Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Just wanted to let anyone interested in learning distressing techniques that Jane Perala is starting a class today.  I logged in to check it out and the bear she is teaching is absolutely adorable!  So I had to sign up - especially since it is a subject I am interested in learning about.  Here is the link if anyone else wants to check it out! 

http://www.kranbearys.com/EbearZ/Distressed.htm

Thank you Sandy and Nancy!  My husband, Sam,  and I were just trying to come up with names for this bear and his pin keep.  Sam said "Bear Witch Project"  which I thought was very funny.  So I may go with that.  Or "Shadow and the Great Pumpkin........."

She is very sweet, Gemma.  And the eyes are gorgeous!

OH MY GOSH!!!!  Too Cute!  I really like her!  And the dress is awesome!  Perfect fit!!!

Thank you, everyone, for taking the time to comment on this little guy.  Tami, I knew you would like this guy since you are also a big Halloween fan!     Gemma, I have sent you a PM.  Let me know if you don't get it, for whatever reason.........  Thanks again, folks!!!

Paula,
I was just reading over your blog and bear-assembing tutorial, and first of all I would like to say how generous you are to post such wonderful information and photos of your bear-making process!  Great information!!!  I saw a few things I'd never seen before and wanted to comment /ask you about them.  First of all, lining your paw pads with batting - that's something new to me.  What made you come up with that idea and how does it help you?  Does it smooth out those pointy points that I hate???   Second, your curled cotter pins are absolutely perfectly curled!  I think I need a heavier duty "cotter pin turner" because mine twists around if I put too much pressure on it.......  Last of all, I thought it was interesting that you measure your arm sockets after you have assembled your head and body.  I always mark my body pattern pieces before sewing.  I guess your way ensures that your arms will be positioned evenly.  Great tips!  Thanks, Paula!!!!

OK, so maybe a little early..........  But I love Halloween so its never too early for me.  This set started out as a much-needed pin cushion.  The pumpkin is my own design, made with hand-dyed wools and stuffed with mostly glass beads and some fiberfill to round out.  The little bear is made with hand-dyed mohair - I don't even remember the starting color because I think I dyed it 3 or 4 times to get the right shade of grey-brown.   All that dyeing really distressed the mohair, which is perfect since that was the look I was going for.............  He is stuffed mostly with coarse "decorative" sand that my wonderfully supportive husband searched for and found for me.  The sand gives him a terrific heavy and slumpy feel.  This bear is small for me - only about 12 inches, but I am happy with how he and his pumpkin turned out.  So Happy Halloween!!!

She's a beauty!  Love her color.  Love her dress!  What a pretty little thing!

Prayers and best wishes to you, Jane.............   

Thanks, everyone, for the great information!!!

Does anyone know where to purchase the "no hair" mohair or extremely sparse mohair?  Thanks!

Darling!!!!!!!

Great looking bear, Clare!  And I love the accessories!!!!

Great topic, Jodi!!!
favorite glue - Tear Mender by Crafter's Companion  I highly recommend this glue.  It dries fast and clear.  If I get a little seam hole, I use it on the edges.  Also use it for other bear-related things!
favorite stuffing - Firm-Pak from Spare Bear Parts.  Just ordered some more of this stuff.  Packs tight and doesn't feel lumpy..........
I sew almost entirely by machine, don't use a nose template, and use an air-brush for highlights.  A little marker around the nose does wonders for touch-ups.

My best tip - I turn leg pieces sideways so the bottom line is on the bias.  Makes sewing in the pawpads SO much easier!

Wonderful colors and a great face too!!!

Thank you, Paula and Kerren.  I have a panda in the works right now that I hope to offer in the "for sale" section by the end of the week.

That panda is the sweetest ever!!!

Just gorgeous and absolutely lovable!!!!!!!

Love this color combination!  And the feet are awesome!!!  Great sad face too!!!!

Diane,
I am a little late entering this conversation, but I myself am interested in trying the sand or "mineralgranulat."  I have a Ridibear and love the weight and feel of it.  I always thought she used sand but going to her website, she calls it "mineralgranulat."  I did a little searching on the internet and found this website and a photo of what I would be interested in in Germany but the shipping costs are too high to send over here.  Since you make much smaller bears and live much closer, you can probably find what you need.  Here's the website - http://www.make-a-teddy-bear.com/shop/i … edaa754575

Great style..... Love the happy face!!!

Thanks for the info, guys!!!!!

Those eyes are amazing!!!

Hi everyone,
I have a couple bears that have sand inside for weight.  I have been thinking about giving that a try myself.  Just wondering if anyone knows if I need to use any lining or anything so the sand doesn't come out? 
Thanks in advance for any advice you may have!!!!

Thank you, Kim and Jane!!!!!