Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

I started making bears in 1986.  Worked full time making bears and Santas for some years.  Had a daughter in 1993 and she used up all my time, so I quit.  I started making bears to sell again last summer.  I am so happy to be back at it again
Joanne

Many years ago I accepted a check from a lady at a show that bounced.  I never got a return phone call from her and the bear was lost.  After that experience I only accepted cash or charge cards.  Unfortunately not everyone in this world is as kind and honest,  I wish they were
Joanne

Spot Shot, I think thats what it's called. It is an aresol that is sold with the carpet cleaners.  Takes out everything

I am sure whoever you promised to is going to be thrilled.  As with all of your bears, she is exquisite
Joanne

I don't even try to photograph outside, shadows are hard to deal with.  In a couple of his pictures I think he is very well photographed.  He is adorable.  I always set up a chair and drape it, in front of my sliding glass door.  I seem to get the best color there.  I usually use a darker back drop too, even for the darker colors, maybe try that.
Joanne

I have also found that when I get a "spoof" email from ebay there is a red exclamation point in front of their name.  When I see that I don't even bother to look anymore.

What a great bear!

Mwlisa,  These two are just beautiful.  Do you know what the fur was? mink, muskrat?  It is so nice and soft looking I want to make a bear from what ever it was.  Just wonderful
Joanne

You ladies make it seem really like Christmas when your buyer gets their package.  I love this idea.  I usually don't package, but I think I will have to be more creative
Joanne

What a sweet bear, you are lucky to have her, good for you!
Joanne

Hi Jackie, You have done a wonderful job on your bear
Joanne

I am an idiot

Debbie, I checked on ebay's shipping calculator, (thats probably where you looked)  and I think that UPS does not do ground delivery to the UK, only Canada, which makes sense.  They could not get it there by ground.  I sell lots on ebay and I always use USPS I print labels online and they have never lost anything yet.  For my bears I use Auctiva to sell and they offer more insurance than USPS.  If you ship priority international they will offer insurance, and some is included in the rate,  1st class international you can't get insurance. 
Joanne

Spring in Arizona, On Saturday and Sunday it is supposed to be almost 100, can't wait till summer
Joanne

When I click on your www it says that no such blog exists.  Am I doing somthisn wrong?
Joanne
ps  I love the puppy smile

The animals are cute but,.. what a beautiful place to live
Joanne

I take paypal, money order or a personal check,  I hold the check until the check clears.  I sell patterns and fabrics as well as bears,  I have never had a problem with getting the money
Joanne

You know I never thought of going to my ebay mailbox.  I will do that from now on.
Thanks
Joanne

Last night just 20 minutes before my bear was ready to auction on ebay, I got a message in my mail that I violated some rule and that they had pulled the auction and suspended my account.  I was instructed to "click here" to find out what was wrong.  This brought me to my sign in page.  Where my user name was, was not my name but someones elses, they wanted my password.  I knew right then it was a scam.   Last auction same thing happened, but they said my credit card info was expired.  They almost got me.  I gave them my username and password.  When I called my husband  (the voice of reason)  to find out what card to use he stopped me.  I would have given them everything, It looked so real.  Is this normal to happen?  I am I an easy target? They don't even know me.  Just be careful
Joanne

What a great article.  I love the chicken, and I like how all your bears do have bangs
Joanne

I think he still looks cute, even with the gaping hole in his head.  Oh well I would close it up and needle felt.. Poor guy

Dear Jackie,  You must already be good at sewing, because your bear looks really good.  I like how you put the line of color down the middle of his face.  Now that you have learned the basics, the rest is easy, just be brave and don't be afraid to try the ideas you have in your head.  Sometimes my cutest bears happen because I tried something new