Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Okay I went back to HL and checked it out. It was 4 ounces for 6 balls and Made in China. No wool origin.

That was the first thing I noticed! I was trying to see what was in the refection.

I couldn't believe it. I have never seen roving in a chain store. I have always purchased my wool from a person that deals in wool and still will. Although I'd buy the needles if I found myself in a bind. They had several packages of six, little balls (1/2 ounce each? of roving. All dyed in themes; pastels, brights, primary, selling for $7.99. I didn't look at the origin. They had needles, 5 for $7.50. They also had a couple patterns for making flowers to embellish knits. I didn't see any books or patterns for animals.

When I sold my bear I didn't tell them it came with an additional case that I painted. It's just going to be a little suprise when they get it.

But I have been putting mine in a wooden box or handstitched fabric bag with drawstring, then put inside a plastic bag and sealed. Not a ziplock grocery bag but a nice stiff cellophane bag with pleats. Then placed in a shipping box with peanuts. Of course, hangtag and business card.

I was wondering this too. My needlefelted bears resemble each other but I don't use patterns. So is it still OOAK? Or original? Maybe just handmade. I dunno.

Okay I just read the above post. I like "original design" best. I'll go with that.

That's AWESOME! That one trail on the side of the mountain looks incredible. It is gorgeous there. have they ever ridden in the US? Bike racing is soooooo exciting. Lemme dig up one of my old pics...

Here's one of a local trail. We have a lot of limestone rocks (verrrry slippery when wet).

Judi, did you happen to win a Steiff grey poodle? 

Funny you should mention that.  I am an avid bike rider/racer - its truly in my soul. I've had a concussion, broken teeth and a cracked jaw bone and other miscellaneous bloody injuries. HOWEVER....I had a horrible wreck this summer and broke my hand in two places and exploded my knuckle, tearing everything inside. That was in July, on vacation, in another state with 2 weeks still to go on vacation. Yea, made for a great souvenir with a huge pricetag.

I have been in therapy for 6 months, had surgery on both sides of my hand and was told last week by my surgeon that I have to have ANOTHER surgery in April, then more therapy. <sigh> I have had a zillion shots and still head to the trail with a numb hand. I can't grip the handlebar all the way around and tape my fingers together for safety. I can't imagine falling on it. Ouch.

I was actually quilting a lot and had to stop because the pain was too intense and I couldn't control the material in the machine. I can't open and close my hand all the way. And my pinky is completely limp. So I picked up my felting again because I HAD to get out my creative thoughts. And here I am.

So in answer to your question...yes I ride every minute I can. 

I had a feeling that is what happened. When I took a wet felting class years ago (from Jill Gully) we got a lesson on what a "strand" is and why it felts. And what happens when you buy the wrong wool (for felting) that has been washed, stripped of the scales and now called "Wonder Wool or Wonder Washed" wool,  something like that. It doesn't have the "barbs" anymore and will not felt properly.

Yea, my pink bear I am working on is hard as a rock. Its awesome.

Thank you for your explanation, that was very thoughtful for you to write that all out.

I love this board.

I was in the market as well for a good book. I bought "How to Make Enchanting Miniature Teddy Bears" by Debbie Kesling and it is very good. It answered all my questions, no secrets withheld, lots of tips and gives about 10 patterns for practice. The photographs are step by step and the bears are done in chronological order from easy to hard. Amazon has several good books to choose from.

I am working on one and should finish it today. My pink bear is sitting in a heart pillow. But I made the pillow with a round pocket in the middle where the bear pokes inside of it. I wanted something that somebody could use for a gift carrier. I was thinking a piece of jewelry could be inside the pocket and the bear sitting on top. But I wanted the piece to stand alone and not LOOK like a gift carrier. I wanted it to look like a gift in itself and they have it be, "Oh there's more!"

I know, hard to get a mental picture. I should have a pic tonight or tomorrow. Pillows are hard to photograph since they are not always symmetrical.

Mr. Sandman is the most unique and spectacular bear I have ever seen. The composition is nothing short of perfection. The color of his face is just beautiful, so magical. When I first saw the backdrop I thought, "That is the best backdrop, it looks like the midnight sky, a perfect showcase." I am awestruck with your artistry. Mr. Sandman is definitely a book cover!

Interesting thought here...

Most of my things are undyed Corriedale with highlights of dyed Merino,

I dyed several strands of Corriedale the other day and it changed the dynamics of the fiber...for the better. It made it a smidge more coarse. Which in turn made for less stray hairs and a firmer piece.

Kind of like when I highlight my limp hair, it will style better when I have color or highlights in it. I know I don't have wool hair but possibly some of the same compounds in a hair strand when chemicals or natural dyes are added.

Hey Kim, I took your advice and did the "Reserve" on ebay for my current listing. Thought I'd give it a whirl. I also cut my time back to 5 days. I mean, do I really need 10 days for an auction? 

Well, whaddya know... I sold my bear.

And y'all are right, it's inspiring and addictive.

Yea, I've seen Norm's stuff. He's been doing it a long time. He is brave to list them at a buck. I couldn't do it. I am just going to keep plugging away and try all the avenues. And yes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. We all like sumpin' different and theres a bear flavor out there for everybody. I can't wait to try a traditional. Starting seems to be the hardest part!!! Oh the fear!  lol.

THANK YOU EVERYONE!!!

After I listed I had thought that maybe I should have done a reserve to at least get a bite. You guys are so kind and I appreciate the advice. I am a total novice at the selling part. People ask me all the time if I sell my stuff and I usually reply with, "Uhh, I never thought about it. But maybe I should."  I have another bear ready to go and I will use every scrap of advice y'all are giving me for the next one.

ThankyouThankYouThankYou!!!
-Jennifer

P.S. Kim...Your stuff is out of this world cute. I saw your bear on ebay after I listed mine and thought I should have listed mine that way. Also thought, "hers is cuter than mine, no wonder mine has no bids." lol!

Thanks Sophie, that's what I needed to hear. I also updated my profile so my ebay link is in there.

My husband said I was being impatient and it takes awhile for people to see your work and that it is consistent. I don't have a main style as I love the traditional bear style too. I am currently working on a traditional miniature jointed bear and will post that when I am done.

I guess I need to be positive and stay networked. I told my husband I wanted to start a blog. He says, "Does that mean you will do even less housework?" We had a good laugh because we know its true. My husband is a totally good guy. Works overtime so i can be home with the kids. And he supports my crafts.

I am not sure how to get my stuff out there. I don't have a website or blog. I do have this on ebay right now. Maybe I priced it too high. I am not sure what people are looking for. These creatures take HOURS to make and I would rather keep my stuff than sell it for $10. I do have something on etsy and I am still not sure if that is a good place or not. Any hints? Or maybe I just suck at this. 

I forgot to ask, what breed do y'all like?

I do buy from a very reputable dealer locally. However, I have purchased some wools through mail.

I am using a Corriedale and my felties are very firm to the touch. I feel like if I needle any longer I will make a hole. I think they are just felting themselves from handling them. I live in Texas and its humid as all get out. I wonder if that has anything to do with it?

Thanks Kim!

Hi! I am new to the forum but not to needlefelting. My question is...when you are done with your feltie, do you just trim away the fly-aways? Or do you actually wet it down? I have done both.