Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Hello everyone,

I've been away on a business trip in Brazil -- five different cities -- promoting a textbook series that I was a part of. While I was gone, I managed to check in to Teddy Talk three or four times just to see what everyone has been doing.

All I have to say is this: You all make beautiful bears!  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:

It was such a pleasure to take those short breaks from work and travel. They always left me with a big smile on my face.   

It was a successful trip for me and my books, but I have to admit that I was completely spoiled by the warmth of the people (and weather) in Brazil, and by the fantastic food! I will certainly go back if I get the chance.

Becky

I do like him, Kat! the color scheme is just so pretty, with the green eyes, silk-shiny nose, and matching soft paw pads. Just a very appealing bear all-around!  :clap:

Becky

You got her name just right! I really like the felt face inset in that pretty fur.

Becky

Hi Jacqui,

Thanks for linking. I just want to tell you how much I like your website! It's clearly laid out, attractive, and everything works right.  :dance:  (I hope to get to that point some day...  )

Becky

Hi Lenora,

The challenges are suggested and "organized" by us -- the forum members. If you have a good idea, post away! (And if you end up with finished projects, you can ask our webmaster Quy (Technical Help) to add a gallery in the Challenge Gallery section where participants can post their pics.)

I hope I have all of that right...

Becky

Hi Jacqui,

I've added you to my links page. I posted this message earlier, but it seems to have disappeared, so I'll try it again without my web address. (You can click on my Website link.)

Thanks,
Becky

Hi Christina,

Edinburgh imports has different "weights" of cotter pins: http://www.edinburghimports.com/shoppin … 92364=S034

(I had some from the hardware store that were only suitable for use by gorillas, I think.)

Becky

He's so beautiful! I love the furry face.

I didn't know about "gypsy horses" either, so I'm happy to learn something.

Becky

Ohhhh -- that's a pretty bear! 

Becky

I would definitely wear that brooch, and not just on Halloween! 

Becky

I really like the bear's name, Shelly, and it must have been a lot of fun to dress this little girl!

Becky

That little mouth is adorable. 

Becky

Larry has such a "classic teddy" look about him -- not scary at all, I'm afraid. 

Becky

She's wonderful, Jenny!

Her eyes are so pretty open or closed, and those fuzzy little feet -- just delightful! 

Becky

Such an elegant-looking bear, Janice! Truly beautiful. 

Becky

Hi Kim,

Yes, that card was from me, and I LOVE this photo!!! What a dear, happy face Evie has!  And what good ideas she has, too. This is going to be quite an exciting story to tell at school.  :dance:

My best to you both,
Becky

Wow!  That is a witchy little bear!

Those eyes... and that beautiful hair! What fun she is, Alison  :dance:

Becky

I would say, "yes and yes."

(When I've done it, I've been surprised at how much comes out. It's not only the pile that you see, but also what's entangled in the backing.)

Becky

I've seen buttons used on the outer side of limbs, but I think those are mostly decorative. The jointing is still thread jointing, exactly as you've done before.

Joanne is right about the earliest disk joints, and there were also some early "rod-jointed" bears that had heavy metal wires connecting the joints, but those bears fell out of favor quickly.

Are you a wood-worker, by any chance? The disks can be made of wood, but I think the problem might be making them thin enough. Joanne's "ply-cardboard" idea might work better.

Good luck!

Becky

One thought, Pat -- With the "sideways" movement in the hips, and you using the largest disks possible for the leg joints? and also the larger of the sizes for the lock nuts and bolts?

Keep us posted!

Becky

Those pink cheeks giver her a very cheerful expression, Hannah. Your friend is going to think of you and smile every time she sees this sweet bear. 

Becky

Glad to have you on board, ratbanjos!

What can you tell us about the films? Are you the director? What gave you the idea? How did you get the BBC interested in supporting short films starring a teddy bear?

Becky

Thank you, Joanne!

Halloween and artists seem to go hand-in-hand, and I'm happy that so many artists are now computer-savvy.  :dance:

Becky

Eldwin is wonderful!

I really like the center-seam head, the way the name suits his personality, and of course -- that luscious fur! 

Becky

Very observant, Peter.   :clap:

Whoever posted the video on You Tube is probably trying to generate hits. (I searched YouTube rather than following the link directly, and there was another "episode" of Misery Bear that has been removed by the user.)

It's a pretty good film, I guess, but let's see whether "ratbanjos" will be joining us for a lot of discussions...

Becky