Me and My Teddy

Once upon a time,,, a very long time ago, in the decade of the 80's, I was a Teddy Bear Artist. I designed my own patterns. The real reason for that is, I for the life of me, cannot understand commercial patterns. The directions might as well be written in German. Anyway, I figured out how to draft my own patterns and read all about the Art of Teddy Bear Making. Back in the late 80's and early 90's there were so many talented artist out there making some amazing bears. There still is, but I think its a smaller group. I fell in love with mohair. This is the most amazing fur fabric to work with. I was told that once you started working with mohair you would never want to use fake fur again. That was so true. Its a dream to work with, but very expensive. Back then it was an average of $100.00 per yard and sometimes even more. I remeber the very first time I took a pair of scissors to mohair. It took me 20 minutes to do it! lol But as things often do, my life changed. I had to follow another direction and my Teddy Bears did not get made anymore. At this time I have a huge desire to start making them again. I feel like for the first time in many years I can. Now that I am working I can splurge and purchase some mohair. I am also working on some satin roses and vintage trims and mother of pearl buttons. I hope to combine some beadwork in my new designs as well. I have been doing some research on where to get some of the supplies I will be needing. The type of hardware I used to use for making them jointed seems to longer being used. But I am looking forward to making some more of my furry Teddy friends. One thing I remember about working with mohair,,,,cats LOVE it. You have to guard your cut out legs and ears or the may disappear, and you just cant have that at those prices!

I thought I would share of few of the bears I still have from my life as a Teddy Bear Artist. I saw this piece of fabric and immediately saw the ocean, and that thought process lead me to making a mermaid teddy bear. It was pretty cutting edge for the 80's. I made the momma and baby bear from a pretty pink mohair. It was always my favorite color. They were rescued from a fire when my apartment went up in flames. (Thank you stupid neighbor, but thats a different story.) But the color is a little faded now. I made the flower fairy bear with wings and the little bear head in a rose is a pin. The golder curly hair girl and the blue curly bear were made all by hand. (I lost my machine in the same fire.) Thanks for joining me down memory lane. I will keep you posted on my new designs. Have a pretty week and happy creating...