Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Hi everyone,

Would anyone like to share tips for getting the placement of a bear's legs right? Too low, and he won't sit correctly. Too high, and he looks "hippy" (and still won't sit correctly).

I'd love to hear any advice:)

Thanks,
Becky

I love the name! (Was any Pellon harmed in the making of this bear?:)

Becky

Very nice! I really like that long gold mohair.

Becky

What a great idea, and what a great result!

I really admire all of the imaginative creations on your website, too.

Becky

Hi Marg,

The website is very nice. I like having the menu buttons there on the left on every page.

Glad the surgery went well!

Becky

She's lovely, your Lucy, and has such a strong facial expression! That pink fur looks like it's wonderful to touch, too.

Becky

More great answers! Thank you for taking the time. (You, too, Pudge:)

As for my own designs, I'll keep making bears that appeal to me and hope that other people like them, too. But there's such a knowledge base here on TT that every collector is likely to mention something I hadn't thought of.

So I'll keep checking back, too. This seems to be a great way to get to know some of the TT members a little better.

Best to all,
Becky

Yes! I like him a lot, and he looks like a very huggable sort of panda.

Becky

It's so nice of you to ask - really encouraging. I'm currently making a couple of bears for a consignment shop that a group of artists have opened near Washington D.C. Then it's definitely on to inventory for my website and an Etsy e-store.

I'll keep you posted and will have links here. And again - your interest in my bears has given me a big smile. (I'll be sure to make some with velvet paw pads:)

Becky

Thank you for your thoughtful answers, Thomas and Peter! I'm glad I heard from both of you.

I think you're right, and all the answers to this question will be very different. (That's what will make them great fun to read, I hope:)

Best,
Becky

Hi everyone,

As I get closer to selling some of my bears, the teddy bear collector is on my mind.

My question is: What do you, as a collector, look for in a teddy bear? I know that the variations in bears are almost endless, but I think it would be interesting to hear what people like and dislike.

For example, I like it when the mohair (my favorite fabric type) "fits" the style and personality of the bear really well. I also look for a very well-made bear - nicely finished seams, well-embroidered nose, etc.

I don't buy any miniatures because my cat thinks they're toys for her. And the feel of ultrasuede doesn't appeal to me, so I prefer wool felt paw pads.

Other thoughts on what moves you to buy a bear, and what makes you decide against one?

With my best,
Becky

Thank you, Ali!

I didn't know about Mendel's - what a terrific selection of faux fur and plush fabrics!

Becky

Your granddaughter is going to love the bear! (I do, too:) He looks like a good size to fit into suitcases and dorm rooms.

Becky

My local Joanne's fabric store carries large bags of polyfill, and I went to a large sporting-goods store for copper-coated BB's (They didn't know what I meant by "shot," which they think of as the fine powdery stuff inside rifle shells).

And yes - Intercal and Edinburgh are great places to get supplies and advice.

Good luck!

Lovely! Those pink flowers against her rosy brown fur are certainly inspired:)

Becky

Wonderful website! I like the way you can click on an available bear and LOTS of very good photos come up. (Love the scout bear!)

Becky

If you don't have any wool lying around to stuff the nose area, try using the mohair you trimmed from the seam allowances of your pieces (if you do the trimming step, that is). If you're using a long-ish pile, you end up with a pretty good mound of mohair.

Such a pretty girl! The softness of the fur is really appealing.

What a nice face! She looks like she's ready to have a little conversation with you:)

Thank you both! (My friends liked their bears, but it's very nice to hear from the experts.)

And I love that term "cheeky"! We Americans need to start using that one:)

Best regards,
Becky

"Perfect" is the word! Every detail is right, and I love her winsome little smile:)

Becky

Here are a couple more of mine.

I was certain that the yellow bear was female, but my friend calls "him" Maxime.

The "pajama" bear is probably the smallest I'll ever make at 8". (I don't know how you mini-makers do it!) I made him for a friend who travels a lot and needed a suitcase friend.

I love their little mouths! Nice scissor work on those muzzles, too.

Becky

Wow! After reading Luann's response to the issue of liability, I'm (1) very glad that I read the post, and (2) thinking that she might write a very interesting book indeed!

Becky

I've been wondering about this as well. So far, I haven't had the security people ask questions about a bear in my carry-on bag, but between the airlines charging for checked bags and my concerns about a confiscated or ruined bear, I'm planning to mail two bears to my destination when I travel later this month.