Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

I'm sorry about your bear!  Unfortunately some less expensive furs just do that.  Maybe someone else has any ideas?

Sorry this is so late!

You can also try Facebook.  There are some Facebook groups for selling artist bears.  There's also a site called https://www.bearpile.com/

Hi,

When I make memory bears out of sweaters I like them with a similar color felt for stability. 
Sweaters often tend to ravel when cut.  I use fray check on the edges of the pieces right after cutting them to keep the edges intact.

He is adorable!

I have used what is called "core wool" for stuffing my small bears in the past and really liked it. I can't get it anymore.

Then I started using Morning Glory stuffing and love it.  It's a dry stuffing (it is NOT coated with silicone like Polyfil is) and I am able to stuff firmly with it.  I'd say if you have some wool roving, to try it!  There is no problem using wool to stuff especially when mohair is a type of wool anyway

He's very cute!  You could try outlining his nose in a gray color (close to the color of the fur).

I had a friend who always used metal discs.  Her bears were never able to stand on their own.  The fiberboard discs combined with a smaller metal washer help to create a more stable joint.

She is wonderful, good job!

Hi!

I also use steel shot in my bears, from 3" bears up to 16" bears.  I don't use a pouch as I can distribute it better when it is loose.  My stitches are nice and tight so it does not leak out.  (I may loose some AS I'm closing a seam, but not after that seam is closed!

It is important to use either zinc coated or stainless steel shot to prevent discoloring.

Thank you so much Becky!

Great!  I'm looking forward to hearing about your results.  I use a slicker brush for all mohair if it needs to be brushed.

Hi all,

I'm having a giveaway for a 1 year membership to Teddy Bear Academy.  To enter you just join the newsletter.  Get more entries by sharing.  You can enter here:  https://win.rewardsfuel.com/7576/

I agree Becky, I think a pattern is only truly yours when you draw it from scratch.

I have not tried ironing, but I have soaked it in warm/hot water, rolled it up in a towel to get rid of excess water, and then used a slicker brush to brush it flat.   If you decide to try ironing, I would put a damp light towel over it first to create steam.

LOL!!!  Love those!

Thank you so much EJ, SueAnn & Peter! <3

Today my heart is just so very full that I had to post. 
Last Monday, my boyfriend hit his head very hard during a fall and landed in the ER.  Thankfully no fluid on the brain, no cracks in the scull.  But for the whole week he was having a very hard time with dizziness and then nausea.  He just saw a doc today and was diagnosed and treated for a form of positional vertigo.  He has to stay home for 3 more days and has restrictions on movement.  Thankfully I have been able to be there for him to to help with whatever needs doing.

3+ years ago my Mother had a brain aneurysm burst and was in the ICU for a month, another month in the hospital and 5 months in rehab.  I was so happy to be able to be there with her at the hospital every day for 2 months, then 2-3 times a week for 5 months at the rehab center 90 minutes away.

Quite a while ago my daughter was in high school.... right about when I started to go full time with bears.  For the first time in her life, I was able to be there for her after school.  I remember telling her that I was sorry I wasn't there after school for her when she was younger.  She told me not to worry about it, that she REALLY liked coming home now and being able to talk with me about her day.

If it were not for all of my wonderful teddy bear collectors... NONE of this would have been possible!  I would have had to go to work.  Thank you!!!!

Thank you Becky!  Yes, I love this old house, but even more the man who owns it   He was just great about giving me that area to use.  I do adore having my own space, but I don't let "not having" my own space stop me from bear making!

Hi Sue Ann and thank you!  I am looking forward to visiting TT again <3

Hi!

It's been a very long time since I've logged into TT.  I've missed the bear talk!  One thing I love seeing is where we all work on our bears.  I've had dedicated bear studios on and off.  Sometimes I have had to make do with a "portable studio", and other times I'm lucky to have a dedicated room.  I've got a new dedicated room and although it is far from finished, would love to show it to you.  https://youtu.be/bC1r8hUqFBw

How's that bear coming?

I like using Aleene's Stop Fraying.  It's white, not clear like Fray Check.  I squeeze a little of it on a piece of plastic or something, then use a toothpick to gently apply it to the cut edges of a fabric that wants to fray.  I apply more to the areas where I will close a seam.... not just the edge - so it gives the fabric added strength.

I'd like to second Becky's recommendation to try Bearpile.  It sometimes takes a little time, but I have gotten new collectors from that site.  It's also an easy way to post your available bears and then email your collectors, or post on Facebook with a link to the bear's page on Bearpile.

Dave at Bearpile has even made it easy to put a "Buy Now" Paypal button on the page.  When you set up your account, enter in your Paypal email address.  Then when you list a bear, list the price and also shipping costs.  You can list multiple shipping for many different countries.  The Paypal "Buy Now" will then automatically show up on your bear's page.

Happy Halloween from the bears and I!

Thanks Becky!

Hi Everyone!

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