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Shelli SHELLI MAKES
Chico, California
Posts: 9,939
Website

Shelli Retired Help Advisor, Banner Sponsor

No, not that.   bear_noexpression   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!!

katiecountrymouse1 KatieCountryBears
Bolton-le-sands, Carnforth
Posts: 3,101
Website

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. bear_grin
Good Luck! bear_thumb
Love Kayx. :hug:  :hug:

edie Bears by Edie
Southern Alberta
Posts: 2,068

Good 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!  bear_thumb  bear_thumb

Shelli SHELLI MAKES
Chico, California
Posts: 9,939
Website

Shelli Retired Help Advisor, Banner Sponsor

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 teddies Tuppies Teddies
Lindenow, Central Gippsland
Posts: 1,969

Good 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.. bear_whistle

LisaAP Arcas designs
Posts: 941
Website

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

SueAnn Past Time Bears
Double Oak, Texas
Posts: 22,144

SueAnn Help Advisor, Banner Sponsor

Whoopeeeee . . . 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 Laurie Lou Bears
Norfolk
Posts: 3,246

Hooray :dance:  :dance:  :dance:
We will finally get to see a new Potbelly bear :dance:  bear_wub  bear_wub  bear_wub
Laurie :hug:

BootButtonBears BootButtonBears
Adelaide
Posts: 2,837
Website

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 Donna's Duin Bruins
Burbank, CA
Posts: 900

You better get busy!  I plan on your being next to us at Nevada City in 2009.
Bear Hugs,
Donna

Aleta - The Silly Bear The Silly Bear
Portland, Oregon
Posts: 3,119
Website

Well, well, well.   bear_tongue It's about time!!! Ha!   bear_happy 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

Melbear Melbear's Quality Collectibles
Spruce Grove, Alberta
Posts: 527
Website

Yay Shelli! Sometimes you really need that break bear_original Glad to hear you are getting the "itch" again. Good luck.. it's like riding a bike bear_laugh heehee.

Hugs!
Melanie

Lisa q.D.paToOtieS
Near Fredericksburg, VA
Posts: 1,349

Tons 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!!!!!!

bearsbybeesley bears by beesley TM
Tofield Alberta Canada
Posts: 6,818

Shelli! 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

BearBottoms 'Bear' Bottoms Originals
Ft. Bragg, NC
Posts: 2,465

Oh 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!!!!  bear_laugh Will be keeping my eyes peeled.... Woo hoo!

BearBottoms 'Bear' Bottoms Originals
Ft. Bragg, NC
Posts: 2,465
Shelli wrote:

No, not that.   bear_noexpression   lol...

BTW... LMAO!!!!!!

Tami E Tami Eveslage Original Teddy Bears
Milford Ohio
Posts: 2,367

Best of luck Shelli!! Now, we are all excited to see what you come up with!!!!

Woodbury Park Bears Woodbury Park Bears
Central Coast New South Wales
Posts: 1,033

Hi 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

Shelli SHELLI MAKES
Chico, California
Posts: 9,939
Website

Shelli Retired Help Advisor, Banner Sponsor

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!

bear_flower  bear_flower  bear_flower

doodlebears Doodlebears
UK
Posts: 7,414

doodlebears Celebration Ambassador

I 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:

millie PottersHouse Bears
Ohio
Posts: 2,173

I 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 bears puca bears
Posts: 1,934

Good 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 Bears Jellybelly Bears
Australia
Posts: 4,066

hehe  bear_tongue 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:

All Bear All Bear by Paula
Kent
Posts: 5,162
Website

Hey lady, what's with all the chat eh?  Come on, get back to your workspace ... we wanna see!!!!!! bear_thumb

Roxanne Bear Paws by Roxanne
Odessa, Tx
Posts: 917

Horray! Looking forward to see your long awaited bruin..... bear_whistle    bear_thumb  bear_flower

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