Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Hi Melissa,    For me, I think that anything under 1.5 inches would be a micro mini.   At that point the skill to create a realistic bear is just amazing!   Just as your bears are amazing and wonderful!!!!    I love sewing mini's but I have a really hard time getting a good look under 1.5.    The bear in my avatar is 2 inches...    I still keep trying for a smaller bear but I have not been able to get that small.

I'll be anxious to hear everyone's opinion!   

Duff

Wow,   Gone for two weeks and I have missed so much!    I have been having TT withdrawls! 

I just finished a bunny for my Mom last week!     Since I just finished it and it was my own design, can I join in the fun?   

I am going to tackle another bunny this time, only in the mini version!  Two large bears in a row and I am feeling lost for my mini's!     I just adore eveyones Bunnies so far - they are just amazing!

I can't wait to see what creations are made by Easter!

Duff

Ohh, here she is!     I just love her!    The part you can't tell from the photos is that her mouth can be re-shaped a bit so she can smile, frown, or get a cute coy look!  It is just too cute!   

Thanks for posting the pictures Eileen!     The color of the background is almost exactly the same as her eye color!    They are beautiful!    And her feet are so cute, they remind me of soft fuzzy bunny feet, they are even sculpted and have a little dimple in them!  She's My Long lean Warrior Girl!

PS Eileen, I am so glad I got a little girl bear!

Hugs,

Duff

Eileen, your so funny!  I wish I was hanging out with twenty-somthing guys!!!!   

Tammy, the nose is Purple and Green!   I waxed it and then used a nail polish that was purple and green iridicent and gove it a light coat.  Dependng on the angle it is one or the other or a bit of both!

Duff

I am so happy, My girl arrived today        She is named Maeve, the Irish Princess Warrior.  She is made with Real FUR!    My first real fur bear!   She is a tall Lanky beautiful Girl (just as every Irish Princess Warrior should be!)      She has Beautiful Pale green Eyes with lovely shaded eye lids and the best part about her other then she is beautiful and silky soft is that she has an Open Mouth!    Wow!      She even has Sculpted little toes, a Warrior Princess beaded Necklace, and a little bear tail to boot!!         

Oh, Eileen I just love her!

I have one problem,   I was talking picture while my mom was in town and down loaded them to my computer, now I can't find my photo card and I don't have a back up!     Do you have any pictures of her that you can post for everyone to see?      I want to show off my precious warrior            Fingers crossed, if not I will try to get to  store this weekend and get a new photo card for my camera.

Thank you so much Eileen!   This was such a fun swap and I am so glad we were partners  !    I can't wait to join another one in the near future!

Hugs, Duff

Hi Tracy,  Love your big guy!!!!!!      I just want to smooch his face and hug him forever!      He is drop dead gorgeous!       

I have a big ol' drooler, although not as big as your guy!   "Jet" is a Cane Corso and he is about 5.  He has has sever HD since birth and I have always had him on Glucosime and Chondroitin.  About 2 years ago I switched to a product called  "Nupro"   by Nutri-pet Research Inc.    I get it from my local pet store (not the big box store but a larger family run store.    They have two types: a regular one then one called "Joint Support"   

It has Glucosimine, MSM, Ester C and many other great ingredients.   My vet and several knowlegable dog friends have said that with Glucosimine and MSM you don't really need Chondroitin.   Although, I do by a plain Chondroiting supplement only from GNC to compliment the Nupro.      The thing I, my pet sitter, my Vet and Jet's joint specialist are amazed about is that he does not display many pain indicators.   They are all amazed after seeing his hip x-rays that he can even walk.   I attribute this to a high pain tolerance and the long term use of the Glucosimine and Chondroitin.       I get the Nupro in a 5lb canister for $49.95 and then the chondroitin (the expensive part) for about $60.00 for a 80 tabs (if I remember right).    If you look at him you can tell he has really bad hips but he moves great and can play for hours with no ill- effects.    I would highly recommend the Nupro with or with additional chondroitin.     The 5lbs will last Jet over two months as he is on the mainantence dose (one scoop each meal).   When I first started using it he got 2 scoops twice a day for the first two months.

Whatever route you go I would defintitley use Glucosimine, Chondroitin, and MSM with Ester C.    I think you will see a big difference.   

Good Luck, Such  a cutie!!!!!     Give him a big squishy smooch from me and Jet!   

Ooh,      I am so glad she arrived safe and sound and that you love her!   I had so much fun with her, thank you foe the opportunity to be my swap partner      I am so excited to meet my new friend, I am checking the mail box daily!     I just know I will love her!          Sorry, I still am having computer problems so I can't get to the web site with my home computer and can only check back every few days.     I will send a post just as soon as she gets here!

Hugs,  Duff

PS, I am glad you enjoyed the chocolates, I also got a box myself and ate most of while I was taking pictures of her also!

Waiting by the mail box... :P

Thank you everyone for the kind words, it means so much to me!

Hi Everyone,   

It has been a crazy few weeks and I an just getting the chance to catch up on all the posts.   

Another idea I use for loppy ears is beading wire.  Is is very thin and has a little bit of bending possibilities.  It is great for smaller bears or when you just want to retain the shape for loppy or dropped ears (also great when you add a bit of weight to the ear after you turn it, I add micro steel shot).   

You can sew your ears, then before you turn the ear, sew the beading wire in between the seams at the edges of the ears. Takes a bit of time to do this but when you turn the ear the wire is in place and you do not need to sew it or tack it again (once it is turned).    I hope this makes sense?     The wire is pliable enough to be turned when sewn in to the ear before turning.    The result is a really nice shapely ear.     I have a little bunny from some time ago that I will try to take pictures of this weekend so you can see.     

Love the rest of the ideas everyone has!    I'll be trying a few of them.

Duff

Hi Sandy, 

I am terribly sorry that you and Magic are going through this.  I know the fear, anxiety, and suffering that goes along with this.  My Big Guy Jet recently had surgery for a blocked intestinal track and it was horrible, very similar to what you are going through with Magic.    The good news is that he did pull through, and three months out he is back to his old big goofy self.   I too was very thankful that I was able to afford the surgery, so to speak and I would do it all over again and again.  He is a cane corso (was Zara a CC?)       My heart and prayers go out to you and your family and Magic.   

I know you have a lot to deal with now but I was thinking if you do a flyer you might want to post a PDF of it and we all can post it at our local stores along with the link to the site you are putting together.   I know I will be talking to my favorite store (lucky, that it is family owned and possibly they will listen)  to let them know about this.  I had no idea Greenies were so bad but thankfully due to the cost I have never used them. 

Everyone should be aware that any hard treat, Hooves, bones, rawhide, etc. are very dangerous.  Unfortunately hind site is 20/20.   I beat myself up for weeks think, what if.    You can't do that to your self.  The best thing to do is get the word out like you are and we can all support you in that effort.

Again, many hugs and prayers for you anf Magic :hug:

Duff

This might be a bit late but I reently ordered from  www.ultrastyledesigns.com and they have an amazing selections and Tina the owner was wonderful to work with.    It appears their site is being updated but you may want to emial her and let her know waht you are looking for.    I ordered about 20 different colors in  5 x5 inches and was very happy with the selections.    I think she also has 12 x 9 sizes and sells by the yard.   Possibly worth a try.   if I remember correctly from her site, she had possibly over 100 differect color selections.

Good luck!

Duff

Hi Kim!      How Ironic is that?    What are you working in now?  What types of problems are you having?   

I suppose I should admit that I also have problems with the arms        They too have been taken off and down sized a bit.   Apparently one should better gauge the arm size when using fluffy fur, the poor bear looked like a linebacker!   I apffectionatly called him Mr. No-Neck...  poor guy      But the good news is I have just finished two new arms and a head.   So I am off to stuff the head and arms.  Wish me luck on my second round!   This time I also trimmed a bit before I did the sewing, very pleased so far!      Such good advice here!!!  Thank you thank you thank you!

Duff

Oh so many ideas!      Great discussion, although I must admit that on my first attempt with a larger bear, I wish this thread had been started about two weeks ago, I have failed.       Did not trim the muzzle of my newest creation and then had a slip or two...   One head gone awry!    I have taken the head off, I am now starting over!    I think I will go with lightly shaping/ trimming (now that I have an extra head to play with  ) the head 1st.      Thanks to everyone for the overview of how you start the head!   And to think the nose was probably the best nose I have ever done   

Thank you all for the great ideas! 

Duff

Good News Eileen, you'll not have to suffer through the first head!

Such a good question Kim,  I am just finishing my "swap" bear and this is the 1st large(r) bear I have done.   I am pretty happy with it but I do think I have an issue with the placement of the arms... even with marking the "spot".  I'll be anxious to hear what everyone has to say!

Wow Eileen, I know you like to sew with real fur, I had no idea you were so good at it!   So life like .

He is just beautiful!   Is he leaving the bunnies alone now?   

I am so glad that he is "fitting" in now!   and just think of all the exercise you are getting!

Duff

As I was a "Lurker" for some time  here and still am on a few other site, Hands down this is the most informative, kind,  and welcoming group I have ever run accross.    Kudos to everyone for making it such a fun place to be a part of   

Hi Kim!   

Great little bear, don't be so hard on yourself!  It is like learning bear making all over.  I am doing the opposite of you for the swap and doing a larger bear (just like learning bear making all over!)   

I agree with Amanda,  try the Sassy Fabric.    I too have sewn with a fabric that looks very similar to your little guy and was not 100% pleased with it.   I try to stick to the vintage long pile UV or Sassy fabric.   

I personally sew my little guys/gals with a beading needle and Gutermann Insivible tread.   Took me a bear or two to find the right tension with the invisible thread.    My first bears were with thread and I was always breaking it       drove me crazy.   The beading needle is nice, thin but long enough to really hold on to.   I would try a few more at your current size, (if you still have the heart to) then if you feel like it try down sizing to around 3 inches, 2.75inches,2.5 inches etc...   But I really think if you want to try a few more go with the Sassy Fabric.   

If you want to try the vintage UV, let me know I have a piece I could spare.  Once you sew with it, it is hard to ever want to use anything else.  But again, Sassy's comes in real close.

Duff

Thanks Everyone!    good advice, I'll look at the "true eye" set.   Makes good sense.         And I really needed an excuse to spend more money     !!!!    I have a set for small eye's and it is really helpful, I just cringed at the price for the larger set, but I think you are all right in the end, spend it now and save going forward.  Plus I'll treat myself to as few larger ones to play with for now.   

Scott, you mentioned a "Math" formula that can be used?   Any idea what that actual formulas?    I also remebering somewhere in a post (not sure where) that there is also a formular for facial proportions.  that there is a formula for   "pleasing proportions" ie, the nose to eye placement rerelationshiphat somehow the eye finds most pleaseing.  Does this sound familar?   Just thought it might also be useful as I learn more.

Thank you everyone for your time!   

duff

Never having worked with larger bears I am not sure what size to buy (I currently do not have anything bigger then 4mm right now) and thought I'd buy several in different sizes as a starting place. But also did not want to go hog wild and buy to many!   I seem to get carried away when I buy supplies  

Would it then be safe or possibly a good idea to buy one of each in a range of 8-16mm?   

I am not really sure the look I want & I am working on a larger bear and need to buy eyes for him...   
duff

Hi Everyone!   

I know that eye size on a bear is a very personal thing but I would still love you in put if you don't mind

As I have been making mini's  I really do not have a handle on eye size for a larger bear.  I have a great stash of 1mm  - 4mm eyes but would like to buy an assortment of larger eyes to play with.  What size do you usually use for,  say a

7-10in bear
10-14in bear
14-16in bear

I searched the site and found great information but nothing to help me on eye size.

Thank you! 

duff

Interesting about mini's; 

I read some where a long time ago. Find a pattern you like and a size you like. Then gradually work your way down to a smaller bear using a copier and the pattern. Then with each bear make is smaller by 10% or so.   Worked like a charm for me.  As you go smaller you hardly notice the size difference.  I am down to about 2 inches with a solid bear.    After the swap I will try something a bit smaller again and see if I can pull it off

The 1st bears I made were aboout 5-6 inches or so.   made them all wiht the wrong fabric, wrong stuffing, etc. but learned a lot along the way.  I have a herd of very suspect looking bears!      .

Here is a picture of Booty Bear, Lesson learned here - some fur is just not made for samll bears! If he was not a boy I'd call himm J-lo 

The other is what I thought was a mini when I 1st started making bears,   I was so proud!  Now he looks huge compared to the rest of them!

Sabine, no offense taken!       What size needle do you use to make a bear that small?   

To all the Knitted bearer's My hats off to you, Just amazing!

Hi Claire,

I have used the Jelly Pellets before and think there is not much difference from regular pellets (the hard plastic ones) as SueAnn said.

Although, I used it in a smaller bear 5 inches or so.  Possibly if it were a larger bear it would have worked better.    It was tough getting it around the cotter pins and such.   

Ps, I love Kapok for minis, it packs like a rock and not lumpy, very good for shaping a head.  I also use a bodkin for stuffing. The flat end works wonders for being able to get small bits of stuffing in to the mini's head/nose and the round end is fabulous for turing little arms and legs.  It will not poke through the ends.     Tried the regular poly and all I could feel was lumps.  Possibly my bad. 

Duff

Thank you Ladies!   

Again, I am so honored that you all feel that way!  I have been huge fans of your bears.
As we all do, I love the whole process of trying to gather a personality!     I am attemping my largest bear so far for the Swap with Eileen.   I hope it will be about 8-9 inches when done. It is bringing on a whole new set of challenges, such fun!

Sabine,   I just love your little knitted ones!  I am in awe that anyone could knit something so small     They are just wonderful!   

Uh oh, should I actually be putting these in the Showcase section?  It never occurred to me.  I'll do that in the future. Sorry everyone.

Duff

Oh So quiet in Mini Land!   

I have been playing with the camera a bit today and here is Beagan.     

I had a ton of fun making him.  He is about 2 inches tall.    His fur is vintage med/long pile and hand dyed in a mottled effect.   The camera does not pick it all up but it is very notinoticeableperson.   I put a big honker nose on him as he seemed to need one.   learned another lesson with him.  The embrembroiderythe nose was very good with the exception on one, One!, stray stitch.  You can't see it on the camera, but in person it's there!   Note to self, track your stitches better  :lol:

I also took a picture of an older Dragon I did, quite the fat  little fellow. Again made out of vintage (shiney)long pile in a really wierd green color.  Yet to be named.  The name part for me is the hardest!  Does anyone else have that problem?   Arrrr....

Anytihing else going on in Mini Land?   So quiet!  Everyone must be preparing for the SuperBowl!   

Duff

Hi Kelli,   When I read it I think the only thing I got out of if was that it is all about interpretation. Other then it was an intersting article.   It appears over time that as they created more sphinx they managed to get the proprotions right...     So If we all keeping working at it we'll improve and the "next" bear will be even more wonderful?   

I am really curious to get your take on it.

Duff

How Darn Cute!   I love mixed breeds, you end up with great little doggies!

What to you get when you cross a Schnauzer x Wire Haired Daschound (sp?)?  A Schnaucshoud, a really funny looking, long legged, long bodied, Mohawk wearing Princess!   Meet Little Miss Ellie

And, when you cross a Yorkshire Terrier with an Australian Cattle dog? An Yorkshire Cattle dog: a 40 lb attitude wearing, herding Yorkie that can hit a brick wall and 10 miles an hour and come out unscathed!   Meet Grover

Just had to share in the fun,   I am just a bit more doggie crazy then I am bear crazy!    I just love all the little Doodles above, so cute!!!!

Here is to all the wonderful mixed breeds out there     

Duff