Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Hey Ladies.

For a friend I created a tutorial about creating and manipulating layers in photoshop. It's very basic, but if you can't make an avatar or banner, this might be helpful for you. It's already created, so I might as well share it.

It's on the freebies page of my website.
http://flyingfurstudios.com/Freebies.html

I've tried to keep things simple as I can. I don't mind creating tutorials and I would love to make sure every bear artist can at least play around with their bear photos. But if it isn't clear let me know. I'm certainly no Shelli when it comes to explaining things, but I'm willing to improve.

:hug:

I'm 27 although I swear I'm not an adult yet....................LOL

You guys are right. That IS what's hard about ebay. Consistancy.  I WOULD feel ripped off to buy a bear from an artist for $500, then see one on ebay for $100. That's a good point. Also a good point to price fair. Just because you may find one collector to pay high prices, doesn't mean it's the best idea to charge them lots, it may come back to haunt you.

Ebay, it's so complicated, but like right now. I have a few books for sale and it's almost the end of my auctions. I just get a total thrill at watching the bidding, thats why I price them cheap. It is a whole different matter with bears though.

Ok, I'll stop rambling now.....

awesome bear wow!
nice collection you have.

very nice! You've done a great job!

I really only make one kind of doll. Check on the homepage on my website to see them if you wish.

Thanks Krista, although this pom isnt open mouthed so I guess it's not the same. Too bad, I really want to track down the original creator. Maybe I'll ask the seller! LOL

I'm also curious about this pattern, I'm scared that I'll make it and it won't look like the picture. The proportions are quite off I Think.

Live and learn I suppose.....

I'm suprised collectors are that picky! I guess that's why I don't do custom. If you like it, you buy it. Period.
Although this lady sounds nice, I would for sure charge her. $20 is good, but I guess it depends on how much she paid for the bear. Maybe 20% or something

Sandra, I'm also not sure of what you mean. Usually to have multiple layers, you need to create a new layer, make sure it's selected, add what you like etc. If you don't want to see the layer, you can click on the eye beside it to turn it off so to speak. Man, I'm really bad at explaining things.
Layers are like transparencies, you lay one on top of the other, building up an image. You take one sheet away, and whatever was on that sheet is now gone from your image.
Maybe these screen shots will help.

if this doesn't help, let me know.

Eliza, do a search in tips and tricks. We had a great discussion here once about creating eye patches for panda's. I personally like to sew mine on using a ladder stitch and lots of patience.

Gail, I think the same thing. The pattern is from those Japanese books!

I guess she just forgot to add the instructions in mine. Gee, lucky me, and incomplete photocopy! LOL

Oh well. Did you make the dog yet Gail? I haven't yet, still haven't found mohair for it yet.

See, and that's the bad thing about ebay, I was scared to leave her neg. feedback for fear of retaliation, and that bothers me. I think people should know.

:crackup:  :crackup:  :crackup:  :crackup:  :crackup:              :crackup:  :crackup:  :crackup:

YOU'RE the one that has been starting those BC fires.....................

ok, so a question.

What good is shill bidding. Are  they hoping the legit bidders will raise their bids? What if it doesn't work, are you now stuck with your bear? I imagine if you offer it on ebay right away again, people will know what you're up to.
Or do people do it, so it looks like their work is selling for lots of money to create a demand?

I'm confused

we bought a couples massage, the place is 2 mins from home so it'll be a good day...........

wow, same thing out my window too! cute pic, glad I"m not the only one that plays with my bears.....lol

I'd like an opinion please.

Twice now I've bought patterns off ebay. One was for a bear a looong time ago, and the other was a pomeranian pattern i bought about 2 months ago. I thought it would be a good learning experience.

Anyway, what these two patterns have in common is that they are both photocopies. Lets say with the pom pattern, it wasn't advertised this was just a photocopy, although as a 'cover' sheet, the seller does say this pattern has no copyrights, but is that fair? I paid $10 for a photocopy. I can't help but feel ripped off, even though I have the pattern and can make the dog. The pattern is in japanese, so good thing I don't need instructions but that would've also been nice to know.

Or, am I just PMS'ing today! LOL :crackup:  :crackup:  :crackup:  :twisted:  :twisted:  :crackup:

Thanks!

I noticed Melissa, congrats. I wasn't suprised at. I was happy because you might make more now!

Tami, I agree, I don't know how I feel about family memebers not being able to bid. How can they even monitor that? Sure I understand the reason behind it, but it's still silly to me.

I'm sure lots of mistakes are reported. There are lots of people on ebay with nothing better to do than to cruise auctions and report them to ebay for minor infractions, it sucks but it happens.

Just like with any case anywhere, innocent people are accused, but what can you do? Let the wrong ones go?

Interesting topic, I'm not sure what I think at this point.
I obviously think it's wrong, and like Jodi says you can see it happening now and then, but is it an issue? I think so, I also think some bears go for crazy high prices and I just can't see why, compared to what else is out there. Maybe there are pity bids, or friends helping friends.
I know I will never know the whole story, but if something doesn't make sense, than usually it's not true.

Jodi says

OK say an hypothetical artist  lists something and it just sits there with no bids for awhile then they go private and bam they get bids, what does everyone think about that?  does it look wrong???????? or is that just me

I think it looks funny. There are WAAAAY too many scams on ebay not to think something's up. Just because you make bears, doesn't mean you're a good person. Only if you make bears and come on  TT LOL  :crackup:

interesting

my favorite part by far, is when I have finished all the parts of my bear and I put it together. It's that first "hello" that's my favorite part.

My least favorite? probably stuffing the head, although now that I've had a chance to think about it, i really like the whole process, including closing seams and ears! must be in a good mood today...........LOL

wow, the only time I've seen those birds are in cages. I much prefer them this way, thank you.

That is sooo funny.............

Phew, I'm soo glad to be in Alberta. :dance:

I'd like to hear more feedback, I'm in Alberta and I haven't heard of these strict rules being inforced, but it would be good to know for my own show!

Darn red tape everywhere..........