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For artists and collectors sponsored by Intercal...your mohair supplier and Johnna's Mohair Store
They are GORGEOUS, Judi!
I don't know the first thing about website design, but I'm with Shelli's first suggestion . . . dig into your comfort food of choice and hug a few teddy bears!! 
Oh wow . . . lucky you!! Jennifer Laing is a hero (heroine??) of mine. Her book The Art of Making Teddy Bears was one of the first I bought when I started bearmaking. I met her earlier this year at a Dallas show and she was delightful! Have fun!!
Laure, so glad your story has happy places in it. Hugs, Sue Ann
What a VERY warm group of bear huggers we are . . . and so giving and helpful - as I always suspected and knew bear people would be. A big welcome to our "family", Laure . . . you and your bears are really nice-looking! Also, Judi . . . thanks for sharing your pics with us - a very lovely family!
WOW, Judi . . . what an extraordinary piece! Wonderful!
Very cool, Shelli, and thanks. I have two grown daughters, one son-in-law, five cats, five grandkitties and one granddog. I feel very fortunate!! Of course, I do have a few bears, also . . . . :lol:
And a great Mom's Day backatcha!
Wow, Winney, you're full of these wonderful stories! Must be a real pleasure to make fashion bears that are so special to people! Hugs,
Daphne, sorry to butt in here, but Helmbold is also in Germany. Norton was the English mill and is no longer in business. Helmbold produces "English Style" mohair now . . . using the popular finishes that the Norton mill created. Hugs,
My goodness, Dale . . . how did you just "come up" with the Sugar Bear image? You must have a gargantuan file on your computer! It's very nice to get to know bear people via these message boards and I hope everyone will keep posting.
What a great, great story, Winney . . . can't wait for the next one!
Danni, it's hard for me to really determine how many hours I spend on a bear since it's a "stop and go" process. Huge bears (20" and up) probably take anywhere from 15 to 20 hours. I mostly machine sew. I don't make anything less than 7", but on the smaller bears, I will hand baste the paw pads and gusset, then machine sew them. As Daphne said, the more bears you make, the faster you will become.
Yes, Judi . . . your avatar is superb - great job AGAIN, Shelli!!
You ladies are quite interesting . . . thanks for sharing your stories. When I worked at a real job, I was a medical technologist (the person that tested all the blood, pee, poop, etc. that came into the laboratory). You nurses will know what I did! 
I pretty much think that medical related professions are ALL stressful. Dealing with human health is so critical that it's bound to take its toll. THANK GOODNESS we all found teddy bears . . . I can't imagine life without them now!!
Hi, Judi. There used to be a mill in England called Norton's that produced fur. It closed a few years ago, but from that mill came a lot of the textures, qualities, and finishes that we have today in mohair. Helmbold produces now some of the finishes that Norton created - so they are called "English style" mohairs. Intercal was the only supplier in the USA that carried Norton fur. I don't know if you used the English style or the actual fur from Norton. Intercal had some in their inventory for awhile after the mill closed, but don't know if they are out now, or not. Hope this somewhat answers your question.
Hiya, Dilu. I make around 50 - 70 bears/friends in a year and am a one-person business. I'm like Shelli in that I really don't want anyone else working on my bears. For whatever reason, I don't think it's totally mine anymore if I'm not responsible for every step. Of course, I certainly wouldn't mind if there were somebody else to take care of all the paperwork, packaging and shipping, housecleaning, meal cooking, laundry . . . . . . .
Hi, Danni. Have you ever tried shaving the muzzles with a razor? Also another way to get out the remaining hairs is to slide your awl or a large needle underneath the hair and lift it out. I've worked with Helmbold furs a lot and find them to perform quite well. Hope this helps. 
Yea . . . can't wait to see them! Why don't you get something in the "Bears For Sale" forum???!!!
Good grief, Dale!! I needed to have taken woodworking in shop when I was in high school! 
Seriously, you are full of great bear making tips! When do we get to look at something you've made - a bear, a wedding dress, a western outfit - whatever. Inquiring minds want to SEE!!!
Just in case Dale doesn't see your post for awhile, Laura, it is the one and the same person. He represents Intercal at most of the shows.
Dilu, the place I get my taxidermist eyes is www.vandykestaxidermy.com They have an awesome variety of eyes . . . think you'll find something you like AND they do have some that have wires!!
A huge, special welcome to all of you UK bear people!! So happy to have your input on this board! As a matter of fact, a huge and special welcome to all of the international posters . . . we in the USA value your knowledge and experience and hope your time here will be well spent. I know we'll all be learning from each other and what could be better?!! Thanks to all of you for stopping by.
Wow, Dale . . . do you make bears, too? You're a really talented guy!! Will you be at the Albuquerque show? If so, I'll see you there.
Jane, add my welcome to this board!! I have used taxidermist's eyes before on my bears. What I did was sink the eyeholes in the head (needlesculpt), then use a STRONG glue and attach the eyes in the sunken places. You may position (and reposition) them until the glue is set. My glue of choice is Elmer's Craft Bond - a polyurethane adhesive that REALLY does the trick!! It's also what I use to glue the bolt in the head disc . . . so it won't move when it's attached to the neck disc with the nut. Thanks again for joining our forum! :D
Dilu - hope your eye is okay! I had to wear an eyepatch for awhile when I had a scratch on my cornea. Not fun and I can sympathize with you. 
Great, Dilu . . . Amelia can just have pride in the fact that she has contributed to the Great Teddy Bear What Works For Standing Feet Project!!
