Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

It has been ages since I have been able to think about bears and decided it was time to go back and invest in myself and some well deserved down time.    I have been lurking for the last few months and completely inspired by everyone's felted bears.     I was desperately in need of inspiration and the only place I ever need to go is here!    I just can't tell you how much I love being able to come here and hear how everyone is doing and see the amazing creations.  It has taken me 2 months to get through all the old post and boy am I impressed.   

IT is amazing what has taken place over the last year + while I was away. So many new members and soooo many great bears   

I really want to thank Judi and Nancy for offering classes that are so easy to understand and so informative!  It was the kick in the behinney that I needed to find some inspiration.     And to Intercal for being so wonderful to do business with, Johnna your just wonderful to deal with.     

And to to Sophie my dear, I own you a wonderful swap bear from eons ago before my life went spinning out of control!   Possibly you have time in the near future to pick up where were left off   :hug: 

I also thought I would take a moment to share my latest creation as well as give a plug for the felted face class over at e-bearz university.    Judi has a wonderful class (as many of you know) that  really helped walk through the process of felting a bear face.      I learned a great many tips and techniques through out the class.  As well as many things that I need to do differently next time.     I thought I would share a few photos of the process.     I did realize that it is better to start with a smaller face and build up from there.    The face compared to head got way out of control (too large) and that caused me to make changes!    Also learned to keep the face much lower on the head and the good new is that felting is very forgiving!       

I am hooked of felting just like so many of you!     Here we go:

I did not like the fur in comparison to the head

So I took drastic measures

And he started getting better

And then better after the last section of Judi's class in shading

And then came the body, only to learn more important points - I used my own favorite body pattern only to find out that It is too small even after some adjusting.

My camera for some reason shows the shading much stronger then it is in person, the white is not as pronounced in person but I will go back and tone it down some so it is not so striking.

So in the end I love felting, I love TT and e-bearz university for giving me the inspriration to move forward in making more bears!   

Big bear hugs from Dallas

Duff

Sophie, Eileen and SueAnn, thank you all for being so great 

Hi Everyone!    I have finally landed in texas and have internet access!    I am looking forward to reading all the post from the last few weeks!   Skimmed the headings and looks like a lot of interesting things going on!

The move on  whole has been smooth.  Only a few hick-ups to speak of.   About two weeks prior to the actual move date, a driver pulled out in front of me and there was no time to stop. needless to say both cars were a total loss.   Air bags went off and my poor little car took the brunt of it on the front end!    Word of caution, pray that when a car pulls out in front of you it is not a mercedes!  It was like hitting a brick wall!  On the other hand you can be pretty confident that a driver of a mercedes has insurance!  Thank god     We were both shocked to say the least, but no major injuries to either of us!   Honda CRV is an awesome car in a crash!  It was older but took the crash like a champ!   

The other driver was trying to cross 6 lanes of traffic to go from one shopping plaza to another on a very busy street on a saturday.   Due to cars in the turning lanes she never saw me coming and I certainly never saw her!   The skid marks from my car were about 6 feet long!    The impact caused my car to jump the curb, miss two trees and  a no parking sign and land in the middle of a Clerk of the Courts empty parking lot!  There was just enough room between the trees and sign for my car to fit.  Although I must say, there were several points to this accident that were very positive.    The other driver had just dropped off her kids at a store (thank god again), because I hit her on the passenger side door, that and I missed the trees.        I have geico and wow they were wonderful!    The adjuster settled the claim in about 4 days due to my moving in the upcoming week.     That gave me just enough time to buy a new car.     Ended up with another Honda (pilot) the day before I left town!   

The whole relocation process has been extermely overwhelming, that along with the car accident.    The moving company showed up on a tuesday, packed the whole house by 2:00pm, the driver showed up a 1:00pm and had the everything on the truck by 9:30 pm.     It was so strange to be in the house with everything gone!    It was my very 1st house and I was in in for 10 years!    Such a good house!

Spent the next few days cleaning and getting the house ready to put on the market, what a huge job!  I am so glad it is over!       My neighbor was kind enough to help me load the new car up, pack the three dogs and off we went!   We left Saturday morning around 11:00 and made it to Lafayette, LA by about 1:00am (after many many rest stop visits for the doggies!)   Who, by the way were just wonderful in the car      Desperatly tried to find  hotel that night (who knew LSU had just graduated that previous Friday!)  Not a room to be found... well there was a really scary Super 8 motel that would take dogs.   It was the scariest, most disgusting place I have ever stayed.  I was never so happy to have a 130lbs big mean looking dog with me!  Slept for three hours and back on the road we were!    Never so happy as leave that gross place behind!

Hit Dallas about 1:00pm the next day only to arrive, meet up with my Dallas realtor, who had to make it a quick stop due to another open house that day.  The minute he left, I started to cry                           and cry and cry.    I was so tired and overwhelmed that it was all I could do for the first 5 hours!    Called my mommy like a big baby and cried some more.       My realtor was kind enough to give me  a gift basket with a towel, shampoo and other niceties, along with a really nice air mattress!   Needless to say, I showered and went to bed!

All looked much nicer the next day!   Furniture arrived about 5 days later and I have been neck deep in boxes for the last week!    If I never see another box I will be happy!    Started with about 90 box and I am down to about 30 left.    I had no idea how over whelming it would be to move!       It is also amazing the things I have unpacked.  It is a bit like Christmas, only they were my things!  Ir's amazing the things I have found, things I have not seen in years, things that should have never made it out of Florida!   

So in the end, we have made it to Dallas, bought a really cute house in North Cliff area right in Dallas, after a three day trip to Dallas about three weeks before the big move I came out here and in the course of the three days we looked at 53 houses in about 15 different parts of town!    I finally settled on North Cliff as I figured that if I was going to move to a big city I might as well be in all the action or at least close to it!  It is a really quiet area (so far) and the neighbors seem really nice! Going out to dinner with one of them tonight.   The doggies are settling in well in their new home and hopefully soon I will be.      Every trip out take forever because I spend half of my time lost driving in what probably is a big circle   

I am so happy to be here, desperately trying to find all my "bear stuff" and looking forward to being back here more often!

Hugs to everyone!

Duff

Sophie:    I found my fur for our swap, now I just need to find everthing else!    Also, my fingers are crossed for you and your interview!

SueAnn: thank you for wonderful Package you sent me, it was really helpful!   I can't wait to meet you in person and buy you that lunch I owe you!

Eileen:  I'm here, I'm here!  I hope all is well, I'll write more soon!

Hi Everyone!    I have finally landed in texas and have internet access!    I am looking forward to reading all the post from the last few weeks!   Skimmed the headings and looks like a lot of interesting things going on!

The move on  whole has been smooth.  Only a few hick-ups to speak of.   About two weeks prior to the actual move date a driver pulled out in front of me and there was no time to stop. needless to say both car were a total loss.   Air bags went off and my poor little car took the brunt of it on the front end!    Word of caution, pray that when a car pulls out in front of you it is not a mecedes!  It was like hitting a brick wall!  On the other hand yuo can be pretty confident that a driver of a mercedes has insurance!  Thank god     We were both shocked to say the least, but no majr injuries to either of us!   Honda CRV is an awsome car in a crash!  It was older but took the crash like a champ!   

The other driver was trying to cross 6 lanes of traffic to go from one shopping plaza to another on a very busy street on a saturday.   Due to car in the turing lanes she never saw me coming and I certainly never saw her!   The skid marks from my car were about 6 feet long!    The impact caused my car to jump the curb, miss two trees and  a no parking sign and land in the middle of a Clerk of the Courts empty parking lot!  There was just enough room between the trees and sign for my car to fit.  There were several points to this accdent that were very positive.    The opther driver had just dropped off her kids at a store (thank god again, becuase I hit her on the passeger side door, that and I missed the trees.        I have geico and wow they were wonderful!    The adjuster settled the cliam in about 4 days due to my moving in the upcoming week.     That gave me just enough time to buy a new car.     Ended up with another Honda (pilot) the day before I left town!   

The whole relocation process has been extermly overwhelming, that along with the car accident.    The moving company showed up on a tuesday, packed the whole house by 2:00pm, the driver showed up a 1:00pm and had the everything on the truck by 9:30 pm.     It was so strange to be in the house with everything gone!    It was my very 1st house and I was in in for 10 years!    Such a good house!

Hi Carolyn!  Thanks for the warm wishes!   It will be exciting to name just one emotion!

Deb, I have hears the same thing!  Good news the Tampa/clearwater  area is not much better, although St. Pete is wonderful.   This should just add to the challenge!    I did also hear that San Antonio and Austin were amazing cities!   Who knows that ay be in my future after Dallas!    Thanks for the warning, I'll be buy a really good map!

Duff

Oh SueAnn!    I owe you BIG!   Thank you so much the package arrived today, wow did you ever get a ton of stuff     I just can thank you enough  :hug: ,  This will keep me busy the entire flight out and then some!

I'll buy you lunch once I get my feet back on the ground!    Oh So much to do!     Thank you Thank you Thank you!

Gaby, I did take a sneak peek, looks absolutely splendid!   Thank you for the link!   

Stressed out Duff 

Needed a break from a hectic week!    And look where I found myself at!  Here, once again catching up on all the fun!   

Thank you SueAnn, I bet it makes it here by then!   I don't leave until next Saturday Morning.

Gaby, I have a  feeling that I may actually run into more cowboys here in Florida!   And I have heard the same about all the folks in Texas!   Where is Wien?   

I am getting more excite and a bit surprised that I am not more sad in leaving.  I would guess that means this must be the right decision! 

Thanks foR all the support!

Does anyone have any tips or pointers on relocating?    Trying to get a list together on things to do before hand!

Happy Saturday!

Duff

OMG...    The deal is done.   Nervous wreck!  Last year about this time I put a simple sign over my office door on an 8x10 sheet of paper that has the words "I am Ready" on it.   I needed a change and I figured that when the time was right it would come.   Dear god, it has has come.

SueAnn, Thank you for taking the time to speak with me and the kind words!   I really appreciate it and it looks like I will be visiting Dallas next weekend for a house hunting trip.  As we spoke I have a friend in the real estate business in the area and gave him the names of the various areas you mentioned!  Currently working with a few friends here to get my house ready to sell.    The only real issue so far is temporary housing due to the three dogs.  But I suppose that will sort itself out.   This is really the only part I am really concerned about!  Two movers have been by to give me quotes and the third comes out monday.     Here we go!   

I love Teddies - I am up here in St. Pete area!   Thank you! I need all the luck I can get!

Shelli - I figured I should hold off on getting the hair spray, no need to pay a dollar a pound to get it there! But it is on my initial shopping list       

Thank you everyone, I'll be checking back when I can to see all the fun that is going on but it may be from Texas!

Thank you everyone!

Duff

Hi Everyone,    Looks like I am one step closer!  Boss is in agreement that this is a good idea for me and the company.    Now just need to finish negotiations.   

I am so happy to hear from so many of you confirming what I was hoping to be true!    Friendly Texans and a bear community to boot!   What more could I ask for?   :dance:   Thank you to everyone for chiming in, I can't tell you how much this has helped me in making my decision.  In my list of pro's and cons' to moving, nothing of consequence has popped up on my con list.     Big bugs (I swear we just have to have bigger bugs in Florida - red ants my the ga'zillions, three inch flying roaches just to name a few, eeew!) We have humidity here also, I don't know my way around, I will miss all of my friends, and I don't know but three people in Dallas.   That is the con list so far.  The pro list just keeps on growing  

Although I must admit I am terrified!    But without change what is there? 

I look forward to getting this off the ground, landing in Dallas, and with any luck possibly all us Texans could have a bear party of our own!     I am so glad to hear there are a few of you in Dallas and surrounding area. 

Thank you for all the updates on Texas and the support!    I hope to meet you soon SueAnn, Sue and Luann!

Duff  :hug:

I am terrified at the time line!   The whole idea came up when talking to a co-worker last week so I have really only had the weekend to digest it all.  At first I thought it was a good idea (thursday) by Friday I was think to myself, no I will jsut stay here.  Then by Saturday I thought to myself what do I have to lose?   I have no family here in Florida (Mom & Dad are actually in New Mexico) so that makes the finaly decision easier but still really scary.   I have not been able to sleep, unsure of how on earth I will actually get my house sold, packed, find a new house and get me and all the dogs to TX by then!           

Let the whirlwind begin!

Oh' and good news I think I'll fit in, my littlest doggie is Little Miss Ellie   

SueAnn, just sent you a Pm,  Thank you!   

Thank you everyone, I just knew you would have some ideas for me!

Duff

Kim, your so funny, you always have the good info!      Thank  you! :hug:

I'll PM her!

Hi Everyone,   

Completely off topic but I have an opportunity to relocate to Dallas.  I know nothing of Dallas other then it sounds interesting and I have always found Texans to be very nice.  If this goes through it will happen really fast (next 30 days).   Terrified by this part!

I have been researching all weekend then it suddenly dawned on me, you all are such a wealth of information, that you might be able to add something to my searching!    What I have found by consensus it it is hot/humid in Summer, has big bugs, and that Texans are friendly.  As I am currently in FLorida, I hardly think I will be phased by the big bugs and Humidity     

I am in desperate need to shake up my life  (I feel am in a personal and professional rut!) and figured Texas just might do that for me. 

Possibly someone here has an opinion or two?  Any experience with any of the cities in and around Dallas? Any recommendations? 

:pray:   I'll take anything I can get my hands on!

Thank you so much!!!!!

Duff

WELCOME BACK!     I know the feeling!   I am still going through all the posts!    Hopefully you were able to get a lot of bear making done!

Glad your back

Hugs,

Duff

Wow!  All these Bunnies are so inspiring!       I can't wait to see more!   

Duff

Yea!  Another Mini bear Addict!  What a wonderful little bear you have created!      Isn't is amazing how addicting these little bears can be?      I can't wait to see more of your future creations!

Duff

Oh, what wonderful bears!   Leo and  Blimey O'Reilly are just adorable!       I guess the lesson learned is no drinking    before traveling!   

Duff

Ok, I have spent about 6 hours glued to my computer trying to catch up on all the post that I have missed over the last few weeks!   I am  cross eyed now.

I just wanted to tell everyone how much fun it is to read all the posts, see the new bears, hear how everyone is doing, the kind words of encouragement from the group to those in need,  and the ideas that flow from everyone!       

I wish I had more time to read them all!   

You all are an amazing group of bear artists and I am glad to be able to seek refuge with you every now and then!   

Hugs to all the long timers and hugs to all the new bear artists!   

Duff

Hi Dilu!  I am just in love with your Gollies!   I just love the one on your site with the heart eyes.   They are truely wonderful!   Great job!       I think everyone should have a gollie!   If you even need a swap partner let me know!

Duff

Wow Kimberly!   WHAT AN AMASING LITTLE BEAR with such a perfect little nose!      Wondeful job 

Duff

Hi Tracy,  I would start with Osteo-biflex (think that is the spelling and they shoudl have a generic version, just compare labels)   You can get it with MSM, although the price is a killer.    I currently have jet on a miminum of 2000(GL)/1500(CH) split between two meals.  I hide the pill I give jet in a small ball of wet dog food.   By the time I it get it to his mouth he is drooling!   

good luck!   

Duff

BTW - you can't tell from the photo but Jet is what they call a black brindle.  Black background with light brindle markings.   I must admit that I could never imagine a day with out a mastiff in my life!  Cane corso's are a type of mastiff, although they tend to be smaller, if 130lbs  can be classifed as small 

Wildcatdancer - you''ll have to post a picture when you can, I would love to see a picture!   What a lucky friend you have!

Ok, I am teary at the end of this...  trying to figure out why?   I think your sharing a piece of your life,  your continued enthusiasim, your upbeat outlook on life and, wonderful children, amazing bears, your ongoing love of bears and williness to share with all of us has left me, well , teary.    Thank you for taking the time, as you always do to share your life with us.    I have had a great time reading and learning about you and your family!

Cheers to Cows, bears, dancing, and a great family!

Hugs,

Duff

Just amazing Judi!     I love all your cows!   Especially the "red" one!      I too will never look at my moring milk the same agian  .   

Itialian cheese?     Do you get any of the cheese from your own cows?   How does it taste?     I bet it is wonderful!   

Be sure to tell Mark (and this goes for you too!) you two have  a new admirer in florida!   All the hard work you two put into this!   Great job 

Duff

Judi,    This is so much fun!     

I feel like I know you and your cows better then I do some of my neighbors!    Your kids are so cute!    Do you have a school close by for them or do they have to comute some distance?   (sounds like city talk when i type this    )

I was lucky enough in my teen years to live out in the county in new mexico, only horses and chickens and various other fowl and dogs...  Your family pictures make me miss the peacefulness of the country!     

Thank you for sharing, it is so nice to see what you and your family are doing!    Hopefully there will be an insight to your creativity room just inside the bay windows!    It is wonderful to see what inspires you!    I'd be embarressed to do a day in my life!  You'd all be alseep by paragraph two!       

Excited to see day three, I am off!

Duff

I am a bit late, but wow!   what an amazing day I have just had, thank you for taking the time to put this together!     I know that my thoughts on all of this are dreamy and that reality can be very different but you painted such a wonderful for us!  I wish I was there...

Thank you!   I am off to read day two!

Duff

Wow, once again you have created the most beautiful face for your Bunnies!    wonderful job. they will lovedc the minute they are seen!

Wow, he is very handsome!  I love the muzzle and trimming around the eyes.   It gives him a wonderful stately appearence, He certainly can pull off the color!     

Great Job!