Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Such a nostalgic effect you've achieved, Tami. He's stunning.

Congratulations on the magazine feature!

Becky

Hi Pat,

Besides Laing's book, if you can find a copy of "A Bear of My Own" by Rotraud Ilisch, it has extensive information and musings on design.

Another one that I really like is "The Book of Teddy Bear Making" by Gillian Morgan. It's not about design per se, but there are so many types, sizes, etc. of bear patterns to look at and try making that it's a real education.

Becky

Thanks for the information, Carol.

I had wondered about that, but now that you say it -- I've handled unframed painted canvases, and they are quite flexible, and sometimes surprisingly heavy!

You do beautiful work:)

Becky

Thanks everyone, for taking the time to write.

Perhaps the word has been appropriated by the people it was once meant to demean. If it's now a celebration of femininity, as Paula says, and used in that way by women, especially, that is a great sign of progress. (By the way, I never intended to say that I had heard any TT people use the word negatively. I understood how you meant it, but it's still a "loaded" word to me. Did anyone check out that SNL script?)

Ellen, I have to admit that my cousins and I once nicknamed our grandfather "grumpy grandpa." I don't think he ever heard it, but that certainly is a bad name for anyone:)

Best,
Becky

Soooo sweet! I love that tail:)

Becky

Hi Carol,

Your bear inspired me to look up the poem. It's a lovely piece of writing -- so simple, and so beautiful. Your bear captures the joy that the poet felt, I think, when seeing those daffodils:)

In more mundane matters, it can't be easy to stitch painted canvas, can it? And is it treated in some way to keep the paint from cracking and flaking off?

Becky

Look at those sweet kitty toes:)

Becky

I do love your elephants:)

Good luck with the website!

Becky

A great job indeed! That's a wonderful muzzle, and I really like the way the "antiqued" suede pads and ears look.

Becky

Very nice! A wonderful face and "hair-do." The little necklace really works well on this bear, too.

Wow - what a fantastic fellow! He really does look as if he wants to be scary... It's not working:)

The eyebrows are wonderful!

Becky

A belly button! Nice touch:)

Becky

Thomas, for you I had a very boy-y bear in mind, but sometimes these bears have a mind of their own:)

Becky

Wonderful answers, everyone! (I can't get these smilies to go into my messages, but I really am enjoying the humor.)

It looks as if I'm not winning many converts to my campaign, and perhaps what's happened over the past 20 years is that the adjective has gone over to the good side. (Maybe all that "girl power" stuff from the Spice Girls paid off:)

I remember the first time I became aware of this "new" word, and I've attached a link to an old Saturday Night Live skit featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger with "Hans and Franz" the body-builders. It's not pretty, in my opinion: http://snltranscripts.jt.org/88/88ghansfranz.phtml

For myself, (and anyone else who worries that this word might be a bit "loaded") the word "feminine" remains the best choice, but now I know that "girly" is not icky, just pink and fluffy... oh, wait! Not fluffy! (big smiley)

Becky

I had the feeling I'd get some good responses from this group:)

I don't think it's being too sensitive to question these things. Words are powerful, and I'm sure we can all think of a few that we're glad have fallen out of favor.

Lisa, I'm still smiling over your teary-faced bear icon and your sweet long-lashed bear, but it's your signature line that has cheered me up the most today -- love it!

Becky

Hi all,

You know I love bears -- male bears and female bears. But I have to admit that I cringe when I see or hear anything described as "girly."

Maybe it's because I grew up a few decades ago, when women in the workforce were still known as "the girls in the office." And maybe it's because I went to marches and joined arms with women of all ages to fight for an Equal Rights Amendment to the US constitution (which never did get passed).

I've come to terms now with the word "girl," not only for children, but also as an affectionate term for my best female friends. The word "girly," however, still seems demeaning to me.

I'd love to hear what you all think. It would be wonderful if someday all female-type terms were a great compliment, but I don't think we're there yet.

So what's the verdict? Does "girly bear" strike anyone else as icky?

Becky

It's a lovely accent, they're lovely children (three wee ones is right!), and I really like the way the video was edited.

Good to see you!

Becky

The faux fur you used on this wabbit is absolutely gorgeous!

It looks soooo soft, and I love the scissor-sculpting effect you created on the face.

Becky

Many nice details, and I love those little ears:)

Becky

Austin is adorable with his shiny nose and his little friend. I don't understand how one goes about crocheting a bear, but I certainly like the result!

Becky

He's remarkable in many ways, but I can't get over the paws... They look real!

Becky

He looks so soft, and has such a sweet, gentle facial expression. What a nice little bear!

Becky

Oh, great idea! Toenails would be an excellent addition.

Becky

She's wonderful, Ali!

I really like how you handled the front feet -- the shape is perfect. And the fluffy pink fabric you used is lovely:)
Becky

I think I know how he got his name... Adorable!

Becky