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psichick78 Mar 10, 2006

Hey guys, I'm still working on this bear restoration. Lots of fun, but a few things have come up that I've never tried.

I have to sew over the feet and pawpads on this bear, and I've picked out a nice shade of wool but it looks so new! I would like to age it a bit but don't have any clue. I was thinking maybe to take the wool outside and rub in on the sidewalk etc. Is this a bad idea? Should I do it after I have sewn them on or before? Should I use color on them, or just leave it be. If you have any ideas..........

Also if you have any suggestions on how to sew over exisiting pawpads I would be very greatful!

Thanks

SueAnn Help Advisor, Banner SponsorMar 10, 2006

Washing and drying the felt will "age" it some, I think.

matilda Mar 11, 2006

Heather, you could also use herbal dyes. Look in the tea section at the supermarket. Possum.
Use a paint brush and dry with the hair dryer while dabbing little bits at a time. 

Daphne Mar 12, 2006

Could you tea stain it? Or tea dye it? Seems like an easy solution. Make tea, let cool, dip felt in, rinse if desired. Let dry or dry in dryer for added ageing.

Sandpaper or nail file to rough it up?

SunnieOne Mar 12, 2006

Heather,
When I restored an old bear, I sewed the paw pads over the top of the existing pads. Just use a ladder stitch and start anywhere and work your way around. Try to catch your stitch in the existing seam.
Sonya

Gail Mar 13, 2006

Hi Heather
You could also try rubbing newspaper print on it. Try it dry first and if this doesn't give you the effect you want then wet the newsprint. Try it on a scrap first
Hugs
Gail

psichick78 Mar 14, 2006

Ahh you guys are so clever! Thanks!

So, I've sewed half the pads on alreay, let me tell you. Not as easy as I thought it would be! I'm using a ladder stitch ( thanks Sonya ) and it's very time consuming to make it look nice, but hey, she didn't pay me to mess it up!

Daphne, Love the nail file idea! LOVE IT!

I'm going to try the newspaper as well.

YOu guys are the best! thanks

Mutz Mar 17, 2006

Hi,
I have tried various ways to age a bear. I love using dyes and that works for color. I have used the sidewalkand  a brick wall. I do know an artist who has dragged her bears down the street behind her car. I havent ever gone that far.
TTFN
Amy

Just Us Bears Mar 17, 2006

Hi Amy...nice to see you posting again! You disappeared for a while! :hug:

Mutz Mar 18, 2006

Hi Hayley,
Thanks for noticing I was gone.  I have looked in every once in a while but haven't posted. Needed to do my inventory, taxes & make some bears! Something had to go & it was my internet. I am getting ready for a show in a couple of weeks & need some new stuff to show.
TTFN
Amy