Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Karen,
I shop on Sierra Trading Post's website, www.sierratradingpost.com.  There's lots of nice, quality clothing.  And they have AWESOME shoes.  I can get size 11's with no problem there.   You can find some real bargains if you look in the bargain barn.  I've only had to return 1 thing to them and I've been shopping with them for years.  I also like Kohls if I go out to shop and for dressier things, I sometimes go to The Dress Barn.  I'm not sure if they have any in Washington.

Hugs!
Alison

Here is my latest creation.  I think it's been a couple of years since I made a clown bear.  Gigi is just 11 inches and is short & chubby.  She is available on my website.

Hugs,
Alison

You mean they don't already do adoptions???  They must.  How can you take in more horses if you don't adopt out any?  Please check out www.dreamchaserpmu.org  This is the horse rescue where my family volunteers.  You an see their "resident" horses that are not adoptable and their horses up for adoption.  They have it set up so you can make a donation through paypal.  The rescue you are involved with should take a peek at the website as well. 

Hugs,
Alison

I love that happy, smiling face!   

Hugs,
Alison

Congrats to the winners.  I love them all!

Hugs,
Alison

I did not realize you made the goose cart until I went to eBay to check it out.  WOW!  It's really amazing as is the little bear.

Hugs,
Alison

Millie,
My family volunteers at a horse rescue here in Arizona.  We have helped with some fund raising.  Last year we raised $1100 selling apple pie and apple butter with apples from our trees.  If you have fruit trees, this is a great way to use the fruit and raise money.  We made about 50 large pies, 50 mini pies and 10 gal. of apple butter.  Guess what, the trees are loaded with apples again this year! 

The rescue does Petco events!  If you have a Petco in your area, see if they will help out.  Before Christmas this year, they helped with the pictures of pets with Santa.  They received a portion of the money from the picture sales.  My kids and I picked and preserved mistletoe and had a table outside the Petco while pictures were going on inside.  We didn't set a price for the mistletoe, just asked for any donation.  I think we brought in $150 that day in addition to the money raised from the pictures.  At some Petco events, they bring a portable coral and bring a couple of horses.  They get a lot of donations on those days.  They also go to local horse shows and have an information table and donation jar.

You make teddy bears, how about raffling off a bear?  Or, you can auction a bear on eBay on bahalf of the organization.  If they are a non-profit you just have to get a letter from them, scan it in and have it included in your auction.  You can run a legit charity auction in this manner.  That is unless they have changed the rules!  You'll have to read up on eBay charity auctions. 

Hopefully, this will get your thinking about some things and you may come up with other ideas.  If I think of anything else, I will let you know.  Hey, how about some baked goods at the tack sale???  Better yet, bake some horse treats.  If people are buying tack, they have horses.  You can find recipes for horse treats on-line! 

Good luck and thanks for helping the horses!

Hugs,
Alison

Jane,
Thanks so much for the virtual bear show.  It was fun to see them all! 

Hugs,
Alison

Joanne,
I love this bear.  I bit different looking for you and fabulous!  I'm sure it will do well on eBay.

Hugs,
Alison

Thanks ladies!  After making a few funky colored bears, I was very happy with plan old gold mohair. 

Hugs,
Alison

Jacqui,
I am always amazed at your PERFECT noses.  Your workmanship is superb. 

Hugs,
Alison

I love the colors of this bear.  Did you dye the mohair yourself? 

Hugs,
Alison

Astounding!    Your work is beyond fabulous. 

Hugs,
Alison

Here's my latest teddy.  I'm making this bear in a limited edition of 5 for The Toy Shoppe.  Most of my bears are one of a kind but I will do small limited editions for shops.  Goldie is 19 inches and has a real nice teddy "feel" when you pick her up.  She's a big squishy in the tummy and my favorite creation thus far for 2009. 

Hugs,
Alison

The winner of my eTeddys give away has been announced.  Mary of Roselle, IL won Furry Friend.  Thanks to all of you who signed up for my mailing list and participated!

Hugs,

Alison

We have hellacious storms here in July and August.  When one hits you know where I find my lab???  Out in the middle of it.  Any time it rains, he's out in it.  Sorry, I can't give any advice. 

Hugs,
Alison

He is a phenomenal dog.  So handsome.  Hopefully he will pick up on his training quickly.  Congrats!

Alison

Jane,
What a cute pup.  I too, love his coat.  I do hope that they locked his previous owners up in the cellar when then rescued Busta. 

Hugs,
Alison

Lovely!   

Hugs,
Alison

Thanks.  I've never seen the mohair color before.  It must be fairly old. 

JoAnne, yes, he was snatched up right away.  Lucky me!

Hugs,
Alison

Melissa,
Blue must be the color of the day!  Love this bear! 

Hugs,
Alison

Your collection is great!  I love all of the Koalas. 

Hugs,
Alison

I finally have a new bear made.  It's from the most interesting mohair!   I've never seen this color before.  It's grey mohair with turquoise tips and a dark blue backing.   I bought this on eBay a while back and it's sat and sat.  I finally decided to go for it and I LOVE it.  I've named the bear Jacques and he is available for adoption on my website, www.eTeddys.net. 

Bear hugs!

Alison

p.s.  Don't forget, the deadline to sign up for my mailing list and be entered in a drawing for a bear is tomorrow at noon!  Go to the contest page for more info!

Andrea,
Well, anything can happen.  Congrats on your upcoming 25th Anniversary.  I just celebrated my 18th yesterday.  We had a very lazy day, ordered in pizza for dinner and watched an old movie.  It was GREAT!

Hugs,
Alison

Yes, it's an eTeddy's giveaway!  Once a year I have some kind of contest to purge my mailing list.  I send out snail mail as well as email so by doing this, I update my contacts and save money on returned mail.  In addition to having  my current mailing list members update their information, I will be encouraging new collectors/artists to sign up for my mailing list.  I will be giving away this cute little Furry Friend at the end of the week via a random drawing.  Want your name in???  Just visit my website, www.eTeddys.net and visit the contest page to get the details.

Hugs!

Alison