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You've captured the look of a wild baby giraffe, including the very pretty eyes! 
Becky
Outstanding work, and I lover her sweet expression! How lucky you are to be able to hold a young leopard!
Becky
Awww... Love the bear with his white muzzle, and the dungarees are such a perfect complement!
Becky
Thank you again, and give him and his pinky cheeks a little kiss from me. 
Becky
Thanks very much, Michelle!
I really do appreciate your kind comments, and credit also goes to the collector since we collaborated on the design and fabric selections. Some time ago you and I talked about the pros and cons of doing commissions, and Paul is an example of the good things that can come of them when all goes well. She and I are both quite happy with him!
Becky
This wee one is around 11" or 12" and made from soft white alpaca with a wavy purple mohair "vest" and "mittens" and shell buttons that glow like the northern lights. I hope you like him.
Becky
Welcome to Teddy Talk, Blue Jasmine! I don't know about the fabrics you mention, but I love the fact that you make "cats, some with wings and some without,"! 
Becky
Becky, there will be plenty of photos of my favorite real bears. I have plenty of pictures of all types, but since black bears seem to draw my attention the most,they of course will be the stars. I have decided my gallery piece will be a very iconic picture of my favorite two, and I think I will be contacting you to help me name the piece if that is okay.
It is beyond OK, Joanne. I would be delighted!
Becky
Of course you'll need to show pictures of your black-bear muses, and then I'd want to learn about your observations on proportions (e.g. Head size) the leg/joint location, and other ways in which real bears differ from old-fashioned teddies.
How to set realistic eyes also gets my vote, as well as your technique for rooting mohair into a needle-felted muzzle.
Whatever you decide to show, have fun! I know the audience will be super interested - both makers and collectors.
Becky
Zsuzsi, I don't have experience with this, but I would probably sew the two belly pieces together and the do my embroidery. Unless the bear is tiny, turning the body isn't very traumatic. I don't think the embroidery would be damaged.
Do you know of any bear artists whose embroidered bears you've seen, and whom you could contact directly? I'd think they'd be happy to tell you what works for them.
Looking forward to seeing what you make!
Becky
Your new pattern has lovely proportions. The bears are a wonderful combination of classic and contemporary, and you chose beautiful mohair!
Becky
I think you're in good company here, Christina. Bear-making and collecting are such good ways to deal with some of life's stresses, and sometimes even depression. Many of us have experienced these same kinds of problems, and you have found a wonderful form of therapy. (I've also noticed that "bear people" are some of the kindest and best--another source of warm support in difficult times.)
Becky
I truly enjoy the daily animal pictures AND I'd enjoy having more teddy-bear discussions here in the General section. I'm glad that Natalie spoke up, and I wish we could hear from all of the people who visit the forum.
Becky
Karen, the easiest way to add photos (in my opinion) is with the Post Reply button (not the Quick Reply). It gives the option to upload photos.
There is a size limit (I usually size mine at about 500 pixels wide to stay under the limit). If it seems you're doing everything right, but no picture appears, that usually means it's over the size limit.
Looking forward to seeing this bear!
Becky
I like the idea of at least some of our bears lasting a long, long time. And I have to admit that including enough fabric for a replacement ear is not original to me. I remember reading about the custom from other bearmakers.
It's an interesting topic you posted! 
Becky
