Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Shelli,

I'm a 5 too!  THE NONCONFORMIST.   Hmmm, never thought of myself as an explorer, but I guess some of the characteristics are true...I like diversity and don't like to stuck in a rut. 

Jody

I've been trying to post my charity auction for the past few days.  I was supposed to start my auction on November 27th, but I can't find the e-mail that Nancy sent including the templates to use.  I've e-mailed Nancy several times with no luck.  Does anyone happen to have the e-mail or link so that I can copy the auction templates?  Thanks so much for your help!

Jody

Shelli,

Thanks so much for your kind words.  I love to donate my bears for charity.  But I really enjoy doing anything I can for Diane at Bear Paths.  She was the first one to allow me to sell my bears on her web site and she's just wonderful to work with.  I'm sure you know what I mean since I see some of your lovely bears at Bear Paths too.   :)

Jody

Wow, Judi, your tiger is AMAZING!  Your constant creativity astounds me!  Well done!  :thumbsup:

Jody

Here's a picture of my charity bear I just finished.  I named him Cody.  He is 11" tall (75% of the original pattern)
and has an applied mouth and upper eyelids.  Hope he sells. :)

Jody
Bear Paws by Jody

Hi all,

Here's another wonderful avatar created by Shelli of Potbelly Bears.  As with all her work, it's amazing what she
can create with just a handful of materials.

Thanks again, Shelli!

Jody
Bear Paws by Jody

Wow, so cute and so original!   Shelli is just amazing.  She seems to have so much on her plate and
is always so gracious in helping others. 

Can't wait to see what she creates for me.  I'm sure it will be wonderful!!

Jody

Hi Winney

I back stitch on the raw edge.  I guess you could turn the sides down if you were using a material that frayed, but it's much easier to use ultrasuede or a thin leather.  I also use miniature mohair.

Jody

Hi Shelli,

I hand stitch the ultrasuede patch onto the mohair leg paw first and then attach the paw pad to the leg.  For the arms, I hand stitch the ultrasuede patch directly onto the arms once it's sewn together.  I'm sure you can sew the patches on first before you sew the arms together, as done with the legs, but I've always just hand stitched the patches onto the paws after the arms are sewn together.  I use a back stitch to sew the pads onto the paws.

I hope this is making sense.  It's really rather simple once you get the hang of it, just time consuming.

I have several of Jennifer Laing's books, but I'm not sure if she included this paw technique in her book.  I think she
just explains the sculpted toe technique, which is also very appealing.

By the way, Shelli, your Charlie and the Chocolate Factory bear is wonderful!  All of your bears are a work of art!

Jody

Hi Shelli,

I use a technique for sculpted paw pads that I learned in one of Jennifer Laing's class in which you cut two pieces of ultrasuede material, or any other material that does not fray at the edges.  One piece is cut in the shape of the top four toes and the other is a larger piece for the bottom portion of the paw.  You can cut the ultrasuede in any shape that you desire to change the appearance of the paws.  You hand stitch the ultrasuede on the top of the mohair paws leaving a small opening.  Stuff the pads with polyfil and hand stitch closed.  Then you needle sculpt the toes using upholstery thread and then shade the edges. 

E-mail me if you have any questions.  Hope this helps!

Jody