Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Aleta -
I understand. Even those of us that are techno geeks have problems from time to time. My Directv receiver decided that it no longer wanted to receive my local channels. I did everything that I could to fix it but it wouldn't fix. I finally call Directv and explained my problem to 3 different people I got tech support and it really was a simple fix, but still it can be frustrating.
I find that taking a few moments and walking away from the computer and doing something else helps. I also find that starting over fresh helps to.
I hope that you are able to solve your problem and everything works out.
:hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:

Hope you enjoy the Dixie Chicks!

Trimming your seam allowances is always a good idea. On some of the sparser fabrics you don't need to, but it helps.

I would suggest checking out the help section on ebay... then type in international shipping that should pull up good information. They cover some of this stuff in detail.
Also go talk to your local post office, just ask your questions about international shipping.
I send my patterns overseas, by airmail (I think) and it is cheaper than other methods and it is just as fast or faster.
But sending bears and bunnies is a little different. Be sure when you make your listing to state that international buyers are responsible for all shipping fees, taxes, customs, and duties that result from purchasing and importing your item. Don't let them talk you into sending it marked as a gift. That is illegal. Fill out the customs forms accurately and completely, ask questions if you are not sure.

I only charge exact shipping on any item that I ship. The only exception to this are items that start at auction and a less than their normal retail. But then I only charge $1.00 handling fee, but I make sure to give this information in the shipping section of the listing. I find that keeping handling fees under $5.00 on most items and disclosing this information in the listing keeps most people from fussing too much. When you don't disclose this information that is when people get upset. That is why I will read and re-read auction listings that I am interested in purchasing. If the shipping and handling fees are too much then I move on. I find other listings that are reasonable. Most of the time, "If it sounds too good to be true, then it is".

That is what makes this all worth it...
The calluses, the cut fingers, the jammed needles, bleeding fingers, sore muscles...
When you get a little note like that it makes it all worth it...
:hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:

I'll leave the cooking up to you all.
If I spend time in the Kitchen it is to dye fabric.
Most of the time it is frozen dinners for me.

He must be reading up on something good...

That is wonbearful news! Congrats! 
Way to go!!!! :hug:  :dance:

Well... There must be word spreadiing about Shantell's free all you can eat buffet...
I did manage to find a new home for my boys... every once in a while I miss them, but for the most part I don't. I have decided that I will be happy with other people's pets. Right now I don't have the money or time that pets require.

6-11 y/o boys... I can only imagine what will be created...
I am thinking space aliens...
Good Idea, Mindy!

You know that gives me an idea. I know a girl scout mother at work, she's always looking for good ideas. Jodi would you mind if I shared this with her?

Looks like a good idea. I think I will take a moment to make one.

yup! that is a big bear!

Looks really good to me.
I just use little task lights to diect light on my subjects.
Here's a photo of my setup.

NOTE: Rarely do I use the lights that are peaking up over the back of the white background paper.
Most of the time it is the task lights that I use.
I turn off my flash.
I have my white balance set to Incandesant lights = true colours
I slow my ISO down to 64
I might open my EV to +0.3, +0.7 or -0.3, -0.7, but this all depends on the bear/bunny that I am photographing.
I recommend reading your camera's manual.
I say EXPERIMENT to find what will work for you.
I also suggest investing in a couple pieces of sturdy white poster board or matte board. You can use these on the opposite side of your light source to reflect light back on to your subject. This can make a huge difference in the quality of your photos. :photo:

I would consult a Furrier... I don't know if there is anything you can do.

Judi you are right this does make a nice inexpensive alternative to professional background papers.
Yes I am late on this one. Just lurking around the archives.
Though I have found some inexpensive equipment on www.bhphoto.com too.
The background paper I bought was about $19.00/roll, but I checked out the bargin section too. I think it was a used roll. It was still in good shape when I got it and well worth the money spent.

Well I think that I have done that this week with my newest design (?) Well... actually, it is a re-make of an older design. It is really lending itself to new ideas. I know what I can do with it how to dress it, make fall guys, clowns, snowbunnies... real character type bunnies that I like to do. Pictures later.

Good Luck and Best Wishes for a successful show.

Sue Ann  -
Those paintings are wonderful.

Judi -
As always I love your work.

Charlotte -
Anyone who makes baskets is Aces in my book.

I tried basket weaving, it was ok. But I know that it takes time to develop a hand for it.
I have my basket around here somewhere, It looks like the bottom half of a fish.
We have a friend who is a basket weaver and she does wonderful work. In fact, I have a huge yarn basket that she made, I also have a bicycle basket that I use to hold odds and ends.

Let's see. When I was younger I liked drawing and even took art lessons from a local gal. I took piano lessons when I was in 5th grade that lasted about a year. For some dumb reason I thought that delivering papers would be more fun... Big mistake. I studied voice in college and love to sing when I can. I have sewn for most of my life and I like to make clothing for MaeLynn when I get the chance. But usually, by the time I get around to making it she has out grown it. :crackup: I tried my hand at watercolors, but that didn't last long, due to the fact that I didn't have money to pay for it. Hey I was 12, back to newspapers. I like to knitting, making fleece hats, folk art crafts when I can, computer geek of the home, and animal lover. I have atleast 3 knitting projects going on that will take about 5 years to complete, but only beacuse I get one day a year to work on them. I can knit with both hands. I taught myself how to do that in a couple of days that is fun.

Go for it.
We could even do an exchange... Wait...

I like to have clean restroom facilities nearby.
I don't like waiting in line to buy something.
Every once in awhile I will hit the garage sales if their is something that I am looking for.
I have better luck at the local auction house. I usually can get something there for cheap and sell it on eBay.
I had really good luck here about a year ago and found some interesting vintage jewerly, not the stuff from the 60s. It was mostly from the late 20s to early 50s. Did really well with that.
Right now I get to get my fleece hats out and start listing them. I usually do well with them too.
Well time to go off to the sewing machine.
I spent the afternoon at Kane county fair ground at the Folk Art Show. Got some ideas for things.
I am working on a new design. I'll try to get pictures posted as soon as they are done. :photo:

Do you have any scraps left?
If you do you could send that to Johnna and she could find it for you...

ok well that's one way to do it.
I just use my shears, dye baths, and my imagination.
I know that some artist would bury their mohair in their back yard, let their dogs play with it, sand it with sand paper, tree bark , and/or the sidewalk. I have heard some horror stories...
I'll stick with dyes, shears, and imagination... Far safer and more santitary.

Ok what mental hospital released this guy???
This is scary!

Sorry to hear about this Jenn.
Yes I want to go where my pets have gone too.
The way i figure it I have a whole Zoo of animals waiting for me. I know that I will have a huge fish pond...
:hug:  :hug: 

Well here in the States, if you sell personal property there is no tax on it.