Skip to main content

Banner Sponsors

Tedsby - Handmade teddy bears and other cute stuffed animals. Hundreds of teddy artists from all over the world and thousands of OOAK creations.
Teddy Bear Academy - Online teddy bear making classes

Daphne Back Road Bears
Laconia, NH USA
Posts: 6,568

....And got so carried away with

CHRISTMAS

!!!!!

I bought red velvet fabric in three different shades and textures......
Lots of wired Christmas ribbon cause I make my own wreaths......
Christmas themed scrapbooking stuff.... one year I'll get to that!
Oh and Christmas tins in all shapes and sizes.....
Christmas baskets and bells too!

There were so many wonderful Christmas print fabrics but I had to draw a line.... I have no time for quilts, wall hangings or anything else I can think of to do with fabric. I must think FUR!!!!

There was a lady in front of me in the cutting line (remember that velvet... I really didn't buy any other fabric!) and she was buying some of that awful "stretchy, not very soft-sort of sticky feeling, mats down easy and is a bear to work with" synthetic fur. I asked what she was making. Teddy bears! What a surprise!  :crackup:  By the end of our conversation she had my business card, date of my next class and the next show I'm doing locally and web addresses to different suppliers for synthetic fur. She did NOT buy that cheap fur! Poor thing had no idea about artist bears! She'd been using McCall's bear patterns for years. It was so neat to just see her face light up and I could see the gears turning as she imagined all that lovely fur and making "real bears" (there is nothing wrong with McCalls! I have a couple!!) She gave me a hug and wished me a Merry Christmas! Awwww... shucks. :redface:

So now I'm really in the Christmas spirit... knowing her grandchildren are going to have soft cuddly bears under the tree at Christmas.... and I have all these goodies from the store to play with!

John Denver and the Muppets "A Christmas Together" is in the CD player and I've been working on my holiday bear!

(By the way... JoAnn's is having a 40% off sale on everything Christmas!!!)

Have you been craft store shopping lately? What great finds did you make???

Aleta - The Silly Bear The Silly Bear
Portland, Oregon
Posts: 3,119
Website

Ummm.  Glass slides, walnut ink, paperclay, sculpey, card stock, gel medium, muslin, transparent tape and wire.  Yes, it's all bear related.   bear_original  bear_original  bear_original

You'll just have to wait and see what it's all about.

Warmest bear hugs,  :hug:
Aleta

Tami E Tami Eveslage Original Teddy Bears
Milford Ohio
Posts: 2,367

Aleta, what is walnut ink?

Daphne, sometimes if I need something simple from the fabric or craft store I send my husband. He doesn't relish this opportunity, but when I explain to him that I only ask because he is capable of going to the craft storre and only buying what I need, and if I have to go I could be gone for hours and will come back with lots of stuff I didn't know I needed until I saw it!

Daphne Back Road Bears
Laconia, NH USA
Posts: 6,568

Queen - what is paperclay?

Tami - if I sent my hubby he'd come home with more stuff than I asked for and I wouldn't want any of it! We're dangerous when we shop together!

shantell Apple Dumpling Designs
Willamette Valley Oregon
Posts: 3,128
Aleta - The Silly Bear wrote:

Yes, it's all bear related.   bear_original  bear_original  bear_original

You'll just have to wait and see what it's all about.

You're just a big tease aren't ya?   :crackup:   :crackup:

It will be spectacular no doubt and worth the wait!!!  Although, I'm not known for my patience...  bear_whistle   bear_whistle

Delartful Bears Delartful Bears
Australia
Posts: 3,518

Oooh Aleta, sounds like you have fantastic stuff - all stuff in my stamping/altering stash - can't see what great goodies you come up with !!!!!!!

Me, I went to the craft shop today! I purchased some ribbons for my christmas cards (I'm making my own this year, I'm back into stamping and having a great time!) and purchased some christmas papers - went a bit overboard, but what else would I spend my money on??

Danni

TamiL Dolls N Dreams
Aurora, Colorado
Posts: 6,454

I went today also, bought beads for the dolls, and found some great xmas garland, going to hang it up and down the stairs this year, xmas flowers, ribbon
and xmas picks to put on packages. Everything xmas was on sale!  bear_original
It really gets you into the mood  bear_grin

Aleta - The Silly Bear The Silly Bear
Portland, Oregon
Posts: 3,119
Website

Ahhhh.  Walnut Ink?  A staining medium.  Used for antiquing paper but I'm going to see what other mischief it antiques!  Paperclay?  A smooth Celluclay or paper-sculpey like product for lightweight sculpting.  Tami E. sent me on the hunt for this stuff.  Look in Bears and Friends for her bear and puppet.  Her amazing puppet is sculpted using paperclay.  It's a nice smooth texture but without the polymer (plastic) look.  FABULOUS!

Shantelli darling!
A tease?  Ha!  You betcha baby!!   :crackup:  Though you may be waiting for awhile.  I'm trying to finish up six bears before embarking on new adventures.  Key word:  TRYING

Danni,
Another altered, mixed media artist?  Oh, I'm in great company!  Won't you join me for tea, paper, paste and rubber stamps?  bear_original  bear_original

Hugs, paper, paste and a lemon drop martini, :hug:
Aleta

gotobedbears Posts: 3,177
Aleta - The Silly Bear wrote:

Ummm.  Glass slides, walnut ink, paperclay, sculpey, card stock, gel medium, muslin, transparent tape and wire.  Yes, it's all bear related.   bear_original  bear_original  bear_original

You'll just have to wait and see what it's all about.

Warmest bear hugs,  :hug:
Aleta

Sounds brilliant Aleta.............glass slides huh? I have used these, did you buy the ones with the really sweet little slide mailer covers? Looking forward to seeing the results.

Penny  bear_tongue

Aleta - The Silly Bear The Silly Bear
Portland, Oregon
Posts: 3,119
Website

No slide mailers with these, Pen.  They came in a plastic box and boy, oh boy, are those little buggers sharp!  My next purchase is a soldering thingie.  Need one with a temperature guage (rheostat).  I'm going to the stained glass supply store tomorrow to see what kind of mischief I can get into there.  I'm sure they'll send me home with more than I need.   :crackup:  :crackup:

I'm going to create ART!  bear_original  bear_original  Either that, or a really GLORIOUS mess! bear_tongue

Warmest bear hugs,  :hug:
Aleta

thumperantiques Newcastle, Ontario
Posts: 5,645

Aleta,
     Are you going to tackle what you emailed me about earlier this year?  If you have any problems, give me a shout or I can phone you - we have a super phone plan.
     I have tons of mixed media stuff and I am determined to play after Xmas.  I bought a Stampress in August and it hasn't been out of the box.  It does really neat things.  I really want to experiment with vintage family photos and mxed media. 
     I love paperclay and have sculpted a few things with it.  It's a little trickier to work with than polymer clays - I find it really dries out my hands, but I love the results.  Can't wait to see what you come up with, Aleta!
     What craft store did you find the glass slides?  I've been looking for a supplier.

                                         hugs,

                                          Brenda

Sandi.S. Posts: 1,277

Oh, I'm jealous! I wanna go to the craft store too! Ya know, if I went to the basement and finished unpacking, it would feel like I was in a craft store. And a bit like Christmas too, finding all the goodies I forgot I owned!

chrissibrinkley Posts: 1,836

Daphne...I hit my local Craft shop last year right after Christmas and I should have been arrested for stealing!! I walked out with probably $200 for $40-$50!!  It was unreal.  I have tupperware bins filled to their brims with all kinds of fun stuff!

hmmmm....... Aleta, the glass slides, I wonder if we're having a similar artistic experience?! I did stained glass for a while with my sis, so most of the tools and glass I have....BE CAREFUL...walking into that store with all of the lovely glass on display is dangerous to the pocket book bear_grin  Swirly wirly (technical term of course ) to clear, it's all gorgeous!!  It's fabric of a different kind bear_grin
My last run to the shops found me with foil, a few findings, old bronze bottle caps, diamond glaze...and on my table now are some fantastic antique monocles I found earlier.
I have 5 bears in the works right now, the 6th was completed last night..but no matter what, this weekend I plan to use all of the above..can't wait!!
:hug:
~Chrissi

Tami E Tami Eveslage Original Teddy Bears
Milford Ohio
Posts: 2,367

I have to share this with everyone...This morning I woke with the most pleasant dream lingering in my head!
Before anyone's thoughts go where my husband's thoughts went when I said, "I had a good dream", here it is;

I dreamt I was out shopping lots of wonderful craft and fabric stores with the loveliest group of ladies! While I don't know what everyone looks like in real life, I knew it was my fellow Teddy Talkers! We were all finding lots of great stuff and super bargains. Then we had a little Christmas party and gift exchange back at someone's house!

Dreaming about TT. If you all thought I was a little odd, now you know it! :crackup:

Bumpkin Bears Bumpkin Bears
Antwerp, Belgium
Posts: 2,190

sounds like a great day Tami, I'll join in the dream  :dance:   I just love all sorts of crafts, and have lots of rubber stamps, sadly crafts aren't a big thing in Belgium so no big stores to get lost in  bear_sad   Guess it saves my money!

Looking forward to seeing all your different christmas projects

Christmas crafty hugs
Catherine
x

Laura Lynn Teddy Bear Academy
Nicholasville, KY
Posts: 3,653
Website

Laura Lynn Banner Sponsor

LOL Oh this is a great thread!!!

Tami... dreaming about TT?  I totally understand!!  It's so great to be able to get together at least "cyberly" with others who have the same passions.  The only better thing would be in person... like your dream!  (or when Daphne came to stay at my house  :dance:  )  And that is a GREAT idea about sending your hubby to the craft store.. to keep you from buying other stuff!  -- daphne... it is too funny about you and your hubby!!

Chrissi.... oh my gosh!  You really hit the jackpot last year!  If you get "in the mood" to shop... just go thru the bins and bins of things you bought last year!  it will be MUCH cheaper  bear_grin Sandi... I know what you mean!  Things seem new when you forgot you already have them LOL!

Aleta I can't WAIT to see what you come up with!!

Daphne Back Road Bears
Laconia, NH USA
Posts: 6,568

Uh-oh, Tami!!!
I think we set up a TTer's Annonymous group a while back! We haven't met in a while. No one has time because they are too busy posting. :crackup: It sounds like you are a candidate for membership!

But I have to say that sounds like a glorious dream!!!  bear_grin

K Pawz Guest

I hear you all.....I love Craft store shopping....even with hubby as he finds things I didn't know I needed as well!!!! Toby I am so happy they have opened up a Micheals within a five minute walk of my house and I am in heaven....although I do find now I am running out of space for things, and forget half the time what I even have until I go looking for something else!!!

I love craft stores!!!!!
Hugs,
Krista

SueAnn Past Time Bears
Double Oak, Texas
Posts: 22,152

SueAnn Help Advisor, Banner Sponsor

Oh YES, YES!  Local craft stores and online craft stores!!!  One of my several vices!!!  I have ordered glass slides and the mailers online and started a project with them, but haven't fully developed it yet.  Was in Hobby Lobby a couple of days ago and bought tons of that groovy yarn they have out nowdays.  Mind you, I don't crochet or knit, but have another project going using it.  Projects, projects . . . I'm REALLY very good about starting them, but finishing is another thing.  Waiting breathlessly to see your creations, Aleta!

psichick78 Flying Fur Studios
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 3,073

OOh, how could we not love craft store shopping? Although I'm lucky that scrapbooking doesnn't interest me, bec. there is some cool stuff for it, and the last thing I need is another expensive hobby! Although it's sooo tempting. I would love to knit stuff, sew more clothes, wood work.....and on and on and on...........Glad to know i'm not alone.

It's dangerous because if I start a new hobby, I need EVERYTHING to start off with. I can't just have the basics. I probably had $600 worth of mohair before I even finished my 2nd bear! LOL

I'm jealous of you that can get your head into xmas. I got to leave early from work today, but just could'nt bring myself to xmas shop, even though that would be the smart thing to do.

Any tips on getting in the mood? ( for chirstmas ladies..................get your mind out of the gutter!   :crackup: )

WildThyme Wild Thyme Originals
Hudson, Ohio
Posts: 3,115

Girls.... I am just dying to find out what the glass slides are for!!!!!!!!  I am perplexed!!!   bear_wacko

Do post when there is something "postable!"

Kim Basta

Laura Lynn Teddy Bear Academy
Nicholasville, KY
Posts: 3,653
Website

Laura Lynn Banner Sponsor

psichick78 wrote:

......I probably had $600 worth of mohair before I even finished my 2nd bear! LOL

.......
Any tips on getting in the mood? ( for chirstmas ladies..................get your mind out of the gutter!   :crackup: )

LOL!!!!  :crackup:

Delartful Bears Delartful Bears
Australia
Posts: 3,518

Here you are Kim - http://www.art-e-zine.co.uk/cp.html

a fantastic site to drool over.  I love the ones that are soldered, but have heard that soldering can be quite fummey, so I haven't given it a go (not worth risking my health, I am so prone to feeling ill from the slightest fume smell, or even perfume!)

Enjoy!
Danni

chrissibrinkley Posts: 1,836

Yes Danni, that's what I've been looking at...isn't that stuff gorgeous??  I love the jewelry items done like this.  My sister has done pieces for the family with her illustrations under the glass..it's so pretty.

I'm very sensitive to smells too. As long as the studio is well ventilated with a window open I'm fine with the small amount of "smoke" it puts off.  It's really not a lot at all. You're working fast with the little items as well, so it's near to nothing.  (always go lead free)

:hug:
~Chrissi

Daphne Back Road Bears
Laconia, NH USA
Posts: 6,568

I start a new hobby, I need EVERYTHING to start off with. I can't just have the basics. I probably had $600 worth of mohair before I even finished my 2nd bear!

:crackup:  :crackup: Me too!!!! :crackup:  :crackup:

As for the Christmas mood...... go to JoAnn's or Michaels. Go to the mall... be surrounded by all things christmas! And pop in your favorite christmas songs. It's never too early for that! bear_original DON'T go with the intention of buying gifts for others just yet..... that's impossible if you aren't in the spirit. Start out slow.... just a few Christmas songs and a couple of stores and few gifts for you..... bear_grin  bear_grin

Board footer

Powered by FluxBB

Banner Sponsors


Johnna's Mohair Store - Specializing in hand dyed mohair and alpaca
Past Time Bears - Artist bears designed and handcrafted by Sue Ann Holcomb