Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Kim, she's GORGEOUS!!  Wow, your collector will be so pleased! 
:hug:
~Chrissi

Cute Cute Cute!  Was well worth the wait!  They do look like jelly beans...mmmm make me a strawberry cheescake or a tutti frutti please   (or buttered popcorn...yum!)
Can't wait to see more of your little Schnoozlebees

:hug:
~Chrissi

They list previous year winners on the site so you can see what they've gone for in the past, but from what I remember most are really simple but flavorful.  Oprah had a winner on a year or 2 ago....the dessert was deadly looking with granola bars, butter, and ooey gooey stuff..Oprah looked like she was about to pass out from it all
I've never entered it, but it would be fun to try...$1,000,000!!  Can you even  

:hug:
~Chrissi

I'm not going to say I complain about ebay, but I have voiced concerns. For me personally I stated above that I'm not putting all of my "eggs" in one basket. I'm not utilizing any one avenue as the one and only way to work.  I'm giving it another whirl and would probably be silly not to utilize ALL of the available avenues to get my name and biz out there.  BUT I won't let eBay or scammers screw me up like it did in the past. (changing passwords regularly, no email responses, etc)
Along with the occassional ebay whirl the effort I'm personally making is in my first show, the upcoming Bid4Bears commitment, my website is fully functional/updated consistently, I'm on bearpile, just did my first magazine ad, and I submit to magazines.  (Wow, I didn't realize I've done so much!! )

:hug:
~Chrissi

Depending on where you are located some larger stores like Walmart or Kmart, that have hunting supply areas, carry shot. Hunting and fishing stores will carry it as well.  CR Crafts has a ton of supplies from armatures to fill. http://www.crscraft.com  You can even find poly pellets in most craft and hobby shops.
Hope that helps a little.

:hug:
~Chrissi

Take a peak at the Ebay alternative thread if you haven't already!
http://teddy-talk.com/viewtopic.php?id=13250
Nancy is only a PM away to sign up for group 1 or 2.  It's not for 2 months so you can build up some pieces now AND there are fantastic artists participating so the turn out should be great during and after. (If we all do our part with bringing in the collectors!)

I'm going to give eBay another whirl sometime this week, but I've decided not to put all of my eggs (bears)into one basket. 

:hug:
~Chrissi

Melissa I love your sisters work!  The mouse with all of the goodies is fantastic! My sis was (is) an illustrator before getting her Masters in teaching. I really envy (in a good way) all of that talent. I really have to work at drawing and painting and it's never close to this stuff..not even close!

:hug:
~Chrissi

That sums it up for me too Claire 

Just one other thought I'm having. Really without her responding the upset  here may all be a misunderstanding via perception. Denise may have been overwhelmed with the idea of what was written, and not able to address those thoughts out of the "yuck" factor, never meaning to have her one sentence seem like a negative thing to Kim the person.  (I'm not sure, but it could be what happened)

We're all pretty nice to each other and value each other... maybe we can assume the best of each other until otherwise proven.  Lots of feelings could be spared publicly and privately if we gave each other that benefit   :hug:

:hug:
~Chrissi

edit: Kim we were posting at the same time   I take forever to read and re-read my posts

Richy ~ Jewelry and fashion....you've got to post some pictures!! I'd love to be able to design fashionable items!  My mom has a very close friend who's daughter is a well known designer over here.  I only met her maybe once or twice as young kids but I still think it's so cool to see her stuff in magazines.

Sandra ~ That's a wonderful memory   

Samantha ~ WOW! I've seen the photos of show tables, but haven't had the chance to see your mom's dolls up close, they're gorgeous and so detailed! The piano is fantastic.  What a talented family and how great you're all able to work together!

Sabine ~ Your hub's got my beat with at least being handy Mine doesn't do well with anything "creative", but is great with computers and numbers..he's a walking calculator which is great for me ''cause I stink with numbers. I admire your work very much   Esp your avatar bear with hat and scarf

Sarahjane ~ How does he get so detailed on such a tiny scale?!  He's gone lots of shading and shadowing going on there.  Lots of patience and attention to detail for such a young person.  Really cool stuff!

Keep the posts coming..the pictures and little stories are great!!

:hug:
~Chrissi

I've always used quick post with the "img upload" button...I never even noticed that "post a reply" option before!!

It sounds like maybe your pictures/images aren't "sized" prior to you pasting them into your post. (??) 
Usually my pics are somewhere around 3x5 inches (72 resolution) and they show nicely. 

:hug:
~Chrissi

Brenda,
What you're describing does happen..all the time.  The listing is out there, but due to system's loading and backing themselves up it takes longer now for listings to show in the category...esp on the weekends.  It's happened to me and others out here. 
I just don't want for you to wait online for 30 minutes to hear the same thing...it's frustrating.
Good Luck!!
:hug:
~Chrissi

SUSPENSE!!!  I typically don't like surprises...BUT this sounds like a good one! :dance:   I hate waiting, that's really why I don't like surprises..that WAITING!!  Don't keep us waiting tooooo long

:hug:
~Chrissi

They say that creative people tend to surround themselves with other creative people, even if it's not intentional artistic folks are drawn (no pun intended ) to each other.  Do you have creative family members or friends that amaze you with their work?  We hope to show others what we do as teddy bear artists,  how about we show each other what those around us are doing?  Show us your woodworkers, sculptors, painters, quilters, mixed media, etc!!  Post pics or links and give a little background for each!!

Here are mine:

This is my sister Helene's work.  She's an art teacher.  I really really want for her to illustrate a children's book that I'm constantly going back to. <...someday....>

My brother in law Dagan is an animator & married to Helene. He's probably worked on cartoons your kids are watching right now!   He's been featured in books on animation. Web site is under construction but still houses a few portfolio items. http://www.daganmoriarty.com/  BUT his doodles and work are always out on his blog. http://daganm.blogspot.com/

My youngest sister, Cheryl, is just starting to student teach (art) & was a photography major.  Her site was designed along with her BFA Thesis (they had to create a site prior to graduating).  www.CherylCatherwood.com

And just one more...this is a good friend of mine. Another art teacher! I've always wanted to take a jewlery course at the local community college.  One more thing to add to my list of "I want to try!!". Her stuff is really cool http://www.cdalydesigns.com/

I hope you'll share some of your pics and links for those artistic and crafty folks in your life!!

  :hug:
~Chrissi

Hi Brenda!
go across from the search boxes...there's a yellow bubble with a "?" in it.  BUT you will wait for 15+ minutes for the rep to tell you that a listing can take up to 8 hours to show.  It's typical with high volume weekend listings anymore.  AND if you revise you can add another 8 hours to that wait time.  (they don't refund you for your lost time)

:hug:
~Chrissi

Gemma I was thinking the SAME exact thing!!  Looks just like the Narnia movie to me too. 
I'll say it again...I can't wait for some snow to finally hit this area! Waking up to white trees and crisp snow air is the best

:hug:
~Chrissi

Hi Tami,
The Medicine Man is a great "healing" item. I have occasionally used it on my whole hands if they're really badly dried out..but for everyday lotion check out Pretty Baby's other items.  The night and day cream are fabulous..even for hands.  The night is my favorite, not a heavy scent and very soothing to wear lavender at night.  Their products really are yummy  (the lip balm rocks!!)

:hug:
~Chrissi

I use the Norwegian Formula too, it's really good stuff. And you're right you only need a drop of it..it's super concentrated stuff.

:hug:
~Chrissi

Ugh, doesn't this just make you so angry!!   
In my surrounding areas we have super sizes strips malls that come in with a passionate furry and then fizzle out leaving empty wasted store space sitting behind. The kicker is that most times when big name stores come in they really DON'T plan on sticking around...they're doing it for large corporate tax breaks.  So if you see a large chain shop going into a location that's seen plenty of turnover OR a large chain going in where it just doesn't make sense (2 doors down from the competition for example) they're not there to build up or better the community, they're there to take the money and run..literally.

After having turtles in our gardens as a kid and caring for them, I can't even imagine boiling a live turtle.

:hug:
~Chrissi

I don't use anything during the day while in the studio but at night I use a product I swear by. This stuff is GOLD. For me it heals up those thread cuts and finger tips over night.  Neosporin and other over the counter first aid things never did that for me.  I've used it for years and it's awesome (and Natural).
Use this link and scroll down to Medicine Man.
http://prettybabysoap.com/Merchant2/mer … turizer-wh

All of the products they make are fantastic. If you love bath products I can't say enough good things...the "On the Other Hand" salt scrubs are my favorite.  I first met the owners at Sugarloaf Craft Fest, they are totally lovely people.

:hug:
~Chrissi

I'm up for it  ..in just a few minutes actually.  I've already unplugged the alarm clocks (hub's gonna love resetting them ) and stopped the ceiling fans..just need to shut down the PC.  I wonder if they'll see a reportable difference on grids somewhere......

:hug:
~Chrissi

The bears aren't even finished yet, still waiting for final shadings but I was so thrilled with the way the accessories turned out I wanted to share 

These are for my new 7 inch bears; Hickory Dickory Dock. These little trinkets will be held on with ribbon.  I liked making everything so much that I think they'll be a small series. (bear pictures to follow )

UPDATED: Here's Dock!
Hickory, Dickory, and Dock will all be available during the Bid4Bears Campaign. Each one is a different color.  These 7 inch guys were so much fun to make and I'm addicted to the glass collage accessories now.  Too much fun!

:hug:
~Chrissi

Wow that's such a pretty open view!  I can't wait for some real snow to finally fall around here!!  We've only had dustings so far.  Ti is gorgeous..what a great looking dog!! My dogs love the snow too...it's hard to get them in once they get going out there. (I've got 100 pictures of Brinkley in that same stance Ti is in..that ever watchful herding dog stance. )

:hug:
~Chrissi

Thinking of you and your entire family Brenda  :hug:  You've got my prayers and positive thoughts all the way :hug:  :hug:  :hug:

:hug:
~Chrissi

I still have all of these in my studio, I love the illustrations!
All Maurice Sendak & Seuss Books (of course)
Pierre is probably my favorite Maurice Sendak
Bonhomme and the Huge Beast by Laurent de Brunhoff
Miss Suzy by Miriam Young
Mines the Best by Crosby Bonsall
Seeds and more seeds by Millicent E Selsam
Miss Nelson is Missing by James Marshall
The Point (a record album, but can with a "comic book" insert) Harry Nilssson music /Ringo Star Narrated

In the 4th grade I had the most amazing and creative teacher, Mrs Rogers.  No matter what was happening she would stop class at the last half hour or so and read to us.  That was the best year ever....Superfudge, Freckle Juice, Tales of the 4th grade Nothing, How to eat fried worms. 

edit:  Holy guacamole!! How did I leave off Harold and the Purple Crayon?!!

:hug:
~Chrissi

Oh my gosh, I stand totally corrected!  Wow. Still think it's a total gag gift item..even the name is totally goofy bearnographic in style.....good grief   :crackup: