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suejennings Nov 12, 2009

I wondered if some of you might share why you started making bears with the rest of us?  When I meet bear artists at shows they are usually very busy so I would be embarrassed to ask. 

In my case, after my partner bought me a new classic Steiff bear for my birthday, I became really interested in Steiff bears.  I loved the look and shape of them, but found that they were stuffed so hard that they were really not very cuddly. Also, I realised my pockets were not deep enough to buy older Steiffs.  When looking for Steiff bears, I came across artist bears by chance.  I was amazed that it was possible to buy the materials and components to make bears.  My initial aim was to try to make my own cuddly classic bear.  I never realised that nearly three years later I would still be experimenting with making 'that bear' that I see in my head.  The next step for me will be to try to age my bears to give them that preloved look.

About 18 months ago, I decided I also wanted to make cuddly bears with a realistic shape but teddy face and personality.  I don't think that designing has been easy for me.  I have to work hard at it and have had many failures along the way.  I cannot think of many occupations that can bring such joy and frustration in equal measure.  So long as I really enjoy it, I shall carry on...trying to improve and in hope that my eyes and hands don't give out!

My influences:  I love early Steiffs, Farnells, Merrythought and Knickerbocker bears.  Classic bears: I love Dany bears, Aerlinn bears, Wee Scones, Tonni Bears, Bisson bears, Humble-Crumble bears
Realistic bears: Karin de Lorenzo, Desert Mountain Bears, Gisella Hofmann...and too many others to mention!

Regards

Sue

Carlyle Bear Co. Nov 12, 2009

:clap: Sue I think this will be a really interesting topic.  I can't wait to read what inspired fellow bear artists to sew that first bear...

I have only been doing this for two years and I can only make bears in my spare time since I have a day job.  I started making bears after I picked up an old Butterick teddy bear pattern in a thrift store.  They were designed to be made out of quilt batting and then you spray dyed them for an aged look.  My parents and I had recently moved away from my brother whom I am extremely close to and I wanted to send it to him so he wouldn't be lonely for us.  (He is 48 by the way ) I made him with safety joints and he had trousers and a bow tie.  The pattern was pretty basic but I LOVED it!  That was all it took to get me hooked.  Once I ordered my first package of mohair from Intercal there was no turning back.  I have changed my patterns several times and I still have ideas about changing certain parts but I am obsessed with my little bears.   After the sale of my first bear I realized it was something that I would always do.  Also, I don't have any children so I feel like I'm leaving a little bit of my personality to go on whenever I send a bear out into the world.     

Even if I didn't sell another bear I would continue creating them because I love doing it and I really believe it is a great stress reliever. 

So that is how I ended up with my bear obsession.

WoozieJu Nov 12, 2009

Hi Sue!
What a brilliant topic?! :clap:
I only started just over a year ago when I was waiting for an operation & wasn't allowed to do anything or go anywhere! I stumbled across artist made bears on the internet & then started to think about doing my own. Within a month of working out what I needed & starting to try with a bought pattern, our house (which we'd only moved into 3 months previously) was flooded & I lost a lot of my materials, not to mention the whole downstairs of our house! The insurance company were excellent & moved us into rented accomodation for 6 months. I started with my supplies again & spent my time in the rented house creating bears & I've never looked back! After the 6 months & £50,000 spent on fixing our house (along with several body-parts missing from the op!), I returned to my full time job & my home. It was a pretty rubbish experience but could've been so much worse. I also think that it was a blessing as it gave me the opportunity to enter the fantastic world of bears! They truly got me through & are still continuing to do so...
Everything happens for a reason....
Hugs,
Julia x

puca bears Nov 12, 2009

I stumbled across artist bears at a big craft show here......and was totally mesmerised. One of the bear supply stalls were giving away free patterns, so i grabbed one and bought a cheap piece of plush (I remember being shocked at how much mohair cost!) - and made a start. Ye gods - when I think of that little bear - I had no idea about joints, eyes - anything! I followed the same road as a lot of bear artists - a few magazine patterns, which just never really looked like the sort of bear i wanted to make........so into designing my own patterns.
I am endlessly fascinated and intrigued by all the different styles and "looks".  I'm  sure in my case that my "style" wasn't all MY doing - I'm convinced that the mohair has a mind of it's own.........and maybe we all have our personal "muse", guiding spirit or whatever, that joins into the mix......... I don't think I have ever made a bear that came out exactly as I had envisaged it! Do any of you ever have the bear that just refuses to be made? Or the one which is dying to be finished and really co-operates all the way?
or am I just  cracking up???????????? :crackup:
huggies
Maria

rowarrior Nov 12, 2009

I grew up all over the world, but we did live for 10 years in the same town as the big West Midlands Teddy Bear Fair in Telford.  When we first lived there it was annual, then it became bi-anual, which was even worse for the wallet!  As a family we've always been bear lovers, and mostly artist bear collectors.  I remember seeing fur and things on sale, but as I kid I couldn't really fathom how it would become a bear (and besides I did so many activities I didn't have time to work it out)

Just before my second last year of uni I was working in East Kilbride for the summer and saw signs for a bear and doll fair (which they only ran once as far as I can tell).  I went along and was rather disappointed to find it was only 6 stalls, but there was one there called Bear Bottoms from Durham.  I decided now was the time to sieze the day and bought a pattern and materials there and then.  I then promptly did nothing with it for the next 2 years as I got sidetracked running marathons, rowing and going to uni.  Can't remember what made me pick up the pattern again and have a go, but having made 2 bears from that pattern I branched out and bought a number more, including kits, and made about one, or sometimes two, a year from then on.  I've only recently ended up starting to design and sell my own, and that was entirely by accident!

suejennings Nov 13, 2009

Thanks ladies so much for sharing your experiences.  The passion you feel for what you do comes over so strongly in your writing about your bear making.   I kept thinking 'Wow, that's just how I feel!'  It is great to know there are so many kindred spirits out there!  Lisa is absolutely right about 'obsession' and Maria is spot on about 'I don't think I have ever made a bear that came out exactly as I had envisaged it! Do any of you ever have the bear that just refuses to be made? Or the one which is dying to be finished and really co-operates all the way?
'  I really identify with Lisa and Julia about bear making being a stress reliever...although when I am having a third go at getting a nose right....

Thanks so much for sharing!

Hugs
Sue

FenBeary Folk Nov 13, 2009

Hi Sue, what a great idea
Mine is the same as you, I have loved steiff for a long time mainly due to my mothers story of having to give away her childhood steiff (1930's) when she was 10.
I will remember the day forever, it was Christmas 2007 and my hubby said I could have my first steiff, so off to ebay I trots. I then found the category "Artist", luckily for me there were 2 bears on there A Three O'clock bear and A Wee Scone........................and I just sat there staring at them each in turn, for what seems like ages. You could call it my "light bulb moment" I then researched and researched........................I got part the way through a magazine pattern but the material was sooooooo cheap that I abandoned him straight after he was sewn. From then on I started on my own patterns..........................................obsession is not the word.....................it goes beyond that, having been known to stand all day at a show, get home, unload, start diner, cup of tea in hand and start sewing again  :crackup:
I too have bears that make themselves, some can be tetchy and difficult and some are dreams and when you are finished you doubt you have had any hand in it at all

 

Bubble-Up Bears Nov 13, 2009

Great stories everyone.:)
I enjoyed reading them all. Especially about Mohair having a mind of it's own!

danceswithteddybears Nov 13, 2009

This is a great topic, Sue!
I never had a teddy growing up, or any other plush toy.  Shortly after I married, at 31, my hubby bought me a teddy.  I was thrilled!  And the passion began. 
I started making my own shortly after, but life got in the way and I put my bear making aside. 
Twenty years later, stressed out from owning an antiques store and running it solo, I desperately needed a hobby... but couldn't find the right one.
One morning, just as I awoke and was opening my eyes, I saw a sewing machine in the window.  It looked just like my mom's old Singer.  Right then and there I knew, I wanted to and was going to make teddys again.
There was no sewing machine in the window.  There wasn't anything in the window.  But from that day on I've been making teddy bears, first from a few store bought patterns then from my own.  And I have no intention of ever stopping.
I am deeply in love with bearmaking.  It has calmed my soul and given me something I never had, self confidence.
Hugs,
Laura
  :hug:

Bubble-Up Bears Nov 13, 2009

That was definitely a message Laura!

Jaina Nov 13, 2009

One of my major problems is that I am a craft addict. I inherited it from my mum, who is still an avid crafter - making cards and stitching with what little free time she has. She always encouraged me from tiny to learn something new - even now i will take up the odd hobby in between the current bear making (at the moment it's Chainmaille - which is great fun and very theraputic) I love to create, and my younger sister is much the same although she prefers to make and customise clothes - I guess there's a crafty gene out there somewhere!

As some of you know, the loves of my life are my Chinchillas; and I spend hours everyday on Chinchilla forums (they are not the simplest of animals to keep and require some specialist knowledge). One of the Chinchilla breeders became a bear artist and would post up pictures of their bears for sale. I looked and thought - I could do that! and since then I've had a desire to make teddies. She kindly pointed me to the major suppliers online in the uk and it started from there!

My first kit, however was a Jenny loves Benny Bear - So i'd have to put her as a big inspiration; he's still here; understuffed with an eye that mostly almost hangs out of his head  :crackup:  along with a JLB anime rabbit that I turned into a Chinchilla - he's super cute but his head falls off frequently  :crackup:  I now own 3 of her bears and I treasure them dearly.

I would have to say TT'ers are my main inspiration, I am always gobsmacked at the level of talent here - not only that, you are all so helpful and the library here is invaluable.

All I have to do is learn how to tie eyes securely and maybe i'll be ready to go!!

I think i've come a long way in 12 months though.  :hug:  Love to you all!

lovenshire Nov 13, 2009

  I love reading these replys of how you got started with bears.  I can't remember a time when I didn't love bears.  One of my favorites is one my husband found in the street run over by cars.  I fixed him up and dressed him and he was so soft and cuddly.  My granddaughter fell in love with him and still sleeps with him.  When my last child was born Hubby bought me a Bialosky bear...that child is now 35!  I have numerous bears but when I chanced across Teddy Talk I just had to try making my own.  I made one bear and am working on number two.  She is my own design and I have had a hard time stopping the designing process and moving on to the sewing.  She is all sewed up now and I am stuffing her...can't wait to see her!

ScaliWagGrrs Nov 13, 2009

Such fun to read how everyone has started!  As a little girl I loved stuffed animals. I didn't care much for dolls--had a few but stuffed animals I adored. I still have quite a few of them actually.
I have always had a need to create. Art of some form or another has always figured into my life. I have been most happy when the love of animals and the need to create combine together. I used to make and sell items at dog shows--items such as wooden welcome signs, frames, mirrors featuring all the different dog breeds.
I also used to do woodcarving--of animals of course.
I then saw artist dolls--fairies in particular on ebay. I just had to try my hand at making them. I did and sold them on ebay.I had a hard time with the human form but I was progressing. But one day someone from an art doll group I was in posted a link to one of the teddy bear competitions. I was enthralled! But I also thought I could never do that. I don't even like to sew! I didn't give it much more thought until one day in February of 2008, I was at the library and there was a book on how to make teddy bears. I brought it home---I have been hooked ever since! I have pretty much given up on the dolls. And the funny thing is I love the sewing part!
I started almost immediatly designing my own patterns. I would look at many patterns to see how they were made. I also bought a bunch of stuffed animals at thrift stores and took them apart to see how they were made. Plus lots of trial and error on my own part. So I haven't been making bears for all that long but I am loving it! I have made great improvement as well with the help of this site and all the wonderful teddybear artists!  So a HUGE THANK YOU TO TT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Beth

Little_Bearries Nov 13, 2009

Why did I start making bears:

I've always loved animals, all the way up until I started college I wanted to be a Veterinarian (but, here, they require you to do 60 hours of shadowing a Vet before you can start the program... and as I was doing those 60 hours I realized I just could never put an animal to sleep)
I've also always had an obsession with stuffed animals... my collection of Gunds is overwhelming (people always think I'm saying that I collect Guns...    )

I've also always been an avid crafter/creator... and get the most enjoyment from making things myself, and then giving them to other people and watching them enjoy them.

I'd been wanting to make my own stuffed animals for years, and one day, stumbled across jennylovesbenny on etsy... saw the patterns and noted they were patterns for 'beginners'... and bought one!

I made one bear from that pattern and KNEW I needed to make my own patterns and my own bears immediately!

This... was in June of this year XD So I really am quite the noob. I've been at it about 5 months, and if you look at my blog
(www.littlebearries.blogspot.com)
you can see my original patterns that I've been coming up with.

I only want to learn more techniques and get better!!! This bug has bitten hard!!!!!

What or Who influenced me?:

I really need to give some shout-outs here... First off, obviously, jennylovesbenny... but, from there, I tried to find supplies on  my own and came up with squat, so I did a web search and found Teddy Talk... and honestly, I don't know how far I would have gotten without this site. It is SO helpful.
Through this site I found the world of blogging... and have been very, very kindly helped by members of the bear world, who are just so giving and wonderful!

Right now, I look at so many bear makers with great love and affection for their style... that to list them all just seems silly. I think there's always something to learn from what other people are willing to try

Baerenbaude Nov 14, 2009

In the year 2000 I stopped working for health reasons, but after about 3 months I had the house turned up and down and I was starting to get bored. I always liked knitting and sewing and when visiting my needlework shop I saw a teddybear kit and I thought, he looks a little like your very first bear (which my Mom had thrown away) and my first thought was: no, never, you can´t sew teddybears. 

Well, I wanted him and I bought the pattern and material needed. Well, he did not turn out as shown on the picture and the instructions were absolutely awful for a beginner.  I tried him again and again and again and never gave up ...   and our dog loved his new toys and he did test all seams      After the 5th bear I did give up on that pattern and I designed my own and the bear came near to what I expected to be a teddybear. And from that day I was infected by the bear bug.

This is how it all started and now I am sewing bears for nearly 10 years.

suejennings Nov 17, 2009

Thanks everyone for sharing your stories.  They make great reading!

Hugs

Sue

John Paul Port Nov 17, 2009

I was born into The World of Teddy Bears in the 1960s------it was like growing up in Santa's Workshop !!   The "ART OF THE TEDDY BEAR" was in "full-swing" in our home and in our life !!!         I was mainly influenced----(never pushed)----by my Mom,  Beverly Matteson  Port,  who was an internationally known artist, author, researcher  and consultant.      One of my first Teddy Bears was in the UFDC magazine in 1976.     Also, I loved the antique bears----and was one of the first to research and identify them.    I started writing  "The Bear Sleuth"  column for the Teddy Bear Review Magazine  in the 1980s, and continued on to 2005 in the Teddy Today magazine.     I make many different kinds and styles of Teddy Bears----all from my own concepts and patterns.   So---- "LET'S TALK TEDDY BEARS"----and keep on doing what we enjoy !!!                                                                                        :clap:    :clap:    :clap:   :clap:    :clap:

amber Nov 18, 2009

Hi Sue

First never be afraid to ask a Teddy Bear Artist a question.  Most will be more than happy to take the time to answer your question.  I've never met a more open and loving group of people anywhere.

I owe my love of Teddy Bear making from a large group of people that grows all the time.  First I was encourage by Mark McKay who puts on 2 Local shows every year in Toronto (TBOV).  I am a graphic designer and I didn't all of the flyers and stuff needed for the show.  Mark encouraged me to take a table at his Burlington show (he no longer does this show) and display some of my artwork, I did a lot of illustrations.  So I sat down and did a bunch of drawings and made cards etc from my artwork, it actually didn't work out too badly.  So I tried a couple more in Toronto, with the same result.  But I was surrounded by all these bears that I wanted to learn how to make.  My only problem was I didn't know how to sew.  Well thanks to the Bear guys Steve and Shane, who convinced me that I didn't need to know how to sew, there were a lot of Teddy Bear artist that didn't know how to do anything except sew teddy bears.  I had started out by teaching myself to needfelt bears, but it is a lot of work to make a tiny little bear.  The bear guys encouraged me to look at stuff from artists like Judy Paul that use a conbination of fur and felt for many creations.  They even explained how to joint my bears (which Sue McKay later showed me again. I need things shown twice) what type of threads etc I should look for.  Then Angela Last encourage further and at a slow time during a show taught me a few things and gave me additional tips.  I took one of Susan McKay's workshops which helped with my shading skills and I finally learned how to shape the bears head.  With all of this information stored away I was ready to attempt my first bear. 

Then a couple of other artists gave me permission to use patterns that they had made as a base to start from.  And even today, and I really mean today, I had a kind offer to help me with some new joints I had never used before.

Being a Graphic Designer for my day job, and doing illustrations from time to time.  I can say one thing for sure you will never find a closer group of artist.  Teddy Bear Artists are you best source of encouragement and help when you need it.  99% of the Teddy Bear artists out there are willing to help in one way or another.  But then what do you expect from a group of people that make these beautiful huggable creations for us to love and hug.

Amber

teddyretirementhome Feb 25, 2010

What a great question!

I wasn't really a doll kind of kid but loved anything to do with animals, and had a little gal pal from Germany that I used to play with who had the most BEEOOOTIFUL animal toys and of course they were Steiff.

We couldn't afford them but in my late teens and with my first fulltime job, I started collecting Steiff.  It was a good time, because in some cases, stores I came across still had New Old Stock (NOS) going back as far back as a decade or more.

Anyway....!  After many years of collecting, 13 years ago I thought I'd give bear making a try. Made 4 bears and then promptly quit in frustration. Then, just before Christmas 2009, I dug out my old bear making paraphernalia and realized that the 4th bear, that I didn't even bother to finish, was 400% better than my first bear, and that was pretty darned good!  And, so, with time on my hands and no deadlines, I've dived (grammatical error?) in head-first and am really enjoying it!

As a teen, in the late 70's, (pls don't calculate age!) I was fortunate enough to be in touch with Peter Bull, Colonel Henderson, and some early bear artists in the US and Canada. But my taste in teddies didn't mature until much later. While I love almost all bears and styles, I have a soft spot for traditional or classic bears.

I have noticed that bear artistry, (IMHO), has evolved tremendously, even if the basics are still the same: fur, stuffing, eyes, joints...  and the funny thing is, what I like about the evolution is really the "de-evolution": the beautiful facial expressions and aging of bears that are essentially what was being made 100 years ago!

As a distant admirer, the list is long: I still love Steiff, Bing, early Farnell; but I long for: Forget Me Not Bears from the sisters, Laurie Brady's bears, Wee Scone, Hampton and Aerlinn bears, to name but a few.  They influence me now very much!

Looking forward to reading all the answers you get!

Cheers

Brenda
teddyretirementhome

Moo Feb 25, 2010

Well I've only been making bears for a few months    So I'm no where near as experienced with time and influences as all of you.  I've not designed my own, but lack of E-patterns (or my lack of being able to find any) is slowly making me want to design some.

I've always been creative, when I was young I used to 'borrow' my mums nets and curtains and chop and sew them 
When I got older I used to draw - not very good at the painting side mind.  And I've always knitted from as far back as I can remember so much so I can't even remember who taught me!  Just before my daughter was born, I was taught how to follow a knitting pattern and how to crochet.  Then I put the needles away for about 6 years.  Took them back out and started up again, but got bored fast.  I then tried my hand at using a graphics tablet my bf bought me for valentines day but it kept making my pc crash because of driver issues (which I was too lazy to resolve) so never finished my "splodge man" plus, I couldn't watch shows and movies on my pc if I was using it to draw.  Then I took up jewellery making, then back to knitting.  I made lots of little toys for my daughter and thought, "I really want to make a jointed teddy".  I searched high and low for the perfect pattern, but they all seemed to be ones you had to sew.  Eventually I found an ok knitting pattern and played about with it, and added plastic safety joints, I called the bear silver - she's still tucked up in a bag downstairs because she is going to be a gift for my daughter on her birthday (1st march so not long now  :cake: ) - IF i can bear to part with it  :redface: 
After making that bear I just felt that was what I wanted to do.  Make bears.  Make jointed bears.  And when I realised you didn't need a sewing machine to make them - well   
My first bear was based on a Monica Spicer pattern.  It looked nothing like the free pattern she offered, but I really enjoyed making it, even if it was in some horrid cheap fur.  The second bear I made was from one of the free patterns on here but it turned out nothing like the original, and I also had a go at the "Goldie" pattern that again you wouldn't even recognise as the same pattern     Still, I loved every moment of making them.
It has been incredibly hard not to show my daughter any of the bears I made.  Well, I lie, I gave her a kitty and a tiny white bear, otherwise she would end up with nothing but bears on her bear-thday  :crackup: Not that she would mind, she loves bears, any shape/size/deformities/etc  Her fave bear will never be replaced though, he'll be 7 on her birthday.  He was a cheap lil chap, who used to be incredibly fluffy, now he's all matted and going bald (much to daughters disgust) she's terrified he'll fall apart so I'm also under orders that the stinky lil thing can't have a bath!

So I guess really, my daughter influenced me to make bears, but all of your wonderful creations are what keep influencing me and encouraging me to continue.  I've just bought some lovely fur and at the same time from somewhere else I bought an invisible marker the darn thing still hasn't arrived and I'm getting bear making withdrawals!!

suejennings Feb 25, 2010

Thanks so much John, Amber, Brenda and Moo for sharing your history and inspiration.  Those antique bears have got a lot to answer for!  It is remarkable that 100 years later, we are still SO in love with them!  Somehow, they seem to improve with age. There is something very primeval (not sure that is the right word) about wanting to hug a slumpy, saggy semi-bald ancient bear!  I will never be able to afford to buy a lovely old Steiff, but I will certainly spend a few years yet trying to produce my version of one. 

Hugs

Sue

Melisa Nichols Feb 25, 2010

I started many, many years ago almost by accident.  Of course, like everyone else here, I had a love for bears.  I was also artistically inclined and was involved in various forms of art including fiber art. 

One day I was in our local library looking at the various craft/art how to books when I saw a basic book on making teddy bears (I can't remember what it was called).  I thought, "I can do that!" and borrowed the book.  I spent many years making bears like those in the book as well as other animals that I found patterns for.  Then one day I saw artist bears on ebay... I couldn't believe it!  Here was a better outlet for the "artist inside" - I started creating my own patterns and using various techniques and haven't looked back.  I love doing this!!   

Sarah Feb 25, 2010

I love this thread      It's great to read everyones' little bit of bear history.   

I've got my story on my websitte: http://www.sarianbears.com/page3.htm.  I won't post it on here as it's quite long winded 

Hugs,

Clarebear Feb 26, 2010

I did a lot of child minding in the late eighties and the younger girls were into Carebears.  I instantly became Clarebear.  Several years later a friend sent me a magazine with bear patterns in it saying that with a name like mine I should be making bears.  I didn't even know how to sew a button on let alone make a bear.  I looked at the book for several years before deciding one weekend I was going to make  a bear no matter what.  The bear was not a success by any means but I was hooked!

Michelle Helen Feb 26, 2010

In 1995 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Following my mastectomy a nurse gave me a Sojourn Bear. It was made by a group of volunteers who made bears for adult cancer survivors. I was so touch that when I felt better, I contacted the coordinator of this group to volunteer. I did not know how to sew but felt compelled to something.  A kind woman in this group taught me how to sew a mini bear. Thus my love of bears began. I have not stopped learning to this day. Though I sew bears for a hobby, I feel I must challenge myself to make better bears. This year I enrolled in drawing classes at the local community college to increase my drawing and art skills. I hope to use this to be better in my bear making abilities....So that is my story....