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I don't think the person selling is the artist, they don't claim to be and the last sentence makes it seem like they're not. Probably a gag gift that was made at some point and now someone's just selling it in hopes of making a buck on ebay ...ahhhhhh good old eBay 
:crackup: 
:hug:
~Chrissi
Hi Luann
What I have noticed is that customers will admire one of your bears and quiz you on how a technique was done etc and then they will purchase the supplies and leave the show.
This is a really good point regarding not only shows, but the world now. From Home Depot to The DIY (do it yourself) Network, people are inspired and pushed to be "do it yourselfers". Why buy when you can try seems to be the call of the times.
As for the question of other media being included in your shows, I would think that you do have to be careful. I did a doll show and it was kind of "sucky" (to borrow Shelli's word from another thread) to have my artwork next to a table (lots of tables actually) with rows of boxed (or unboxed and dusty)plastic dolls which were essentially someone's collection she was thinning out. It made me feel like I was at a yard sale.
The "yard sale" idea still makes me think of eBay ( I know that wasn't Tami's point, but that's the overall feeling I've always gotten from eBay..it's a potluck mart of this n that where most times folks are looking to get the best "deal"). I know it's a fantastic concept to reach buyers from all over the world with those buyers setting the price for the item, but I still wonder if it is truly the best long term outlet for promoting and selling "art". The short term picture looks great with the financial and marketing elements it brings, but what about the long term? Is it creating a saturation of do it yourselfers trying to ride the wave of quick money, in turn tarnishing the concept of "artist bear"? Is it hurting the industry in the long run..making it not as special or "collectible". Below is an article I found online..it's from 2001. I'm wondering if anyone here or in the doll world could fill in the past 6 years to see if the predictions are accurate. (??) From what I'm hearing in other threads these predictions from 2001 in the doll industry seem to be occurring now in the bear world; shops closing, manufacturers closing, demand falling, etc. I don't have answers to my questions. And I'm not bashing anything, I'm one of those folks who truly likes roundtable discussions with all sides of the story opened up. I'm relatively new to all of this, but I hope to do it for a very long time and want to be sure my actions now allow that to happen. I'm doing my first show in November and as excited as I am about it today I'm also a little nervous after reading all of the discussions about shows. I'm not jazzed about making mugs and coasters right now 
Hub and I are looking at the weekend as a (long overdue) mini vacation, so the cost isn't purely driven by the show and sales..but if I'm going to continue to pursue shows I'd like them to be about sales in the very end. I'm totally up for gallery quality items to be shown with bear artists. I think showing the public that this IS indeed an art to be held up there with the likes of sculptors and fine arts could be key. But that could go both ways as well...we need to be sure that our work is just as gallery quality as the next. My view on pricing is kind of simple: there's nothing wrong with the price, if the piece demands it (from materials, to labor, to qaulity).
Here's that article I found:
http://collectdolls.about.com/library/w … 61901a.htm
:hug:
~Chrissi
Aleta, I think Jen O'Connor's fests are fantastic! You really can't beat that kind of atmosphere and personal attention. I get Home Companion Magazine and that's where I first saw her ads.
After seeing pics of your home and your entertaining flare you could totally host an event! Start a west coast tradition 
:hug:
~Chrissi
It guess it all really depends on you and your comfort level with your machine. I machine stitched 6-8 inch bears and after doing decided I would continue to hand stitch...only because of the accuracy I get with hand stitching. I find hand stitching very relaxing. I don't mind it at all and, like Tami, I do it in front of the tv. I even throw my mini/smaller bears in a ziploc and take them out and about if I know I'll be waiting anywhere. I'd rather get some stitches in than read a back issue of People Magazine in a waiting room.
I hand stitch all of the gusset "snout/nose" areas and the footpads no matter the bear size. I have a real thing for footpads being even and without "edges". I guess my eye catches footpads only because they're exposed as much as the face as a "hi here I am, look at me"!! But that's just my "nutty detail thing" with bears!!
:hug:
~Chrissi
:clap: :dance: CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE!! :dance: :clap:
What a fantastic few days!! I'm very inspired by all of it!! 
:hug:
~Chrissi
I found this online and thought I'd pass along. Looks like such an amazing project to assist and shows what good things can come of one person asking "what can I do".
I'm just dabbling in basic crocheting...I've never followed a pattern but might have to give it a whirl.
http://motherbearproject.org/index.html
:hug:
~Chrissi
With Propay (or other phone optional services): at shows do you process the sales immediately or do you hold them until the evening (I'm guessing cell phones might not work in convention halls too well??).
With all systems: Have you ever had an issue in processing after the show/sale....declined card, etc? I know it happens, doesn't have to be intentional, could be a mistake. Would you make a friendly call? Have yo ever had to? ( I guess it goes for checks too...)
:hug:
~Chrissi
UGH, (I'll say it again...) GOOD GRIEF what is WRONG with people??!! To think someone would even think to do this kind of thing. If they only put that energy to good purposes.
Thanks for the warning Dilu!
:hug:
~Chrissi
throw a dart at my work like that.....may the bird of paradise poop in their pansy patch!
:crackup: Oh, I may just have to embroider that onto a pillow or something. :crackup:
I hear you Aleta! It's an insult to not only Mindy and the publication, but to every single artist who worked their tail off to create such amazing examples of artisan teddy bears. I'd take it personally too, but quickly get over it. There's always a grinch on a hill miserably looking over at the happy folk in whoville. Grinches can't steal spirit, unity and joy!!
:hug:
~Chrissi
Mindy!
Ugh, GOOD GRIEF what is WRONG with people?! Of course you rigged the judging..you slipped all the judges that super duper teddy talk enhancing drink you concocted in your secret underground cave...Quick to the Bear Cave! <good grief :doh: >
In my personal experience when there's behind the scence garbage like this going on it's usually just the individual "party pooper sour graper" and NOT anyone else at all. The sourer graper makes it sound like they've got more in their corner..but it's almost always just them and their multiples creating a crowd! 
I hope that you don't personally take the negativity to heart. You're doing so much for the bear making community, ALL of the community/industry. 
:hug:
~Chrissi
Edie's got THREE out there!! I've been thinking about Edie, as I haven't seen her post in a little bit.
Congratulations Edie :hug:
:hug:
~Chrissi
YEAH ALETA!!!! Wooohooo!!! :dance: :dance: :dance: :clap:
So happy for you, Congratulations!!
Now where's the pic????!!! :photo:
:hug:
~Chrissi
edit...Tracy!! We were doing Wooohooo's at the same time!!
I mentioned this in Melissa's post! I'd personally LOVE to see all of the pieces from this amazingly talented bunch of folks!! 
:hug:
Let's see them...it's getting me all excited about next year's opportunity to enter! It's a goal for this year!!
:hug:
~Chrissi
:clap: :dance: CONGRATULATIONS LOUISE!! :dance: :clap:
Can't wait to see the pics!!!!
:hug:
~Chrissi
Congratulations Shelli!! :clap: :clap:
Mr. Sandman is truly stunning. Love all of the textures used!
:hug:
~Chrissi
CONGRATULATIONS Christine!!! :clap:
Robin is a perfect teddy in my book!! Just wonderful!!
Congratulations on all of your nominations...I can't wait to see the pics. Very much deserved :clap: :clap:
:hug:
~Chrissi
Congratulations!! Wow there's SO much to be excited about!!!
Can't wait to see the piece, Maria & Mikki!!
:hug:
~Chrissi
Musa ROCKS!! What an absolutely fantastic creation!! Opie and Tom are adorable :clap:
Congratulations Judi..very much deserved :clap:
:hug:
~Chrissi
:clap: :dance: CONGRATULATIONS!! :dance: :clap:
Snazzy sure is Snazzy!!
:hug:
~Chrissi
If you're already making these outstanding bears why not enter??!! Keep trying . Benson's a gorgeous bear!
I'd personally LOVE to see pictures of all the entries, along with the winners. With all of the talent here the entries from "the best of the best" must all be outstanding.
:hug:
~Chrissi
:clap: :dance: CONGRATULATIONS!! :dance: :clap:
That's so very exciting Tami!! Truly happy for you!! :clap: :clap: :clap:
:hug:
~Chrissi
Sorry I can't say that I know the bear, but when trying to find items myself (with little leads) I've done random searches on ebay or google even. Using random 1-2-3 word phrases in a row. teddy bear vintage zipper.....or teddy bear button flap....etc. I've also just flat out pulled up entire sections, sat down with a cup of tea, and spent an hour or so scrolling through the photos. I once saw an antique teddy collectible in a teddy bear magazine appraised for $300..went to ebay and plugged in a few phrases that may have been used to describe it and FOUND the item (I paid $12!!!!). It wasn't listed under any title that would have made sense to the collectible piece..I think they thought it was junk. I just plugged in various phrases in search.
Good Luck!!
:hug:
~Chrissi
The book looks to be on amazon too. I think we've got the right book...author, publisher and title all seem to match up
I just picked up a copy..couldn't resist for the like new price!
http://www.amazon.com/Making-Teddy-Bear … 1579903797
:hug:
~Chrissi
Having said this, I am finding that in the East, we are getting a younger collector market developing and we are promoting this. So much is mass produced there, that people are wanting something "real" You see so many young girls knitting, quilting, wanting to learn, instead of just going to buy things.
Lynette
This is an excellent point about the "younger" collector. With all of the gizmos and gadgets and whosamabops (dr seuss-y word usage ) kids and young adults today ARE gravitating to more hands on and artistic outlets. I see that they are craving something more real. My local craft store is always full of kids picking out beads for jewelry making and yarns for knitting. Celebrities were knitting on sets and it trickled down to "oh, this is cool and FUN". From that kids are gaining a respect for handcrafted items...the time, energy and skill set it all takes. Quick someone go get paparazzi shot of Julia Roberts making a bear and we're all set!! :crackup:
:hug:
~Chrissi
