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After reading Shelli's blog recently, I found myself thinking about what she'd written regarding her frustrations over the working status of life as a teddy bear designer. I'm sure it's something we all come eyeball to eyeball with from time to time, so I bashed out my thoughts in my blog. If you'd like to read it, maybe we could share our views on this thread ... it might make an interesting debate!
Oooh Paula and Ellen, I have NOTHING but the utmost respect for people like you two, who actually MAKE MONEY from your bear making. To someone like me that continues to be astounding, and you're right: the average Jo has no appreciation for how difficult it is.
I especially get funny looks as I am relatively young, still studying and not making a profit: people seem to believe that only older people should be doing this kind of thing! Sewing carries a stigma, just like knitting... now if anyone asks me about why I have materials delivered, or why I sew I have to tell them it's for fun as well... no one really gets it 
At Uni it's like telling people I'm a vegetarian: I might as well say "LOOK, I HAVE NO HEAD BUT I STILL HAVE EYYEEEEEESSSSS!!!!" :crackup:
The money thing gets people too, like i have shown friends the creations of people on here and they don't understand the money thing... I have difficulty NOT understanding it now!
Ellen, you are extremely intelligent, your grasp of languages alone should tell these IDIOTS that! I am always amazed when I go abroad at how accomodating people are when it comes to language, whilst I stumble along butchering the local tongue... I think I can just about order a Hot Chocolate in Dutch but that's it!
Oooh, rant-worthy :crackup: Good topic Paula! Us Non-money makers hate it too!
EDIT:: And let me add, you are NOT useless! (woah, look at my abuse of capitals in this post!) You are general Hug Distributors 
When I made my first bear, Tedward, for my mum, people kept laughing at how excited i was to be starting him, taking the mick and so on... then they got to hold him, and I'm happy to say that changed a lot of their minds!
I beleive we need a new job description, you know, like Dustbin Men are now 'General Domestic Hygeine Facilitators' or something... if you can't beat them, join them!
I just think that these folks that don't understand need to get out more.
I have had 34 years of folks looking down their noses at me because I am a hairdresser. I just think that I always have the last laugh...because while they were doing their 'serious' jobs I was making a seriously good living doing something thoroughly enjoyable, sociable and exciting. So when it comes to explaining my bear making I feel the same way...I have had all the education I needed...I went university..and come from a family of social workers, teachers and medical workers but I chose to do something creative. I get up each day and work for as long as I want..which is usually at least 12 hours. I am in charge of my own destiny..answerable to no-one except myself..and my customers...and most of all I am happy and content.
I see my sister stressed out everyday in her job as a district nurse..and my brother equally under pressure in his role as manager of the mental health team..and I thank my lucky stars every day that I can sleep at night....
If the only thing that ever bothers me is people not understanding my art I think that's pretty good going..and while I'd like people not to stand there with that kind of blank look on their faces when I tell them about my bears, I think there are enough of us to make up for that lack of understanding in the wider world.....
I don't worry too much what people think these days..I am happy ...that's all that matters to me
Wow!
I never even considered that we are inferior 
I have a B.S. degree in Botany, but to me, that's nothing compared to my current occupation as a teddy bear artist! I proudly carry a packet of photos and show them to anyone who asks what I do and I get a LOT of attention (too much, actually). I am so proud of what I do and I guess it shows because people treat me with great respect. I think a lot of people have jobs that are very tedious and are nothing like what they would have chosen for themselves. I think they are very excited when they meet someone who is excited and enthusiastic about their work? Maybe, this is more of a USA trait
Karen
MerBear OriginalsI have a full-time job and only make about 2 bears a month. Fortunately, for the past year or so I've been able to sell them at enough to pay for my mohair addiction. I do find though that people do look at me a little funny when they compliment a bear and think they can buy him for $25 and I tell them I should get about $200 or more. I'm not about to give up my day job until I retire in a few more years but people should consider us artists and not toy-makers!
Marion
Posts: 1,836I commented on Shel's blog about this one too. My family and friends are beyond supportive and proud of what I do. I'm very very proud of what I do and I, like Karen, keep pics with me to share with those who don't understand or can't visualize what I/we do. I'll hand out biz cards and then suggest they check out the overall industry.... how large it is. I feel sad for anyone who looks at any one particular profession as inferior or not "real"....how small their own world must be. I pity them, not myself. Some people go an entire lifetime never doing what they love, or not trying out of fear..... how small the black and white box they live in must be. Poor things.
All that matters to me at this point in my life is my happiness and that what I do truly brings happiness to those I work with. My collectors glowing emails and expressed joy from my work is proof that I'm doing something right. If someone in the grocery doesn't "get it"....oh well their loss.
:hug:
~Chrissi
FenBeary FolkI have to say that I have had the same reaction at work (firm of accountants), the only person who really appreciates it is my mum, cos she is were I get the craft genes from and my dad, shocked the living daylights out of me that one did :crackup:
I like chloe am in awe of you all especially those that make a profit, you are all the
to me :hug:
Finally, To make something that brings a genuine smile to another human being is
most precious gift in the world ever beating anything else 
Sophie Z'OursWe are right to feel proud of yourselves girls, because it must have been very hard to reach that state where you finaly manage to make profit from teddy bear making.
I am miles far from such a state, as I spend much more than I earn from making bears (my time will come, some day) .
I am really in awe for you, girls. What's wrong in being an artist???? Nothing. We make art to bring smiles and happiness around us.
Am I crazy to spend so much money in teddy bears? That's my problem. I love buying handmade bears. They are very special to me. Artist bears from people I know are even more special to me. They are not just bears.
People who cannot understand that are stupid.
I make bears cos I love doing it... Always listen to your heart.
Beary hugs,
Sophie.
PawssiblesTalk about overwhelmed. I started making bears about ten years ago. At times I have these great expectations of what I am accomplishing and then at other times I am ready to give it up. I love creating, but I also want to see some financial benefit from it too. Things have changed, and the internet is becoming a must in the business. Even last week I thought I wasting my time on 'pipe dreams'....but one little message on my guestbook from a teddy talk member uplifted my spirits and I feel like now I should keep plugging along. So I just want to say thanks to Teddy Talk and my fellow bear artists for the caring and support which we all need at times.
Gosh, this a good topic Paula..and here am I reading it again..I should be making bears for Hugglets.....
My goodness, I don't think people assume we're inferior in any way..people, just as the people who don't like dogs and cats don't get why those who love them are so enthusiastic..they just don't understand it...so I suspect bear making is one of those jobs that isn't on the list of what's normal..but I am certainly glad I am not normal!! LOL
Posts: 3,540
I haven't read the blogs, but I daresay its ENVY They only wish they could do what you ladies do for a living.
It takes nothing to have negative comments, reiterate a problem, or tear someone apart, or drag them down. It takes a LOT more effort and energy to be perky, lift someone up, dust them off, give them a good self esteem boost and a decent hug. All that can happen with a teddy bear 
If that's not one of the most miraculous jobs on the face of the planet....I don't know what is.
For all these people who say its a waste of time, intelligence, etc....ask them what they have done that very same day to lift someone else up. 
I'm betting at best, it might be a short bit of laughter at a joke, but nothing as enduring as a teddy bear. :hug:
Laurie Lou BearsWhatever you do in life there are always people that disagree with what you do or you should do it this way or that way but I have always done what I want no matter what people say.You only live once and if you don't spend your life doing what you want to whenever possible what is the point of being here.
I had a job with Royal Mail that paid good money but with all my children it got too much trying to fit everything in so I try to make some sort of living with my bears.I have only been making them for 2 years so am still trying to build up a customer base but I am happy with what I do and I am my own boss-good for me as I never like being told what to do 
The people that say what your doing is a waste of time etc have no appreciation of anything arty and the amount of time you can put into it.It is partly because of ignorance and sometimes because all these so called friends etc are either jealous or envious of what you do and wish they could do it so they try to belittle you in the process.
I spoke to the man in the tax office the other day about a 1 day course in how to start out on your own and he laughed when I told him what I done and then went on to say that they got allsorts of people doing these course as I think he realised he shouldn't have just laughed like that.I would just put his attitude down to ignorance and he obviously has no appreciation of artist bears or probably any form of art.
You should never waste your time worrying about what people think of you and just enjoy your life and be grateful that you have been blessed to make bears and that you can make peoples lives happy when you sell them.That is all that matters.
Laurie :hug:
PawssiblesRight on Laurie. As long as your enjoying what you do and fortunate to be able to what you love, you're blessed.
wow! I had no idea people would say those things to bear artists. I just read Shelli's blog. I love teddy bear artists! Although I'm not an artist, I'd like to add my thoughts. DH and I have both worked in the corporate world and I have a master's degree. When people found out I left my job to start Sunny Bears, they thought it was great I was doing something I love. I think it's great that you do something you love and (hopefully) make money at it. I think most people would love to do that.
We get some people in our store who can't understand why you would pay that much money for a bear. Once you explain why (that it's art, it's hard to do, mohair is expensive, etc.), then they understand. Artist bears are art, but they're art you can hug. It's more fun with them than other art because you can hug and touch them.
I tried to make part of a bear and it was hard. I stunk! On the other hand, I know what it feels like to have your fingers be stabbed repeatedly with needles. :crackup:
The most important thing is that you're happy with what you do. And keep making bears for us collectors! :hug:
Flying Fur StudiosWow, people are mean. And it's usually the jealous ones that feel the need to say nasty things. I get comments like " I wish I was crafty...." Or "they pay HOW MUCH for a bear"
I have to say though, that with this bear show just past a lot of my friends came by to support the bear show and they were all shocked to see the quality of work on display and the fact that there are some serious collectors out there.
It's funny bec. the image of a starving artist is quite romantic and an artist that makes good money for what they do is respected. People pay all sorts of money for a painting or a sculpture, or a doll made from a mold and no-one thinks anything.
ARTIST BEARS ARE ART!! Plain and simple. And that's what I tell people when they scoff at how much I sell my bears for. They're scoffing while they have expensive art hanging on their walls.
But it was nice to see that once some of these people saw the bears they learned to appreciate them as art. Thank goodness!
Melbourne, AustraliaI see my sister stressed out everyday in her job as a district nurse..and my brother equally under pressure in his role as manager of the mental health team..and I thank my lucky stars every day that I can sleep at night....
If the only thing that ever bothers me is people not understanding my art I think that's pretty good going..and while I'd like people not to stand there with that kind of blank look on their faces when I tell them about my bears, I think there are enough of us to make up for that lack of understanding in the wider world.....I don't worry too much what people think these days..I am happy ...that's all that matters to me
Jenny I couldn't have said it better.
I'm at "the age" where I don't care what other people think of what I do for a living. I am happy, content and I absolutely love what I do.
There are not many who can get up every morning looking forward to "a great day at work".
As for the blank stares...that just shows what a small world they live in!
You are talented artists (the fact they don't understand, is their problem) be proud of what you do
and when you tell people what you do
Cleathero CreationsI agree with Sandi ad all the others. I used to suffer from depression and loathed getting up in the morning to face another day at work. Now although I am an author and an artist and i am still working hard but I relish each day.
If people feel sorry for me then let them because i no longer suffer from depression anywhere near as badly and I relish each day.
Little Bear GuyI find it interesting that most people who ask about our business are very surprised at what we do. I tell them that we are teddy bear artist, designing and making teddy bears. It does take some time to educate people, I don't think they are being rude (well not in most of our cases) they just have never heard of it before. Once you can explain to people what actually goes into the business I find they are really amazed and interested. We have had a couple of friends who just don't understand and they likely never will but that's there problem not mine. They say the same thing "you charge how much for a bear", I explain to them that it is no different than someone doing sculpture or a painting they would never look at a painting and say you want how much for that.
We are all artist, we just work with different materials that's all. I find most people are very intrigued by what we do and interested. Everyone is so different, I let things roll off of me like water off a ducks back. We can't listen to what other people have to say, if we all did that then we wouldn't be doing what we love and having a heck of fun time with it.
big hugs
Shane
Hey. How cool that something I wrote inspired such awesome and thoughtful conversation. Thanks for letting me know, people.
My own blog post was mostly about how upset I feel with my own family of origin and the way they, esp. my dad, view my bearmaking career. My dad is a safety-seeker which certainly isn't a BAD trait, but can be limiting, especially when it comes to imagining non-traditional outcomes -- or jobs! This all came up with a vengeance for me when my car, which has almost 190K miles on it -- I drive it a lot; it's only a '97 -- needed a bigger than usual repair. Hence the call to my car advisor, Dad.
"Dad, does it make sense to spend $1200 on a car that has a Blue Book value of $5K, if I'm estimating generously? It's been an awesome car, no big repairs (just tune ups), and I'm not ready to give it up. From a smart-car-owner perspective... Does this repair make sense?"
And his answer, I kid you not, was, "Well, since you're not working, and can't afford a car payment for something new, I'd say yes... do the repair. For myself or anyone else, though, I'd say NO."
Erm... Excuse me, dad???
I do realize his intent is to be loving and protective. But I'm sure you can recognize that his answer was also invalidating and hurtful on any number of levels.
First of all, I didn't ask him whether he thought I was working, or whether in his estimation he felt I could afford a car payment. How infantalizing!
Second, I AM working. I work as a teddy bear maker, and even have a licensing partnership. I can also fall back on some design income should I have need. How is that NOT working?
Third, I CAN afford a car payment, especially if I don't act like a self-indulged hedonist, and maximize my hours instead of luxuriating in the fact that I can work slowly if I want to, because life allows me to do that right now.
Anyway, not to rehash my family crisis entirely, dad and I worked through it. But that conversation did point to a larger concern of mine which I think applies to many, if not most, creative professions... something that has become evident to me on glassmaking forums, on art cards forums where many employed artists participate, and here in the bear world. And that is, that while people are interested in what I do as a bearmaker, and while certainly some are immensely, amazingly, 100% supportive "believers" and always have been totally behind me and this venture, there will always be people who think this isn't a "real" job; who think it's too scary and unsafe fiscally; and who otherwise just can't imagine calling this a "career." And the same goes for glassmakers and artists of all ilk.
And to me, what's worse is that it's become acceptable in polite society to dismiss creative professions as "not real work." I could never get away with saying that being a librarian "isn't real work" or being an IT specialist "isn't real work," but somehow, it's become okay in polite society to tell artistic types that what they do, even if they make good money at it, "isn't real work." That kind of double standard just, in principle, really chaps my hide.
Mostly, I'm thick skinned enough to be beyond all that crap. But sometimes, ya know... it gets to me. Because, as Paula so wisely wrote, and others too, it's NOT a five minute thing we do here. We learn html and site design. We do our own graphics. We practice our not-easy skills and hone them. We spend time we could be spending elsewhere to network with friends; post our work online; and read tutorials. We go (or even develop!) shows and learn auction sites; memorize marketing strategies and advertise.
In short, WE ROCK!!!
And, ya know... sometimes, I just wish that so much ROCKIN' didn't require explanation. I just wish people would think, "Oh, you're a bearmaker. How cool and freeing is that? What pretty things you make. I envy you."
Anyway, that's my (boring) story. It's been so great reading what you've all written on this subject. And may I say, it's so wonderful to be quickly and immediately recognized and understood, as a bearmaker myself, by people just exactly like you, who "get it."
Thanks for being my friends!
Yes, I can identify with all of this too. It was great to read your Blog Paula and Shelli’s too. I was a Legal Secretary for years and then a Legal Case Manager until I found bear making and learned cake decorating from my Mum (who is just as creative as I am and understands). Although I was proud of my job I was running myself into the ground, stressed out with my job and having to put unpaid over time in constantly.
The crafts I worked at as a hobby always de-stressed me but when I found bear making it took over my life, was all I wanted to do and I found myself doing it on the bus to work and back, doing it in my dinner hour, getting up in the middle of the night to bear make if I woke up instead of going back to sleep which left me too tired to deal with the day at work. People at work were constantly ordering cakes too and I had to find time to do them too, which I loved to do but I was getting to the stage where I was completely worn out. Something had to go and realised I only had one life so I had no choice but to choose to leave the well paid job that I was trained to do but was making me unhappy and concentrate on what was making me happy. If I didn’t try I would never know and if it was the wrong decision I could always go back.
Well, when I gave my notice people thought I had lost my mind completely, one person even suggested I have a word with my Doctor first as I must be going through a crisis and that I couldn’t just make bears all day at home!! Nobody understood, they all expected me to be back there in a couple of months. I never looked back, was much happier and even though now I was working possibly longer hours than in the office there was no stress, it is the stress that makes us more tired I think.
After a couple of years though I find 2 things, I do not like the fact that I don’t get a little money coming in every week as I like to spend and also I miss talking to people, I am a people person so 2 months ago I got an afternoon job in an internet office, it has been hard as I have been training but seems to be getting a little easier now, not sure if I will be there for ever but I am hoping that now I have the best of both worlds, we will see how it woks out. Some of my friends and family have said “yes it is about time you got a job instead of sat stuffing bears all day†What do people think… honestly!. The people at the afternoon job are being educated about the bear world now, absolutely nobody had heard of artist bears before, most people are impressed and want to know all about it, a few have said “oh you are a strange one, you do funny things in your spare time†excuse me but it is not spare time it is my other job!! Also one lady said – as I breezed into the office one afternoon “I don’t know these part timers†I thought excuse me but I work more hours than you do but I didn’t say anything to her. A couple of the younger ones when they are together laugh a little and suggest I am different and “not like normal people†. I just think that they are way too young and not strong enough to let anybody see their differences if they have them as they have to “fit in†and even have to like the same music and clothes styles!!. Anyway we will see if it works out, at least I have a little more money to buy mohair when I want to and to market the bears better and also I enjoy the few hours of company. Sorry to be long winded but I feel strongly about all this too.
Don't worry, oh wage-earning bear makers, myself and the other hobbiests will fall before you chanting 'We are not worthy', and kiss the teeny girlish feet of sucess in what it blatantly an incredibly difficult field to master XD
Nowadays when people ask me, I tell them quite honestly, and my last reaction was 'Oooookay... what ever floats your boat' with a rolled eye 
This from a girl who was studying Music at my university: how hypocritical! She of all people should have some artistic understanding!
Now I just link it to the Zoology degree I'm studying for Like 'oooh, it helps me understand the animals better', or 'it fuels my research' or some other rubbish When really it's like 'EEE!!! CUDDLY THINGS!!!'
I like the freedom to be different in our culture, but sadly it usually is interpreted at 'I am so different I look EXACTLY THE SAME as all the other different people' 
bless them. I hear the Japanese culture is a lot like the Dutch one... don't worry! rebellion starts somewhere!
GRRR now I'm all riled up... watch out normal office job! Here I come!! XD
What fascinating responses! Thank you so much for sharing them. Occasionally these niggles build in my head and then it's hard to stay resolute, so it really is great to be able to discuss them and discover that it's a fairly common problem on the creative side of the track.
I guess this problem has been highlighted to me recently in my new home purchased six months ago with new partner ... can we have the grandson to stay and can he 'camp out', at the age of 2, in my workroom? Torn between wanting to accommodate him and needing my partner to understand how important that room actually is to me, I threw a strop. Not the most adult of reactions I'll grant you, but I felt that what I had been creating in that room wasn't perhaps as respected as I had assumed if it could be reassigned so lightly. For me, my workroom is sacrosanct, it's full to bursting with my work and it would take a small pantechnican to remove everything that would be necessary to safely accommodate said small child. It would also disrupt my 'flow' tremendously to have to reorganise everything once he'd gone home.
Anyway, it got me to thinking, when I was on my own I worked hard to pay my own household bills from my bear business (with my kid's bed and board money thrown in the pot too). I felt proud of what I was achieving, even when I was dead on my legs. These days, I live with someone who is able to take much of the financial responsibility of our life together and whilst that is a pleasure in many ways, I've found it's crushed my self-esteem at times, and this was one of those times. Poor guy, he didn't know what had hit him! He's proud of what I do, but has come into my life at a time when I've already built my bear business from scratch and it's 'my thing', not his. Fair enough, he's out of his depth and as an accountant, struggles with the concept of preferring to work creatively. We really do face this from opposite ends of the spectrum! Anyway, to cut to the chase, grandson will now be camping out with Grandad and I will be having the luxury of my son's room for the weekend, so all's well that ends well. To be fair, he had no idea of how he'd made me feel ... but as you can see, that was the point.
Like Shelli, he's not the first and won't be the last person I'm close to who fails to grasp what I'm about, but at least I feel he wants to. I have conversations with my father in great detail about how well my sisters are doing for themselves and rarely hear him enquire how my business is doing, same applies to my mother! It reaches the point where I don't often talk about this to them any more ... in fact, they don't even know about my nomination, or the fact that I have had my work referenced in a new book ... both of which I'm bursting with pride over! However, on the other side of the coin, my daughter proudly drags her colleagues to admire my website and delights in what I do, taking time to listen and share in it with me.
So, what's going on? Well, I have a theory! I think selling your own handcrafted product confuses people because it reminds them of hobbies and after all, hobbies are supposed to be for fun, not income! I also think if we're honest, many of us who sell our own bears, struggle to justify ourselves to ourselves, because in most cases, we're simply not fulfilling our true earning potential in relation to the broader world of commerce and that makes us question why we stick with what we do ... I know I constantly justify myself, to myself! It's very frustrating.
I guess the hardest thing to qualify is income, if you're doing well in the world, you should be earning well ... we're all brought up to recognise that and it's hard to face the fact that it's not always the case. I love that some of you are so content in this area of your lives and am inspired to work harder to try and achieve that inner confidence myself!
Tami Eveslage Original Teddy BearsI also think if we're honest, many of us who sell our own bears, struggle to justify ourselves to ourselves, because in most cases, we're simply not fulfilling our true earning potential in relation to the broader world of commerce and that makes us question why we stick with what we do ... I know I constantly justify myself, to myself! It's very frustrating.
I guess the hardest thing to qualify is income, if you're doing well in the world, you should be earning well ... we're all brought up to recognise that and it's hard to face the fact that it's not always the case.
You have hit the nail on the head there, Paula! Our society equates success with financial success when actually it is really just one kind of success. There are many other ways to be successful in life! Also, being financially successful is equated with being wealthy. It seems the more money you make, the more financially successful you are. Well, I would argue that you are financially successful if you can provide for your family's needs without going into debt. I would argue that you are financially successful if you can live happily within your means. Perhaps I am only justifying myself to myself, but that's how I try to look at it!!!!
Chaska, MinnesotaFor those who feel they have to explain themselves to others for your chosen profession: Stand tall, make no apologies. Those who chose to judge you are most likely unhappy and put others down to make themselves feel better. I say “thank your lucky stars you don't have to live in their miserable body". It breaks my heart to read some of the artists here are struggling with this issue. If you think you are "less than", people will treat you that way. Don't let them do it. For some, this will take practice but you have to do it. Be proud of your work. For it brings joy and smiles to people's faces. How many professions can boast that?!
I do have a day job but my bears are a part of me and are on my desk and my everyday talk with others. I don't sell bears but still am proud of my creative work. In my professional job, bears are a stark contrast to what I do. It does surprise people. And, I have cutesy bears all over my work space while holding high level meetings with other professionals. Imagine me being a bulldog and holding the line on something with 10-12 little bears looking at everybody!!! When I was young I cared what people think. The wonderful part of aging is I don't give a $&%@ anymore. My hope is that those who struggle with this concept find this peace. I like my life and myself.
Past Time BearsYes, this is a very thoughtful and important discussion on the "place" that teddy bear artistry has in our world today. I'm coming from a slightly different perspective from most of you . . . having taken up making bears in the autumn of my life. To save you from reading a boring life history, I'll just briefly mention that when I was selecting a career, the women's movement hadn't yet started and I chose to do something a girl could do until she married and had kids. Never mind the fact that I was probably more "right" brained than "left", I graduated from college with a science degree in medical technology. I was idealistic at the time and thought I would be a help to society by running all sorts of tests on their bodily fluids in a hospital laboratory. And so I did . . . for a long time. During that 25 year (+ or - a year or two), that idealism about a "helping" profession was shot to pieces. Did I ever learn about the politics, sexual harassment, even unethical practices by doctors in the medical world! I suspect that there is 'that' side in most, if not all, businesses/professions.
All along the way, I was dabbling in my art interests on the side . . . painting, music, crafting . . . whatever appealed to me at the time, until I got so stressed and sick of my last med tech job that I retired in 1992. Our children were grown and gone so we didn't need my income as much as before. My hubby and I had created a children's book about environmental responsibility, and I decided to market it. I was a complete failure at that, so continued to "dabble" in several artsy/craftsy endeavors. In 1996, I started having a life crisis of major proportions and desperately needed comfort from some source. It was then that I discovered the therapeutic qualities of teddy bears. I never had a teddy as a child and certainly didn't know about artist bears, bear shows and magazines, or collectors. One thing led to another and I participated in my first bear show in Oct. of 1997. You may be asking at this point (if you've stayed with me all this way), what in the world am I getting to??? I've shown you the meaningless meanderings and wanderings of a aging mind, that's what!
Actually, being a bear artist in the waning years of one's life may be a little easier than it is for a younger person.
I, too, get odd looks and incredulous responses when I describe what I do and how much a bear costs; but old people are expected to be a bit eccentric, so I don't get the rude/insensitive/condescending attitude that you younger folks are subjected to. I've been very fortunate and so pleased to have won some awards and recognition, but I definitely could not live on what I make from bear artistry. Both hubby and I are 66, retired, and live on a much reduced income, so whatever I earn is helpful. And I am elated to say that making teddy bears is still as important to me as it was in 1997 . . . and I do hope that my bears bring as much joy to my customers as they do to me. But how much longer will I be able to make bears? I already experience the aches, pains, maladies of an aging body and that, my friends, is one reason I regret not discovering this comforting art before I got up in years. The thought of not sewing teddies is a little scary for me.
So, TTers, if you are STILL with me on this rambling post, I thank you! I've not contributed much to the idea of this thread, but have indulged myself a bit. I think I needed to say a lot of this "out loud". Thanks a bunch! And to all of you who have had to endure skepticism from friends and family, keep doing what you love to do. You are satisfied and secure with your chosen form of work and a creative person HAS TO CREATE!! There is no doubt about that. Big hugs, everybody.
