Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

What gorgeous colours! And I'm blown away by that nose!

Super cute pup!

This little guy is made in memory of the commissioner's cat: http://endejester.deviantart.com/art/Mo … -495043367
He has jointed limbs and armature in the forelegs and tail (she specified he had a very curled tail), a small amount of steel shot in his belly for weight, glass cabochon eyes and sculpted clay nose and paw pads.

I don't usually take on commissions like this, I'm rather nervous about trying to capture a beloved pet in plush form. Plus the faux fur I like to use also only comes in a limited range of colours. But when she said he was mostly white I thought I'd give it a shot.

More photos here: http://deeed.deviantart.com/art/Playful … -544450819

I feel like I spend a ridiculous amount of time thinking about necks... (I'm making another cat and want to be able to give him a little collar.) But it got me wondering about what people's thoughts are on the various neck techniques and which they prefer to do?

Personally, I do love the tilt that a wobble-joint gives but sometimes worry about it being too wobbly (I've only used the two cotter-pin method so far). The double-joint necks (with the extra wedge piece inbetween) are fascinating but wouldn't work for cats with white chin/throats/bellies. The loc-line ones look great! But not sure I'm at that level yet.

Anyway, what are everyone's preferences for their own bears? Are there particular pros and cons you've found? Would love to hear different artists' opinions!

Love the muzzle, what a cutie!

She's stunning! Very elegant!

Thanks so much for the wonderful comments! <3

Just finished this little joey as part of a trade. He's quite small (4 inch from head to ground when standing) so needle-felted around an armature on his hands and feet. This also let him hold onto light objects.

I was wondering how you made your squidgy paws! I've used sculpy clay previously but I want to give this a go! The idea of using wax for your mould is a great idea too, never thought of that. Do you just melt down a candle for that?

Good luck! Let us know how it goes!

I'm particularly partial to foxes and this guy is no exception. Fantastic work!

Awwww..... so wee!

Such a cute face! I'm loving your new 2015 bears! (not there was anything wrong with your other bears of course)

Cute bear! And such a neat idea with the signature!

Thanks for sharing your experiences. I know we all hate seeing others get wronged or falsely accused, hence why I wondered if anyone else had had any trouble or not.

But the court of public opinion is a dangerous place... Perhaps I ought to delete this.

I realise this is a very old post but I wondered if anyone on here has had dealings with Felicia Hymer?

I can't speak from first-hand experience but a recent friend I made in the bear-making community was saying how she's lost several of the bears and dolls my friend had sent her (claimed they had not been numbered properly?) and hasn't paid her for them as promised (although they appear in some of her facebook photos). Also that she changed how she would price them and how much commission she would take without consulting with the artist.

I know these are potentially rather damning claims and is (of course) only one side of the story so I wondered if anyone here has worked with her before?

So much character! Love 'em!

Awww he is lovely!

Such a gorgeous fox! Best of luck with the bidding!

Eeeeeep!! He is so cute!!

So fuzzy! Love her!

Thank you Francesca! (I follow your FB account and adore your felines!)

Well not anymore, he's on his way to my friend for her birthday! I've always wanted to make a kitten plush and this guy provided a lot of useful trial and error.

(Made with alpaca, ultrasuede, sculptured clay nose and  paw pads, horse-hair whiskers, 6-way cotter pin jointed)

But does anyone have any of the Tyber faux fur with guard hairs that Sassy Bears sell? Either 1/4" or 3/8".

I'm looking for some more black if I can (I love their stuff) but it seems they're discontinuing that line of fabric. If anyone had some they didn't want I'd love to buy it from you!

Cheers guys!
Kirstie

Here is the pattern I'm using. I deliberately extended the back of the head more with a little improvement to previous bears. But looking at your's I think my gusset might be too thick at the base.