Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Like Melissa I use the invisible thread. It is tough because you can't see it when you are sewing and it can easily get tangled. But after a while you get the hang of it. I use quilting needles to make the tiniest holes and sew a back stitch. You never have to worry about color matching and the stitches can't be seen.

mini hugs,
                 Susan

My kids seem to never let me forget how old I am! As some of you can relate when you have a child that is 16 it's a definite reminder that you are a little older than you feel! At 37 I feel just the same as 25 only more rushed and hurried as my kids are involved with many more activities as they get older. Which reminds me, I need to go get dressed and get moving!

mini hugs,
                   Susan

It's so wonderful Daphne that you've gotten everyone talking about ' the slowdown' and what we can all do! I did have to get a 'real' job this Christmas. Luckily it's only part time and they are very flexible so I can not only keep making bears, but continue with coaching youth soccer ( my other love ). I continue to talk about artists bears wherever I can - at work, at my kids schools, soccer games, and wherever I go. I had to give up shows because of soccer, but now I am inspired to try and do some local craft shows again and maybe team up with a friend who does at home shows for clothing and other things. The main thing is we must not give up! Even if you only make a few bears a year, only pick up 1-2 new collectors, we must all survive to pass on this wonderful art and make it better and stronger than before!

hugs,
          Susan

I hadn't entered in 8 or 9 years and decided this was my Christmas gift to myself. Even though I wasn't nominated, I am still proud of them. I guess it is safe to sell them now!

hugs,
         Susan

Sounds like a situation you probably do not want to get yourself in. I would review paypal's policies in regards to buyers backing out before going any further. Unless you really need to make the sale I would simply tell the person you are uncomfortable doing business with them. I have been contacted by people with similar questions, then bombarded with emails for this and that for weeks afterwards. Sometimes the internet isn't as friendly as we wish it was. It seems every day we are faced with more scam artists trying to get our money or something else.

Goos luck and Happy Holidays!

hugs, Susan

I am thankful for many things - home, family, friends - but mostly for the fact that I can celebrate this day with my family instead of in the hospital. Today is my middle child's 13th birthday and her and I went to watch the Women's Worlds Cup Soccer match last night for her present. We were 20 minutes away from our destination when we were rear ended! Luckily neither ourselves nor our car was damaged enough to prevent us from making it to the soccer game after the officers were done taking statements. We are both a little stiff this morning but look forward to the 2nd winning game on Sunday. GO USA!

mini hugs,
                  Susan

Hayley - We actually did get snow falling for about 30 minutes 2 years ago for the first time in about 30 years from what the long time residents said! It was really exciting for everyone who lives here. Most years it's in the low to mid 70's and we do cook the whole meal and all despite the crazy weather. When my 16 year old son was 2 he actually was running through the sprinklers Christmas morning! Right now it has been cool for 4 days and is expected to heat up again for the next 4. My kids keep asking when they can stop pulling out their shorts to wear! The one nice thing about the weather though is the kids can do outdoor activities most of the year.

I agree that Christmas is way to commercial. I really have trouble looking forward to it all some years with the whole buy, buy mentality. What about giving even it's just your time?  My in-laws don't believe in Jesus ( my husband does) so they strictly celebrate the commercial side of it. Makes it kinda interesting to say the least!

A small part of me ( very small! ) envies those with snow this time of year. It just says stay in and keep cozy. I think I would probably get cabin fever after a week.

mini hugs, Susan

Here in Southern California it takes a little longer to get into the Christmas spirit. Monday it was so hot that my 10 year old had to have recess inside! By today we were back to bundling up at the 3 o'clock soccer game. All the stores have had stuff up for awhile now, but I don't think it really says it's Christmas time for us until the day after Thanksgiving when the trees go on sale everywhere you look. Our city doesn't allow us to put up outside decorations until then either. My bear making mode is already into the spirit. I hope the collectors are as well!

mini hugs,
                Susan

I use transparent thread for all my minis. It's just like fishing line. It takes a few tries to get used to the fact that you can't see the thread, but in the end it's strong and you never have to worry about color matching!

Susan

Excellent question Michelle and a great answer Kerren. I myself ( I just made a cat that is 1 5/8" ) only sew just over half with right sides together, then I turn it and finishing sewing it with a ladder stitch. I think next time I will try the paint brush idea and see if it works! I really love making itty bitty ones to go with my regular minis.

mini hugs,
                Susan

Such cute minis everyone! I just started posting on TT this week. I make mostly minis myself. Right now I am making bodies like crazy to start finishing hopefully next week. I coach 2 youth soccer teams, so it's tough sometimes to find time to sew. I am really picky when it comes to the face. I won't work on one unless I know I won't be interrupted until I am finished!

mini hugs,
                 Susan

It's great to see people with so many different talents, whether it be painting, photography, or chemistry! I like to do cross-stitch for a change once in awhile. Outside of making bears my 'other' hobby is coaching youth soccer. I only coach 11 year olds and up now, but still find it just as rewarding as making bears! This is my U/18 team ( 14 - 17 year olds) and my U/14 girls team.

Susan