Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

GRRRRRRR...I had just decided what I wanted to order...now I'm hesitant.  I don't care if it takes a bit to get it...I would just want to get it.

I tell you...I live under Murphy's law!!!

Some time ago I posted a picture of my first mohair bear "Chip" telling everyone that my oldest son, Kyle, asked me if he could have him...of course I said yes.  Well, I finally got him to stand still long enough to take a picture of him and Chip. 

He's standing next to my "boyfriend" Taylor.  As you can see...he's a biggin'.

I think maybe some of my bears look like my kids!!!

That's it...I need a new camera which I already knew...but when I bought this one I didn't think I'd need anything fancy...just wanted a nice little camera for everyday stuff...it has great reviews and was about $100.  I had a fancy digital that I shared with the ex...but he took custody of that and I kept my beloved 35mm which I never learned to use properly.  I'm like you Kim...techo stuff drives me nuts sometimes :

Clare, I'm just looking for other resources or avenues to help me better my bear making skills...and maybe gain some exposure.  I've noticed some bear sites have subscriptions that give you more access to other parts of their site.  Or perhaps magazines subscriptions, etc.  I'm a very visual person and sometimes reading the directions I still don't get it...but show me once and I usually get it.   Is that slow enough... :love:

Shantell

Wow Clare they it looks great...now can I be stupid and ask what is mounting board...is that like what we call construction paper or poster board.  This language stuff can make things so confusing for me.   :angel:

Shantell

Dilu...I don't have any places specifically in mind...I guess that's my question.  I was reading several articles on www.budsandbears.com last night and noted that they have a subscription.  I've also noted that on Nancy Tillberg's site www.northcountryteddybears.com you can join a membership.  I've been to so many some just through links that I can't remember where I've been but many of that same subscription area that allows you into other areas.  I'm wondering if it's worth it to subscribe...if so which ones to start, etc.

Winney, terrified...yep...that little bear could be a fluke 

Kim, If the email you received from the guy in Tawain is also in your Ebay message center then I think you should give him an honest response.  I don't think you should stifle your bear business by avoiding questions from potentially very honest customers by a few bad experiences others have had.  I worked in international admissions for quite some time and had to deal with students from all over and quite honestly most of them don't read the information presented to them because they don't understand it.  It's not their native language...English is very confusing to many of them.  I can't tell you how many times I had to explain immigration stuff to the same student...over and over.

Read his feedback...what does it say?  He or she may be very legit...just proceed to with caution and an open mind.

Good Luck...let us know how it goes.

Shantell

And I'm not talking your children...well maybe bear are your children..  :lol:

Helena...I noticed that you have incredible detail when photographing your little bears and I'm way impressed.  Kim...you do too...your little ones just speak out to you in the  pictures.  So...what's the secret? 

I definitely have figured out that my inexpensive digital is not going to work for this...although the camera shop guy said otherwise...I'm sure he was just trying to sell me a new camera at full price...HA.  What should I be looking for so that I can capture that sweetness of the weebies?  Is that word?

Shantell

I'm considering taking this bear making thing I've got going and being a little more serious about it.  I found myself on several websites the past couple days reading articles etc. (Shelli...you my friend are everywhere  :rose:) and I'm wondering if it would be wise to sign up for some of these other venues, such as Buds & Bears, etc.   I'm looking for some serious advice here.  I'm ready to take my bears to another level...and to be frank I'm terrified.

Thanks...

Shantell

I think her proportions are fine too...perhaps your family is just so use to the look of your real fur bears.  She's very cute...you did a great job.  I've been trying to master the corded eye lids as well...and bought some clear eyes for painting but have yet to venture their yet. 

I still marvel at all you real fur artists!!!

Ditto on what Daphne said...I hadn't heard that either?  AUGH. 

Dilu, I'd swap with you for a Golly...any size...big or small...I love them and WANT one!!!  I need someone to blame when I get in trouble anyway 

Great Idea...I've seen similar wording on auctions before.  I think Laura Lynn commented that she does something like that in a previous post...can't remember where tough.  Unfortunately, there just only so much you can do.  There are just way too many crooks and scoundrels out there looking for a free ride.

Sad world!!!

I would be interested in knowing how you check this out too.  I know how to look at completed items but what do you search for or do you just look through them all in hopes you see one you recognize as your own.

Thanks for any info you can share.  Perhaps just being deligent and keeping each other informed would help too.  Obviously we must be our own police.

So I decide to email a former co-worker and good friend, Angie, and sent her a couple pictures of my little Daisy Mae to show her what I've been up to lately.   I can't keep any secrets when it comes to this woman...she's a blabbermouth (in a good way)  She went and forwarded my email and photos to a bunch of people at my old job.  I've been bombarded with messages asking me how much I sell my bears for, etc., etc.

Isn't the sweet...now I HAVE to make her a bear...I'm such a sucker!!!

Shantell

Now I'm hungry and craving coffee just reading this post...

I'm late I'm late...as usual.

Happy Anniversary Sue Ann...WOW 41 years...that is so wonderful.  I can't imagine.  Congrats on the wonderful gifts as well...you must be a bit spoiled and well deserving I'm sure!!!

:hug:

Is there any kind of deadline to have your bear completed...especially if we need to send internationally...which I'm completely okay with on my end.  Just thought that should be taken into consideration.

Thanks Susan for taking on this task...it's too overwhelming for me...but then I'm low on my coffee quota this day so everything is too overwhelming still.

Oh no...I'm obviously WAY behind....I'm not even in Penny's league.  Penny dear, you crack me up.  I'm afraid I'm the same way...I can't decide if I have too many choices...I want to do them all at once.  I do however have a load of mini fabrics & supplies ...not sure how I did that...cheaper I guess. 

Daphne...let us know when you put your next stash on Ebay...I may want to pilfer through your cast offs.   :lol:

Shantell

How much stuff, i.e., mohair, synthetic (whatever you prefer), jointing stuff, eyes, etc. do you keep on hand?  I've been buying a bit of mohair and really in the big picture don't have much but am curious how much you keep on supply...you know in case their is a sudden world supply problem.

Thanks!

I can't find Shrinky Dinks in this town...is there a good online source?  I'm being lazy I could go look myself huh?

Daphne, I'm not having any luck...she may be out of town who knows...I'll keep trying to get in touch with her. 

Your dad sounds like a real sweetie...you better keep him!!!  My dad would probably do the same thing except I'd be afraid he'd accidently snip through the seam.  He ran his hand through the planer the other day...I threatened to take his toys away from him if he couldn't play with them right.

I know what you mean...I just meant there always seems to be someone out there who has figured out how to manipulate the system or nervy enough to challenge it.

If George Clooney really has artist bears on Ebay, I can venture to say there will be bidding wars... 

I'm currently working on changing my pattern a bit.  I'm wanting more bent arms and legs.  I'm so far happy with my bears body shape and head but want more variety in the arms and legs.  So...that's what I'm up to...

Oh and buying more "stuff"...it's so addicting!!!

I wonder how many emails that buyer got from other buyers.  :(

I've done both...and really didn't see much of a difference.  I've purchased several reborn dolls and bought several from one particular artist in Australia whose work I love.  After chatting with her several times I asked her why she did private auctions and her answer was basically to protect her buyers from uninvited solicitation.  You know...if you don't win...come look at what I have that is the same or similar kind of thing...and bottom line was not.

I have this same question when it comes to reserves...done both but think to myself...why not just put down what I'd take as a minimum instead of playing the "increase my bid game."  There seems to be no right or wrong answer.  It's what works for you and your customers.

I certainly would not avoid an auction for something I truly want if it were private.  There are no 100% safeguards against any of the things people do on Ebay that are unethical.

Can you try them and return them if you don't like them?  I think they would be a very good option for you, my dear.  I only know one person who uses electronic scissors and she quilts...she like them for doing rag quilts for all that repetitive snipping. 

Good Luck!!!