Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Oh good luck Jane! Sounds like it's a fairly simple operation, so you should be fine!  I think any surgery sounds scary though!

Good luck, and let us know how you get on!!!

Danni

LOL Marie - it's not fancy fancy, but I think it's pretty enough! I'm happy iwth it!

Thanks for your comments though - you are such a sweetie!

Do you think that type of show will be beneficial for selling bears, and getting known in the community?

Have you ever been to a trade show before?  Personally, I wouldn't have ever thought of exhibiting at a trade show - so I'm interested in hearing about it.

Danni

Hi Everyone,

I thought this might be a good topic, something a little different.

I am wondering how inspires you in the bear world?  I know we all get inspiration on the board, looking at eachother's work and discussing bears.

But, what I'm wondering is, who's work do you really speaks to you?  There are so many different styles out there, that while you might like most bears, you probably aren't as crazy about some as you are others.

Plus, when you first started making bears - there had had to have been artists that you really looked up to, and would like to have their style.  We all know, everyone has their own style, but some people's bears look similar to other peoples bears.  For example, I think Shelli's work looks similar to Michele Lamb's, I think Louise's looks similar Laura Lynn's bears - I'm not saying one person is copying another person's style, they just look similar.

So, who really inspires you?  Has it changed over the years?

So spill!
Danni

How big is he by the way?

Oooh Shelli - that is gorgeous!!!! I am sure you'll have a win under his hat!  Great bear, just adorable

Oh good luck Louise - it must be so exciting for you.  My dream is to one day do a show!!!!!!  My concern is my health, the cost, and ... of course... what if I don't sell a bear!! AHH!!

Rita - good luck - I'm sure everything will go - a-okay!  Let us know how it went when you're able

Oh I use Paint Shop Pro - love the program!!!!  For my web design, I use a program that is so simple, and so easy to use that it's not funny.  It comes attached with the browser, Netscape Communicator, and for anyone who doesn't know how to make a very technically involved webpage, it's wonderful!!!!!!  I am not really a beginner in web design, but I still don't know how to make a fancy webpage, but I'm happy with what I'm able to achieve with the program.

Hope this helps!
Danni

Ooh what a gorgeous looking bear!! Lucky you Dilu!

hahaha, hey I don't care if they look like me...

I know one thing though... I DO look like my sister LOL  Guess that's to be expected since we're identical twins and all.. 

Love,
the Foxy Danni ... (I'm using that ALL the time now Shelli! LOL)

hahaha, hey I don't care if they look like me...

I know one thing though... I DO look like my sister LOL  Guess that's to be expected since we're identical twins and all.. 

Love,
the Foxy Danni ... (I'm using that ALL the time now Shelli! LOL)

Gee Sue-Ann, they are all wonderful bears.  I'm not sure how much of a difference the double jointed neck makes..... Could be just in the photos it doesn't "pop" out at you!!

The pulled toes are fantastic - I don't think many people can pull off that look very convincingly...  I mean, a lot of pulled toes are really wrinkly and not soo great.  But yours are great!!!!!!!!!  I think it's a personal thing - I am not really into the look, but if you like the look, then you'll love the bear with the pulled toes.

Those are just my personal opinions, so since I'm not crazy about the pulled toes look, I'd probably go for the first.. I know I'm not in the majority though!

Ooh thanks everyone!!  You're all so sweet!!  I really appreciate your kind words.

Daph - I don't think I usually look like my bears - I have big eyes, but they look small in the photo, 'cept of course i have their tummies :mad:

Shelli - you should be pleased you got the blonde hair!!!   I know I would be, but yet, no-one is happy with what they have!

Thanks again girls!
Danni

Welcome to the board Shari, you'll love it here!!!

Hahhaha, that's so funny!  Thanks Eileen!!  Clever little poodle.  Funny thing is, poodles never look *that* smart LOL 

Oooh you girls are so sweet.  Firstly thanks to Daphne for posting the message!!!!   Very sweet of you!

Thanks to EVERYONE who wrote!!  I must admit I did see most of the photos this morning, but needed to head out the door, so I could only write now.  I'm very pleased with the article, a little embarassed though LOL  It is lovely that you all are so supportive.

Oh okay , here's a photo of me.. *gulp* Only because I was sooo pressured into it.

Thanks everyone, you've really made my day!!!!!

RE: Chocolate Mud Cake reciepe.  A couple of hints, while the cake is cooling in it's tin, cover the top with a teatowel so the cake sweats - it makes a much more muddier cake.  The cake also goes well in the fridge overnight.

As for icing, I usually make a Ganache which is the same quantities of thickened cream and cooking chocolate (milk or dark).  Put into the microwave together until the chocolate has melted.

Very popular with Aussie cake decorators because it holds up well to our heavy fondant covered, heavy icing flowers...

Okay Girls, here it is:

200 g butter
200 g  Cooking Chocolate
1 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup hot water
2 Tbsp Instant Coffee
1 cup plain flour
3/4 cup self-raising flour
1/2 cup  Cocoa
2 eggs, lightly beaten

Method

   1. Preheat oven to 160°C. Grease and line a 24cm springform pan.
   2. Place first five ingredients in pan, stir over low heat until sugar has dissolved and mixture is smooth, cool.
   3. Fold in sifted flours, NESTLÉ Baking Cocoa and eggs.  Pour mixture into prepared pan.
   4. Bake for 1 hour until cooked, cool completely in pan before turning out.  If desired, dust with cocoa.

Uh yeah, somewhere! I shall find it and send it to you.  It's a heavy chocolate cake. totally decadent!

Oh sounds Delish! Almost sounds like an Aussie Mud cake

Ohh lovely to hear from you Wanda.  It's great to know that even if people are too busy to participate, they are still reading and enjoying the board.

Danni

LOL I'm with Kirsten, they do look like your bears Judi!

Yes, I'm chicken, what can I say? I'm not as gorgeous as the ladies here!

Danni

Wow you ladies are inventive, looks like Shelli has some things to go on!

I have a box bag   I made it myself, and I just used a draw handle - It's painted in lumieres and has photos of Classic Movie stars.  What fun!

I just wanted to wish Shelli luck - sounds like an awesome project!

wow Louise, that is FANTASTIC! Great news!!!!!!  Now hopefully you'll be a little more confident?

I love the fact that even though I'm so new to selling, I have already had a couple of people come back for more. Now, that has to be the biggest compliment!!!

You GO GIRL!  (gee, now I'm sounding like a yank!)
Danni

Hi Louise,

I'm guessing Australia is far to way away, because I could be your son's perfect match LOL

Hey someone who understands bear making would be perfect.. he doesn't mind your bear making does he?? LOL

What a clever idea!  But gee, put some ears on the bear!!  They never look right until they have their ears!  Looks like it's going to be a stunning bear Shelli!