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The word was everywhere and suddenly I found myself being pulled toward 
I've been watching, reading and really loving lots of the blogs I've visited. I already have favorites that I peek in on day to day. I've found new artists, products, and plain old fun stuff. Who knew??!! Blogs are pretty darn cool actually and from what I've done in the last 24 hours they're pretty darn easy to manage and maintain as well. That was my main concern...the time factor. But now that the template is there, it's just like posting to a thread really. So thank you to all of the current bloggers who brought all of this good stuff to my attention!
Did I say PRIZE in my subject line?? Why yes...I DID!! Today's the launch of the blog, but more importantly it's my hub's birthday!!
:cake: HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEANO! :cake:
To celebrate both occasions I'm doing a little giveaway on the blog. Come on over and visit for more info! :dance: FUN :dance:
http://catherwoods.blogspot.com/
:hug:
~Chrissi
PS....I'm just starting to add links, so if you'd like to swap 'em for the blog let me know here!
Congratulations Jodi...a feature article is AWESOME! And thank you so much for posting the other pages too...I had no idea I was going to be in this issue, so thank you!! 
Now to get a copy....hmmmm
:hug:
~Chrissi
This is a total guess here but I'm thinking it's wired on the inside for posing. Like a wire running the inside length/curve of the mouth piece(s).
I have a toy that dates back to my goofy highschool days.
This is an online pic I found of the toy. 
"Fred" is still in my studio, he's like a stress ball with character. He's wired all over for posing, even in his mouth. I'd think it would be the same idea.....wire (??)
I just did repairs on a Zotty that saw it's entire mouth area ripped off by a playful Lab pup. If you can see in this pic (mid repairs) that if I had a wire inside.... it would probably close just as I'm holding it here. (???)
I'm curious to see what others think too, 'cause I'm just guessing 
:hug:
~Chrissi
I haven't sold yet, but I'm not disappointed or worried about it at this point. The site is having a new and improved launch, it's going to take more than 2-3 weeks to gain good momentum. Being a newer seller I don't have the collectors base that many have, so I maybe I have to kick it up a notch to get noticed...and I'm ok with that...working away as we speak here. I've listed on eBay recently and didn't sell there either. A little bit of a bummer as I've sold pretty much ever time I've listed out there, but hey I'm still not discourage...my buyer wasn't there this time. I watch eBay regardless of whether I list or not and I can honestly say that I've noticed lots of non sales that surprised me and lots of final prices that have surprised me...it's not as hot right now. Maybe this is one of those typical slow points of the year, I don't know I haven't sold for long enough to say.
Very positive piece: Bid4bears has a half page artist power ad in the most recent TB&F...it's the Toby edition, so the ad is bound to catch eyes and draw in more watchers and buyers.
Just one other thought....Nancy's made it really clear that you don't have to be part of the "commitment" groups to list out there. The site is still open to all listings as it always has been. The more the merrier, right?! My thought is if every teddy bear artist out there, regardless if your part of the "campaign", used their mailing list just one time to notify collectors of this user friendly totally bear auction site...well maybe it will be something consistent for all of us to use.
:hug:
~Chrissi
:dance: :clap: :dance: Happy dancing for you! Totally adorable entry, the award is very much deserved!! Super details.
:hug:
~Chrissi
Hi Brenda!
I took a stained glass course a few years back at a local highschool. Just like with bear making you want to have the right tools so you don't get frustrated. The gentleman who taught our class preferred that we all use an oil cutter..this cost more, but I never had a problem with using it and still do use it.
I'm no expert after that one course, but with a few simple "how to's" we were able to do straight cuts and create curves in the first half hour. I use what I learned there for some of my bear accessories and collage type jewelry that I do now.
Here's a lesson plan link I found that may help you out..it lists the basics (like specific glass "pliers" and how to's)....the practice items at the bottom are pretty much what our instructor had us start with too.
http://www.lessonplanspage.com/ArtDelph … ues912.htm
:hug:
~Chrissi
!! (do we bold in pink or blue...hmmm, just went with purple instead!!)
:hug:
~Chrissi
:crackup: Yeah, me too...I think they wanted you to keep reading along and then get it...TOO funny :crackup:
:hug:
~Chrissi
You did a fantastic job for a FIRST mini! I love the color combos, so soothing...you pic looks like it's straight out of a storybook.
Lovely 
:hug:
~Chrissi
Oh my gosh, he's tooooo precious! Tracy's bears are divine (which means I totally agree with Shelli.....goddess)!!
:hug:
~Chrissi
I LOVE halloween items...Connie he's perfect and his pumpkin is just as perfect! Your bears are so lovely!!!
:hug:
~Chrissi
Take 60 seconds to do this, I guarantee you will show someone else, it's too funny not to.
1. go to www.google.com
2. click on "maps" (on top of google search page)
3. click on "get directions"
4. type "New York" in the first box (the "from" box)
5. type "London UK" in the second box (the "to" box)
(hit get directions)
6. scroll down to step #23
:hug:
~Chrissi
Hi Jodi!
I posted to the other thread too. Susan G Komen Foundation (for the cure) is a really reputable organization. At my last office I use to coordinate Lee National Denim day via their organization. I just designed a pink panda (little out of my norm) and he'd be happy to fight for a cure 
:hug:
~Chrissi
Susan G Komen site: http://ww5.komen.org
Link to mother's day card via site, with small donation: http://ww2.komen.org/mothersday/
April 2007 was declared Cancer Control Month by the President.
I've not been directly affected by breast cancer. I did recently have a mammogram after feeling something "different". I wasn't going to let it go or wait to see, just had the test done. Now, in my case the insurance issue was terrible, the cost for the test unreal...maybe because I'm under the typical age for having...maybe because my husband's insurance changed and they're hitting us for everything now......but I could see the cost deterring someone from having and that's a crime on insurance's part in my opinion. In the end I'm fine, it wasn't anything abnormal. Unfortunately I think if men had babies and boobs (pardon my bluntness) things would be different insurance wise, but that's another topic. The Pill would be in 5 cent candy dispensers at target and walmart. Mammogram machines would be at every sports bar next to the pro golfing video games. 
March was Colon Cancer Awareness Month. This hits home for me as my mom had it and I'll be screened very early on for it. It's the easiest to detect and take care of if caught early on. Yes, the test has an "icky factor" when some think about it, but it's SO much better than full exploratory surgery and colon removal. If you have a family history get tested at least 10 years prior to that diagnosis. If you don't have a history follow the age guides for screening and have the test. (My mom's great now! She was very very lucky)
I've always supported Susan G Komen Foundation. http://www.komen.org/index.htm
http://ww2.komen.org/mothersday/
:hug: :hug:
~Chrissi
One other thought for you....I think a lot of people are really drawn to dogs that look like them or have behaviors that suite their lifestyles. Like active folks like bandanna wearing border collies, australian cattle dogs and labs with their frisbees and long runs on a beach. Loads of young celebs have little dogs they can groom, dress, and show off like little accessories....some of those dogs have their own paparazzi looking out for them 
Maybe think about the folks who would have a dog as you're designing. The firefighters dog, the farmers dog, the uptown girls' dog, etc. This is a really cute link about owners and their dogs
http://video.dogshowusa.com/player/?id=0
:hug:
~Chrissi
Oh my gosh, fun!!
Our "puppy" is the good girl, but always takes the blame. The poor thing is comically guilty about everything in life. She did go through a typical puppy stage where she was always getting caught with something she shouldn't have. For whatever reason new rolls of paper towels and TP were her absolute favorites. Funny guilty dog shots were so easy to take during this time....these aren't even all on the same day or week. My mom calls her a big "Marmaduke"...she's big, kinda...who am I kidding really clutzy and always into something silly where you just can't be mad at her.
She does this "pose" easily and on her own..the oh whoa is me thing...
what paper towels, I don't know anything about paper towels...huh, where, who...
Then there's our "HAM". This one LOVES the camera, loves to do tricks, out run the other dogs, and be the top dog in general. This dog loves to flash a smile ...total HAM! 
Our beagle basset is Eeyore. He walks like him, moves like him and I can just imagine him saying "ohhhhhh, alright".
:hug:
~Chrissi
I feel so much for the families and friends of those taken in this senseless act. I have so many emotions about it all.
It's unforgivable that we do more to protect music downloads on the internet and the safety of mice in movies than we do our kids in school. Senate hearings and tax dollars on Napster and music downloads, but mentally ill men(or women) can buy guns without issue after falling through more cracks than a person can count on 2 hands.
My opinion begs that every "authority" in this case must ask themselves did I really do what I know I should have done. Not simply following protocol or procedures, but did I see this and truly address it or did I just pass the buck, drop the ball. "Followed protocol" is becoming the excuse of mindless people just getting through each day rather than being committed to their chosen professions.
If mental health law, insurance procedures, or outdated protocols stood in the way of stopping this person, then those laws and procedures need to be addressed before we see another person try to break this media massacre "record".
I feel so much for the families, my heart truly aches for them.
:hug:
~Chrissi
hmmmm...
I would think it's the same concept as using a pattern. You'd be using another's design/shape to create or even closely replicate an item. I think stuffed toys can fall into copyright and even design patents, I'm not 100% sure on that, but it's what I would guess. (???)
I think taking apart a manufactured toy to see how they get it to come together is an interesting thing to do. When I was trying to figure out needle sculpting I once had a really amazing artist tell me to practice on old stuffed toys...like thrift shop and garage sale finds. She made mention of how funny it was to take apart a stuffed toy to see what manufacturers would do instead of sculpting.
Have you tried using clays to build a model for draping? You might even be able to get away with kids clays...like PlayDough. It's pretty soft and easy to work with.
:hug:
~Chrissi
I was going to suggest what Shelli mentioned, but using a steady stream from a gardening hose. Not that hard stream that could break a cats ribs...just the noise of the hose with a stream of water. If the conditioning doesn't work try these.....I'm not sure if you can get these plants where you are (I know there are strict rules about importing vegetation, right (??)) BUT if you can find these maybe try putting them in pots around the birds area. http://tinyurl.com/p7799 Dogs don't like this either so if you have a dog you may not want to plant in your actual yard...but potted plants around your cage may work along with other techniques. These may assist with the plants and water spray.... http://tinyurl.com/p2klt and http://tinyurl.com/3bs8wq All are ways to deter that won't harm your bird or the cat, some may affect a dog (again, not sure if you have one). The cat is simply being a normal, natural cat. He's not doing anything intentionally to harm, it's pure instinct.
Other ideas..if your yard is fenced note how he's entering and set the mats, noisemakers (bells on string, etc), plants, at those points. If your yard is unfenced focus on the smaller area the bird is to be located.
One other idea is to build a scarecat (scarecrow type idea). He may not approach if he sees a person sitting with the bird or if thinks that water and/or noise are coming. Just a few ideas to keep your bird safe, you sane, and the cat unharmed as well
:hug:
~Chrissi
ewww, that's just rotten. I just can't understand how folks can fly off in writings without collecting or checking themselves first. Even if it is a misunderstanding, how do you take back such cruel language and name calling once it's out in the open like that? Big hugs to you my friend :hug: :hug:
At least now you have their number and don't have to waste your precious time and energy on it or them any longer. Don't let it mess with your sunny day anymore!! (that's my favorite phrase for myself..."not gonna mess with my sunny day_______". That and "get up off my bridge troll" ) Saying some positive, funny and power-punched things like that (to myself) always makes me feel better and gets me back to doing what's important...instead of dwelling on sad sad little people and their issues.
:hug: :hug:
~Chrissi
I already did a 50/50 water glue sealant on my stitched noses, but I wanted a sheen and couldn't figure out what particular "varnish" people were talking about in older threads. There are lots of "varnishes" and I went blank on this one :doh:
So I'm putting away brushes when one of the huge tubs of Aleene's instant decoupage screams "duh" at me. It's a non toxic, non yellowing, water based glue (I'm already using 50/50 to seal....) and it's a
gloss finish (you can get it in matte as well). I gave it a try that night and now I call it a wet "healthy" nose. I've only used it over a totally dry lightly sealed nose (50/50) and I don't water it down at all. Just a little bit right out of the tub, using a good bright or flat brush.
Here are a few examples.....
:hug:
~Chrissi
Oh Kim, they're sooooo CUTE!! I love that first little one...looks like it has a black stripe going down it's back...how ca-ute! What a good girl Cleo is!!
Can't wait for more pics
:hug: :hug:
~Chrissi
I used plastic joints on the first few stuffed things I ever made, only because that's what they sell in the sewing and craft shops. I wasn't even aware of the artist bear possibilities back then. The plastic joints are limited to the "threads" on the plastic so you can only get them so tight no matter what you do. You're pusing a disk down over the threads and if it won't go one more, or if there's not one more thread to pop over.... there's no adjusting. I don't sell bears for children, but if I was to make an everyday -meant to be loved by a kid bear- for my niece I would use lock nuts and not the plastic. The lock nuts aren't going to break or come loose.
As far as feeling the metal and it's texture, the majority of the screw is inside the bears body, so you're not going to feel cold metal at all. Maybe you can give the different materials a try and then see what appeals to you the most. The most important thing is to list your materials when you sell so that collectors are making informed buying decisions.
:hug:
~Chrissi
How exciting for you and your family! And at Christmas time...how wonderful!!
:hug:
~Chrissi
Not counting little random store bought teds my hub has bought for me over the years I have 28 bears that I display in different curios, hoosier cabinets and on shelves. A few are my own from earlier years the rest are artist bears and heirloom manufactured bears.
I think it's so nice that you have your collection in your sight and hands each day, must be very inspiring! Having big dogs that like to jump up on the bed keeps me to using tall cabinets and shelves for teddy bears right now! I do bring a different artist teddy bear to my work table when I'm doing all work after sewing...it's like having a teddy inspector there ensuring things go smoothly
Patty, you lucky girl to have a tattered ted by Sonya! I spotted one on her show table pics and had to check him out on her site...Palmer. I think he's lovely
:hug:
~Chrissi
