General FAQ and Bear Care (Updated!)

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Sweet_ness Icon by Use-dA-ResourcesGeneral FAQ & Bear Care


Updated: Jan 29, 2015

Table of Contents:

Updated Questions
About My Dolls/Work
Pattern/Tutorial
♥ [MOVED HERE] Commissions/Premades/Purchases
Bear Care
Personal
Sweet_ness Icon by Use-dA-ResourcesUpdated Questions

NEW Do you trades?
Yes I do.  I do not trade for art, but things I am willing to trade for are:
  • professional product photography
  • new interactive website with e-commerce
  • branding consultation
  • packing designs and execution

NEW Do you take requests?
I do something called a First Option. Basically you can make a suggestion and you get first dibs on it. 

NEW What materials do you use to make your dolls?
The majority of my materials is listed in the description.

UPDATED Do you hand sew or machine sew?
I do a combination of both depending on what the project calls for. Any pieces that need to be attached to the main body are hand sewn on.

Sweet_ness Icon by Use-dA-ResourcesAbout My Dolls/Art


What is a soft sculpture? 
From wiki "a type of sculpture made using cloth, foam rubber, plastic, paper, fibers and similar material that are supple and nonrigid. They can also be made out of natural materials if combined to make a nonrigid object."

What is mohair?
Mohair is an animal fiber from angora goats and a traditional teddy bear making fabric. It is sheared once a year from the goats, cleaned, and woven onto backings to make a wonderful fabric. It can range in textures depending on treatment. 

All the mohair I use is hand dyed by me right at my own home. 

Can your dolls really move?
Yes they can. They are jointed using cotter pin joints. All my dolls are jointed at the neck and limbs to be able to articulate and express themselves in different ways. 

How long have you been making soft sculptures?
On and off since July 20, 2011. I got really sick for the better part of 2012 and had to concentrate on graduating instead of making these. I have only been needle felting since March-April 2012.

How long does it take to make a soft sculpture
Anywhere from 19 to 50 hours. I have done really quick pieces that require no felting and then complex piece like the ponies that have taken me close to 50 hours to finish.

How did you learn to make patterns and do this craft?
Everything I learned I learned on my own or online. I learned the shapes and such behind patterns by purchasing a few to begin with. Once I understood how things translated from 2D to 3D, I started making my own.

Where do you buy your materials? 
I buy everything in bulk (units of 50-200), so this is not usually an option for everyone. I sell doll kits here 

As for my minky, I buy it from fabric.com

Do you have any tips for me?
I would say play with shapes and always test your patterns before you attempt on mohair. Mohair is expensive, and you don't want to waste it. During my Livestreams I can answer more specific questions.

I also post tips on my twitter twitter.com/PaeoniaDrop

Your work is too expensive for me, can I get a discount?
I am sorry, but the answer is no. I use top quality animal fibers and materials, and my time is very valuable to me. However, I can point you to my patterns and kits where you can make your own mohair doll for a fraction of my commission price. 
paeoniadrop.storenvy.com/colle…


Will you join my contest/charity/secret santa?
Sorry but no. I do not have time for contests or secret santas, and the lack of security or a guarantee behind them scares me. I don't do charity events for the same reason because I do not know if the funds will really go to the correct place. I prefer to donate directly to American Heart Association, American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, etc.

Sweet_ness Icon by Use-dA-ResourcesPatterns/Tutorials

Can you make me a tutorial?
The tutorial I do have available is for basic hand sewing Sewing 101 by ShadowedPorcelain  Sewing 102: Decorative Stitches by ShadowedPorcelain

Will you make a ___________ pattern for sale?/Can I have a copy of _________ pattern?

All the patterns I have intended to sell are here
paeoniadrop.storenvy.com/colle… If it's not listed, I don't have any intention of making it for sale. A lot of the things I do aren't intuitive, and I no longer have the desire to write out each and every step of my doll making. 

I really encourage you to make your own patterns and practice. The experience is really what helps understanding shapes better. 

Will you take pattern commissions?
No, I do not. Patterns take just as long as dolls to make. It involves much prototyping and usually the final way I test a pattern is to make a doll. 

If you wanted to make a specific doll of mine, the patterns I make publicly available do have instructions that correspond to them. You can purchase them here paeoniadrop.storenvy.com

 Can you teach me how to make patterns?
It's mostly about playing with shapes and experimenting with proportions to get what you want. I just draw and pin until it works.(Which can take 3-4 prototypes) You can look at available patterns to see how to get a shape to get started. The way I think about it is to see a 3D shape and envision where the seams are, then unravel it into a 2D piece. There are different ways to get the same shape. Basic doll making books will demonstrate how to get a particular shape. I think this comes with experience in the end more than technique.

Sweet_ness Icon by Use-dA-ResourcesCommissions/Premades/Purchases


NEW What is a "First Option"? 
It is a no strings/obligation attached system where you can make a suggestion on what you would like. I may or may not make it, but if I do, you get first dibs on it. Requires NO down payments and you have the right to refuse it if you don't like the final product. It is not the same as a commission because I will interpret the suggestion as I like. Because it is NO obligation and NO MONEY DOWN, I also am not required to do anything that I feel is too specific and I cannot sell to another. And there is no guarantee I will make your request. If you have your heart set on something, I'd recommend a commission. 

First option is great for anyone who doesn't know exactly what they want and wants to see it before committing.

For example: Person X can ask to be put down for a Purple Elephant. If I make a Purple Elephant, Person X gets first dibs. If they don't want it, I post it for regular sale.

What I will not do is something super specific: Person Y requests a doll of their OC for First Option. I will most likely not make it because if Person Y rejects the doll, I cannot post it for regular sale.

How it works:
-A First Option is placed
-I chose your First Option & start the doll
-I send WIPs and give advanced notice to you as I am working on the doll
-I complete the doll & post photos & contact you with the price
-You have 48 hours to commit
-If you pass on the piece, I place it in my shop and it will not be reserved again without a deposit


How do I know you're not evil?
This is probably the first question that pops into your head when making a large purchase. Listed here are my feedbacks from dA and etsy. Here is also my ebay feedback, but it is mostly for personal sales of books and pokemon cards. 

dA feedback fav.me/d5kdnjx
etsy feedback www.etsy.com/people/PaeonianDr…
ebay feedback feedback.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI…

How does shipping work?
I use USPS and I ship First Class Mail with Insurance for Domestic and Priority Mail with Insurance for International for all my dolls. I will not ship any doll uninsured. It provides the most protection for your purchase if damaged or lost. 

For items under 40 USD, I am willing to ship the package uninsured to save the buyer shipping costs. 

I am willing to ship for whatever option you would like to pay extra for: priority, express, FedEx. (Note that FedEx international starts at 105 USD)

I am not responsible for customs or duty fees should they apply.

How long is my quote from you valid?
Your quote is valid for 2 weeks. This is because materials change prices or becoming unavailable over periods of time. During that time, slots also may fill up

Your work is too expensive for me, can I get a discount?
I am sorry, but the answer is no. I use top quality animal fibers and materials, as well as I work for less than minimum wage. My time is very valuable to me. However, I can point you to my patterns and kits where you can make your own mohair doll for a fraction of my commission price. fav.me/d50p8hu

What is your payment plan option?
My payment plan option is an option where I am willing to take your payment in several installments versus one lump sum payment. This is better for more expensive items, and helps budget your spending. Please look at this journal for more information fav.me/d5yrvk7

I do not offer payment plans on everything, so please ask.

Can I make changes to my commissions?

(For Mohair Dolls)
Yes and no. Yes if I have not started your commission at all and no, once I cut the fabric, the only change you can make is to the shape of the muzzle (on mohair dolls). Once I start needle felting the muzzle, that too is set in stone.  Prior to cutting the mohair, we will discuss the shape of head and body and decide on the head and body. Due to the cost of mohair, I will not recut another piece simply because of a change of heart. You will have to repay for the materials and the cost of my time if you would like to change the pattern. I dye, sew, and assembly all my work by hand without the help of anyone or any machines, so it is not viable for me to make changes for free.

How often can I contact you about my commission or purchase?
I will keep you updated at least once a week. I will inform you and contact after each of these stages: sewing, assembling, and felting. I have never taken more than 1 month after I've started to deliver a single plush commission. If I feel heckled or stressed because of constant contact, I reserve the right to cancel your order without any refunds. Please wait patiently.

Can a young child or a pet play with my doll/plush?
The answer is NO. Most items are for adult collectors and not suitable for children due to choking hazards. Many of my creatures have glass eyes and cotter pin joints instead of safety eyes and joints. My dolls are made for collecting, so if rough housed parts might come off, and a child could choke. For older children, it is fine as long as you supervise them.

This goes the same for pets. Some of the worst stories about mohair dolls comes from someone leaving the doll on the floor, and a pet gets a hold of it. Not only might the doll be damaged, but if your pet rips off a piece, it might choke. Please understand that these dolls are for collecting. I cannot emphasize this enough. (Also I cannot be responsible if the doll is damaged in rough housing, the doll is not made for that)

Can I resell your work?
I have no problem with you reselling my work as long as you credit me as the designer and creator of the piece. HOWEVER if you are reselling my work so another can reproduce it, then I have a problem and will not hesitate to pursue it legally.


Sweet_ness Icon by Use-dA-ResourcesThe Commission Process


General commission process
Estimated time to complete for an art doll 4-6 weeks from start


♥Check my commission journal for empty slots fav.me/d53epls
♥Place an order which I will reply to with a quote
♥Send payment (you will not have a slot until then)
♥I will order materials 
♥I start your commission (done when paid in full)
♥Will cut and dye your mohair, then start sewing
♥Assemble your doll 
♥Needle felt a face (On mohair dolls)
♥Finish, pack, and ship
♥Give you a tracking number
♥Please let me know when you receive your commission

Sweet_ness Icon by Use-dA-ResourcesBear or Bear Friend Care


How should I display my bear?
Ideally in a glass case and out of direct sunlight. The glass will protect it from dust which attracts moths and other critters. You can place potpourri next to your bear to help with this problem. Direct sunlight will fade your bear or bear friend's color. I would keep it away from any sources of temperature like radiators, heaters, or air conditioners which will affect the mohair. Remember that mohair is an animal fiber. It's like your hair, you wouldn't subject it to those conditions.

How do I store or move my bear?
I would store them in white acid free tissue paper. Color sometimes bleeds and will rub off colored paper.  Be aware of insects and such, but I do not store my bears next to potpourri or herbs because I am not sure of everyone's possible allergies. Store your bear in a cool dry place.  

How do clean my bear?
Never ever ever use bleach. Bleach will ruin your bear. Use a damp white cloth and just wipe the bear gently along the pile of the fur. I leave mine out to dry in the sun, but you can also blow dry them. Do not towel dry if you do not want to change the appearance of the mohair. You can then brush your bear. (I use a 99cent toothbrush) Never machine wash or dry clean, and NEVER leave your bear wet. The joints will rust and your bear might mold.

My bear needs a deep cleaning. What should I do?
If your bear cannot be cleaned with a surface cleaning, a deep cleaning would require disassembling the bear and un-jointing it. I would not recommend doing this yourself if you do not know how to put it back together. Please feel free to consult me if this is the case.

Can a pet or child play with my bear?
Never let your pet touch your bear if you do not want it to become a chew toy. I always emphasize that my work is for collectors only and has many choking hazards due to small parts. An older child can play with your bear while supervised

My bear got damaged! What should I do?
I can usually repair minor damages to a bear. I would recommend you taking several photos from different angles to so I can assess the damage. For any doll, I will do minor repairs for free up to one year of purchase. (Shipping costs will have to be covered by you).

Beyond my 1 yr warranty, I work on an hourly basis, and will give you a quote on how much it would cost to repair your bear. Sometimes if there are rips and tears in the mohair, it might need some replacing. If the face or head is damaged, the head might need to be replaced because of the ways the eyes are set in.

Sweet_ness Icon by Use-dA-ResourcesPersonal FAQ


How old are you/where do you live?
I usually prefer to keep personal information to myself

Did you ever go to arts school? What did you study?
No I never went to arts school. My mother believed art should remain a hobby not a career for me. I have a bachelors degree in Chemical Engineering with an emphasis on Biomedical and Rehabilitation Engineering. I am currently finishing up graduate school in Biomedical Engineering and getting licensed as a Chemical Engineer.

Will you commission me?
I admire art. I don't collect it.

Can I have your messenger/MSN/skype?
Sorry, please don't ask. If I choose to give it out, I will initiate the conversation by actually giving you my messenger address

Will you be my friend?
Please feel free to drop me a comment or to say hi. I am most active on twitter (twitter.com/PaeoniaDrop)

Why won't you respond to my comment?
I read and appreciate all comments but sometimes I just have nothing to say that would add to the conversation.


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