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	<title>Comments for Once Upon a Needle</title>
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	<description>Three Friends and the Interests That Draw Us Together - Artist Teddy Bears and Santas, Creativity, Antiques, Gardening</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2009 22:36:09 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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		<title>Comment on Do you &#8220;Just Make Wonderful&#8221;? by joel</title>
		<link>http://pleasantridgecollection.com/wordpress/?p=6#comment-2</link>
		<dc:creator>joel</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2009 22:36:09 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description>I think it would be terribly difficult to start a full-time teddy bear business right now.  Those who are working at it full-time have my admiration and my best wishes.  

Even when I was making bears full-time, it was never a particularly profitable venture.  There are so many costs that go unnoticed by most folks.  The cost of travel and the cost of registration for shows, alone was enough to make a person take a pause or two.  There came a time when it made more sense to work full-time in a job with benefits and a 401K, than continue the bears full-time.  I have never stopped making bears.  I continue to make things for certain customers who email on occasion asking for something special.  

I have found the need for that creative outlet increasing.  I am working on new designs, new ideas...having fun.  I am lucky to have a partner and friends who encourage me, as I try to encourage them.

But back to the question....full-time?  I am not sure this is the right time.  I am happy with it being my part-time job.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I think it would be terribly difficult to start a full-time teddy bear business right now.  Those who are working at it full-time have my admiration and my best wishes.  </p>
<p>Even when I was making bears full-time, it was never a particularly profitable venture.  There are so many costs that go unnoticed by most folks.  The cost of travel and the cost of registration for shows, alone was enough to make a person take a pause or two.  There came a time when it made more sense to work full-time in a job with benefits and a 401K, than continue the bears full-time.  I have never stopped making bears.  I continue to make things for certain customers who email on occasion asking for something special.  </p>
<p>I have found the need for that creative outlet increasing.  I am working on new designs, new ideas&#8230;having fun.  I am lucky to have a partner and friends who encourage me, as I try to encourage them.</p>
<p>But back to the question&#8230;.full-time?  I am not sure this is the right time.  I am happy with it being my part-time job.</p>
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