Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Congratulations to all the URSA Award winners!!!!  How lovely to see your winning photographs here!!!!

Fab winners, so well deserved!  I think it's really important to shout out loud and proud about these achievements to let collectors know there is still amazing work being created and honoured.

Hi Nan, I wrote a nose embroidery tutorial a few years ago ... it might help.  It's based on just two layers of embroidery and would work well with a template too ... http://allbear.blogspot.co.uk/2007/03/a … -nose.html

There's no doubt a combination of close work and 'maturing' plays havoc with your eyesight, 

After years of 20/20 vision, I now have a pair of glasses with a split prescription for computer use and close work .. I think they are called secretary lenses or something like that ... they aren't bi-focal with a line across the lens, there's no line, so they just look like ordinary glasses.  I've had them for about two or three years I think and can't manage without them now.  In fact, I've just been for an appointment and am about to have to shell out for a new pair with stronger prescription - owwwwwweeee!!!!  On the plus side though, I still have 20/20 vision for distance, so I guess I'm not totally clapped out just yet!  :lol:

For my bear-making, I have to wear my specs, work by a large window and use a daylight lamp.  As for eating my dinner ... with my cooking it's probably best not to see too clearly! 

I'm so glad you like Woody, thank you!  I'm also very happy to be able to tell you he was adopted very quickly and will soon be flying off to the USA to live!

There's a hint of Autumn in the air here in the UK, I love this time of year! 

15" Woody is all ready for the Autumn chills in his smart hand knitted scarf ... available for adoption from www.allbear.co.uk

These are what I use ... the largest one is a teddy bear stuffing tool, available from most good bear making suppliers and the smaller tool is a Barbara Wills doll stuffing tool.  I use the smaller tool for all my bears, sizes 8" to 25".

Delighted you enjoyed the slideshow! 

Peter, the slideshow will stay up until Mon, or maybe Tuesday, of next week.  I usually change it on a Friday, but I'm a bit busy this Friday, so it will be delayed into next week.

This little Tiddler was commissioned by www.applepiehouse.com as a limited edition of five pieces, to help celebrate their fifteenth anniversary.  'Apple Blossom' is just 9" tall and was launched yesterday at the Teddies 2012 in London.

A lovely collection Sue!

Own up, who loves a classic teddy bear?! This week's 'Classic Cuddles' slideshow presentation on the Guild of Master Bearcrafters' website, is especially for you!

Please visit www.masterbearcrafters.ning.com to enjoy some of the very best classic teddy bears created by members so far this year!

I am interested in the concept of online courses, because they aren't limited by locality.  As you've mentioned, the opportunity to have a point of contact with the tutor is appealing, as it's something books can't offer.  I don't think it's an 'either/or' situation ... online classes, face-to-face tutoring and learning from books are all useful ways of passing on skills.

These comments are really helpful, thank you so much for your advice!  I really appreciate it and am making notes as the thread evolves!    :thumbsup::rose:

I thought that when I was looking for a copy too Nan, lol!  It's a good book though, well worth adding to the bookshelf.  I really enjoyed it.

I think they are different editions of the same publication.

Hello, as a self-taught bear maker, I haven't much experience with courses, so would be interested to know what you think about them please.  For example, what makes for a good course and what would you consider a fair price to pay?  What are the pros and cons?

All opinions gratefully received!

Thanks! 

Aw, thanks Lisa, that is such a lovely compliment!   

Delighted to see the outcome of this fabulous new competition at last!  Congratulations to everyone who achieved a 2012 'Excellence in Bear Artistry Judges Choice Award'.  The panel of judges was of the highest calibre for these awards, so these successes are achievements to be very proud of!  A big thanks to Susan Davies for hosting and sponsoring these awards on behalf of the bear world.

And lastly, a little toot of my own horn for achieving my first ever award win for a Tiddler sized bear - I'm usually known for my big 'uns and designed my first small bear earlier this year, so was very surprised, not to mention thrilled, to hear my little 8" 'April Fool' has been honoured with an award in the 4" to 12" category!!!!

So pretty!

Thank you! 

This teddy bear has been adopted, but it seemed a shame not to give her a moment to show off, so I would like to present 'Sweet Dreams', an armful of curly girly bear!  She's a big girl at 19"!

They're a stylish bunch aren't they ... they cut quite a dash!  

Glad you enjoyed the show!

We'd like to share our very stylish bears with you in a special 'En Vogue' slideshow presentation this week!

Please visit www.masterbearcrafters.ning.com to enjoy our talented members' rather dashing teddy bear offerings! :rose:

Oh dear, poor bear!  He looks like a hand made bear rather than a manufactured bear to me, not sure who would have made him though.

Well done Sue!  :thumbsup:

I can't make it to this show and I know there are always a few others who don't make it on the day, so fingers crossed your name comes up very soon for one of the spare tables!