*Tips For Using Plastic Noses*

Even though I have spent a lot of time practicing making noses, I still prefer the shiny look of acrylic or resin noses.

I hear from many people saying that noses are the hardest part of making a bear (mini or big!)

I have also searched endlessly for tiny noses suitable for minis. There aren't many out there, so I had some made.

Most of the noses came with washers. Some were small enough to use, some weren't. Some don't have washers at all. So, I had some very tiny washers made.

Here are some tips I have found while playing with them. Considering the hard work it takes to stitch noses, these are a breeze to use. I hope it helps you and maybe gives you some courage to try them.

Noses are really easy to put in before stuffing the head. You also have the added bonus of them not pulling in too much. Sewing in a nose too tightly will pull the entire muzzle in and distort the bear's face.

Skip a couple stitches when sewing up the muzzle, where the 3 seams meet at the tip of the snout. Leaving a small space in the seam will make it very easy to put them in without breaking any of your stitches.

When finished sewing up the head, (do not turn it yet), poke the nose through the hole from inside the head. It is much easier to put that lock washer on from OUTSIDE! Turn the head and spin the nose around so it's straight and then tighten the washer down as tight as possible.

You can put them in after you have turned the head, but you may have to fish around with the washer in there with some hemostats or tweezers. This method is better if you are using longer pile that will need to be trimmed away first.

I have also found that some of the washers are tight and can be a little hard to get on since they are so small. I pulled the end cap out of a ball point pen and use the plastic tube to push them on.

Many noses also have a hole in the stem for sewing in. This works great too. If they don't have a hole, here's how you make one:

Heat a straight pin to red-hot. Gently poke the pin through the stem of the nose, sideways. This makes a nice small hole so you can sew them in. Trim off any rough or sharp edges with a razor blade so they won't chew on your thread.

You can also paint noses with clear varnish or nail polish to give an even shinier, wet look. You can cover them with a scrap of fabric, Ultrasuede or real leather and change the look altogether.

Use your imagination for endless possibilities!

Stephanie:)