Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

I live about 20 minutes away from the place where all the Dallas shows are held . . . so that would be really handy.  I have participated in the Houston show many times and it usually is a good one.  I do have to say that I was VERY disappointed in Pat's Feb. show this year.  Not many artists and not a good attendance.  The best part of it was that Jennifer Laing was there and I enjoyed visiting with her.  All of Valerie's and Pat's shows that I participate in have gotten smaller over the years.  I just think it's a sign of the times that the teddy business is in a bit of trouble these days.  Even ABC's shows are getting smaller and they cancelled one in Mesa, AZ, that I had been attending.  The show in Austin is fairly small - but that is on purpose.  There are usually in the neighborhood of 20 - 25 artists that do that show.  I'm not sure I could guarantee anybody's success at any of these shows, but we'd sure have a good time paaaaarrrtttaaaayyyiiinnngg!!  Let's think about it and get more input from everybody who's interested.  Ladies/gents???

Sure thing!!  I'm participating in Lulu Bears Austin Show in two weeks.  But I need longer notice than that so I can clean the house!!       Valerie Rogers has a Houston show in the early spring, and Pat Moore does one in Dallas in late Jan. - early Feb.  Valerie used to have one in Dallas in the fall, but I notice this year there isn't one scheduled . . . boooo!!  And there are various other smaller shows around the state.  I say let's do it!  Come one, come all!! 

There is also the swivel/tilt head joint contraption, also, that allows the head to be moved in all directions.  Think Edinburgh carries it.  It is a little pricey so you probably wouldn't want to use it on every bear!! 

Kirsten . . . Beezley is center-seamed, but Sugar isn't.  You are right . . . the noses are embroidered the usual way, then coated with melted beeswax.  As many layers as you want until it looks good to you.  Then you rub them with a piece of plain white paper and voila!!  There's your jellybean!! 

Many good vibes are going your way, Kirsten!!

Anyone want to come to Texas??  I live on an acre, so we could spill out into the yard if we overran the house!!  That is, if you don't mind 5 cats!! 

Penny and Laura . . . wonderful photos!!  See, Penny . . . told ya you were quite attractive!  And Laura . . . such a cutie and even more so in person.  Hugs to all ...

Good grief - that woman's work is remarkable!!  I wish I looked as good in pantyhose!! 

AWESOME, Gail!!

Yeah, c'mon, Louise!! 

:DHmmm . . . I'm just the opposite.  I like to sew everything I can with the machine.  I usually make bigger bears, so I don't have to do a lot of hand sewing.  It's a time saver for me, plus I have arthritis in my hands (most everywhere else, too :/), so it helps to do as much as possible on the machine.  On my smallest bears, I will hand sew the gusset and footpads.  BUT, Penny . . . and Millie . . . sewing everything by hand IS NOT crazy.  It's just a preference!! 

Laura, Good Earth Teas is the brand name.  It's located in Santa Cruz, CA, so the West Coast people will probably know of it.  We have it here in Texas, so I would guess that IL has it, too.  It is YUMMY and comes with or without caffeine.  It contains cinnamon, ginger, and orange peel among other stuff; the sweetness is derived from the herbs and spices.  If you go looking for it, the name will be Good Earth Original.  Happy hunting!! 

Thanks much, Jane.  My second one is up on the Bears for Sale forum . . . Sugar.

Just REALLY adorable . . . what a sweet little guy.  Wonderful creation and thanks for sharing!! 

I'm a tea drinker, too . . . but mine is "Good Earth" original - aaaaahhh, sweet (but not with sugar - just natural stuff) and spicy.  And I drink about as much as you do, Judi . . . even in the hot summertime! 

Kim, I make my hangtags . . . . print them from my computer.  The tush tag I use is a sewn in tag with my signature and the date (year) on it.  Perhaps others know a commercial maker of tags.

WooHoo, girls . . . count me IN!!

Penny, Penny . . . what's a kerfuffle??!!

He looks really sweet, Eileen . . . we want more pictures!!

Dilu . . . you look adorably happy.  And that is beautiful!!

Hmmmm . . . I've never gone to the extremes that some people have to distress mohair.  If I want a more vintage look, I just get the sparse or ultrasparse mohair and go from there.  I have dyed mohair with tea, Rit dye (oops), and spray dyes and have always been pleased with the outcome.  Dyeing and, certainly, drying it in the dryer will change the appearance of the mohair, so I always let it "drip dry".  I, too, am reluctant to pull out the mohair or randomly trim it.  I have heard of sandpapering where you want worn spots, but haven't tried it.  The curly matted, or ratinee as Danni calls it, gives a vintage look - especially when it's brushed out.  Sorry, I know I haven't helped much . . . but I'm a little conservative when it comes to beating up on the expensive mohair!! 

Girls, girls . . . the category that Shelli and I are in has four other great nominees!!  However, deep in my gut - I think Shelli will go home from D.C. with that Golden Teddy Award - and my guts are very often right on.  I've already told Shelli this, and she thinks I might jinx her chances . . . but I can't ignore what my insides tell me.  Yes, it is truly an honor just to be nominated - just like at the Oscars - and, last year when I actually won the Golden Teddy with my entry "Campbell", I was absolutely stunned.  Shelli, thanks so much for your very nice comments - it's so easy to become friends quickly on this board.  Everybody is so genuine, warm, and supportive; it's amazing to me that our wonderful teddy bear is the connection we all share.  We are ALL WONDERFUL !! 

Glad you're back with us, Dilu . . . you were missed! 

Laure!!!  You are soooooooo pretty . . . but then we already knew that from your first avatar.  Did you make the top photo bear??  Uhhhh, very unusual!!  :lol:

Marion, I'm 64 and zits are no longer a problem . . . but old age spots . . . now that's another story!  AAACCCKKK!!!  Fortunately, there was a period in my life that I had neither one, but those days are gone forever.  Your English is supremely better than my French, my dear, since I know about three French words!!  Look at you . . . you converse VERY well with all of us here . . . and we understand everything you post!  Most of us probably don't know any language other than English, so you're way ahead of us.  Believe me, I understand your shyness and lack of confidence - been there, done that - but with your talent in bearmaking and your natural charm, I can't imagine your not being successful in life.  Value yourself and everybody else will, too.  Big hugs,

Woo woo . . . Aaron is waaaaayy cute, Danni.  Alas, he's a tad young for me!