Mohair Musings

2009-02-10T05:28:00.000-08:00

I just finished "Miz Cybil" for a friend.

She is made from a plush; has a real cat collar; and poseable ears and tail.

In order to get Miz Cybil "right" I made a prototype. I'm still working on that prototype even though this cat is done. I didn't like the way the face turned out. I like the way the new face is shaping up so far. I hope to post it in a few weeks.

I'm also working on a small monkey for an order. The pattern is designed; now it's time to select the fabric.

Fowlkner

2008-11-20T07:07:00.002-08:00

I just made "Fowlkner" for a friend who just finished remodeling the house next door for a writer's retreat. He is made from Belgian plush and has needlefelted features.

Good Golly Miss Molly

2008-11-06T10:44:00.000-08:00

This is my first golly (a friend of the teddy bear). I bought the dress at the Austin Teddy Bear Show last year.

A New Opportunity

2008-11-05T12:19:00.000-08:00

During my move from New Mexico to Georgia I had a lot of things on my mind. So while my website was working I gave no thought to it expiring or changing my account information. Having said that, I am now without a site.

I'd been thinking of changing it for a long time and this has provided me with the opportunity. This will probably take a while so I'll keep my updates on my blog.

A Horse of Another Color

2008-10-21T05:50:00.001-07:00

I have a commission to do a horse. At first it was supposed to be pink because the young lady it was being given to is young. Last night it was decided that it would be a blonde color. Not that I wouldn't have done a pink horse, I think one closer to a real horse would be better. I didn't want my creation to look like "My Little Pony".

The pattern is all designed now and I'll probably get started on it this afternoon. It's not due until Christmas so I do have time.

Long Time

2008-10-20T05:47:00.001-07:00

I haven't posted in so long I've been thinking of dropping this blog. But when I think of giving up making bears my heart gets very sad.

Here is my newest bear made out of imported Belgian plush. The white stuff is made out of mohair. His name is Grrrover.

Inspired!

2008-06-30T15:49:00.000-07:00

I just got back from the Austin show. I came back inspired with ideas for new critters. Not sure what they will be. I have a girl golly in mind (I bought a dress for her which should give me the nudge to get her done); plus I got a bunch of synthetics. Although I may just keep those out to stroke since they're so soft.

Today, however, I'm going to relax after my plane trip. As Ms. O'Hara says, "tomorrow is another day".

Texas

2008-04-05T13:16:00.000-07:00

The retreat is over and I had a great time. I thought the class went well. I might have concentrated less on the bear I was needlefelting and looked to see how everyone else was doing but it was a learning experience so I'll know the next time.

The rest of the weekend was jam packed with lots of seminars. We made collars and hats; trapunto feet; and learned how to paint on leaves so that we could decorate our bears. I didn't participate in making shoes but I watched.

It was great to get together with my bear pals and spend time talking bears and other stuff.

Now it's on to all the projects I was inspired to do while I was there. The bear I needlefelted looked more like a lion. Could it have been the fact that I've been thinking about making one so that's what it turned out to be? I'm thinking that I'll re-do the head and make him more bearlike rather than make him into a lion.

In the spirit of the retreat I decided to do the Austin show (third time) this year and the Atlanta show (first time) so I'd better get some bears ready.

Getting Ready

2008-02-23T05:19:00.000-08:00

The pattern is drafted; the material is ordered; and the prototype is well on it's way. I keep thinking that the end of March is a LONG way off but you know what they say, "time flies, no matter what you're doing".

My class description is also written and hopefully today it will be a little sunny out so I can take a picture of a bear with a needlefelted muzzle and send it off to Luann.

I've been in the bear spirit lately. I'm back to dyeing mohair and cutting out patterns (besides the one I'm doing for the class). I really have to be creative because my stash of mohair is so low my pawsibilities could be a little limited. However, some really interesting things could come out of it.

Things To Come

2008-02-19T16:26:00.000-08:00

Another bear is close to completion--not the accenting or the final tweaking which should be done in the next couple of days.

I've decided that this will be my pattern for the class I'm teaching at the retreat that is being held in Fredricksburg, Texas, the last weekend in March. I think it will be just the right size--about 10-12 inches. There will be one miniature artist coming and I hope it's not too big for her.

This is my first attempt at teaching more than one person at a time so I'm glad it will be with friends.

Back To Bears

2008-02-16T23:44:00.000-08:00

The bears have taken a big back seat to my life as evidenced by my lack of posting. I officially can't complain about people who don't update their blogs--I'm guilty!

But now, I'm happy to say, I'm back to creating again. I'll figure out my new camera and soon I'll have a few bears to post.

I'm looking forward to the bear retreat in Fredricksburg, Texas the end of March. I'm going to be teaching a class on needlefelting muzzles. I haven't decided how yet. It might take too long to do a whole muzzle and I have to decide if I just give the students just heads to work on what body will they put it on? Doing a class on just accenting eyes would be a five minute class.

I hope that after doing the class in Texas I'll have the confidence to teach a regular bear class here in Athens. It would be nice to get a bear community started here.

Wired

2007-11-05T03:28:00.000-08:00

One of the drawbacks with moving is when you need an item to finish a critter; it's 1500 miles away. But, really thinking about it; I'm not going to quit making bears anytime soon and I can use the extra stuff I buy eventually.

Today I'm going to work on Uncle. I've been wanting to wire his arms and legs so he could move more like a monkey.

If time permits, I'll work on the dog which is so close to being finished. All the while, I've got a new creation running around in my head. Just like old times!

It's great to be back to the creating mode even if I have to go out and buy extra stuff.

A First!

2007-11-03T14:42:00.001-07:00

I'm doing my first show in Georgia. It's a cool little gallery called Flat Penny Folk Art here in Athens. There'll be about ten exhibitors--some painters; some quilters; potters; and me! I may want to make some more creations for it. Even though I have enough for a show.

Athens is just what I needed to fuel my artist's soul! I believe I've found my niche.

Back to Creating

2007-11-02T13:03:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been so long since I've blogged. A lot has happened with the move to Georgia and trying to get myself established. My computer's been a little cantankerous (probably the user) and I haven't been able to update my website. Now, by some miracle, I've gotten it to work and I plan on re-vamping my site.

Athens is such a vibrant city and the artist community is very inspiring. A friend asked me if I thought my bears would change because I moved. I think that might be a possibility. I'm drawn to more traditional bears because of the gentle culture of the South; but, I'm also being drawn to crazy creatures since Athens has culture that's uniquely it's own.

The future looks bright and I'm warming up my creative thinking cap.

2007-06-30T18:10:00.000-07:00

The show in Austin was great. Lots of collectors and I got to see some familar as well as some new faces.

Five of my creations were given new homes. One was carried around the show.

One small disappointment; I'll have to chastise the bears for not doing their job. A somewhat serious collector happened by my table and my guys couldn't even raise even the slightest smile. Even when she picked one of them up. I wasn't looking for her to buy but I did want her to be happy for a second. She was made happy at the table across the way from me so maybe my guys did their job and warmed her up.

Since Scrrrap was such a popular guy at the shows (both Albuquerque and Austin) I think I might make another one. Not the exact same, of course, but small.

I'm still working on that dog I planned to take to the shows. One of these days.

The Next Show

2007-05-30T06:22:00.001-07:00

It's been a while since I've posted. I've been basking in the glow of a great Albuquerque show.

Now it's time to get ready for the Austin show. I've got three bears and a dog cut out to work on during the trip to Austin and a couple "truck bears" which are bears I work on while Ken is driving.

Back to bearing!

Inspiration

2007-05-15T08:55:00.000-07:00

The time for the Albuquerque show is almost here and I'm down the wire. Most of my critters are done but there is just some tweaking that needs to be accomplished.

I finally got up the courage to "spot" my giraffe. My first attempt led me to want to name him measles. Then I decided his spots weren't really supposed to be spots so I made them bigger. Now I'm totally happy with her and she's ready for the show. My inspiration was my granddaughter Josie who loves giraffes. Josie, thanks for the inspiration!

Less Than A Month

2007-04-29T07:09:00.000-07:00

The Albuquerque show is less than a month away. Although I have lots of bears; there are those that have grown tired of traveling to shows time and time again. So, on to new ones. I have three cut out and on their way to finishing. I had patterns drawn out for about six but figured I'd better quit while I'm ahead. I didn't want to turn into a manufacturing plant.

Thanks to Luann and the bear retreat I've gotten to like gollies a little better and may make at least one or two for the show. I have some black wool that my mother had that will work just fine.

The giraffe is progressing too. I procrastinated because I couldn't quite figure out how to make the face but yesterday I just forged ahead. It went from looking like a cow to maybe a dragon to what I think looks pretty close to a giraffe. I may put it in the B4B's auction and I may save it for Albuquerque.

Retreat's Over; Time to Move Forward

2007-04-07T07:19:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful retreat in Fredericksburg, Texas. I think I laughed more in three days than I did all last year!

I tried my hands at airbrushing; made a necklace; and did my first golly (picture attached). Most of the time was spent discussing the bear world. It was great being with other artists to discuss their techniques and learn a few tricks.

Now it's time to switch into high gear for the two shows coming up and the auction I'm participating in.

Remember When?

2007-03-28T07:23:00.000-07:00

A few blogs ago I talked about a bear that I didn't like and I re-did. Here he is. I like him better.

I'm getting ready to leave for a bear retreat in Fredricksburg, Texas. Just eight bear artists getting together to share ideas and take a few classes. It will be a lot of fun.

When I get back the Bid4Bear auction will have started and I will start listing the 6-8 bears I've committed to. I'm starting off with a rabbit. I'm also going to list another rabbit on the Teddy Patch.

I also just finished a double jointed bear from the material I got from the Netherlands. No picture yet.

Sticking My Neck Out

2007-03-21T04:09:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've posted. I guess I've said that a time or two! I've been trying to balance life with my creationing.

Now I'm getting ready for two shows; an auction; and possibly putting some rabbits on the Teddy Patch.

The auction is Bid4Bears Artist Power campaign. Several artists are getting together to provide another outlet for bear collectors to bid on bears that isn't e-bay. I've signed up for the first group which is one bear (or critter) every week or ten days. It's no guarantee of a sale but I hope it will bring some attention to the alternative auction sites and breathe some life into the bear community.

I'm about to finish a double jointed bear that I'm making from my Netherlands mohair and a giraffe. I thought I was a little farther along on the giraffe until I realized I hadn't put in the mane or the tail. I guess I need a little more experience with them so I don't miss any steps.

Two Things

2007-02-21T05:07:00.000-08:00

Or, maybe the title should be never (or at least very seldom) satisfied. I made a bear out of material I wasn't entirely thrilled with. Other people liked this bear but I felt I could do something I liked better. Right now I'm not so sure but I took him apart; changed his paw pads so I could highlight him them with paint; and took his head apart so I could needlefelt a face on him. I'm at the point now where I'm vascillating between finishing what I've started and tearing the head apart again to re-do it with a different mohair--I don't have any more of the current head fabric. Only the next few days will tell. If I do a little needlefelting everyday I should be done.

Number two is a bear made from scraps I got from an e-bay auction. There's two similar colors of mohair but different finishes so I was able to cut out about a 13" bear.

I'm also contemplating more critters from this batch of material. Maybe a giraffe? I was thinking about an owl but WHO knows. Sorry couldn't resist.

The Teeth Have It

2007-02-16T06:12:00.000-08:00

Here's another rabbit. Boy are they multiplying! It's kind of a quick picture that I took before heading off to the doll show.

His teeth are made from Sculpey. Kind of hard to go back to more normal animals after him IMHO.

This is the reason I create. It's what keeps me fueled to keep going on the next critter.

About Time

2007-02-16T06:04:00.000-08:00

Time flies no matter what you're doing. Since February is almost over I thought I might get a word in.

I just did a doll show in New Braunfels, Texas. Six of my critters found new homes. I gave one of my bears away to a woman who'd bought two bears from me and she also bought two bears from me when I did a show in Fredericksburg, Texas.

I'm also looking forward to a bear retreat in Fredricksburg the end of March. Ten bearmakers will be getting together for a weekend of classes and bear talk and general bear bonding. I'm looking forward to being with bear buddies.

Now it's back to what to make again. I've got a boxful of fabric I won from e-bay that's been tempting me and a huge piece of long-piled mohair that could be a dog. I'd like to get a few more new things done since I'm doing a show in Albuquerque on May 20 and another one in Austin on June 24.

The Sun Might Come Out Tomorrow

2007-01-29T12:01:00.000-08:00

No sun, but there was enough light to take some rabbit pictures. Something to do while I get inspiration for the next rabbit. Here he is!

Let the Shows Begin!

2007-01-29T07:47:00.000-08:00

That rascally rabbit is done. I'd say he turned out very well. I know I've been talking about it for weeks. Today I should have a picture of him and I'll put it on later. The sun isn't out right now so he wouldn't show up. Now the hardest thing to do is come up with a name.

I'm tempted to start working on another creation but the show season is coming near. The first show is February 10; the second is May 20 in Albuquerque; and the third is June 24 in Austin. I need to check out all the critters to make sure they're ready. A few need tags and a couple need names.

There's also another rabbit that I'm working on. This one will have a needlefelted face. He's all put together so I need to get my roving together and the needles ready.

Now I've got a dog rolling around in my head. I'm stuck on how to do the legs. I don't want him to just stand there; I want them to pose. It's been done so I know it's doable.

Just A Hare Short

2007-01-23T07:23:00.000-08:00

I'm still working on this pesky rabbit. After all the trials and tribulations he's evolving slowly but surely. I get satisfied with him one way and another pops into my head. I think I'm narrowing down the possibilities. There's a little time before Easter.

I'm going to to the doll show in New Braunfels on February 10. I haven't done a doll show since Yuma. I'll get to see my bearmaking buddies Sandy, Patti, and Luann which will be fun. Doing different venues once in a while is good.

Old Man Winter

2007-01-16T05:04:00.000-08:00

I guess we're not far enough south to miss the winter weather. A winter storm has decided to land here in Texas and should be around for a couple of days. I think we're far enough west so that we're not going to get hit as badly as San Antonio.

Because of this I "have" to stay inside and cuddle up while I make some new creations. What a dilemma! LOL!!

Here's one of my newest creations. He's yet unnamed. My DH says he looks like a lion.

Now it's on to rabbits. I've finally weathered through the missing pieces and the Ultrasuede matching and they're all sewn together. Now it's on to the stuffing and bringing them to life.

Out of the Closet

2007-01-10T06:55:00.000-08:00

The Ultrasuede arrived in the mail yesterday and the luck was with me. I got a match so I can finish the rabbit. Or, so I thought. I started basting the pieces together and was merrily sewing along when I got to the last pair of arms. What! I only made three? I was SURE I cut out all the necessary parts (except for the inner ear which is Ultrasuede) but I was minus one piece. I didn't panic or use bad words but dilligently looked through my new box of mohair and my supply box; under the bed or under anything I could. No luck. So, I tried to piece an arm out of what was left. It would have been four pieces--not good to write in this blog for any collector that might be reading this. Then an idea came to me. I had stored the pieces in a bag in the closet so I looked on the shelf and no luck. I was about to close the door when I looked down and there it was. Thank you, thank you!

So today it's finishing the rabbit that's been stored in closet. Plus I have another thumperesque one that I might work on too.

But then there's Valentine's day coming up and I should do something for that. What a sweet dilema!

Mohair, Mohair, Everywhere!

2007-01-09T07:30:00.000-08:00

The box of mohair finally arrived. It looks like someone sat on it but nothing was harmed. There are so many wonderful pieces in there I'm leaving it in the closet until I finish the projects I'm working on.

My patience is again being tested. I ordered the Ultrasuede last Monday or Tuesday and it's still not here. I guess since the ordering was so fast I expect the shipment to get here as fast.

I'm making good progress on my projects. I have a bagful of unstuffed bears (and a rabbit). When I get tired of stuffing one I go to the next one. Of course, stuffing isn't my favorite thing but bears without it aren't too cuddly.

Stereo Postings

2007-01-05T04:05:00.000-08:00

As long as I'm posting on my other blog, I thought I'd jot down a few thoughts while I'm in here.

I'm working on three rabbits and two panda-like creatures. I say panda-like because they're not the black and white versions that one sees in real life. One panda is made from a brown mohair that was a substitute for one I had ordered. Can't say I'm happy with the substitute but it's a soft mohair and I think it will turn out okay. It did, however, have some type of glue on the back. I don't know if that was to hold the mohair in or what. After I finished sewing it I had to get the cleaner out to get the gunk off of my sewing machine. That's the first time I've encountered that. There's a small piece of it left and I may wash it first. The glue was creepy.

The rabbits are on hold. Hopefully I've ordered the right colors of Ultrasuede for the inside of the ears. Otherwise there isn't enough material left from the rabbit itself. It's been a frustration trying to piece the ears to make one whole ear. I'm crossing my fingers that this new shipment will do the trick.

I also bid on some leftover mohair from a wonderful artist in the Netherlands. She shipped it the first week in December and it's still not here yet. She did some checking and it took a small vacation in the Chicago post office so hopefully it's on it's way to Texas as I speak.

And . . . I have a small lion on e-bay that has 4 watchers so maybe I'll garner some more good feedback.

Speaking of pandas I'm making a purple and pink rabbit that I suppose you could classify as panda-like. I think I'll work on that today

Happy New Year!

2007-01-01T07:52:00.000-08:00

Another year to create new creatures. Another year to play with mohair and the like. How exciting!!

Today I plan on working on a rabbit and two bears. A great start!

Bear Vacation

2006-12-27T04:17:00.000-08:00

Visiting grandchildren is great! A great time to make bears, it's not. I did bring a couple along to baste together and one to sew by hand but no time.

In one way it's good. I'm making a rabbit and didn't have enough wool to make the foot pads; paw pads and the inside of the ears so I shaved the fabric so I'd have something to match. With a little more time to think I now say that the inside of the ears should be a different color. This time around time was on my side.

Disappointment to Inspiration

2006-12-19T04:54:00.000-08:00

I recently thought I had an order for a dog. Unfortunately it didn't come to fruition. Now I have a lot of long-haired mohair that is just begging to be used. The pattern I made for the original dog was way too big (I thought) so now I've scaled down and I'm actually making a slightly smaller and different breed. I'm not disclosing it because who knows what breed it will turn out to be.

I've also bought a few new pieces of mohair from e-bay so I've been inspired with a few new bears and because Easter is coming up a few rabbits. Isn't it funny how they multiply? I've got a big rabbit that's kind of a yellow gold background with brown tips; a little pink bunny with purple legs and arms (panda bunny?) and another one that's rolling around in my head that's yet to be determined with material and size.

I'm also wondering if some angorra mohair pelts that I saw in a store last week will go from the back of my mind and keep calling me until I have to go back and buy it.

The Joy of Bearmaking

2006-12-02T04:28:00.000-08:00

I've just been browsing through e-bay looking at all the dogs trying to get some inspiration for a dog order I'm working on. I'm not copying anybody, I just want to see how they do their legs so I can figure out how to do a dog laying down who can also put their legs underneath.

Anyway, my point to this blog is the bids on e-bay. It's tempting to think, "wow, that bear got 22 bids and is up to hundreds of dollars, that must really be worth something!" Then you see an equally adorable bear that didn't get one bid and you wonder why no one wants it. I hope it doesn't diminish all the creativity that's out there. Just because something doesn't sell doesn't mean it's worthless or any less of an expression of an artist's imagination.

When I'm tempted to think that I'm not selling anything because something might be wrong with what I created or it isn't as good as the next person's, I just look at my bears and remember the fun I had creating them and what joy they bring me. Nothing else really matters.

New Mohair On The Way

2006-12-01T05:01:00.000-08:00

The craft fair weather was really nice; although it was a little windy at times. There were quite a few people coming through but let's just say that the woman selling $3 necklaces was more popular. Not that my bears weren't appreciated. It just wasn't the right audience (I knew it but I tried anyway).

Now, I'm being challenged to make another dog for a woman who had to give away her favorite pet. It almost looks like the dog I just had on e-bay.

As for other bears, etc. I'm making a bright pink rabbit--really getting a jump on the Easter season and just a regular bear. I took those along on our grandchildren trip knowing I probably wouldn't get a chance to work on them but one never knows.

I just bought some mohair on e-bay and I'm excited with the possibilities of those pieces. The trouble with that is it's rather addicting and I could go broke!

Craft Show

2006-11-22T06:34:00.000-08:00

We're here in Uvalde, Texas, and there's a craft show in the downtown square on Saturday. I thought a new venue might be nice so I booked a table amid the Christmas decorations and the live oaks.

I'm also on e-bay and I'm trying not to be discouraged with no bids after re-listing two items. I do have some watchers if that means anything.

I just finished an elf bear last night for the craft fair. Haven't come up with a name yet. I"m also working on a brown bear that will probably stand. Don't know if he's turning out quite the way I had envisioned. We'll see.

Onward and Upward

2006-11-06T04:58:00.000-08:00

I finally put procrastination aside and listed Rrrascal on e-bay. It looks like there's one person watching. It wasn't too hard to do. I think next I'll list my monkey.

There's an arts and crafts fair here in Ulvalde on November 25. I'm going to sign up for it. I hope the weather is good. Nothing like a new venue.

Now that I'm listed on e-bay, maybe I'll do the Teddy Patch.

Next?

2006-11-01T06:12:00.000-08:00

I finished my pawtrait and now it's on to the next project. What should it be? I have some brown mohair that I swapped with Linda and then highlighted with dishwasher detergent. That's kind of calling my name; but what kind of bear--or critter--could it be. Should my quest for an open mouth continue or sit on the back burner? I guess if I was going to do an open mouth it should be on that mohair since it's not the high-priced stuff and I wouldn't feel as bad if I ruined it. I'll have to think about it.

I do have a little guy to work on while I'm thinking.

2006-10-24T11:40:00.000-07:00

I've been doing a lot of bearing but haven't been talking about it. My friend Linda and I have beared the last month of Sundays. We're both an inspiration to each other. She has some wonderful imagination with her bears and I'm really excited for her to get her website going.

I'm on a quest to make an open mouth bear. I've done it with a dog but he's so hairy that you can't really see it. This unnamed bruin's mouth, I think, is a little too open but it gives him a wonderfully happy look. I'm going for more realistic.

There's also a pawtrait I'm working on for an order. It's going well and I will post a picture when it's done.

Time Flies

2006-10-04T00:51:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's almost been a month since my last post. If you look close you might see a sheepish grin since I was going on and on about how addicting this is.

My excuse--lots of bearing! I entered the challenge on Teddy Talk using Sue Ann Holcomb's pattern. Not quite my style but was fun to do. Now I'm working on two large bears. One is about 22 inches tall and I think the other one is about the same. They look so huge because I've been working on mostly smaller bears. I can't stand having scraps of materal laying around. They're too big to throw away considering the initial cost and they're too small to make a regular sized bear. I love the challenge of trying to get a bear out of a limited amount of material.

Back to Bearing

2006-09-11T07:42:00.000-07:00

I've been a little sidetracked this week from bearing because I'm working on a quilt for my new niece. It's finished now so I can concentrate on the bears.

I have been working on a new bear that's kind of rusty colored with a gold tummy and muzzle. I haven't decided how I'll finish him yet. I have a few ideas but then I'd be emmulating other artists and it wouldn't be my look. I know I'll figure it out.

I'm also going to list some bears on Teddy Patch and Bid4Bears and maybe even e-bay. I figure if I say this often enough the procrastination will break it's hold on me and I'll actually do it.

Onward and Upward

2006-08-27T07:56:00.001-07:00

Now that the angel is done I can move on to (or back to) my regular bearing. Although that meant making a lion. He's not quite finished yet; I want to wax his nose and haven't decided if I'm going to color his face in a little more.

I'm getting ready to make a big bear. That's so strange since I've been using up all my scraps. I'm going to cut it out at Linda's (my local bear friend) house today. I also have a little wild bear cub to finish but I don't want to take all the paraphenalia with me.

Ken (DH)wants me to teach bearing when I get to Uvalde. The premise is good but there is so much equipment that one needs just to finish a bear I don't know if people would be willing to buy it just to make one bear. We'll see.

Angel

2006-08-25T04:45:00.000-07:00

I finished the bear for Teddy Bear and Friends. I'm okay with the finished project although it was agony putting it together. I would have changed so many things. As always I second guess myself thinking that I could have used differnt mohair or I might have needlefelted the feet, etc. Maybe if I had seen the posting when it first came out I would have been able to spend more time on it. As it was I only had less than a week to finish it. Maybe they'll do a little air brushing on her like they do in the fashion magazines? I did learn a new skill. I made angel wings by taking two pieces of Solvay with bits of yarn and mohair in between the layers and then stippled with metallic thread. I think those turned out rather nice.

Now I'm working on another lion. I need to take pictures of a couple of bears to get them on my website. One of these days a buyer might stop buy. Although that's not my main concern. I enjoy the creative process and being able to take scraps of mohair and make a bear or a friend out of it.

Sticking To The Subject

2006-08-11T07:07:00.000-07:00

While on my bike ride this morning I decided that maybe my Mohair Musings should be only about bears since that's what my profile says. So, I made another blog to contain the rest of my life; no matter how small. It's call Southwest Sidelights.

As for bears I think I'm out of my slump. I've changed one big bear into a small one and so far a cute bear. I always hold my breath until one is finished because I fall in love with them before they're completely stuffed and then have a sort of a grace period after they're finished. I can't explain why they look more lifelike without the stuffing in their bodies then when the stuffing is in them.

I've also got a chance to be in Teddy Bear and Friends magazine. Mindy Kinsey (Editor) sent out an e-mail asking for help with her project for the December magazine. Everyone participating will make the same pattern but decorate it like an angel. Should be interesting.

House Whine

2006-07-23T21:13:00.000-07:00

I'm ready to cash it all in. I'm in one of those phases where everything I design turns to schlock! Remember that purple bear with the white tummy. I thought if I tipped it with what I thought was a matching color it wouldn't make the white look so white. HAH! It ruined it!! Don' know what I'll do. I'm thinking of tearing her apart and dyeing some white fabric a pale pink that might match the paw pads.

I'm afraid to try anything else. I just ordered some material and I don't even want to look at it.

Done Dragon My Feet

2006-07-16T18:53:00.000-07:00

The procrastination is over; at least for today, that is!

My web site is finally re-done the way I wanted it. I think it looks pretty good. With everybody else with DSL/WI-FI, etc. it should load pretty fast. It takes a few seconds on my machine. Someday I will join the rest of the world.

I also finished my dragon. I think he's kind of cute.

Procrastination Patrol

2006-07-07T06:56:00.000-07:00

Here I am without a bear to work on today. I finished the pink/lilac one yesterday and I'm still not sure if I like her. Maybe when I get some kind of decoration around her neck? She does have a sweet face. I also have a little blue bear that's begging to be finished but I haven't decided what to do with him yet.

As for new projects: I'm waiting on my order from Edinburgh to arrive to see if any of that inspires me. I'm kind of thinking another animal but have made enough lions and dogs. Cats aren't really my thing. A giraffe?

What I should work on is updating my web site just in case anyone wants to look at my new stuff. Can you see a procrastination pattern here.

Cure For A Chocoholic?

2006-07-06T05:57:00.000-07:00

This blogging could be addicting. Maybe instead of reaching for a piece a chocolate I'll hop on the computer and blog! Don't worry I can't see myself giving up the sweet treat any time soon.

I'm sitting here surrounded by all my creations past and future. It's been a wonderful hobby and as I like to say "it keeps me out of the bars and away from strange men". Seriously, it's a major outlet for my creativity and allows me play.

My latest creation is being made from a pink/lilac batik mohair. I bought it at a show in either Albuquerque or Austin. I don't know why I bought it except for the fact that when I go to shows I seem to pick out the unusual fabrics rather than the tried and true. I get it home and then say--"why did I buy this?" She's turning out rather cute, so far. I'm saying she because I don't think you'd find many pink bears. I always like the bears best when the head is stuffed; they're jointed; but not stuffed. Go figure.

Welcome to the 21st Century

2006-07-06T05:41:00.000-07:00

Today is my first day as a blogger.

My husband says I've made thousands of bears. He might be close to right (but not quite). I've just finished several smaller bears made from scraps of mohair. I'm too cheap to throw the scraps out since the price on the original piece was very dear. Also, it stretches my thinking into what kind of bear or animal I can make with only so many resources.

I remember when I first started making bears. I only bought the short pile mohair. Something that expensive was terrifying to cut into and heaven forbid I would make a mistake. Now after ten years I buy all sorts of pile lengths and variations; dye it; shave and trim it; and almost anything else to it besides run over it with my car.