enjoy your 78's, Chris!!!
       Laura 

Fascinating test!
I'm a talent at 75%. 
I'll take a risk over a steady pay check any day.
Call me crazy, but I strive not to be rich, but to be happy!
Actually, my goal in life is to be a flibbertigibbet.
   Laura

Hi Edie
I just read your post and all the really wonderful answers.
The sluggish worldwide economy is hitting everyone, everywhere.  My antique store sells useless luxury items, but nice ones.
When the economy is good, people spend.  Right now, they aren't.  My shop is barely hanging on, but I know things will turn around. 
It's the same in all luxury sales, including bears.
Like everyone has said...Hang in there.  Your bears are wonderful!  I'm a real optimist, I know things will soon turn themselves around.  We can then all sigh in happy unison.
Keep the faith!!!
Laura   

Fantastic poster!
Congrats on the wonderfully high price it sold for. 
Worth every penny!!!
   Laura

Hi Monica
I have no additional advice, just my two cents.    
I started making bears about 6 months ago and am soooooooo addicted.  I made some bears about 15 years ago, but they were from patterns and look stagnant, if that's the right word.  I dove in this time and am making bears from scratch, with mistakes galore.  I just love it!  So I say, go for it and just let your creativity flow.  (Maybe after a kit, which is a great way to start.)
And Judybug, I suggest a simple, heavy-duty machine.  I have a 20 year old Sears Kenmore and a Morse Fotomatic that's about 40 years old.  Wonderful machines!
  Laura 

Actually, he looks like he's ready for his afternoon nap, post snack. 

Great shot!!!  Is he smiling...or contemplating eating someone?  :crackup:
(We have some "local" bears here, but they are rather shy creatures, we rarely get to see them.  I think that may be a good thing.)
     

Love it!   :crackup:
Gonna go tell hubby.
     

Hi Jane
Sorry to hear you're in so much constant pain.  I empathize with you.
I, too, suffer from back pain.  I have Spondylolisthesis (which is basically a slipped vertebra).  I had surgery 10 years ago, which helped, but it's a deteriorating type problem and now I need a re-do on the surgery.  No thanks!  It was a long recovery and I had to wear a full-body brace for three months.  I'll wait until I absolutely need it.
I take pain pills and a muscle relaxer.  Some days I'm fine, other days I can't even walk.  So I truly know what you're going through.  I also have arthritis in the area, due to the surgery they say.
I've been told acupuncture works, but I've yet to try it.  I keep meaning to, but also keep putting it off.  I hate needles!  They say you can't feel the needles, but it's the idea of needles sticking in me that hurts.  Silly, I know.
I don't know what you're suffering from, but I do think the pain is similar, no matter what back ailment we have.  Do you have shooting pain in your legs? 
I'd say to try acupuncture, and ignore my last paragraph.    
I wish you well.
  Laura 

I, too, adore Ted Menten's bears, and his humor.  So glad to hear he's making some bears again, and of his participation in the upcoming on-line teddy bear show.
Sorry to hear he's in poor health.  I wish him well.
He is truly an inspiration.
Wish he'd join this forum.  Wouldn't that be neat!!!
Laura 

Gemma
The cabinet I made was out of desperation.  I'd much prefer a "real" one. 
Both cabinets you show look like they'd work.  If you put the smaller one in a corner, it should be safe from your little rascals.  But I'd personally opt for the larger one, being sturdier and with room for an expanding teddy bear collection.
     Laura   

Lynette
She is absolutely adorable.  So very real looking.  I love her!
You did a wonderful job!!!
  Laura 

My kitty was also a lovable little terror.  We lost her a few years ago to old age.  But she'll always be with us in memory.  All we have to do is look at all the claw scratches she left behind, and our hearts smile.
I agree, a glass display would be the safest place for your bears.  But they aren't easy to find, and can be expensive.  I made one a while back.  I found an old framed window, with glass intact, and made a display box to fit the window.  It's easier than making the box first, then searching for a window to fit it.  It was easy to make, and I'm not much of a woodworker.   I now use it at my antiques shop, post kitty days. 
Just a thought. 
  Laura 

Debora
This is the warmest, most loving news I've heard in quite some time. 
You are indeed very special, wonderful, people.
God bless.
Laura 

What a cutie!  Love the colors.  Almost looks real.
Better than real, though.  They are a wee bit noisy.  Nevertheless, I do love cockatiels.  We've "had" quite a few. 
Laura