Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Hi,
Here's some info from my past ten weeks of study.... as much of it was devoted to photography.   

Digital cameras use reflected light from your subject to set proper exposure, and work on a principle that, although the overall photo is made of many colors, the AVERAGE of these colors will be 18% grey.  The computer in the camera works to make ALL photos average... or 18% grey.  Consequently, when using natural light,  and when you are photography a very white scene, it appears more grey than white. 

The opposite side of the coin is that when you are photographing a dark scene, (or a dark bear) with natural light,  it appears lighter than it actually is.  (More grey.)  Flash photography changes everything here, and causes ugly shadows to boot, so if at all possible, limit the flash, or don't use it at all.

The solution is to use the exposure compensation button that you'll see on most digital cameras.  For a very white scene, you would increase the exposure by 2-4 clicks ( +2 F Stops.)  For a very dark scene, you would underexpose by 2-4 clicks.  (-2 F stops)  If you don't know what an F stop is, don't worry, just increase by 2-4 clicks of the button. Try several photos using different amounts of compensation (clicks) to see which makes the better photo.  Don't forget to set the meter back to the middle, or 0 when you're done, or future photos will be off the mark color wise.

The exposure compensation button usually looks likes like a little button with a plus and a minus sign on it.  You can read the change in the exposure in your view finder.  Some cameras will also show the changes on your LCD screen on the back of the camera.

If you have a SLR camera, or a more advanced point and shoot, you may also have 'metering mode' choices. For dark subjects, choose center weighted or spot metering.    Each reads the light from a progressively smaller area in the center of the scene, thereby creating more natural color, and limiting that 18% grey cast.

Hope this helps some of you out!

PS... if photographing outside, the sun acts like Flash and causes shadows.  Photograph on an overcast day to eliminate most if not all of the shadows.
hugs,
nancy t

Wow... thank you Dilu and everyone for your words of congratulations!  It really means a lot to me.  I have to say that the last 10 weeks was the most intensive workload that I've ever taken on. We got up at 6:30 (at the latest)  and didn't finish until around 10 pm.  Some people worked their assignments until 1:00 am, but I needed my beauty sleep so I always packed it in before my bedtime.   Because I was so far from home, I had the opportunity to  catch up on the weekends.  The other students all went home, and the college virtually emptied out except for those of us from far away.

I'm really happy to have had the opportunity for this awesome course of study. Yesterday was my first day back at work, and as it happened, my very first assignment turned out to be a major case.  I have to fly to Toronto this afternoon as a result, but am grateful that all my new found knowledge has a chance to be excercised so soon, while it's all still fresh in my mind!

Thanks again everyone!
hugs,
nt

Thanks again

I don't believe there is any one single artist that has the power to drag business to the site.  It is the collective power of many artists that will do this.  If B4B is where the bears are then the collectors will follow.  No one can do it alone... on any site.

hugs,
nt

Bid 4 Bears doesn't have cobwebs... It just doesn't have any artists using it!
I've done my share of promotion, events, prizes etc.  If the artists don't use it, I'm just going to close it.

hugs,
nancy tillberg

Hi,
Dilu... thanks for the words of recommendation. I'm glad you're having fun with it.   It is kind of like magic watching little tags make things happen on the page.

Gail... hang in there... it gets easier. The HTML set the basis for understanding the do-it-yourself  programs.  So even if you get an understanding, but not a mastery of the HTML, you'll still be ahead of the game.  And... you can always call me.   

Shane...  We start with learning the HTML that underlies web design programs.  There are free programs available under the GPL that you can use to then design your site, as well as free photo editing programs.    You can download them if you like, and you'll find that they work in a similar manner to the commercial programs that you can purchase.   We also experiment with a do-it-yourself free program online.

Here's an overview:

A fun class for both the novice bear maker and the more experienced bear-smith who wish to promote their work on the internet.

The workshop will include step by step instruction in the following:

-What you need to create and manage a site
-basic html and practice exercises
-auction template creation
-using free online web designers
-an overview of using commercial web programs and practicing with a web program which is free to download  under the GPL
-blogging
-hand-coding a simple page
-FTP functions and hosting

This workshop also includes an overview of photo editing and storage options.  (photo filter tutorial)

If you're ready to put your business on the web, or are if you're looking to learn the basics so that you can maintain your own site, then this class is for you.

Course Duration: 30 days plus a 15 day grace period.
Course Fee: $55.00

I've already bid on three. So if you want one, you're gonna have to fight me for it!  :crackup:

hugs,
nt

too adorable for words!  I just wanna hug 'em!

nt

Diane Gard used to teach a 'Master Bear Making Class' on a cruise ship. That was about 10 or 12 years ago.  I'm pretty sure those were the only bear cruises I'd ever heard of.

hugs,
nt

Absolutely Gorgeous!

Congratulations!
hugs,
nt

Hey!

Jane...you as the shipper are responsible for filling out an accurate declaration.  Failure to do so is fraud, as it misleads customs in the country to which the item is going to assess incorrect duties and taxes.   They base their duties and taxes on the declared value.

If caught, you face fines,  possible criminal charges,  and run the risk of having your item seized.     Also, for insurance purposes, you can't insure for more than the declared value, so if the bear goes MIA, and declared value is only $45.00.  Then you'll get $45.00 back, but your customer will likely want her $300.00 back.  Once again, you lose.

GOOD FOR YOU for taking the high road, and refusing to be dishonest!

You can find out more by contacting Canada Border Agency  http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

hugs,
nt

Congratulations to all the winners!  Bask in the moment! You deserve it!
hugs,
nt

It is my opinion that a  bonefied company would contact you by snail mail on their letterhead. Sounds like a scam to me.  Money laundering?

hugs,
nt

Hi,
Here is an excellent link for Canadian Patent/Copyright/Trademark law.  Collectively these areas are called 'Intellectual Property Rights.'  This particular link applies specifically to Alberta, but is much the same all over Canada.  (Access other provinces throught their main menu.)  It's a very easy to follow Q&A system of information.

http://www.legalline.ca/Default.aspx?Ta … YiPWoyU%3d

This website also covers many other common issues of law.

Hugs,
nt

Try the online class 'Scrappy' A bear and Fibre necklace. Kathy Myers (minkbears) is the teacher and it's a gorgeous project!

http://www.kranbearys.com/EbearZ/Scrappy.htm

hugs,
nt

Hi,
If the package is addressed to a business, Rev Canada attaches a $5.00 Commercial user fee through customs.  Sometimes they do this regardless of whether it is a gift or not. They're rather inconsistent that way.  But if it's not marked gift, and addressed to the business, expect to pay the $5.00 bucks.

On top of that, you'll pay PST and GST on the full, converted dollar amount.

Anything over $60.00 on a gift gets a duty charge, if duty is applicable. Generally, toys are not on the list for duty, so double check ot see if your receipt is really 'duty' or if it's a user fee plus taxes.

Hope this helps you out.
hugs,
nt

Hi,
Looks like goat to me.
hugs,
nt

Hi,
Actually, I HAVE responded to your emails.  Please check your spam and trash.

I've also PM'd you
hugs,
nt

I have a wonderful Settler Bear that I bought at the lemonade bears benefit last year. They are manufactured plush bears with lots of detail and expression.  I love mine to bits.

hugs,
nt

Bravo!   Good for you!  YOU LOOK FABULOUS!

hugs,
nt

Heartfelt hugs and big prayers coming your way!   Praying for a speedy recovery!
Take care Katrina!  We're all pulling for you!

hugs,
nancy tillberg

I have to say that I watch all the boards with interest to see what comments are made about the B4B site.

Personally, I believe that in 3 weeks, the campaign has shown huge promise.  There have been over 300 new registered users on the site.    That alone is HUGE.     It would be rediculous to think that in 3 weeks B4B would have as many viewers as eBay,  but it IS getting viewers ... and bidders .... and buyers.

Does it mean that every bear will sell?  No.   Many factors have to be taken into account ... there is the price, the reserve, the quality of the photos, and the quality of the work, the type of fur used etc.   Or maybe the right collector just didn't happen to be looking on that day.  And let's not forget the economy. The overall sales in the collectibles  industry in general has been cut in half since 911. 

I believe that a 7 day auction attracts more attention than a 3 day auction...just by virtue of the fact that people have more time to look.  And I know that people are visiting. My stats show that they are.

Our counters count unique hits every 24 hours.   eBay regular counters count everything, including every time you refresh a page.  Smart counters count unique hits every 24 hours...just like B4B.

The purpose of the campaign is to draw collectors over to the site.  The only way that can happen is to list an item and email EVERYONE on your collectors list.  Let them know the bears are there.  Collectively as artists we then have MASS, MASS email power.     If you don't let people know, and if we don't work as a group, the campaign can't work.  As a group we have Artist Power!

The campaign has to continue over time....so that people get used to us being there. One or two listings is not enough.  It needs TIME.

Having said that...I again say, that I believe it's been very successful so far.    There have been some glitches, but that's to be expected, and I've been at my computer almost non-stop in my off time.

Also the ad in TB&F  was published in this past issue, and although I haven't seen it, I understand that it looks great from what I've heard.

Personally, I've listed 2 bears and a book. THe book was purchased 'buy it now.'  One bear went for exaclty what I hoped it would go for, and for the same price it likely would have gotten on eBay.  Bear 2 didn't sell in auction, but sold in the fixed price second chance offer for the reserver price.

Anyway,  suggestions are always welcome, and there is also a support forum open at www.bid4bears.com/RoundTable for anyone who needs help with the site.

hugs,
nt

Hi Michelle

Yes, No and Yes.

I think the first day or two I was obsessing over food, until I realized that I COULD have a hotdog, and I COULD have a slice of pizza or some ice cream.  Over time it became easier and easier to pick out the food choices that I really liked and that would fit into the points system.  I also like my 2 pt glass of white wine with supper...so I try to leave room for that.
Jello makes an awesome fat free white chocolate instant Jello, and I love Kellog's bran bars.  I can't live without my Tim Horton's coffee..w/ cream 2 pts. and their chicken soup is doable for lunch.   Slimfast meal replacement bars satify the chocolate craving at 2 points and I can eat them when I'm on midnight shifts to curb the 3 am munchies.

My brother is also on the plan and lost 60 pounds.  He's kept it off for almost 2 years now.

You HAVE to exercise though.  It builds lean body tissue (muscle) which burns more calories than fat.  And it tones you as you lose, so you don't look all droopy. 

Also, if you exercise in the morning, it gives your metablolism a little 'boost' and it keeps working a little harder the rest of the day!

AND...you can exchange exercise points for food. Yum.  The online portion of WW has a ton of really good recipe suggestions too.

hugs,
nt

Hi Michelle

Yes, No and Yes.

I think the first day or two I was obsessing over food, until I realized that I COULD have a hotdog, and I COULD have a slice of pizza or some ice cream.  Over time it became easier and easier to pick out the food choices that I really liked and that would fit into the points system.  I also like my 2 pt glass of white wine with supper...so I try to leave room for that.
Jello makes an awesome fat free white chocolate instant Jello, and I love Kellog's bran bars.  I can't live without my Tim Horton's coffee..w/ cream 2 pts. and their chicken soup is doable for lunch.   Slimfast meal replacement bars satify the chocolate craving at 2 points and I can eat them when I'm on midnight shifts to curb the 3 am munchies.

My brother is also on the plan and lost 60 pounds.  He's kept it off for almost 2 years now.

You HAVE to exercise though.  It builds lean body tissue (muscle) which burns more calories than fat.  And it tones you as you lose, so you don't look all droopy. 

Also, if you exercise in the morning, it gives your metablolism a little 'boost' and it keeps working a little harder the rest of the day!

AND...you can exchange exercise points for food. Yum.  The online portion of WW has a ton of really good recipe suggestions too.

hugs,
nt

I'm on the points plan. I lost 22 pounds when I initailly started and maintained for about 18 months give or take a pound or two or three.
Now I'm going for the final 10 pounds, to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight.  I use the online plan and am currently allowed 20 pts per day plus the weekly extra.  I like the online support forums and the online newsletter. I found them helpful.

I find that walking about 40 minutes a day REALLY helped me.  It seemed to lower my appetite.  When I can't walk, I use the eliptical trainer for about 15 minutes.  I've just added weights as well, which I had neglected since I had kids.

Email me if you want to compare notes!
hugs,
nt

My daughter has 7 webkinz.  They're awesome. Really got her involved with the computer and has improved her computer navigation and typing skills.  She loves them!

hugs,
nt