Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Hi Sophie
What a charming home you have!  Thanks for the wonderful tour you gave us. 
It's always fun to see homes in far away places.  And it's probably the closest I'll ever come to visiting France, which I'd really really love to do.  Maybe someday...
   Laura   

Hi Marion
The Canon EOS 20D  is a great camera, as are all Canon cameras.
Your Sony Cybershot is also a great camera (on par with Canon).
SLR's require some technical skills, so a photography class is a good idea.
If you decide to go for the SLR, I suggest you keep your Sony as your second camera. 
I hope this helps.
Laura

The eyes, ears, nose question was great! 
Here's another I've been wondering about.  What do you attach first, the arms or the legs?
Maybe a really dumb question.  Sorry if it is.  Blame it on me being a newbie.

Laura

This is indeed a fascinating question...with equally fascinating answers!

I made bears back in the early 80's, but never sold them.  Gave some away, kept (and still have) the rest.  I went into professional photography full time, so the bear making came to a complete halt.

Then I switched gears and opened an antique store, which I still have today.  Recently, like about 4 months ago, I found I so needed a hobby again, and the only one I ever really liked was bear making. 
So I re-entered the world of teddy and I'm completely hooked.  Even though I'm making some strange looking bears right now...I just love it!  I can't see ever putting it down again.
                                                                                                       
    Laura  :rose:

PS I just noticed this thread started over two years ago.  With so many of us newbies joining TT ...I think it's a great one to pick up again!!!

I am knee deep in learning bear making, and just loving it!     
But I also love to garden. My hubby and I have created a bird sanctuary in our yard.  We live in a rural area.
We are avid bird watchers. Does that count?
           

Hi everyone!
Does anyone stuff their ears?
Okay, I know how weird that statement sounds but...does anyone stuff their teddy bear's ears? 
I've heard and read not to stuff, but I must admit I sometimes do a wee bit of stuffing. 
Is this totally taboo?  Do any of you ever stuff, even a wee bit? 
I guess I'm more curious than anything, and it is a silly question...but I've been wondering for some time now, so I thought I might as well brave it and ask.

Laura

You have all opened my eyes a little, make that a lot.
When I get into something, I always try to make it make money.  My crazy antiques business is one of those ventures.  I went from collecting, to selling, to opening my own store.  I do love it, but it's a full time job.
I'm heavy into learning about making bears, good bears this time around (I dabbled in bearmaking many moons ago but they are all stagnant). 
And I'm already finding myself looking at the sales angle.  Maybe selling bears in my shop, maybe make bear kits to sell.   
Stop, I scream at myself.  You need a hobby, not another job.   

Many many of you make the most exquisite bears I've ever seen.  I will never have your talent, just your love of bears. 
Even though I may not be making much sense, I thank you for, well, opening my eyes.  Not that it was your intent, but I guess that's what forums are for.
I need to stop and smell the teddy bears.

Esme is adorable!  Your Granny will love her! 

I have a Morse Fotomatic.  Totally esoteric.  It's a simple but heavy duty machine that will last forever.  It's at least 30 years old. I love it!
Of course this really doesn't help you, tho they're still out there.   
Laura

Outrageous..ly  funny!!!
And hate to admit, maybe just maybe, a little itsy bit true.  :doh:

Sue
A good choice!!!  I think...no, make that I'm sure... you will love the camera! 
Happy pix taking!
Laura

Hi Sue
If I may...I recommend Canon.  Their entire line is great... easy to use and reliable.  I've had several now and love them all.  Choosing the right one can be tricky.  It basically depends on if you want a point and shoot or an SLR.  I have both and find I grab my point and shoot more often than my SLR.  It's easy and takes great pictures.  It's an A series 620.  I use it for all my ebay pics.  For scenics and such I use both.
Whatever you decide on, if it's a Canon, it will be good!  (Not saying others are bad, but Canon has the best reputation for quality.)
Laura

Wow! 
I just read through ALL the responses to the dream studio question.  They are wonderful!  What you have and what you dream of having.  We all seem to dream similar dreams...
And, as I am just now re-entering the world of teddy, this was much on my mind. 
I looked all over my tiny house (which didn't take very long) to find a studio hide-out.  I finally decided on an attic room, which up to now was a catch-all.  I cleared the clutter and claimed my space.  Not large at all, and if I were any taller (and I'm only 5 foot-2) I'd be hitting my head on the low curved ceiling... ah but it's mine!  I hung a bit of curtain (no doors up there) and settled in. 
I'd love more room to sprawl in, and a view.  Hopes and dreams, which are wonderful things.  Right now mine is to make a bear that resembles, well, a bear.
Give me a small space to call my own, and I'm happy.   
Laura

Oh thank you one & all!   
I really appreciate all your ideas and help.  I really like the idea of using paper towels.  And I'll dart more strategically and deeper.
I was thinking of a 3 piece body, as suggested.  I usually work with 2 piece bodies, sometimes but not too often a 4 piece.  And I've always used a center front seam but really want to explore the seamless front.  Trial and error, and error.. 
I made a pattern today, but it wound up with a front seam.  I want a tubby bear!  I'll probably use a fur for this guy.  (I already see it as a him.) 
I use a huge pad of newsprint paper (newspaper-paper) which I scribble away on.  It's cheap!  Which is really good, since I just re-entered the wonderful world of teddy bears.  I forgot a lot, but memories are lurking.
So thank you again.  You are the best!
Laura

Hello everyone!
I'm a newbie to TT and recently started making teddies again. (And am just loving it!!!)
I have some different materials I'd like to try using, like tweeds.
I've been sketching out patterns for a roughly 14 inch bear with a good sized tummy.  I would like the front of body to be seamless.  I've read some of your previous topics on 2, 3, and 4 part bodies.  The seamless front was touched on, but not much...unless I missed it somewhere. 
So, what do you all think of a seamless front  ..for a chubby bear, who can't keep his paws out of the honey pot?       Using darts, I guess is a given, but can it really be done?   
Thanks so much!!!
Laura