Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Thanks everyone. I M LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING MANY OF YOU IN jANUARY. rAEWYN.. THANK YOU AND DA cHIEF FOR THE HUGS!
DARN there are those caps again. Merry Christmas friends!

I know I haven't been here much lately. It has been the slowest bear making year ever, but I am still hanging in there. I hope to see some of you in San Diego in January. Who's going?
Sonya

Jenn, He is just BEAUTIFUL!!

Edie, Hi.. I just wanted to say that it is NOT your bears. I am convinced it is the economy. It's not that it is slow in the summer... or too close to Christmas, or too close to tax time.. it has been like this for the last 2 years and I see no end in site. I am still making bears and going to shows and losing more money than ever... but feel as long as I have a mohair stash, I keep making them. Just when I am about to quit, I get a few custom orders and that keeps me going. I have to say though, that I don't seem to feel the same enthusiasm and I am sad about that. I am thrilled when I get a custom order because I know THAT COLLECTOR likes my bears or they wouldn't have asked. I really hesitate to list on ebay much because I am losing so much money in listing fees. I just try to keep my chin up and pray that after the election, the economy will improve.

Judi.. was that fun or what? Mike and I went on a mexican cruise and went swimming with the dolphins in Alcupolca.. looks like you had a great time!

Congratulations Jenn! How wonderful for you!

Shelli
As far as I know there is nothing that says that one artist cannot represent more that one artist at thier table. Many do just that. I know that The Bruin Sisterhood do that at times.. (Donna, correct me if I am wrong). Also the bear scout (Felicia-(623) 236-8808)  represents many artists. Her email address is Imustwrite@aol.com

I am sure Connie or Amber will be happy to answer any questions. They have always been ready and willing to help over the phone.. Give them a call.
Sonya

PS Shelli, send me your email address and I will forward you a copy of the contract.... remeber tho.. this is the contract for the show as it WAS. I am sure Amber or Connie could answer your questions and would be more than happy to listen to your concerns and work with you.

The best info I can give is that the show was scheduled for August 9-10, 2008. I do not know the new location (it was previously held at the Scottish Rite center on Camino Del Rio South (to the east side of hotel circle)) I do NOT know the new location, but the hotels that they book rooms in is in the same area so I am assuming it will be within a block or two of the Hotel Circle area. I also am making the assumption that she means ALL ARTISTS who are interested to please contact by Friday. I am sure they do not have to make a positive commitment until it had been decided that the show will go on. So I am urging you, if you are even considering it, please contact ABC before Friday and they can give you exact details. Here is the contact info I have for them

As you all know the announcement by ABC to retire has put a lot of us in a tailspin. I just got the folowing letter from ABC concerning the San Diego show. If we ever needed to band together as artists, it needs to be now.. before FRIDAY! If you ever considered doing this show, NOW is the time. I am afraid if the San Diego show goes away, it will be all downhill from there. San Diego has always been considered one of the TOP shows anywhere. If we all band together, we could really possibly turn this whole downswing around. Please read and pass this info on to every bear artist you know.

Sonya

Here is the letter

Dear Friends,

Connie and I have been inundated with phone calls from John Port regarding the San Diego show in August.  We truly do not want to give up the show, but found it necessary to withdraw because of the lack of response in signing up for the event.  We just could not go forward with so few vendors.  However, we have been back and forth on the phone with John and another facility at which to host the show (we would not continue at the Scottish Rite because of the dramatic increase in cost of rental) and there is a possibility that we will go forward with the event.  We will know by this Friday May 16th and will let you know the same day.  We hope that all of you who have already signed up will hang in there with us and you will encourage anyone you know that has planned on doing it but has not signed up to do so by this Friday.

We are so sorry to have put you all in this awkward situation.  We really do want to continue with the San Diego shows.  Connie and I have had many a tearful conversation before and since this decision was made.

Please let us know if you are willing to go ahead by this Friday. (The fees will remain the same $245 for a single table, $365 for two tables, $465 for 3 tables and $135 for 1/2 table).  The facility we would be using is right across the parking lot from the hotel we would be using and everyone is very familiar with both.

Thank you all for your continous support.

Warm regards,

Amber and Connie

I am in tears reading your words of encouragement. I just don't know what to do.  Even in Nevada City, I only sold one bear at less than $100. I didn't hear too many more doing a lot better. I LOVE that show and already paid to do it next year too, so I have to do it or lose that money too. With the expenses of over $700 not counting gas for a 16 hour round trip. I lost a LOT.Ebay costs along with the way lower prices are putting me at a loss there too. I am all for continuing, but I just don't know how. It really is zapping my self confidence and I feel like my bears are not desired. It is easy for US to say they are... we are always so supportive of each other..... But I am not seeing it in sales. And because of this, I have been letting people get away with using my generosity. I have a collector that ordered 2 big bears well before Christmas that are still sitting at my house waiting for payment after excuse after excuse. I was going to take them to Nevada City and she begged me not to and told me over and over that the check was in the mail, that she got a new accountant at work and they didn't get paid (3 times in 6 months???) But what else am I going to do with them?? BIG bears are hard enough to sell. and 1 yard of quality mohair in each iis a huge waste of my money. I was SHOCKED when I sold a bear (one of my sailors) on ebay last week. I only had to list it once, but then again it is a 28 inch bear that sold for $225, so with the expenses and cost to have it a featured item, paypal's cut, etc... you all know I made nothing on the bear.  I just don't know what else to do. I cannot justify advertizing anymore.,  Lately, I seem to be making a bear, then donating it somewhere because it doesn't sell.. or giving it away to one of the grandkids for birthdays, etc.

Gladys,
I just don't see how I can stay in business. It has been so slow. I am trying to give ebay another try but we all know how slow that has been too. Last year my business was the worst year ever. I took a HUGE loss. It was even worse than myu first year. San Diego wwas always my best show and with it gone, I just cannot affored to travel to out of state shows. It costs so much to travel and if I don't even make up my travel expenses, I am just sinking money from my retirement into a lost cause. I LOVE making bears, but haven't sold a bear from my website in I don't know how long although I used to be able to not even keep one on my website. I DID just get an order from Germany for 2 of my big sailor bears, but after that I am seriously thinking of placing my supplies on ebay and calling it a day. I have a lot of thinking to do and this has gotten me so bummed. I think I just need to get over the shock as I have been in tears every time I even think about it.
Sonya

I am so bummed about this! I do this show twice a year and it is where most of my sales are from. Now I am only left with the Nevada City show once a year. I am seriously considering hanging up my needle..

Rainbow was upset because I didn't show off her princess dress that I made for her.

One year ago today my sweet babies were born.

Beamer on the left and Rainbow on the right

aww thanks.. I have missed being here. Sheesh.. I retired from my day job and have LESS time! lol

Well you guys KNOW that I cannot miss an opportunity to show of the babies. They will be 1 year old on April 9th. We will be taking them to Nevada City with us since we are staying in a little cabin up there at the Nevada City inn.

Beamer in his Valentines vest

Beamer and Rainbow (Beamers shirt says, What happens on the sidewalk, stays on the sidewalk"

Rainbow learning to stack

Another of Rainbow

We took her to her first show last weekend and had her evaluated by 2 handlers.  They think she would do well in the ring so we will be working with her. She did great on a lead for the first time at the show, but when I tried with her at home, she plopped her little butt down and said NO WAY!

Just seems like life is always in the way. That, and everything has just been so SLOW! I have about given up on ebay. But since I enjoy the shows so much, you will find me there. Hope to see some of you in Nevada City this coming weekend

Sonya

I can imagine how silly I will look when I start smelling 24 little paws. lol

Now Luann.. it was NOT me that made that teddy roll! I stood at my table after that and saw him roll at least 3 more times! lol.... so will you be wearing YOUR ruby slippers in Nevada City?

NO TOTO! Oh no my little pretty!
We had such a great time! Can't wait for Nevada City!

I will be there! I just booked a CABIN at the Nevada City Inn. I wanted to get a suite at the Outside Inn, but they didn't have one available that we could take the pups with us. So we decided to try the cabins at the Nevada City Inn. They sound like they are really nice . Dorothy it will be good to see you there and Shel.. darn.. I will miss seeing your bears! But I do hope to see you.
Sonya

Hey Shel! I am the heck fine! Just have been busy with babies (puppies) and Christmas. Had 33 people at my house for Christmas dinner! Holy moly! Anyway, then did a quick trip to Phoenix to deliver Christmas presents. While I was there, my 3 yr old granddaughter Caidence fell in love with the momma of the babies (Sunshine). At one point me and Lindsay noticed Caidence was missing. So was Sunshine. Then we heard her bedroom door shut. By the time we got to her room, Caidence was standing in front of her play kitchen and said, "I don't know where Sunshine is. I AM NOT COOKING HER" LOLOLOL Lindsay reached over and opened the little play oven and out jumped Sunshine. Caidence started crying and said Momma, I WUV Sunshine. I want to keep her pwease!  Poor baby...

Anyway, had a great trip and now I have one week to get ready for San Diego, then getting ready for Nevada City. Finally booked a room yesterday. I booked a cabin at the Nevada City Inn. Will be bringing Momma Sunshine and the babies with us. Are you going to be there?

Sonya

Thought you all would like to see how beautiful the babies have grown. I can't believe they are almost 9 months old now. First is Rainbow this morning after her bath

And last is Beamer again this morning after his bath

Sonya

I am so excited! Had to run the dogs to the groomer this morning. I came home and there was a package by my door.,,,... It was my MIMZY! Thank you Daphne! I was going to contact you to see when Mimzy would be arriving, then forgot. So I was thrilled to see it finally made it! Thank you so much! I love it!
Sonya

Thank you so so much Tracey! I love it! This adorable ornament came from Tracey Smith of Bears by Tracey in New Zealand. Isn't it adorable?

Sonya