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Cat Gabriel May 11, 2007

Hi everyone,

I have an idea for a new bear, and I want his arm flexible so he can wrap it around and hold something.  I've never used armature before.  What do you use?  The bear will probably be around 5 inches tall.  I've heard of using chenille stems before, but I'm not sure how that is done.

Any help would be greatly appreciated 

Stephanie May 11, 2007

Hiya Catherine!
I use chenille stems (pipe cleaners). I make the shape of the arm in the wire and slip it into the arm before I stuff it. A lot of people like to use these little crimp rings. If you poke the wire into it and then slip the hole over the cotterpin, it anchors the wire.
It's a little fiddly stuffing with that wire in there, but not too bad.
Voilá - bendy arms!

Cat Gabriel May 11, 2007

Thanks so much Stephanie!  Using those crimp rings looks like the way to go I think.  I'm guessing you sell this through your website?  I'll head on over and take a look 

Clarebear Jun 15, 2007

I have used a copper wire that seems to be available in most hardware shops.  It is extremely flexible and holds it's position really well.

rkr4cds Jun 17, 2007

LOL - I sold a booklet in the mid 90s with sets of these crimp rings in them along w/the matching very tiny T-cotter pins.
Everyone's found similar substitutes now. You do have to check that the tops of your cotter pins don't slide through the holes. I have literally thousands of them left and would be happy to send some to anyone who sends me a SASE - about $1 postage.

511 Berkley  Elmhurst  IL  60126

I have the teeny tiny T cotters but will be putting those on eBay - I had to look to long & hard for these! they're from England and are the smallest I've ever seen. Edinburgh's W8 washer is perfect for them.

Copper & aluminum are some of the softest wires (electrician DH): I'd use (stronger hold) floral wire doubled or the chenilles shown here and stuff a bit more lightly so there's some bending room in the limb.

Nancy D Jun 18, 2007

I had just decided I wanted to do the same to the legs of a small critter I am designing. I popped in to see if anyone had any suggestions and Voila---my answer. Thanks.
Bobbie-I just might send you that SASE.
Nancy D