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Kimmer2 Oct 30, 2011

Does anyone use the technique of adding a flat circle of fabric
at the bottom edges of the ears head instead of gathering?
And instead of sewing around the bears body completely, adding
a flat circle of fabric at the opening. This is suppose to give a
more realistic appearance and blending together. I saw this from
an Edinburgh imports article, and was quite curious about it,
because I think I would try this. I'm wondering what all of you
very talented artists think about using this way of forming your bears.
I have always gathered the bottom of my Bears Heads.
Any suggestions would be appreciated!!
Thanks!!
Been away from the biz for awhile now   but thinking about
jumping back in
Kim

desertmountainbear Oct 30, 2011

Hi Kim,

On my blog I have a tutorial for a double neck joint.  It is not exactly what you want, but I have used flat round pieces like you mentioned.

Here is the link, it should help.  If you have anymore questions after looking at this post them here I will try to help.

Joanne

http://desertmountainbear.blogspot.com/ … ck%20joint

Kimmer2 Oct 31, 2011

Thank-you Joanne, for your response!
I liked you Blog on the double jointing,
and will go back over it some more, as
this looks very intriguing!! Was seeing some
bear artists starting to do this about 10
years ago, and always marveled at the
technique. You have demonstrated it very
well. I was wondering if you would use just
mohair for the circle, but the felt makes more
sense. The cuts in the felt for access is so
clever!! Do you sew these areas by hand?
I would think you would have to? The circles?

The double joint isn't exactly what I was
going for initially, but it appears that it could
be done esstenially the same way as the other
idea I was given from that article that I
mentioned. The idea is the have the head and
neck come together more naturally than when
you take a round head and joint it to the
rounded body. "Snowman@ effect , they called
it. Well, hum..... I never thought my bear looked
quite like that!!
Thank you again to offer guidance or help, I may
still take you up on that!!!
Kim

desertmountainbear Oct 31, 2011

Yes I think that mohair would work well, but you would need to trim it down so there would be no bulk.  The areas are all sewn by hand.

Joanne

dangerbears Oct 31, 2011

Using Joanne's tutorial, I made Norman with a single neck joint, and felt circles. Like you, Kim, it was really the natural flowing line I was after rather than extra posability: http://www.teddy-talk.com/viewtopic.php?id=41553 (You'll need to scroll down a bit.)

This was my first attempt at a semi-realistic design, and though he came out "top heavy," I love this bear! (I should mention that I did use the wedge-shaped neck piece between body and head - just didn't use an "upper" joint.)

Becky

Kimmer2 Dec 17, 2011

Becky,
I am just now reading your post and had not seen
this. I followed your link and process in creating
"Norman" he is WONDERFUL!! I am so impressed
with the talent that took!! I LOVE the flow of his
natural lines from the neck into his body. THAT was
what I was imagining. I was going to try this technique
also with faux fur to see if it worked.
Looking at some of the older traditional styled bears
some of them have this same appearance. Like their
heads blend together with the body better.
Hum...
Thanks for sharing your work and now I may have to
try this.
Kim :clap:

dangerbears Dec 17, 2011

Thank you, Kim! :hug: I'm happy that you like Norman. (All thanks go to Joanne, really.)

Recently, I also became the proud owner of one of Paula Carter's bears. In his profile picture, you can see that she achieves a nice head-to-neck-to-body flow, but I couldn't tell you how: http://www.teddy-talk.com/viewtopic.php?id=43601 (I just know that I'm in love with this bear! )

Becky

Gantaeno Dec 18, 2011

I make a lot of my bears/creatures with a flat disc, just because it's easier to design a pattern that way using my way of going about things I don't use felt though, as I worry about it deforming?

dangerbears Dec 18, 2011

I make a lot of my bears/creatures with a flat disc

I thought of you just last night as I watched a show about the sloth nursery in Costa Rica!

I think there are probably advantages and disadvantages to using (good quality) felt as opposed to mohair for the disks. The felt lies nice and flat, but it might not be quite as sturdy under heavy use?

Becky

Carlyle Bear Co. Dec 20, 2011

Joanne-

I read your tutorial on the double joint neck and I will have to have a closer look at this later.  (I'm on my break at the daily grind)  I have looked and looked for double jointed neck instructions without cotter pins.  You aren't using cotter pins are you?  I hope not because I am so excited about this!

By the way....your bears are just fantastic!  Their expressions are so realistic it looks as if they could have a conversation with you.  If Disney ever decides to re-do their Country Bear Jamboree I hope they contact you.

desertmountainbear Dec 20, 2011

Thank you Lisa,  You are very kind.

I am using lock nuts and bolts.  I think that I even have the one in the head glued so that the head can be completely closed and still tightened.

Joanne