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Apple Dumpling DesignsDo you ever look at other bears...then look at your own and think..."why am I even bothering with this bear stuff..."
Cause that's how I'm feeling lately...like perhaps I was meant to just be a collector and not a creator.
I need some inspiration...maybe a verbal spanking or two...
UK:hug:
i think a hug is much more nicer than a spanking ;)
Yes i feel like that i always see other people's bears and think "wow they are so much better than mine" as artists i figure we are our own worst critics!!
LuxembearsAh Shantell. I have been there too. So many times. I have even been down, seeing all the beautiful bears in the magazines. But always know that your bears come from your heart and nothing is more beautiful than that.
Your bears are beautiful. Pipa hit the nail on the head,
we are our own worst critics!!
Where do you find your inspiration? Go there. Bask in it. I don't know how long you have been designing and making bears but it does take some time to get into a groove with what you are happy with. If you're not happy with your bears, maybe step back and take a good hard look at them and see what it is you want to change.
My bears have progressed over the past six years but I always want to do better.
Try not to be hard on yourself and keep on creating.
HUGS :hug: :hug: :hug:
Judi
Terries BearsShantell, I have felt that way many times also, and it is a very depressing feeling. Sometimes just trying a different fabric or style that you have never tried before helps, and if you make bears that you really love, others will love them too.
Hang in there, your bears are adorable!
Hugs,
Terrie
Upstate New YorkWe should be taught not to wait for inspiration to start a thing. Action always generates inspiration. Inspiration seldom generates action.
~ Frank Tibolt
You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.
~ Jack London, American short-story writer and novelist whose works deal romantically with elemental struggles for survival. One of the most extensively translated of American authors. 1876-1916
... and my personal favorite (Picasso)
Inspiration exists, but it has to find us working.
~ Pablo Picasso, Spanish artist and painter. 1881-1973
Shantell, if you're discouraged about how you're progressing in your craft, it may help to take a look at where you've been! Dig out a pic of that first bear! That usually does it for me! 
I felt that way just this week, reading about all the people published in TB&F, and I wasn't one of them. I can't get into that magazine for the life of me, and thoughts turn to, "What's wrong with my work?"
It's especially hard at bear shows, when you get to see so many lovely pieces in person, and pick them up. How solidly they're built, and how well balanced; wish all mine turned out that well. It can be hit or miss despite my best efforts.
Judi's right; we all get into that place, I think, where we doubt our own work. Most recently, I've wanted to become Karen Drayne, because I love her whimsical little ones with their white, embroidered outfits she makes herself. But then I remind myself that I'm not Karen, I'm ME, and I have a unique something to offer, which, when I invest in improving it, gets better with each bear. So that's a way to stay focused on what works.
Your bears are truly lovely, Shantell. Try to go easier on yourself. I, for one, would love you to stick around in this industry. 
:hug:
Canna Bear PaintShantell, your bears are lovely! But if anything you do for the fun of it ever becomes a chore, it may be time for a change of scenery. If you like a challenge, go out on a limb and try something completely different with your bears. If you don't normally work on other animals, try one! Or work on a roly poly bear with a round base. Do something just for the sake of trying a new technique you've been wanting to try. If you want to skip the bear for a little while, that's OK, too. The fall colors are lovely right now, perhaps an inspirational hike outdoors might be good to get the creative juices flowing. I'm sure you can find something appropriate :thumbsup:
Best wishes,
Kelly
Great suggestions, Kelly.
I also find lots of inspiration in children's book (picture books) and in the DOVER series of illustrated books on costume, period clothing, romantic vignettes, etc. Cute little drawings of old time, or otherwise themed, outfits and concepts. When I was working on AMELIE -- my favorite bear ever, and one of just two of my bears still in my possession -- I drew her major inspiration directly from the Romantic Vignettes book. It even comes with a CD of the images for use as clip art. I don't use that in bearmaking, but it comes in handy for home-made valentines! ;)
Here's a link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/searc … 01-3753502
Upstate New YorkI feel a trip to Barnes & Noble coming on. Me with a pumpkin spice grande latte, in the childrens section. Anybody wanna come? I'm jumpin' in the shower, then I'm off!
Kim-Bee BearsIt makes me feel better and I am sure it makes Shantell feel better to hear you pro bear artists share your thoughts and past experiences. I look at my first bear and think to myself (I only have pics becuase he was sold) wow, I have come so far in the past couple months.... I am very very hard on myself but I really truly think that you gals keep me going and my hubby I love learning and realize that I have a lot to learn and that my bears are growing with me
And, by the way Shantell, I love your avatar bear! you should be proud!
Posts: 8,574Make a golly, honey, once they get a face and mouth they tell ya how the cow eats the cabbage! :lol:
No matter how talented we are someone is more talented
No matter how beautiful we are some one is prettier
No matter how smart we are Stephen Hawking is still out there
No matter how organized we are Martha Stewart is out of prison
At some point we accept ourselves and suddenly realize:
No matter how talented we are someone is less so
No matter how beautiful we are someone is less so and hurting because of it
No matter how smart we are someone is illiterate
No matter how organized we are someone will come along and make a mess
Life is a continuum. And it is so much more comfortable to recognize our place in it and our mission in life~
so:
No matter how talented we are we can still be inspired by the beauty created by others.
No matter how beautiful we are we do not hold a candle to a brand new baby or the wonder of God's world.
No matter how smart we are it doesn't do any one a lick of good if we don't harness the smarts and use them wisely.
No matter how organized we are we can't hold a candle to the order in the chaotic universe.
Did this help at all? We are all part of a delicate balance....I'm glad to be part of it with you.
Gollyhugs
Dilu
Dilu, I'll say it again; I'm mad for you, woman. :hug:
Upstate New YorkDilu ~
I've put your post in my AOL instant messenger "buddy info". Thank you. :hug:
Past Time BearsDilu has a great talent for putting things in perspective . . . thanks a bunch, Diane!! 
Oh yes, I am STILL very intimidated at shows - even after eight years of bearmaking!! 
It helps if you don't start comparing your work to somebody else's. Neysa's cute creations are from Neysa's personality, Judi's work is part of who she is (that beautiful girl!), Shelli's sweet, expressive bears are extensions of her soul - and Shantell's work isn't going to look like anybody's but Shantell's. And that look is wonderful, too!! There is a market out there for everyone, people!! It took several years for me to build up a collector base . . . and I believe a big part of that is a matter of name recognition and patience. Our industry is lagging right now, so it may take longer for newer artists to get known. Your bears will evolve over the years, Shantell, as you are sure to evolve yourself, so ease up a little on the ol' self criticism, my friend. Do something fun, something that you enjoy immensely . . . then return to your bears - if that's still what you want to do. :hug: :hug:
Winneybears and FriendsShantel...Your little bear in your avatar is so darling. If you quit... then who will get born like her again ?
I look at bear magazines and Ebay bears and here and on other bear makers web sites. I really enjoy looking at other artists work and it always gives me plenty of inspiration when I can see how diverse and creative this art is.
Childrens books are a great resource for ideas for bear and other critters...
I often take a rest and wait till inspirations hits me...which always works for me.
I never seem to run out of ideas...just the time to create them.... Winney
Baird'sBears
All the time, Shantell!
It's a bit of a roller coaster ride for me at this point, but I love love love doing it. Listen to the wise words of all our veterans. :hug:
Eileen
Country BearsMe too Shantell, I think it happens to us all from time to time, especially us newer to the bear making world.
My advice, keep making them beauties, you'll get better and better - honestly!! When I first started out, not long ago, I used to email other artists and ask, how do you.......??? (It wasn't on a forum, I didn't know these wonderful things existed then!! :doh: ) They were all very helpful and supportive. Gosh I'm nosey!!
Have you thought about teaming up with another artist as a kind of mentor?? I am great friends with another British artist (much more long standing than me), and although I do find lots of inspiration from mags and the internet, she always helps me if I need it. Just an idea.
I also don't know what I would do without all the WONDERFUL members here, they're all so kind and helpful and so giving with ideas.
I'm so sorry to hear you're feeling like this at the moment, but we're here to help in any way we can - just ask....
Posts: 8,574Clare,
I love that you say what you need
No one can read minds, and by saying whats on your mind it clarifies for everyone......
That's not nosey in my book, dear heart, that's practising good solid communuication
skills! :dance:
:hug: :hug:
Hearts Ease Bearsshantell i agree with all the others ,,your bears are adorable! i love the london quote about going after inspiration with a club!!:):):)) and deb maybe its the rain in the ne or the fact that im a book aholic,,but i am always up for a trip to barnes and noble!! meet ya there!! i get alot of my inspiration there to! and all thereally we;; know talented artists i am friends with,,have had bad bear days..are just as critical of their own work! and just as generous with everyones else's! my dh says im my own worst critic all the time! weather its silk flowers or bears or just me!! i have just been beating myself up re doing my website,,anybody want to take a look? any input at all would be great! hugs to all deb
Country BearsAwww Dilu, love ya loadz, ;)
I always feel I take so much from here and am not able to give a lot back, but as my experience grows I hope that will change........ :)
x
LuxembearsLadies, your words are priceless and encouraging to say the least :hug: :hug:
Dilu, sister girl..the glass is always half full! Thank you for reminding us. What wonderful words of wisdom. Sue Ann you too...and Shelli..and everyone. Your bears are YOURS. Be proud of that. 
:pray: :hug:
Apple Dumpling DesignsThanks you guys...I mean gals. My little avatar bear sold today and I just received this email from the lady who is bought her...
Hi Shantell, I'm the lucky winner of Phoebe!!! She is really adorable and sweet!! I just wanted to let you know I received your invoice for Phoebe and I sent a PAYPAL payment to you. Keep making cute teddy bears. Thank you very much,hope to talk to you soon. Sue
So between Dilu's gentle verbal spanking...and all your kinds words and now this email...well...I guess this where I was meant to be...the path just seemed a bit foggy the last few days.
So I'm off to whack up some more mohair :):)
Speaking of childrens books...not sure if these are really childrens books but I absolutely love Cicely Mary Barker's Flower Fairies...perhaps I'll look for some inspiration there.
I hope others that may have been feeling this way will also take comfort in all these wonderful words of encouragement...meant for not only me but for each one of you when you are feeling..."what's the point."
Love to you all....I mean it.
Shantell
Past Time BearsHOORAY!! :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: 
:dance: :hug:
Posts: 8,574Shantell, my darling, you live in Oregon! Of course the road is foggy! 
And cold 
and wet-can't forget wet-wet from now till June~
Does it sound like I'm complaining? Oh no, Dear Hearts! Because we are so wet we stay green all summer! Green is so much more restful on the eyes in August! :dance: I love green :love:
Isn't interesting that when we start to lag, when our energy is lowest when we are questioning our viability, something happens to boost us.
Remember this feeling.
We may loose everything physical that we have, but those memories, feelings, thoughts are ours forever. We need to remember those feelings while we walk through the fog.
Congratulations Shantell....I am as happy for you as if I had gotton the sale and e-mail! :hug: :hug:
:P
Dilu
No matter how organized we are Martha Stewart is out of prison
hee hee hee
Dilu my neighbours are gonna think I've turned into mad crazy lady who laughs crazily all the time...
Shantell...you've obviously got the boost you needed...keep that email and refer to it when you need to. Your little bears are cute and you will continue to improve and impress yourself!!
I know it's easier to say than it is to hear because I certainly get into moods where I HATE my bears and look at them and want to bin them...but it passes. I guess it's in some ways a good thing because it pushes me to improve my bears.
I have also learnt that if a bear isn't going well to put it aside for a while and do something you enjoy and come back to it when you want to not because you have to. It might take months but sometimes those bears turn out to be the best ones of all!
