Toes and claws

[Niddynoddy]

Hello,

I have seen some wonderful bears whilst looking through various magazines and I keep coming back to the bears that look like they have individual toes and claws. Does anyone know how to do this? Also, where to get claws from?:confused:

Also, can anyone recommend a good site/book for instructions on how to do shading around the face of the bear? I have just ordered three copics plus blender but know I will probably just sit and look at them for ages before plucking up the courage to use them.

Zoe

[michellebear]

Welcome Zoe :6034: I have never tried toes and claws, so will be interested to the replies as I have wondered this too hehe.
As for copic pens, I dont know of any books, but I have recently discovered how great they are thanks to advice on here :D, and I love them, my advice is to try them out on a scrap piece of fur first to see what effect they give before committing to the real thing. Then, only apply lightly at first as it is easier to add to the shading if you want more than it is to remove lol.
Hope this helps a bit, and cant wait to see you bears :) xx

[Rich1988]

Hi Zoe

By claws I assume you mean the realistic claws? I don't think you can buy these, these are generally handmade by artists and are made in Fimo Clay as appropriate. if you really want a go though, why not buy some though and give it a go? Perhaps you could use wire in the clay to attach?
As for the toes I would imagine these are pulled toes.
This is created by stitching a pattern with thread which you then pull tight to pull in and create the effect.
I can't really explain this on my work in lunch but have a look around the forum because we discussed this not too long ago.

As for shading just go for it. As Michelle says, practise on some scrap fabric first but with a blender there really is no worry.
I tend to darken up from the nose leading up the muzzle and also add shading behind the eyes getting lighter as it comes out. I am no artist by a long shot so if I can do it anyone can.
For paws I would recommend getting a spray can and spraying the edges before sewing. This creates a lovely effect on a finished bear.

Hope this helps and good luck.

Richard
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[Niddynoddy]

Thanks both of you for replying.

It crossed my mind that they might be made out of fimo but I guess I was hoping for an easier, slightly lazier option of just being able to buy them. I have loads of fimo so I might give it a try. I like the idea of the wire. I have made several fabric dolls with movable hands and fingers. I did those with pipecleaners so that might be the answer. Now my mind is working overtime and I am wondering how to engineer retractable ones. (now can you see why I was hoping for an easy option. Once I start creating something I inveriably make it more complicated than it need be!)

Do you know if there is a pattern anywhere for individual toes?

Zoe

[Rich1988]

I've seen a pattern for pulled toes in a book somewhere but I can't remember where but you should be able to find one with a quick search. Have a look in google images.
But for now here's the recent post I was thinking of, hope this helps:
http://www.teddybearfair.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2118

Richard
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