Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

My warm and fuzzies went out the window with eBay so I'm interested in this venture. I'd never get the bears made if I waited until March 26th to start so I guess for the criteria aspect we just have to start now and mentally imagine this as a "show" we're prepping for. It is a show in a way; showing the collectors there's life after eBay!!!  And if I'm remembering correctly we can promote our websites (and TT) on B4B... can't do that directly on eBay.

If we get our bears started now...that gives us what, 11 weeks to get them all done by April 1st...or 11 weeks to get half done now while still selling presently.  I think either way it's workable with 2+ months notice. I'm game for trying...can always try 

The effort to contact all collectors and contacts will make or break the effort. Unlike SO many things we have zero control over...this we have control over and in such a positive way!!      

GO TEAM!! (and no I was never a cheerleader...quite the opposite..I was a band
geek :crackup:  )

:hug:
~Chrissi

My Avatar bear "Truman" will always be one of my favorites.  I can still visit him frequently at my sister's!

Twinkle is one of my favorites for 2006 with his sweet little face.  I really loved making him.

Second place is a tie between Ichabod & Tinsel.

2007 will see larger bears from my studio, but the lil' ones are sure to pop up now and again!  Once you make mini's you can't stop...they're addictive little critters 
:hug:
~Chrissi

he he he :crackup:

1. People who don't rinse the sink after they brush their teeth...I don't want to see that foamy used toothpaste gunk! Worse..if it is left to dry      (shaving bits left behind fall into this category too...sorry hub!)

2.  People who use the self check out in the grocery store and have NO IDEA (now or ever) how to use it.  Every item scanned is a puzzle    :crackup:  (I laugh, my hub growls..he really has a growl)

3. People who won't let you into a line of traffic.  Once one person starts it off the pack will suddenly follow...but where is that ONE PERSON when I need them?? (women are the worst...sorry gals we really are.  Acting like we're on the phone and don't see that person waiting and pleading to be allowed to squeeze into traffic.) 

4. Celebrities who moan and groan about war, peace, the government.... and then go rounds with other celebrities...like a pack of spoiled kiddies on a playground, but with way too much air time!

5. People who adopt an animal without researching first and taking the full responsibility seriously.  That's the BIGGIE for me.  I've adopted too many lovies from shelters after someone else decided they were disposable.

:hug:
~Chrissi

Sandy please do not be nervous about sharing your creations. :hug:

We've all had influences and will gravitate to the styles that inspire us.  Not a single one of us came out of the womb with the divine knowledge of how to create a teddy bear. 
I have no idea what a bear maker in England is working on and she has no idea what I'm working on, but we could in fact have similar styles and preferences. 

Post pictures of your work, I'm sure it's lovely!
:hug:
~Chrissi

Aleta I'm tired of seeing my green grass please send the snow waaaaaaayyyy over to my house!  I love the cold and the snow and so far we've only had rain     
We had inches of rain yesterday and all I could think was "this could be 3 feet of snow instead" 

Please send snow to me and the doggies...they LOVE it too

Last Year Snowfalls:

:hug:
~Chrissi

I've never used a "high quality" faux fur before.  I just ordered the prefurs sample swatches and plan to use a Christmas gift card to finally try my hand at the good stuff. 

Before placing an order (outside of the swatches) I'd like your pointers, feedback, findings, and opinions on the furs.  What have you loved about them and what have you found to be not so pleasant (if anything).  Cutting, sewing, trimming, etc.  Anything that you wish you knew prior to buying/using.  Is there a particular style or color you love..or one you'd steer clear of. 

Just looking for your opinions!

:hug:
~Chrissi

Thank you Aleta.  Oh my gosh, the library is FULL of amazing info and I've read so many old post soaking it all up, but there are new answers to every question.  Answers coming from old timers and newbies alike.  New twists on old techniques are happening everyday. Keeping things fresh, exciting and welcoming is KEY. Don't want to get stale and boring out here with no one revisiting previous topics:)  We couldn't have covered it all already...we're good, but not that good
Plus, the library isn't the easiest thing to sift through when many of the titles have zip-nada- nothing to do with the content of the post and searches don't pull all threads all the time.

:hug:
~Chrissi

The adventurous and daring streak is going to crash and burn with my post  :crackup: 

On a 5 hour flight to Las Vegas I consumed an entire bag of Dum Dum Lollipops out of pure fear.

I've entered only one online essay sweepstakes ever....and won a years supply of Vermont Bread.

I was born in the Philadelphia area, but spent so much time with my Scotish relatives that I spoke with a pretty noticeable accent in the early years. My mom has a tape of me reciting the three bears and hearing myself say "cool" at age 2 is pretty funny/cute. (My great uncle Jimmy who visited frequently is considered an innovator in Pipe Band Drumming and pretty well known and very respected in those circles in the US, Canada, Scotland, etc )

:hug:
~Chrissi

Kim,
It stinks.  The flattery piece might be cliche and sound like a pile of pooh right now, but you are in excellent company with eBay knock offs.  There's a lister out there who's gallery is full of cute bears, but only now is blatantly going for one particular look..... well it's actually just pitifully ridiculous.  I pulled up one bear a few weeks ago and said to my hub..who's bear is that? He says "Michelle" ('cause we're on first name basis with bear makers in my house ..I shove so many magazines and web site in the poor guys face all day long :crackup: ).  Take another look I said...."looks like that one in that competition" (guys way of saying..Toby or GT nomination)..."but you can tell it's not hers.....oh yeah, in that picture you can totally see it's not hers...huh" 
Seeking inspiration is one thing, having a style that many have is one thing (vintage, victorian, fairy, etc) But contacting people for info, patterns and then selling knock offs is just plain bad sport.  It's about making the eBay sale at that point and not the art.  It's like those little things that scurry in and pick off the bones rather than go hunt for themselves    
Chin up my friend, this will pass and not affect your bearies in the least.

:hug:
~Chrissi

Thank you Of course I think they're adorable too! They really are happy dogs. Willing to put up with my silliness and these jerseys! Season tickets, WOW hub would be thrilled....I wonder if the dogs would share
Glad you all are enjoying this pic...I'm off to make homemade meatballs and sauce for game-time sandwiches.

(I called Brinkley a "little" ham...she's a solid 60 pound doggie, but Meadow makes her look like a lil' pip squeak!)

:hug:
~Chrissi

What can I say, we're known for our team spirit here in Philly!  Even the dogs know how to show it 
Fly Eagles Fly!!

Isn't Brinkley such a little ham??  She's actually smiling right at the camera in this shot

:hug:
~Chrissi

Wow, that was fantastic to see! He's in total charge of his art from start to finish, that's pretty cool.  I think this is the kind of thing they need to show more of in schools today. Not everything pops off of an assembly line and lands on a store shelf.  There's a process, a science, an art to life.
Thanks so much for sharing this with us!! :clap:

:hug:
~Chrissi

I love what's being said about "loving" these teddy bears. Nothing about that makes me cringe!!  I guess this is something that I've thought a lot about too.  For legal purposes and safety standards the works are labeled collectibles and not a toy.  But these were toys years ago. I have several old photo cards of kids holding that bear at their side, the bear the kid and the dog on the farm cart, etc.  I love the idea of my larger bears being handled and loved and "used" for a happy purpose. My mom has several of my larger bears in her living room.  My sister is expecting a baby in March and when seeing the bears lined up at the back of the couch on Christmas Day said "eww...lots of fun stuff for lil' peanut to play with".  This didn't freak me out, just the opposite. If a little one wants to play tea party with my bear I'm more than happy. (little one being old enough to know not to try to pry off and swallow an eye ).
I love Antiques Road Show and it always makes me sad to see someone's grandchild now in their 50s bring in a doll that was kept in a box, is in mint condition, only comes out to be looked and then locked away. It might be worth more money today, but they always say they'll never sell it....so it's just this thing in a box being passed down from generation to generation.  I guess I'm in that mind frame that says..you're here now for a small amount of time fully use and enjoy what you have. My grandfather had a train set, when he passed away it went into storage and no one would use it "Because it was so special..an antique...worth something"  Well, it was stolen.  Now no one gets to use it, see it, or care about it's worth and monetary value.
If a teddy bear is quality made with quality materials it will withstand a good snuggling or a trip to grandmas house.  Allowing a little girl to hold and love special bear while watching a tv show is just about the best thing ever!!      Plus I'm one of those crazy people who can "humanize" inanimate objects.  I picture a glass case with a bear peering out each day longing to be held, kissed, and talked to by a lovely little girl.  (I'm a nutball, huh?  Too many children's books about toys coming to life I guess )

:hug:
~Chrissi

Not to throw the topic off..but anyone who's having trouble with weight should always have a physical and rule out thyroid too, so it's not that far off. 
My tests were all "within range" early on.  My aunt in underactive too and when I would go to this doctor (no longer my doc) and tell them my symptoms they would look at the one test and say, "nope you're in range"...never comparing it to the older test to see that I was slowly slipping out my own range.  They sent me to 4  different specialist and finally the last one...a Neurologist said "your thyroid is very much out of range". Hellooooooo, thank you for putting me through months of hell, insurance co-pays, and testing all while not listening to me.  The first medication didn't work and as you know it takes a while for the medication to kick in. By the time I was put on my current medication I wound up in the ER with an ER doctor telling me about Thyroid comas..because my level was SO bad. I was having trouble staying alert during the day, eating, sleeping, my hair was falling out. Needless to say I found a new fantastic doctor and I'm much more blunt with my doctors after all of that.  If they won't listen I leave and don't return. 

If you're gaining weight, feeling run down but your habits haven't changed get a simple blood test just to be sure it's not your thyroid or any other underlying condition. Have the test done again if you don't see an improvement.
:hug:
~Chrissi

When my thyroid went bonkers and I gained weight from it I was determined about getting back to my "normal".  I had a nurse at my old doctors office say "you won't loose that weight.  Oh, I'm sorry I have weight issues myself, I shouldn't say that".  Huh?!? What a trip she was, way to be supportive of patients health issues  
So I decided once the meds had leveled me out where I could once again control my weight (when your thyroid goes you have ZERO control over your weight. Even if you're eating like normal that one little thing in your neck throws the whole works outta whack..it STUNK!) Anywho... I did the weight watchers point thing.  I didn't go to any meetings, I personally knew I didn't need the support aspect. I had a friend at work who did fantastically on the system and she would give me all of the stuff.  It was awesome and I lost it all easily with no packaged food or stuff to buy.  I only bought a digital scale in the beginning until I got use to eyeballing foods accurately. It's been about 2 years and I'm still at my "norm".
I know of some who use it after using the prepackaged stuff successfully.  When they go back to "real food" or "whole food" learning portion size and nutritional content is key for long term success.
Good luck to your hub, so far sounds pretty good! 
:hug:
~Chrissi

This link came to me from a miniature forum I'm a member of.  Wow, I can't get over how tiny & precise these pieces are.  My favorites are the Peter Pan theme and Snow White. The patience and skill level to create like this...it's simply amazing!!

http://www.willard-wigan.com
:hug:
~Chrissi

I use a few all natural web sites for my gardens, I'm really sensitive to chemicals and like the organic route. This is what one said and there are no stinky moth balls mentioned  :

Moths
Cedar chips in a cheesecloth square, or cedar oil in an absorbent cloth will repel moths. The cedar should be 'aromatic cedar', also referred to as juniper in some areas.
Homemade moth-repelling sachets can also be made with lavender, rosemary, vetiver and rose petals.
Dried lemon peels are also a natural moth deterrent - simply toss into clothes chest, or tie in cheesecloth and hang in the closet.

:hug:
~Chrissi

This is a great thread to read over.  If you're interested in going all out you can try googling Textile Conservation to see how museums and alike try to conserve pieces over time. 

The main thought I have is of course we want to be sure we're using the best possible supplies while creating.  (I'm a stickler for "quality" ingredients from my cooking to my art, it's always been a thing with me).   Being proactive and researching the products used and doing tests like Karen did is the best thing we can do to ensure a quality piece.  Many products like glues, paints, etc have technical data available from the maker and sometimes outside groups that have independently tested.  But it's impossible to cerate an organic piece that will not over time deteriorate in some manner. The teddies from the past are examples of this.  Even the most "pristine" vintage teddy will show some evidence of aging, it's natural.  Dust is just dirt that contains wee bugs that eat organic materials..organic fabrics,organic threads, glues, etc.....yummy    

:hug:
~Chrissi

Eileen,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I'm thinking of you :hug:

:hug:
~Chrissi

This is one of my favorite catalogs I get in the mail...the pages are filled with awesome toys, games, science kits, etc.. a few require batteries but most are just plain old fun and brain power- powered.

www.hearthsong.com

:hug:
~Chrissi

Hi Tami, I wasn't responding to you directly just the idea of marketing that was mentioned in several of the posts.     :hug:
But to respond to the video game piece I personally do think that they have created a sedate, complacency that too many overworked and overstressed parents ignore.   The rise in violence, aggressive behaviors, lack of attention span, and other factors are being linked back to these games.  You're a hands on parent believing in moderation, sadly too many parents aren't anymore; not even realising the content of the games they're purchasing.  And it's not just the games ..tv, movies, books..parents and their kids seem too detached anymore.
:hug:
~Chrissi

The only way marketing is going to hit a child is if they are exposed to it.  It comes down to parenting and what you expose your kids to....I'm talking very little kids who are either with you or in school/care.  If you don't want your kids to be exposed you limit to programing that does not contain advertising specifically geared to making a child "want".  I know folks will say "it's hard", but that's parenting.
I think it's pretty simple in the beginning..if you want your child/baby to have blocks, you buy blocks..trains and bears..you buy trains and bears.  Most little ones today see an object with circles and shapes and instinctively push and push harder on the shapes waiting for "something" (noise, action, effect) to happen.  By the time a baby is 12 months old nowadays it knows that toys will make noise and are supposed to "do something" for them.  When it should be the other way around..the child should be doing something with the toy via thought and imagination.
It's parenting.  I know that's not a popular opinion now-a-days and the hot button for way too many Good Morning America shows, but parents today need to step up to the plate already and BE parents. Stop relying on these goofball games and shows already. Why do "books" now read to children?  Why is a speak and spell sounding computer voice in a box teaching a child to sound out words and learn colors?  Why do minivans need game hook ups???  On Christmas Eve (no lie here) a mini van pulled up at a light next to me and my husband..every single child in the 2 back rows had a headset on and a screen to watch.  WHAT?!  Christmas Eve and you can't talk to you family and children on a car ride to grandmas???  Good grief!

:hug:
~Chrissi

Looking forward to.....
~Being an aunt in late March! First lil' peanut for my family. 
~My first bear show is this year..looking forward to that very much!  Have been planning and designing.
~Taking a much needed vacation with hubby...we haven't had one in many years due to various health issues and whatnot. Nothing adventurous, just pure relaxation....and maybe some shopping..yes shopping
~Designing and planting a special butterfly garden in my backyard.  I'm not good with plants (houseplants beware).....but I've been good with my veggie gardens so I thought I'd branch out a little bit.  My dog always loved the one corner of the yard, so it's going to be a little remembrance garden for her too

:hug:
~Chrissi

Kathy,
I'm saying prayers for you both, you're in my thoughts. :hug:

:hug:
~Chrissi

Dilu- I saw that one after the hype.  The concept was not unlike valentines and cartoons that use the same theme a lot, but we're beyond P.C. in this country so I guess it had to be pulled.  Like I said before Hub was buying these teddies for me with every special occasion for the first year or so until I gently said I had no more room!  He's sweet and would have special sayings embroidered on sashes and all of that.  The one I like the best was from Valentine's Day.  The bear holds a stuffed heart  he's wearing jeans and a white tee and has a "love" tattoo on his one arm.  Pretty darn cute and it's a nice lasting sentiment.  Why send flowers or a gift basket when you can send a personalized American made teddy bear for about the same cost ..and like Shelli was talking about it keeps teddy bears in the public attention zone.

:hug:
~Chrissi