Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Rita, first things first.  Find a local solicitor (do they call them solicitor's out there?  Maybe I should say lawyer?) and get some legal advice.  You'll feel more in control of your life once you know what how you stand legally.  If you can't face a lawyer, then I suggest an organisation like our 'Citizen's Advice Bureau'.  Do you have a similar body over there?  In the UK their advice is given without charge and in the early stages of things, they are very helpful.  I'm sure your local phone book will help you out with numbers and addressses.

Try not to let everything pile on top of you.  Take a few small steps towards taking a little control back.  It'll make things much less frightening I'm sure.

So sad to hear your news Rita.  I've been through divorce myself.  All I can say is that you will go through some very tough emotional stuff, but believe me, you will come out stronger the other end.  The first year is the worst ... that's all about survival, but you'll surprise yourself by getting through it and facing each of the challenges as they present themselves.  Take them one at a time ... just a day at a time, or even an hour at a time if that's how things are for you.

I've been on my own for five years now and my twenty year marriage almost seems a hazy memory most of the time.  Life is about now and what's to come, not yesterday - that's done.

Take care.

Thanks for stopping by everyone!

The shows here in the UK are unpredicatable at the moment.  The prestigious 'Winter Bearfest' in Kensington in February was really swinging again this year, just like old times, but the smaller local fairs (of which we have way too many!) seem to be fading fast.  With luck, this will take us back to the days of fewer, but far better quality shows.

I have only exhibited at two shows this year, I have a third on December 11th; that used to be a great show, so I'm staying hopeful! 

Glad you enjoyed seeing the stand!    :cool:

Hayley, the show had very few visitors on the day and so I had bears left looking for new homes by the time the show closed.  What I meant by selling on the internet that evening, was that after the show, the people who had emailed me expressing an interest in the bears if they didn't sell at the show, were offered first refusal on those that hadn't sold in Rochester and fortunately, found their new homes that way!  :dance:

Fran, I have been designing bears for more than ten years - almost forever! 

He's beautiful Jenny!

Ooh, can't wait to get my copies!  They take AGES to get here!!!   

For those of you curious to see all my recent 'Dickens' bears exhibited at the show, here's a pic of my stand before opening!

All bar one of the bears have now gone off to new homes.  Sadly, the show was very, very quiet but those bears who didn't find new homes on the day, were quickly snapped up that evening over the internet!  'Pumblechook' is the only bear waiting to find his perfect new owner and he's currently being auctioned on Ebay.  Needless to say, he was the biggest and most expensive bear on the table!  :rolleyes:

Here's hoping that with continued effort and enthusiasm, we can get the spark back into our favourite shows here in the UK!   

My next show is the 'British Bear Fair' on the 11th December at Hove, Near Brighton in the UK.  It used to be a lovely Christmas show, but it quietened down dramatically and I haven't exhibited there for a few years, so I am looking forward to it and keeping my fingers crossed for a lively day!  I shall be taking my Christmas tree for the table to help put a little festive zing into things!!

Lovely news!  Well done you!  Enjoy it!

He's lovely!  Good luck with your charity.   

Hi Everyone, just uploading your links now!  Please shout out if any of them don't work as I've done this in a bit of a rush! 

Great character - love the detailing in this bear!

Hi Fran, the mohair is from my local supplier here in the UK (Oakley fabrics) and it's Schulte. 

Er, got to confess I have every intention of parting with this guy as I have bills to pay! 

Bingo!!!!

Yippeeeee!!!!!!  We got there!!!!  Well done you all!

(Sorry, forgot to mention pic size!)

Mine's a bit cumbersome, but works okay with a trolley to haul it all from the car!

Just checked and yes it does apply to posting a reply too - as you can see from the pic of my bear above.

Hope that clarifies everything for you now. :):rolleyes:

Oh dear!  Maybe I've confused you all even further?  It's really easy - honestly!

I'll do it again step by step:

1. Write your message
2. Submit your message
3. Scroll down your message box and find the 'edit' button.
4. Click 'edit'
5. You should now have a long white bar at the bottom of your screen and a 'browse' button.
6. Click 'browse'.
7. This will open the files on your computer, so find your photograph and click on the file extension.
8. Click 'submit'.
9. Now your pic should appear.
10. To add extra pics, repeat the process.

I'm not sure about adding in pics to replies - I think the same principle applies, I'll have to go and have a play to double check!

If the above doesn't work, I suggest popping a question on the 'technical help' forum.  Dale usually pops up really quick to offer advice.

I've had this problem with Bravenet too.  I don't always get notices sent through to me when someone signs my guestbook, so I have to try and remember to edit it from time to time. 

What do these people think the they are up to?

I'm with the scissors. (Where's the devil horn smiley???)

Oooh, lovely to find you all here!  I will sort the links out in the next few days.  Thank you for including me on yours too - much appreciated!

It's so lovely to hear that you've all enjoyed your viewing of 'Pickwick'.  I hope you'll be pleased to hear that he has been promised a super new home, however the show goes!

Guess it kinda takes the heart out of the story Eileen eh?!!

Buying the metal work for your bears from your local hardware supplier is a great idea.  Here in the UK, we have the 'Yellow Pages' which is good for sourcing stuff like that.  Sometimes it works well to think 'outside' the usual teddy bear suppliers for the 'boring bits'.  I have a great supplier ten minutes drive from my door and I buy all my split pins, nuts n' bolts and washers from him. 

Even though I'm in the UK and have to pay for shipping from the States, I can't recommend Intercal's selection of fabric and their pricing too highly.  For me, the dollar rate is great at present (and has been even better in the recent past) so buying from the US isn't a problem.  Bear in mind though, there are some overseas companies which will send goods through to you that might require payment of import duty when they reach customs.

Here in the UK we have a great supplier that concentrates mainly on fillings.  Purchasing in bulk from him is definitely cheaper than buying smaller amounts from 'teddy bear' suppliers.  (Maybe they probably buy direct from him too!)

All in all, it's definitely worth taking some time to work out exactly what your money will buy you and where.  You might get some surprising answers!

Eeeks, I think I can hear the theme from 'Psycho' coming out of my speakers!

Hi Matilda,

I think you're trying to do this the old way.  Pics can now be downloaded onto Teddy Talk direct from your computer files.  All you need to do is write your post and submit it.  Then go back into it and click 'edit'.  At the bottom of the screen you will find a button that says 'browse'.  Click that and find your first pic.  Click on the file and then click 'submit'.  Hey presto!  It should appear!  To add more pics, just repeat the process.

Hope that helps!
Fingers are crossed for you.