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Bears2AdoptCan anyone recognize this bear? It is 14.5 inches standing up. It has a tag on its back that looks like it is handwritten in pen. It says "Botta" Bears 1981. It has a red heart pinned to its chest, and long foot and paw pads that look like someone drew paws and claws on them. The foot pads are a lot longer than I've usually seen. It is five jointed and was likely made between 1980 and 1992. The pictures should help I think.
Bears2AdoptHow uncommon are the paws on this bear? Do you think someone might have taken a pen and drawn the pads and claws? It certainly looks like they used a pen on the sewn in tag, so maybe they did the paws also?
The paw pads do appear to be hand-shaded, and there are many bear artists who do this. Dawn James comes to my mind: (sorry, the link I posted doesn't work, but look for Hugs Unlimited on Bearpile. I found an example o the third page of Dawn's gallery.) Her bear has air-brushed paw pads, but a paint brush or fabric markers work as well. Some people use stencils.
Since the bear is over 30 years old, it's likely that the artist behind Botta Bears is no longer working. As Dorothy said to Glenda the good witch, "My...people come and go so quickly here!" That's true about the bear-making world, too. 
Maybe someone else knows?
Becky
I think I found her! Loretta Botta: http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/d … -149670231
Past Time BearsYou're an A-One sleuth, Becky!
Bears2Adopt @Becky, oh wow, THANK YOU!!!!!!!! That makes me so happy! The bear in the link has the same style paws as mine. Now I know a tiny bit of the history of this previously unknown bear!
I really can't say Thank You enough!
Edited - Same red heart also
I'm so glad to help! The little heart must have been a signature item.
Becky
