Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Really good Question Pipa - I look forward to the replies on this. So many times have I ruined a bear by deciding to try and shade the footpads.

Sometimes I make the footpads with Ultrasuede and sometimes I use the mohair backing. I find that on the mohair I can just about get a decent shading if I use oil paints but if the ultrasuede is a light colour then I definately leave well alone.

Helena

Your bear is simply gorgeous and I'm sure you would have no problems re-selling her for a higher price than this lady was going to pay.

I agree with the problems that commissions cause.  I am very nervous about them and usually decline politely. Firstly I can only afford to buy mohair in small pieces which only usually makes one bear and usually people want a very similar bear to one I just sold which I can't do if I run out of that fur.

Also, When I have sewn commissioned bears I find that I don't really enjoy it. I like my bears to be original and come from my imagination, evolving piece by piece into a character of their own. With a commisioned bear based on a previous bear I end up taking such a long time to sew it and get bored with it that my creativity evaporates.

I never really know what to charge. So far I have only really sold bears on eBay which find their own price. I'm too soft and like Helena did with this lady, I would probably charge lower than I would get normally get.

Plus there is always the fear that they would not like the bear. Too different from the one they originally liked or not liking the fur (particularly if it is different to the first bear). I don't think I would want to go to the trouble of sending fur samples.

I agree though that you should explain all the trouble that you have gone to with this bear and wait for her reaction.

Kate
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