Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

I just have to say, this board is better than a tonic.   After coming home from a job that is hectic and stressful, with a "dog eat dog" atmosphere, I sign onto the message board and am uplifted by  the posts from you all.  Sorry I don't contribute as much, but I am watching and enjoying the compassion and commaraderrie spilling outta my screen.   

After reading the many posts, my spirits and enthusiasm are renewed enough to melt away all the day's stress.  I just wanted to say 'thank you" to all of you for being so wonderful.

Hugs,

Wanda

Daphne,

I'll second Sue Ann's remark about the Ott light.  I purchased the portable table Ott light when it was on sale at Jo Ann Fabrics and I just love it!

I can sit and sew under this light and not get tired eyes or see "stars" from the usual bright lights I had used before.  And what's even better, when I have to match felt to mohair or thread to whatever I'm sewing, I put them under the Ott light and see right away if there's a match or not.    And the bulbs are suppose to last quite a while.

Wanda

I have been known to watch TV while working with the bears, but I find that my eyes stray from the bear, then my hands stop working and I'm just sitting there watching CSI.

So I usually put in a tape to listen to with earphones as hubby usually has a basketball game going full tilt with the volume wwaaay up.   My favorites are the Harry Potter tapes.    I have all five and never get tired of listening to them.   I'm waiting for book numer six to come out on tape.    Occasionally I'll listen to music with nature sounds or classical/romantic piano tapes too.

I can sew, pin, trim, turn and stuff all while listening to the tapes.   I usually have a cat or two sitting on the sewing machine basking in the Ott light or on the little table beside me to keep me company.   Aaaah, heaven!!!

Wanda Carson
Carson Creations

Judi,

I can't find the words to express how I feel about your loss.  It is just the most terrible thing.  You have shown me how bad things in life can be dealt with by sharing with others and allowing them to help you through it.  I pray it gets easier each day for you to remember the good times you shared with your loved ones.  In this way, they will always be with you.

I lost my father a few years ago and realized how much I loved and needed him.  My world came apart, and I eventually suffered a breakdown.   One day while driving to work in his truck, I looked over at the passenger seat and there was Dad!!  He was just sitting there riding along with me... It's hard to explain, I couldn't really see him, but I KNEW he was there.  I smiled in his directon and had the most wonderful feeling of peace and comfort.    I can't explain it, I just thank God I had the experience.  Now I think of all the good and fun times we had together and Thank God for those wonderful memories.

God Bless You and comfort you in your sorrow.

Wanda

Dilu and Donna,

I used to show horses and the show sheen was put on after shampooing the horses.  It gave them a wonderful shine and actually repeled dust and dirt.   This was especially good for the halter horses, but watch out for the performance horses.   The hair was so slick the saddle would slip and not stay in place.    The style was to braid the horse's foretop and if show sheen had been used on that lock of hair, it was very hard to braid.  I think it is a silicone base conditioner.   Never thought of using it on the bears, they might be so slippery you couldn't hold onto them ....LOL

I have used the styling foams to help train the mohair to lie a certain way.  And, after all, mohair is hair.

Wanda

Shelli,

You're too much ... I didn't know that.  Now will have to go back and give it a try.  Thank you again.

Hey, do you mind if I add your avatar to my links page?  It might take me a while to get it accomplished as I don't have as much "play" time on the computer as I would like.  Have to get a bear finished tonight so I can get pics and send to collector.

Thank you for all your help and I always enjoy reading your messages.  Keep up the good work.

Hugs,

Wanda

Shelli,

Just "popped" into your website ... hadn't seen it for awhile .... WOW !! ... looks great!    I feel honored to be one of the "examples" ... thanks bunches

Hugs,

Wanda

Daphne,

And I thought I had aches and pains, Whew girl, so glad you can work around all that and make those wonderful bears.     I'll remember it's not the age thingy.

Yes, I do get up and stretch the ole bod and the fingers.   My fingers get lots of use at work in the office too, and I vary my duties to alleviate the aches and pains.  But thanks for the reminder as I do get all engrossed on those bear noses.

Wanda

Oh Winney,

Tell us another one !!!

They are wonderful stories.

Wanda

Gosh, I thought it was just my old hands that hurt when I did too much teddy bear work!  You gals are young and have the same problem.  Well, that makes me feel much better.

I know a lot of bear artists assembly line their bears and that's great if it works for you.  But I think the repetitive motion would really do a number on your hands.   I know it probably isn't very productive, but I like to do different things, kinda switch off with different tasks. 

And, yes, I too spend too much time on the computer, but it is my gateway to the teddy bear world and away from the real one.  I enjoy reading all the posts and the occasional chuckle and saying to myself, "been there and done that", and all the wonderful tips and suggestions that are given freely.

And I think those distractions such as walking the dogs, etc are great.  After all, it makes you want to get back to the bears even more so, gets you up and moving and when you get back to the bears, you might have an answer to a problem or decide to move those  eyes a little higher or wider.    I know at first it seems like a pain, but everything happens for a reason.   That's my motto and helps me to roll with the punches.

Well, better get off this and get hubby supper.    Have a great weekend gals.

Wanda

Wanda

Danni,

It's a guessing game as to how long it takes me to make a bear.  I work full time and must squeeze in the bear time whenever.  I'm lucky if I get one bear made in a week.  After coming home from work, I'm sometimes too stressed to work on a bear for fear of wrecking it.  I never work on bears when I'm tired, mad or stressed.  These frustrations are always reflected in the bear itself. 

I too do all the work myself.  I feel it is MY creation and I will do all the work that goes into it.  My hubby has helped a few times by cutting out, but I really would rather do it myself.   It doesn't take that long to cut out a pattern and I usually double check to make sure I have drawn out all the necessary parts.   He could care less if all the parts are there, he just cuts.

I do know that a new design takes longer to make as there are usually a few adjustments to be made and while I'm creating, I make notes as to the type and color  mohair used, size eyes, size discs,  the colors I use for airbrushing or anything extra special that I do so that if need be I can recreate.

I spend a lot of time on the head basting first before stitching, stuffing, stitching the nose (which takes quite a while), placing the ears just right and marking for the eyes.  And while I'm creating I lose all track of time  . . . I'm content in my own little world... so that when I finish and look at the clock, I can't believe it is that late and past bedtime.

And then if there are clothes or costume to be made, that adds more time.   So I usually tell anyone who asks how long it takes, approximately 10 to 12 hours, give or take a couple of hours.   So I do think you are doing quite well, just keep up the good work.

Wanda

Hurraaay Judi,

Your Avatar is magnificent!!

Wanda

Yes Girls,

That is the marvelous work of our Shelli ...isn't she talented?

Wanda

Shelli and Winney,

Left, right or middle, I guess it's just a matter of what works for each of us, but it is nice to learn there are other ways too.

So happy I could contribute a tidbit to the board.   I can hardly wait for the clips to arrive so I can try them out.

Wanda

Shelli,

I have never used a regular foot on my sewing machine when stitching bears.   I can't see where I'm going at the curves.  So I always use a zipper foot.  It is small and you have a clear view of your seam allowance.     I guess I thought everyone used the zipper foot and was surprised to see Laura using what looked like a buttonhole foot which is clear plastic and does give one a better view.

I adjust so that the needle is coming down on the right side of the foot (while seated and facing your sewing machine), so I'm hoping with the clips, I can sew without the pinning and perhaps without taking out the pins.

My sewing machine repairman always reprimands me about sewing over the pins.  Well, sometimes it can't be helped.  Hee hee.

I do pin and baste my heads as I want the nose to be as perfect as I can get it.   A lot can be covered up with the stitching of the nose, but I like to start with it straight.   And I usually baste the footpads so I can get a symetrical shape without zigs or zags that usually show up when I start to stuff the foot or paw.  I know this takes time, but the first thing a collector sees is that cute little head and I think it is time well spent.  I'll just have to find faster methods for other steps in the process.

Wanda

Laura and Shelli

I purchased 100 of those small clips from the E-Bay guy for $13.00 plus shipping.  Going to give them a try.  I've got to find  a faster way of getting my bears made.    I'll try anything once.

Wanda

Winney,

Now I know why Sue Ann's Avatar  kinda "bothered" me .... I would have put the bow on the left ear ((I'm right handed).  Love the bear and Shelli did a fantastic job with the graphics ... You should see the one she did for me  .. WOWsie!!!!

Wanda

Donna,

(Blink, blink and wipe a tear) I have had very similar happenings with my bears.  To see how excited and happy the collectors are when they latch onto that special teddy bear is indescribeable and very moving.

Shelli, I keep all my notes and cards from collectors too, but haven't gotten them organized into an album yet.  Your post has me adding that job to my list of things to do.

Thanks for the nudge.

Wanda

I have several favorite parts of bearmaking and hard to choose which one is the very best.  I really enjoying airbrushing and then putting the bear together and bringing him/her to life.

But I think my most favorite is when I get a message, note, phone call from a collector and they say, "This is the bear my heart's been waiting for" .. or " I am in Love with this bear" ...   These words make my heart swell with pride and a sense of accomplishment.   All those late night hours and pin pricks are then well worth it. 

Wanda