Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Many years ago when I had a bear shop, I made my 'misfit' bears. I would get say an arm out of one piece, the head out of another and made the bears up, small ones obviously. I tried not to get colours and lengths clashing. I sold them for less and people liked the 'ahh they don't really belong' kind of thing. Paid for more mohair and children liked them as they were more affordable.

Just downloaded the free one that North country bears have. The link is above from Laura Lynn. Not bad at all. Better than the one I have. I would get to grips with that one first and there is even a tutorial although its easy to use. Thanks everyone.

I also love my curved needle and would be lost without it. Its not too big so does the job really easily.

Same here Laura. I keep jumping on the computer, then someone else wants to use it, then its work or holidays. So hello to you all and I'm sure we will be back to full capacity soon.:)

Have you got any photos Matilda or have I missed a post? I did a bit of needlefelting but need to carry it forward. It is addictive and takes ages but is very calming and fun to do. The only trial and error tip I can supply is when felting on the mohair use a thin needle (see I don't even know the name!) and be careful not to be heavy handed. I lost two needle tips in the first bear I did, so that put paid to that one as I couldn't get them out.

I use coloured tissue paper and put those small foil type little cut outs in, hmm.. you know like confetti, they use them sprinkled on party table tops. Not too small so they don't clog the fur up. Then when the bear is unwrapped they fall out, ok messy, but it looks pretty.

Thanks everyone. I am lucky in that things aren't too bad but that slight not right feeling has been going on for years now. I know things will feel better soon. I have not been as active on here due to days away but have tried to keep up. What a lovely bunch of people you are, just shows that one common interest can produce such kind people. I can't wait to get back to bear making and I did get to paint and make my work room look more pleasant. Cheers everybody!!:)

Here in the UK it was used for curtains in the late 60s and 70s. Its called crushed velvet if it is the same one. I can still get some from the charity shops. I had some in a fawn colour and it dyes really easy. I am not sure it is the same as the ones you use, ours had a cotton backing, but it sure does look the same. You usually get it in gold, dark brown, green and sometimes red. All lovely authentic 70s furnishing colours!
I used to make loads of bears in this. Very floppy types as the backing is so soft. Sorry I don't think I have any pictures.

Sue Ann your post struck a cord. My grandmother had a nervous breakdown and was on highly addictive tranquilizers at the time. I am talking years ago and medication has come a long way since then. I have noticed different members of my maternal family have been afflicted with varieing degrees of depression. Like you say it is very common now, or rather discussed more now. I am lucky it has never got too bad but am still conscious of it 'stealing my life', the one I should be having! The posts here have been very enlightening, thanks all.

Thanks to everyone who has posted their thoughts on depression. I actually started making bears again through the need to 'get away from it' and to take my mind off things. Silly things like next door making too much noise. I have mild depression and have been lucky to have had lots of little vacations to get away from it. The thing is you do have to take the control back and face it head on, I can't really keep hiding from 'it'.

So back to bear making next week, back to the gym (excersise can help with depression) back to healthy eating and NOT back to my old way of thinking!

The comments about not fighting it alone and taking control back have really sparked something in me, so thanks to you all and watch this space in the next month for some very 'therapeutic' cuddly creations.

You did a great job. I bet it was fun doing something else. Love the mane.

I am biased but I lost over 70 lbs doing Slimming World (just got my maths wrong it was 5 stone in old money!)http://www.slimming-world.com. The plan is to eat loads of the healthy stuff. I actually use a large plate to fit it all on. On a green day I eat loads of pasta or potatoes or rice and a small amount of chicken or bread etc. On a red day I eat lots of chicken or fish but less pasta or potatoes.
It is really about finding a plan that you can do long term not the quick weight loss and but it back on types. Not being hungry is also what you need from any plan. Plenty of fruit, veg and don't forget your treats too. You need to be able to still have some so you can keep going long term. All the best with what ever you do.

I had something happen to me. My customer paid by paypal and I sent the bear. I then (don't ask me how) managed to refuse the payment. I e-mailed the customer and she did come through for me and resent the money through paypal.
You've got a lot on your mind at the moment, if it does turn bad please remember there are people you hardly know as such, thinking of you. Hang in there.

Wow. Really sweet and I love the paw pad detail.

Hi Mandie. I'm with Slimming World. I know where you are coming from. Start to think can't have this can't have that and you are doomed. It is a long term thing. I say to my members when you reach your goal weight you don't turn into this person that will never put weight on again, it's still there, that urge to binge or eat rubbish especially if you are down. Its learning how to control it and to cope with it if you do fall off the waggon.

At the moment I have no motivation but I also know when Amy goes back school its back to the gym and back to the healthy eating. Slimming world plans suit me because you can eat loads, unlimited pasta on a green day, yummy. Back to making bears will also keep me busy.

Yep its definitely a lifelong thing, but in my case I have learnt how to have a few weeks off now and again and hopefully not spoil things too much. Roll on when the kids go back school!

Hi all. I actually work for a slimming group here in the UK. I was over 15stone (212 lbs) after I had Amy. I am now 11st (154 lbs). My ideal is about 7 lbs less. I really need to lose a bit after my holidays. Its not easy but the one thing that works is the support of other people and not feeling alone.
The diet I follow (when I'm good!) is just healthy eating and eating loads of the good stuff, its the sticking to it bit thats hard. So best of luck and I know people who have lost over 112 lbs AND kept it off, it can be done with a bit of support from each other.
PS. I am about to go shopping for loads of cakes etc for Amy's birthday party, oh well start Monday...well Tuesday it is a bankholiday tomorrow after all!!

My question is has anyone used unusual stuffing? I used sand once to give weight in the tummy, but would welcome any reasons not to use it? I also once used dried lentils as beads (money was tight at the time and I could not afford plastic). I kept that bear and its 12 years old and still OK.
I have also heard of people using dried lavender.
I will be ready to start making bears again soon and would welcome your feedback.

I actually like this bear too! Good suggestions from everyone. The only thing I can add is what happens to me sometimes. If my leg joint is too small it gives the legs too much gap under the bum (fanny) area. Still a lovely bear, you are too hard on yourself.

Sounds like a con to me. Be careful about your attorney fees too. To cut a long story short my dad had someone try to claim compensation for 'a fall injury ' on his land. He had to pay an attorney (solicitor) to prove they were lying, but it was sorted in the end. Hope it goes OK, I'm sure the legal people have already come across this.

Dilu, hiya! Back from Southport. It is on the Northwest coast of England. A lovely old town that first came into its own for the Victorians that started to bathe there. You don't really get to see the sea as the tide goes so far out.
Most British seaside resorts started when the Victorians decided it was good for their health. The ladies hired horse drawn covered carts that would take them into the water, where fully clothed in their bathing outfits they would venture into the water.

Southport still has lovely Victorian buildings. We stayed in a hotel that was built about 100 years ago. It still had the old style lift with wood panelling and the cage style door you pull across. Candy floss, fish and chips and the piers are still firm British favourites. Britain, being an island of course, has lots of these type of places. Good fun and always a nice time.

Kim you are just the same as me! That's the only way I sell. I have not had anything on for awhile but, oh boy I'm there checking the hits, how may are watching etc. Don't read too much into it. Other bear makers could be watching ( guilty as charged me Lord ) or just people interested. The most hits I had were 250 for Bruno. He went to a lovely lady in Belgium for £56, so can't complain.
You should see me near the end of an auction, check, check and check again, its half the fun and half the nerves.
Hang in there it is a bad time to sell, but it will pick up in Sept/Oct. Good luck, Mandy. ( off for a few days to the seaside, well Southport  actually, less sea as side!):lol:

Rita you are so brave. My mess ups just get put in the bin.

I am new to needlefelting too. Here is a picture of Bruno. I started the top lids on my foam, then about half done started felting at the top edge onto the top of the eye. It actually covers a lot of the eye as they were doll eyes and very large. Then same again with the bottom. I then used oils to paint the felt.

Keep trying it will be worth it and thanks for the pictures.

Sometime in the future I would like to do a real fur bear. To be honest I don't have strong views on the 'fur debate'. I have seen articles in the paper about the rabbit fur trade that did make me feel uncomfortable. I think if I do decide to go ahead it will be with an old garment. I don't know enough about where the new fur comes from.
In time like Judi, I suppose you could source reputable fur supplies. We also have had local problems. A local group of activists 'grave robbed' the remains of a farmer's mother-in-law. The farmer was involved with animal breeding for labs. Very serious stuff.
Like Shelli says it all comes down to tolerance. We have to go with our own judgement and hope people generally except this.

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW! Fantastic. I think you are so clever to needlefelt the body. Really this is your best work. It's so original. I love the eyes too. Did you paint them yourself? Get ready for the compliments!!

Jane if there is one thing I have learnt about you, it is you are a very caring person. Time for YOU now. Lisa is right the bears will be there for you when you get better. Theres nothing worse than feeling down, but at least there is light at the end of the tunnel. Hang in there, and all the best for your operation.