Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

    Oh my goodness, Jenny!  She is gorgeous!  So sweet!!  I just absolutely love that little face!    

Bobbie, thanks so much for clarifying things for me!!  I do appreciate that......have notched down a few panic levels now!   I'm now feeling some anticipation and excitement and looking forward to creating a special auction piece.  That's much better than the overwhelming panic I felt earlier!   Thanks again! :hug:  :hug:  I was a visitor to the last Clarion show, and remember quite well the Spectacular Bear Display.  It was simply amazing!! :dance:   My mind was boggled, my eyes just too full of gorgeous eye candy in such a large dose.  I am so excited that this time around I will be taking part with one of my creations on the other side of those ropes!! :dance:  :dance: I can't tell you how much I am looking forward to the whole event......a dream come true for me, and something I've worked toward since my visit in 2005.

Hey Bobbie! I'll be there......looking forward to it!  I was wondering about that date for the auction pieces to be submitted myself.  At first I thought it must be a typo, but then realized that no, it is the date.  Not much time to work up an idea........I admit to feeling rushed and a little stressed over it, especially that I have two bear shows this fall coming up as well and this is a completely new endeavor for me with the auction.  Now to my other questions about auction pieces.  I have never done anything like this before......any advice in general on submissions?  I assume we put our best work forward?  Is the theme open to a lot of interpretation, or would 'Holidays' mean only Christmas time?  What type of thing have people done in the past, as something to go by?  Gosh, but I have no idea what to do or where to start........what size to make........what material to work in or type and level of design......eeek!    Feeling a little overwhelmed here!

    Oh, he's so cuuuute!!  Love that expression and those little ears peeking out of his hat.  Such a sweetie!

I like to use Sassy's Magic Fabric Fixer on stretchy fabric.  Paint it on, let dry, and set with a hair dryer.  It stays flexible, and I don't notice it with the needle when hand sewing.  Here's a link to the page it's on at Sassy's: http://www.king-cart.com/sassybf/produc … atch=exact  This stuff probably works best if you're making small to mini sized bears, otherwise you would use a ton of product and be brushing it on forever.  Any interfacing or even just lining with muslin would work dandy on a larger bear.  I generally just line with muslin myself, sticking it on with a few swipes from a glue stick and then sewing.....though I like the looks of Laura's Sticky+ from Sulky.  I'm going to have to get some of that!

    Thanks so much gals!  Your kind comments mean the world to me!    

    Oh, they are so cute!!!

:crackup:  :crackup:  :crackup:  :crackup: Good one!!

  Thanks so much Tina and Tanya!! :hug:  :hug:

    Thanks gals!!  You really know how to brighten my day! :hug:  :hug:

Always this time of year, I get the bug to make something bright and cheerful.  It's Spring fever! Anyone else feel this way?

Introducing Daley, a new miniature fairy bear (5 1/4 inches) that I've listed to end on St. Patrick's Day due to his color.  Daley is Spring-themed, but Irish, too! He is the first of three little Spring fairy bears I've been working on.  Daley's two cousins will be on eBay in the next several weeks as well.  Anyway, here is a link to visit his auction: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi … 0363289023 I hope you all can pay him a visit!

Teddy hugs,
Tracy

      Oh, I just love this one!!  I've had rats before (pets, not wild ones! ), and just love them.  Great little personalities they are!

Tami, I make the DH use the safe traps, too.  And check them often so no poor little mousie will be stuck in there too long.

Ohhhhh!  A coconut tree!!    Oops! :doh:  :crackup:  :crackup:  :crackup:  :crackup:

    Oh, what a little cutie in his mittens!  He is all ready for the cold and snow.  Such a sweetie!

:clap:  :clap:  :clap: Wow!!!  What an awesome set!!  I'm sure they'll go so fast.....someone is going to be a very lucky collector.

:crackup:  :crackup: Oh my, but look at that satisfied expression on his face.  What a hoot!

Melissa, your story is so sad.  Poor pup!

We can't leave our Otis (German Shepherd/Mastiff mix) alone and out of his crate as he has an issue with separation anxiety and tries to chew through the walls. I've had to do some 'so not fun' drywall repair.....doesn't take long at all for those jaws of his to make a big hole!

:dance:  :dance: Yeah!!  Look at all the TT'ers going!  I am so looking forward to actually meeting all of you!  Sheila, I hope you will be able to come too!  I'll keep my fingers crossed for you! :hug:

:hug: Hey Bobbie!  Wow, look at those great photos!!  Thanks so much for sharing this with me and the DH....he was really tickled to see everyone in his shirts     He also loved reading that he did a good job......thanks so much for that, you really made Darren's day! :hug: I'm glad they worked so well for you and you all such such a good time.  Funny pic with little sis trying to escape the picture .....that's what I usually try to do!

FYI--Darren has recently expanded his t-shirt sizes to also include S-L.  He had so many requests, that he finally decided to do this.  Of course, he is still working to keep the prices down as his original plan to supply fun and affordable shirts for larger sizes still stands.  Those lower prices apply to all sizes now!

Hi Beth :hug:
This show is located in Clarion, Iowa and takes place every 5 years.  It's quite the deal......when I visited last time, my mind was fairly boggled by all the eye candy and excitement all around.  I was numb by the time I left!   The 2010 convention runs from June 10-13, and includes (among other things) the actual bear show (salesroom), auction, Spectacular Bear display, and workshops.  The deadline I had to get my forms and deposit in was March 1st, but there may still be spots available.  Unfortunately (and curiously ), I'm not finding any information on Clarion's website (www.clarion-iowa.com), which is the website I have noted.  Here is an email address where you can inquire, however: tbrh2010@yahoo.com.  And also an address:  Teddy Bear Reunion in the Heartland 2010, P.O. Box 382, Clarion, Iowa 50525. 

I've just tried to Google and also searched for info here on TT about the Clarion event, but haven't had much luck really.  There was an article about the 2005 show in an issue of Teddy Bear & Friends way back...I'm not sure which issue it was.  Perhaps someone else on here with experience from Clarion could add some details for you?  I wish I could help more!

I am!! :dance:  :dance: I'm attending as an exhibitor, and am so excited to be participating.  So was wondering if any other TT'ers will be there, either with a table or visiting?   

Being able to attend this show, and the convention itself, is rather a major milestone for me.  The show in 2005 was the very first teddy show I had visited......and was a huge inspiration for me to keep creating and then later sell my bears.  I promised myself then, that by the next show, I would have a table of my own.  I'm just tickled about it! :dance:

You shouldn't need to run out and look for a husband, Robert, as I'm sure you can manage just fine! :crackup: The problem I have when doing things like taking apart stubborn locline is usually when my hands are over-used and sore as well.  I have carpal tunnel syndrome and that makes things difficult sometimes........plus I really think my grip is not as strong as it used to be.    It is nice though to have the hubs around for things like this, as he is always happy to help.  Admittedly, I don't try too hard on most things anymore as it's easier to just take it to Darren   But then there is the other side of things, like when he shuts a jar so tightly that only he can open it again! 

Robert, I am so sorry your first listing was taken down.   But not to worry, as I am sure Silly will do marvelously well this second time around regardless.  This little one has the most gorgeous eyes.....soul deep they are! Such a sweet (and silly) expressive face.  Absolutely outstanding!