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Hi there,
My name is Kody and I'm looking to get my girlfriend a specific teddy bear for Christmas. I have a picture of a teddy bear that would make her so happy if I could find her one but have had no luck. Can anyone help? I don't know how to post the picture of it on here?
Hi, Kody!
I'm happy to hear that you want to get your girlfriend a Teddy for Christmas.
Every Christmas tree should have a Teddy Bear under it on Christmas morning!
I have had a few Bears made on commission or have ordered existing Bears from bearmakes on Teddy-Talk.
I'll give you some of my pointers.
First step is to go to the "Showcase" forum on this website: http://teddy-talk.com/viewforum.php?id=10
Look at the pictures and descriptions of the Bears that have been posted in that forum. Do you see any Bears that you like?
Look at the style of the Bear. Do you like a traditional Teddy Bear? Do you want a modern Bear? Do you want a fantasy Bear? Etc...
Do you like happy Bears? Do you like pensive looking Bears? Maybe even a macabre Bear?
Make a list of your most favorite Bears and note who the bearmakers are. Let's say, your top three or your top five.
Now, look at the place above each post where the poster's username and avatar are located. You'll probably see a link to the person's website. Go to those websites and look around. Make sure that the person's website looks good and compares to the other Bear(s) that you have already liked.
Check on their website. Check to see if they have an eBay or an Etsy page. Go to those places and look around, too.
You might also see some links to a site called "Bear Pile" Do check it out!
One thing to keep in mind... Not all the bearmakers are full-time sellers. Some of the people are part-time sellers. Others are hobbyists.
You need to find out if the bearmaker you are looking at actually MAKES Bears for sale. Also, even if the bearmaker is in full-time business, they might be booked up or otherwise busy. People have lives! ;)
Look at their site, their eBay, BearPile, Etsy or other pages to see if they are actually making Bears.
Also look to see if the bearmaker does work on commission. Some do. Some don't.
Once you have done your research, start sending e-mails!
Get in contact with those people and see if you can come to an arrangement.
One last thing... As you are looking on websites and browsing pictures, you might find a Bear who looks just like the one you have in mind. Or, maybe, you'll see a Bear who inspires you even better!
Don't be afraid to buy (adopt) a Teddy Bear that is already made.
It will save you money and it will come even faster because you don't have to wait for it to be made. (born) ;)
Good luck!
I hope you find a Bear who is "just right" to sit under your tree on Christmas morning!