Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Oh Chris !!!
This is possibly the most adorable polar bear I've ever seen.  I just love him  !  No wonder you are so excited.

Danni, that is wonderful !  Congratulations, you must be thrilled.

Shelli,
That is just so funny..... ROFLMAO. 

Not a huge market, that I've seen anyway, for the "Geez, I'm roasting hot, and what the h**l is there to celebrate in August ANYWAY" bear.:lol:

Seriously though, you are such an inspiration to me and the others here I'm sure. 
You're reply was right on the mark.  I , like Gina and Shari take it sooooo personally when  bears don't sell.   You are right, sometimes it just isn't the right time and not that the bear is crap.   Bills do make us feel that way, but we need to hold our head high and be thankful , and make a bear !

To make you feel better.......we are paying $1.04/litre which is about $3.80/gallon.:o

Shari,
I feel so bad for you.  I know what you mean about being in a funk.  I went thru that a bit ago and am still trying to get inspired.  It is hard when you think you've made a great bear and no one seems to want it.  I've been there many times.  I expect we all go thru that, especially those of us that are new and really want to get known.  I find it can be very discouraging, but have learned to just keep trying.  Ebay started to slow down for me in June so I decided to try www. bearpile.com and that worked well.
You list for free and ONLY pay a commission (15%) if you sell.   It's worth a try anyway.  Please don't give up.  I noticed ebay picks up in the fall so plug away and keep your chin up.  Your bears are awesome !!

I agree with you about the ridiculous price for Canadian Shipping, but there isn't much we can do about that.  Maybe we could increase our price a bit to cover part of the postage and offer lower or free shipping.  The buyer may feel like they are getting their moneys worth ??? Just a thought !

I'm sure the more experienced artists here are aware of many more places to list bears.

Millie, I had to laugh at your joint story.  I order my supplies from Disco Joints in Ontario.  Once day as the mailman was delivering my stuff I felt I must explain what was in the big box.  There was a big label on the outside that said "Disco Joints".  I figured he had visions of me having some crazy Disco party and smoking these "joints".    I'm still not sure he even believed my story , he just smiled and walked away  :D

Shelli, your TP story was gross , but amusing.  I've heard of campers coming home with only one sock before when they got........um.....caught without paper.

Way to go Laura.  I can't wait to get the magazine.  I may never get published, but it is exciting to know people who are :D

Huge Congratulations !

I am still amazed each day that I read these posts at how compassionate you all are.  What a wonderful place !

I can feel the sadness that some of you express watching those you love suffering.
That must be awful to be unable to help.  I pray that these people will get relief soon.

Dilu, I wish I could make your headache go away forever.

Daphne, I'll be praying for you, your mom and your dad.  As I mentioned before, I lost my dad almost 2 years ago to a massive heart attack at a wedding.  He was only 61 and it is hard watching my mom be so lonely.   Some days it is stressful to be all things to all people, but as someone here said women tend to be like that.  We want to make everything better. 

Sue Ann, I'm sorry to hear about your mom.  My husband's grandmother died 3 years ago from Alzheimers and now his grandfather is in the early stage where he gets confused and knows something is wrong.  That is so sad.  He said the other day that he feels like he is going wacky.  I almost cried.

Shelli too , I know you are still very sad about losing your cat.  Mine was hit by a car last fall and after surgery and 5 days in the animal hospital she came home.  She took a long time to recover, but I was so thankful she made it. I slept on the kitchen floor with her for 3 nights as she was so drugged and couldn't walk.  They are just like kids aren't they.

Anyone else here that is need of a hug I am sending one to you too.  Thankfully we can all find some stress relief in bearmaking.

Girls, you are ALL amazing artists and so versatile.   I love looking at all the wonderful pictures of your creations.  Each one is so unique.

Oh Shelli can we see pictures.  I know your bear will be amazing.   They are much more time consuming, but are so nice from the real fur I think.

Congratulations Millie and Jody.  That is so exciting.

Kim, I am just like you.  I swear, I check my auctions 400 times a day.  The last few hours I am glued to the computer.  If anyone interupts in the last few minutes  I get all frazzled .

I love selling on Ebay, but it can be exciting as well stressful I find anyway, but that's just me.   I can get so discouraged when there are no bids, but always try again. Sometimes I get emails after the auction ends from someone wanting to buy my bear.  Maybe they don't want to bid and drive the price up ......who knows.

Good luck with your auctions, I hope they do really well.

Kim, I am just like you.  I swear, I check my auctions 400 times a day.  The last few hours I am glued to the computer.  If anyone interupts in the last few minutes  I get all frazzled .

I love selling on Ebay, but it can be exciting as well stressful I find anyway, but that's just me.   I can get so discouraged when there are no bids, but always try again. Sometimes I get emails after the auction ends from someone wanting to buy my bear.  Maybe they don't want to bid and drive the price up ......who knows.

Good luck with your auctions, I hope they do really well.

O.K., I'll "come out of the closet" and admit that I too am a craft-a-holic.  I think I've tried it all, scrapbooking, rubber stamping, knitting, sewing, crochet, tole painting, oil painting, cross-stitch......and on, and on.   

Oh yah ,I too spend hours in the craft stores much to my husband's confusion.   He just can't understand what I do in there for so long.  It is just so fun to look and touch.  Is there a crafters anonymous forum anywhere LOL:D

Shelli, I think the scrapbook embellishments make great bear accessories too.  I've used some decorative keys around my bears necks.   I love, LOVE.  She is beautiful !

Kim, your bear is adorable.  You did an awesome job for a 1st real fur bear ! 

I feel like you Louise ,except that I only make fur bears and am afraid to try Mohair.

Hi Jane,
Oh, I am sorry to hear about your dilema.  Things always seem to go wrong at the worst time.  But, there is always a reason, whether we understand it or not.  There will be another show , but as others said, not another Jane. Take time to look after yourself. 

Hugs and Prayers for a speady recovery.

Shari I LOVE your bear, he is so original.  The colors are fantastic and I love his eyes.  I'll be rooting you on on your auction.  I'm sure he'll do super !

Gina, your bears are sweet.  I too like Gumpy, he looks so huggable.

Jane, Hunter is fabulous for your first design.  You must be so thrilled.

Dilu,
We will miss your wonkiness !  I too enjoy your posts, they crack me up !  Take care and get lots of rest.  I can't even imagine a headache that lasts that long. 

Big, big hugs

Shelli,
Not only are you talented at bear making , but graphic design too ! What other talents are you hiding from us ??:P  Your avatars are absolutely stunning ! 

Tammy
ps I can't wait to see your first fur bear !

Thanks  Daphne and Winney for the nice compliments on my bear ( I'm blushing ). It means so much coming from such wonderful and talented artists.  You gals are just such sweeties ! 

Hi Louise,
Can I join the link swap too ?  I'll add you to my link page when I set it up this week if you want.  I think this is such a great idea.

Thanks

Hi Daphne,
I'm quite new here, but could I exchange links with you too ?  I'll set up a link page this week and add you if that is ok.

Thanks

Hi Everyone ,

I need some serious advice .   I am ready to get serious about selling my bears and  was wondering what you all do about business insurance.  Do you have it to cover your workroom and supplies , or do you have liability insurance also.   I have sold a few bears but don't have liability insurance yet.......I KNOW......that isn't a good thing.  I am so concerned that a child will get ahold of one of my bears and get an eye stuck in their throat.  Problem is that here in Nova Scotia it is between $500-1500 annually to have the liability included.   Apparently it  isn't covered under small business insurance so I'd need commercial business coverage .  I make sure that my tags state that the bears are collectibles and are not safe for kids, but is that enough ???

I know it is important to be insured, but it is just so expensive.  Any advice is appreciated especially from you fellow Canadians who may have the same experience.

Hi Shari,
I would suggest trying photofilter.  It is so easy to use and was recommended by Nancy Tillberg.   I use it all the time now.  It can crop, adjust colors, add filters/frames, add text , you name it can be done.  I used it on my avatar.   If you decided to try and have any questions email me and I'll help you out.   I tried gimp and serif and found them more complicated myself.

PS. Would you mind if I email you privately with some business questions since we are both in NS.  If not that is o.k.

O SHelli, your new bear is beautiful ( as are all of your bears !)  Those are are just to die for .

The names that come to mind are Penelope and Amber -(because of the creamy golden coloring around her ears and feet ).   

I'm sure you will chose the perfect name.

Congratulations Kerren,
I LOVE your bear , the colors are gorgeous .  You must be thrilled to be on the cover, what an honor!