Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Hey, Guys.  Is your outing/meeting this weekend??  If so, have a blast and occasionally think about us left behind!!  Sounds like this thing could become a tradition!

Thanks much, guys.  Didn't get as much done today as I wanted . . . had to run some unexpected errands.  BUT, the head is done - so I should be able to finish tomorrow!   

Welcome, Jossan . . . hope you have lots of fun here.  We will enjoy posting with you!!:)

K . . . I sell bears by the inch.  When I started out 8 years ago, I asked a show promoter what the "going" price for bears was and she said $10.00 per inch - so that's the price I put on my bears.  A 10" bear cost $100.00, etc.  I've gradually raised the price over the years . . . now at $15.00/inch unless it has a handmade accessory like Hallie, then I go a little more.  Even at that, don't expect to clear much.  Teddy making is labor intensive and you won't get much for the hours you put into it.  That's just been my experience.

A big welcome to this message board, KBonsall!  Wow, 3 bears made in one week's time . . . I think that is great for a beginner!!!   I have never "registered" my company Past Time Bears officially, but did a search to see that I wasn't using a name that someone else was already using.  And yes, in the state of Texas, I have to have a Texas Sales and Use Tax Permit in order to sell my stuff anywhere . . . but I didn't have to advertise in a newspaper.  So, in that sense, I guess the name has been filed with the state government as a business.  I would imagine that the rules are different from state to state.  You may want to copyright your patterns after you start designing yourself, but I've never done that.  Also, if you go to shows out of state, you will have to pay that state's sales tax.  The paper work seems endless!  Have any photos of your bears you can share with us?

Paula . . . what an extremely cute avatar bear!!  He's adorable!! 

OH YES!!  The poem does speak to me!!  I'm really glad there are others who let the house/laundry/grocery shopping, etc. go while making bears and playing on the computer!! 

Hello, All.  This foray into anime (poetry?) is really just a trial and error thing for me.  I chose to be a bit on the conservative side for my first bear . . . and if I decide I like it, maybe I'll get brave and experiment more with the designing part of it.  I've sewn up all the parts now, so stuffing will be tomorrow.  Cross your fingers , everybody!! 

Stunning examples of your very wonderful airbrushing, Judi!! 

Hi, Gail.  I've started working on my very first anime bear.  Decided to jump on the anime bandwagon - at least one time - to see what I could create.  What I did was this:  I took one of my smallish bear designs and enlarged only the head pieces about 20%.  Then I did some very minor alterations to the rest of the pattern.  I've only gotten as far as cutting out the pieces, but will be glad to show my results when I'm done.  Maybe even show the bear from the original design compared to the enlarged head bear.  Anyway, I'm kind of excited to see how everything will turn out!! 

Hee hee, Winney . . . what were we thinking???!!! 

Penny - you are quite the talented poet, my friend!!  What a joy to log in and find your cute verse . . . keep it up!

Dilu, don't ask such personal questions, but hey, inquiring minds DO want to know, Winney!!
What bear would I look like??  My bear that's up for sale . . . Hallie the Moppet.  She's got all the right colors and is continually comforted by her quiltie.  Think I'd have to be able to move around a little more than she does, though . . . so guess I'd need loose joints!

Lesley, a great big WELCOME to this board!  Your bears and gollies are REAAAALLLLYYY cute!!  I've already taken a peek at your website.  Hope you like it here . . . we're all pretty silly, but like to share and help one another! 

Looked at your site . . . wonderful bears!!  Isn't Shelli the best about donating her time and expertise to help??!!  Will look forward to seeing more of your work and thanks for your compliment! 

Wow, Clare . . . such a CUTE avatar!!  When will we see more bears? 

Marie, that's a really sweet bear you have for your avatar.  Looks to me like you're already a bear artist!

Hayley . . . a big welcome to this board . . . and so glad that you posted on the animal topic.  I'm beginning to think that my theory - that bear people ARE animal lovers - is not far from the actual fact!!   

WHAT A HOOT!!!  All of these stories are SO wonderful and I laughed out loud at some of them!!  Shelli, your description of the raccoon party was hilarious!  Actually, I find the 'coons and 'possums to be really cute . . . until they get destructive.  Also, I DO NOT think the 'possums are cute when they show those awful teeth!!  However, we try to get along with most of the wildlife around here.  Habitats are being destroyed by all the building (I don't like it either!) going on, and every now and then someone reports seeing a coyote strolling down the middle of the road at night.  Anyway - just wanted to let you guys know how much I'm enjoying your posts . . . keep 'em coming!  

Speaking of raccoons!!!  We have had one come into the house through the cat door and enjoy the kitty buffet in the pet room (enclosed patio)!!    Also, possums have done the same thing . . . sooooo, I have started putting out a bowl of food for the little freeloaders at night and they seem to appreciate it.  It's always gone by the next morning. 

Love that story, Shelli . . . and adorable picture!!:D

Oh gosh, Judi . . . I guess in that case, getting rid of the spider did more damage than letting it crawl on your foot!!   

Yeah, Judi, I know what you mean about spiders - except in my case, it's just one kind of spider.  I got bitten on the arm by a brown recluse and that was totally NOT fun.  Thought my arm was going to rot off, among other horrid things I won't mention!!   So . . . if I see one indoors or out . . . they go to their reward in spidey heaven.  Everything else I will leave alone, however. 

Welcome, Clare . . . glad to have you and hope you enjoy being here!!

Yes, Winney . . . it is Martha Burch.