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susiray Jul 21, 2008

hi guys quick question. when i look at so many of these amazing bears the muzzle always looks quite prominet is there a technique to this? i have tried stuffing firm, sewing across where eyes will go and pulling but doesn't really look right, i hope someone can help i have put a picture of Nigel No i Wont he moves his head to say no.....little monkey

desertmountainbear Jul 21, 2008

Whwn you say prominent Susiray, what exactly do you mean?  Long muzzle, fat cheeks?  If you will be more specific with the look you are after that would be great
Joanne

Michelle Helen Jul 21, 2008

Susan: I wonder if the problem is in the design of the bear. Meaning perhaps making the snout longer or wider. Or, another thought--- needle sculpting from the nose going up to the bridge of the nose pulling tighter at the bridge...by sewing back and forth up the nose and pulling in at the bridge, it makes the end of the nose wider, thus creating a definition.

Now if your bear if furry, triming the mussle can create shapes and curves to give it shape.

danceswithteddybears Jul 21, 2008

I don't have any answers, but I'd like to add to the question. 
Joanne, you asked Susiray if she was referring to length of muzzle or fat cheeks. 
How do you make fat cheeks?  This one is really stumping me.
Thanks!!!
    Laura   

desertmountainbear Jul 21, 2008

Dear Laura,  I personally use wool and a needle and felt in the fat cheeks eyelids and nose.  If you go up to the library and look under muzzles, you will find a post called puffy cheeks, Most of the puffy cheeks are done with scissor sculpting and there is info on how to do it there.
Joanne

susiray Jul 21, 2008

hi thanks for response, i haven't tried felting on my fabric bears yet, only make felt bears so i know how to felt so i am off to muzzels to read up, but yes that was what i meant, but some aren't felted so how is this done.
i haven't tried needle sculpting when do you do this before or after turning and what stitch do you use? just a back stitch or gather?
thanks for advice

desertmountainbear Jul 21, 2008

Dear Susiray, you do the sculpting after you have turned and stuffed the bear.  If you go to the library and also look at  mouths, you will see good directions for needle sculpting the mouth in. Pulling from the corners of the mouth into the eye sockets to lift up that cheek  Some one made a very good suggestion of buying thrift store bears to practice on. I love that idea,  I think I'm going to do that to try out new scary things
Joanne

danceswithteddybears Jul 21, 2008

Some one made a very good suggestion of buying thrift store bears to practice on. I love that idea,  I think I'm going to do that to try out new scary things.
Joanne

Thanks for the input, Joanne!  I'll do some library reading.
I also love the idea of using "test bears".  It's a great way to practice.  I've been picking them up at garage sales for 50 cents to a dollar.  I find them at virtually every garage sale I go to ..in abundance!
I've destroyed quite a few already. 
   Laura

danceswithteddybears Jul 21, 2008

Wow! Thanks, Joanne, for sending me to the library.  There is a ton of wonderful info under "Puffy Cheeks".  Gonna go experiment!
  Laura   

susiray Jul 22, 2008

thanks for the ideas, i'm off to look at mouths now. my only real problem is that i have limited battery time on my laptop(due to no electric being on 12v in our eco cabin) to read all the great info thats out there so once again thankyou for your help

Linda Jul 22, 2008

Hi Susan, you should be able to get a 12v charger for your laptop, we're looking at getting one for while we're travelling so that we can keep in touch. I think they plug into a car cigarette lighter. We have a 12v and 240v set up here using an inverter so that we can run things like our chest freezer, telly, fridge and kitchen appliances. We're just coming out of our most difficult time of the year, with the days starting to get a little longer and more sunshine on our solar panels YAY!!  

fredbear Jul 23, 2008

EZ Bear University offers many online courses, between them and Teddy Talk my bear making has improved.

I the courses are easy to follow, you can even do one which helps with designing your bear. Judi from TT also does a needle felted face.

Lynette

mingrul Jul 24, 2008

Ill check the techniques also for stuff cheeks, it might be different from the ones i know.

For sculting, you may want to try this link as well http://monicasattictreasures.com.au/Eye … orial.html i have learn alot from there...

susiray Sep 8, 2008

thanks for your help everyone, there is so much to learn which is great, i think its good that we are always learning new things.