Poseable Stuffed Toys?

[sharmelon.livejournal.com]

I'm planning on crocheting a bear for a series of photographs I plan on taking, but will need the bear to be poseable (and stand on its own). I'm wondering what would be the best thing to use within its stuffing? I usually stuff my crocheted toys with polyester fiber fill, but am looking for suggestions for the following:

1. Weights for the feet, so the bear can stand on its own.
2. What to use to make the bear poseable. Wire? Pipe cleaners?

Also, where can I find the materials I'd need?

Thanks in advance. :)