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clare14 Nov 4, 2006

I've very nearly finished my latest creation, a fairy bear, but she has the most delicate little wings and I just don't know how I would pack her to post safely!!   Any suggestions greatly appreciated as always!!   :hug:  :hug:  :hug:

thumperantiques Nov 4, 2006

Hi Clare,
     Somewhere while I was browsing, I came across an explanation for packing Fairies.  Cut out a piece of stiff cardboard larger than the wings and lay the bear on it.  Cut or poke a small hole on either side of the bear and attach it to the cardboard by string or wire etc.  The wings should be flat against the cardboard and be held tight.  It really doesn't have to be the full length of the bear - just as long as it accomodates the wings.  You can put something soft on the front part of the wings to protect them.  You could possiblly still bend the legs to put it in a box.   I have never used this method, but it stuck in my head as it seemed very logical.  Good luck with your bear.

                                                        hugs,

                                                        Brenda

Tammy Nov 4, 2006

Clare, I just mailed a bear with delicate wings and was worried sick.  What I did was lay the bear on a piece of cardboard so the wings were flat out.  I then wrapped the entire bear with tissue several times so the cardboard wouldn't move.  If the bears wings don't lay flat then bend the cardboard to match the angle of the wings ??? 
I couldn't think of anything else to do.  I'm sure Kim Basta would know . 

Good Luck !

WildThyme Nov 4, 2006

Hi there!  My wings are really flexible and not fragile, and they are constructed over wire.... so I just bend the wings down so that they are flat against the bear's body.... then place on cardboard as described above. 

On some of the little ones, I sometimes just take a business card and fold it in half... place the fold in between the wings where they meet at the back... then secure with little rubberbands.

Like I said though, mine really aren't fragile.  I know that a lot of polymer clay fairy folks don't permanently attach the wings... they are removable for just that purpose.

Kim Basta
Wild Thyme Originals

heartsez Nov 4, 2006

i have put the bears in a plastic bag and then "blown it up" like a balloon,and then packed around it...deb

psichick78 Nov 5, 2006

I have shipped many a fragile polymer clay sculpture and depending on what size bear it is, you may want to try what I do.

1st thing is just make sure the bear won't move in the box, packing peanuts for the bottom, then place the bear on top. Then you fill up the rest sof the box so that when you close the top, the bear won't move if you shake it
Then, pack that box in another box. Make sure there is lots of stiff padding between the two boxes and I promise you everything will arrive safe and sound. You can almost play soccer with it! LOL  :crackup:

But if your bear is big, I am of no use you. 

Jellybelly Bears Nov 7, 2006

Great suggestions!  The only thing I can add is to make sure that nothing sticks to any gloss or paint on the wings.  i cover mine in light plastic.  Especially over here in Oz, with the heat, gloss can melt a little, any paper or foam can ruin the wings