Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Hi Jen,

I'm thinking maybe the cotter pins you used were more industrial and not what you might find for minis through a bear supply shop.  I've purchased mini pins so tiny and delicate I'm afraid I might snap them.  Using a cotter key can take some pressure of your wrists too...pliers stink  (as I'm now finding with bigger bears!)

I've always used a cotter pin head joint and thread jointed my mini's.  It just took practice to get the tension where I liked it.  I've never heard of the brass fasteners...but I'm thinking it could be a variation on a cotter pin using those brass fasteners you'd find at an office store (??)  Jeez...that's an interesting thought.... I guess you could roll them down like a pin (??) But they're not real sturdy, so maybe that's not it.  Anyone know?
I've seen some older bear making books where they teach you how to make mini joints using straight pins and plastic disks you make from hole punching margarine lids. Never done that, but I've read it.

Most of the supply places sell joint sets.  You can try out a few different kinds of pins before you invest in a bulk package of one kind.

:hug:
~Chrissi

For my mini's I've always done the same thing....
First the little one gets a tiny piece of cardboard to sit on, white tissue is folded around that to keep him sitting and secure for the ride. Around that I take 2-3 colors of tissue, one is always green.  I gather this tissue up and around the white bear pack and tie off with green ribbon curls, creating a bouquet effect.  The "bear bouquet" gets a handmade thank you tag tied at the gather.  This goes into a plastic food store bag (in case any weather or elements hit the box) and lastly into a shipping box where crumpled up brown bags act as a last cushion between the "bear bouquet" and that shipping box.
It sounds like a lot typed out here, but it's 5 minutes that makes the bear arrival more special for the collector and that means a lot to me too 

Now for larger bears I'll have to figure something else out, but I'll make it just as special. 

:hug:
~Chrissi

Watchers don't guarantee anything.  Nettie is right about other artists watching.....I do it.  I like to watch specific artists to see how an auction ends. I've done it for years now ( I call it market research      )

#1 concern: that the person could be (not saying she is, but could be) pulling a scam and that would be horrible for you to have to relist again out of pocket again if it is fraud. 

Me personally, I'd keep the auction as is.  If she wants the item and is willing to buy it now for that amount...why not simply bid?  But that's just me being cautious in today's scam driven world!!

:hug:
~Chrissi

Yes, I reuse boxes for shipping!!  Anything that's clean and reusable I keep in one specific storage container.  I don't keep more than that containers worth for space reasons.  The outside packaging for me is the "industrial" strength stuff that keeps the bear/item safe.  That box doesn't have to be "perfect" and can be re-used.  Once that box is opened it's what's on the inside that I make special with tissues, ribbon curls, and a handmade thank you tag.   
I can't imagine tossing a creation into an envelope like Bobbie mentioned someone did to her!!

:hug:
~Chrissi

No to completely plow this topic into another arena, but those mattress tags.....my local tv station just did an undercover story on it.  They bought "new" mattresses with the new white tags and when the cut it all open inside the "new" mattress was this disgusting, old, stained mattress  (GROSS!). 
Refurbished mattresses are legal to sell, but they're suppose to put a yellow tag ont he outside so that you can tell the difference.  SO if you're buying from one of those places with low prices and stacks of mattresses...Look at the tag and mention you know about the color code!  (It was really too disgusting to see!!)

And YES, once you buy it you can remove it 
:hug:
~Chrissi

Yes, the pillow were just de-tagged.  But I'm sad to say these are the least of my crimes.....
As it turns out I'm quite the outlaw and will expect not to be seen in these here parts for some time because of my NUMEROUS offenses to Pennsylvanian law.  Turns out I've broken all of these PA state laws...and some more than once!!  I will miss you all...send chocolates

A special cleaning ordinance bans housewives from hiding dirt and dust under a rug in a dwelling. (I'll get a life sentence for this one alone )

You may not sing in the bathtub.  (I'm in so much trouuuubbbllllle! I don't even sing well....that probably ups my sentence by at least 5-10 years )

Any motorist who sights a team of horses coming toward him must pull well off the road, cover his car with a blanket or canvas that blends with the countryside, and let the horses pass.  :doh: (why didn't they teach this to us in school???)

You may not catch a fish with your hands. (I was a grade school criminal    bad to the bone by age 10!! )

:hug:
~Chrissi

Fantastic news Brenda!  Miracles do happen, let's keep the prayers and positive thoughts focused on more good news :hug:  :hug:

:hug:
~Chrissi

My admitted bad, didn't know, have apologized, will give my post man extra tips this year :redface: 

I've shipped overseas using this version of "box tampering"...had no idea it was an "illegal"  no-no. Although the chap at my post office today said it's not frowned upon for shipping at same or higher costs than the priority shipping.  I ordered the ebay boxes (free boxes I was talking about). They come a dozen or higher to a pack and I got a double shipment at one point! (thanks eBay) :doh: Rather than waste a box or toss them... (I've been tempted because of the double shipment and space in the studio.).....I flipped an ebay priority box inside out for the overseas shipping I've done. 

Now all must excuse me as I finish ripping the tags from all of the mattresses in the house 

:hug:
~Chrissi

Woooo hooo SueAnn!!   :clap:  :dance:  That's awesome!!  I just took a peak at this happy fellow out on Toy Shoppe's site! 
Congratulations 

:hug:
~Chrissi

TOO COOL Debbie!  It worked

:hug:
~Chrissi

Try whitepages.com 

I just did and I think you'll find a G F Yeager in that same town.  It's a residential phone listing, not a business so it's just a matter of whether or not you feel comfortable calling. 

Here's a topic...how would you feel if this was done to track you or your bears down?  The public info is out there in the phone book, would you mind getting a phone call?  Me, I don't think I would at all..even if I was "retired" from bear making I'd take it as a huge compliment. My phone's not going to ring off the hook, that's for sure
Would anyone else see it as invasive or wrong to do?  (I think most of us gave out our #s in the facebook...)

:hug:
~Chrissi

Sometimes when I'm shipping an item that is worth alot and insured I don't want a box that screams...HEY look at me I'm from ebay and probably a collectible...steal me. Even though I'm still shipping priority. So NO I don't get tons of boxes to ship around the world just to do it, but if you're in a pinch the idea of using what we have on hand rather than utilizing another resource didn't seem horrid to me.  Now I know, thanks!

I posted on the other thread, but thought I'd throw it out here to    I used the label system via paypal and for me it just didn't pay.  The fees cost more that the 2-4 minute drive to the post offices near me..the wait isn't that bad and at certain times of the day there is no wait.  If you have another situation where it costs more to drive or wait, then the fees they hit you with would probably make sense.

I have a scale I found online, it's called an Ultraship.  It's a good size, very easy to use and has some great features. Here's the maker, that links to retailers.  I used the first retailer listed under USA sales and had no issues.  http://www.myweigh.com/mediumscales_ultraship.html

:hug:
~Chrissi

I'd love to see a pic of the dog....most times "collie" isn't what we americans would consider a "Lassie Come Home" dog.  My English Shepherd, Brinkley, is a descendant of the working collies in Scotland and England.  Fantastic dogs, loyal to the core and only wanting to please.   
I really hope he finds a home soon, they don't do well in kennels at all, poor luv. They need people to please.

:hug:
~Chrissi

I used the print out labels for a couple of things we sold on my account and my husbands account.  It seemed great to print at home and then just put it on the counter at the post office.  But then I started to add up the fees and for me it made no sense.  I have 2 post offices, one on either side of me in town and neither one is terribly busy at key points of the day.  The "convenience" of printing labels cost me more than a 2 minute drive and a 3 minute wait.  So I stopped using. 

The free boxes are fantastic. Even if you don't want to use priority you just slice one side, flip to cardboard and secure...new plain box. 

:hug:
~Chrissi

Oh Brenda I feel so bad for you all.  Yes, the molars being cut could very much be affecting his ears.  Everytime we cut teeth we got bad earaches (at least that's what my mom tells us).  A little guy I watch for a friend had a bad time with his teething too..earaches, unusual crankiness and fever too.  They say adults couldn't handle the pain a baby/child feels with teeth being cut.  I know that one pain med night work for one kid and not another.  Motrin did nothing for the little guy I know, but tylenol did.  Some home remedies swear by warmth for earaches.  Some say to use a hair dryer on a warm and low setting held 15-20 inches from the head. (don't want to blow air into the ear, but use the dry warmth).  If it is his gums though and teething you would think cooling it down would help him more (??)..numbing it, like with popsicles or something. 
I hope someone can give you something to ease his pain    Poor little guy.

:hug:
~Chrissi

THANKS Everyone     I know Emmett is much loved and I will be sure to love him bunches and bunches  

Kim this was a total blast!!  The threads were tons of fun.
I have to call my mom..she entered too! 

:hug:
~Chrissi

I'm stunned.    I just fell off my chair and screamed/giggle screamed.  My hub came running up the steps wtih such a concerned "what what what's the matter" tone...I think I just gave him a heart attack on Valentine's day!!!

WOW!!  I NEVER EVER EVER win anything    

:hug:
~Chrissi

:dance:  :pray:  :dance:

I must have my time zone's wrong..I thought you drew 40 minutes ago :doh: and were making us sweat

:hug:
~Chrissi

I'm in a powerball club...that drawing is for $46 million tonight and I could care less... I'm twisting in my chair to see who wins Emmett!!!   

Kim this has been an absolute BLAST!!  :clap:  :clap: 

:hug:
~Chrissi

he he he <giggle> we'll be nerds together...waiting...fidget...refreshing site :crackup:  :crackup:

:hug:
~Chrissi

I logged on just to see WHO WON!!!???!!  :dance:  :dance: (I'm such a NERD! )

:hug:
~Chrissi

I posted this to another thread in Tips and Techniques, but thought I'd put it out here too just in case anyone ever needs to use! 

If you ever find a site that has great looking stuff, but it's in another language and doesn't offer a translation option go to http://babelfish.altavista.com/

Type the web address into the "translate a web page" area and pick the language you want translated from and to.  You can also use this site to translate text alone.

:hug:
~Chrissi