Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Hi Laurin,
I realize this is a really late response to your question and I apologize for that. I have used the safety eyes on child-safe bears in the past and used the Life-Lyk Back from CRs Crafts with them. They work great to recess the eye when using the safety eyes. Hope this helps.
bear hugs...Brenda

Absolutely adorable! I LOVE him!!

Congratulations Peter!....absolutely wonderful!!

I received a similar email from a friend a few months ago. I had a feeling it was spam but wanted to make sure. I didn't answer the email but gave my friend a call instead. I agree Sue Ann...people should do better things with their time.

I also got an email saying that I had a private message from Eddy. When I logged in here, no messages. Thanks Quy for being on top of it! I had a feeling that is what happened when I came here and saw no PM.

Adorable bears Tami! I absolutely LOVE Natashia as well. Your creations are always simply wonderful!

bear hugs...Brenda

Thank you Melanie for this statement. I have been very reluctant to enter the competitions for a this very reason as well as others.

I started creating my bears back in 1993 and had always envisioned myself entering the competitions. Due to unexpected circumstances I stepped out of the teddy bear scene for a number of years. When I made the decision to re-enter in 2006, I was surprised at the 'new' look of the teddy bear. I create a more classic style bear and don't feel they really stand as much a chance for nomination as some of the modern techniques added to the bears that are entered.

I feel that it's important to challenge ourselves and to strive for perfection in our creations. As Paula has pointed out, it takes a great deal of design skill to create a well done classic bear. I agree that there needs to be a category for the traditional or classic bear with possibly a sub-category for those that are dressed.

I totally agree with Melanie in that if the entry fees were a little lower, I wouldn't feel I was out so much if my bears didn't make the nominations. Published recognition (either online or print) would also help in this area.  Paula's suggestion of a master category for the previous winners is a great one as well.

bear hugs...Brenda

Your photos are fine Ann-Marie. What a wonderful group of bears (and elephant too). Can't wait to see your new 'old and loved' collection. Have a great show!!!

bear hugs...Brenda

Hi Michelle,

I don't make the really tiny minis (maybe someday). The smallest bear I currently create is 5 inches. I really like the weighted feel so I use the tiny glass pellets to fill them. I don't use a little pouch either and have never had an issue with the pellets working through the fibers. I really think it's a matter of preference whether to use a pouch to contain the pellets or not.

I do like Clare's idea of using the pantyhose and may have to try that one myself. 

bear hugs...Brenda

I am looking forward to seeing posts of your creations as well Robert. I really don't think you will have any problem getting the loc-line apart. I'm very small-framed myself and generally don't need help. It's only when I've been working too long and hard that my hands get sore and won't cooperate with me. No need for you to race out and get a husband.:crackup:

You're welcome Tracy! I'm glad I could help.

I am looking forward to seeing your new creations using the loc-line armature. I have always felt that the armature gives my bears so much more personality because of the pose-ability it offers them....brings them to life so to speak.

Have fun creating! :hug:

Hello everyone!

I'm glad you've found my post helpful. I need to add that when I use the #SS6 set screws with the 1/2" loc-line, I drill my hole on one side of the loc-line (it doesn't go all the way through). I add a small lock nut to one end of the set screw and insert the other end (the end without the nut on it) through the hole I drilled from inside of the loc-line. If you can picture this, the lock nut sets on the inside of the loc-line with the rest of the set screw poking out. There just isn't enough length to the #SS6 set screw to go all the way through the 1/2" loc-line and the joint discs too. Does this make sense?

For separating the 1/2" loc-line, I just grasp it tightly on either side of where I want it to break apart and bend or just bend it against itself. This has always worked for me unless my hands are too sore from working in which case my husband does it for me. I have been able to use the pliers to separate it but it's much harder than just bending it.

To cut the threaded rods I just used a Dremel rotary tool with a cut-off wheel (which is for cutting metal). My initial thought was to cut it with a hacksaw using a metal blade but the Dremel is much faster and gives a good clean cut....not to mention less elbow grease.

It's me again. I thought I'd do some looking online for the threaded rods I was telling about in my previous post. I found them right away and that's what they are called...threaded rods. Go figure!

Here's a link so you can get an idea what they are...
http://brands.hardwarestore.com/steelwo … spx?page=2

This is the one I purchased except in a shorter length from my hardware store...
http://hardware.hardwarestore.com/27-59 … 54278.aspx

Hi everyone!

I've been using all the different sizes of loc-line for years. I don't use the cotter pins with it but use the set screws as they create a much tighter joint. For the 1/2 inch loc-line, I use the 1 3/4" X 1/8" (#SS6) set screws from Edinburgh with the small lock nuts. I have used these in my 24" bears and haven't had any problem with them being too short although there isn't a lot of extra to work with either. If you're not comfortable with them, I have found at my local Ace Hardware some 12" threaded rods that actually look like really long set screws. I'm not sure what the technical name is for them. The tag on them reads 'Steel Works...All Thread-Plated...10-24-1Ft'. They're a tiny bit thicker than 1/8" but will work great. They can easily be cut to the size you want. I had purchased them before I found the set screws at Edinburgh.

Hope this helps.

My he's handsome!  The colors are absolutely stunning. Whoever wins him in the raffle will be very lucky indeed.

Hi Paula!
I just signed up too and am waiting approval. What a great idea! 

Good for you Daphne!! Sounds like you're on the right track....you go girl!

Yuki is absolutely gorgeous!! Your work is outstanding!.....you are such a gifted artist. I love him! 

Great thread! I totally agree!! It can become so overwhelming trying to keep up with all that is out there and continue to create as well. The internet can steal so much of our day. I too had made the decision to make a list of priorities and stop trying to do it all. It's the best way I have found to keep my sanity but more important, to have time for the important things....like creating. The list of internet activities will continue to grow. Who can keep up?
Bear hugs....Brenda

I love her Tami! She's absolutely adorable!! As always....another awesome Fairy Doogle.

Absolutely adorable!! Your talent amazes me....such perfection! I love them all. 

Hi Nancy!
I am in the same position you are with not many shows in my area. I really have to weigh the cost of travel and lodging when it comes to looking into out-of-state shows. The issue with the economy is a big factor as well. I have found the internet to be my best outlet for sales. Like Melanie Jayne, I have an Etsy shop. I have sold on eBay in the past with success but nothing recently. Another outlet you may like to try is Art Fire. They are fairly new but look very promising. Also, you may want to look into Teddy Patch. They are another online auction sight for teddy bears. If you spend some time looking you can find numerous sights to connect with to get your name out there. Good luck!
Hugs....Brenda

He's a charmer Sue Ann! I love his expression....love his fur. 

He's so cute! I love his expression. As always....another darling!

She's adorable! What a sweet face.