Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Large soft pelts stamped by US gov't will be Alaskan Seal.  And it'll be real seal.  Nice to work with.  Nap will run from the bottom of the coat upwards. Over 80 steps in the tanning process, and if it's been dyed, it can be slightly more fragile than if it hasn't been dyed. Be sure to line your teddy.

hugs,
nt

Just thought some of you might want to know about a really good promotion that Artfire is currently offering it's sellers.

They are offering PRO accounts for 5.95/mnth each for life if they get 20,000 people to sign up for it.  Currently PRO accounts go for 15.95/mnth.  The promo has been open for 3 days and they are well on the way to achieving their goal.

If you're not familiar with Artfire, it is similar, yet different from Etsy.  It's been steadily growing for the past 2 years and the staff there are incredibly happy to help you out, and the tools are amazing. There's even an Etsy importer, so if you have an Etsy listing, you can just import it into your Artfire Pro studio.  No need to list twice.

Here's the link to the promotion:  http://www.artfire.com/groupdeal

Arfire can be found at www.artfire.com

hugs,
nt

I have purchased something similar in the past from Montery Mills called Persian Kurl. Here's the link: http://www.montereymills.com/index.php?id=11

Hi !
Most countries, provinces, states will have a law regarding what is and isnt' allowed as stuffing for bedding, plush toys (the category that artist bears will fall into)  and such.  Here's a link for the Ontario law:
http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/revoke … 1092_e.htm   It also contains a table (scroll down) of what stuffings are 'legal.'

I 've found the laws vary slightly, but are the same in general.  You may want to google to see what your country says about stuffing regulations. If you're shipping the bears, a time may come when one or another custom's agency could take issue with this. Most large fairs also have a requirement about this in their registration contract. 

Hope this helps you out.
Happy stuffing
Hugs,
nt

No heat setting is required for the Shiva stick.
nt

I've had really good luck with the rose colored Shiva Paint Stick. It's oil paint in a crayon form. Self sealing, and low odor, it tries completely in about 12 hours.  It can be brushed then to 'naturalize' the effect, and to remove any changes in the hand of the fabric. It works equally well on mohair, synthetics and ever real fur.  Comes in a wide range of colors, including light shades that can be used to highlight dark furs.    I'm showing it in the Basic Boot Camp, but am going into more detail with it in the Advanced Boot Camp.  You can buy the sticks at Dick Blicks.
hugs,
nt

Sending Prayers for a recovery and strength for the both of you.
hugs,
nt

Hi,
I usually just make a loop as well, but I have done bears with the ring terminal in the past, especially larger bears. I always used a crimper and then applied a little solder as well. If there is any plastic coating on the wire, it must be removed from the area where the terminal will be applied.  Either way works.  I like just making a loop, but only if the wire is nice and stiff and has no chance of coming unbent or broken with repetitive  movement.   I just had a  look at the blog posted above and that looks like a really good way too.   Have to give that a try.  My bend wires form more of a circle around the screw. Instead of tape, I cover the wire with 1/4 inch plummer's tubing. It slips right over and holds everything together nicely.  It's also really inexpensive at the hardware store.

Good news to hear that there is progress.  We will continue to keep you and your family in our prayers. 

Sending Prayers for both your son and for you in this difficult time.

Lynette...I can't believe how much YOUR Yorkie looks like my REAL Yorkie!  It's almost freaky!.  When I designed the pattern, I used my dog for measurements.  :crackup:  and she didn't mind as long as I provided lots of treats.  My class example turned out a little more formal than my dog. But YOUR dog...wow!  Looks just like her and I love it!!

Good job!

Here's a couple of  pictures of my prototype for the class project.
hugs,
nancy

Hi Rikki,
I have an article on exactly this topic posted at the EbearZ University library.
Here's the link:
http://www.ebearz.com/Agora/tiki-read_a … rticleId=6

There's also a link to a scissor and razor sculpting demo on the main page at www.ebearz.com  The 'model' for the video is a fox fur bear.
enjoy!
nt

I'm giving away TWO OLYMPIC TEDDY BEARS on my EbearZ Page! Check it out!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Thunder-B … 728?v=wall

Hi Kristina,
In yourmost recent blog posts, when I click on the photo, I get a bigger image. Not so with the second last post. When I check the source, one shows as a link and the other shows as Blogger Photo ID.  Were the photos in both posts uploaded from your hard drive?  It may be that the posts in the second last post exceed a size limitation of some sort.

At any rate, the minis look absolutely stunning!  Love the gingerbread house!

hugs,
nt

Hi,

Just thought I'd pop in and let you know that Artfire is offering free unlimited listings for the holiday season. My understanding is that there are no listing fees, and no final value fees, and you can list as many items as you want. 

Pretty good deal I think, and gives us all another place to promote our work inexpensively!  :dance:
hugs,
nt

I got that email too.
Thank you for removing him QUY!

Hello Ladies,

Thank you all for posting such wonderful information about EbearZ!  I'm so happy that you've all enjoyed the classes there.

Earlier this year I undertook the project of upgrading the EbearZ database system and all the courses to include easier logins, a better back-end (behind the scenes...although my own back end could use some work too...LOL)  and upgraded workshops.

With my mom's illnesses and eventually her death this summer, things were postponed while I handled some affairs at home.

Last week, a new programmer was hired to finish the work, and we are very, very close to launching the whole new system, which will make registrations and logins available this week.  The programmers are testing the new pages now, as I type.

I'm really excited about all the upgrades that will become available, and I'll be adding the new content a little at a time ... so the pages will continue to change over the next few weeks.  Included upgrades include videos, a better photo gallery,  forums and an improved login.  For those of you who have taken classes in the past, and are tired of typing all those 1's behind your name every time you register for a new course...you'll be happy know that they're gone now. No more 1's  Whoo hoo.

Anyway,
Thanks again for your positive posts!  It's very much appreciated.

bear hugs,
nt

There is a lot to see and do in Montreal. The subway system is amazing, with troubadours around every bend. I believe it is 5 levels deep and connects all the major shoppping malls.  If you love to shop, Montreal is the BEST.

However, for a really stunning sight seeing experience, take a drive down the road to Old Quebec City.  You won't be disappointed.  It is absolutely FABULOUS.  Buildings that are hundreds of years old, amazing restaurants, cobblestone paths, old time candy stores, Artisans alley and so much more.

If you need a place to stay, try the Hotel Frontenac, its one of the most photographed hotels in the world.  At any rate, whatever you choose to do, have a wonderful time!

HA! HOW TRUE!  I say at least half those things everyday....sometimes all of them in one day!

nt

Hi,
I am currently seeking new teachers for 2009/2010 classes at the EbearZ University.  www.ebearz.com

If you would be interested, I offer a writer's fee and a competitive registration commission.   I am looking for teachers who have a new or interesting skill to teach, or unique items and/or designs that they would like to teach.

I have lot's of information for interested artists, and am open to any and all ideas.  If you have any questions, just pop me an email.    If you'd rather chat than email, you can call me too.

Please email me at  bears135@shaw.ca   or call me at 1 800 566 7266.

Thanks for reading!

nancy tillberg

As part of our Christmas In July Show & Conference, we'll be offering a FREE bear pin workshop. This is a mini bear head converted into wearable art.
If you've ever wanted to learn the basics of miniature bear making, this is your chance!

We've also scheduled a SWAP night for these pins should you wish to trade with your fellow friends and artists. This will take place on July 26th.

Registration is FREE for the workshop, but you have to be registered in order to get a password.
Class starts July 24th.

www.ebearz.com

hugs,
nt

Ted will be a guest speaker during the Christmas In July Online Teddy Bear Show and Conference.
The conference happens from July 24 -27 on North Country Teddy Bears and features workshops, doorprizes and awesome show, Bingo game, pin, ATC and supply swaps, Live Chat and more.

Ted will be a guest speaker in one of the forums on Friday, July 25th at 6:00pm EST.
Location:  www.bid4bears.com/RoundTable
You'll need to register for the forum, but it's easy and it's free.

Again...6:00 PM EST on Friday. 

He's got a wealth of knowledge to share and is a lot of fun to talk with!
If you were a Ted Menten fan like I was (he was my teddy bear making idol when I started out)  then you'll want to join in fur sur!

hugs,
nt

Hi,
I looked at the code under View Source.  Your template code starts about 3/4 of the way down.  It's a pretty complex set of tables that is being used in this template, and it looks like a couple of the tables have their closing tag </table> missing, and the ebay code is sitting in one of these open tables. 

Did you design it yourself and are you familiar with html?   you  may want to have a look at it in  notepad to count the table closings.  I know myself sometimes I can accidentally erase closure tags when I use templates several times.

There are also online programs that you can use to point out any errors in html code.  Here is a link for the MS Developers Toolbar.  You can look at web pages with it to see html errors.
https://www.microsoft.com/downloads/det … laylang=en

The good news is, is that it really doesn't affect how pretty the auction looks, and your work is adorable! :clap:

hugs,
nt

The cheque that was written for the very first bear ever sold, at my very first craft show, bounced! :crackup:
Almost quit then and there about 15 years ago.

However, I became her worst nightmare, phoning everyday. I listened patiently and in the most understanding way to her many excuses... her teeth, her pnemonia, her sick kid, the broken car yadeeyadee yadddeee.    I was very, very nice to her (no I'm not being sarcastic here. I was really, really nice. )  But I phoned everyday.  If she wasn't home, I left a pleasant message telling her I was sorry I missed her, and looked forward to hearing from her regarding her NSF cheque and the associated fees.

About 3 weeks later she had someone drop a replacement cheque by and it cleared just fine. Guess I annoyed her to the point where she thought better of the whole thing.  Luckily that person had lived in the same town as me.  I would never ship to anyone out of town unless the cheque had actually cleared the account. (15 days)

I also lost $750.00 CAD to the same woman who stole Judi's bears.  Sent the bears before I charged her VISA. Once she got wind that the bears were onroute, she cancelled her VISA and left me hanging with a lot of BS excuses about the card being stolen, replaced etc etc etc yadeeyadee yadddeee.  I called and called, and eventually put her into collections.  She just ignored them too.

Long story short, I had a $750.00 loss.

The moral of the story: Never ship without full payment... cleared and safely in your bank account.

Having said that... 99.5% of all people I've ever dealt with are completely honest and don't write bad checks or purposely try to get your bears for free.    The other .5% just don't care about you or anyone else.  Eventually, everyone runs into a bad customer.   It's the other 99.5% that keep you going, and you write the bad ones off on your income tax.  :dance:

hugs,
nt

Thanks again everyone!    I didn't know that Sarah had left the CSI show.  I haven't seen it in a while, but I would miss her on the show.  Really liked her!

hugs,
nt