Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Thanks Becky,
I did send Johanna a message - just waiting to hear back.  She does have some lovely greys posted!!

Nice work Becky - Congrats

Hello,
It's been ages since I've logged in - years infact. 
I'm wondering if anyone might have some mohair in their stash that they would like to part with - I'm looking for a specific colour -  intercal code 581S  slate blue or something close to it (I'm fairly flexible with the mohair type/quality - it's the colour that's important).

Cheers
Laurie

Koolaid is a  very quick and easy introduction to dying, with some yummy results.  I've not tried it on fabric, but have used it extensively on my handspun angora, with great success.  The only consideration I would have with teddy bear fabrics is that the backing is cotton (plant fibre) and the nap is mohair/wool or alpaca (animal fibre), which will not take the dye the same or at all (but this could be a desirable  affect). 

Try a few samples, it will be fun, if nothing else.

Laurie

I came across this source for kapok and remembered Michel had been looking for a source.  I have been dealing with this company for years and have found them very good.  Here's the link;

http://www.feltpro.net/page4.html

The kapok is about $30. per 10 lb. pack  MORE than the natural cotton - not sure how this compares.

Hope this helps someone out.
Laurie

Michele,
He is just wonderful.  You've done an amazing job!

Laurie

For me it's vintage fabrics and notions, as well as colours and textures.  I love, love,love texture - fine, soft and smooth.  Can't keep my fingers off.

Laurie

:crackup:
Cyndee, that's so funny - I guess I wasn't so bad off - At least  I didn't have anyone bothering me for a  hot spot - I was in what is considerd Northern Ontario, Canada!

Laurie

Yes.... grooming was a blast.  I learned a lot from that business.  Not only was I more aware of the "don'ts" of naming a business, I'm actually pretty handy with the clipping and scissoring my bears!
Never a wasted experience.
Laurie

I have to agree with Michele.

Let me tell you a story about a business name.
Many years age (in a previous life) I purchased a dog grooming business from a freind.  The business was quite profitable so,  I did not want to change it's name, as I would already be changing it's location.  Let me tell you - I had to defend that name at every confrence/workshop I attended.  "As long as the customers keep comming..." I would have to say to all the smirking faces. I always cringed when I had to go to the local vets to deposit my little pile of business cards.
The business was named after the working conditions/facility.  It was in an unventilated upper level of a feed store.  A very "HOT SPOT".   My freind didn't think about the name's other meaning and went ahead in ordering business cards.  BIG MISTAKE!   For those who  might not know what a "hot spot" is -  it's a very ugly, fleshy, wet, heat rash that dogs get.

Live and learn.

Laurie

A monkey with a molded, felt face would have to have been one of my more challanging critters - that and a pony with more than my normal # of pieces.

Laurie

All of these bears are looking so wonderful!!  Swaps are so much fun!

My wonderful bear arrived today - I'm so excited!   Marigold is a bear who thinks she's a bee.  I love her to pieces.
Nichole (Blueberry Creations) did a magnificent job. I'm in awe of the workmanship and imagination that went into this little girl.  (I'll let Nichole post her pics with details).  Thtank you Nichole.

Laurie

Thank you all.  I'm so pleased you like him.

Laurie

I was so excited to send Nichol's bear off, that I posted him without taking any photos.   :redface:   But thankfully, Nicole supplied some.

Linous is one of my  12", distressed bears. and is made of german milled wool, which gives him a very "old" feeling.  I started out with a particular idea/design  in mind, but when it came tome to make it - my fingers led me to a different design and fabric.

Thank you Tanja for organizing this swap -

Laurie

I like to think of the glass as 1/2 full.

The economy has definately taken it's tole, but the # of shows and # of attendants (collector) showing up has been on the decline for a few years here in Canada. 

Sadly, some of the great artists who were selling a lot of bears are now retirering, as they no longer find it pays -sales are not meeting their expectations.  This is a terrible loss to the teddy bear industry. 

NOW, as an artist who is  fairly new at selling (past 4-5 years), this is were the glass looks 1/2 full for me. Doors are opening more easily.  I like to think that it's because of my artistry, but I can't ignor the fact that there is less competion.  Please don't misunderstand me - I would rather not see the great artists leaving the scene.  They  attract many collectors, they are an inspiration and they drive other artists to be the best they can be.  They are the industry.  But in this time of doom and gloom, I like to see the positive.  It keeps me going.  So, I'll be hanging in.

Laurie

I have made a ball jointed doll and had always intended on using the technique on bears.  The doll was ball jointed at elbow, wrist, ankle and knee.  It was quite posable (and held it;s place).   I took an online class to learn the technique. Try a Google search for "Judy ward ball jointed doll" for more info.

Hope this helps
Laurie

Thanks for checking out that site - they have somereally neat looking eyes as well.
My show is this Sunday - After that, I'm onto the new bears and will be trying out the eyes I bought.  I'll let you know how they work out.

Laurie

Okayyy, so it's back to Schoepfers.

I love this place - saves a person so much time!

Laurie

That's a new supplier for me - I hadn't come across that site in my search.
I did get my order of eyes in from Schoepfer's.  They were extremly helpful and I was very pleased with the product.  I ordered a few different types and sizes, and I found their sizing description of eyes with whites  to be reliaby.  (their 10 mm for what I would normally have used a 7mm).  I intend on ordering more from them, but will certainly check out artistique.com .  Who knows what I'll find there! :dance:

Laurie

I too have been trying to track down this CD.
I'v sent off an e-mail to one of the links provided (Swiss teddy Festival).
I'll let you know if I have any luck.

Laurie

Sounds good!   I'm in.

Laurie

SO, would anyone here be interested in making something other that what they make now?

Sounds like a lot of fun!  I joined TT mid Dec. so this is new for me.   I would be interested in taking this challange - if the deadline is July or later.  I have 2 projects floating around in my head that are just screaming to be let out. 
Would the subject have to be a different anilmal than we normally make, or would a completely different style of the same animal be acceptable? -

Laurie

One source to the problem may be that your bear's snout (- the mohair part) is the rong shape - (possibly too pointy or not centered), causing the stitches to fall off the nose template. 

Another reason may be that ithe snout is too loosely stuffed, in which case,  the stuffing may be moving as you work the embroidered nose.  Try different stuffing types in the tip of the nose, until you find one you like the feel of and can get the stitches through nicely.

Noses are a big challange, so don't get descouraged.  And don't be afraid to cut out a job you're not happy with - the nose is on the best part of your bear!   Practice, peactice, practice.  (boring, I know, but it really is the case).

Good luck
Laurie

I had just spotted him on e-bay before logging on here -  What a stunning bear!.
I am amazed at how you do such wonderful work.

Laurie

Yes, the iris:white proportions do vary between manufacturers, so even if they specify if their measurments are with whites or not, the iris may still varie considerably!