Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

HI GAIL!  Nice to see you here.  This place is growing every day.:D

Hi Danni,
Nice to see you in here!! (watched AMERICAN IDOL last night....not going to teeee-eeellll).:P
Anyway, I was going to say airbrushing works the best for shading on wool,  but I have also used markers.  Make sure they are permanent.

Good luck,
Hugs, Judi

Yes, Shelli. I love your avatar too!  And like SueAnn said.....you may regret offering to help ohter bear artists achieve the same.  I would just have a bit of a problem coming up with one bear to represent me....but I am getting closer to that goal.

hugs judi

LOL.

Thank you very much for your kind and supportive words.  It really means a lot to me and I am very touched by both of you.  Thank you , thank you.

I think that designing and making bears has been such great therapy.  It's one of those "feel good" things, a very healthy creative outlet does wonders for the soul. Don't you think?

BEAR HUGS!
Judi

pss..the bear I am holding is not the same bear as my avatar.  Same mohair, different design.   Just incase you were wondering.:)

GOT IT!!!!!  but the I had to type in [img] instead of clicking the img tag.  hhhmmmm.  Oh well, it worked!!!

http://www.geocities.com/judilux3/Judi_Darby1.jpgPS...just so you can see...I do not look diabetic. (I have heard that almost my whole life)
HUGS! Judi

wow...DITTO laides!!!

Aren't these topics fun?

I find myslef sometimes isloated out here in the country.  We own and operate a dairy so I don't get out much...which is okay with me since I love to be a stay-at-home mom.  It is really beautiful out here and the air is so clean and clear...aaahhhh breath.......

This is why I really enjoy these bear message boards as it gives a way to connect with others who share the same passions in bears. 

I have had diabetes since the age of 12 and have never really had anyone else to talk to who is diabetic...someone who can really relate to the daily difficulties and challenges.  I found a diabetic message board so I joined.  After hearing ao much self pity and misery... and oh "poor me"...I could'nt stand it anymore.  I spent all my time on that board just trying to be uplifting...explaining and reinforcing how a diabetic CAN live a normal life with a positive attitude and 110% effort...etc....etc....it just brought me down.  I quit going and once again, had no connections with others like myself.:(

Well, that is why I enjoy talking bears and and glad to have found some nice forums, including North Country Teddy Bears.  It is nice to feel like you belong and fit in. Thanks guys:)

Okay I'm second!!!!!!  Me too..It has got to be the face.  This is where my bears come alive.  The gateway to the soul is through the eyes.  I want my bears to "speak" like SueAnn said , too.  I LOVE adding the final touches with my airbrushing, which is just like icing on the cake  ( and since I cannot have real icing because os my diabetes, well this king of icing is perfect for me).  I also have to say with my recent venture in to needle sculpting  I have so thoroughly enjoyed wacthing the facial features of my bears develope and come to life. 

Second would be creating the paw details.  There are so many ways to create these it is lots of fun for me.

Maybe even most of all is designing the details in my mind , then anxiously working the pattern on paper after I have drawn my bear.  This is such a satisfying biz to be a part of.  The only down side is that I often become attached and do not want to sell some of my bears.

Okay SHelli.  Your turn.....

Hugs, Judi

Thanks guys...I mean gals!!!  I love talking teddies, and not just about how to do things....but just plain 'ole bear stuff...like...the one I started on NCTB about "do you look like your bears?"  and "True confessions/stories from bear lovers".    By the way Shelli, thanks for the story and post.   I will take some photos of my buddy bear and my dad's Rattus.   I would love to see your pink elephant too.  Hope your panda doesn't chase after your lady bears after what he may have witnessed in your 'eh hem....sleeping quarters!!!LOL:o

SueAnn, do you look like your bears?  I have been told I look like my bears and so has Shelli.  I have seen others, as well, who look like their bears.  This is not just limited to a particular feature, but the over all look and expression of your work.

Thanks Shelli for the compliment on "Bo"!:D

Bear hugs,
Judi

Hello again.  As you can see I found out how to upload my avatar.:lol:  I am no computer wiz but I am getting it......;)

I have to say that I have recently found Intercal and am sooooo very impressed by how warm and personal the staff is.....this means you, Johnna:D.  I look forward to yards and yards of wonderful mohair to bring my bears to life.

:D:D:P

Hugs, Judi

Hello!  Thank you Sue Ann for inviting me to this forum:).  I am wondering how to attach an avatar.  I have not seen where to do the upload for this.  Thanks very much!

Bear hugs and best wishes.  Judi Paul