For artists and collectors sponsored by Intercal...your mohair supplier and Johnna's Mohair Store
Hi all. I just finished air-brushing these two bears yesterday. The larger bear is made from a gorgeous dense cream swirly mohair that I also hand-dyed a soft pink for the arms and legs. I was going for a very light pink and it ended up being a little darker and more peachy than I expected but I still liked the color. I also dyed the fiber for the nose to match.
The smaller bear is made with a very VERY ratty mohair that has black fiber woven into it. It was a little more golden initially and I over-dyed it in a burnt orange bath to bring out more orange. He will be a Halloween bear when I come up with some accessories for him. He is a new pattern for me - I have been wanting to switch to a 2-piece body pattern and I also changed the arms a little bit. More of a bend and bigger upper arms for him. I don't think this mohair is available anymore and I like the finished effect but I have to say that it was difficult to work with on the face area. After trimming the muzzle, the black hairs were very noticable and I really had to work and fuss to get the muzzle rattiness to match the rest of the bear. Anyway...........
So both bears are made from mohair I purchased from Jane Perala on eBay. She is selling some of her stash and I really love the pieces I got from her. Both bears still need accessories - AND NAMES! The two parts of bear-making I struggle with the most!
OOPS! Sizes........... the bigger one is big! About 22 inches....... and the smaller one is about 14!
I forgot to mention the worst thing that happened when I was making the smaller bear. I had just enough, and I mean Just Enough- mohair to make a 14-inch bear. So I cut out all my pieces and then laid them out. Then I realized one of the leg pieces was going the wrong way! So I had to take all my tiny scraps and piece them together to make another leg piece. So one of the inner legs is made out of 6 scrap pieces! Because the mohair is so ratty, it is hard to tell the difference - luckily.....
I love them both Connie-your bears have such lovely faces and expressions
That is one of my fears-cutting out your pattern and hoping that all the pieces are the right way around.I usually check them and check them again.If it is going to happen it is always when you only just have enough mohair in the first place
Laurie :hug:
Ahhhhhhhhh, so lovely. I missed your glorious work. So glad to see some ConnieB bears again!
Connie, they are wonderful! I absolutely love the pink and white one and normaly I am not someone who goes for coloured bears. Well done.
hugs,
Brenda
Connie, these two are adorable. Their faces are so sweet.
Lynn
Hi ConnieB,
great great great! I love both of your bears! I like the colours from the larger bear very much!
Both of them have sweet wonderful faces !
Fortunately you could finish the smaller bear with his leg! I know this situation, too
They a both fantastic Connie....your bears have such lovely expressions!!
I know that sinking feeling when you cut a pattern piece wrong....but glad you managed to finish the him.....
Wonderful work!!! :clap: :clap: :clap:
Hugs Yvonne
Beautiful work Connie. :clap: :clap: :clap:
Now these are what teddy bears are all about for me ... beautiful.
Thank you, everyone, for taking the time to comment on my two new bears. You've made my day! Heck, my week!!!!
I love these two beautiful bears - everything about them is wonderful from their very soulful faces to their lovely cuddly bodies. Gorgeous work.
They are absolutely beautiful...well done
I thought that only happened to me, cutting out too many of the same pattern and having almost nothing left of the fabric. I've done my share of piecing together just to get a leg or inside arm.... :redface:
I love these bears!!! I really love the little guy and I can't wait to see his accessories!
Connie, we should do lunch soon.
Absolutely adorable, Connie. Great idea to fix your leg problem. I don't know if I would have thought of it. I can't wait to see your little bear bear in his Halloween duds.
WOW, I love both of them. I really like that burnt orange mohair you used, it makes him look well loved!
Kathleen
That pink panda is to die for lovely, She just looks so soft!!!
Hi Connie...your bears are always a joy to look at...I love the little brown bear. Can't wait to see the finished pieces.
Hugs, Nancy
truly utterly lovely - I particularly love the pink girl, she has the softest kindest expression. I think you are very brave airbrushing, I'd be so scared of messing it up - but she is a true teddy
HUGS
Catherine
xx
They're both beautiful!! But I do like the little brown one the best :)
Did you see these beads on b4b? You mentioned that you wanted the little one to be halloween themed and I've never seen beads like this before! Even if you don't buy them, perhaps it's some food for thought?
Connie, your bears are perfect as usual. I do so like your work. I don't think I could choose between them but the little guy really appeals to me.
Connie they are both wonderful creations
Connie,
What sweet gentle faces they have...they're just how real teddy bears should look... congratulations, beautiful, beautiful work!!!! :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: ,
What a pair of gorgeous bears - I must admit a softer spot for the smaller one thou
Hugs Ali x
Perfect, perfect teddy bears!! I love your style The littler guy has SUCH a great expression...so soulful
:hug:
~Chrissi