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View Full Version : Scented Bear Experts
logan&lanesmama
10-14-2005, 07:54 AM
Hi! I just had a couple of questions about the scented bears. What size bear do you use normally? And how many votives does it take per bear? Based on the size you normally use. I am having trouble downloading the instructions, I found some from Bitter Creek and it says you need a pound of wax. And how much do you sell them for? Sorry for all the questions, but I really want to try this. Thanks! Lesly smileys/smiley1.gif
iluvsoycandles
10-14-2005, 08:22 AM
Here ya go!! Good Luck Lesly!! There is also a link for "Lil Dunkers" Check it out, they are soooo cute!!!! http://www.waxteddybears.com/littledunkers.htm
<B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><?:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />[/I][/B]<B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">BEARS:
· Hot plate or your kitchen stove
· Small saucepan
· 2 old cookie sheets & wire racks
· Pastry brush
· Hair pick
· <B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Mia Bella votives (1-2 for small bears; for larger bears I use 3 if Kohair, 4 if long-haired Scraggles)[/B]
<B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">[/B]
<B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Method:[/B]
<UL style="MARGIN-TOP: 0in" =disc>
<LI =Msonormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Remove wicks and melt votives on low heat[/B]</LI>
<LI =Msonormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Set bear on wire rack on cookie sheet and begin at the head, painting on wax with pastry brush. Leave the face unwaxed.[/B]</LI>
<LI =Msonormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">As you work, use pick to fluff the “hair” before wax sets[/B]</LI>
<LI =Msonormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Leave “hands” & “feet” unwaxed, also.[/B]</LI>
<LI =Msonormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">When bear is all waxed, set on other rack to set[/B]</LI>
<LI =Msonormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Bears can be packaged in zip-lock bags (quart size for small bears, gallon for larger bears) or you can “gift wrap” them in cellophane[/B]</LI>[/list]
<B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">[/B]
<B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Bears can be displayed in a number of ways which will draw attention at shows and home parties. You can theme your bears, add glasses, hats, etc. to fit your theme. See pictures of bear table from Mid states for ideas.[/B]
<B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">[/B]
<B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">The following websites are good resources for bears, but don’t forget your local Dollar Store, etc. You can wax almost any kind of plush animal![/B]
<B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">[/B]
http://store.yahoo.com/cuddletoyfactory/bearsforwaxing1.html will take you directly to the right page. This is my site for the little bears (6” sitting. They have very short “hair” and don’t require picking.
http://giftbasket101.com/dippingbears2.htm is my site for wholesale Scraggles (7.5” sitting). You must have a tax ID and a minimum order is required. Mixed colors only.
http://cozyhomecraftsupplies.com/plush.html is a retail site for Scraggles (7.5” sitting). No minimum order, mixed or one color.
Have fun!
Here is another version:
Items Needed:
5 ½ inch Scraggly Bear (www.firstandmain.com (http://www.firstandmain.com/) , a vendors license/number is required)
3 - 4 votives of the desired scent
1 unscented votive (optional)
Brush (pastry brush works well with good control)
Heat source (I use the stove, but a portable burner is another idea)
Sauce pan (my pan has pouring spouts on either side)
Cooling rack or waxed paper
Fork or hair pick, which ever is convenient
Doll accessories or ribbon
Cellophane bag
Ribbon or cord for the bag
Instruction card (Scented Bear Card)
Scent label
Contact information
Directions:
Melt the four votives in the sauce pan on your heat source. I use 3 scented on 1 unscented for coverage. Our scents are strong enough for complete coverage.
Start on bear’s butt and legs and paint the melted wax on the fur to get complete coverage. If it is a little thin on the very bottom, that’s ok, the bear will be sitting down and this will not be seen. (If you are short on wax, this is the place to leave unpainted). Using a fork or pick, pull the waxed fur away from the bear, creating a flat surface on the bottom of the bear. Set on the waxed paper to set the wax in position. (It will cool very quickly).
Paint the upper part of the leg and hip joint, and pelvic region. I coat the joint well to keep it stiff, so the bear can’t move much. Fluff with fork or pick so that the fur appears to be fluffy. It is your choice on whether or not to coat the bottom of the foot with wax. I use a lot of wax, so it usually bleeds into the foot from the stuffing. Let cool for about 30 seconds.
Continue to paint the body and neck, and repeat the fluffing effect. Let cool again. I do the cooling process in between body parts, so I don’t burn my fingers.
The arms are next. I start with the paws and work my way up to the shoulder, overlapping the warm wax over the cooled wax (shoulder) and blend with the fork. I let this cool again. I try to hold the arms up with the fork, so the wax sets with the arms in the up position. If it doesn’t stay, that’s ok; the arms can be moved later.
When painting the head (next), I start with the muzzle. You have two options: paint the muzzle or not. My muzzle was painted because I was using a huge brush (2 ½ inches). I don’t like the nose coated, it looks funny. If you leave the muzzle and a semi-circle around the eyes uncoated with wax, it looks great! Use the brush to create the edge line of where you want the wax to stop.
Fluff with fork or pick. If you choose to leave the inside of the ears unpainted, still fluff the fur with the fork or pick.
Coat the head and neck well, as this is the part that most people smell. It will also give off the most amount of scent, next to the body.
[/I][/B]
<B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><?:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />[/I][/B]<B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">BEARS:
· Hot plate or your kitchen stove
· Small saucepan
· 2 old cookie sheets & wire racks
· Pastry brush
· Hair pick
· <B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Mia Bella votives (1-2 for small bears; for larger bears I use 3 if Kohair, 4 if long-haired Scraggles)[/B]
<B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">[/B]
<B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Method:[/B]
<UL style="MARGIN-TOP: 0in" =disc>
<LI =Msonormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Remove wicks and melt votives on low heat[/B]</LI>
<LI =Msonormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Set bear on wire rack on cookie sheet and begin at the head, painting on wax with pastry brush. Leave the face unwaxed.[/B]</LI>
<LI =Msonormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">As you work, use pick to fluff the “hair” before wax sets[/B]</LI>
<LI =Msonormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Leave “hands” & “feet” unwaxed, also.[/B]</LI>
<LI =Msonormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">When bear is all waxed, set on other rack to set[/B]</LI>
<LI =Msonormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Bears can be packaged in zip-lock bags (quart size for small bears, gallon for larger bears) or you can “gift wrap” them in cellophane[/B]</LI>[/list]
<B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">[/B]
<B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Bears can be displayed in a number of ways which will draw attention at shows and home parties. You can theme your bears, add glasses, hats, etc. to fit your theme. See pictures of bear table from Mid states for ideas.[/B]
<B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">[/B]
<B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">The following websites are good resources for bears, but don’t forget your local Dollar Store, etc. You can wax almost any kind of plush animal![/B]
<B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">[/B]
http://store.yahoo.com/cuddletoyfactory/bearsforwaxing1.html will take you directly to the right page. This is my site for the little bears (6” sitting. They have very short “hair” and don’t require picking.
http://giftbasket101.com/dippingbears2.htm is my site for wholesale Scraggles (7.5” sitting). You must have a tax ID and a minimum order is required. Mixed colors only.
http://cozyhomecraftsupplies.com/plush.html is a retail site for Scraggles (7.5” sitting). No minimum order, mixed or one color.
Have fun!
Here is another version:
Items Needed:
5 ½ inch Scraggly Bear (www.firstandmain.com (http://www.firstandmain.com/) , a vendors license/number is required)
3 - 4 votives of the desired scent
1 unscented votive (optional)
Brush (pastry brush works well with good control)
Heat source (I use the stove, but a portable burner is another idea)
Sauce pan (my pan has pouring spouts on either side)
Cooling rack or waxed paper
Fork or hair pick, which ever is convenient
Doll accessories or ribbon
Cellophane bag
Ribbon or cord for the bag
Instruction card (Scented Bear Card)
Scent label
Contact information
Directions:
Melt the four votives in the sauce pan on your heat source. I use 3 scented on 1 unscented for coverage. Our scents are strong enough for complete coverage.
Start on bear’s butt and legs and paint the melted wax on the fur to get complete coverage. If it is a little thin on the very bottom, that’s ok, the bear will be sitting down and this will not be seen. (If you are short on wax, this is the place to leave unpainted). Using a fork or pick, pull the waxed fur away from the bear, creating a flat surface on the bottom of the bear. Set on the waxed paper to set the wax in position. (It will cool very quickly).
Paint the upper part of the leg and hip joint, and pelvic region. I coat the joint well to keep it stiff, so the bear can’t move much. Fluff with fork or pick so that the fur appears to be fluffy. It is your choice on whether or not to coat the bottom of the foot with wax. I use a lot of wax, so it usually bleeds into the foot from the stuffing. Let cool for about 30 seconds.
Continue to paint the body and neck, and repeat the fluffing effect. Let cool again. I do the cooling process in between body parts, so I don’t burn my fingers.
The arms are next. I start with the paws and work my way up to the shoulder, overlapping the warm wax over the cooled wax (shoulder) and blend with the fork. I let this cool again. I try to hold the arms up with the fork, so the wax sets with the arms in the up position. If it doesn’t stay, that’s ok; the arms can be moved later.
When painting the head (next), I start with the muzzle. You have two options: paint the muzzle or not. My muzzle was painted because I was using a huge brush (2 ½ inches). I don’t like the nose coated, it looks funny. If you leave the muzzle and a semi-circle around the eyes uncoated with wax, it looks great! Use the brush to create the edge line of where you want the wax to stop.
Fluff with fork or pick. If you choose to leave the inside of the ears unpainted, still fluff the fur with the fork or pick.
Coat the head and neck well, as this is the part that most people smell. It will also give off the most amount of scent, next to the body.
[/I][/B]
Soy Candle Gal
10-14-2005, 09:00 AM
Thanks Jen I was wondering too! Does anyone do this? What do you sell them for? Are they a big hit - I have never seen them but have heard about them. (sounds like a dust magnet to me, I wouldn't buy one personally, but if it is hot with craft shows I definately will do them smileys/smiley2.gif)
iluvsoycandles
10-14-2005, 09:06 AM
Hi, yes they are big sellers. I would sell the small bears for at least $10 and the big scraggles or long haired ones for $20. That is the prices i have seen. I havent sold any so i dont really know, but hopefully someone will respond that actually sells them.
I think they are a cute novelty gift and you can customize them for different occassions (like for a baby shower, do one with baby powder votive and tie a litte rattle to it or a pink or blue ribbon, etc)
Glad to help!! Good luck! smileys/smiley2.gif
I think they are a cute novelty gift and you can customize them for different occassions (like for a baby shower, do one with baby powder votive and tie a litte rattle to it or a pink or blue ribbon, etc)
Glad to help!! Good luck! smileys/smiley2.gif
AzMiaBella
10-14-2005, 09:48 AM
Ms Lesly........
You are so crafty!!!!!!!! smileys/smiley36.gif(remember our phone convo the other day?)
Scented bears are awesome to have!!!!! They are too cute. Let me know how it goes......looks like you got some great info of how to do it!!!!!!!!
You are so crafty!!!!!!!! smileys/smiley36.gif(remember our phone convo the other day?)
Scented bears are awesome to have!!!!! They are too cute. Let me know how it goes......looks like you got some great info of how to do it!!!!!!!!
logan&lanesmama
10-14-2005, 11:18 AM
Jennifer, Wow! Thanks so much. I just went to Wallie-Mart and picked up a couple of little .97 bears for a trial run. You really helped me out! Thankyou!!! I think I will make some Christmasy bears! With some spicey scent. This sounds like fun! Lesly smileys/smiley1.gif
iluvsoycandles
10-14-2005, 11:43 AM
Aww, I am so glad to help, certainly no expert here, but thought i would offer!! smileys/smiley2.gifLet us know how they turn out!!
logan&lanesmama
10-14-2005, 06:38 PM
I had so much fun making the scented bears! The first two didn't turn out that well. Then I made three more. By the fifth one, I really think I have the process down! I have been so wrapped up in the 'business' part of this, you know, need to do this, need to get that. I had forgotten to have fun with it. This brought me back around.smileys/smiley32.gif Thanks again to Jennifer for all of your help. I put quite a bit of wax on my bears. They kins of have some chunks on some parts, I used the fuzzy ones. Is that OK? I think they look allright. I just didn't know if that was how they should look. LOL Lesly
Soy Candle Gal
10-14-2005, 07:07 PM
Good job, Lesly how many votives did you need for each bear?
logan&lanesmama
10-14-2005, 08:32 PM
Hi Debra, I used about three per bear. These bears were a bit bigger than 6". It was fun! Lesly
iluvsoycandles
10-15-2005, 05:11 AM
Glad you are havin fun!!! That is what this business is all about!! smileys/smiley2.gif
Make sure you are fluffing the fur with the fork before it hardens, that will help get the "clumps" out!!
"BEARY" GOOD JOB LESLY!! NOW, WHO IS THE BEAR EXPERT?
HAHAHAHAH smileys/smiley36.gif
Make sure you are fluffing the fur with the fork before it hardens, that will help get the "clumps" out!!
"BEARY" GOOD JOB LESLY!! NOW, WHO IS THE BEAR EXPERT?
HAHAHAHAH smileys/smiley36.gif
logan&lanesmama
10-15-2005, 07:34 AM
Jennifer! Jennifer! Jennifer!! smileys/smiley32.gif
iluvsoycandles
10-15-2005, 09:50 AM
I meant you silly!!!!! smileys/smiley36.gif
logan&lanesmama
10-15-2005, 05:25 PM
Oh Please! I had fun today decorating my bears! I made some cute cards following the template you sent me. Then I bought a roll of contact paper and 'laminated' them,then and cut around the edges with a decorative scissor and tied them to the bags. They look cute. I want to make some more! LOL Lesly smileys/smiley4.gif
iluvsoycandles
10-15-2005, 05:53 PM
Don't forget to bag the bears too, that will help keep the scent fresh and strong. I would just put them in a deocrative or plain plastic type bag and tie it withsome nice ribbon.
Sounds like you did have fun. Send some pics when you get some big ones done!! smileys/smiley2.gifEdited by: iluvsoycandles
Sounds like you did have fun. Send some pics when you get some big ones done!! smileys/smiley2.gifEdited by: iluvsoycandles