Help, I'm new to all this!

[SharonS]

Hi all

I'm new to bear making and have just bought myself a kit and I'm really excited about having a go at it. I've got as far as cutting out the pattern but reading some of your advice will probably need some fraycheck before I do any more.

I was just thinking ahead really to possibly selling some of my bears if they turn out ok and was wondering if anyone could tell me if there is any legislation attached to bear selling such as labelling, etc. Looking forward to hearing from you.

[baildon bears]

Hi and welcome, Bear artists have to state when selling that the bear is unsuitable for children under 14 years of age, if selling on Ebay you would but it on the listing and if selling at a fair you would put it on a paper tag with the price, This covers you incase an eye comes out ect...

As far as selling goes most artists start selling to friends and family first and local fairs, until you build up your skill, I find ebay the best but it can be quite dissapointing when you first start out as there is so much competition. You end up selling bears for virtually nothing until you start making a name for your self. Hannah

[shebob bears]

Welcome aboard Sharon :6034: You have certainly come to the right place for all the help and advice anybody could wish for in the bear making world.

If you are making Adult Collectors Bears, you need to state that 'owing to small parts, this bear is unsuitable for children under 14 years of age.' Or words similar.
You really need to have a sew in label with your name so that the bear can be identified at some stage. Who knows, your bears may well be worth a fortune one day!
The labels I had made were from GB Labels. They advertise in the 'exhibitors' section of the Teddy Bear Fair.
If you are making bears as toys for children it is advisable to familiarise yourself with the safety points such as joints, eyes, etc. I have a little booklet detailing all the 'do's and don'ts' and I know it is in a 'safe' place, but cannot find it right now. I'm sure someone reading this will have a copy
and can advise you.

Don't hesitate to ask for help if you need any, and good luck with your first bear. Look forward to meeting him/her.

Sheila

[SharonS]

Thanks very much Hannah. I'm sure I will have many more questions before I start selling any bears!

[SharonS]

Thanks for the advice Sheila, I will let you know how I get on with my first bear! Sharon

[Rich1988]

Hi Sharon

Nothing further to the above really. Good luck with your first bear, can't wait to see him.
Having used Fray Check for the first time on my latest I would recommend though I'm told equal parts water and glue has the same effect at half the price.

With regards selling just remember that from a kit your using somebody elses pattern therefore that belongs to the relevant artist. You may need to ask permission from the artist to sell the bear until your more advanced and are able to create your own patterns.

Hope this helps and welcome to the forums :)

Richard
x

[SharonS]

Thanks for the advice Richard. I've just ordered the fraycheck but will try the water and glue when it has run out! Looking forward to showing you my first bear.

Sharon