Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Marie,
Don't feel sorry at all for letting us know about your mom.  We're here for you.
You're in my thoughts and prayers.  :hug:

:hug:
~Chrissi

Just thought I'd add...if you're buying from Intercal check out the bargain list.  You can get some really good deals on 1/4 and 1/2 yards.  It's all perfect quality unless noted as having an issue of somekind.  I usually do very well there when I want to try something without buying a whole yard at full price.

:hug:
~Chrissi

:dance:  :clap:  Congratulations Aleta!!  :clap:  :dance:

Your bears are absolutely gorgeous. Each reader will fall in love with a Silly Bear!

:hug:
~Chrissi

I'm going to try each of these!!  I get hungry just reading them

Since we have so many Chocolate Lovers out here...and with Halloween just around the corner with possible parties this upcoming weekend.......I thought I'd add one more recipe to this thread.  This is the easiest Fudge to make, with the best outcome consistently.  I worked with a girl who was a choc-o-holic and she loved this fudge.
You can play around with the "nut" part too.  Leave them out or add another kind.  One year I added mini marshmallows and made a rocky road fudge. I usually leave the nuts out..and go for plain.

Easy (hazelnut if you like) Fudge

2/3 Cup evaporated milk
1 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup halved hazelnuts
2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
1 tsp hazelnut liqueur (optional) (or if you're changing the recipe up..you can add orange, mint, etc)

1) Generously grease (butter) a 8 inch square cake pan
2) Combine the evaporated milk, sugar, and salt in a heavy saucepan.  Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.  Simmer gently, stirring, for about 5 minutes
3) Remove from heat and add the nuts, chocolate chips, and liqueur if using.  Stir until the chocolate has completely melted.
4) Quickly pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.  Let Cool. (Lick that spoon!! :dance: )
5) When the fudge is set, cut into 1 inch squares.  Store in an airtight container, separating layers with wax paper. 

:hug:
~Chrissi

I'm the same as Tammy...for big and mini I do it with stuffing to the "ankle" area.  Entrance and exit stitches are inside the leg, nothing visible.  Hope that helps! (??)

:hug:
~Chrissi

I've always liked the Sakura Pigma Micron Pens.  The 005 and 01 are small tips, great for mini pads and signing pads.  I haven't signed a pad in a while, but when I did I used these. They don't bleed and they're fadeproof.  Always test and practice on a scrap of the material you plan to write on   I use these pens for my mini hag tags...they're such a fine tipped pen... the writing just looks so much prettier.

:hug:
~Chrissi

No Karen you're not off topic. 
I think local stationary shops and office supply places can make up a custom worded stamp very quickly...but I'm not sure about custom drawn stamps.  My local supply place couldn't do those.  But some may, so I'd always ask

:hug:
~Chrissi

:hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:

Tons of hugs to you!!!  When I'm feeling icky I do all of the things that normally make me feel happy.  I might buy something small online just for me....I like waiting for the package to come..I get all excited like a kid at Christmas.  I put on my comfy clothes. (I love extra comfy yoga pants...I don't do yoga, I just like the comfy pants ) and then I might rent or pop in a favorite movie.  For food: I tend to go for thick cut, sea salted, oven fries with tons and tons of ketchup...... later on maybe the sweet stuff.  Cranking a really good "feel good" song always works for me too.
:hug:  :hug:  :hug:
~Chrissi

Although Max is surrounded by gorgeous linens and wears a polka dot collar matching his sisters.....he still likes to pretend he's a big bad wild cat

I have a "Max" too...my Frasier's a total orange fluff boy, but every once in a while he thinks he's a big old lion.

:hug:
~Chrissi

Hi Richy!

I wasn't ever really into sewing prior to bear making so it wasn't easy for me in the beginning. I don't think it was an easy 1-2-3 snap for any of us..so don't get discouraged at all!! 

When I started I was searching for as many books as I could find, books with the basics and that were instructional.  Some books out there are more about making the patterns in that book and they're not about the instruction or "how" to of designing.   
The books mentioned above are fantastic.  My first book and one I always referred back to was The Complete Book of Teddy Bear Making Techniques. For me the step by step with full color photos was a must.

Keep us posted on your bear!
:hug:
~Chrissi

Hi Marian,

A year ago when I was looking into having a logo or something made into a stamp I searched out a few places online, searching by custom rubber stamp. (rubber or polymer)  Some places have a minimum order or charge you a lot for not meeting a min. order. 
I never had the stamp made so I can't speak to quality to anything, but this site offered a decent price and had no minimum order requirement.  http://www.a1stamps.com/

I would still shop around.  Just use their contact links and ask for quotes.  I think the one above was a set price..like $___ for the first square inch and then $____for each additional square inch.

These stamps are great for your mini patterns, esp if you're doing a series or edition.  It's quick, easy, and you're using your fabric smartly each time. If you're not doing a series, edition or mass creating that one specific pattern..then it's probably not worth the money you would spend on the stamp. 
Good Luck!!
:hug:
~Chrissi

:crackup:

Saturday Night Live did an airport security sketch about this a few weeks ago.... it was pretty funny but pretty sad/pathetic too....in that we some how are convinced that allowing several 3oz bottles onto a plane is better or safer than allowing one or two 8 oz bottles onto the same plane  :doh: (scratching head)

This is a really cool clip....
Fast approaching holidays make me wish that everyone in a Mall, shopping center, or public place would be this nice this year! When we're waiting in that long line annoyed and growing impatient maybe a smile (or hug) could make some else's day..and our own

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr3x_RRJdd4
:hug:
~Chrissi

History
A video on YouTube was released on September 22, 2006, and within two weeks had gained over two million views. According to the video summary, it was recorded in Sydney, Australia. In the video, the main character who is giving out hugs, (identified as "Juan Mann", a pseudonym), walks through the Pitt Street Mall holding up a sign with the words FREE HUGS written on it. Music for the video is provided by Sick Puppies, an Australian band that "Mann" met a year earlier. Shimon Moore, the lead singer of the Sick Puppies who worked at the mall, shot the footage which he later compiled into a video for the song.

Initial distrust of his motivations gives way to a gradual accretion of people willing to be hugged, and other huggers (male and female) to help distribute them. After some time, security guards, then police seem to tell them that they must stop, as Mann has not obtained public liability insurance for his actions. Mann and his companions then begin a petition which reaches 10,000 signatures. At that point the security guards walk away, but not before being hugged by some of the participants.

Good grief we're constantly looking like goofs aren't we.  Let the terrorists/drugs in, keep the vitamin B out. 
Who decided vitamin B was a threat and why are they making more money than the rest of us??

:hug:
~Chrissi

Thinking of you and your dear friend right now!!  Saying prayers for Sue and her family.
:hug:
~Chrissi

I was thinking the same things last night after posting....new relationships are weird enough, can you imagine getting a "night protector" teddy bear from you new boyfriend's ex?  It's just too odd what this boy (he's a boy) is asking of you....and he's expecting the new girlfriend to be ok with receiving a gift created by his ex.

Personally I think asking you to make this bear is a control issue for this boy.  You are broken up, but he still wishes for you to take care of this need of his. It's all about him..forget your feelings...forget this new young lady's feelings.  It's all about him. 
Again I go back to being a "hard hearted cow (mooooo) "   and say that I would descriptively tell him how to make this gift himself.  Manipulative little manboy  :crackup:  :crackup:

:hug:
~Chrissi

I too design them right at "mini" stage.   After I've designed the pattern then I might enlarge it or shrink it  for whatever look I'm going for.  That's the same for my mini's and larger bears.

I tend to just sketch and draw a bear, doesn't have to be a "pattern" right away. I'm just going for the look I want...then I start marking out the pattern. 
About everything being exact and overly accurate..I've found it to be the same from large to mini. They essentially follow the same rules in measuring for foot and gusset.

:hug:
~Chrissi

Mooooo...I guess I'm a hard hearted cow too, Jenny. I'd tell him how to make it too... probably in a very "descriptive" way.

Your a very strong woman Majdle, just don't let anyone take advantage of your obvious good nature and kindness.  (that charging double suggestion sounds good!!)

:hug:
~Chrissi

Oh she is toooooo cute!!  Look how good her big bro' is being with her.  He must be a very patient boy

I LOVE shepherds...I have a huge girly myself.  They're the best dogs.  And your Emma's a beauty with her blue eye!

:hug:
~Chrissi

Hi Tracey!

Take a look at Sassy Bears too...she's a TT Vendor and has a banner in the Vendor area.  I know I just got some 2 or 3 mm glass blue eyes, and I'm almost positive she has the black as well.

:hug:
~Chrissi

Who hosts your site and what are they saying as far as this goes??  They've got to be scrambling to fix their security holes.  I would venture to guess it's a bunch of brats with no ties what-so-ever to the ramblings on your site.  Just bored juveniles with mommy/daddy money to burn on computers.  It's like that old saying..if they only put it towards good. 

:hug:
~Chrissi

Catching up on all of the things that fell behind while I was sick this week!!!   UGH, I never want to experience that again....turns out it was a "girl thing" that decided to burst.  I'm not a good patient for the E.R.......I ask questions and it always annoys them.  Tooooooooo bad!  I've had too many bad medical things happen not to ask questions    I'm finally eating decent food as of yesterday..I was on liquids almost all week.....UGH YUCK!

ANYWHO...just listed a new bear on eBay..will probably take 6 hours to show up (but they won't compensate you the .75 for lost time...NAH no way :crackup: :twisted:  :crackup:) 

I might bake a Banana Bread with all the left over Bananas we have (I was eating those by Thursday afternoon ...that was a "solid" food for me!!  good grief

:hug:
~Chrissi

Hello all!

With holiday seasons fast approaching (and it being a time for family & FOOD    ) I thought it may be fun to share our favorite holiday recipes.  We all have that one favorite thing we make year after year ...that family favorite that folks look forward to and request.  I love those old favorites...BUT each year I like to try something new or tweak an old recipe.  Since we've got such a large group from all over the world I thought it might be fun to share our favorites....maybe they'll become someone else's favorite too!   :hug:

So, each person share that one well loved recipe.  Main dish, appetizer, casserole, veggie dish, bread, drink/punch, dessert, candy.....just share that favorite. 

I'll start it off.

This is the one that people always ask me to make....(This is the original recipe. Over the years I've tweaked it to fit my diet restrictions, but this is the original. I think I found it online 7 or 8 years ago!! It's almost a dessert it's so rich and yummy. You can cut the white sugar down a little and it won't hurt the recipe at all)

Sweet Potato Classic

INGREDIENTS
5 sweet potatoes
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup butter
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup white sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1/4 cup butter, softened
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Bake sweet potatoes 35 minutes in the preheated oven, or until they begin to soften. Cool slightly, peel, and mash. **(you can just microwave if it's easier)**
In a large bowl, mix the mashed sweet potatoes, salt, 1/4 cup butter, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, sugar, and heavy cream. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup butter, flour, brown sugar, and chopped pecans. Mix with a pastry blender or your fingers to the consistency of course meal. Sprinkle over the sweet potato mixture.
Bake 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until topping is crisp and lightly browned.   
Serves 8

**(I always double the recipe, still using a 9x13 pan)**

  :hug:
~Chrissi

PS...

this link may help with measurement conversions that may arise.  http://www.gourmetsleuth.com/gram_calc.htm

For being your second bear ever...and your first mini ever he's pretty great!  You did a fantastic job on your paw pads. On your second picture look how even and rounded you kept the pad on his arm (the foot pads too)..that's great stitching and attention to detail.

You're doing wonderfully!!

:hug:
~Chrissi

Hi there Majbritt,
Welcome!! I pretty much follow exactly what Sabine said above.  I use the hemostats too, and some of the limbs can be thinner on my traditional bears.  The best thing I find is to use the hemostats to hold onto the fabric..but not to pull the fabric.  Pulling will most times get a hemostat slipping and pulling out your paw fur and maybe ripping the fabric.  I use the hemostats to hold and then I gently "work" the fabric, rolling it between thumb and pointer to turn out.  Hope that makes sense!!

I love Sassy's stuff...I'm sure you'll do well with anything from the site.  You can also find several free patterns online.  I used a few Brewers Bruins Patterns years ago when first trying mini's.  She's got a free pattern on her site now too...for her Twig bear.  He's a cutie.

:hug:
~Chrissi