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doodlebears Celebration AmbassadorAug 11, 2006

I know that many artist have a theme to the bears that they exhibit at shows. By this I mean the bears are instantly identifiable by them looking very similar and if they are dressed they are dressed in a similar style.
What are your thoughts on a table with a mix of styles?

ie: traditional bears
    needle felted bears
    dressed and bare bears
    anime, etc.

Do you think the table would look a hotchpotch or would you find it interesting to see the diversity from one artist?

Hugs Jane. 

Pumpkin & Pickle Bears Aug 11, 2006

I'd like to see the different styles. It will also make people study your table for longer.

lapousmor Aug 11, 2006

More styles means more people to be interested!

Go for it, my dear!

Beary hugs,
Sophie.

psichick78 Aug 11, 2006

ALthough I've never been to a bear show, I think diversity only shows your talent. And like everyone else said, your table will appeal to more people anyway.

jenny Aug 11, 2006

I always do a mix of bare and dressed bears as well as standing and sitting...and a couple of sifferent sizes. It's easier to display that way.

I do theme the colours though ..I like to look...er....co-ordinated!!!

sarahjane Aug 11, 2006

I think a mixture will attract more people to your table because you will have a wider appeal.

Jane Perala Aug 11, 2006

Sorry to be the odd man out, but in my humble opinion I think that a theme attracts more attention than otherwise.  I found that when I started coordinating my show table, I got a lot more attention and as a result a lot more sales.  I think that a lot of different style bears in all sorts of colours just gets the customer confused.  I know that when I look around at a show, those tables that are coordinated are the ones that get my attention.
I don't think it is necessary to make all your bears look alike, or even be made in the same style or colour, but I do think it is important to have some sort of colour theme.  My theme at a show is usually white/off white and cream.  The bears themselves are all sizes and colours, but their clothing is usually made up of white and cream colours, and that gives it a coordinated look.  The under cloth on the table is white or cream, and then I will have some pastel overcloths and on top of those I put some lace pieces and the bears sit on those.  I usually take some broken down boxes that I tape up, and cover those in the same way, so that the bears at the back of the table are higher.  If possible, a couple of crystal vases with fresh flowers would really finish it off.
All this has got me nostalgic for the days when we used to have shows here - how I miss them!

Jane P.

Laurie Aug 11, 2006

I think that  a mixed table is a good idea as there is more chance of a bear for everyone  but they would have to be in little groups so they would be easier to see and people could easily spot that there were different sorts to choose from.
Laurie :hug:

toadbriar Aug 11, 2006

I suspect that if you do what you like, even if it feels like a mix, your own personal
taste & style will coordinate your bears anyhow! So make the ones you want to make,
& chances are they'll all look good together. --is my advice. lol

starlite Aug 11, 2006

Hi Jane
I have only really done shows in Scotland - which are not so big as say Alli Palli or Kensington however
I have had a table theme each time - eg summer - so sprinkled summer blooms on the table and the bears were holding flowers
eg winter - with snow (fake) sprinkled over the table and around the bears and fake ice cubes and snow balls
For the bears themselves I tend to create what come sout my head at the time but for the winter/christmas table - I had bears that had sort of christmassy themes (I think)
ie a bear in a pudding bowl with a spoon (plum duff)
a bear pulling a sledge
a santa bear with parcels
a couple of bears with hat and scarfs
and so on
But different sizes of bears - but I have mini's on a specially built staircase type display and then each of the others on their own little podiums with covers to match the season I am using
I have foudn that the 'picture' of my table has drawn admiring comments and one particular lady said that she always finds my displays really attractive and look forward to seeing what I would do for each show.
Don't know if this will help as it is only my experience
For myself - attending shows including big ones - it is always the bears faces which attract me and since your bears are terrific - I bet you have lots of admiring looks and comments whatever display type you choose
But I look forward to seeing pictures
:hug: