Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Thx guys.  I started my online bear shop with the sole intention of selling exactly what I had listed i.e. regular bears.  Nearly every sale so far has been a commission, that is a bit out there - and I said I wouldn't get into this! Glad you like him. 

Introducing Sid...

He sports a punky black vest and a red plaid cashmere scarf.  After all who says punk rock can't be classy!  He measures 13 inches from top to toe.

This one was a commission.  I hope you like him!

Gorgeous! So different.  I love her. x

Meet my latest, Albert.  He was finished last week and has finally made it to the website hooray! He has won 'Bearly an entrepeneur of the year 2011' by selling his flowers and hopes to pitch his business in the Dragons Den in the near future (ask a Brit!).  I wish him all the best!

Thank you guys for all your input.  I will look into those magazines asap. I must say I read (and advertise in) the UK mags, Teddy Bear Times and Teddy Bear Annual.  Both are excellent, onwards to the US editions !

Hi Guys,

Please can someone tell me what the 2 main US teddy bear magazines are? I have just started a small ad campaign in the UK mags and really need to start with the US now.  Thanks. 

Hey Everyone, Great news... Fiona has just been featured in Teddy Bear Times UK this month - Now the new business seems very real! Thanks again for all your comments and feedback. x

Thanks guys. 

Sebastian, despite being made from a light sandy coloured mohair is a chilly fellow and likes to wear his purple, cashmere scarf in case of cold weather. His big tan wool felt feet are too big for rain boots but luckily he won't get too much snow where he has gone to live. Sebastian stands at 13.5" tall.

This one I made in a more traditional style. He went  to a brand new home in California.

Amazing. I am completely in love with your steam punk bears! I cannot wait to buy one from your website! 

Really cute, love her raggy doll.

I am fairly new to bear making and very new to the wide world of forums, thank you for your kind words.

Fiona is a 13 inch tall mohair bear. She has chestnut brown wool felt paw pads and a black stitched nose.

I really love how she turned out - my first girl!  I thought I was set to always make boys - As they say a change is as good as a rest!

Thanks for taking a look. 

Thanks guys.  I actually took a trip down to Intercal, this being the second time I have been there.  Everyone I have met there are so helpful.  I have gotta say it is a fab place to go feel the fabrics and just stop for a chat, I love it!

I do normally buy with intercal and just wanted to check that was the correct way to go for bulk.  Thank you for confirming - I am heading in the right direction hoorah!

Thanks guys, as usual super helpful.  Donna - Thank you for your kind offer of help, I am hoping to make it down to San Diego for the show.  I have a heap of supplies to last me until then. Are you there as a seller this year of visitor?

Hi,

I posted a while back and everyone was so helpful.  Thanks to many of you guys who posted a reply recommending I purchase Ted Menten's Teddy Bear Studio, I am now so close to having my own design down and really excited about it.  I now have a new query.... Do bear makers usually buy their supplies wholesale or simply off the shelves of regular stockists? Any advise/info will be gratefully received. Thank you all, happy bear making!

Thanks guys, as always  super helpful. 

Couldn't resist adding this one of my cat Sally who is not afraid of Scarey Bear!

Thank you sooo much guys.  Again super helpful.  I will check out those books and start designing as you all suggested.  I had a free afternoon the other day and I was itching to make another bear.  I had no mohair left so I cut up an old pair of jeans and made an inside out denim bear.  Not a cute, conventional looking bear, but if you wanted to make an evil, scarey looking bear, then this is great fabric to use! Thank you again for your advise.  :hug:

Hi,

Sorry to bug you guys again, but does anyone have any advise on creating teddy bear patterns.  I have made many kit bears and simply don't know where to start with my own.  Is there a good book out there?  Is it trial and error?  It strikes me as really tricky when you take into account the sizing of say the side head pieces and the head gusset and the shape/angles involved in these.

Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks guys.   

Thanks, I will take a look. 

Thank you so much guys.  All really helpful.  I have already been using intercal for some supplies and they are great, for the bits they don't sell I will check out the places you all suggested.  I have checked out a lot of your bears and love them, what an incredibly talented group of people!  I am overwhelmed by the volume of responses.  Thank you all for your time. :hug:

Hi,

I know this will sound crazy but I am struggling to find a vendor in the US for teddy bear supplies such as steel shots, polyester fibrefill, glass eyes, awls, etc. I am new to bear making and so far have purchased from Australia (which is a little pricey for shipping heavier items) and have found a great place for mohair here in California.  If anyone can recommend anywhere for the 'non mohair' necessities, I would really appreciate it. 

All the bears pictured on this site are amazing, I have a long way to go!!!!