Realistic bear pattern

[marktaoh]

Hi,
I've made a few bears and they've turned out alright but now I wish to make a realistic looking bear about 28" - 32", - with double jointed neck, wrist and ankle joints.
I have not been able to find a pattern at all. Any suggestions? Anyone willing to sell a pattern - It is just for my own use as I want to make one for the living room.
Thanks
Mark

[Vicky Allum]

Hi Mark

There don't seem to be any patterns available, I've looked at some of the suppliers and none of them seem to have what you're looking for. www.bearbits.com make realistic bers and I think they offer courses, although I'm not sure if they cover what you're looking for. I have several books with realistic bear patterns, Jenifer Langs book Constructing Teddy and His Friends has a pattern for a bear with a double jointed neck on all fours, but not poseable paws. If you were to get a pattern with the double jointed neck you could then transfer the same technique to the paws and feet and then enlarge it. Sorry i couldn't be of much help.

[Lorna Evett]

Hi Mark

I have made up a pattern for a lifelike bear basically copied a real bear and cut out the form, not had the nerve to try it though, do not even know if it works yet but I did transfer it to card, cut it out and put it together with those brass tack things that you push through paper and push apart (no idea what they are called) in theory it looks OK, not really experienced enough to do the pattern straight off but followed a book for the ideas, I just want to get the feet right, because it is a polar bear.

Will go back to it though and not let it defeat me.

Lorna

[marktaoh]

Hi, with all my lack of experience I can only suggest trying it out wit a piece of cotton calico and the result I would have thought would be a thinner version of what you want (I'm sure a shaved polar bear apart from being black would look slimmer than we would imagine- though I would not be brave enough to try that) and without the fur it is easier to see where the alterations would need to be made before cutting it out of expensive mohair.
I would love to see the results
Good luck
Mark:6045:

[All Bear]

I remember a lovely 'on all fours' grizzly bear pattern by Gregory Gyllenship in an issue of Teddy Bear Club International ... it was a few years back though! Maybe you could contact them to purchase a back issue?