Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Hi Mary, I just found your post from going through the general post... It would be fun. I am not going to commit right now although I would love to, but am going to try. I have made one and keep loonking at her and seeing what I could have done better. Just have rather a lot on my plate. But will let you know

When I moved in with Dino he had a cat. Just an ordinary grey cat. They existed together happily. Anyway, he was away for 2 months and madam started "kitty gripping" . My dressing gown, blankets, anything. She was very content.

This is turning into a big game.... I have learned 2 new "crafts" in the process. What fun. Just dont know wether I will be posting from the Philippines or South Africa.... We leave for our excting holiday a month from today :dance:  :dance:  :dance:

Like you all I hate fireworks. I had a staffie that ran right through the kitchen door in his terror. I started using some homeopathic drops called "Resuce" dont know if you can get them. But the results were amazing. He used to be terrified of thunder too and would either hide or destroy things (not his fault) but was sad to see. After a few doses of rescue while there was a storm or fireworks (and of course I sat with him at the same time, Ok I lie, he sat on my lap) he calmed down to a point where he didnt need them. Still wasnt happy about the bangs but would just go and lie on his blanket.

The Rescue works well for taking nervous animals to the vet and traveling too because it doesnt knock them out. they just are a little calmer.

Another reason for hating fireworks is the irrisponsible way they are handled. Went to an "organised" event years ago and someone put a rockte into a bottle to launch and the bottle fell over, sending the rocket into the crowd. I then became a horrible mother and would not allow my children to have or go to any fireworks displays. We donated the money to our local SPCA instead. They only fought the first year and neither of them use fireworks now even though they live alone.

Who know the best way to learn how to use photoshop? I have tried and picked up a few things, but it is very frustrating. And when I see what Mel and Chloe did to Judi's photo I have to learn how to use it properly. Has anyone ever used an online tutorial or anything? I am very sure I am doing it all wrong. Every time I open the program I feel like I need a Xanor and a glass of wine......

Wow that is amazing. You clever girls. Oh and Judy the photo is stunning to start with. I really need to use photshop properly.  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:

I have to hand sew mine cause they are, at biggest 3 inches, and the teeth under the presser foot like "eating" the small bits. I also like the hand sewing cause I usually have bits with me and can sew if ever I have to wait anywhere.

I would love to take part. Even went to find out about a courier service. Not a problem. Postage here is very slow but courier about 10 days if that is ok? Think it is a wonderful way to share. I am getting really excited about the christmas swaps too. Its like... well,,, christmas

Also use tiny quilting needles. No idea what size. Was given an envelope of them and guard them with my life. Have a huge problem getting needles here, was sewing along merrily the other day and thread kept "coming out" the eye was broken 

Thank you all for you warm wishes. Our tickets are now confirmed. Meetings at head office set. So now can tie up everything. We leave the Philippines on the 3rd December. So rather a lot to do in the next month. Catherine, my dress is more a skirt and top. I cant get patterns here so have downloaded from Burda will be cutting and adding bits till I get it right... Should be intresting. But have to have something that I can change into jeans, still have a pretty top and (Ellen you going to like this) RIDE. Have to fit a ride into our wedding day. The frustrating part is my nice sewing machine and overlocker are in storage in South Africa and I have a second hand barrel of bolts sewing machine here.... Picked up our rings yesterday, had a ring made out of jewelry I never wore, and the outcome is amazing. Was a little worried about that, but stunning. So slowly slowly all coming together. 

Nope, I had a look at all of them and back to "teddy" Very pretty options though

Voted, wasnt even a biased vote, I honestly thougt yours was the best. Well done ladies. Some of the minis are too cute aswell. Had fun looking at them all. Good luck

That is soooo funny. Judy is going to love that

Well I think the bear is wonderful and PINK. You had explained the size. And I agree that a collector bear is not a cuddly toy. So yes with Shane and Tracy. I would leave it alone. It is difficult to order online. I think you did a stunning job. Dont take the comments personally. Maybe she just had a bad day.  :hug:

a day at the spa????  mani - pedi...

It is very easily done... Also watch the "boxes" on the side of websites. I was trying to click on a page to scroll down and opened something odd  :redface:  fortunately my laptop is set on "paranoid" so things like that just dont (shouldnt say this) get through (touch wood). Also had something come up as an update the otherday... It is too easy when you are busy just to click. Good luck. Frustrating when a computer goes bad :doh:

To any of you who think I may have lost my mind in the last while, here is the reason....

We are getting married on the 16th December in South Africa.....

Before that We leave the Philippines to go to France to sign new job contract (via who know where at this stage). Then a couple of days in Lyon for the contract. Then to SA via Athens. We are in SA for a month and then return to the Philippines for a year.

Well that is today's plan. This changes daily and I honestly feel like I have lost it. The wedding date and plans have been the easiest so far. Obviously between all of this have to fit in "normal" life. Christmas plans.... If it wasnt for thousands of lists I would never cope.

I am however working on bears. That is my sanity. Have 2 I want to post as my first "for sale" bears and the challange has me all inspired. Am making pearl necklaces as wedding favors and even found a stunning pattern on the internet for my "dress"

So if you think I have lost it.... I have

oh oh, we leave here the 3rd.... anyhow.....going to post something then maybe you will all see why I appear to have lost my mind :crackup:

Thank you Melissa. I would love to take part. Was trying to figure out how I would fit in organising it but cant. We are off to South Africa on the 8th December and then it is chaos. But would love to do some cards. Will then be able to post from South Africa which is so much easier than here...

Hi Lynette, Karen and Debbie are right. My first thought was that it was a doll. And she does look like you. She is perfect.

Wow thank you for that. I am from South Afric and miss the bush. Now I can just pop online and get a "fix". Just saw a Giraffe and and ox pecker. I think there is one in Kruger National Park too. Just cant get it to download. Hadnt even thought of that.  :dance:  :dance:

I love your paintings. A while ago we had the " living with a bear artist" thread going and I so wished I could draw. well I can but do small botanical stuff mostly. I could see some of the coments "in cartoon".  I love beading. And still have a great love for dress making. Sure you can find cheap clothing but sometimes just feel like something different.

What ever he is he has sure been loved. I also wouldnt have him restored.

my take on this, and please understand that I am very new. I have limited recoursed with purchasing things because of where I am living. And my bears are very tiny.I have tried mohair on a few bears and is good. But the density does not suit the teenies. If you are cutting a head the size of your thumb nail, you end up with very few "goat hairs" sticking out. I fully understand that I may be missing an entire range of mohair suitable for this but find it difficult to see on the internet. Had even thought of the possiblity of felting my own "mo fabric" The backing also has to be tightly woven to allow for small pieces like ears.  I think there is a but of snobbery involved. I know I think of my mohair bears in a different class to ones that are made out of eg ultra suede. But it is silly, the same amount of work (or more) has gone into the ultra suede. Mohair is more forgiving with stiching I find.

What a pity,but as Gail and Sue Anne said, she is a winner.  :hug: Nice that she got enough to cover books at least. Keep us updated and I am sure will all vote again next year.