For artists and collectors sponsored by Intercal...your mohair supplier and Johnna's Mohair Store
Such an interesting subject! :photo:
Obviously there is no cut and dried when it comes to home printers, and it would seem the quality of them is fast approaching professional standard if you take Jenny's as an example.
I have heard many times the same info Shelli is sharing. Additionally, I have heard that the paper quality used in the large chain stores in far inferior to the professional stuff which is why the prints are so cheap. The paper may have 'Fuji' or 'Kodak' on it but it is definitely thinner. I agree that these prints are ideal for our 'brag books' and really appear as good a quality as their more expensive counterparts....but for long term prints I want to have for the future....importnat prints, I always get them done at the photo shop.
A frind of mine who works at the local photo lab here is a real photo nut. She has over the recent years taken and developed hundreds of photos on her digital camera and printed them on her home printer...which was always being updated to the latest technology with the best paper used for printing. She recently mentioned to me that she has noticed that many of her prints have faded...some of the earlier ones are so faded you can hardly see what they are. So she prints all her shots at the phoo lab now, as she has realised that the hundreds of dollars spent on printers, inks etc has been wasted. Fortunately thanks to computers they are all backed up and she can reprint them, but it's got to have been frustrating.
Jenny, it sounds like your printer is very close to professional quality...as I said, they are getting better all the time with so much demand, so please don't feel I am lumping all printers in the same basket.
I can see both sides of the coin where Oz comps are concerned. On one hand I think only awarding ribbons to 1st, 2nd and 3rd along with Bear of Show would give the ribbons more meaning...but it's like someone above said...do the collectors really know what the ribbons mean anyway? A lot depends on individual artists as to whether they use their ribbons to try to sell bears...and I personally have seen Aussie artists promoting their red ribbon wins as something great. And it sounds like this can be misleading as well seeing as though Edie says in Canada, a red ribbon is for first and a blue second!
In Australia, the competitions are becoming less supported all the time. I know the majority enter for the critique and feedback, but I still think the ribbons are a nice touch and at least everyone gets something for entering. Maybe there should be ribbons for first second and third and then everyone else gets a yellow? It's true, there is no easy answer...but maybe in Australia there needs to be something put on the entry form further explaining the ribbon systems.....and that winning a blue ribbon means you have excellent workmanship, but unless you have won Best in Section/Category or Bear of Show, you are not classed as an 'Award Winner'. It seems the clarity is missing in the purpose of the actual ribbons...being that they are for an indication of points received and not an actual 'award'. I was rather surprised when attending my first bear show to learn that there were any number of blue ribbons awarded in each section. It was the first time I had ever seen this system as the only other shows I had been to were country agricultural shows where they had craft comps, and they were alway red blue green...one of each, that's it. So it is possible that someone who hasn't actually been to a bear show could mistakenly think there is only one ribbon of each colour awarded in each section....and therefore a red ribbon means they came second!
Society nowadays seems to be letting go of true 1st, 2nd and 3rd...especially at the primary schools where the kids all come home from sports day with a participation ribbon. They don't give 1st, 2nd, 3rd ribbons very often anymore...cos it makes the children who lost feel sad. Sheesh....then one day they grow up and find out there are winners and losers!
I think the comp system needs to be evaluated, yes, but we also need to keep some sort of incentive there for people to enter...or we will HAVE no comps. Tough one for sure. Good topic though Sandra.
Thankyou both Chrissi and Shelli, I truly value your opinions here. I'll save it for a time when the kids aren't home and watch it first...at least then I'll be prepared for any extra questions.
Favorite movies? Mine are all kids ones!! Shrek 1 & 2, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Iceage, Finding Nemo, Spirit Stallion of the Cimmarron, The Black Stallion, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory...and when I was growing up....The Wizard of Oz...in COLOUR!!!! I still remember that first year when the coloured bits actually went coloured!!! Magical! I watched it every single year until I was about.....hmmm....38! :crackup:
Shelli and Chrissi,
'Requiem for a Dream' sounds scary and yet close to reality for this day and age but I haven't seen it. I have two high school age kids, 13 and 15 and although they are good kids that don't get into rough stuff, I hear story after story of 'good kids' dying from their first 'try' with drugs. What I'm getting at, is do you think this movie is suitable for their age to watch? I don't want to scare the pants off them by showing them horror stuff but if the lesson in the movie is appropriate, I'm all for it.
Interested to hear your opinions.
BTW..haven't seen French Kiss.....looks like it will be the Sat night flick in the Justice household this weekend. Poor Chris.. :dance:
What an absolutley precious kitty Jenny. Three o'clock look is very 'there' but so is the 'kitty' look. Doesn't look like it needs a thing changed to me!
That's a lovely fur too! Your scissor sculpting is amazing!
Sophie!!! What wonderful news!!!! And I'll BET they found you motivated....there's nothing motivates one more than being unemployed with the prospect of a job!
SUCH great news...I'm so happy for you! :hug:
Thanks for the reminder Nancy...I get so caught up with the day to day stuff that I forget to check the 'uni' course offers out from time to time. I signed up for the nativity course.
Paula I really love what you have done with this bear! The short pile shows his shape so beautifully! Short or long...your bears are still my favourite!!
And to think I was worried that no-one would answer.....
I have SOOO enjoyed reading everyone's stories so far...so romantic! And some of the more unusual meetings should give hope to those who think love will never come their way.
Daphne...I loved your story about the moose..sent shivers up my back when that moose appeared in such an amazingly appropriate part of the story! And I was misty eyed reading Dilus....which turned into tears of laughter when reading Pen's 'story' in the post straight after! :crackup:
My own story is rather cute too...
I was working as a Veterinary nurse and my future hubby bought his cattle dog in for a vaccination. He was very cute and had the most gorgeous curly dark hair (I'm a sucker for curls ). I noticed immediatley that he was wearing plaster on his foot and so this was a great conversation starter and I found myself hoping the Vet would take his time with the 'patient' he was with.
Anyway, the feeling must have been mutual beacuse over the next few weeks Chris brought his dog to the vets three times...and it wasn't sick! I couldn't work out why he wouldn't ring me and ask me out...but decided he was just too shy. His dog hadn't been 'sick' for 6 weeks in a row when out of the blue I got a phone call from him. He finally asked me out...which turns out was a real act of courage on his behalf (I think it was fate myself!) because he told me he had rung four weeks earlier to ask me out and had spoken to my brother (who was then 15). I was away at a work training weekend and my brother FORGOT to tell me Chris had rung! So for him to ring yet again when he probably thought I wasn't interested was amaing to me and to this day he admits he doesn't know where he got the courage to pick up the phone and try again.
I think it was God's hand at work. Chris is my absolute best friend and soul mate and I could never have asked for a more caring and loving husband. We just celebrated our 18th wedding anniversay and have three great kids. Life is sweet!
Here is my man and me last month in Vanuatu.
Judi!
:hug: :hug: :hug:
I DO hope Mandi will be alright....how dreadful for you all. We love our pets so much...how can people be so callous as not to stop!
Praying so hard for a positive outcome. :pray: :pray: :hug:
Boyds moosies were gifts to our wedding party a number of years ago, before I started making bears. Henry and I got married because of a moose.... but that's another story for some other place!
Daphne's comment from another thread got me wondering if anyone has any stories to share about how they met their husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend. Sounds like Daphne has a story so we'll let her start!! Daph...you and Henry got married because of a moose??
Great news Peta! Congratulations!
Here's hoping Daph....it's time you got some good news huh? It all sounds perfect...BEST OF LUCK HENRY!!!
Sophie...it's your time! You have waited sooo long and suffered so much dissappointment and it's been cruel. I can understand how the constant rejection cripples your belief in yourself. BUT the big chance here is that you have an INTERVIEW...and once they meet you face to face your talents and kindness with shine and they won't be able to resist giving you the job.
Sending every possible positive thought, vibes, prayers..THE LOT, your way. :pray: :hug:
That's such wonderful news Jane and so well deserved! Your chimp has the most amazingly detailed face and hands...you are so clever! YAY!! :clap:
Shelli I'm really glad this had a happy ending...you must have a few new grey hairs from the ordeal!!
What I'm left wondering though...is how they can justify dumping that package (that insured and obviously pretty valuable package) on your doorstep with no-one home? What if some neighborhood kid had pinched it?? Then you would never have known what happened to Sprite and would've been out of pocket. Whe you insure a package don't you have to put your phone number on it? Even if not, I would've thought they'd at least leave a card on your doorstep to tell you to come collect it...not the actual package? You could have been away on holidays or anything!
BUT....we are all grateful for the happy ending and very pleased for you and your collecter. :clap:
Denise,
When I did my first show in May, I shared a table with Karen (Rufnut Teddies) and some of the girls from TT by proxy. It made a big difference to my confidence and I'm sure Karens too, to have each other there for support. Maybe that's an option for you for May? I'm sure there is someone 'out there' who would love to share with you. As for your teds be good enough...they are WAY cute and I'm sure you would have no trouble selling them. You have a few months to toy with the idea and get used to it...and to prepare!
Don't go waiting until you think you are good enough...I don't think I am either...and then some sweet person like you makes a comment like you did above and absolutely makes my day! :hug:
Don't forget too that at a show, collectors have so many bears to choose from, so if you don't sell one on your first try it isn't a reflection on your work. It's hard to swallow, but if you are keen you will try again and you will succeed. Different styles of bears appeal to different people...you just have to get the compatible ones together.
That's fantastic Denise! And it feels soooooo good doesn't it? I can see we'll be moving over at the next show to make room for a Tuppies Teddies stand! :hug:
Well Dilu...I can give you an unbiased opinion as I haven't seen the thread with Steph's yet. I think your baby golly is as cute as a button! Give her some clothes and she'll be adorable!! Well done!
Thank you so much everyone! I have had a heap of emails from people interested in buying a bear since the profile came out and have sold a couple that were in the profile pics too. It's been so worthwhile, not to mention a huge buzz to see all my bears in print!
Sarah's paper really is adorable too..how many people have their own personalised giftwrap??? Yay Sarah!
Here it is...the bear is Sarah's Emily that was a project a couple of issues ago.
That's wonderful Clare and very much deserved! I do hope someone will scan for those of us who can't access this magazine...please!!!!
Congratulations Heather!!! I'm sure you'll remember that special day forever!! Yeah baby! :dance:
Yup..what Chris said.
Aussie rules football is somewhat of a cult here in Australia. Of course those of us who don't follow it kinda don't 'get' it (what the fuss is all about I mean).
I did the unthinkable 18 years ago and got married on Grand Final Day (no-one told ME!!!) and was quite unpopular with a few uncles and cousins. :twisted:
I was told after the church ceremony, than one uncle had an ear piece in listening to the game! The cheek!
Sandi, I haven't seen or heard from Kerrie in ages but I'm sure she'll be at the show. I have seen Glenys on a little bit lately and hope she'll be at the show too.
Thankyou all for your good wishes..the weather forecast is for a beautiful spring day (unlike thae last show which was blowing a gale and only for the determined or insane!!)...and I believe its the footy grand final day too?? so all the men will go to the footy and not miss their wives who can go to the teddy show guilt free!! :dance:
That's for the advice girls, I so appreciate it!
The mold spots are not extensive...they are just occasional like the ones you get on bread that is going stale. I wonder if I could get away with spongeing them off with a damp cloth? Then I'd just be left with the smell...which it sounds like I may be able to get rid of with airing>
I'm not familiar with dryer sheets. What are they?
I don't really want to go for the option of getting the fur professioanlly cleaned if I can help it....for one thing this is just rabbit fur..not expensive mink, and I'd imagine a professional would charge an arm and a leg to clean it.
Kelly, the actual fur side is perfectly fine...it's just the pelt backing part where the mold is. No lining involved...these pieces are just tanned and nothing else. The pelts are lovely and supple. One I get the smell out, I'm going to make some fur bears before it goes moldy again!!! What about something like "Febreeze" that is designed to spray onto fabrics to remove odour??
Kathy..I hope I have better luck than you.