Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

I pretty much use ultra suede for all my bears and sometimes I will make the arms without a paw pad and use the actual fur for the foot pads as well.  I will then add needle felted toes and paw pads.  Just gives it a different look

Additional to what was said already make sure your stitches are straight.  If a stitch is outside the 'Line' it could also show when you turn and stuff.

I think Mellisa Bears used to do this.  She would use cloth for the muzzle and then needle felt it as there is no way of poking through the hide easily without damaging it.  Very beautiful effect.

Café is a commissioned bear and she is off to her new mommy.  she is 10" tall and made from a soft synthetic fabric.

She's 9" tall and I wet and needle felted her hat!

Jessi,

If you are designing your own foot pads I just double the length of the bottom of the foot.  I usually cut that length out of a piece of wire and then bend it to the shape that I want.  Sometimes I will also add 1/8-1/4 in to the length for a foot pad that protrudes out a bit at the bottom of the pad. 

Hope that makes sense.

Where in Canada do you live??

Hi Jessi,

I can't see a photo so I'm not sure what's happening.  I know myself it I make the paw pad a little too big it's hard not to get puckering.  I always try and make my stitches very small and in as straight of a line as possible.  Maybe try reloading the picture.

Hope this helps a little.

I've used leather cording before and I've always kind of judged it by the size of the bear and the size of the eye.  I've bought several different sizes to play with.

Your dog is soooooo adorable!!

I once had a custom order for a pink bear, she even picked out the material as I sent her a few pics.  She paid me and once she received it she said it was to pink!!  Long story short I ended up refunding her some money as she was making such a fuss about it and then she turned around and asked if she could put the refund toward another bear! UGH  My answer was NO!! 

This lady still sends me e-mails, not asking for a bear, greeting cards - I don't know why but I just delete them!

I'm so glad that it all worked out in the end!  I knew the puppy would sell without any problems and yes please make more!

Thanks Peter.  I have that site bookmarked and I'm going to be checking daily for when they come available.  I just hope this issue doesn't sell out too fast!

Hi Everyone,

I need to ask a favor!  One of my collectors called me on Monday to tell me that one of my bears was in the Dec issue of TBF. This is the first time that I've sent a photo and I'm very excited that Grayson is in TBF. Unfortunately my subscription ran out in Jun and as I live in a very small town there is no place that sells TBF.

If anyone would be willing to purchase a few copies for me and mail them to me I would be so very very grateful!  I can pay with paypal!!

Thanks!

Welcome back Millie.  So sorry about what you have been through.

Can't wait to see your new creations!

Very cute!!  Love the color!

Adorable!

They are all so wonderful!

WOW  I was sure it was a pic of a real tiger!  Amazing work!

Do you know the style and color codes for the mohair?  Maybe someone had a little piece that we can send to you.

WOW  So beautiful!

Here is Rosco.  A new design for a more realistic look!  His face is needle felted and he has claws that I made however they are black so you can't really see them in the pic.

Hope you like him.

I've tried a few techniques and I've not liked one of them. Very frustrated. I'm not sure if I should have put more coats of modge podge on.

Joanne if you're out there can you jet me know how many coats of modge podge you suggest using. I think I put 3 coats which I'm thinking maybe isn't enough.

I also tried clear nail polish which I wasn't happy with either. UGH

She looks so real!  WOW!    

I've just started one!

I'm so glad you could help out this poor lady.  That bear is a keepsake and it wasn't a very nice thing to steal it.  I hope she gets caught and it is returned to the rightful owner!

I hope this all turns out for the best.  Keep us posted.

Hi Adele,

I use Gutermann 100% Polyester thread for all my bears including real fur.  It is very strong.  I also hand sew all real fur bears.  If the hides are dry you can put Glycerin on the hide to try and re-hydrate it a bit.  I also line all of my real fur bears to give the hide some extra strength.  Both work wonderful.  I buy Glycerin at Michaels but I'm not sure where you would buy it in the UK.  It is sold in the Cake Decorating department as it is used in Royal Icing.

Good luck, I hope the furs are in good shape for you - it's so exciting using something different!