Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Brenda, they can be a bit unnerving!  My husband and I had a wolf right outside our tent once.  He woke us up howling.  The next time he woke us he was on the opposite side of camp.  He walked right through!  If it weren't so darn cold, and dark, I would have loved to see him throw his head back and howl.  I'm sure he was saying, get out of my space.  I think wolves are much more intimidating that coyotes.  They are both just beautiful animals.  Just keep a close eye on all of your critters when they go out. 

Hugs,
Alison

I made this bear to raffle at my son's Spring Festival at school.  We're just calling him Raffles for now.  I'm going to let one of the classes give him a new name.  If anyone is interested in buying raffle tickets, just visit my website.  All of the information is on my Charitable Works page.

Hugs!

Alison

I live in Arizona.  I have been very close (within feet)  to coyotes many times in my life.  Believe me, they are just as scared as you as they are of them.  If they are coming into towns, it's just to eat.  It must be slim pickin's in what's left of their natural habitat that HUMANS have encroached upon.  Hey, they have to eat too. They are really beautiful and amazing animals just like our pets.  I would personally relax about the whole thing and welcome a rare glimpse at wildlife in your back yard.  Just keep your pets in.  Once warmer weather arrives, they will probably leave. 

Hugs,
Alison

How wonderful!  I just posted a comment on your blog to be entered.  The bunny is too cute and I hope I win!

Hugs,
Alison

Thanks ladies!

Alison

Christine,
While, I've never been to Universal Studios, we took a Southern California trip a few years back.  We went in Mid-September.  We hit Sea World, Disneyland, etc.  The lines were very small and it was quite enjoyable.  At the time, I was home schooling my children so we could go whenever we wanted.  We waited until most US schools were back in session.  We figured most parents wouldn't take their kids out of school a week after school started to go to Disneyland.  The weather was perfect and we had a great time.  I would avoid the end of May when weather is still nice and many US schools are out for summer break and I would avoid March & April during spring breaks.

Hugs!
Alison

Thank you for posting this!  My son loves frogs and has been working on a poem for over a year.  I saw that there is a poetry contest and I will encourage him to enter. 

Hugs!
Alison

I do something that allows collectors on my mailing list to have one 10% discount per year.  I enclose a 10% of coupon in with my holiday cards.  The coupons expires in December of the following year and they can use is on any website or eBay purchase.  Collectors really enjoy this and many will save the coupon for one of my more expensive creations.  You could collect birthday information when collectors sign up for your mailing list and send a  coupon as a birthday gift.  There are many ways in which to treat your best customers to a discount to show that you appreciate their business. 

Hugs!

Alison

Here is my latest creation, Mato.  His name means "bear" in Sioux. 
Mato is available on my website, www.eTeddys.net

Hugs!
Alison

I finally had a minute to check Teddy Talk and this bear just jumped out at me.  He is outstanding! 

Hugs,
Alison

Hi,
I've not been TT for a couple of weeks.  I just learned of the passing of Harry, Mary Holstad's beloved, and most famous cat.     Does any one have Mary's snail mail address.  I would like to send her a card.  I am sure she is bombarded with email and thought it would be more personal to send something the old fashioned way. 

Hugs,
Alison

Crappola!  :doh:  I can't find mine.  I think they are just a liquid paper pen.  You should be able to find it at a office supply store.  I would go to one and tell them that you need liquid paper in a pen and I bet they take you right to them.  Sorry I couldn't be more help.  If I find mine, I will email.

Hugs,
Alison

Thanks Daphne, I saw the 2" but don't think it will be quite long enough.  I'll check the German supplier!

Hugs,
Alison

Hello!
I know, long time, no post.  I've had lots and lots going on.  I think things are finally going to calm down.  Don't I always say that???

Anyhow, I'm looking for 3" long mohair in black.  I can't seem to find it anywhere.  Can any of you please tell me which supplier carries it.  I'm sure it's out there somewhere because I see people using it for dogs. 

Thanks!

Alison

Ed,
I'm with you!  I did get out my stuffed Grinch and Max.  Hopeefully ,seeing all of these beautiful decorations will inspire me.  We don't put our Christmas tree up until Christmas Eve at our house.  We go out and cut one every year the weekend before Christmas.  They are real Charlie Browners.  They aren't perfect like the trees you get at the lots.  These trees are light on branches and heavy on character!  They do look pretty decorated with lots of handmade ornaments.  Both my husband and I have ornaments that we made as children, plus all of the ornaments our children have made.  The final touch is all of the hand crocheted snowflakes that my hubby's grandma made for me the first year we were married.  She made me so many and no two are alike!   I do decorate the house with other things prior to Christmas Eve but the tree never goes up before then and always comes down on New Years day.  It's a family tradition but I am the only one of three still carrying it on.

Hugs,
Alison

Aleta,
Bless you for your generosity.  I just finished shopping for my Christmas Angel through the Salvation Army.  It was difficult to find children who didn't want expensive things that my own children do not have.  Here is a list of inexpensive things that my Christmas Angel asked for plus some other ideas. 

Art Kits - Michael's has these on sale right now and most kids LOVE to draw
Sketch pads - gotta have paper to go with the art kits
Beading kits
Sculpey Clay kits - they have special kits for kids
How to draw books - they have Disney ones that are really cute
Legos - my son's favorites
Board & card games
Stuffed Animals - Kohls has Curious George Animals for $5 it's a double dipper because the proceeds from the sales also goes to Charity
Books!  - my kids still love to get books for Christmas

I did find that the Costco near my house had Heely's, those rollerskate shoes, for $10!  They are usually about $50 so I picked up a few  pair to donate.

I hope this helps. 

Alison

I just wanted to show you all the CUTE pic that Tammy W. created for me for my charity project.  Hopefully, we'll raise enough money to buy more than a few bales of hay for the horses.  Thanks so much Tammy for doing this for me!

:hug:
Alison

My kids and I will be selling mistletoe for a local horse rescue where we volunteer.  I need someone to help photoshop a picture for the labels.  I want to put 2 of the horses from the rescue with some mistletoe above them on the label.  If any one is willing to do this gratis' for a good  cause, please contact me privately. 

Thanks!

Alison

Thanks for letting us know.  We'll try to remember to turn on the TV that night.  Can you give us a heads up that day for those of us who don't turn the TV on very often. 

Hugs,
Alison

I did a series of kool-aid bears years ago.  You do get some really lovely colors.  I never washed my mohair afterwards.  The smell does fade with time.  It's probably just concentrated because it was in a plastic bag. 

Hugs,
Alison

No bears on my list.  I have a rather odd list this Christmas.  #1 on the list is a NEW TOASTER!  You can all stop laughing now.  I bought this vintage 1950's toaster when I first got married.  It is so cute, almost electrocuted me once, had it's cord replaced, etc.  I still love this old toaster!  But, it is getting rather finicky and thin bread folds up in there and gets caught.  So, I asked for a 4 slot toaster.  And, I also need some new kitchen utensils and a mandoline.  There's a fairy flying around with a lot of spatulas and wooden spoons.  .  You see, when I'm not making bears, I'm cooking.  I like to have nice tools in my kitchen! 

Hugs,
Alison

Marion,
No worries, we look like that too in North America.  I told my family to go outside and see if the sky was smiling at us.  They all thought I was whacked.    Then, the looked into the sky and my husband said, "Nice mom, it's frowning at us!"  I think it depends on what time you look.  Any astronomers out there that can give us a scientific answer?

Hugs,
Alison

Thanks everyone.  Gail, you're right, this is the best Christmas give I could give myself and my kids too!  I just hope my husband doesn't expect gourmet dinners every night.    If I feel this good quitting, I know it is the right decision!

Hugs!
Alison

Well, I've been absent from TT again for a while.  Seems like since I've joined, I pop in and out.  But, I hope to be a more permanent part of the community since I QUIT MY JOB!    :dance:

Today is my first official day of unemployment and it feels great!  I will have a lot more time for my family and my teddies.  My husband isn't thrilled with the fact that I quit when the economy isn't too great but, we will make do.  I just worked part time for my sister who is a doctor.  I started working for her as a favor and have been working way longer than I ever anticipated.  I never intended to be my sister's receptionist for the rest of my life.  And, the holidays are a great time to quit, while I won't have a paycheck, I will have more time for making gifts, baking and spending time with the kids!

I'm going to try to catch up on some of the posts now then start another project!

Hugs,
Alison

Congrats!  What a head of hair he already has.  What a lovely holiday you will have!

Hugs,
Alison