Banner Sponsors
For artists and collectors sponsored by Intercal...your mohair supplier and Johnna's Mohair Store
Judi that STINKS BIG TIME!!! I was watching your auction and so excited that it was doing so well for you 
What is WRONG with this world anymore...where do these people come from and who is breeding them?? GOOD GRIEF!
WE ALL NEED TO AKS Ebay this: Why do THEY send any emails to your registered email account?? If this is such a HUGE security issue there should only be one option and that is to use the ebay message area, PERIOD. Ebay needs to have some accountability for these events, it's their system in the end and by allowing any ebay emails to come through they are in turn setting us up for disaster.
After they are warned of these spoof accounts they should have some kind of blocking system driven by IPS address or something..SOMETHING is able to be done...we're cloning sheep for God's sake..we can't stop these repeat losers from registering on Ebay??
In the meantime I would suggest we all stick to really strict security guidelines. Never answer an email from someone you don't know regarding eBay...ONLY use that message area in "my ebay". Change your eBay password at least once a month. All major businesses have automatic password "re sets" to ensure safety. Don't use your kids name, pets names, etc...(we all talk too much out here and everyone has that info readily from most of our web sites). If all else fails we can wish terrible bodily parasites on them :crackup: (cracking up Judi!)
:hug:
~Chrissi
Have you tried good old day light? I was so frustrated photgraphing last week..the lights, the angles, the presets on the camera..NOTHING was going my way and the shots all looked miserable. I just went outside (more for the air and stress relief of it all) and those shots turned out the best. Come to think of it I adore all of Paula's shots and each one is on a lovely garden stone.
Not sure what I'll do in icky weather now...maybe I'll get all the indoor stuff down by then. Here's hoping!!!
:hug:
~Chrissi
I'm just so sick and saddened over this. I grew up with year round day trips to Lancaster. For this to happen to a community of people who are so devoted to peace..it's just uncomprehensible.
It was bad enough when kids were going after one another in the schools, but now for this turn where grown men are entering our schools, and for whatever reason targeting young girls. It's just pure evil at work.
I'm saying prayers for the families and for the community.
:hug:
I was more than happy to participate, especially since it's such a locally rooted charity for me.
All long as you hold this wonderful benefit I'll support it in any way I can 
:hug:
~Chrissi
I can't say enough good things about Sheila's class! I took it... I guess it's close to 3 years ago...and she is a fabulous instructor. She truly answers each question with care and detail.
:hug:
~Chrissi
CONGRATULATIONS!! The photos are awesome...very well done!!
I subscribed to this mag forever ago it seems and this is the first issues for me...I just got it, with its wrapping papers and all!!! :dance:
:hug:
~Chrissi
Oh my gosh that STINKS!!!
I have no answers to your question, as I've never had a package go missing...BUT it does make me think about how we label packages. I know the jewelry company I was a rep for never used the company name on packaging for fear of theft. If you had "Potbelly Bears" on the address label maybe it sparked some turdball to swipe your box 
I'm sure your new collector will be sad about not getting lil Sprite, but I can't imagine her being turned off to Potbellies over a shipping error that was totally out of your hands. Nah, no way.
:hug:
~Chrissi
This was on AOL today and since we all have so many pooches I thought I'd pass along. I coulnd't imagine anything worse than loosing a pet because of something as everyday as this.
:hug:
~Chrissi
What faces!! oh and the belly up in the air..begging for forgiveness!!
But Mommmm..we were only trying to help with the gardening! Didn't you see those weeds?? We thought we'd help you dig them out.
TOO CUTE!!
:hug:
~Chrissi
I did a library search and didn't see one out there for this. It may be a silly kind of question, but here goes anyway.
With just getting my web site rolling and getting back into ebay I'm creating some "policies" and wording out my new eBay template tonight. I've scanned over a few sites and auctions and found different examples for return policies.
Originally when I sold on ebay I thought the auction environment with sales being final sounded right, but I don't want to shut off new buyers who may like the idea of a safety net/return policy with a newer artist's work. The 7 day return in original condition, with original packaging and insurance sounds right for that scenario. I inspect the bear and if it's in original condition a refund is done minus shipping costs.
What has worked for you? Done either of these with good or bad results? Have you ever gotten a bear back and something was wrong with it...where it wasn't in original condition? Or have you had buyer remorse scenarios where you knew it wasn't really the bear at all?
If you're a collector do you like to see a return policy on ebay to feel confident about bidding or is positive feedback enough for you?
:hug:
~Chrissi
Fall and Winter without a doubt!! I love the fall air. There is nothing like a big deep breath of crisp fall night air with little hints of burning leaves. 
Fall food is the best too...apple crisps, homemade soups and chili, hot tea and chocolate all the time...then the best part for me is the clothes!!! I love jeans, sweaters and a pair of nice warm Uggs. Roll it all into winter with lots of snow on the ground and I'm one happy lady Christmas is my favorite season and holiday. I try to make as many gifts as I can....most include batches of cookies and my rice crispy treats (3 inch solid blocks dipped in chocolate, topped with mini M&Ms, sprinkles, and drizzles of white chocolate).
It's already nice and cool here at night...it's wonderful!!
:hug:
~Chrissi
Moon bears being tortured, pet dogs being slaughtered by the tens of thousands .... here's one more reason to boycott the country and it's soon to be Olympics. This is just sick and stupid...what it WRONG with this place???
I've generally made mini's with little 2 piece bodies and recently began creating larger patterns..trying out some with 4 piece. What would happen to the shape or design if you didn't "make a boat" or didn't sew it as Paula described? What happens if you sew front piece to back piece, front to back piece and then sew those 2 pieces together..like you would a 2 piece pattern (??) Does it loose the dimension or an aspect of design? Any tips??
:hug:
~Chrissi
I've been watching this one!! I often go into the artist doll area too...the sculpted works are AMAZING. I have a few favorites that I peak in on...it's really breath taking stuff.
:hug:
~Chrissi
I'm so glad this thread popped back up I would have hated to miss it because of crazy last week!!
Aleta your daughter is gorgeous and what a day to match!! Talk about fairy tales, wow! This young photographer has a fantastic career ahead if this is what she plans to do...just awesome photographs.
:hug:
~Chrissi
I think he's gorgeous!! He's right up my alley...love a beauty of a classic bear
You're other little bear is too adorable
:hug:
~Chrissi
Congratulations Heather! Have a blast, you sound like a really cool couple...must post pictures as soon as you can
:hug:
~Chrissi
you don't always need the sprinkles to have an amazing Sundae
Blasphemy! No sprinkles?!? Woman, you need sprinkles AND whipped cream! AND hot fudge!
Criminies...
:D
:crackup: only recently did I find most of what it takes to make and wheat free dairy free sundae...and YES i did manage to find sprinkles...rainbow and chocolate (organic even)!! (whip cream's the tough one....nothing really substitutes that one ) :crackup: :crackup:
:hug:
~Chrissi
on this issue, since it is about the group I formed, About 4 years ago I was talking to a really great ebay artist and asked her if she had ever entered for a Toby or Golden Teddy, she said no, but felt like she was going to, because it would be a feather in her cap to win, but as an artist she hated pitting one artists work against another because she felt everyone's work, if it was their best, should not be considered unworthy if not chosen. She still has not entered, then another artist I Love had entered for a Toby, got nominated but did not win, she was so crushed she almost stopped making bears, and that would have been such a shame for the bear world. I think the Toby and Golden Teddy are a wonderful way for the public to choose their favorites, I think they have a valued place in the world of Teddy bears. But I also thought there should be something to acknowledge those excellent artists that don't enter contests, a kind of pat on the back from fellow artists.
had talked to JoAnne Hardin 3 1/2 years ago about how we should form a group to acknowledge those artists that work very hard at their craft, something that did not involve winner and losers. Like a Good Housekeeping seal of approval, after several conversations we were unable to figure out how to form a group or where we would do it, I even looked into buying a website, but we let it die.
Over the years I have seen so many talented , hard working, wonderful artists keep working every day to bring to ebay high quality, wonderful works of art, yes they get money for that effort, but to be honest, that was not what I valued most, I loved when another artist I admired would write and say "Way to go girl, great job!" because what I do is, put my heart and soul into my work and when my effort is recognized by a fellow artist, I am walking on cloud 9 all day. I always try to do that too, I write to fellow artists all the time complimenting their work because I know they are putting their heart and soul in their work too. I am so proud that a mostly women involved industry is so successful, I get giddy when I see an artist I love do well on an auction, because when that artist does well, it helps all of us, it raises the prices for the works of art we create each and every week.
Thank you Jodi for taking the time to further explain the beginnings and path of TBAS. I was more interested in the monetary piece and you've explained that it's not a big piece of the group and that this group is only a few weeks old at this point.
In reading all of the posts in this thread and in other current threads, right now I'm still catching the piece about awards and self value as an artist. You mention an artist not entering larger scaled contests for dislike in competing with peers ....another artist nearly leaving the art because of perceived rejection in not being nominated or winning. That's just so sad really. But this is where I think a lot of the passionate postings and replies came from....the bullet points of entry for TBAS. Now that you've written out, a few of those bullet points seem to go slightly against what you're striving for. You've stated the bullet points were a rough draft and not yet set in stone, so maybe the feedback can assist you and the others in creating solid criteria that truly reflects your groups intentions. The monetary piece (seemed to be a strong point for readers) seems insignificant if the quality of the art is truly the driving factor. You began by wanting to congratulate artists who don't enter contests but "a toby or GT nominations is helpful". I'm sure these are just wrinkles that need further ironing, as a fledgling group. I truly wish you the best of luck in creating a group that supports the ideas of "utmost respect and integrity for artists". I think that's what it boils down to respect for the art...and art is subjective, passionate and opinionated. Sometimes the most under rated artists are those who surprise the pants off of everyone... so no matter you're affiliation, accolation, or artistic situation just keep doing what makes you happy. If TBAS makes it's members happy then you have every right to be happy with it.
Personally I'm going to try out the awards, and I hope ebay treats me well, maybe I'll join a group or guild.......but I'm not making or breaking myself on any of them. They'll be sprinkles on my Sundae, but you don't always need the sprinkles to have an amazing Sundae
:hug:
~Chrissi
Teddy bear massacre strikes state hatchery
Toy clogs pool drain, killing 2,500 trout
MILFORD – What kind of bear would kill 2,500 trout and not eat any of them?
Why, none other than an unassuming teddy bear with bright yellow rain gear.
How the stuffed animal found its way into a pool of rainbow trout at the Fish and Game Department hatchery is anyone’s guess. The bear hasn’t said a word.
But sometime Sept. 6, the fluffy toy clogged the pool drain, said Robert Fawcett, supervisor of the state’s hatcheries. Every fish in the pool suffocated once the bear clogged the flow of oxygen, he said.
The hatchery on North River Road is open daily for tours. A child would seem to be the likely owner of the bear, but Fish andGame employees can’t even begin to surmise.
“It’s almost silly, but it’s real,” Fawcett said. “It’s a cute little teddy bear, but the fact that it was dropped without anyone knowing caused the fish to die.”
Frogs and other real animals have clogged hatchery pools before, but never a stuffed bear.
For hatchery employees and visitors, the moral of this fish story is to always be aware of what goes near the water. In the wake of the deaths, Fawcett issued a warning: “RELEASE OF ANY TEDDY BEARS into the fish hatchery water IS NOT PERMITTED.”
Fawcett added in a telephone interview Monday: “Our water supplies at our hatcheries are our life line. Stuff shouldn’t be getting in there.”
It appears the Fish and Game Department won’t press charges against the bear.
The raincoat and hat may have helped preserve the fuzzy animal. After his dip, he “looks a little ratty but not too bad,” Fawcett said.
Built in 1973, the Milford hatchery is one of six in the state supervised by the Fish and Game Department. The hatchery raises rainbow, brook and brown trout, as well as tiger trout – a crossbreed between brook and brown trout – in outdoor pools and two rearing ponds.
Luv the toes...too cute. I don't really like (real) rats and mice too much, but you've made him lovable..even the rat tail is cute
:hug:
~Chrissi
TBAGS! That's too cool.
Doesn't this kind of go hand in hand with the other post going on right now about to enter or not to enter??? To me it kind of does. I honestly just saw the TBAS thing this week while searching around on eBay. Saw it in a listing "PROUD MEMBER OF TBAS" with the logo and all.... and thought...hmmm wonder what that is, it's being used as kind of a selling point, an accolade of sorts..what is it? Then I saw it was an Ebay group. Ebayers got together and formed a group and vote others (ebayers??) (that they consider work worthy) into the group. "That's nice" I thought, and I didn't really think anything else of it.
So just as the other post right now asks..... as a collector what does this REALLY mean? I guess it depends on what it means to you the collector or what it means to you the artist to have something extra acknowledging the work.....but like the other post asks: which ones are worth anything or better or a guarantee of anything??
My opinion isn't really either way except for the monetary thing...what's the monthly income got to do with the art?? Meeting sales quotas is just too corporate for my bones right now. Maybe someone could further explain that piece. (?)
:hug:
~Chrissi
Origianl blip from quoted collector: In the past , when one wanted some assurance of quality and security of investment, one looked at what the artist had achieved, what awards they had won, how were they represented in the magazines. Now, though, I feel that there are so many awards in the bear world that they have lost all meaning.
What does it mean to say you are an 'award winning' bear artist? Does it mean you paid your entrance fee and someone who you probably know picked your bear out?' ................' When I have asked top artists why they did not win they simply tell me the don't enter such awards anymore and therein lies the problem.....'
First question from me is "security of investment". Artisan bears are priced what they are because of the creative art piece. Ebay has created an environment where people/the collector set the price..the collector is setting the price (after the reserve is met). But are too many people buying for a future investment? Are there collectors purchasing solely on the hopes that 20 years from now they will have the auctionable investment seen in the older Stieffs, Ebay "it" items, etc??
A movie can win an Oscar and an MTV moon man...I think the movie goer has to decide which award is more "credible" in their mind. Some might respect one, while others lean toward the other. I think it stems back to what you like, what you collect, what appeals to you....not based on awards, but educating yourself to find out what those awards are and what they mean (the info's all out on the web and in magazines.) Buyers across the board need to be educated....from buying a car to buying a bear. If the cost is "an investment" to you, then research it a bit to be sure it's worth your investment. If you're buying solely on awards then there's a chance that you could in fact be disappointed in the end. You weren't buying based on your likes and your heart.
The last piece about top artists not entering awards anymore....well that is subjective. Who's a "top artist" and who isn't. This writer is obviously asking those artists who she/he felt are "top"...it's her opinion, it's subjective. I personally consider those from this years Toby's and GT to be top. If artists aren't entering award competitions it's based on choice and not because the scales are tipped or because they didn't have a buddy on the judges panel to vote them through. That's putting all awards in a cynical light and not really fair, in my opinion.
If a collector truly wants assurance of quality then I would suggest buying from an artist who offers a return policy of sorts, so that with your initial purchase you are not surprised or disappointed. If you continue to purchase you've established trust of the artists work and probably wouldn't consider a disappointment occurring with future works.
:hug:
~Chrissi
PS...I too am a Taurus...AND married to a Taurus...how fun IS THAT??!! :crackup:
I use Liquid Nails and I've never had an issue with it. It's a little bottle of super glue type stuff I found at Home Depot.
:hug:
~Chrissi
