Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Shantell, I think it's the same thing or very similar. The bendy cardboard you get from art supply or craft shops, and it comes in all kinds of colours?

Clare, your photos are fantastic! and yes, I think the background in the second one does improve the photo very much...it seems to bounce more light back and also keeps your eye on the bear (who is looking truly handsome, by the way!). As for macro mode, I guess is depends on the camera as to what symbol is used. On mine the symbol looks like a flower (fuji camera). Do you still have your camera instructions? Or maybe you can look it up on the web? Here's a link that describes macro in general, which may help: http://www.snapjunky.com/digicam-advanc … mode.shtml

If she's a good seller, she may just offer the extra you had to pay with no questions asked. I hope so :).

Kim, what's her feedback like?

I would still reserve judgement until you know how much postage she paid and whether the fault lies with her (probable?) or the post-office....

As Catherine pointed out, a macro setting is essential. It allows you to get that close-up detail. The flash is off and I take my photos in a well lit place (we have a small conservatory where we get the most light). Today was a little dull, so I also used my daylight lamp, but that's just an optional extra. Until recently my camera was a 5-year-old 2.3MP digital Fuji model, and it took great photos on macro - so you don't need the highest resolution cameras, just a good macro setting (in my experience).

I know some artist's use light boxes but I've never tried one of those. I think they diffuse the light that is shining on them, is that right?

(PS Thanks for your kind comments, Shantell  :redface:)

Hmm, it's hard to know Kim. The similar ID's could really be separate buyers but it does seem strange they are all from Taiwan... so probably the same person? That said, I have multiple ID's as do a lot of people.

If I were you I would cautiously answer his questions and assume he is legit unless I found out otherwise....(for example, he asks to do deals off eBay).

Oh, and maybe English is not his first language which is why he didn't spot the fact that the chair isn't included?

From the UK, I used the 'signed for' option when sending internationally Kim. The parcel is signed for upon receipt. I cannot track it....but I confirm (or otherwise) that it arrived. It is also insured for up to £30, but if my bear is worth more than that I can add extra compensation.

I never send my bears uninsured anymore, not even within the UK. Apart from the compensation, the parcels are sent separately from the bulk of the mail so I have that little bit more confidence in the delivery service....

Is there a similar way to send insured parcels out of the US?

I'll be adding similar wording to my own auctions from now on, Anne. It seems to be about as much as anyone can do right now.

In another thread there was a discussion about watermarking the photos, and whether or not this would make any difference or ruin the photo for buyers. Well I noticed yesterday that one the top artists on the US site is doing just that (ID: toy) and I have to say it doesn't look too bad....the seller must have had enough of the bogus auctions 

Revenge is sweet!!!

Yes, I'm pretty sure you're right Kim. Hmm. Have you reported them?

I'm guessing the seller wasn't unregistered when the bear was listed. They must have been reported since then and removed by eBay. Then they probably re-registered under a different name....

I think the best thing to do is just keep reporting them. It is theft. And if enough people complain enough times it should lead to a proper investigation, if that isn't happening already. People have been arrested for this kind of thing!

I think they keep re-registering under new names, Kim.

The way I'm searching is....

- go to 'advanced search' (top right of page)
- enter keyword, such as 'bear'
- tick 'completed listings' or leave unticked for current auctions
- scroll down to 'location' & choose 'items located in...china'
- hit 'return'

So far I've found Kim's and two by Michelle Lamb...

Anne, I found it. It came out in the completed listings like you said. I really hope you can get this sorted out quickly and can understand how angry you must be....

I suggest we all keep a close eye on our own and each other's auctions....

Good grief! That's dreadful. I've been reading the recent threads about this sort of things, and it really is a huge worry. How dare they!!!

Anne, they used your name and wording too???! Where did they list it? I mean, how would we know if someone pinched our photos and used them in a Country whose auctions were not listed in the UK or US, or were no available there (I think the worldwide search only lists those auctions that are 'available' to you? Is that correct?

Ebay has a big, big problem on it's hands.

I use a cotter pin in the neck joint (10mm joint for a 3" bear) and thread join the limbs. I use a similar technique to Sarah, but I double or triple the thread so I only need to take it through the body and limbs once. Also, I tie the threads off using a double knot (over and under twice) and pulling tight as I can. The double knot doesn't slip so easily and makes tying it again easier (this is a tip I came across ages ago, but don't remember where! It's also good for eyes.). I use a teeny tiny dab of glue to keep the knot secure before I hide the threads.

Phew, it's much easier to do than it is to explain!

I don't know Kim, without knowing the weights and so on.....I do know that the postage in the UK is expensive (argh!) and that makes it hard for me to know what's reasonable for you. As for combining items, some sellers do and some don't - I always do, but on occasions I've had to re-pack items I've already wrapped up. I'm just too nice to refuse to combine the postage and would rather put up with the inconvenience! 

Very odd! I think you need to see what the actual postage was and then make a decision. Also, take into account the way the item is wrapped (new wrapping, or tatty old box?). If there is a big discrepancy I think it would be more than reasonable to approach the seller for a refund.

Thanks Melissa, I thought I'd heard it right  :|. Poor little Morph was lost too? Gosh, I remember Morph on a programme called 'Take Hart' in the late seventies - did you get Morph in NZ? I had no idea the Nick Park phenomenon was so widespread!

Well, I hope I'm doing this right!! I'll be interested to know what others do...

I've recently started listing my eBay bears on Bearpile but I leave a price off. I place the bear on Bearpile a day or two after the eBay auction has started which seems to prompt a new wave of visitors to the auction. If someone makes contact for more information via Bearpile, I thank them and explain that the bear is on eBay, point them in the right direction, and ask them to tell me that they first saw my bear on Bearpile should they go ahead and win. Does that make sense?!  This way, if the eventual buyer arrived via Bearpile I'll know to pay my commission. 

Happy Anniversary!!! Have fun with photoshop - I'm sure it'll grab you once you have it loaded up and time will fly by even faster, hehehe.

We saw Wallace and Gromit yesterday - fantastic film! I laughed soooo much and would highly recommend it to anyone. The guys who made it are from the UK, you are right, and I heard that their studio burnt down not so long ago???! Eek. I think their current models were saved because they had taken them on tour at the time it happened but the rest of the stuff, including some sets, perished. How awful it must be for anyone to have their work destroyed like that...

That's how I feel too Gina  :). I get attached to them because I put so much into them, like we all do. Most of the time I get over it because I know they go to good homes and, let's be honest, the money helps!!! But this one snuck up on me....I liked him more than I realised! (I've been exchanging e-mails with his new 'mum' tonight, and she's lovely, so I feel better already!).

It helps to know I'm not the only one....  :hug:

You're right Melissa! We're hopeless! 

That's a great idea Kim - I'll do that!!!

It's definitely worth a try Kim. Let me know if you get some, and what you think of it.

This was Dylan, the big pink bear that morphed a few times during his creation! He's been growing on me since I finished him. Because he was nothing but trouble during the making I didn't feel much at first, but now....well, I'm just sad to see him go *sniff*.

He's giving me an accusatory look from the corner here....