The Teddy Patch Blog
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Hello bear artists, collectors, and bloggers! I am Luralee Wheatley, owner of The Teddy Patch. The Teddy Patch blog is intended as a means for me to use a more personal forum to discuss items of interest relating to the teddy bear world. Sometimes I may stray from my basic purpose to explore other passions, but I will try to maintain the focus of this blog. As a bear artist myself with over 10 years of professional marketing experience, I believe that a specialized auction site such as The Teddy Patch has tremendous potential and my goal is to make it a first-class alternative to my big-name competition! I want you to feel The Teddy Patch is different from auction services you've been used to. I am committed to offering you an affordable option along with personal customer service. Let me help you make the most of your membership at The Teddy Patch. If you have a suggestion on how The Teddy Patch can better serve you, please contact me.
The Teddy Patch Blog
Nothing Lasts Forever
In order to not have to repeat myself too much, please read my previous post - Confessions of a Collector Junkie.
I was able to purchase some wonderful bears and thoroughly enjoyed myself at this auction. I wanted to share two lessons I learned from this experience. As I mentioned in my first post, this collection belonged to a lovely lady who passed away several years ago. Her collection consisted of over 600 bears of all types and manufacture. This collection was obviously cherished and lovingly built over quite a period of time. It was really quite sad to see how these bears were just "disposed" of to the highest bidder for pennies on the dollar. If this were my treasured collection, I would be turning over in my grave!
I also mentioned earlier that very few of the artist bears sold. This was quite a surprise to me since I, too, am a bear artist and I know how many hours and how much effort goes into creating them. Blame it on the economy I guess - or not? Most all of the Steiff bears in the collection sold - but not the artist bears. Go figure.
I digress ... back to my lessons. I learned two things for sure:
1. If you collect artist bears, buy what you love because it speaks to you and not for any future prospect of increase in value.
2. Enjoy every bear in your collection. Relish each precious little face; don't miss the beauty and wonder of each special creation and the friendship and comfort that each one brings. The only true value of your collection is the joy it brings to YOU.
I was able to purchase some wonderful bears and thoroughly enjoyed myself at this auction. I wanted to share two lessons I learned from this experience. As I mentioned in my first post, this collection belonged to a lovely lady who passed away several years ago. Her collection consisted of over 600 bears of all types and manufacture. This collection was obviously cherished and lovingly built over quite a period of time. It was really quite sad to see how these bears were just "disposed" of to the highest bidder for pennies on the dollar. If this were my treasured collection, I would be turning over in my grave!
I also mentioned earlier that very few of the artist bears sold. This was quite a surprise to me since I, too, am a bear artist and I know how many hours and how much effort goes into creating them. Blame it on the economy I guess - or not? Most all of the Steiff bears in the collection sold - but not the artist bears. Go figure.
I digress ... back to my lessons. I learned two things for sure:
1. If you collect artist bears, buy what you love because it speaks to you and not for any future prospect of increase in value.
2. Enjoy every bear in your collection. Relish each precious little face; don't miss the beauty and wonder of each special creation and the friendship and comfort that each one brings. The only true value of your collection is the joy it brings to YOU.
Confessions of a Collector Junkie
I recently attended a public auction featuring the entire collection of a lady who passed away several years ago. Her collection consisted of over 600 bears including artist bears, Hermann, Steiff, Merrythought, Deans, VIBs and many, many more. This collection was amassed during the 1980s and very early 1990s. Some of the artist bears included some wonderful, very early examples of some of today's best-known artists.
For me, this auction turned out to be a bear collector's heaven! Two things about this auction were every collector's dream: Very low beginning bid prices and minimal bidder competition! I was thrilled to be able to purchase several wonderful pieces for my own collection (many more than I should have!) ... and I truly regret not purchasing more!
Even as this auction turned into every collector junkie's dream, I am very concerned about two things as a result. The fact that there was very little interest overall (a result of the bad economy?) and the fact that, with few exceptions, the artist bears did not sell (and some of them were wonderful!). The bears that did sell were the Steiff - my estimate is that about 80-90% of them sold. Contrast that with the fact that no more than 10% of the artist bears and other manufactured bears sold - what a difference!
The lessons I take from this experience as I analyze them now, will be the subject of another entry. Stay tuned!
For me, this auction turned out to be a bear collector's heaven! Two things about this auction were every collector's dream: Very low beginning bid prices and minimal bidder competition! I was thrilled to be able to purchase several wonderful pieces for my own collection (many more than I should have!) ... and I truly regret not purchasing more!
Even as this auction turned into every collector junkie's dream, I am very concerned about two things as a result. The fact that there was very little interest overall (a result of the bad economy?) and the fact that, with few exceptions, the artist bears did not sell (and some of them were wonderful!). The bears that did sell were the Steiff - my estimate is that about 80-90% of them sold. Contrast that with the fact that no more than 10% of the artist bears and other manufactured bears sold - what a difference!
The lessons I take from this experience as I analyze them now, will be the subject of another entry. Stay tuned!
The Teddy Patch is Growing!
The Good News: The Teddy Patch membership is increasing daily and the number of auctions listed on a regular basis has more tham doubled. Also the number of hits at The Teddy Patch in the last 30 days have increased by 200%!
The Bad News: There are still very few buyers! The buyers we do have are looking but not bidding on the artist bears. However, other small collectibles and supplies have been selling well.
We're planning a final holiday sales flyer on December 15th with lots of Buy-Now items for last minute purchases.
The Bad News: There are still very few buyers! The buyers we do have are looking but not bidding on the artist bears. However, other small collectibles and supplies have been selling well.
We're planning a final holiday sales flyer on December 15th with lots of Buy-Now items for last minute purchases.
Teddy Bears and the Credit Crunch
I hear from so many teddy bear artists these days that tell me their business has slowed down tremendously or died altogether. How is the U.S. economic downturn affecting you? Whether you are a bear artist or a collector or both, you are most likely affected in one way or another. As collectors, how has the economy changed your collecting habits? Are you still collecting at the same pace as you were? Are you scaling back on your purchases ... perhaps buying less expensive bears or postponing that purchase all together?
Many collectors are in panic mode trying to sell their collections. I've heard from many collectors who are doing just that and selling out their collections entirely. If you are a collector or dealer, this is a great time to pick up some very fine pieces at bargain prices. Just like the stock market advice - always buy low and sell high. Some of you seem to be doing just the opposite - buying high and selling low! Perhaps it is time to "hold tight" and not give away those precious collections too quickly. Unless you are really desperate for money, I'd suggest you hold tight rather than giving your precious collections away! But if you must part with them, may I suggest listing them at The Teddy Patch? All our listings are free ... you won't go broke on listing fees and we only charge a small final value fee if your items sell. We will also advertise for you for free too! Yes, we are the 'little guy' but we have a large following and can get your items out there for collectors to see at least - for free.
If you are an artist, are you still producing those bears even though they are not selling? What about your prices? Have you reduced your prices to get your bears to sell or are you holding firm? With costs of everything going higher and money getting tighter, how are you adjusting your business to deal with this challenge? Where do you channel that creative need to make your bears? Do you just bottle it all up and hope it will go away, or are you still creating bears but at a more cautious pace? Has the price of mohair and the lack of collectors caused you to reduce your production or even stop it altogether?
Have you been to The Teddy Patch lately? Stop by today and check us out - we will help you sell your stuff! www.theteddypatch.com
Many collectors are in panic mode trying to sell their collections. I've heard from many collectors who are doing just that and selling out their collections entirely. If you are a collector or dealer, this is a great time to pick up some very fine pieces at bargain prices. Just like the stock market advice - always buy low and sell high. Some of you seem to be doing just the opposite - buying high and selling low! Perhaps it is time to "hold tight" and not give away those precious collections too quickly. Unless you are really desperate for money, I'd suggest you hold tight rather than giving your precious collections away! But if you must part with them, may I suggest listing them at The Teddy Patch? All our listings are free ... you won't go broke on listing fees and we only charge a small final value fee if your items sell. We will also advertise for you for free too! Yes, we are the 'little guy' but we have a large following and can get your items out there for collectors to see at least - for free.
If you are an artist, are you still producing those bears even though they are not selling? What about your prices? Have you reduced your prices to get your bears to sell or are you holding firm? With costs of everything going higher and money getting tighter, how are you adjusting your business to deal with this challenge? Where do you channel that creative need to make your bears? Do you just bottle it all up and hope it will go away, or are you still creating bears but at a more cautious pace? Has the price of mohair and the lack of collectors caused you to reduce your production or even stop it altogether?
Have you been to The Teddy Patch lately? Stop by today and check us out - we will help you sell your stuff! www.theteddypatch.com
Collecting or Accumulating?
Teddy bear collecting can be a wonderful and satisfying hobby. Unfortunately, too many collectors approach the art of teddy bear collecting as a shopping spree. Compulsive buying addictions can be translated into collecting most anything. Do you have 20 pairs of the same shoes in different colors? Are there clothes in your closet that still have the tags on after several years that you've forgotten you even have? Are you still holding on to those outfits that you bought that don't fit but you're sure someday you be able to fit into? What about your collections? Do you collect teddy bears the same way? Are you truly collecting or are you just accumulating?
Collecting is a very careful selection process based on personal preferences, goals, and parameters which you set to define your collection. These may change or you may modify them from time to time, but a well thought out collection contains only the specific items that fit those parameters. In contrast, an accumulation is simply items purchased randomly and piled up, so to speak, without any specific goals or parameters.
The number of items you have in your collection should be totally unrelated to the type or characteristics of the particular bears you collect. An ideal collection should be the very best of whatever type of bear you chose to collect. Attempting to collect the very best of anything requires some research and discipline. Add to your collection only those bears that truly fit the criteria you've decided upon. Set a limit on size or particular type of bear for instance. Try not to acquire duplicates of any particular bear.
There are two types of collectors. The born collector and the latent collector. The born collector is deeply passionate and utterly addicted to his quest. The born collector is someone who generally prefers that the desired object be difficult to obtain, because if it's too easy to get it's a whole lot less interesting. The amount of items in the collection or the rationale for their purchases are of no issue. For all born collectors, there is never too much and the hunt is everything. The latent collector starts out as an heir of grandmother's dolls or grandfather's toy trains - things they loved from afar as a child but were forbidden to touch or play with. These types of collectors are not particularly interested in the history of their items or manufacture methods, nor are they more than simply curious about values. The true value to them is mainly sentimental. Should the latent collector discover that his treasures are truly valuable then he/she may become an educated, late blooming, full-blown collector. However, unlike born collectors, the latent collector isn't usually driven to own all or every item that exists in his area of interest. The latent collector, while now passionate, makes his choices based still more on love for the collection and interest in the particular thing as it relates to historical past - most frequently, his or her own past.
If you are a born collector you would probably keep it, but if you are a latent collector and you come across a particularly wonderful bear that captures your attention but is not suited to your own collection, donate it to a worthy cause or pass it on to a friend who would love it and give it a good home!
Collecting is a very careful selection process based on personal preferences, goals, and parameters which you set to define your collection. These may change or you may modify them from time to time, but a well thought out collection contains only the specific items that fit those parameters. In contrast, an accumulation is simply items purchased randomly and piled up, so to speak, without any specific goals or parameters.
The number of items you have in your collection should be totally unrelated to the type or characteristics of the particular bears you collect. An ideal collection should be the very best of whatever type of bear you chose to collect. Attempting to collect the very best of anything requires some research and discipline. Add to your collection only those bears that truly fit the criteria you've decided upon. Set a limit on size or particular type of bear for instance. Try not to acquire duplicates of any particular bear.
There are two types of collectors. The born collector and the latent collector. The born collector is deeply passionate and utterly addicted to his quest. The born collector is someone who generally prefers that the desired object be difficult to obtain, because if it's too easy to get it's a whole lot less interesting. The amount of items in the collection or the rationale for their purchases are of no issue. For all born collectors, there is never too much and the hunt is everything. The latent collector starts out as an heir of grandmother's dolls or grandfather's toy trains - things they loved from afar as a child but were forbidden to touch or play with. These types of collectors are not particularly interested in the history of their items or manufacture methods, nor are they more than simply curious about values. The true value to them is mainly sentimental. Should the latent collector discover that his treasures are truly valuable then he/she may become an educated, late blooming, full-blown collector. However, unlike born collectors, the latent collector isn't usually driven to own all or every item that exists in his area of interest. The latent collector, while now passionate, makes his choices based still more on love for the collection and interest in the particular thing as it relates to historical past - most frequently, his or her own past.
If you are a born collector you would probably keep it, but if you are a latent collector and you come across a particularly wonderful bear that captures your attention but is not suited to your own collection, donate it to a worthy cause or pass it on to a friend who would love it and give it a good home!
Talk to Your Teddy
While it hasn't been scientifically proven, there's lots of experienced bear collectors out there who will swear that teddy bears are good for your health. Just like pet ownership (which has been proven to be good for you), teddy bear ownership has been linked to stress and anxiety relief - and stress and anxiety have been linked to heart disease.
When you've had a terrible day or are going through a stressful event, Teddy will be there for you. Talk your problems over with your favorite teddy bear! He will always listen with an open mind. He will not judge you or try to give you advice - he will just patiently listen. Friends are good for that too, but oftentimes well meaning friends can sometimes say the wrong things or make you feel worse. Teddy will provide a non-judgemental soundboard for you to express your toughts and feelings without giving potentially negative feedback.
The stress release you get from having a teddy bear to talk to can translate into savings in your pocket. Studies have shown that pet ownership results in fewer doctor visits and fewer medications. My bet is that teddy bears can do the same thing. Give it a try and see if it works for you!
Of course, if your teddy talks back to you it may be a good idea to seek professional help ...
When you've had a terrible day or are going through a stressful event, Teddy will be there for you. Talk your problems over with your favorite teddy bear! He will always listen with an open mind. He will not judge you or try to give you advice - he will just patiently listen. Friends are good for that too, but oftentimes well meaning friends can sometimes say the wrong things or make you feel worse. Teddy will provide a non-judgemental soundboard for you to express your toughts and feelings without giving potentially negative feedback.
The stress release you get from having a teddy bear to talk to can translate into savings in your pocket. Studies have shown that pet ownership results in fewer doctor visits and fewer medications. My bet is that teddy bears can do the same thing. Give it a try and see if it works for you!
Of course, if your teddy talks back to you it may be a good idea to seek professional help ...
Fall 2008 Show Calendar
CALIFORNIA
September 27, Roseville CA, Crossroads Doll & Teddy Bear Show, Placer County Fairgrounds. Dorothy Drake, http://www.dolls4all.com
CONNECTICUT
October 12, Bristol CT, 24th Annual Bristol Bear and Doll Show, Clarion Hotel. Bruin Mischief, http://www.bruinmischief.com
KENTUCKY
October 19, Erlanger KY, Bright Star Greater Cincinnati Area Teddy Bear Show, Holiday Inn Cincinnati Airport. Valerie Rogers, http://www.bright-star-promotions.com
MASSACHUSETTS
November 8-9, Agawam MA, The Oaks Doll, Toy & Teddy Bear Show. http://www.mavencompany.com
NEVADA
October 18, Verdi NV, Reno Doll & Teddy Bear Show, Boomtown Casino. Melinda Natzel, 775-342-7629
NEW JERSEY
October 18-19, Atlantic City NJ, Atlantique City, Atlantic City Convention Center. http://www.atlantiquecity.com
OHIO
September 27, Waynesville OH, Country Joy's Annual Teddy Bear Brunch and Show. Joyce, 513-897-2569
SOUTH CAROLINA
October 24-26, Myrtle Beach SC, Southeastern Doll & Bear Exp. Knight Shows, http://www.knightshows.com
UTAH
October 25, Salt Lake City UT, Crossroads Doll & Teddy Bear Show, Utah Fairgrounds. Dorothy Drake, http://www.dolls4all.com
VERMONT
October 25-26, Chester VT, Vintage Teddy Bear Weekend, Hugging Bear Inn. Georgette, 1-800-325-0519
WASHINGTON
October 11-12, Puyallup WA, Crossroads Doll & Teddy Bear Show, Puyallup Fairgrounds. Dorothy Drake, http://www.dolls4all.com
CANADA
October 5, Edmonton AB, Doll Club of Edmonton's Doll, Teddy, and Toy Sale, Alberta Aviation Museum. Lorraine, 780-485-3025
September 27, Roseville CA, Crossroads Doll & Teddy Bear Show, Placer County Fairgrounds. Dorothy Drake, http://www.dolls4all.com
CONNECTICUT
October 12, Bristol CT, 24th Annual Bristol Bear and Doll Show, Clarion Hotel. Bruin Mischief, http://www.bruinmischief.com
KENTUCKY
October 19, Erlanger KY, Bright Star Greater Cincinnati Area Teddy Bear Show, Holiday Inn Cincinnati Airport. Valerie Rogers, http://www.bright-star-promotions.com
MASSACHUSETTS
November 8-9, Agawam MA, The Oaks Doll, Toy & Teddy Bear Show. http://www.mavencompany.com
NEVADA
October 18, Verdi NV, Reno Doll & Teddy Bear Show, Boomtown Casino. Melinda Natzel, 775-342-7629
NEW JERSEY
October 18-19, Atlantic City NJ, Atlantique City, Atlantic City Convention Center. http://www.atlantiquecity.com
OHIO
September 27, Waynesville OH, Country Joy's Annual Teddy Bear Brunch and Show. Joyce, 513-897-2569
SOUTH CAROLINA
October 24-26, Myrtle Beach SC, Southeastern Doll & Bear Exp. Knight Shows, http://www.knightshows.com
UTAH
October 25, Salt Lake City UT, Crossroads Doll & Teddy Bear Show, Utah Fairgrounds. Dorothy Drake, http://www.dolls4all.com
VERMONT
October 25-26, Chester VT, Vintage Teddy Bear Weekend, Hugging Bear Inn. Georgette, 1-800-325-0519
WASHINGTON
October 11-12, Puyallup WA, Crossroads Doll & Teddy Bear Show, Puyallup Fairgrounds. Dorothy Drake, http://www.dolls4all.com
CANADA
October 5, Edmonton AB, Doll Club of Edmonton's Doll, Teddy, and Toy Sale, Alberta Aviation Museum. Lorraine, 780-485-3025
Correction - Ronald McDonald House Teddy Bear Banquet and Auction
I made a couple typos on last week's post announcing the Ronald McDonald House upcoming event. Since my typos were pretty important ... contact emails were wrong ... I'm correcting them here:
Lori's correct email address is teddybears@rmhcofalbany.org
Jan's correct address is: jkurposka@nycap.rr.com
My apologies!
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Have you heard about the upcoming Teddy Bear Banquet and Auction for the Ronald McDonald House? This event has been held for over 17 years and is an integral part of the fund raising program of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region, Inc.
This year it will be held on Sunday, October 26th. Thanks to bear artists from all over the world, over 100 hand-crafted teddy bears will be up for adoption, with all proceeds benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities. Donating to this event is a wonderful way to share your talents in support of a worthy cause.
For more information, or to donate - here are two points of contact:
Lori Emery (518)438-2655 or teddybears@rmhcofalbany.org
Jan Kurposka at jkurposka@nycap.rr.com
Lori's correct email address is teddybears@rmhcofalbany.org
Jan's correct address is: jkurposka@nycap.rr.com
My apologies!
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Have you heard about the upcoming Teddy Bear Banquet and Auction for the Ronald McDonald House? This event has been held for over 17 years and is an integral part of the fund raising program of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region, Inc.
This year it will be held on Sunday, October 26th. Thanks to bear artists from all over the world, over 100 hand-crafted teddy bears will be up for adoption, with all proceeds benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities. Donating to this event is a wonderful way to share your talents in support of a worthy cause.
For more information, or to donate - here are two points of contact:
Lori Emery (518)438-2655 or teddybears@rmhcofalbany.org
Jan Kurposka at jkurposka@nycap.rr.com
Gonna Be a Bear
Gonna Be a Bear
In this life, I'm a woman. In my next life, I'd like to come back as a bear. When you're a bear, you get to hibernate. You do nothing but sleep for six months. I could deal with that.
Before you hibernate, you're supposed to eat yourself stupid. I could deal with that too.
When you're a girl bear, you birth your children (who are the size of walnuts) while you are sleeping and awake to partially grown, cute, cuddly cubs. I could definitely deal with that.
If you are a mama bear, everyone knows you mean business. You swat anyone who bothers your cubs. If your cubs get out of line, you swat them too. I could deal with that.
If you are a bear, your mate EXPECTS you to wake up growling. He expects that you will have hairy legs and excess body fat.
Yup, gonna be a bear!
In this life, I'm a woman. In my next life, I'd like to come back as a bear. When you're a bear, you get to hibernate. You do nothing but sleep for six months. I could deal with that.
Before you hibernate, you're supposed to eat yourself stupid. I could deal with that too.
When you're a girl bear, you birth your children (who are the size of walnuts) while you are sleeping and awake to partially grown, cute, cuddly cubs. I could definitely deal with that.
If you are a mama bear, everyone knows you mean business. You swat anyone who bothers your cubs. If your cubs get out of line, you swat them too. I could deal with that.
If you are a bear, your mate EXPECTS you to wake up growling. He expects that you will have hairy legs and excess body fat.
Yup, gonna be a bear!
2008 Teddy Bear Banquet and Auction for Ronald McDonald House Charity
Have you heard about the upcoming Teddy Bear Banquet and Auction for the Ronald McDonald House? This event has been held for over 17 years and is an integral part of the fund raising program of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region, Inc.
This year it will be held on Sunday, October 26th. Thanks to bear artists from all over the world, over 100 hand-crafted teddy bears will be up for adoption, with all proceeds benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities. Donating to this event is a wonderful way to share your talents in support of a worthy cause.
For more information, or to donate - here are two points of contact:
Lori Emery (518)438-2655 or teddy bears@rmhcofalbany.org
Jan Kurposka at jkurposka@mycap.rr.com
This year it will be held on Sunday, October 26th. Thanks to bear artists from all over the world, over 100 hand-crafted teddy bears will be up for adoption, with all proceeds benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities. Donating to this event is a wonderful way to share your talents in support of a worthy cause.
For more information, or to donate - here are two points of contact:
Lori Emery (518)438-2655 or teddy bears@rmhcofalbany.org
Jan Kurposka at jkurposka@mycap.rr.com