Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

No bad words when it comes to fluffy stuffed toys like Ty, Gund, Russ, etc    I figure kids can't have what we're creating and should be surrounded by fluffy huggable toys that they can lug around and then mom can toss in the washer.  I've got some beanies, a gund or two and way too many vermont teddy bears from my hub (when we first starting dating he got a vermont for every occasion..it was really sweet but I had to say "I love them all but have no more room sweetie"      )

There's nothing wrong with and I don't think any artist would frown upon anything that will bring smiles to someone who is buying/receiving.  This industry started with commercially produced bears so there has to be a deep seeded respect for that side of the industry. Artist and manufactured items are pictured side by side in Teddy Magazine Awards.

When it comes to the cost piece I've always thought of my purchases like this... Instead of buying several of one item at a lower cost I can save those funds and put it towards that one piece I will adore.  I've always found that once I add up all the "little" purchases I've almost always spent more than what that one special piece would have cost.  I'm the same way with shoes and/or bags ...I won't buy tons of "cute" ones that are less expensive.  I don't have the room for them all and that cost adds up little by little....so I've always chosen to buy quality basics each year and spend just a little more.  I can buy fast food for lunch 5 times a week or for the same cost go out for one nice memorable dinner on Friday night.
For me, that's how I rationalize the cost part anyway 
:hug:
~Chrissi

PS (I stopped eating fast food years ago..so that one was totally hypothetical    )

Charlotte your post just made me think of something for those with gas generators.  There were terrible storms in the northwest a few weeks ago that knocked out power and way too many people were injured or killed by carbon monoxide poisoning. If you don't have a detector please be sure you know the early symptoms so you can get out to fresh air.  :hug:

:hug:
~Chrissi

That's so much snow!!  I know too much is never good, but I wish my area would get just a little bit.  It's too warm around here and we've only had rain so far..not very Christmasy or Winterish around here 

We always joke that snow predictions make people want French Toast..as soon as the news channels predict snow all the bread, milk and eggs are gone from the shelves!  "It's going to snow..let's make french toast..we must get supplies NOW hurry!!!"  :crackup:

Stay warm and safe and keep us posted...

:hug:
~Chrissi

Hey Articicle, Pretty cool idea! I think I might be able to join in, sounds like fun!
Maybe you could just put all the "players" into a hat and pick one out for your ATC card (pretty cool to offer  )  I've seen other teddy forums do it that way, it's not really a competition 'cause it's a random drawing...even bid 4 bears has done it that way  during challenges..put names in a hat for a listing fee "prize" for participating.   Just one idea if your original way doesn't work for the forum. 

:hug:
~Chrissi

I like the BEP concept!! I'll have to find some while food shopping tomorrow!! 
This year we're having some family and friends over to our place.  We'll play board games..we love boards games...if you've never played Balderdash you must try it.  I imagine a few drinks in you would make it even more hilarious.  We have a few more group games on hand and this year we even have the classic version of Ms Pacman set up on the big screen tv for competitions (we're a goofy bunch aren't we??!)

Food is fun finger foods, munchies and the traditional pork and sauerkraut .  We've got some old german/polish traditions on my mom's side that say you have to eat pork on new years for a "fat wealthy" year and never eat chicken or you'll be scratching the whole year.  Silly yes, but once it becomes tradition you just do it.    Plus I think it's pretty common in my area (Philly)..it's on all of the menus for the week.

We tune in for the NYC ball to drop and then hang out until people start to call it a night. 

Patty---YES we still do that around here, everyone does.  They bang pot lids, blow their car horns, set off fireworks, etc.  Good Lord the poor dogs go nuts with all of that, poor puppies 

:hug:
~Chrissi

Jane that was absolutely fantastic!!  :clap: SO MUCH FUN!!
The time it must have taken...you're a photoshop rock star in my book!!
:hug:
~Chrissi

Oh my gosh is it late where I am and I should be finishing up a big bear I need for Christmas Morning :doh: , plus I too have been hit with the ick stomach bug  .... just lovely, 3 days prior to Christmas.

I'm guessing that creating a blog was probably the fastest and most accurate way for this family to reach extended family, friends, coworkers, teachers, classmates, hairdressers, swim coaches, the dogwalker, the babysitter, etc of their preschoolers progress.  Most of the response comments I've read on the blog, even the anonymous comments, seem to be from persons who know this child personally. It seems to be a very local situation that we've only heard of because a local shared with us (hi Shelli ).  I don't think this family intended to go public perse with their small child's medical condition. It looks to be a very local base in fundraising events.  I hate to even imagine, but if the circumstance did arise the fastest way to let those who care for you know of progress is to send out emails..or more efficiently: blog. It's just our world of instant communication. It's accessible, effective, efficient, and controlled information coming from the source.

The thread here, for Taylor's cause specifically, is an amazing read. It's amazing how many here are willing to give of themselves so quickly.    All of the suggestions to aid Taylor and even those around her have been wonderful. Any of the ideas mentioned from cards to quilts to funds raised via auction would be dearly treasured.

If the group at large decides to create a charitable event to reach out even farther, that would be awesome. The Lemonade Bears Benefit has shown what amazing things can be done with a lot of hard work and a lot of caring.
:hug:
~Chrissi

Great timing!  I have the most recent copy of TBR and both Karen Lyons and R. John Wright have photos of their sculpts prior to pattern.  I'd think this would be a great way to really get "that look" you're truly going for. 2-d can be a real pain sometimes when the final piece isn't just what you wanted.  Something to think about for the new year.

Kim, you work mostly in miniatures right now do you do the same sculpting process for your large bears?  That's a big sculpting job!

:hug:
~Chrissi

EDIT:  I just thought of this last night while reading another post about photos and how it would be great to "see" more of what we talk about.  One of us should get a Youtube site going for video demos on specific topics    Mini tutorials on bearmaking out on YouTube
Or get our own version of Youtube out here on TT...video demos on techniques..would be pretty cool.

:hug:
~Chrissi

Awesome picture Catherine..what a doll baby of a kitty!!    

I have one cat that thinks he's a dog too.  I introduce him to people as: " and that's Frasier, he thinks he's a dog".  He speaks on command, chews the dog bones and tries to run out with the dogs on their walks...he's a nutty cat.

:hug:
~Chrissi

Thanks Aleta I was thinking of going that route but wanted some extra feedback..I've seen your ads, they were very eye catching and memorable.  Clean, very clean visually.   

Thanks Articicle, I actually have a color wheel and have a pretty good understanding of colors on the wheel. I think it's a must have basic in a studio.  My avatar won't represent a future ad at all..good grief no! I threw that together in literally 10 minutes one day just to be festive!

:hug:
~Chrissi

For those that have advertised in magazines are there any basic do's and don'ts?  What shows well in print and what does not.  Are there fonts to steer clear of or is it all just preference?  I'm hoping to advertise for the first time and obviously want it to be good from the get-go
I'm looking to keep it clean and to the point, but outside of that I'd like some feedback.

Thanks so much!!

:hug:
~Chrissi

Aleta,
I go "crafting crazy", "project happy", etc etc etc....
At the suggestion of my younger sister I started my veggie gardens during a tough time.  I've never liked "gardening".  Everyone knows I'll kill a houseplant, but the idea of having a useful "product" come from the time invested in the veggie garden made me happy. Now I do it each summer and I look forward to it. I like that I can care for the garden and then create from the veggies.
I tend to get involved with more than one project during times of worry and find that the juggling keeps my mind free and clear (sounds totally backwards, but it works for me....there's a therapist out there in cyberspace right now reading this jotting down the "clinical signs of"  :crackup: ) I've known for a long time that I'm a typical artist type with tons of energy that I channel into my creative needs in order to keep balanced.  It's just who I am and I'm more than happy with it...I'd be bored off of my gourd any other way! 

In reading about your son... I'm praying for you and for him.  What is it with men and doctors??  After 10 years my husband finally listens to me about his medical health.  I had to re-program what his father and that Y chromosome had instilled in him.  I can understand your son's trust in the doctor. He went to the doctor and as a guy he got an answer. Question - answer -done for now.  If he were my younger brother (I have a 27 year old sister) in guy speak I'd bluntly tell him that if he was buying a car he'd shop around and seek out further info before taking one salesmans opinion or word...this is his health so take the same care and attention.  Unfortunately for my siblings and hub I'm an over protective Taurus to boot. 

I'm praying for you and your son.  Don't take that other stuff about flukey family history of first born males to heart or give it more thought power than it's had already.
:hug:  :hug:
~Chrissi

I just recently stumbled upon a vintage featherweight (funny story) and will be having it tuned up and once overed electrically by a trusted local shop.  Currently I use a Viking that was my mom's.  I don't have any complaints about the machine, it's never had an issue (knock wood)...but I'm really looking forward to the featherweight!!  If I had zero restrictions on funds I'd be going for a Freearm222 right now, like this minute.

Aleta!  You lucky girly you...I watched Cathy's recent machine auctions like a kid at a candy shop window.  Man, if I wasn't beyond tempted to jump in on the bidding.  Good for you!!!   :dance:

:hug:
~Chrissi

Very pretty Sonya!!  Wow Mindy that shop is GORGEOUS!! 

I have a deep childhood scar with outdoor lights.  You see I grew up behind one of "those houses" :crackup:      You know "the house" in the neighborhood that goes all out each year, paying the yearly bonuses for the electric companies 150 employees.  Yes, my bedroom faced the side yard of "the house".  The life size ferris wheel went round and round til all hours of the night creating a spectacular  flashing "eat at joes" neon sign like display on my bedroom wall each night.  Johnny Mathias christmas carols still send chills up my spine as I recall sleepless evenings of carols and flashing lights.  :crackup:  :crackup: Finally as a teen I hung dark thick blankets over the windows to at least silence the light..the carols still crept into my ears   (to this day I use thick insulated curtains!!)

Seriously they're great people and still do the display each year and each year during the week prior to Chrismas the Dad is out there in his Santa Suit waving at cars no matter the weather. Fully animated ferris wheels, merry go rounds, jack in the boxes, wooden cut outs and about 25000 lights each year.  25+ years and it still goes on. It's a nice thing for families to see......But remember....there's always a kid behind "the house" that dreads Thanksgiving Day and the boxes of outdoor lights coming out from the neighbors garage  :crackup:    :crackup: 

:hug:
~Chrissi

Taylor will be in my prayers, her family as well.  I'm in with anything that the group/you decide to do.  You have to give to receive in this life and I can't think of a better way of giving right now for myself.

Just some ideas....for a small starter what about a Valentine's event. Kids love a special "mailbox" full of Valentines.  Instead of swapping cards with each other why not send a special Valentine Wish to Taylor. The cards could be sent to you Shelli and then packaged up specially from us to Taylor (?) Just one idea. 

On the larger scale a Valentine's auction event could coincide with the cards....the auction funds following the cards. Gives participating artists time to create.  With an auction we could create a uniform printable flyer and formal email for her immediate supporters to print and distribute, get the word out.  Each bear artist participating would use the same.  Make it quick &  easy for everyone to uniformly promote and in turn raise as much money possible...if that's the route chosen.

Just one piece of info that may be passed along. The following might assist in any and all programs available to Taylor and her family.  The info can be found on the Christopher Reeve Foundation site.
"Please note that CRF does not make grants to individuals.  Individuals seeking resources that may be able to provide financial assistance should contact the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Resource Center, a program of CRF, at www.paralysis.org or call toll-free 1-800-539-7309 and ask to speak with an Information Specialist."

:hug:
Please keep us posted,
Chrissi

I think I'm about to loose the connection again!!   

I have a HUGE bear I have to have finished for my mom for Christmas...so I am off to pin and sew. I've got limited time to finish!!
It's portions are that of a 2 year old, the biggest I've personally ever made.  Wish me luck 

Enjoy the rest of the party and I hope the connection stays strong, getting kicked off every 3 minutes is rough!!
Night all  :hug:   :hug:   :hug:

:hug:
~Chrissi

Hi Sarah! Thanks!!   :hug:

Just clicked on the music....Sounds like Frank.  Hub loves Frank.

How's everyone doing?  Cookies looked fantastic

Was at the party earlier but stepped out to take a pooch to the vet.  She's fine, got some shots to stop the tummy issues.

:hug:
~Chrissi

well, I'm off for a bit.  Need to run one of the pooches to the vet, she's had terrible stomach trouble for a few days now and it's not getting any better.  Poor girly.  Keep good thoughts for her, she HATES the vet this one.  Once ran away from me there too..that was a nightmare, so I get nervous now about taking her! 
Will be back later on!!  HAve fun

:hug:
~Chrissi

The vet dog:

Brinkley says I have gas and a tummy ache (the gas is unbearable!!! )

Amelia--no haven't seen it yet...will though over holiday break.  Not htat I have a thing for Mr Black at all...I just think if you're going to go out on a dance floor it should be with someone hysterically fun who will get the party going and keep it going..he seems to fit that bill :crackup: He's a riot.  (I'm not into the "dreamboats" nothing wrong with a good dreamboat..I just like the funny guys )

why did my last post come up 2 times????  wierd!!  we're crashing out this poor site!!

Good thing this year....ummm...I'm going to be an aunt in March that's some really cool news!

:hug:

:crackup: Music......hmmmmmm hs to be loud and not slow....film star???  I'd like someone funny on the floor with me....maybe Jack Black :crackup:

:crackup: Music......hmmmmmm hs to be loud and not slow....film star???  I'd like someone funny on the floor with me....maybe Jack Black :crackup:

Since we were talking about cookies..this is my favorite cookie book.  I've had to alter most of the recipes to fit my diet restrictions, but this is plain old good cookie recipes.  Fast, easy and a really cool book.  "better homes and gardens Cookies Cookies Cookies".  one side of the cover is "any-day treats" and when you flip the book over and upside down it's another cover on the back "christmas treats".  All of the recipes people ask me for are from this book. 

:hug:

Me too...lost TT for a few mintues...our party is bringin down the house  :crackup: