Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Thank you all for your cards, they are much appreciated. I am sorry that I haven't responded earlier but my much loved brother in law, Bob was in hospital, terminally ill with cancer. Sadly he died early on Boxing Day.

Geraldine

I'm guilty of not dropping in of late, but then I never did join in too much with discussions - being an amateur I didn't always feel I had anything constructive to add.  I loved checking the cute pic of the day, but I never seem to have the time these days.  My job now takes a lot of my time and my elderly mother seems to need more attention so it gets harder.

cheers,
G

Wow! that's one very cute, and very well travelled penguin!

For my Christmas swap ornament, I made the side muzzle pieces from a different coloured, long pile mohair, the trimmed around the mouth.

http://www.teddy-talk.com/viewtopic.php?id=43725

He's about half way up the tree, on the right hand side - with a dark red hat and ruffle.

cheers,
G

I've never managed to get a paypal account working to buy anything.  I've never tried to sell anything.

I had thought of getting a separate bank account specially for internet use, but haven't yet done it as I've managed to avoid using paypal so far.

cheers,
G

The shape of the gusset may be the problem.  A mouse has a very triangular head, while a bear has more of a distinct step in the shape of the face - not sure if I'm making this very clear.  A teddy's muzzle usual has a distinctive step where it joins the face.

Also, the position of the eyes can have an effect.  I was once given a bear with a triangular shape gusset and the eyes set too high - I'd have said it was a mouse or rat if I hadn't been told it was meant to be a bear.

cheers,
G

Hi,

does anyone have a copy of Scallywag, designed by Mandy Davis of Bedspring Bears for Oakley Fabrics?

I have the pattern, but I'm missing pages 2, 3, and 4 of the instructions - I must have put them somewhere safe, but have moved house since then....    :doh:

I'd appreciate it if anyone can help me out 

Cheers,
G

I need glasses for distance (or wear my contacts), and use reading glasses for sewing, reading and any other close work.

I asked my optician for bifocals with a distance bit at the top so I can see the television, and reading glasses at the bottom so I can sew.

I had some old frames (not the most flattering I have to admit!), and she put the new lenses into the old frames so they were not to expensive.  Now I can comfortably sew while watching television.

cheers,
G

Wow!  He's gorgeous!

Out of control?  It's when they take over the whole house that you can start talking about being out of control!  If I tried to confine mine to a cabinet they'd just laugh at me, and probably put me in the cabinet!    :crackup:

cheers,
G

Thanks to everyone for the Christmas cards, I love getting them from around the world.

Geraldine

Each year some of the bears dress up in Santa outfits, and occasionally paper hats have appeared!

Also some of the girls pinch the bows off the crackers.

cheers,
G

Sandra, aka Helen,

I'm so glad you like him  , and I'm absolutely gobsmacked that he's arrived so quickly!  :clap:

cheers,
G

I've had a parcel all the way from Switzerland!

Francesca has sent me Natale, a beautiful red Christmas bear!  He's gorgeous!         

Now I just need to work out how to add his picture....

Oh dear!  Not just one recipe, but two!

Damn, I'll just have to make both - just to test them you understand.

cheers,
G

Thanks Karon,

Just need to pack him up and send him off on his long, long journey!

Have a look at the Bear Bits website.  I know that Jean uses different coloured inserted muzzles, but she carefully selects a mohair of the same type (but different colour and length), and then blends them by airbrushing.

http://www.bearbits.com/

Mine is ready, just waiting for a place to go...

Sadly I never found out if the ornament I sent ever arrived, as the recipient hasn't posted since saying she wanted to take part in the swap.

Therefore I am very reluctant to take part again....

cheers,
G

If you are widening the footpad, and curving the bottom of the foot out, you may also need to make the foot deeper to allow for spread, depending on how wide you go, otherwise your bear may end up with a very flat foot 

cheers,
G

No worries.

Happiness is a joint that isn't floppy!

I confess I haven't sent mine yet.

Note to self - go and get some postcards - soon!

cheers,
G

Have you seen 'Bear: The Ultimate Artist's Reference' by Doug Lindstrand?  there are fabulous photos and line drawings, brilliant for designers to help you get an understanding of real bears.

cheers,
G

The fur appears to be a man-made fibre which has been 'well loved'.