Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

This is absolutely one of the most hideous things a school can do to a child.
It's abusive in my opinion.  At her age she should be welcomed with open arms to any creative venue the school allows.  Educators telling children that they can not do something or that something is beyond them, that they should give up....well it's mentally abusive.  There is no safety concern as in some sports...this is a child wanting and dreaming to be creative.
I'm a petite girl with smaller hands and I started playing the alto saxophone in grade school.  I played all through high school, even being the only girl in a jazz ensemble. I played oboe as well.  I was lucky enough to have a fantastic music teacher in the 8th grade who saw beyond  the "small girl" concept.  I'm not saying I was fantastic at any of the instruments I played...but I did just as well as any other kid in the band. I played piano from age 6 or 7 as well.
Have these horrid teachers seen 4 year old children master the piano, violin, guitar, drums, etc??  How dare they pigeon hole your daughter like that because she's small.  There are world famous musicians who have had challenges far greater than size. 

This may make your daughter feel better.... when my one sister was in kindergarten she and the other kids took weekly tests on colors, letters, etc.  During yellow week my sister colored in the sun yellow, but shaded the thinnest edges of the sun with subtle oranges and reds..blending them into a sun seen in paintings.  Her shrew of a teacher pulled my sister up to her desk and yelled (yes yelled) "WHAT IS THIS???!!" as she put a big red X and a zero grade over my sisters sun.  Rather than see that this little girl was artistic and gifted in an artistic area....rather than supporting that, nurturing that, or welcoming that..this shrew of a woman publicly ridiculed a 6 year old little girl.  Flash forward to today and my sister is now an Art Teacher!  My sister didn't allow that horrid woman to scar her talents or her desires and neither did my mom...who deeply wanted to take that woman aside with that red "X" marker...we still talk about it
Your daughter just may be a great music teacher some day...or a concert pianist OR maybe she'll find she doesn't like band at all.  But she should be given the opportunity to try.  It's not a Symphony Orchestra for God's sake, are they planning to play for the Queen this coming year?? There is no suitable excuse for this, none at all.

You just keep doing exactly what you're doing!!!
:hug:
~Chrissi

I was poking around on a few of my favorite artists sites and saw the Peng Peng - Kingfisher Farm Teddies collaboration and remembered this post.  I wasn't sure if this particular collaboration was mentioned, glad to see it was!! I really loved the way it all came together Pam.  How you both tied in the fabrics, Mohair, display box.....I really really liked the piece (your ellie was too cute). If I read correctly you were both at a show together, table neighbors....must have been fun for collectors to meet you both with the piece.

:hug:
~Chrissi

I'm not a believer in reincarnation, but this is fun .....I'm an Owl.  I've always liked owls so I'm ok with this one  (I'm a night owl anymore anyway!)

:hug:
~Chrissi

It gets even better. 

Ebay essentially tampered with my personal account settings without warning and will not disclose to why they did this.  They actually went into my account and reset my email account back to an email account that I changed over 7 or 8 months ago.  When I set my business up, with my website and launched everything 6 months ago everything went to one "ctcatherwoods" heading.  For over 7 or 8  months I have used this eBay ID and email account. Today they go in and they changed my email back to my old aol account. (yes they did!! )  I still have that aol account and use it for friends and family, but I never check it for business.  I'm at a loss and eBay will not disclose anything further.  They went into my personal account and reset or as they called it "restored" an email account that was out of use for 6 months, obliterated my past -present- and future listings, set up a successfully closed auction as a new sale...all to protect me!  For all of the warnings we see about scams, tampering and the alike I was just internally tampered with by eBay!  And according to eBay they don't owe me any explanation.  Wow...I'm stunned and disgusted.  And finally going to bed @ 1 am after starting with this at 5 pm.  nice, huh?

:hug:
~Chrissi

thank you all....... :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:

the plot thickens.  Ebay live chat is horrible, I'm sorry what I went through tonight is inexcusable on just too many levels.  I just spent well over 3 hours on live chat, the last 2 reps called my cell phone.  The 2nd to the last rep was uncancelling my last closed auction (Twinkle) so that my collector (she got an email from ebay about all of this! How horrible for her and for me to have to explain and reassure her) could leave me positive feedback and so that the auction results could be viewed by anyone who cared to look.  Well, ebay reinstated the auction as NEW...it went up as a new for sale listing and I've LOST all of the info to the original auction.  I'm sick over this.      Twinkle was my first "hot" bear with 16 or 18 bids and my highest selling piece $ wise....and now that's all lost.  The item number currently shows the item as zip-nada bids.  The only hope I have is that when the collector leaves her feedback it triggers the old info to show...eBay could not confirm a thing. Now if fraud was a fear I can understand killing my live current auction and the pending auction set to launch on Tues...BUT WHY did they kill/"TKO"/Kill an auction that closed well over a week ago with no issues????  The last rep I spoke with said she could offer "no logical reason". 
Nearly 4 hours on the PC with chat reps calling my cell phone and I'm spent over this whole horrid event. If you are going out of town/state and you take or use a PC you normally don't work from ALERT EBAY.  I can not stress this enough.  The one rep I spoke with said even if your account notes that you travel and may use a foreign PC still alert them ahead of time so that your auctions do not get "TKO" or in my words destroyed, killed, totaled, wrecked...obliterated. I'm so bummed and really have a bad taste after this one. This one was really really really bad.  When I saw that Twinkle, the sold bear, was relisted I just about had a heart attack. 

Plus the charges/fees weren't taken care of properly even though I had asked several times.  The last girl (rep #8) took care of them..I was being hit with 4 times the listing fees and each rep prior to her let it go and ignored my requests or questions to the fees. 

This was bad and I hope it never happens to anyone else!!

:hug:
~Chrissi

I couldn't be MORE annoyed right now if I tried.     
I'm just finishing up a lovely weekend away, antiquing and shopping.  I spent the weekend (out of state) at my parents vacation place (found some GREAT vintage pieces!!) BUT I just got in and went to check my listing that was supposed to end today and FRUSTRATION set in.    

Turns out if you're out of town and use a computer not familiar to ebay they will assume that a third party has hacked your account and end all of your auctions and send emails out to your most recent buyers.  My Tinsel bear was sch. to end today. I last checked him with 3 hours to go in the auction when I walked out the door this afternoon (most of my bears have sold in the last minute to the last hour of the auction). After using this laptop for over 3 days, eBay knocks out my listing in the last 3 hours or less!!

(I understand the better safe than sorry..oh look they do care.... aspect of it, but come on... for all of the things they seem to miss and not care about...THIS they swoop in on???!! My password was not changed, there was not odd activity....I just used another PC). Don't ebay sellers use laptops out of town whilst at shows, estate auctions, conventions, travel????? Why don't they ask you up front if you travel to have your account noted? NOW my account is noted, but that doesn't help me with this last auction and the one I stayed up late to create and preset for Tues! 

Now my listing is up again (so they say...I still can't access my account) , the listing I had stayed up late Thursday (prior to packing for my weekend) to create and pre-sch. to auto list as of Tues will be bumped back a week....UGH!!!

AND to make everything better the eBay rep was really rude.  He didn't ask, but TOLD me to hold all of my questions until the end of the live session and then he said "happy holidays" and ended the session after I had waited for a combined total of 35 minutes (between live chat and then Fraud chat) to type to someone!! I never got to ask my 3..count them 3 tiny questions. I've still not received the 15 minute email giving me my new passwords..and it's now been an hour.     

I'm bummed, annoyed (esp that my last buyer got an ebay alert email about me/this), and mad that ebay treats it's sellers like useless cattle.

VENT VENT VENT  (sorry )

:hug:
~Chrissi

I'm a big "goals" person.  I set them out each year.  Not resolutions.. but goals I write out, keep in front of me (some with solid dated deadlines, some without date specific deadlines). 
I like seeing things in writing. Something happens when I take a thought and put it to paper..it becomes that real want or desire to work & strive for.  I know right now that one of my 2007 year goals is to be set and ready for the 2008 Toby/GT early submission deadlines.  I didn't feel "ready" as an artist this year, but will start fresh in the new year with the few ideas I've narrowed it down to. As far as the money...this is probably going to sound really silly, but my hub an I both do change jars (it's almost a competition to see who can save more....washer and dryer change is fair game for those who find it!! ). After a full year of plopping loose change into a jar...man you'd be surprised at how much can accumulate!!  Teddy Jar......Commerce Bank will sort the change for free in seconds

:hug:
~Chrissi

Jodi your tree is so pretty!! Is that a purply sock monkey I see?  I love sock monkeys..trying to make a few for gifts this year actually...wait I think I see another little one on your tree!!  Really lovely tree! (love that corner cabinet too!!)
I'm going to have to run over to Kmart and take pictures of a fully decorated Martha Stewart tree at the rate I'm going this year   :crackup:   
Nah, hopefully the tree (at least) will be up this coming weekend. Fingers crossed!!

:hug:
~Chrissi

Sent mine in this morning, got my confirmation...so EXCITED to see the final project! :dance:

:hug:
~Chrissi

Hi Brenda,
Welcome!  Sounds like a really great idea and project to support.  I tried googling a few phrases and found "digital voice recorder crafts" pulled a lot of sites up.  Most seem to run for 10-20 seconds and vary in price..some sites offer discounts for multiple purchases.  I guess the only thing you'd have to be sure of is that the recorder stays put where the "press here" point is.  Other than that it looks fun and easy.
Good Luck!

I'm off to eat some Turkey and Veggies of all kinds!! gobble gobble...Happy Thanksgiving all!!
:hug:
~Chrissi

Hi Penny,
I like the ears in this shot...maybe post a few more pics so we can really see them at some different angles?? This is ONE GOOD LOOKING PERSIAN YOU'VE CREATED!!!! wow!!  Just awesome!

I think here they look about right is this pic. (??)
Unless my animals at home have oddly large ears?? Maybe they do and that's skewing my point of reference......your ears look about right to me......       

:hug:
~Chrissi

Loving the swirly Lilac on Christmas Wishes...really lovely!!

This is Tinsel.  I just finished up him and his little tinsel snowflake "balloon".  I have a larger red mohair bear (special gift) that I hope to have for the challenge soon.  This special bear will have some unconventional paw pads, but it fits the theme so well.

So, here's Tinsel.  He'll be listed for sale in the coming week.
Merry Merry!! (we need a holiday smile face)

:hug:
~Chrissi

HiYAH Judi luv!!

Here are my favorite dancing bear shots!!  Nothing like bears dancing in the wild to bring a smile to a bear makers face. 
The vintage print has always been one of my favorites

:hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:
~Chrissi

edit...forgot my picture request!!  How 'bout a Bear (s) enjoying a picnic??

Same here Sheila (teach!)
First light blue....you've found others??  You'll have to PM me the secrets of finding.  I'm always looking, but no luck so far. 
Someday, Someday (any color :pray: !!):lol:

:hug:
~Chrissi

Yep, vertigo is a real p.i.t.a.  I've had it for years...they called mine positional vertigo. Lots of folks who do consistent work at a PC, or who work with odd head positions get it (my dentist gets it)

For whatever reason antihistamines seem to help out a little.  If you don't already have a prescription from a dr.  you might try it.  But don't take too much or you'll be sleeping through your show!!

Hope you feel better!!

:hug:
~Chrissi

I'd like to see Scotland.  The highlands, loch ness (corny..but as a kid I was fascinated by it).  My grandfather was born there, my dad's first generation American, so it would be nice to meet some extended family too.  (Ireland would be the next best thing...isn't that all just too gorgeous???)

:hug:
~Chrissi

It's nice to repeat topics like this for folks who weren't around for the last or might have missed it.  Last time around I posted larger bears so this time I'll share the minis. 
My first mini was made from stuff I found at Joanne's. Poor little seed bead eyes and literally a screw and nut holding his head on (don't ask..I don't even know how I did it, I just wanted the head to turn :crackup:..I imagine I could unscrew his head if I tried :crackup:  )

This is Twinkle. I just finished him Thursday evening...he'll be on eBay tomorrow (hopefully)

:hug:
~Chrissi

I've seen little calves and cows frolick and skip...it was just about the cutest thing I ever saw. It was last spring and 2 little ones were playing with each other and their mommas....honestly I stopped eating beef after that.  They just looked way too much like my doggies playing..it was too cute. 
Turkey chili is fine by me :crackup:

Now about Christmas....as soon as I can smell that crisp "snow" air I'm there.  We had that about a week or 2 ago and now we're back into a warm spell.  BUT I'm still in the Christmas mode.....I watched Elf in the studio, you can't help but "go Christmas" after watching Elf. 

:hug:
~Chrissi

I like pictures.....  Teddy Bears and Other Friends.  I usually start there to see if any new lovelies have been added since my last visit.  Sometimes it's like I'm 6 years olds and that huge Christmas Catalog just came in the mail...and I want it all (we all have wish lists, right??)

:hug:
~Chrissi

This one CRACKS me up.  I don't care who is bagging..15 or 95, male female or the top pro-bagger in the country (they have competitions yah know!)  I ALWAYS bag my own.  Most times we use the self check out line now, but if we can't get in one I always just plain out say right off "I'll bag my own if that's ok".  I grew up with my mom always complaining about the same thing..."I spent an hour putting groceries into my cart and I took garbage out of the bag at home" was/is her saying.  Tonight I bought a few bags of lollipops left over from Halloween.  The kid full out whacked the bags down on the counter after scanning..I quickly smiled and said "If I had wanted rock candy I could've done that move myself" (still smiling with just a smidge of sarcasm... and he got my point)
This is also why I don't eat out.  We have one restaurant we go to on Fridays..it 2 guys who own it and cook..the staff old and young are great.  Outside of that place I wouldn't trust any food in this country or anywhere else provided by the hands of teens.  As we walked out of our restaurant tonight the kids (working at) Dominos pizza across the street were running around, laughing and full out girly-boy flirting with each other whilst making food.  The mangers are only 1-2 years older than the kids goofing off, so who's making sure your food is ok?  Gross. 

:hug:
~Chrissi

Yes Danni, that's what I've been looking at...isn't that stuff gorgeous??  I love the jewelry items done like this.  My sister has done pieces for the family with her illustrations under the glass..it's so pretty.

I'm very sensitive to smells too. As long as the studio is well ventilated with a window open I'm fine with the small amount of "smoke" it puts off.  It's really not a lot at all. You're working fast with the little items as well, so it's near to nothing.  (always go lead free)

:hug:
~Chrissi

You'll always have some of the grids at the edge of the pieces that will cut or looked "frayed" only because cutting into the blocks sperates the grid pattern itself. But what's nice about this fabric is that is doesn't fray..it won't ever fray apart or into itself like some fabrics can (nothing will "unravel" with this stuff).

Seam allowance:   I always have at least one or 2 solid block(s) of uncut grid above the actual blocks I'm stitching into. That way your stitches are secure and "locked in" with that solid uncut grid above it.  Your stitch can slide up or out of the fabric, like with some fabrics that unravel.  Does that help?  I hope it does   If it doesn't I can try to draw out a picture and scan it in a little later today

:hug:
~Chrissi

Please don't share that photo..I'll need therapy :crackup:    I can stand anything in this world, but not bugs.  I loved them as a kid, was a total tom boy but as I've gotten older I can't stand bugs...spiders don't stand a chance with me..it's the foot (sorry) or me running screaming for the hub to remove from my sight.  A one pound spider would put me in a bad state!!!!   :crackup:    :crackup: 

:hug:

~Chrissi

Hi Richy!

I started out making mini's.  I loved it right away, but  found it to be a little frustrating in the beginning only because I wasn't using the "right" fabrics..esp for just starting out.  I've heard that a lot from others too, so just in case something doesn't go smoothly, don't give up..mini's are so much fun and so rewarding in the end!!

Seam allowance can depend on the fabric.  If you're using an upholstery fabric that has a white grid backing you can keep keep a very small allowance, the second full grid away from the edge for example....other fabrics that ravel or "roll up" are going to need more of an allowance and probably fray check.  Sassy's is great, I love her stuff and use often.  There's also a seller on ebay who sells a ton of "vintage" upholstery fabrics in lots of colors, some are only $1.50 a square (usually 9in x 9in). (Check under bear making supplies, then vintage fabrics) She lists as long pile, but it's really a short to medium pile...but still very good for a first mini. True Long furry piles are harder to come by and you'll spend anywhere from $8 a square to much more if a hot color like cream or dark brown...could go to $30 a square.

As far as the floss goes....some use it for jointing, maybe attaching eyes (??).  For sewing up your bear I would just use a good thread like Gutermann. Match your thread color up well, on a tiny scale you really want  everything to blend well. I take a scrap of the fabric with me if I'm looking for a thread I don't have on hand. If using embroidery floss for your nose using 1-2-3 of the 6 strands works very nicely, depending on the size of the bear.

Keep us posted on how you're doing!!  and HAVE FUN!!!   

:hug:
~Chrissi

edit....Just thought of something....for jointing you can use a sturdy beading thread or uphostery thread. Both are strong and won't wear over time.  Cotton floss is too thick. I've never used dental floss myself...dental floss can stretch and get weak so I'd be afraid to use it for jointing.

Daphne...I hit my local Craft shop last year right after Christmas and I should have been arrested for stealing!! I walked out with probably $200 for $40-$50!!  It was unreal.  I have tupperware bins filled to their brims with all kinds of fun stuff!

hmmmm....... Aleta, the glass slides, I wonder if we're having a similar artistic experience?! I did stained glass for a while with my sis, so most of the tools and glass I have....BE CAREFUL...walking into that store with all of the lovely glass on display is dangerous to the pocket book   Swirly wirly (technical term of course ) to clear, it's all gorgeous!!  It's fabric of a different kind
My last run to the shops found me with foil, a few findings, old bronze bottle caps, diamond glaze...and on my table now are some fantastic antique monocles I found earlier.
I have 5 bears in the works right now, the 6th was completed last night..but no matter what, this weekend I plan to use all of the above..can't wait!!
:hug:
~Chrissi