Banner Sponsors

bears2adopt Jun 12, 2013

Can 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.

bears2adopt Jul 12, 2013

How 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?

dangerbears Jul 12, 2013

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

dangerbears Jul 12, 2013

I think I found her! Loretta Botta: http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/d … -149670231

SueAnn Help Advisor, Banner SponsorJul 13, 2013

You're an A-One sleuth, Becky!

1 user likes this: dangerbears

bears2adopt Jul 13, 2013

      @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

dangerbears Jul 14, 2013

I'm so glad to help! The little heart must have been a signature item.

Becky