Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Beautiful site, Julia!  I would love to swap links with you 

http://www.cannabearpaint.com

Bear hugs,
Kelly

Thanks for the great input, Bobbie!

Ah yes, very true!  I did not mean to imply that I could take bears to a show and sell out, as that would definitely not be the case!  I definitely do see the familiar faces that you mention from show to show.  There are *very* few artists who sell out at shows today, and of the perhaps two artists that I've seen in this situation, both had 6 or less bears with them at the time.  We attend shows with two artists' worth of stock, easily 2-3 dozen bears, so NO WAY will we sell out, nor are we likely to run low rapidly.

That's a very important point, thank you for making it!  I do think that while many bears have a broad appeal (preferably among multiple collectors who both could and would make such a purchase), others need to wait for "the one" to find them.  And I wish I had that matchmaking information ahead of time!

Bear hugs,
Kelly

Thanks so much for your input, Louise!

That's another nutty thing about eBay, isn't it?  I'm always happy for other bear artists when they do well, but eBay has also shown how the bottom can fall out from anyone, at any time.  I'm sure there's always a reason, but it may not be a very good one... like "well, she didn't bid on it this time, so I guess I won't either." 

Bear hugs,
Kelly

Hi Chrissie,

Thanks for your input, it's always great to hear from a collector!  I know what you mean about the expanse of listings on eBay, it can be information overload!  And I have given myself heart palpitations before by trying to be high bidder on items there.

Bear hugs,
Kelly

Thank you so much for all your thoughts Laurie, Heather and Sarah-Jane!  I think that we, as bear artists ourselves, understand that eBay can be an odd venue for things like sales and prices, but I worry that not everybody has that level of knowledge.  I wonder how many people would see a bear with no bids and think "it must not be any good!"  There is, I think, a level of psychology at work when people will bid on an item that others have bid on, but not bid on an item that others have not bid on.   I have heard it said, and I wish I could remember where, that the surest way to make money is to look like you don't need it.  And somewhere in all of that, I suppose, is where shill bidders crop up... in an effort to look more popular, or successful, in the hopes of receiving greater interest from other parties.

In the end, it is all a puzzle to me, but I don't mind playing the game occasionally 

Uh... I meant listing a bear legitimately, not shill bidding   

Bear hugs,
Kelly

I do not know her personally, but have exhibited near her at a few shows.  She carries a very good selection of artists and seems to attend shows with a LOT of bears, but also seems to do fairly well in sales (from what I've seen as a casual observer).  I remember admiring several Wee Scones on her table at the Hunt Valley show last November.

Kelly

I would be very interested in people's opinions on something regarding sales (or non-sales) on eBay.  Here's some background first (or you could just skip to the third paragraph where I actually ask the question).  We last listed bears semi-regularly on eBay about 1 1/2 years ago.  At the time, we were trying a bit of everything to see what worked for us, and also what we liked to do, in terms of sales.  We tried eBay, our web site, other web sites, stores, magazines and shows.  With all that, we found that we liked shows best... we sold the most consistently, and greatly enjoyed doing them and meeting the collectors in-person.  That's all well and good!  So in 2006 that's what we concentrated on, and spread our show schedule throughout the year.  When this year rolled around, we decided we were lousy at extremely hot-weather shows (read: June and July), so dropped those.  What we wound up with was a big gap in the summer, from May to mid-August, when we are signed up to do Expo and TBAI back-to-back (yoicks).  We had previously decided that during that summer gap in our show schedule, we would try putting a few bears on eBay.  (I'm getting to my question, really I am.)

We're headed back into the eBay realm with our eyes wide open.  We know that we are not eBay-established bear artists, and therefore may be passed over for that reason alone.  Also, due to our concentrating on shows only this year and last, the majority of our collector base is AT shows, and not online... while a handful do cross over into both areas, we know from asking them that most of our show collectors are not on the computer.  We also have very realistic expectations of price on eBay, and neither expect big $$$ but nor are we willing to drop the bottom out of our retail prices... with our August and fall shows lined up, every bear can also just stay with us as show stock, where they will ultimately sell at our retail price.  With all that in mind, we still wanted to give it a try!  For a few reasons... simple curiosity is one, a desire to fill in between-show sales is another, and the hope that we can expand our email mailing list by putting ourselves out there a bit more.  Of course we would *like* to sell any bears we list, but we know it's not a given.  So (here it is, wait for it... question coming...)...

I have heard eBay referred to as advertising.  The theory being that whether the bear sells or not, at least you're showing people the good work that you are capable of and getting your name out there.  But let's say that, with realistic prices on your work and a squeezed economy, the bears you list do NOT sell.  Is that really good advertising?  I mean, would you think less of an artist who could not seem to sell a bear on eBay?  Let's say I listed a different bear every week for a month, or two or three months even, and none of them sold.  Am I really making myself look good by showcasing a variety of good bears, or in the wacky world of marketing, am I actually making myself look BAD if those bears don't also sell in a very public manner?  I'll be very interested to read the opinions on this, I haven't seen this specific question brought up before.

Bear hugs,
Kelly

I went through my local Chamber of Commerce, who were able to recommend a good company.  The fees wound up being similar to PayPal's (which we also accept), so not too bad at all.

Kelly

I believe the fee is now up to $45.  Also, it is possible to file a collection of similar works for one fee.  We do this several times a year for my mother's artwork, teddy bear paper dolls, etc.  The US Copyright Office has a very good phone help line, which is how we found out the details of filing a collection, without having to pay to file each item individually.  Basically, you give the collection a name... we might do one for "Watercolor Paintings Spring 2007".  We would then need to include a print-out copy of each painting that you are filing under this collection name.  And that's it.  Very simple.  (Well, of course you need to fill out the rest of the form and include the $45.)  The only catch is to never file another collection under the same name, which is why we tend to file with the season and year designation, so we are never at risk of repeating anything.

Kelly

Hi all,

I've added everybody who responded so far (let me know if any of you would like changes, in case I messed something up!).   Cat, Anne-Marie, Sarah-Jane, Julie, Pauline, Terrie (and those who emailed me)... you're all in there now!

Thanks for the welcome back Shelli, that's really sweet of you!  You were in my links A-OK, but drop me a line if you wanted me to change to a new banner or avatar.

Any other takers?  I don't mind adding people now, and you can add me later / whenever / never.   

Cheers,
Kelly

Sue Ann,

My mother, who pops in here occasionally, said to me "Did you see Sue Ann's black eye?!".  Really, how many times am I going to hear that in life?!?!  Morbid curiosity made me look, and I agree that looks so painful it makes MY eyes hurt! 

Big hugs Sue Ann.  Life is tough as it is, try not to beat yourself up anymore   :hug:   :hug:  :hug:

Kelly

I use an Ott Lite, it's really nice!  I think mine is the Craft Plus, 24 watt (???) if I am remembering correctly.  However, don't get the dark grey floor lamp Ott Lite that swivels, we had one and it snapped in two at the pivot point with light (no pun intended) use.  Ack!

Kelly

Hi all,

I'm charging through here again  :crackup:

I recently finished a much-needed web site update, and haven't updated my links page in quite a while.  I've removed a few dead links, but that's about it.  Does anyone want me to add them to my links page, if you are not already there?  Or alternately... if you ARE already there, but would prefer I use a new image... just let me know where to find it!

http://www.cannabearpaint.com/links.html

Bear hugs,
Kelly

If you want something truly archival (or as archival as you can get these days), Epson always ranks on top.  I think they go, at best, to 80-100 years under optimal conditions.  That having been said... this is not the "run of the mill" Epsons.  You will need one that uses PIGMENT inks, which are more expensive.  And you will have to use a very good archival paper, also more expensive.  And the Epson printers that use pigments inks are more expensive.  Oh yes, and I hate Epson printers and absolutely do not recommend them. 

If you want something that is super easy to use and prints VERY nicely (what you see on the screen is what you get on the paper, basically), buy a Canon.  They just use regular inkjet inks, but I seem to recall that they are archival in the 20-30 years range, or thereabouts.  I am using an 8-color Canon i9900, and LOVE it.  Never had an ounce of trouble from it, and it always gives a great print no matter what I'm doing or what paper I'm using.  Supposedly does fairly well with fabric, but I've never tried it.  The principal advantage that I find to the multiple ink cartridges is that, in the long run, it is cheaper.  You will always use some colors faster than others, so would you rather run out of blue and have to throw out red and yellow at the same time because they are all in the same cartridge?  No way!  If blue runs out in a multi-cartridge printer, just replace the blue. 

Hope this helps,
Kelly

On a related subject... for anyone who prints their labels through PayPal... PayPal is currently NOT giving the correct shipping amounts for USPS!  They are working on the problem.  They are drastically overcharging shipping in some cases (3x what it should be even with the new expensive rates), and could make for some very peevish buyers. 

<sigh>
Kelly

The new regulations are a nightmare for regular artists (as in those who sell paintings).  Anything that weighs less than 20 pounds and measures over 84" in girth + length is now subject to "dimensional weight" charges.  Unfortunately, paintings are the very definition of a "large, lightweight" package.  So a full-size painting that I used to be able to ship priority from NY to CA by priority mail for $15 or $20, now costs more like $45.  The artists on eBay are having heart failure over this...  You will also find in the new changes that first class mail acceptable width has been reduced, and several other goodies that will surprise people in the coming months.

Ho hum   
Kelly

Sorry to pop in and run out again, but I'm afraid I don't have much time to chat on TT these days.  But wanted to say two important things...

I am sorry, Krista and Kathy, that you both received such a silly email!

#1. I am not the Kelly that wrote that email.  (Kathy posted the name Kelly with the email she received... unfortunately, I have had to defend myself before when another "Kelly" made stupid comments, and people confused her with me).

#2.  I received a similar negative comment about 1 1/2 years ago when I made my first cat (and so far my only cat, due to that negativity).

Nobody owns the rights to creating an animal, whatever that animal is.  No worries folks, I think you are both doing original work with your cats.

The other Kelly

I'm finally getting really confident with my minis (2-4"), and there is only ONE thing I think I'm missing out on.  I've found that so much of successful mini making is having the right materials and the right techniques.  I'm missing something about noses!  What thread is recommended for stitching a mini nose?  I've tried a couple of different things and haven't been totally happy with them... figured it was time to ask the experts!  I've got a 4" mohair bear that is absolutely pristine and I am infinitely happy with... all she needs is her nose, and I'm afraid I'll mess it up!

All advice is appreciated 
Kelly

I was once told by a US postal service employee that the "estimated delivery time" to Canada really is an estimate of how fast the USPS delivers it to Canada... as in, delivers it into the hands of Canadian Post at the border.  I would never use express or priority to ship into Canada, it is a total waste of money, and I really do think they go out of the way to slow down the supposedly *fastest* stuff the most. 

I've had very good luck with airmail shipping around the world, but particularly to quirky Canada.  Airmail letter post accepts small packages up to 4 lbs (though cannot be insured), and Airmail Parcel Post can be insured and even accepts boxes of a gigantic size mailed into Canada (I once shipped a full-size insured painting to Canada this way and had no problems at all).  Airmail Letter Post estimates 4-7 days for arrival, though usually runs at about 10-14 days for delivery in my experience, and Parcel Post usually runs just a few days longer than that.  Even to B.C.

Edited to add:
I once shipped an air letter post package to the UK, and it got hand-delivered on a Sunday in record time.  I received an incredulous email from the buyer, asking what kind of influence I had at the local post office to warrant that kind of delivery!

Cheers,
Kelly

Brenda, what excellent news for you and your family!  My grandfather, that I mentioned in an earlier post, unknowingly dealt with a non-cancerous brain tumor for much of his adult life, and lived to be almost 90 years old.  Miracles do happen, I am so glad one happened for you!

:hug:
Kelly

Aw, poor kid! 

Can't help with the earache itself, but if he suffers from allergies... which may have caused or contributed to the earache in the first place... make sure you are treating the allergies as well.  A good anti-histamine, and even a nasal spray may help to cut back on extra congestion and pressure in his head.

Good luck to all of you  :hug:
Kelly

Chrissi, you asked if there were forums to find out if other people are unhappy with eBay's new system.  Absolutely.   Click on "Community" at the top of eBay's main page, then "Discussion Boards".  Many members are NOT happy campers.  Check out the "Bidders" board as well, where there is a topic with over 3000 responses titled "POST HERE IF YOU HATE NEW ANONYMOUS BIDDER SYSTEM", and another topic calling for a boycott of eBay for the month of February (yes, there are people doing this).

Oh... and I'm not keen on the new system either 
Kelly

I would agree with the others that it is not worth it.  Way too easy to get past, and you will annoy the life out of people who navigate with right clicking.

Kelly

Great quotes from Sue Ann and Pam  :clap:

Sanda, is it possible the nasty lady was a friend of the "old" editor?  Sometimes people just take their feelings out in inappropriate ways.  I think you responded well to her.

Have I been really lucky at shows?  I can't think of anyone saying anything really nasty about us or our bears!  (Or maybe I have just blocked it from memory already, which is possible.)  I have heard people make general comments as they walk past, like "I don't like bears with turned down paws" (OK, fine), or "I don't like real fur bears" (OK, fine).  We usually have enough different looks / styles on the table though that, in theory, even if they hated one they could find another that they didn't hate AS much.  LOL.

I guess the most ridiculous thing I've had said regarding any one of my creations was actually here.  I made a cat once and put it on eBay, this was quite a while ago, and someone said that I was "trying to be Mary Holstad".  Huh?  I was trying to make a cat that looked like a cat (with so-so success for my first cat), and not like anyone else's.  I also did not present it in a manner which mimicked anyone else's presentation, nor did I have an unrealistic price tag on it.  Sometimes, people just need to get a life.

Edited to add: Come to think of it, I've wanted to work more with that prototype ever since I made the first one (2005).  And it was that stupid comment that made me not want to go back to cats.  Maybe I need to make another one just to spite people like that.  (Or to have something to hit them over the head with.)

Cheers,
Kelly

First thing I did was make sure that discussing the rules was not against the rules... I think I'm OK on that 

Just wanted to say "thank you" to any decision makers involved for the new forum rules.  I think the zero tolerance policy for rule violations is an *excellent* idea, and was indeed necessary.

I have but one question.  While the accessibility of private messages is addressed in the new rules, is there an official policy on "making public" the content of private messages? 

Back to the bears now, right?  :pray:
Kelly