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No, not that. 
lol...
I made a brand-new original pattern and template, and actually cut out a bear!
Now, I'm sure that might seem an incredibly odd thing to post to a forum like this... especially to any newcomers who don't know me from my former-moderator-somewhat-prolific-contest-entering-bearmaker role here. But I think it's been about one full year since I made a bear; for a variety of reasons, including plain ol' burn-out, I've basically been "on sabbatical," giving myself time to rediscover my muse, get re-energized, fill up the ol' idea bank, and so on. It feels brand, spankin' new again. And exciting. Scary. Daunting. Motivating. All that good stuff. Whee!!
I'm working with an entirely new fabric and in an entirely new size, hoping to end with a bruin roughly a foot tall -- smaller than usual for me by quite a few inches. I've got new ideas for facial finishing and pawpads. It could be a great outcome... or a horrid one. Time will tell.
Lots of ideas are churning and I'm digging into the mohair, disk joints, and polyfil for the first time in what seems like forever. I've got a long list of "theme" ideas planned and it just feels right to jump back in. I've missed being active in this community, actually making teddies, for so long.
I'm just kinda nervously hoping my friends out there -- you! -- will send me some supportive vibes. I feel surprisingly green. Please wish me luck!!
Hi Shelli,
I'm wishing you luck! :pray:
I think as soon as you sit down and sew it will all come back to you.
Cannot wait to see the finished result. 
Good Luck! 
Love Kayx. :hug: :hug:
Bears by EdieGood for you Shelli! I'm sure whatever you are working on will turn out great! Sometimes a bit of break is what we all need to re-energize and get the creative juices flowing again. That is so great that you are feeling so enthused and like it is all brand new again! Can't wait to see your new creation! Lots of luck and suppostive vibes coming your way --- oh, do we have an icon for that? --- how about a thumbs up!
Thumbs up work! I feel a little terrified, actually. Is that weird?? It's been a while. But it's wonderful to have rediscovered that passion I started with.
Thank you both for your support!
Tuppies TeddiesGood on ya Shelli,
sometimes we find when we have a rest from our most enjoyed past time we get a new return of the positives and go full on again...no not that, bear-making.. 
Ah Shelli I was just wondering the other day what you were up to. I'm sending you lots of positive vibes for your new project. I just know that this bear is going to delightful when he or she is complete. :hug:
Regards
Lisa
Past Time BearsWhoopeeeee . . . yea, Shelli's making bears again! About time, Girlie - I've really missed those sweet-faced critters of yours. How exciting that you've got a new design, new size, new fabric, and new finishing ideas - that's the ol' Shelli spirit! Can't wait to see the results. :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
Laurie Lou BearsHooray :dance: :dance: :dance:
We will finally get to see a new Potbelly bear :dance: 
Laurie :hug:
How exciting Shelli to hear you are rearing to go. Can't wait to see what you create with your new found enthusiasm. Looking forward to seeing how you get on. Most of all, enjoy it.
Donna's Duin BruinsYou better get busy! I plan on your being next to us at Nevada City in 2009.
Bear Hugs,
Donna
Well, well, well. 
It's about time!!! Ha! 
I knew the bear bug would crawl up and bite you at some point or another. I'm just glad it finally did!! I can't wait to see what you come up with. I'm sure it will be nothing short of fabulous!!
Warmest bear hugs, :hug:
Aleta
Yay Shelli! Sometimes you really need that break 
Glad to hear you are getting the "itch" again. Good luck.. it's like riding a bike 
heehee.
Hugs!
Melanie
q.D.paToOtieSTons of supportive vibes and big hugs from me, Shelli, my friend! I can't wait to see your latest creation. I know it will be FAB!!!!!!
bears by beesley TMShelli! That is awesome news! I cannot wait to see your new design and to hopefully have you back at least a little more often than in the past. I am so glad that you have your bear making drive back as we all love to see your little bruins!
Hugs Louise
'Bear' Bottoms OriginalsOh my gosh, do you ANY idea as to how EXCITED I am to see this new bear of yours??? If you're on here reading this... GET OFF AND GET BACK TO THAT BEAR!!!! Will be keeping my eyes peeled.... Woo hoo!
'Bear' Bottoms OriginalsNo, not that.
BTW... LMAO!!!!!!
Tami Eveslage Original Teddy BearsBest of luck Shelli!! Now, we are all excited to see what you come up with!!!!
Woodbury Park BearsHi Shelli
I think it's like riding a bike :crackup: and I'm sure it will be for you I'm really looking forward to seeing your new work.
Raewyn
I hope it's like riding a bike! It's just the longest I've ever gone between pieces and I'm wanting to do so much new stuff that might just spell FAIL. Ya know?
You bear people are so awesome. I really needed a group hug on this; it's been a hard year for me, and I've kept a lot of stuff to myself because it seemed like the right thing to do. So a warm welcome back is just so appreciated. Thank you!
DoodlebearsI can't wait to see your new guy Shelli, no need to worry about what he'll look like your bears are always great.
Hugs, Jane. :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance:
PottersHouse BearsI know how you feel Shelli. Due to circumstances last year, I went close to a year without making anything. It was kind of exciting and scary all at once when I finally picked up a piece of mohair. But, considering your super talent, I know you will have no problems with this new bear. I am sure it will turn out just like all of your others - beautiful.
puca bearsGood news Shelli...........glad you've got all your enthusiasm back! :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance:
Looking forward to some new Potbelly bears.....
big huggies
Maria
Jellybelly Bearshehe welcome back hon, been missing your cuties! I felt your same enthusiasm a few months back when I started making my bears again after being away from almost a year, yikes! So exciting getting back into the fur again, yay, show us your new stuff okay :hug: :hug:
Hey lady, what's with all the chat eh? Come on, get back to your workspace ... we wanna see!!!!!!
Bear Paws by RoxanneHorray! Looking forward to see your long awaited bruin.....
