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Cat Gabriel Crafts
Hi all,
I thought it would be fun to share this photo of the very first bear I ever made in 2003 alongside my latest bear. What a difference! :crackup: Just shows you there is hope for new bearmakers out there. I nearly walked away from bearmaking after that first bear (look at that footpad stitching 
), but if you stick to it, your skills will improve. Teddy Talk has helped me tremendously too and motivated me to try new techniques. I'm still learning with every bear I make.
Anyone else got some first bear photos to share?
Happy Little SoulsGreat thread Catherine,
It's been ten years since I made this 6.5cm little tacker on the left (he was my 6th bear but first mini), the 9cm fellow on the right I finished last week.
There is a bit of a difference in size and finish, but I'm glad I stuck with it, finishing them these days gives me a huge thrill.
I only have little ones on display at the moment, but if I find my first ever bear who's living in a bear cave at the moment I'll get a picture of him and add it too. From memory he truly is a sight to behold 
.
Mel
Cat Gabriel CraftsMel, your first mini bear is fantastic! A lot better than my effort I'd love to see a pic of your very first bear too. I find it fascinating how people's bearmaking styles develop through the years too.
Melbourne, AustraliaHere's my first bear ...
the one that got me hooked back in '96.
Now let's see some more first bears from the oldies!
For something a little different....here's a collage showing my improvements over the first 2 years in the Thread Crochet Bear world. Then one of my more recent bears. Then followed by my first sewn bear (a year ago) and my most recent sewn bear.
First 2 Years Thread Crochet Bear Progression Collage:
My Most Recent Thread Crochet Bear/Panda - Leif:
First Sewn Bear - Flutter:
Most Recent Sewn Bear - Gilbert:
/bearhugs,
Bears by Jodi
Cat Gabriel CraftsSandi, your first bear is wonderful! I can see why you were hooked 
Mary, it's great to see how your style has progressed over the years, I admire anyone who can do both sewn and crocheted bears!
Jodi, that's a sweet first bear, very well done for your first try I must say! My first bear is starting to look worse and worse compared to others lol:)
Ruby Mountain Bears
just 3 inches. Okay this is the first bear I ever made, terrible picture of her 2003, I thought she was adorable.
Here is my latest star....
but my personal favorite of all time is Splash~~
Oh I just love this thread!!! I will dig some up too
Hugs,
Krista
Wild Thyme Originals
Oh how FUN! My first fabric bear was made from a Debbie Kesling pattern from her book, How to Make Enchanting Miniature Teddy Bears... now I say that with an appology to Ms. Kesling... 'cause mine looks NOTHING like what it was supposed to look like! I've shown my first mohair bear on TT before, and I believe that I've also shared the first one I made from my OWN pattern... but this little guy is really and truly my first one ever made in fabric.
My first bear is starting to look worse and worse compared to others lol:)
I think I've got ya beat for worst firsty! 
Though I think you and I could TIE in a "You've Come A Long Way Baby" category! :crackup: :doh:
My first little guy has a.... get this... STRING JOINTED HEAD! NO foot pads, no paw pads at all, in fact... I'm not sure where is mouth even went to... maybe on the bottom of his chin! And yes.... I do believe that you can even SEE the thread I used to string joint his arms... ooops! I think he was made in the FALL of 2003. And he's been in my children's stuffed animal bin down in our basement for 4 years! He's obviously been played with a lot, and it looks like he's even been drawn on with magic markers and chalk! He's certainly seen better days... but not MUCH better! :doh: My little ones call him "Mr. Icky-Head." It took me a week to make that bear, and I felt all thumbs the whole time.
He's pictured with Lillian, a bear from a couple of months ago, who's been hanging out in the studio with me on layaway. She's such a good sport to have her photo taken with such a scrappy little guy. Thank you Lillian! :hug:
Now, if THAT isn't encouraging to new bear makers, I don't know what is! Seriously... we all start somewhere. NEVER, ever assume that you can't DO this based on your first bear. :dance: It's all patience and practice.
Kim Basta
Dolls N DreamsHere was my first......
I love seeing the first bears type stuff. I hope more artists post theirs!
/bearhugs
How embarrassing is this going to be 
:crackup: Looking forward to see all the pics
Ok here goes, this is my very first bear in 2004 'Frankin' made from very cheap synthetic, and yes he is Frankenstein's monster :crackup:
This is Wallnut my first mohair bear from 2004
And this is one of my latest
Creative Design Studio (RKR4CDS)First bear head - a Cactus Bloom head - Jan 1990 - .75" tall
Never sewed the cactus 'body' because I was too disgusted with the torqued muzzle & sts showing.
Fortunately my sister rescued it from the bin....
Summer 2007 - Needle Felted Polar Bear head - 2.50" tall
Cincinnati, OhioWow Bobbie. That is one beautiful polar bear! Just really stunning!!! You certainly have a gift!!! :clap: :clap: :clap:
OK, here is my first and my most recently completed bear.............
Creative Design Studio (RKR4CDS)Thx Connie, but your 'recent' is cut off - we wanna see!!!
YorkshireI LOVE this thread!!! I finished my 6th bear last month and I'm struggling with my new one as its my first pattern I've played around with. Looking at your lovely before and after shots have given me the inspiration and drive to carry on - more please ............................
Hugs Ali x
Awe This is an awesome thread!! I want to participate.. 
lol. I can't though because all my bears that are not for adoption are packed in storage.. inc my first who is really really sad.. heehee, made of fun fur and an old glove I love him still.
On a cool note I think we may have found our house! Going back to look at it today. :dance:
Bear Hugs!
Melanie
LuxembearsHi Guys. It's really amazing to see how far everyone has come. :clap: :clap: :clap: Besr creating is an on-going learning process. I learn something new with each bear or animal I make.
Here is my "THEN" bear, "Precious" made from recycled alpaca fur....
and my "NOW" bear Chocolate Thunder 24" tall......
Past Time Bears
On the left is my first bear made from mohair and the first bear I made from my own design. EEEEEEEK!!!!
On the right is Dallas, the bear that won grand prize in the Steiff contest - resulting in their interpretation, Cappuccino.
YesterYear Design
My first bear, Little Lord Bertram, was created in January 2005.
One more recent bear is Leaf Rustle, a fairy bear, created in May 2007. Favorite is still my avatar, Rascal, born in June 2007.
Hugs, Jan
Cat Gabriel CraftsOh wow, what great pictures everyone! It really is fantastic to see how far everyone has come.
Ali, I am so glad you are finding this thread inspirational!!
Waggle Bears
It's been so long since I posted a picture, I'm not sure I have it right, but here goes.
These are my first and last. Chloe (the little girl with the skirt, in case you can't tell the difference) was from a kit by B.Irwin Bears about 2003. She has a bit of a lopsided nose and crooked mouth, but I'll keep her forever anyway.
Alexandra is the cream colored bear that I finished last week.
I just noticed that I've used the same ribbon on both little girls...quite a coinkydinky.
Posts: 10Wow .. this thread has given me new hope!
I love all the amazing improvements. And it really is fascinating how a little shading can bring so much dimension and life to a bear.
