Banner Sponsors
For artists and collectors sponsored by Intercal...your mohair supplier and Johnna's Mohair Store
I think my screen was really dirty~ I bet your is too!
I just had to share this one! I had a horrible day - well it is actually a horrible week or two and I got this today and it somehow made it all better!
http://cache.valleywag.com/assets/resou … nclean.swf
Enjoy - Duff
Catherine! Toasty Ted arrived today safe and sound! :dance: I just love him, he is o' so darn cute! 
He will be hanging out with the rest of my little miniatures in his new home! I am so happy with him!
Thank you again for such a wonderful little creation!
Duff
I'll be on the look out for a few more then! They make a great unlikely companion for your sloths!
Duff
Hi Chloe! I do go by Duff (although it is my last name) So Duff works for me, if it works for you? 
I loved the picture so much I printed it out this morning and put it on my bulletin board in my office because they are so cute together, they make me giggle! I am still giggling when I look at them!
Great Job!
Duff
PS: I do like Wee Scott McPlop the best for his name
Congratulations Judi! they are all amazing as usual and I am so excited for you!
Duff
Congratulations Krista! I am so excited for you and this nomination is well deserved!
Duff
Shelly! That is sooo exciting! It is no wonder that he was nominated, he is lovely!
Duff
Congratulations to all the nominees! I am thrilled for each of you! I can only imagine the excitement you are experiencing!
Duff
OMG! That is so cute - it is just what I had imagined they would look like! :crackup:
They are a perfect pair! Great job Chloe!
They are lovely Dilu! It must be a fun change from your gollies! I love to see the other creations that artist make here on TT. Although I must admit, that I do love your gollies !
Duff
Chloe, I love your little Owl, he is adorable! I can just imagine him sitting on the arm of one of your sloths! His name is just perfect
Duff
She looks like a wee little princess! I can only imagine how excited you are! Is she snuggly with you yet?
Keep us updated on how she is settling in!
Duff
OMG! He is sooo cute! Not weird at all, so adorable!
How on earth did you come up with the idea? I really love Toasty Ted!
Duff
Hi Richy, I tried your link and it is working for me. Possibly another try today will work for you?
Duff
Interesting...
Patsy - when you say you leave the top of the limbs open, do you mean along the curve? Wow, never thought of that! Is the curve hard to sew?
Bev - We are in good company, After the ease of this last seam I may join you and never go back!
Sue Ann - keep us posted on your next bear. I am interested to hear what you think. Also, what makes you switch between a two piece leg and then a one piece leg? To save on fabric? Ease of sewing? Or is it the look? (not sure if there would actually be a difference in the look of the two?) I always thought the front seam to be difficult on a leg but now I am curious and will try the front seam. Heck - I may even try a one piece leg to boot!
I am looking forward to see if more people weigh in on what they do!
Duff
Thank you so much for all the kind words! I spend hours looking at all the amazing bears here and I am appreciative of all your kind words. Someday I hope to venture in to selling a few of them, this may give me the boost I need. I give away most of my bears as gifts but I must admit I just can't with Winston.
He stands about 14 inches tall and all of his shading is done with oil paints. I don't have an airbrush and don't make enough bears to be able to invest in one. After reading many of the posts here on TT I decided to try oils plus I could not find a white pen. I am very pleased with the outcome. Working on the needle felting was a pain but worth the trials. I felted an egg shape and played around with both pens and oil and the oil was much easier to use. The only problem was the fibers, with each pass I had to trim down the fibers that came loose. Paint - trim, paint- trim, paint - trim, it took 7-10 passes with a dry brush!
Again, thank you all, you've made my day!
Duff
Wow Edie! You sure are quick and such a cute little bear to boot!
Paula - amazing also!
Great topic, I will be watching with great interest!
Duff
I searched but was not able to find much.
I made a mistake when sewing the body of my latest bear and put the opening on the front of the body. I normally put the opening on the back of the bear. Apparently I can not multi task, watch TV and sew at the same time!
Anyway, I finished stuffing and closed the seam this morning and was shocked that it was much easier to close and the seam is probably the best one I have ever done! I usually make my bears with a slight concave to the back and I suppose that makes it more difficult to close. Well... put it on the front where it is more round and it was so easy to close!
In looking through my books I do not see that any of them do this with the body but several have legs that have the seam on the front (the one piece legs) For some reason I thought it would be more difficult to do a seam in such a visible area and avoided that style.
Do any of you put the stuffing seam on the front of the bear? Have you experienced the same thing or was this just a fluke for me?
So curiosity got the better of me and I thought I would see what you all do?
duff
Congratulations Anita! That is wonderful news, by the results you and your kids have been working (and learning) very hard!
I can see why you are so pleased. And I can't wait to see your new bear!
Duff
Oh My, Winston has taken forever! He was my first try at needle felting from Judi's class. The body ended up not working with the size of the head and in the end I made a new body and I think it made a difference. He is 5 way jointed with a lock-line tail, hand painted Blue eyes and an Apoxie Nose varnished with "Baby Tears" for a wet look. I just can't tell you how happy I am that he is finally done! Now I can get back to my challenge bear.
Duff
Thanks Tami, I just ordered the sample set :dance: and in looking at the site the minimum order is 1/2 yard. (such good news)
I am so excited, I am in need of a little inspiration. Between work and various other projects I am looking forward to some new fur to play with!
Do you have a favorite so far from the samples?
Duff
Hi Tami! How exciting, I have been thinking of ordering the sample set from them also and I think I will do that today. One question, how is the backing? Non stretch?
Thank you for the update!
Duff
Hi Mary, I'll 2nd what Shane said, I have purchased Bobbie's needles and have been very very pleased with them, you just can't go wrong! As well as she is an amazing source of information!
Duff
Tracy, he is so handsome and growing so quickly! Is ee why you and Darren are in love with him, what a face!
I have black brindle mastiff and Otis reminds me of the fun of watching him grow up! Take lots of pictures, they grow so quickly. I loved my guy hen he was a puppy but I love him even more as a "Grown up" although he still has moments when he hides behind me and he has been very succecssful at "training me" :crackup:
Keep us posted as he grows, it's so fun to watch him grown up!
Big smooches for Otis,
Duff
Vicki, Buddy is adorable!
