Skip to main content

Banner Sponsors

Teddy Bear Academy - Online teddy bear making classes
Johnna's Mohair Store - Specializing in hand dyed mohair and alpaca

Jaina Emo Bears
Dudley, West Mids
Posts: 862

Hi all,

I have a very specific project which I am planning. I want to make a Tabby Cat, but because of the very specific colouring of said tabby, I've decided the best way to shade would be pens. I have a COPIC airbrush but do not have the skill leve to achieve the look that I want.

Because it involves a bright colour and some dull colours, I decided the best way to make the bright parts 'pop' out, would be to use a white synthetic (I have bought some gorgeaus schulte (i think) from Pro Bear) and build the base from that.

The descion means that I will probably have to colour 95%-98% of the piece by hand. I am worried that using so much marker it will transfer onto hands, which obviously, I don't want. I know with Mohair, the best way to deal with that would be to heat set with a hirdryer - but I am worried that it will melt the fur - the last thing I would want is to spend hours and hours carefully colouring my hat to have it all go hideously wrong right at the end.

Should I worry about the COPIC coming off? or will it be ok?? As usual I want to push myself - just hope i'm not biting off more than I can chew; but the birght colour needs to be interspersed through the whole piece. (ignoring the design challenge of doing a cat! If it might come off - is there anyway I can set the colours?

kim "a bear by kim"
merseyside
Posts: 2,401

i use copic pens but iv never  used it on entire bear, i heat set with a little blast from a hair dryer and nothing has ever melted and i usualy use synthetics.
do a test piece on a small piece of the fabric you want to use, iv got a feeling you will be fine but its better to be safe than sorry!

Jaina Emo Bears
Dudley, West Mids
Posts: 862

Thanks Kim. I just get a bit nervous as I did manage to do that once to a synthetic bear  bear_innocent  his muzzle started to melt - woops. It was cheap synthetic mind, not the nice quality.

kim "a bear by kim"
merseyside
Posts: 2,401

iv got different settings on my hair dryer, its quite posh, dont very often use it on my hair and it was given to me! but i use the lower setting, or i pop a tea towel on the radiator and pop the bear on it if the heating is on!

Board footer

Powered by FluxBB

Banner Sponsors


Past Time Bears - Artist bears designed and handcrafted by Sue Ann Holcomb
Shelli Makes - Teddy bears & other cheerful things by Shelli Quinn