Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Chris I for one quite enjoy the process of pattern making (although it is true to say I have a background in this) and vary rarely waste any fabric. Although I can see why it would appeal to others who find pattern making  a chore. If some one invented a machine that could sew on ears perfectly first time I would be first in line   :lol:
The down side in my opinion of using a computer is the fact that it doesn't allow for error. Happy accidents or bits that don't turn out how you expected can offen lead to some thing altogether better than you thouhgt of in the first place or a great idea for the next one. Plus the more you cut shapes the better you are at manipulating them, it's a skill like any other that takes time to learn. Mind you it also takes time to learn how to use a CAD program creatively. I guess part of the pleasure of bear making for me is the fact that it is a tradional craft applying age old methods. You gotta go with what you like other wise what's the point.
Good luck with CAD let us know how you go on if you get one.
Michelle

This little bear really makes me smile  :)
Lovely!
Michelle

Beautiful!
michelle

Looks so soft and sweet
michelle

Super cute!
Michelle

   
Michelle

Hi Sue Ann here in the UK a teddybear has to be considered a toy if it is for under 14 hence the high age thresshold. That actually has reminded me that it may also greatly affect my product liability insurance. As we live in the 'where there is a blame there is a claim' society and the H&S rules of the EU means we can't even eat a bar of fruit and nut chocolate without being warned that it may contain nuts! That may push it on the cost front as I expect the premiums may be steep. I think your right though 5 is a good age to settle on. Children of that age may still be rubbing and sucking thier bears but are past trying to eat them/rip them apart!
Becky viscose and rayon are short staple fibres produced from wood pulp so although natural fibres do burn like wood. Wool is a truely amazing fibre and although a bit tricky on the washing front I still love it. I bought some carded wool with a mind to stuffing my bears with it as it is natural and heavy but it smells too much of sheep and would be a real hassle to wash and dry it in my tiny house. Hummm eye placement would need some thought too like you say would have to be done pre stuffing. Now that I would find difficult from an artistic rather than practical point of view, it takes me ages to decide on exactly where the eyes need to go  :wacko:
Karen I feel like have talked myself out of my initial enthusiasum already! That's good to know about faux fur I was unsure of its properties. Wow that must have been a great job and also a good grounding for what you do now. Did you get frustrated by the limitations and move into the artistic freedom of your pieces? Thank you for your offer of help but I think maybe I have to explore the extra costs involved first. I have ideas get over excited and not think things through - too much coffee before bed   :lol:
Michelle x

Thankyou Peter! 

Hi all
just wondering if anybody has explored making bears for children? Now don't get me wrong I understand the whole concept of artist bears and I absolutely LOVE the freedom that gives you. The creative possibilities inspires and excites me, have a mental list of new ideas waiting to be done not enough hours in the day and then on top of this I started thinking about bears for children.
Here's the thing I just find it a shame that children can't enjoy what we all do and get a bit of a raw deal on the bear front sometimes. It would be great to do one or two 'child safe' bears now and again. Sure it would impose limitaions on the constuction but I think that could be a creative challenge too. I have made bears for all my God children in the traditonal way and they love them dearly. (Felix cracks me up as his bear has been appointed king of the bears as he is firmly stuffed so that makes him hard =tough=capable of protecting the reast of his hug  :lol:) But I compleatly trust thier Mums to check regularly for any signs of wear and tear that may become a hazzard. These bears have a pretty active lives trips on holiday, dips in the sea and yes one even tried to fly from the top of the climbing frame! They seem to be holding up ok. I have been asked to make bears for friends of friends for thier children but I always say no followed by the stock reply not suitable for children under 14.
I expect the laws are very strict and rightly so - fire safety for inner and outer materials, safety joints, safety eyes etc. Charlie bears are suitable for over 3 years aren't they?  I would have to know that the bears were 100% child safe or I couldn't sleep nights.
So any body made bears for children? Is this a can of worms I should avoid? Any thoughts appreciated.
Michelle

Fantastic   
Michelle

Beth looks like she would be very comfy on my lap! So cuddly with such an expressieve little face can't help but admire your skills  :love:
Michelle

Your work is amazing Karen! Truly beautiful tiger  :love:
Michelle

Pooty is still a very young bear only just out of being a cub. He still spends a lot of time playing with his toy boat in the bath. That’s how he got his name - he likes to make the boats go ‘poot poot!’ when they come across a soap shaped iceberg or a flannel island. I think he may grow up to be a Captain Pooty if this fascination for all things maritime carries on.
Michelle x

Vicki what a beautiful little bear!     
Michelle

Totally  this cat! Superb work. I admire your talent your website is full of wonderful creations 
Michelle.

ooooo! He looks so soft and huggable  :love:
Michelle

 
Adorable! Love the little dress and hat too!
Michelle

Thankyou! 

I'd give her a cuddle!
Michelle

Outstandingly perfect outstandingly cute!  :love:
Michelle

An older one of my bears but newly losted on bearpile


Bertie Secret Keeper is an unassumingly charming type of bear. If you’ve had a terrible day, been stuck in a traffic jam, had a falling out or are just down in the mouth, Bertie is always on hand. By the time his sympathetic ear has heard all about it you’ll be feeling a whole lot better. Who could be more perfect to get under the covers with and share your secrets or spill that piece of gossip that absolutely know one can find out about. Your confidences are as safe as Fort Knox.
Michelle

Caroline -Snoopy with satin opera glove ears!!OMG I would loved to have seen a picture of him and 4ft that's pretty ambitious sewing for a little girl!
Heather- Tom Puss is so sweet! He has even still got his whiskers you have looked after him well (unless your only eight that is   :lol:)
Kate- Your Wendy Boston is the orginal that my Ted the Red was based on I think. It must have been fate that the bakers gave him to you. BTW fantastic website 'Totally Teddy Bears'  and face book page will be signing up to those.
It's great to see other peoples bears thanks for letting me have a nosey!
Michellex

Wee bears are harder to do than larger ones in my opinion. How on earth did you do that tail did you sew it top side with ladder stitches?? Great shape too don't give yourself a hard time he is still super cute!
Michelle

In the words of Craig Revel Hall:
Fab-u-lous!  Gets a 10 in my book
Michelle

They are a fantastic pair! (oops just relized what i said!-no pun intended ) How lovely that you can create 'something from nothing' that has such a lot of meaning for your friend.