'Ask
Ty'
Year '2003'
On June 26, 2001, the Ty Website sported a
whole new look. Along with the new appearance, Ty offered 'Ty
Store' (where you had a chance to buy a new Beanie Baby Bear -
'Tradee', as well as Speckles; the BBOT (Beanie Board of Trade)
was introduced, and 'Ask Ty'!
With 'Ask Ty', five chosen questions
are posted ... vote for your preferred question that you would
like Ty to answer. Ty will later pick a question and post the
answer.
Click here for 'Ask Ty' Questions - 2001
Click here for 'Ask Ty' Questions - 2002
Click
here for 'Ask Ty' Questions - 2004
Below is a list of all the 'Ask Ty'
questions and answers for year 2003 ...
January 3
Q: Dear Ty,
How long does the process take from the time you decide to create
a product until it gets produced? What is that process?
(submitted by elaw25)
A: There
have been times when the process took a matter of weeks. The more
sophisticated the product . . . special fabrics or hand painted
eyes . . . the longer the production time.
January
9
Q: Was the fabric used on the Punkies the most difficult
to manufacture & if not, which fabric was? (submitted by
arlene2)
A: The
fabric I created for Punkies, TyTips, was challenging. I wanted a
fiber that would spring back into shape but was soft to the
touch. Many of our fabrics have special characteristics . . .
Tylon is cool to the touch and can be produced in millions of
colors and TySilk has a wonderful sheen and softness.
January
15
Q: How can I purchase the new Beanie Baby called
Punxsutawney Phil? (submitted by ninna15781)
A: This
little guy has become quite a celebrity. As many of you know,
there are 2 different versions of Phil. There was a limited
number of Punxsutawney Phil sold by the Punxy Chamber of Commerce
. . . I think this version may be sold out. The second version,
PUNXSUTAWN-e PHIL is available at the TyStore. Keep an eye on
this little guy . . . . you never know where he might pop up.
January
23
Q: Do different Beanies require different amounts of
beans or is it all the same amount in each style? (submitted by
victorianliving65)
A: Every
Beanie Baby design requires a slight difference in the amount of
beans. Some times it takes me longer to get just the right amount
of beans than it does to design the product. It took 5 tries to
get Seadog just right !
January
30
Q: Since Punx-e Phil has become so popular, are there
any big plans for February 2nd? (submitted by grovershoulders)
A: I think
Punx-e plans on meeting the Governor of Pennsylvania at the
annual Groundhog Banquet and then getting some rest before we
head up to Gobblers Knob for the official ceremonies.
February
7
Q: Would you someday walk us through how a Beanie is
made on the Discovery Channel? (submitted by mom4two)
A: I would
certainly consider it, but there are some things that I must keep
secret. . .like the special ingredient that goes into each Beanie
that makes people smile!
February
13
Q: Why did you pick a heart for the hang tag/logo of the Ty
products? (submitted by song bird)
A: The idea
for the Heart Hang Tag came during the development of my original
line of plush cats. I envisioned someone giving a gift from the
heart. As a matter of fact, some of my original hang tags had the
words "With Love" printed inside.
February
21
Q: Do you think it would be possible to make a Special 10th
Anniversary Beanie? (submitted by joeswife)
A: Your
wish is granted! Last Sunday I introduced Decade, the 10 Year
Anniversary Beanie Baby, at the New York Toy Fair. This very
special Beanie kicks off some very special surprises . . . Stay
tuned!
February
27
Q: In the section "Most Wanted" what determines
which is the most wanted? (submitted by smc25)
A: You
determine the Beanies that are "Most Wanted" by adding
them to your "Wish List". I'm guessing that Decade may
stay at the top of the list for quite some time.
March
6
Q: How do you decide what the next Beanie Baby to be
made is going to be? (submitted by kelseyb)
A: I
design many different Beanie Baby styles throughout the year and
have prototypes made. Many times I will sit with my newly
designed friends and pick the one that will be our next Beanie
Baby.
March 13
Q:
What one thing that happened in your life mainly contributed to
your idea to make Beanie Babies? (submitted by ciicii)
A: I can't think of just ONE thing
that happened. I can tell you that my wish was to create a cute,
fun, and affordable plush toy for children . . . and looking back
over the past 10 years, with your help, I think my wish came
true!
March 20
Q:
Mr TY, what happens to all the prototypes that never make it to
being made into a Beanie? (submitted by yellow bear)
A: I have a special place at Corporate
Headquarters for all the prototypes. Sometimes, a past prototype
may get lucky . . . and with a few tweaks . . . still become a
Beanie Baby!
March
27
Q:
How do we get the Hallmark Crown Ty Bear? (submitted by MyraLynnette)
A: I plan on stopping by my favorite Hallmark
Gold Crown store tomorrow. Maybe I'll see you there !
April 3
Q:
How soon is very soon? When will we see Peace II? (submitted by
beanie teach)
A: The search begins this weekend. I hope
everyone finds Peace soon.
April
11
Q: Ty, is the Peace Bear for the Armed Forces or are you going to do
something different for them? (submitted by joeswife)
A: I created PEACE with eveyone in mind.
HERO was created to help us all show our support for the men and
women of the Armed Forces.
April 17
Q: Is there a book or checklist of Beanie
Babies from day one to present day beanie babies? And if so, how
can I order one or get my hands on one? (submitted by mikes4x4s)
A: There are several different places to go for this
information. Our website has a listing of all the Beanie Babies
past and present. There are also a few good checklists available
on the Internet. Check out
Ms. Janie http://www.msjanie.com/beanie_dates.html and Beanieholics
http://www.randyandtheresa.com/checklist.html. Of all the sources available, I like
the Beanie Babies Buyer Guide found in Beanies and More magazine.
Watch for the May / June issue at a Ty Retailer near you soon!
April 24
Q: Do you plan on selling Peace Symbol or the
new HERO bears in the Ty Store? (submitted by dietpop)
A: I see the 
Bear only
available at Ty retailers. What's my plan for HERO ? Let's keep
that a surprise!
April
30
Q:
Do you design most of the Beanies or do you just give the
"OK" to produce them? (submitted by scarecrowkid)
A: I am
very much involved in the design of all the Beanie Babies. In
fact, I am involved in the design of all my products. You can be
sure of this . . . if it has Ty on the tag, I have approved !
May 8
Q:
Hey Ty! Since you're doing a Beanie for the Cubs, are you
going to do any for other baseball teams? (submitted by
Mrs. White)
A: I think you could be in for a
real treat at the ball park this summer ! And for those
of you wondering if I like bananas . . . they're ok.
May 15
Q:
Have you ever thought about making a Beanie movie? (submitted by beanie
babies beanie buddys)
A: I've had numerous conversations over the years about making a
movie. Here's my question to you . . . . if you made a Beanie
movie, what would the title be ? Post your thoughts on Daily Tymes.
May
22
Q: Ty products
are so personable with poems, birthdays, and stories (Boppers) that we
can enjoy and sometimes identify with . . . How did you come up with the
idea of poems, birthdays, and stories? (submitted by song bird)
A: The poems, birthdays, and Bopper personalities were all designed
with children in mind. Beanie Babies were made to sit in the palm of a
child's hand, soft and cute. Birthdays are important to children and the
poems engage them to read. The Bopper personalities inspire thought and
creative play. And, to all the adults out there . . . . I'm glad you're
like me, kids at heart!
May 30
Q: I
am a member of the Beanie Baby of the Month Club. What is the June, 2003
Beanie going to be? If you can't tell me, can you tell me when the
announcement is going to be made? (submitted by beekneeman)
A: You know I can't just tell you and spoil the surprise, but how
is this for a hint - June's Beanie of the Month can be found in the
Virunga Volcano region in the highlands of eastern Zaire. Here's one
more hint . . . watch for a Newsflash very early next week !
June 5
Q: When you make the Beanies, what do you
think about most? As in the most important feature? (submitted
by froglover93)
A: There's really no set feature that I concentrate on or
that is more important than another. Sometimes I may
design the Beanie to fit a name I like. Other times, a
design comes first and then a poem. With Pappa, the
orange and yellow stubbly fabric was created first with a
Father's Day theme in mind.
June 12
Q:
What is your favourite book? (submitted by Magic Dolphin Alwayz)
A: I have read many good books and enjoy all different styles and
types of writing. Recently I read a wonderful story about a horse with
the heart of a champion . . . . . the name of the book is "Seabiscuit:
An American Legend".
June 19
Q: What
is your inspiration for Special Beanie Babies? (submitted by Meggieono)
A: The tireless work of volunteers, Firefighters, and Police personnel
helping others. The men and women around the world unselfishly risking
their lives for peace. The hundreds of Foundations working around the
clock to bring prevention and cure to millions of people. The love,
generosity, and smile of a child. Many things inspire me . . . you
inspire me !
June
26
Q:
When a Beanie is released, do you get one of each Beanie? (submitted by
Beaniemonnium)
A: I must admit, I am a collector. You may be surprised to learn that I
purchase my Beanies at retail, just like you. I enjoy the hunt and it
helps me see things from a consumer's perspective. By the way . . . .
Does anyone know where I can find Soar the Beanie Buddy?
July 2
Q: Do you
have people to choose the names of the Beanies or do you?
(submitted by emmaph1)
A: One of the
most enjoyable parts of my job is naming Beanies. In
creating names and poems, I get to give each piece its
own personality. Would you let someone else name your
baby ?
July 10
Q:
How do you display YOUR Beanies? (submitted by song bird)
A: Some are in cases, some are on shelves, some are in my office, and a
couple are even in my kitchen. I have breakfast with Bessie and Squealer
almost every morning !
July 17
Q: You've done a few
Beanie Babies for charity over the years, and it seems like you do more
of them all the time. Will you do any more this year (2003)? (submitted
by 4760177)
A:
There is a very good chance that another Beanie Baby for charity will be
introduced before the end of this year. In the meantime, please help
support the crew of the USS Ronald Reagan . . . . look for Ronnie at
your local Ty retailer today!
July 24
Q: What Beanie are you
most proud of? (submitted by Joellybeans2)
A: I have thought long and hard on this question but can't come up with
just one Beanie. When I think back of the original nine, the patriotic
themed, the international exclusives and all the charity pieces . . . .
I'm proud of them all !
July 30
Q: How long does
it take to put one Beanie Baby together at the factory? (submitted by
beachbumb)
A: The process is much longer than you might imagine. There is no
automation used in the production of Beanies - every one is handmade !
August 7
Q: Are there going
to be any new surprises with the MasterCard Program, like the 3rd
Beanie? (submitted by music dude)
A: I have a lot of surprises in store for the Ty MasterCard program.
Keep a close eye out over the next week ... only tyme will tell !
August 14
Q: Ty do you ever count the number of
beans in a Beanie? (submitted by joeswife)
A: This is a fun question and should put to rest your comments about my
ability to give a direct answer. I can honestly say that I have never
counted the number of beans in a Beanie. I have spent time with the
actual weight, design and amount of beans that go into each Beanie but .
. . I have never counted them.
August 21
Q: Is
there any animal that you have not made into a Beanie and would like to?
(submitted by beachbumb)
(submitted by beachbumb)
A: This is a very timely question, as I am right in the
middle of planning all the Beanies for next year. I can tell you that
there are many animals that I have not made into Beanies. Keep a close
watch . . . I may surprise you!
August 28
Q: Have you
given any thought to a cartoon show with your Beanies? I believe
everyone would love it. That would make a perfect Saturday morning show.
(submitted by sugacane)
A: Beanies on Saturday morning TV would be fun!
The big question is . . . . which Beanies star in the show? And for
those of you wondering about the next Beanie of the Month, check out the
newsflash!
September 8
Q: What are you working on
right now? (submitted by karvopwp)
A: I have been very busy finalizing designs for next year. Do you
have any last minute requests?
September 11
Q: When are you
finally going to let us see what is behind the window at the Ty Store? (submitted
by beaniebaby_jess)
A: I believe I can show you now . . . . may I introduce to you Valor the
Eagle !
September 18
Q: Dear Mr. Warner, Which
comes first (usually), the name of the Beanie or the creation and are you
ever stumped what to name the Beanie after its design? (submitted by
Beaniebrother)
A: In most cases, the Beanie is designed before I choose a name. There
was a Beanie that I released recently that I named first and designed
later. Can you guess who ? Here's a clue . . . .
_ _ _s the _ _ _s_ .
September 25
Q: Would
you ever consider writing a book about the history and making of Beanie
Babies? (submitted by bubblegumgloss)
A: Yes, I have considered writing a book about Beanies. There would be
so many fun and interesting chapters . . . and looking at the future,
plenty more to come !
October 2
Q: What do
you do with the Beanie Babies that do not get picked to be the next
Beanie Baby? (submitted by dymples)
A: Beanie Baby designs can go through many revisions. If a Beanie isn't
ready to be introduced to the world this month . . . they stay in the
nursery !
October 9
Q: Would you
ever consider making a museum to display all your products? (submitted
by huetrang)
A: Last year we celebrated the 100 year anniversary of the
teddy bear. I believe there are many historical and wonderful pieces
of plush that could fill a museum. Would I ever consider building this
museum? . . . . Yes!
October 16
Q: Do you
design all the Beanies for the whole year at one time or do you plan
just a few? (submitted by galute)
A: Beanie Baby design and creation is done almost every day of the
year. I find that the more spontaneous my thoughts and ideas are, the
better the designs are. There is rarely a day that goes by that I'm not
sketching something!
October 23
Q:
In short, can you explain the process to create a Beanie? Which one took
you the longest? (submitted by NoDoubtLuver)
A: Beanies begin their life as a pencil sketch, or a watercolor and
sometimes even a doodle. Prototypes are made from the sketches and are
tweaked until I feel they are the best they can be. Of all the Beanies
introduced this month, Chillin' was my biggest challenge.
October 30
Q: On
Halloween do you pass out candy or Beanies at your house? (submitted
by beatlebeanie)
A: For the past several years I've missed the tricker treaters due to
traveling or being at the office. I remember 6 or 7 years ago I gave out
Chocolate . . . the moose. I'll never forget the smiles and all the fun
I had that Halloween !
November 6
Q: When you have a
Beanie variation, is it on purpose all the time? (submitted by gotcha)
A: Some variations are planned, and others take me by surprise.
Probably one of the most famous and unplanned variations is. . . dark
blue Peanut!
November 13
Q: I loved the activities
you sponsored at Brookfield Zoo this summer. Any chance that you would
do something similar in the future? (submitted by 4760177)
A: This question sparked me to go through my 2003 event photo albums. We
had some wonderful promotions throughout this past year. What does the
future hold? . . . I guarantee more fun filled events
November 20
Q: How
do you decide which Beanies to release and retire each month? (submitted
by starsineyes5000)
A: Most of the
new releases are planned quite far in advance, but that is not always
the case. Bear
went from idea to introduction in less than 30 days.
November 26
Q: Since
Thanksgiving is coming up, which one of the Turkey Beanie Babies is your
favorite? (submitted by 8885207)
A: I was thinking maybe Gobbles, but then I set them all on my desk
and I just can't decide . . . I like them all! As
for my favorite dish - it's a toss up between raisin apple nut dressing
and the candied yam casserole. Have
a wonderful Thanksgiving and a great weekend!
December
4
Q: Does each
Beanie Baby have its own personality? If so, which one best describes
yourself? (submitted by Drumstick)
A: All Beanies are lovable, friendly, and like to have fun, but they
also have their own unique personalities. I guess I probably have a
lot in common with all my Beanie Babies. Today . . . I feel like Snowball !
December 11
Q: Any hints
as to what color the last Decade Beanie will be? (submitted by
scooby20)
A: I have enjoyed reading all your guesses on what the final color may
be for Decade. For those of you with little patience here's a hint . .
. the color starts with the letter "B" !
December 18
Q: Do you make a
special display or place setting for your Holiday Beanies? Which
Holiday Beanie is your favorite? (submitted by Bene8691)
A: This year I decorated a tree with all the Jingle Beanies and
put Star at the top. Which Holiday Beanie is my favorite ? Click
here to see
some of my favorites helping me wish you a wonderful holiday!
December 24
Q: If you could
spend the holidays anywhere, where would it be? Which Beanies would
come with you? (submitted by clairecat)
A: The Holidays are a wonderful time of joy, memories and
reflection. Whether I'm home or on the road, near or far, Christmas
makes anywhere special! May your Holidays be filled with peace and
love this season.
December 31
Q: What
new plans do you have to make 2004, exciting for Beanies? (submitted by 9164)
A: How about a poem for the final answer ?
2003 was a fun filled year
Now 2004 is almost here
I'm working harder than ever before
You'll be surprised at what's in store !
I'll see you at the Cyberboard New Year's Eve party !
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