Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Todays my hubby's birthday. He let me sleep in :dance: we had breakfast at Mc D's, I finished my charity bear (mostly :redface:) we checked email, went to see a movie (flightplan) went to bookstore and target (bought a new bra) now we're waiting for Chinese delivery!!  :D

I'm finding I do a lot less now that my belly's expanding. Its sure hard for me to sit for long times making bears... I think my charity bear will be completely done tomorrow.  I mean to work on it and fall asleep instead!!

Okay - Shelli I have only made one mini bear, so bear with me!  :D

A.)  What size disk joints for what size mini?  I'm working with 1.5" and 2" disks right now for bears ranging from 9" - 20".  How small do I need to go to get down to 5-8"? I used a disk that was 3/8" in fiberboard or a washer will work as well.   

B.)  Alligator clips, pins, or fingers, to hold pieces together while sewing? fingers and a pin or paper clip to keep it from slipping

C.)  Do you sew AT ALL using the machine, or is it all by hand? all by hand, but body may be large enough to do with machine.

D.)  If by hand, is it always backstitch?  How big is each backstitch? Back stitch, I counted them... 14-16 per inch   :)

E.)  How large is your seam allowance? 1/8 " my bear was 3"

I never finished my bear. He's jointed but I didn't attach the ears or sew the nose. I did get glass wired eyes in size 5mm for him though.

If you really think about it, most artist bears should be OOAK unless we are trying to make exact copies. Everytime I use a pattern, it looks different because of mohair choice, eye and ear placement and sculpting. I can't replicate a bear exactly, I've tried. In my opinion all my bears are unique, thus OOAK.

I'm not so sure about the scissors part, but the rest seems right on target. I think it also applies to pregnant women.

My mom does antique shows and she buys plastic risers to put on top or under the cloth. Boxes work well also, or if you want it to be seen, small suitcases, chairs, flowerpots, old books, doll tables, etc can be used. I think your name in a nice frame would be great!

Hi all. I'm not looking for hosting prices, I was wondering if you pay someone to design your site, what range do you pay or what is considered fair? $100? $200? My hubby was asked to do a type of site he doesn't normally do with a catalogue type set up for an online store.

Thanks for the input, still looking for more... ;)

Daphne - I had to switch OBs and I see the DR Oct 17 and then we'll schedule the gender u/s. So its still a baby peanut to us! I am feeling pretty good, so tired back at work, bears are not being finished!! (or even started)

Hey ladies! :D

My dear hubby is expanding his web design focus, and wondered what you all pay for your sites. He currently makes sites for real estate agents with listings. He's been approached to make an online store (similar to what we'd all want for our bears but for some other merchandise...) and wondered what was the going rate for that type of site.

Any input would be helpful. Even what you would pay for a site would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance!!

Sue Anne praying for you! :)Stay safe and keep us posted.

The weather does seem to be getting worse each year. The end times seem to be right around the corner.

Nancy - This brings tears to my eyes. I can't imagine how this felt for you and your family. Stephanie is already blessed by a wonderful Mom and Husband. Thank the Lord for the Health of little man Matthew. Surely the life and health of this 4th child can ease the pain of having a hysterectomy. That must have been so hard for Pete and the rest of the family. I am keeping you in my prayers. Keep us up to date on their progress.

I have a growler, in my bear supplies. It just looks at me and mocks me.... It dares me to use it..... ;)

I think I bought mine online from Edinburgh Imports. I wanted to use it for a larger bear, but haven't gotten there yet.

I love the logo, name and bear. I also think the text may be a little hard to read. I had to read it a few times, to make sure I got all the letters right. I like scrolly text, but with an unusual name, a simplier font may be easier. BUT then again I like it the way it is also!....:P

How about a couple of straight pins (like a small hat pin). I've bought a few bears with Flowers and ribbons things attached with a pin.

Sandi - I also have a light tent but my kities think it is their clubhouse/hammock. They will race to it and jump on top. They sleep there all day, if I let them. So when I have to take photos, I have to remove the fur and keep them out of the shots!:)

Yeah! Yeah! I like Riley! (Kirby will probably be Oliver's brother's name...... )
My nephew is Reilly. I am biased, but he is too cute with his dimples and you mentioned irish, so Riley popped up!

I also like Taylor. A name I've considered for a boy or girl baby, but my hubby kinda added his 2 cents and now I think not. The moment I suggested this name, he says " Oh, like taylored made!" and that's all I can think about for it.  As a teacher, I have a lot of names I'll never be able to use.

Kirby, Riley

Daphne - Calm yourself, Girl!
I ordered some.   i wanted some, and kept looking at it, but not getting paid as a teacher during the summer, I kept putting it off, but I went ahead I purchased it, so there!

What a cutie!

"G" club sounds naughty! SIGN ME UP!!

I think this unique look of our bears is why we can "look" like our bears. Something we think looks pleasing and right to us in our bear creations would be something that is familar. It could be a family member, pet or ourselves.

I can find the soleful eyes of my Mom's dog there, the mischeivous mouth of my cats, and part of myself shining through my creations. 

I use a combo of the slippery stuff and the firm stuff. All slippery it too soft and easily squashed.... All firm, feels lumpy sometimes. SO I grab some slippery and some firm and mix it all together and then stuff. Works for me!

I also stuff the nose with just firm and when its packed, I insert a needle through the muzzle to hold it in place and when the head is completely done, I remove the needle!

Bummer about auctions being pulled. I do understand why Ebay has to have strict regulation,but it bad cuz it discourages sellers....

Okay, I really have to find the original post about the "poo". Getting very worried about you all!

I think for most of us, we use our imagination and cross our fingers!

Well, as I feel more normal, I do get the itch to make bears. But now school is starting and I am so tired from just setting up my classroom, I can't imagine working and making bear at this moment. :)

I am feeling pretty good, today was a bad day though, spent most of the day moaning from tummy issues and trying to sleep. I'd just not eat, but "peanut" wants to grow big and strong! :D

Glad Oliver likes his pic on the computer! Someone asked me to make them an "Oliver" He's so special, I'm not sure I could recreate him. He will remain a OOAK, but may have some brothers and sisters one day!

I haven't made very many bears, but since I have designed my very own first pattern and made others from there, I find most bear have a similar look. I also find that as I finish a bear, I finish it in a similar style that I am familar with. I think I am just starting to develop my own look. But by next year, it could be different!

What do you mean, Ellen?