Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Yep, I certainly did!  (Fortunately no cameras were harmed during the wearing of said bikini!) 

Just caught up with my Teddy Bear and Friends and spotted that our very own Judi and Sue Ann have had tremendous success in the Steiff teddy bear design contest!

CONGRATULATIONS TO BOTH OF YOU!  What lovely news!

POSTCARD FROM CORNWALL

Having the best holiday in ages!

Beautiful weather - I have even donned a bikini and lounged on the beach. :)
Food is delicious, scenery spectacular. 

Wish you were here? ;)

Hugs,
Paula

I'm never comfortable with the term 'bear-artist', so I always describe myself as a teddy bear designer.

Hi Judi,

Believe me, we all have days like that!  Sometimes I wonder which way my own head is screwed on! :P

I'm with Shelli's advice on this one.  Don't be afraid to use the non-paying bidder system if necessary.  In your shoes, I would make firm and persistent requests for full payment ... but I would keep them friendly and polite of course!  I'm sure that once your buyer realises what has happened, he will reimburse you fully.  If he doesn't, as Shelli says, all the payment details are recorded on Ebay and Paypal and negative feedback is a facility put in place to be used.  Yes, I know 'tit for tat' feedback can result, but there is always the means to answer any negative feedback left on your own account.

Not long ago I purchased an item on Ebay.  Once I'd paid the seller told me the item wasn't available after all and could she send a substitute.  She also offered a refund which I accepted.  I stated in the feedback that the item hadn't been available as stated in the auction but that a refund had been made quickly.  The seller was outraged and left me negative feedback, blemishing my 100% positive feedback.  I didn't lose sleep over it, I simply added to her negative feedback using the facility available and pointed out that her feedback was 'tit for tat' feedback.  It hasn't affected my use of Ebay at all.

So sorry to hear this has come at such a bad time for you.  As my mum would say, I'm sure it will all come out in the wash!

It's beautiful isn't it?  If ever you come to the UK, Cornwall is a great place to visit. It's full to bursting with smuggling history, spectacular scenery and mystery.  I love it!  The little cottages you see in the photos are a couple of hundred years old fishermen's cottages and these days, many are available to rent for holiday breaks.

The cliffs are amazing and you can walk for miles across them, looking out to sea.  Also, you can take a ride in one of the fishing boats around them too! 

The little photo on the left is taken from the window of the cottage I stayed in two years ago.  The cottage was like a doll's house inside, so pretty, and I could sit on the window seat and look out across the harbour watching as the fishermen brought in their catches.

I can't wait to go back!   Not long now!!   I promise to post more pics when I get back.

What a truly tempting trio!  Lucky you Louise!!!

Here's a taster for you Nanc ...

Hope you enjoy the pics!

Thank you Sue Ann - I'm really looking forward to the change of scenery!

Just wanted to pop in here to say how lovely it is to see so many of the new bears finding homes. :cool:

There have been some gorgeous bears in the 'for sale' thread lately and as I haven't had time to leave individual messages, I thought I'd say what a pleasure it has been to take a peek at them all here instead.

I'm busy making repeat orders through the summer and can't wait until I can get started on the new crop of Autumn bears ... not long now!  I'm also going to take a short break to sit on a clifftop in Cornwall very soon.  I need some fresh air and sea views to inspire me!

Keep up the good work everyone! :D:P:cool::)

Hi Carolyn,

I haven't read my copy yet, but I just hunted it out from my 'to do' pile and flicked through to find your article.  It looks great!  Gorgeous big pics of your bears and a lovely pic of you too!  It covers three whole pages!!!

By the way, one of my bears is in the same issue on the 'What's New' page!

For anyone who hasn't read a copy of Teddy Bear Scene yet, you must!  It's a great mag and Kathy the editor, is a smashing lady and completely dedicated to promoting the bear world, both here in the UK and overseas.

The website address for those of you bursting to subscribe is www.teddybearscene.co.uk :):D:)

Go on, you know you want to!

Hi Clare,

My tips for your first show are:

1. Allow plenty of time.
2. Make yourself a check list to make sure you don't forget anything.
3. Put 'sweeties' at the top of the check list! ;)
4. Be friendly to your neighbouring tables as soon as you arrive.  Don't wait to be smiled at - smile first! :)
5. If you have the facility to take credit cards, it certainly is a bonus but it's a financial investment to set-up so make sure you are happy to take on the outlay.
6. Decide in advance what terms you are prepared to offer trade buyers and DON'T LET THEM BULLY YOU!
7. Decide in advance whether you are prepared to offer layaway on show sales.  Personally, I don't.

Hope they help to start with!  Good luck!

Have a wonderful break Sue Ann!

Lovely pic Catherine!  You look so professional!

As for selling out my table, those heavenly days could sure do with making a comeback!  Shows in the UK are painfully slooooooowwwww right now ... although having said that, we had a sellout show in Kensington in February.  It was just like old times -lovely and buzzy!  I do very few shows these days and suddenly realised that I had only booked two for this year!  I gave myself a talking to and now I have added another couple for the end of the year.

Hey Sue Ann, I'm a little late to your thread but I've just read through and had to make a confession to you.  Although I haven't played any BM for quite some time, I have seen him live in the UK four times!!  What a terrific showman he is.  My favourite gig was at Blenheim Palace many years ago - it rocked!  Everyone did the candle thing too and cheesy as it may be, it was also very moving. :cool:

Now to reclaim a little credibility!

I LOVE music!  Can't resist.  I love seeing live acts ... favourites of all time have been Eurythmics, Prince (WOW!!!!!!!!!!) and Robert Cray.  Do you know of Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra out there?  He's a legend here in the UK and I've had the pleasure of seeing his show several times.  Robert Cray is a MUST SEE!!!

If I'm listening to music, which I do every day, I love all kinds of things.  At the moment I'm enjoying Joss Stone and Jack Johnson especially, but I play heaps of blues, a bit of 70's disco, some Northern Soul (Sam & Dave 'Hold on I'm coming' ... that gets me dancing!) some Joan Armatrading, Scissor Sisters ... oh, just a stack of stuff from the past few decades depending on my mood! :D:cool::D:P

I am to take about 9 bears to a show.  That's all!  I struggle to get 'em all finished in time and so some at shows, only half a dozen furry bums take their positions.  

I have my stand purpose built for that many bears and of course, I only make big bears!

Thank you Shari!

Such fun bears Judi!  I really enjoyed seeing them.

My goodness what a lovely offer!  What stars you all are!  Daphne, that's a super idea.  I'd be very happy to make a direct Paypal payment to you.  The only trouble is, the ribbon I require, is from the first link you suggested and it only comes in a 50metre roll in the 2 3/4" width (although they do offer complimentary shipping to a US address) and it costs ... wait for it ... $175 dollars!  Gulp.  So, I'm not sure it's going to be feasible.  I have just emailed the company to ask if they will sell smaller quantities - I'll let you know if I hear back from them.

Shelli, I am in awe of your organised station!!!  It's beautiful!!!

Great links Daphne - thank you!  Unfortunately, I got all excited by the first two especially as they had exactly what I need ... then I read further and realised I'd have to order a fortune's worth at a time.   I only need about three metres.  This is a problem I keep coming up against.  The ribbon seems to be accessible in the US but there are either expensive minimum order requirements, or ridiculous shipping costs (one site has a $24 shipping charge to the UK ... seems an awful lot for a little bit of ribbon!)

So, I'm almost, but not quite there! 

Thanks for your help.  I really appreciate it.

Thanks Jean - I took a look at the weekend, but will do so again.

Thank you for the link Dilu - it's really useful! I shall bookmark it for future reference, but sadly, this time, the plain satin ribbon isn't fat enough. 

I am amazed at how hard it is to track down fat ribbon!

Thanks Sue Ann!  I've found some beautiful ribbon (for example check out www.mjtrim.com) but nothing is quite what I need.  Mind you, if I can work out the international ordering from this company (sadly, no secure online facility for overseas customers) I may well be tempted to add to my stash!

Is it me, or does the forum have attitude today??? :P

So, now I've sent the wrong pic up and can't bring it back down.  Ho hum.  Anyway, as you see, first bear of edition is above and third bear of edition is grinning from the left ... same pattern, same bear, individual characteristics though!  Funny thing is, 2nd, 3rd and fourth bear are like peas in a pod ... not that the forum will let me show you that here today!!!

Why won't it let me send more than one pic at a time?

Having my troubles today!

Okay - so where's my pic gone now ...