TBAGNS Standards 1. Intent:
       Through the use of quality materials and original designs based on the traditional teddy bear, the teddy bear artist will create teddy bears that:
  - are collector quality artist bears
  - have the potential to become heirloom bears
  - have unique personalities that evoke a response to the bear in order to kindle a special     connection between the teddy bear and its owner.
       A teddy bear not intended for children will be labelled with a caution.  A child safe teddy bear will have child safe eyes, ears sewn in seams and be easily cleaned.

2. Design:
       The teddy bear and its design will satisfy artistic qualities of a soft sculpture.  The artist's teddy bears must be originally designed.  Each bear will consequently reflect the artist's individual style.
       The design of the teddy bear should exhibit:
  - appropriate proportions within the forms
  - appropriate choice of material for intended use
  - suitable choice of process for fabricating the bear showing a high level of skill
  - the artist's understanding of the qualities of all the materials used.
       All materials and accessories used should be of high quality.  Commonly used fabrics are mohair, alpaca, wool pile, cotton string, and synthetic material on woven cotton backing.  Other materials may be used as required to satisfy the design and intent. Stuffing materials must be new.  Stuffing material includes polyester fibre, kapok, excelsior, plastic pellets, glass pellets and steel shot (no lead shot).
       The Teddy bear must be balanced.  In a standing position, an imaginary centre line should pass from the top centre of the head following the chin seam line, through the centre front seam and fall equidistant between the legs.  In a sitting position, the bear's bottom should be well seated with no visible air under the bear.
       All the teddy bears features should be symmetrical:
  - eyes
  - ears
  - nose
  - mouth
  - gusset
  - arms
  - legs

3. Production Quality and Technique:
       The teddy bear will reflect the artist's excellent skill and quality of production in producing a visibly expertly crafted bear that satisfies the design criteria.
Joints
       The tightness of the joints reflects the character of the teddy bear as intended by the artist.  A soft, floppy teddy bear will have loose joints while a teddy bear that is standing or a teddy bear who is sitting up at attention will have tight joints.  The joints in the arms and in the legs are of equal tightness.  The joints will be secured.
Stuffing
       Stuffing will determine a soft cuddly bear or a firm bear.  This is at the discretion of the artist.  A properly stuffed teddy bear has a uniform shape and feel.  It will not be lumpy or have obvious depressions, omissions or bumps.  Although an artist might combine levels of firmness within a limb, the arms and the legs will feel the same.  The head should be firm enough to support and maintain the facial features.  It is important to have a firmly stuffed nose to embroider a good nose.  The legs and arms do not turn in the same direction.
Seams and Stitching
  - There should be no visible stitches.
  - Seams will be secured
  - Closing seam are smooth to finger touch.
  - Knots will all be buried.
  - Ears are stitched securely and no gaps between the ear and the head.
  - Nose stitches are even in tension and not twisted over each other.
  - The eyes will be well secured.
  - All fur in the seam allowance will be pulled back into the seam allowance.  All fur     tucked into the seam allowance wil be pulled to the outside.  If the seam allowance fur     is not pulled back the bear will have a line of fur at the seam that is shorter than the     rest (this is referred to as "roostertails").  If the fur tucked into the seam allowance is     not drawn out then the bear has a visible line of tucked under fur at the seam     allowance.
  - Paw pads will have a smooth curved edge.
  - Labels will be securely attached.
       Teddy bears intended for young children will have child safe eyes.  They will be free from any finishing details that are potentially harmful.
Accessories and Clothing
       The teddy bear's apparel will reflect the same quality and attention to detail, fitting, appropriateness and construction as in the creation of the teddy bear itself.  Accessories are used to enhance the character of the teddy bear, not cover it up.  They should not overpower the bear or be substitutes for defining the quality or character of the bear.  A dressed teddy bear will stand on its own merits equally with or without the accessories.  For the purpose of the guidelines a bear should be critiqued both dressed and undressed.

4. Source:
       Based on the traditional teddy bear, the artist will create original teddy bears designed and handcrafted by that artist.

5. Material Used:
       The Teddy bear will be made of high quality materials that are appropriate to the structural integrity and visual appearance of the bear.  Materials used to make teddy bears for children must be child safe, durable and easily cleaned.

6. Fabricated Content:
       Commercially fabricated elements in the teddy bears, including packaging will be subordinate to the overall design of the object.  Fabricated accessories will be used only to enhance the character of the teddy bear, not cover it up.  They should not overpower the bear or be substitutes for defining the quality or character of the bear.

7. Labelling:
       The Teddy bear will be labeled with the artist's name, address, instruction for care, and information on content that the artist wishes to relay to the buyer.  It will include any other information as required by law (stuffing permit in Ontario, Quebec, and Manitoba).