Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

I won a big blue ribbon at one of the shows...I entered the only bear in that category. ...and I won a second place at the same show ...and there were only two entries in that category .  Naw I don't advertise myself as 'award winning' but I like my ribbons.    

I think it's great to have contests and be judged and win prizes, but I wouldn't want bearmaking to be only about the awards and accolades.  I just love doing it   and get my feedback from my customers that write or email how much they love their bear. 

Joan

      :crackup:  :crackup:  :crackup:  :crackup:

oh...I get it.... :crackup:  :crackup:

Oh sooo cute!!!   

I saved it to my background on my computer...thanks

Joan

I ordered mine today too.  And I ordered Stuffed too!  I can't wait!

Thanks Daphne for the tip on this cool mag!
Joan

I know it's hard for a small business, in a small town to make it.  The gift shop did okay this Christmas, but we did notice the smaller less expensive items were the big sellers.  We put in a crafters section with local crafters and it did okay too, but again it was smaller less expensive items.  So I'm thinking the 'make a bear' business, with different clothes may be more affordable for this market.  Then have my bears for the collector market, which seems to smaller...
Something for both kids and collectors.....one stop bear shopping
Supplies....
Fabric.....
Then what about dolls.....
  (I am trying to focus Aleta )

Yes, we are hoping to have room for classes, or parties..  The town has events, we are on main street and they have events, ie. an antique street fair, Hometown Country Christmas, etc.  We could do specials for events.  I think marketing would be the key. 

I appreciate any ideas for promotions, especially right now with the crazy economic situation.....

Thanks again everyone for your thoughts on this.

Joan

Thanks everyone for your input!

I am thinking about something similar to build a bear for kids.  The stuffing machines are $$, so hand stuffing.  I think the dressing is the fun part anyway.  My friend was thinking of adding a coffee/tea shop business, so we could have birthday partys with bears.... so I guess kids were the market. 

Then, I would also like to have artist bears, then for the do-it-yourselfer some supplies...

I am so confused....  

Joan

Here's what I'm wondering about...

I have been working for a friend in her gift/floral shop.  We've talked about me doing a teddy shop in her gift shop, kinda of a business within a business.  I've put in some of my bears but I am thinking of going bigger...
We have talked about doing a stuff a bear section, with the clothes etc (less expensive plush).  I am also thinking of artist bear supplies or patterns or kits that I would make up. My other friend that has done bear shows with me doesn't think that the less expensive retail plush should be with the collector artist bears... I'm thinking they are two different markets and can work together.  This is a small town, near the Oregon Coast and we get travelers in the summer, but I would like something for locals too.  What do you all think about plush vs. collector bears??? and the market out there....

Thanks for your thoughts on this subject

Joan

Thanks!! I am really excited.  I am going to get busy on some new bears!!  Looks like bears will be my night job now.   I need just a couple more hours in the day...

Joan

Thanks Laura, we made it just fine.  I think I have more experience driving on ice and snow than my hubby.  When we left for Washington he said the roads were fine, dry, well they were glare ice (thank heavens for studded tires).  I had white knuckles for a bit until it got a little warmer   Hubby hasn't driven much in snow and ice, he's always lived close to the coast and I think Washington gets a little more winter weather.

Joan

Thanks!! It was a real surprise.  Yes, it will keep me busy. 

Joan

I haven't been around much lately.  I took a second job and it really takes up my bear time.  It's fun though, it's at a flowershop.

I did list a bear on bid4bears and WON a whole year free of charges!!!!! Yea!!!  I just want to say THANKS to Nancy and everyone who uses bid4bears.  It will come in handy for my New Year resolution to get back to bear business!

Happy New Year!!!! :dance:  :dance:

Joan

We are home now! Friday morning the roads were good until the side streets, wow, so much snow!  We finally had our Christmas Saturday.
My dad was fretting about his carport caving in all week.  I am glad we missed alot of the snow.  Western Washington and Oregon just doesn't know what to do with all this snow.  I'm glad it's finally melting, but our rivers are looking a little high now too.

Hi Laura,
We are heading your way tomorrow.  My sister lives in Castle Rock, I used to, and tomorrow we are hoping to get to Winlock to Mom & Dad's.  We are going to get together on Saturday.  I hear some of Cowlitz county has been without power.  I'm on the Oregon coast we've had rain the last few day, not nearly as much snow. thank heavens!

Hi Aleta,
I think of you when we are watching...and watching... the Portland weather and road reports.  I think it is almost over what a mess up there.  The coast seems pretty lucky this time, missing alot of the snow.  We will probably make up for it the next wind storm

Merry Christmas!!!
Joan

He looks like he is smiling

What a wonderful bear!

Joan

grrrrr.....these crooks are getting irritating!

I just want to let you know to keep checking your credit card.  I just checked mine online and there was a charge from I-tunes that I didn't make.  It was on a card I haven't used in a long time, I don't know if that make a difference.  I called the card fraud line and they cancelled it.   

I know, I haven't posted much lately, but I've been lurking

Please keep an eye on those cards...

Joan

Oh, it's so exciting Aleta!  I've been reading your blog and I can't wait to see your place.  I'm not too far away to come see Flourishes when you have your event.  It sounds like a great venture.  Please keep us posted with dates!

Joan

My boy would have loved it when he was little....even now, he would try and gross out his friends by eating and not letting them know what it really was....

Joan

:crackup:  :crackup:  :crackup:  :crackup:
Love it....

Joan

What a beautiful dog!    
She's very lucky.

Joan

Thanks to everyone soooo much for the cards I've received!!! it has brightened our day!!

Thanks Patsy, Patsy Lake Bears!    Thanks Christine, Boot Button Bears!    Thanks Chrissy Catherwood!!!    Thanks Tami, Dolls and Dreams!!

I love the little surprises too!

I haven't been home much, it's been a difficult time for us, so the cards have been a bright spot for us this Christmas. 

Thanks again everyone!

Joan

What a great book!
Please enter me too!!!!!!!!!!

What fun!

Joan

Cute!!!    

:crackup:  :crackup:  :crackup:  :crackup:     

Joan

:crackup:  :crackup:  :crackup:  :crackup: