Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Brenda, your bunny is very cute.  Good job.  I made a couple of needle felted animals and had just fun doing them.  I don't have any tips as I just winged it.  Be careful though, I have a pinched nerve in my neck/shoulder and I'm sure that all of the poking definitely had something to do with it.  I hated to admit it, but have had to stop now until I heal up.  Too bad, as I really loved doing it and it was so much fun seeing them come to life with every poke.

Peggy

When I lived in the city (Edmonton, Alberta), we would get the bigger kids coming even after 9:00.  If you leave the lights on, I guess that means you are still giving out candy.  Now I live in the country so do not get anyone.  However, in the small town close to me they do have a curfew.  Halloweening hours are from 4:30 - 7:00 which seems kind of early as many people are not even home from work yet.  It seems to work as they have been doing it for many, many years.

I really miss all the little kids.  They're so cute!

Peggy

I use a machine to sew as much as I can.  My hands can't take all of the hand sewing.  I'm suffering from a pinched nerve in my neck/shoulder and it's more than enough just sewing up the seams.  I wish I could do more hand sewing, but it's too painful for me.  I love needle felting and can't do that at the moment either.  I'm hoping it's going to get better soon.

Peggy

Well said Mindy.  I agree totally.  Give The Teddy Patch a try -- IT'S FREE TO LIST.  I keep repeating myself, but it's true.  If we list there and let our customers know where we are, they will follow.

Peggy

OMG - how cute!  Great job.

Peggy

I agree with Debbie.  We should all list on Bid4Bears or on The Teddy Patch from now on.  As I have mentioned many times before, The Teddy Patch is FREE to list yet for some reason, not much seems to sell on that site.  Not sure why, but I keep trying.

Peggy

Awww, that's soooo cute!

Peggy

I have mentioned this before, but had no comments.  What about listing on The Teddy Patch auction site?  It's FREE to list - can't get any better than that?  You can even have your own store.  I think we have something great right under our noses and are not taking advantage of it.  Why try to invent the wheel when it's already been invented. We just need more artists/collectors to join and give it a try.  I have decided to do that.  Any comments?

Peggy

Jenny, she is gorgeous.  You can't rush perfection!

Peggy

Thanks ladies.  I'm honoured to be a featured artist.

Peggy

I'm so excited for you Terrie.  Both bears are fantastic.  I'll keep my fingers crossed for you in the finals.

Peggy

Thank you ladies for your advice.  And a special thank you to Paula for taking the time to write such an informative article for me.  I will certainly take note of it all and will get busy, busy, busy trying harder to promote my work.

Peggy

Thanks Sue Ann.   I'll check into that.

Peggy

I am one of the teddy bear artists that has never entered a contest and mostly because I consider myself fairly new at it yet and perhaps feel that I am unworthy.  It does seem to make a difference though when trying to sell my bears.  I barely am able to break even and most times my bears don't sell the first time I list them so that eats away at the little profit there is.  Does anyone have any suggestions on how to better market bears when you haven't won any awards or is winning an award the only way that collectors will take notice of you?

Peggy

Congratulations Paula.  That's a great article.

Peggy

Congratulations Maria.  I checked out the website and your bears.  They're fantastic.

Peggy

They're fantastic - as usual.  I love seeing your bears.

Peggy

Gorgeous as usual Terrie.

Peggy

Really cute entries.  I have voted.

Peggy

I have an Etsy shop and did list a few bears but none of them sold. They don't seem to get many views either.  I'm not sure why.  Perhaps Etsy's still not well known enough or there's just too much stuff on there.  I think we should all list with The Teddy Patch instead as there's no listing fees and let's get that site hopping!!

Peggy

I had a fabulous time in Europe.  I loved England and Scotland.  Unfortunately, the tour was too fast paced and I didn't get a chance to visit any teddy bear stores.  Next time I'll have to go on my own so I can take more time.

Peggy

Juliet, she is soooo cute.  Great job.  What do you use for whiskers and where can I get some?  I have been wanting to try a rabbit or kitty so need to get some soon.  Also, do you have a favorite supplier of wool?

Peggy

I agree.  I'll leave minis to the experts.  I started one, but never did finish it.  I don't have the patience for it.  It amazes me at how small some of them really are.

Peggy

Hi Wendy.  I wanted to start needle felting too but did not know where to begin.  I looked on Etsy.com and found quite a few people selling wool.  I was able to get a lady to tailor make a "package" for me.  I told her which colours I wanted (black, white, brown for sure) and she added a few more colours.  All together, I got about 8 balls, 3 needles, a piece of foam and some basic instructions for $15.00 plus $7.00 postage.  It was well worth it as I really had no idea what to order.  I had some discarded teddy bear heads that I didn't like so just started experimenting by adding wool to the faces.  It was actually quite easy and lots of fun.  I can't wait to do more.

Peggy

Unbelievable.  Some people are so creative.

Peggy