Back to normal life with a bump! I have just been to the amazing Convention put on by the Quinlan Doll and Teddy Bear Museum in Philadelphia. What an experience. For all that was happening and going on for the days I was there, was very smooth and well run. I got to meet artists from all over the world who either make bears or art dolls, and of course the collectors. An amazing mix of very interesting people. And days jam packed with things to learn!
I did not know what to expect as this was my first time to anything like this. I was blown away by the very high quality of the work, the amazing artists and the huge range of styles and art! I got to meet many of my favorite artists who I had only read about and it was marvelous to see them in person and chat.
One of my favorite booths was a Katie Rae Bears. She has a smile as gorgeous as her bears and I just love the way that all look so happy. I smile back each time I see one : ) By the time I got there they were all sold out. These are some of the few bears available with fully needle felted faces and I love the colors she uses! I am saving up for next time and WILL be first in line. http://www.katieraebears.co.uk/katieraebears.co.uk/Welcome.html
| Katie Rae Bears |
| Katie Rae bears |
I got to meet and do a class with Michelle Lamb of One and Only Bears, met Tammi Everslage and admired her bear "Icarus", spoke to Joanne Livingston of Desert Mountain Bears, Cindy Malchoff, Donna Nielsen, Mary Beckner Houseman,Sue VanNattan, Amy Yascavage and so many more my brain boggles. All super friendly and generous with their time and advice. I even found artists from Texas I could connect with: Pam Lott, Adriana Esqueda and Julieanne Pitts who has a bear museum in Granbury, TX!!
| Michelle Lamb- One and Only Bears |
As you can see my photography leaves much to be desired : ) Go here to see the marvelousess of Michelle's work : http://www.oneandonlybears.com/
| Michelle Lamb- One and Only Bears |
I was amazed at how friendly all the attendees were. I got to talk to some great artists and they were happy to share experiences, talk techniques and ideas. I was hesitant at first as you never know if someone will be friendly or not and I have in the past experienced artists not being willing to talk about how they do things. I did not find that to be the case here at all. I was still nervous showing my work to anyone, but the critiques I got are invaluable to me as I now have a small inkling where I want to head with my bears. I am loving the felting of the faces and I got to ask about types of wool that work, finishing techniques and coloring as well as to touch bears to feel softness of fur, weight, stuffing levels. All the things that combine to make an artist bear that we do not always think to ask. One big thing: experiment. Do not be scared to fail as failure is not trying and experimenting. Also think out of the box for materials to use- like dress elastic to help make an eyelid! Who knew, right?
| Icarus from Tami Evesalge |
Tami's blog is wonderful: http://www.tamieveslage.com/
I also got to attend groups where artists spoke about topics that are current and valid for us as bear and doll artists such as internet selling and promotion. I really enjoyed my session listening to Tyler Crain-Davis on finishing techniques for bears and sure hope he will do a workshop on it next year.
I bought the most gorgeous fabric from Donna Mettling. She has everything or knows where to find it!
Deborah Pope spoke to me about her dolls and needle felting. She gave me some great tips on wools to use and where to find them and how to work with them. Such a gracious lady with just an amazing husband who was there to support her. http://deborahcpope.typepad.com/
The convention went by very fast with something happening from 6:30 am to 9 pm at night. Non stop doll and bear awesomeness. I am sure looking forward to going next year and hope to have some bears up for sale!!
Thanks to all the wonderful and encouraging artists and collectors I met this year. See you next year!!
