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Bonnie Nov 29, 2005

Hi everyone.

I've learned so much here, I wish I could contribute something back, but being new to bear making I don't have much to offer in the tips department (I'm soooo at the 'need to recieve' end of the knowledge scale here) except for one little thing that might help some. My little tip may be old news, but I haven't seen it mentioned so, for what it's worth, here it is.

As I've been browsing all post and archives here, lurking and learning, I noticed that several of you mentioned getting cuts and calluses  and sore fingers from pulling on sculpting thread. When I started trying to do sculpting I had a hard time keeping tension on the thread, holding the head and manipulating the needle all at the same time. (Remember, I'm blonde!   :lol:) So I got out a couple pair of straight tip forceps I had around to help me out. Instead of wrapping the thread around my fingers and pulling, I clamp one pair of forceps onto the thread, wrap the thread around the tip and pull. (I wrapped a bit of tape, the white first-aid type, around the tips of this pair of forceps to avoid damaging the thread. Don't know if this is necessary, but figured it couldn't hurt.) I can pull REALLY hard this way without hurting my fingers. Once I get the tension I want, I clamp the second pair of forceps on the thread right up next to the head to hold the tension. You can leave this second pair in place as you pull the thread back through the head, then unclamp them and they slip right off without any loss of tension. I hope this helps someone. Or, Maybe there is a reason I shouldn't be doing it this way and someone can let me know.

Either way it is offered in the spirit of sharing and appreciation.
By the way, they sell forceps here at Intercal starting at $3 a pair. I haven't seen them anywhere else for so low a price. 

Beary hugs and smiles to everyone,
Bonnie

shantell Nov 29, 2005

I'm the guilty party who has been whining non-stop...I confess.  I was just saying today I needed to come up with a vise-grip for my bears head...the poor thing just gets smooshed as I'm trying to hold, pinch, manipulate and tie off threads without cutting myself or getting blood all over the bear.

One more things to add to my growing lists of NEEDS!!!

Thanks Bonnie...I'll give 'er a whirl!!!

Daphne Nov 29, 2005

(I wrapped a bit of tape, the white first-aid type, around the tips of this pair of forceps to avoid damaging the thread. Don't know if this is necessary, but figured it couldn't hurt.)

Great idea using forceps this way. I tried once and the thread broke so first aid tape must be the key! Thank you! I'll have to try again now! (I'm the other whiny one as I have a ton of tendon problems and have had surgery earlier this fall on one hand! I'm not supposed to be sewing much anymore... HA!!!)

Thank you!
:hug:
Daphne

Shelli Retired Help Advisor, Banner SponsorNov 29, 2005

Actually, I never thought of this, and I think I'll try it next time, too... especially around the mouth sculpting, because it's harder than hard to keep that really tight, to get that sculpted look.

GREAT tip, Bonnie; thank you so very much for posting it!

SueAnn Help Advisor, Banner SponsorNov 29, 2005

Thanks SO much, Bonnie . . . wonderful instructions!

DebbieD Nov 29, 2005

I tried pulling hard on the thread, but it snapped  And that was me best, sturdiest button/crafting thread!!  Afterwards, I read that I should be pushing in, and holding the fabric (or fur in my case) where I want it, then stitching.  That worked MUCH better...in fact, a little too well in one case...my bear's eyes just about disappeared when I placed them  :D

Another thing I've been doing, since I completely handsew my bears (you don't even want me to go near a sewing machine!!!   :redface: ), is I've been using beeswax, and waxing my thread before sewing.  I read somewhere that it helps to strenthen the thread...and I've noticed it seems to slide through the fur that much easier.

Bonnie Nov 29, 2005

I do hope this a useful tip for you girls. It seems to help me.

Daphne, my tendons seem to be getting a little tweaky too lately. This does seem to take some of the stress off for me. Hope it helps you too.

Debbie, I've been using upholstery thread but I read in another  TT thread that artificial sinew is good for eyes and (I think) sculpting. I have some from my other crafts and it is nearly impossible to break. I'm going to try it. Here is a link for a place you can get it cheaper than Tandy Leather.   

http://www.primitiveoriginals.com/arsin1.html

You mentioned something about trying eyelids in another thread. I haven't tried them yet but I plan to!
Here is a link for leather cord in many colors:

http://www.firemountaingems.com/search. … her%20cord

Hope I did the link thing right!     
Beary smiles,
Bonnie

Deb Nov 29, 2005

I clamp one pair of forceps onto the thread, wrap the thread around the tip and pull. (I wrapped a bit of tape, the white first-aid type, around the tips of this pair of forceps to avoid damaging the thread. Don't know if this is necessary, but figured it couldn't hurt.) I can pull REALLY hard this way without hurting my fingers. Once I get the tension I want, I clamp the second pair of forceps on the thread right up next to the head to hold the tension. You can leave this second pair in place as you pull the thread back through the head, then unclamp them and they slip right off without any loss of tension.

  I need a picture ... visual learner here.   

WildThyme Nov 29, 2005

Hi Bonnie!!!  That is a great idea,  I've tried to hold upholstery thread with forcepts before, and broke it, just as Daphne did!  But that tape, acting as a barrier between the thread and metal... I'm trying it next time too!  Lot's of lovely little cuts on my index and pinky fingers here, even with all the callouses! 

Thanks Bonnie!  Hopefully my bleeding fingers will thank you too!
Oh, I will absolutely admit to editing out the cuts on my hands in my bear photos that show my hands.  I'd never attempt to "fix" a bear that way, but my hands... OH YES!

Beary truly yours,
Kim Basta
Wild Thyme Originals

Bonnie Nov 30, 2005

  I need a picture ... visual learner here.   

I'll work on some pics. I'm a visual learner too!!

When people ask sarcasticly, "Do I have to draw you a picture?"

My answer is usually, "Gee, would you mind?"   

Bonnie

shantell Nov 30, 2005

Bonnie....thanks for the link for leather cording...I've had a terrible time finding anything other than black or natural...

My NEED list is ever growing...

Bonnie Dec 1, 2005

Okay Deb,

sorry for the delay on pics.....been trying to get this done all afternoo.... tech difficulties, arghh! Hopefully  :pray:  :pray:  :pray:  here is your visual.

I've been pulling on 'A' while applying leverage with my thumb and at the same time pushing down on 'B' then clamping 'B'.

Hope it helps.     
Bonnie

shantell Dec 1, 2005

Awesome awesome awesome...Great photo instructions...really...just what we all needed, huh Deb.   :hug:   :hug:

Bonnie Dec 1, 2005

regarding artificial sinew:

it is nearly impossible to break.

I must rescind this statement.   :redface:   I was working with artificial sinew today and managed to break the darn stuff by pulling too hard!!  :doh:  I had divided it into smaller strands... apparently this is a bad idea. I used it 'full strength' after that and didn't have a problem. 

learning, learning, learning...

Deb Dec 1, 2005

When people ask sarcasticly, "Do I have to draw you a picture?"

My answer is usually, "Gee, would you mind?"

I love it!  Thank you SO much for the picture.  I'm going to try it ... with the tape.  I'm down to the basement to raid the hubby's toolbox!

:hug:

DebbieD Dec 1, 2005

thanks for the link on the artificial sinew.  I've never used it, but it looks like great stuffs...especially like the bit about 70 lbs strength!!   

patsylakebears Dec 1, 2005

Thankyou Bonnie for the pics I too am a visual learner

Bonnie Dec 1, 2005

Your welcome !!

Glad to be able to add something useful!  :dance: