Betty's Bears

Teddy bear making was something I had on my "To Do List" when I retired from Nursing and I was looking for a teacher, as I need to learn to do thing properly!

Towards the end of 2003, I attended the Melbourne Teddy Event at Sandown and was introduced to the wonderful world of Arctophilia. Fortunately for me, it was there I met Sandi Smith (Bearly Sane® - Teddies for the Young at Heart) who has become my teacher and mentor.

My early bears were made with a pattern and very traditional, but as I have learned new skills, I have moved into my own style and they have become more modern. All my bears are made with German mohair and are completely hand stitched.

Last year, Sandi encouraged me to enter the competition at Woodend Teddy Bear Show and I won my first award. The critique I received from the judges has been very beneficial and helped build my confidence in my own abilities.

I am now drafting my own patterns and my bears often surprise me. Sometimes, I have an idea of how they'll look when I have finished tending to them, but they often, like children, turn out with a completely different personality to what I imagined.

Many of my bears are being loved by family and friends, including one who now resides with my youngest son in London.

In 2008 I joined Teddy Bears and Critters Australasia and did my very first show...online! I have since done another show and am looking forward to doing more...it's fun!

I hope you will keep me company as I venture into the next chapter in my wonderful story of teddy bear artisty.

Hugs,
Betty