Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

In one of my former jobs, I was a display designer for boutique stores, so I'm always fascinated by how people display their bears at shows. I'm so bad, I don't plan out anything and just play during the setup time at the show so you can take my observations with a grain of salt!

I have seen gorgeous displays with bears obviously made to match the display elements. The problem with that is something happens in the collectors subconsious mind that says "If I take that bear, the beautiful display will be ruined" and they will walk away! I've seen it happen in all sorts of retail settings with all kinds of products.
Your bears should be what people see, not your display elements - if customers are commenting more on the quilt your using as a table topper than your bears- get rid of it!
As a general rule, if you do strongly coloured bears (red, blue yellow etc) I would do a very simple monochromatic muted back ground like tan, black or even an olivey green and your risers should be the same colour.

If you do traditional colours, you can opt for a stronger background (although black would still work).

Cheryl

Oh Man....how cute would that be? Not hard to tell we're Canucks eh?

Cheryl

Don'tcha just love CRAFTSTER?   

Cheryl

Yes, its legitimate. They are a very organized group and I donated a piece once several years ago. There should be a website somewhere....http://www.rmhcofalbany.org/

Cheryl

Hi Catherine
While looking around the world of blogs tonight I came across thisdollmakersmuse.blogspot.com/2006/11/free-pattern.html
It looks pretty simple and the effect is really pretty!

Cheryl

My DH, up until recently, was a Private Investigator and he frequently came home with stories about women he investigated (or were near by when he was on survelliance) who were obviously blissfully unaware of what was going on around them. He said they loaded up their arms with packages and babies and bags and then would walk right next to a parked van with blacked out windows - just a tragedy waiting to happen. He is always after me to look at the cars around me when I park somewhere or even take notice of the cars parked on our street and make 2 trips with bags so I can always be mobile if I need to get away quick.
Thanks for the reminder Jodi!
Cheryl

Isn't that an amazing story? I saw it at church as an example of team work. Thanks for sharing it again-lots of lessons to be learned!
Cheryl :rose:

That is so cool! It almost doesn't look real....

Cheryl

Hi Cat
Love,love, love the fish!     I read on your blog about how you did the fins....really interesting...I never would have thought to do them that way! :clap:
Cheryl

My advice is to LISTEN to what their expectations are and to spell out VERY CLEARLY in writing what your expectations are. I'm glad Shelli and Bobbie had such a great experience with them but I know of others that would not echo their glowing recommendation.
Cheryl

Then ALL I can say is that she is ALL CRAZY to have passed up the opportunity to own an ALL BEAR!
She sounded a little 'off' so I think you are better off all the way around.

Cheryl

I like it! Do you have a set date Lisa or just an open ended challenge?
Sounds like fun!

Cheryl :rose:

I know this is a really simple silly thing but I thought it was great(I'm also easily amused and confused ):
I was at the farmers market and was looking for beeswax. I know its old fashioned, but I find when I run my thread through it a little, it seems to strengthen the thread, help it  run smoothly through the leather and it smells good.
The lady at the organic honey stand only had a large 12"x6"x6" block and couldn't cut it. She asked me what I wanted it for and I explained. She grabbed a tealight candle and pulled the wick out and said "wouldn't this work?" Perfect premade hole to wax your thread! :doh:  :doh:  :doh:

Cheryl

I think its amazing that we are still amazed by this 103 years later!! Think how revolutionary film still was......

Way Cool!
Cheryl :rose:

Too, too funny....of course I'm no where near 50....ahem!

Cheryl

:clap:  :clap: Well, yay you! That's fantastic...I'll have to get a closer look! :clap:  :clap:

Cheryl

Little bit puppy for me...but whole lot cute bear!
She might inspire a 'taffy pull'  

Cheryl

:redface:    :redface:    :redface: 

Cheryl :rose:

Congratulations Cat! How exciting for you and your family

Cheryl

Although I hardly think that people automatically think of me when they think "cool" :rolleyes:...
I think they're really cute and babyish without being 'precious'. We have some floating in our backyard pond.

Cheryl

I'm really not a big fan of "outing" someone but if they truly feel that they are in the right on this then I think they should step forward and admit it.
So.....What do you think the chances are that that will happen?????  

Cheryl

As I think I said when Bobbie was going through something similar with someone's lapse in judgement and common sense, I like to believe that people do things out of ignorance not out of malice (although I admit in this case, I would have to really really want to believe it.... )

I just can't believe that someone would think this was somehow OK to do this and they wouldn't get found out or that their TACKY ploy to gain sales would be successful. I guess this is a good lesson for all of us.

So so sorry this happened to you... did the customer believe your explanation?
I hope you have a better day today!
Cheryl

They look great Edie! Can't wait to see you & them-ahem...how did you manage to 'borrow' your BearFair sign?   :crackup:
See you in a couple of days,
Cheryl

So... I'll be the first to say thanks! It has been a while since I made bears for a show and not just for orders- it was so hard and I didn't get nearly done what I had planned but in the big scheme of things that doesn't really matter. I am looking forward to just being with everyone and having lots of fun 'cause in the end if it isn't fun (and I have done shows that were so not fun) there's no point. I did a show in Florida with an open bar-I kid you not- and it was such a slow show that almost all the artists were a bit schnockered by the end!
I am heading off for 2 weeks in the Rocky Mountains right after the show but I'll take lots of  :photo:  as I'm sure everyone will and I'll see if I can find a way to post before I get back home.
Best of luck everyone- wish you were here Tammy!
Cheryl

I think Ali had a good idea about 'testers' for your patterns. I know there are folks that can't follow a pattern or directions to save their lives(that would be me :redface: ) and folks that get enormous pleasure in using patterns and get great results- I would find some of each and get an honest critique. I know Jane Perala here on TT has had great success with her patterns -maybe check with her? I'm sure you'll do great!
Cheryl