Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

You are right on the mark Brenda!  Hire someone if you are in over your head.  I work doing construction with my husband during the summer and you wouldn't believe the messes people get themselves into!  They make it look so easy on tv, but they never seem to show what can possibly go wrong.  (and something almost always go wrong!)

Hopefully your floors will be as wonderful as you had envisioned once they are finished and you will enjoy them for years to come.

Hugs,
Luann

Hi.  I had Shelli design mine, and she is not only good, but super fast!  I was just delighted with the banner she made for me, and it was the very first one she sent me to review.  I couldn't be happier with the results.

Hugs,
Luann

This is an interesting topic, especially since my husband just found a charge on his American Express account for almost $300 for a hotel room right here in town!  It was called in, not swiped.  That means that someone that he handed his card to when he made a purchase kept the card number and expiration date, which was all they needed to use it by phone.

It is now a disputed charge, but it's frightening to realize that a store you shop in has employees that would do that to their customers.  We still haven't figured out just where he was when they got the number, but suspect it might have been a restaurant, as that is the only place they actually take your card and go to swipe it before returning it to you.  Everywhere else, they have machines where you actually swipe the card yourself.

Luann

It looks like maybe the stitch length may be too long and the tension set too loose.  It's difficult to be sure, but that's what it looks like to me.   You might try scraps of the mohair you made the bear from and change the stitch length just a bit every few inches or so.  I always try to adjust the stitch length first before fiddling with the tension.  Are the stitches even on both the top and bottom or are they "loopy" on the bottom where the bobbin thread comes out?

I always use a regular sewing thread for both the top and bobbin.  If you are using two different threads, that can pose a problem.

Luann

Hi Aleta.  He was gone 2 days shy of 7 weeks.  He went missing right at Thanksgiving, and apparently someone had shut him up in either a shed or garage.  Luckily, he had enough body weight to sustain him.  He weighed 14 pounds when he went missing and 7 when he returned.  The vet said he was just in remarkablpe for being gone so long, and very lucky to still be alive.  Oh, how I wish he could tell me where he'd been.  Luckily, he was out of the elements at least.

I literally went door to door for blocks and talked to everyone I saw.  I posted fliers with his picture, looked in garages and sheds and under every car I could.  His info and picture were plastered on every animal website I could find and I went to the local shelter daily for weeks.  I walked the neighborhood every morning and evening for weeks calling his name.

I still called him every evening at dusk and every morning when I went outside.  I like to think he could hear me and that is part of what kept him alive all that time.  The other part of me doesn't like to think that someone living so close and knowing how desperately I was trying to find him would have locked him up. 

Then, one evening - my husband heard something at the front door, and he walked right in - horribly thin and starving - and desperately happy to be home.  He's been fattening up ever since.

Shelli - there's just nothing like an orange cat is there?  One of my other cats is a tuxedo cat and I just love her to pieces.  She is the most fun and playful cat I've ever had.  Her name is Sox, but we call her "Soxilla".  I'll let your imagination tell you why.  She is an adorable cat!

Luann

For me, a comfort food would be figs - fresh off the tree.  I can eat more than you could possibly imagine!  Of course, that means I have to wait until summer when they are ready.  Oh, the anticipation!

I saw a quotation the other day about chocolate, and it seems appropriate for this discussion.  It read:

"I have this theory that chocolate slows down the aging process...It may not be true, but do I dare take the chance?"

Luann

I've had a number of inquiries about our cat that returned home after having been missing for so many weeks (almost 7 weeks.)

I'm happy to report that he is the picture of health, and has gained back close to 5 pounds of the 7 pounds of weight he lost while gone.  I have been going outside with him when it is nice and sunny outside, and he is loving every minute of his outside time.  He loves nothing better than feeling the grass and leaves under his feet.  He doesn't get out of my sight, though, and doesn't stay out for long.

His entire personality has changed and he has become a very loving and affectionate cat, whereas before he was his "own little man" and grumbled if you dared to bother him.  He sits on my lap now, enjoys sleeping in the bed and insists on getting a drink from a faucet.  (It's beneath him to drink from a bowl like the others.)  He prefers his drinks to be fresh and on tap.

Anyway...here is a photo I took of him outside enjoying a dirt bath in the sun.

This may sound a bit loopy, but I have one of those small, portable ironing boards.  I can put that on my work table and it raises the height about 4 inches.  When you are done, you can fold down the legs and it can be put away just about anywhere as it so flat and compact.  It has rubber tips on the legs, so it doesn't slide around.

Hugs,
Luann

Wow Sue Ann!  That is wacky weather.  Here I am, less than 4 hours away from you and I left the house this morning in a light sweater.  We've been outside cutting baseboard trim.

Keep the snow - it looks great in your yard.  Ha!  I'm ready for summer!

Luann

For me personally, I would never cross the line and tell an artist how much to price their work for.  Kind of like religion and politics - just don't go there and you won't ever have to regret it!  At last year's shows, we offered a "Great Opportunity Table".  Artists were able to bring 3 of their pieces that hadn't sold for whatever reason, and they were sold at set prices, depending on the size.  This was a win-win situation for both the artists and the collectors, and it certainly didn't hamper the sale of other bears - regardless of their price.  It was totally optional for the artists, so if they weren't comfortable with it - they didn't participate.

One never knows how much work and materials an artist puts into each piece, and they alone must determine the final selling price and be comfortable with it.  I think the savvy businessperson can figure out, however, that if they only have very highly priced pieces on their table, they may have limited their client base.  This could work to the opposite effect if everything is low priced.  People may begin to wonder if there is something wrong and pass them up.

I've found that the most success is found when an artist has a varying price range that caters to most of the collectors that might walk in the door.  These days, most people are not just wandering haplessly into a bear show that sells artist bears.  These people are collectors that know what to expect.  Getting in new collectors is a bonus, and offering them a starting point is a great opportunity not only for them - but the artists.  Not everyone is willing to make "just a bear" and sell it on the same table that they are offering a one of a kind, never to be repeated, high end piece.  It's just not how they are comfortable working. 

I think every promoter would like to be able to produce a show that everyone would go home and rave about.  I think we all make our best attempts to produce first class events, and I'm certainly proud of my accomplishments. They certainly aren't the kind of shows that are "events" by any means, but we have a good time and a lot of bears find homes.   My biggest compliment came from a collector who has been attending our show in Austin since we started it ten years ago.  He told me that even if he couldn't afford to buy a bear he would still come, just so he could watch me having such a good time and hearing me laugh with the others.  I'll never forget his words.  He and his wife buy a lot of bears every year and are already planning for this year's show.

I certainly applaud those that are able to stage the high-end events, as they cost a king's ransom not only to produce, but to be a part of.  It seems that the venues are becoming harder to fill and the hotels continue to raise their costs, making it very difficult to find a decent, yet affordable place to host a show.

Luann

Hi Aleta.  Your posting is the first time I've ever heard of Jen O'Connor's events.  I looked at the website, but really didn't see much information on her event other than the dates.  I'm assuming that she opens her home to a group of invited artists and then invites the public in to browse and purchase.  We used to do this on a small scale, but can no longer do it.  We used to thoroughly enjoy having the artists come to our house, but it was certainly a small scale happening.

I live in a small home that simply isn't condusive to inviting the general public into for something like this. I live in a residential area, and parking becomes a problem if you have too many people come.  I simply don't have the type of home that would accommodate this type of show.

When you say you want an "event", are you just talking about ambience or the whole nine yards?  I've seen events set up where there is a wine and cheese reception, full sit-down dinners, invited artists participating by bringing bears exclusive to the event for display and sale, dessert reception, etc.    I can't imagine what this must cost to produce, and the price point of the bears alone would probably leave most feeling daunted.  Given that a lot of the artists aren't willing to even pay $150 for a table at an established bear show with a good track record, how many would realistically be able to participate in something that costs even more?

What are artists willing to pay for this type of idea?  I agree that maybe some of us are stuck in a rut, but it difficult to make changes when only a handful of responses are received.

We have received a lot of comments from collectors that the price of the bears is really leaving them in the dust.  They simply can't afford to pay some of the prices being placed on the bears.  God only knows that most couldn't come close to producing some of the work they would love to buy, but I think some of the artist may have forgotten the shock they themselves felt when they first realized exactly what artist bears cost.  Perhaps the artists could help bring some collectors into the fold by offering some less expensive pieces.  I hope this doesn't come across as insulting or demeaning, but  if all a person has on their table is a group of bears in the $250 - $300 range and nothing else, they simply can't complain if they can't sell to new collectors.  I just don't think new collectors will jump in that deep the first time out.

Luann

I think Shelli's post about coming to a screeching halt at some of the things she sees at some of the shows are exactly why I want to focus on the artist bears.  I do allow the artists that come to my shows to bring other items with them as well, but the main focus needs to be the bears.  I've had people display a pillow on the corner of their table that had bear/gollie related buttons or pins.  Some may bring books, vintage clothing/shoes suitable for use with bears - that type of thing.  We do have people that bring gollies, bunnies, etc.  I'm certainly open to that type of item, and do allow them, as long as they are artist made.

In a perfect world, it would be nice to tell people that a certain percentage of their table must be artist bears - but you will always have one that will defy you.  In their opinion, once they have paid the table fee, it is their table and they will dare you to enforce the rules.  I've had artists show up with everything on their table handmade- but only a couple of bears.  Then, they complain because their sales were poor.  Even after customers ask where their bears are - they still don't seem to get it.

I applaud Daphne for allowing people to bring in wooden furniture, quilts, etc.  My experience has been that unless you have seen the work of these people beforehand - you run a high risk of getting "craft" type items, at "craft" prices.  This is insulting to the artists and puts them in no better a position than being placed next to someone selling $5 bears. 

I've considered the "gallery" type show, and feel like that would be the place to try the different types of media.  In light of how difficult it seems to be for promoters across the country to get artists to sign up for even the most affordable shows, I'm not real confident the artists would be eager to sign on to a "high end" show that would obviously cost more to produce and avertise.

Oh well.  Interesting situation, at best.

Luann

I decided to post this to the "General" section, as I think everyone must have a personal opinion on this.  I have been bugged for literally all the years I have been hosting our bear shows to allow cloth dolls, resin figurines, folk art, etc.  I have stuck to my grounds, and allowed only artist bears.  (To add to the mix, I only allow the artist that made the bears to sell them, as I don't allow re-sellers.)  No mass-produced, or commercial bears - no stores.  Period.  (We do have suppliers, however.)

I advertise my shows as "All Artist Bear Shows".  From our collectors comments, it appears that is what our collectors wait for all year long and come to the show for - Artist Bears!

I realize that a lot of us are delving into dolls, mixed media, etc., but should we draw a line as to what we put on our tables at the "bear" shows?  I read Art Doll Quarterly because of the incredible dolls in it.  I read the bear magazines because of the bears in them.  It seems that the magazines are beginning to cross over into each other's territories.  While it gives us an opportunity to try new things and push our limits, does it mean we have to change the bear shows by allowing other types of media?

Sales seem to be stagnant in some markets, ie e-Bay, for bears.  The resale market is dismal at best.  Why, then, would we want to limit our market even further adding in other types of media at a bear show?  Wouldn't we be better off promoting a mixed media show?  I think the prices might fluxuate greatly, and it might be conceived as a craft show if not thoughtfully planned out and strict guidelines followed.  I just got another e-mail pushing me to change my mind and add in the dolls, art figures, etc., with the bears.  I would find it difficult, at best, to be able to maintain a quality show when you have no idea what is coming in the door.  The only possible answer would be to jury the show.  I'm not too crazy about that idea either.   By not jurying the show, this allows all types of bear artists an opportunity to show their work, and they are not chosen due to my - or a group's personal likes and dislikes.

What makes you as an artist choose which shows to do?  Cost of tables?  Shows only within driving distance?  Reputation of the promoter?  Reports you've heard from others - whether they've done the show or not?  The merchandise allowed at the show?

Am I the only one that want to go to a bear show to sell and/or buy artist bears?  Are we as artists beginning to ditch the idea of supporting bear shows and starting to look for the type of shows that allow all kinds of media, including bears and dolls?  Please don't get me wrong!  I love all the different types of media as well, but am just not wanting to add it to my bear shows.

Thoughts?  Opinions?

Luann

I'm not sure that would make another attempt.  I think that sometimes we all have an "inner voice" that tells us when it's time to quit.  It's difficult to listen to it, because we want so badly to make people happy with our work.  Now that you are starting over from scratch, what happens to all the time, money and materials that went into the first attempt.  Things like this can be such a blow to our self-esteem, and for me personally, it's not worth it.

I would contact the customer and tell her, that after much thought and consideration, I am unable to move forward on the project and won't be able to complete the order.  I'd also keep, at the very least, a portion of the deposit to cover the materials you have now used and can't do anything else with.

Luann

Hi Daphne.  Please don't think I'm knocking your ideas.  I'm all for whatever works.  I think the door prize experience works differently at every show.  At least at your show it was clear up front what they would possibly be winning.  That was a good idea.  It's reassuring to hear that people did stay around all day.  That's rare these days - regardless of the show.

I had read several posts quite some time back about goody bags and from the comments written, I had envisioned these elaborate, gift-filled baskets that each artist had been given.  I found myself wanting to go to those shows!  Heck, it sounded great.  The tote bags are a great idea, and you are right.  They are a great gift and serve as a bit of memorabilia of the show. 

To ask the artists to donate additional monies, however small the amount may be, is not something I'm comfortable with.  I hear all the time that they think the promoters should cover all the expenses since they are the ones that have collected the table fees.  I get asked every year if we are going to raise the table fees, and ours are among the most affordable being offered.  Artists are wanting to share tables to cut back on their costs.  That savings to them would add costs to me, but we tend not to think about the other guy's side.  I have read countless posts from artists about the cost of shows, poor bear sales forcing them to have to seek full time employment, poor ebay sales, etc.  The bear collectors seem to be more discriminating than ever, but sometimes it's just not our turn to sell.  If taking on a job gets you through, the bears will always be there to return to.  We do what we have to do.  It's difficult at best, to figure out how to draw artists to participate in shows.  It's a tough position for everyone.  The promoters simply can't produce the top-notch shows with gang-busting crowds at a nice venue and charge $50 for table space.  For some reason, however, the well-run, well attended, affordably priced shows seem to never garner any attention, yet the poorly run, poorly attended shows with their ever-increasing table fees seem to still get artists to keep coming back.  Huh?  Why is this?  Are we such creatures of habit that we just keep signing up and going back hoping each time will be better?   Do we seek out better shows?  It seems to me that a lot of these shows just drone on and on until they simply disappear.  The same fate may be in store for the better shows as well, as the promoters simply can't continue to "wait" until everyone tires of the poor shows and decide to move on to better ones. 

Well, this could continue forever, so I'll step down before I scare everyone away.

Luann

We host 2 bear shows, as well as a 3-day bear retreat - all of which are quickly approaching.  The bear show hours are from 9:30 - 3:30.  We realized very quickly that those hours worked well for all involved.  The artists still had plenty of time to set up and were still able to get on the road home if they had a longer distance to drive.  Most of the collectors like these hours as well, as they can still do other things with their families after the show.

I personally don't like the idea of door prizes, as I feel like it detracts from the show.  I can't begin to tell you how many times someone has been standing in front of an artist's table, trying to make a decision on a bear and the announcement comes over the intercom that "so and so" has won a prize and to come to the front to collect it.  Off they go, and they somehow never make it back to the artist's table.  Sadly, many times this results in a lost sale.  We tried door prizes one time (and only once).  We had people hang out and visit with each other, because they were willing to wait to see if they won anything.  No bear purchases - just hoping for a door prize.  In the "good old days", artists actually donated one of their bears as door prizes.  Those days are long gone!  I don't know if collectors will hang around for door prizes unless they know it is going to be a killer prize.

As for the certificates to be used toward a purchase at the show on that day -  are we are really putting our customers on the spot?  Sometimes, there just isn't anything they just "have" to have.  Sadly, there are occasions when you attend a bear show and none of them "call" to you.  Now, your winner has a prize that they really can't enjoy, but may feel obligated to use so that they don't lose it.  It's a double-edged sword.

Our solution is to simply provide them with quality artists, who bring quality work.  After all, we advertise it a a bear show where only artist bears will be available.  What more can they ask for?

I really try to do everything I can to make my artists comfortable, happy, etc., but apparently "goody bags" are something that artists are beginning to get from promoters at shows.  Can I be so bold as to ask what is in these? 

I like the idea of the bottled water for the artists, but unfortunately, the hotels that we hold our shows at forbid food or drinks being brought in, including bottled water.  This is due, largely in part, to the fact that they expect to make the money off of these items.

I hate to sound negative, but the discount offer can work if presented carefully.  I got burned once when a discount was offered, and I never offered it again.  I had sent postcards to collectors and offered them a discount if they purchased a bear at a show I was doing.  A lady came in, talked me into giving her a better price on a bear, then ponied up the discount card, and then put it on a charge card!  Tough lesson for me - but one I never forgot.  When all was said and done, I should have just put the bear in a pretty bag and given it to her.  I made several mistakes with that venture, but at least I learned from them.

Anyway...I guess the bottom line is - set up your show to make sure that everyone - artists and collectors alike have a good time.  Sometimes, less is more.

Luann

I know that the bear magazines, when issues are available, will send issues to show promoters to hand out at their shows.

As we have 3 shows quickly approaching, I'd be happy to hand out copies of the magazines at local libraries, doctor's offices, etc., before the show is actually here.  If the magazines would be willing to send issues (regardless of how old or new they are), to show promoters, then we could hopefully introduce the bear world to a lot of people that have never been reached before.  We could bundle up individual issues and include not only subscription information to the magazines, but also information regarding the shows.  Everyone would benefit - the magazines, the show promoters and the artists supporting the shows.

My doctor's office, as well as the place I get my hair cut and the hotel where we are hosting our show are receptive to the idea and we haven't even done it yet.

Any thoughts on this approach?

Luann

I know that a lot of recent posts have been about what we all hope to accomplish in 2007.  I have a number of issues of both of the Australian publications Bear Creations, as well as Dolls, Bears & Collectibles.  If anyone is interested in looking at them, they are on my website.  Look under Books and Magazines, and follow the link to see the most current issues.  Back issues are on the Fabrics, Finds & Curiosities page and will be offered at a very reduced price for as long as they are available.  These are brand new magazines from a smoke-free environment.

There are a lot of cloth doll patterns, especially in the Dolls, Bears and Collectibles issues.  I've added a brief description of what is available in each of the older issues that I have, but am happy to send more info if needed.  Please e-mail me privately regarding the magazines. 

Luann

Just a quick update on Gunnie.  He's been home a couple of days now and is really doing well.  I had worried because he was pretty frail, but he is eating and drinking and doing fine in general.  He is being offered food a tablespoon at a time at intervals during the day until his weight is up a little and his system is able to handle more food at one sitting. 

Tomorrow, we'll weigh him to see if he's gained any weight.  His eyes look bright and his coat looks good too.  He's able to jump up on the sofa without hesitation and is much more steady on his feet.  Looks like he is going to be fine, but I'm still a little cautious. 

Anyway...things are looking good right now.  Thanks again to everyone that has been thinking about him.

Hugs,
Luann

I just opened my e-mail and and had a message from Paypal - I thought!  This looked very real, but I was immediately worried because it was a receipt for payment of a toddler's dress.  I haven't purchased anything using my Paypal account, and not only do I not have a toddler that could wear the dress, I wouldn't have paid $83.00 for it like it said I had.

After checking my Paypal account and seeing that nothing was amiss, I went back and looked at the e-mail again.  It was addressed to me, but at the top of the e-mail, it thanked me for making payment to one person for a certain amount, and in the body of the e-mail the details showed a different seller and amount.

There was also a bright yellow box to click on if you had any reason to dispute the payment.  I'm sure that a lot of people have gotten e-mails like this and clicked that yellow box!  Other than the yellow box, this looked exactly like every receipt I've ever gotten from Paypal.

These people must spend all their waking hours working out the next scam!  Just a word of cautionto make sure you don't click on these, as I'm sure they could really cause some damage.

Luann

Hi Brenda.  Have you read the book "Driven to Distraction"?  It's written by Edward Hallowell and John Ratey and covers recognizing and coping with ADD from childhood through adulthood.  It is just a wealth of information and very easy to read.  I actually have a copy of it that I'd be happy to send you in the mail.  Fortunately, what we thought was ADD in our son turned out to be something else entirely, but the book still helped us.  I'll go look and see what else I might have in my file cabinet on ADD since I NEVER throw anything out.  I just know that someday, there will be a need for it.  Perhaps this once, I am right.  The jars, trims, unusual bottle caps, etc., that I can't throw out may prove to never be used or be of any help to anyone.  Oh well, keeping and sorting that stuff is probably what has kept me sane.  Ha!

Let me know - I'd be happy to send the book to you.

Hugs,
Luann

Well, we are back from the vet's office, and they were just amazed at his condition.  His coat, eyes, teeth, gums, and everything look good.  Other than losing half of his body weight, he is in remarkable condition.  We were advised to feed him only 1/2 cup of food a day in increments of 1 tablespoon at a time throughout the day for about 3 weeks.  Then, we can gradually increase the amount of food until he is up to his normal routine of grazing all day.  I'm going to give him some vitamin supplements, but otherwise, they said to take him home and enjoy him.  He is is perfect health.   He weighed 14 pounds before he went missing and now weighs 7.  They asked us to take weekly photos and weigh him at the same time.  This way, we can see his improvement, and they can keep the info in his file.  They see no reason that he will not get back to his original weight in 6 months time.  Once he starts looking a little better, I'll post a new photo of him.  Right now, he's not very "photogenic".  Ha!

Again, thanks for all of your support.  It really means a lot to have friends like all of you.

Hugs,
Luann

Hey!  That's pretty funny Charlotte, especially since one of the other cats is notorious for changing the tv and fan settings by sitting or stepping on the remotes.  We were in such disbelief when he showed up at the door after all this time, we forgot all about whose garage remote might have been what triggered our fan.

It seems that no matter where you put the remote, something with fur will find it and sit on it!

Luann

Thanks to everyone regarding our cat, Gunnie.  Here is a picture of him before he went missing.  He is laying on a table next to one of Sue Ann's bunnies.  To give you an idea of his size, the bunny is about 7" high while sitting down.  The table, which he insists on laying on, is only about 2 feet wide, so naturally, he hangs off of every side of it.  Anyway...this is him in better days - looking good.  We're off to the vet this morning, but he did well through the night, and is eating and drinking with no problems.

Again - thanks everyone.  We are very fortunate to have him back!

Luann

We were sitting in our living room tonight and all of a sudden our ceiling fan turned to high speed without warning.  It has a remote control, and on occasion, if someone in the neighborhood opens their garage door with a remote, the fan will change speeds.  My husband jumped up to run outside to see if he could figure out who it was so that we can compare frequencies and change the one on the fan so that we can fix the problem.  When he opened the front storm door a cat ran in the house.  We thought it was the neighbors, but it ran right past our dog and straight for the food bowl.  Since their cat has never been in here before, we realized what (and who) was in our house.  It was our cat that went missing in November!  It would have been six weeks ago this Sunday that he went missing.  I have posted fliers, talked to every neighbor for blocks, been to the shelter more times than I can count, called dead animal pickup, etc.  I have tried everything I could think of, including posting a message about him on my website.  After fielding calls from as far away as Houston from people thinking they had him, he is sitting here in the living room.   He is SKINNY!  When he left, he weighed about 12 or 13 pounds, and I doubt if he weighs 3 or 4 now.  He looks pretty good overall, though, and his coat is in good shape.  I think he has been locked in someone's garage all this time and couldn't get out.  Who cares where he's been?  We're off to the vet first thing in the morning to have a good checkup and get the all clear.

I'd been told that cats could live for several weeks without food or water and longer if they were heavy to begin with.  Thank goodness he was fat and healthy when he left.  That's probably why he is still alive and made it home.  He still has his collar on, though I'm not sure how it has stayed on him.  There's a 3 or 4 inch gap between the collar and his scrawny neck.

It's turned out to be a pretty darned good day!

Luann