How I work
Here they are- The Bearsonalities
My bears are called Bearsonalities, because that's what they truly are.
During the process of designing and sewing a bear it really develops a own personality as I
can express myself and everything else that's moving me in the bears.
I'm always delighted to see it when my customers can sense a bear's personality and become
immediately attached to it.
The bears are sometimes based on the same patterns but they are nevertheless
unique and one of a kind individuals made from a variety of fabrics, stuffing and
joints.
They are just like us, based on the same principles, but still so very different
and exciting.
Please note: Although children might love the Bearsonalities, but the usage of
glass eyes and small parts in the stuffing make them unsuitable for children.
Now this is how I work
It all begins with an idea which is turned into a sketch on paper and eventually a
pattern. This pattern is cut out and transferred to the fabric.
A teddy can be made of more than 40 pieces and the process from idea to actual birth
can actually take as much as 20 to 40 hours. This explain the price level of
handmade artist bears.
I sew most parts with my hands, only using the sewing machine for a few times.
I always use high quality materials to ensure the teddies' long lives.
I strongly reject the usage of real fur and use mohair, alpaca and faux fur
made by Schulte and Helmbold as well as miniplush, woll and patchwork fabrics.
Those elaborate paws in matching colours you can find on my bears are my favourite.
There's an endless variety of how I make the paws
Sculpting
When sculpting you emphasise some parts of the paw. I do use this technique for
the bears' faces as well.
Set pads
The pads are sewed on to the paws, stuffed and sculpted
Felting
The pads are made from wool which I attach to the paws using a special needle
producing felt
The trapunto technique
A stitched pad structure, the pads are stuffed, sculpted and highlighted with
the airbrush technique
Double jointed neck
A double jointed neck is a conic joint which adds a lot of flexibility
and expressiveness to the bear
The small teddies often have shaky neck joints which also support their flexibility.
So do wired armatures in arms and legs.
Black Glass Eyes
I use hand blown glass eyes with thread guide to achieve the best facial expression.
Unfortunately, this makes the bears unsuitable for children.
The Noses
I double stitch the noses using the finest bead yarn. This means 2 to 3 hours work
per nose. Furthermore, the noses are treated with bees wax or laquer to let them
become even more mesmerising and beautiful.
The Make-Up
I paint the bears'paws and faces with the airbrushpistol or pens. The bears begin to look lively.
The inner life
I love heavy and cuddly bears.
Additionally to the wool stuffing I use to add stainless steel
or rubber granules.
The bears are jointed for more poses.
