Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Thanks Sue Ann and Shelli- I forgot to mention that I also shaved small bits of graphite off a pencil to make the bear look dirty in the worn spots
Hugs
Gail

Hi Everyone
Here is a picture of Mitchom , the bear made to look 100 years old. He is made from mohair and stuffed with excelsior( don't want to use that anymore )!!! He has black glass eyes which I took the sandpaper to in order to dull them, snipped the nose threads, left both and ear and an eye dangling and made his joints really loose so he just flops. Claws were also snipped. I then shaved him in places that would wear naturally and then rubbed wet newspaper over those areas.
Hugs
Gail

Hi Shelli
On top of what everyone else has said re distressing mohair you can also soak it well then wring it out and leaving it in the twisted shape you got from wringing it out, put elastic bands around  it to keep it twisted and let it dry that way. I have also used wet newspaper and rubbed it over areas where I have shaved or plucked the bear. I did a bear for a competition here in Toronto which was supposed to look like he was 100 years old ( it was the 100th year of the teddy bear ). This bear took first place in the category If I can locate the picture I will post it here
Hugs
Gail

Hi Sue Ann
What a wonderful first attempt!! You have also managed to keep your trade mark look!!! Look forward to seeing the next one!!! I can hardly wait to try one of these myself. So much to do so little time!!!
Hugs
Gail

Hi Everyone
Thanks so much for your help. Sue Ann I am looking forward to seeing a picture of your finished bear. It was me who bought the book off e-bay that Bry's Bruins had listed and it is on it's way to me now. She also gives you permission to sell bears made from her patterns as long as you give her credit for the design. Sometimes I just like to make something different without having to design it first so I really appreciate artists who do this When I get my first one made I will post it here
Hugs
Gail

Hi Everyone
I am looking for suggestions on how to design an anime head. Does anyone have any ideas??
Hugs
Gail
www.bearwithme.ca

Hi Everyone
Thanks for all of your suggestions- the hunt continues!!!
Hugs
Gail

Hi Everyone
Have any Canadians on this list been able to find the metallic nail polishes and if so where?
Thanks
Gail

Hi Donna
I would highly recommend that you purchase Nancy Tillberg's book" Teddy Bears With A Past" It will tell you everything you need to know about working with real fur. As the book will soon be out of print I would suggest you try to get it sooner rather than later. You could contact Nancy directly from her website www.kranbearys.com
Yes you do need to line every piece and I use muslin for this, you also need a leather needle in your machine. After making fur bears for several years I am just now trimming the muzzle- prior to this I would just trim around the eyes or in the case of long fur use an ultrasuede inset muzzle.
Hope this helps
Hugs
Gail

Hi Shelli
How do the rest of us do your avatar designs???????????
Hugs
Gail

Hi Everyone
Have just joined the list and look forward to meeting many more bear artists and learning a whole lot of new things. Great to also see an area where we can if we wish sell our bears and BUY as well without the e-bay fees!!!!
Hugs
Gail ( Loonie ) Canada:cool: