For artists and collectors sponsored by Intercal...your mohair supplier and Johnna's Mohair Store
It seems they smell like popcorn! https://today.duke.edu/2016/04/popcornscentedbinturong
Becky
Here's another video that might make more sense... https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=b13JATjY4Mc
Becky
Hi TeddyPup! What are you using for disks? The bolts need to be the same diameter as the hole in the disks and long enough to go through two of the disks and two layers of fabric.
For my bears, I use disks with an 1/8" hole, and bolts (3/4" or 1") with locking nuts. For tools I use nut drivers, but there are other methods. Here's a video on the topic: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=iQ65aspKGlc
If you're doing this for the first time, I'd definitely recommend getting your hands on a good teddy-making book. Check out the library section for archived discussions of the books people here like.
Let us know how it goes!
Becky
P.S. I guess there's no section in the library about books, ironically. You could try the search function or maybe start a new topic.
Lovely! And much better than my own first bear was! (Just don't tell that to her.)
To your question, I think the amount of time people spend to make a bear varies widely. Larger bears take longer for me, and every detail (from perfectly embroidered noses to realistic claws) takes a lot of time. I'd estimate that I spend 40-50 hours on a bear, while we recently saw a video (in the General section) on a boy who can turn out a very cute critter in an hour!
Welcome to a wonderful handicraft!
Becky
Welcome aboard, TeddyPup! I'm looking forward to seeing your bear.
If you have any trouble uploading a picture, check the file size limits in the Technical Help section. (I usually size my posts for this site at no more than 500 pixels wide, and that usually works.)
Becky
She's lovely, Cosette. It looks like you're getting braver about trimming the fur on the face. Well-done!
Becky
The adorableness is strong with these two, Jen! I especially like Midnight's little face.
Becky
It's a fantastic muzzle indeed! I like the way you've trimmed the mohair.
Becky
Good luck! For the underside of the nose, I was thinking of the kind of teardrop shaped insert you see here (third from left under the photo).
Becky
Well, I was hoping someone would chime in who had actually made faces like this, but I'll give you my guesses.
It looks like a two-piece head, but there's so much fullness to that nose, I wonder if there's a gusset or insert piece on the underside? As far as the eye indentations, it seems as if needle sculpting is involved, but there's also a definite "crease" visible on the brown dog, so I suspect there could be a dart there as well to create the shape.
Have you written to Alisa for advice?
Becky
I love these. Here's the Central Asian Pallas' cat (or manul), just blending in.
Maybe glue or sew on a small piece of felt where you want the nose? That will keep the pile from poking through.
Just re-read your and Sue Ann's posts. Could you use masking tape to keep the fur underneath the nose held down?
Becky