About ten years ago I visited a friend of mine in California and was introduced to the world of bear-making. She had almost a hundred bears, and as I picked up each and every one of them to marvel at their individual characters, a little light went on inside me. A few months later, back in Florida, I went to my first teddy bear show and met two ladies who made teddy bears from recycled fur coats. That little light came on again because I loved the idea of recycling.  The ladies were offering classes so I immediately signed up. I went to my first class, and I have been hooked on bear-making ever since. I hope you enjoy my Heir Bears as much as I enjoy creating them!      

Upcoming Shows & Events:

January 9, 2010:  Young-At-Heart Doll & Bear Show & Sale, 3650 RCA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, FL 

January 16-17, 2010:  Crossroads Teddy Bear, Doll & Antique Toy Show & Sale, Sheraton Mission Valley, 1433 Camino Del Rio South, San Diego, CA --  Directions &  Info

February 21, 2010:  Teddy Bear Show (Bright Star Promotions), Crown Plaza Westshore, 5303 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL -- Directions & Info

March 27, 2010:  Doll & Bear Show and Sale, St. Luke's Catholic Church, 2892 S. Congress Ave., Palm Springs, FL

April 17, 2010:  Teddy Bear Tea & Luncheon, Hidden Tea Secrets Teahouse, 6682 Parkside Drive, Parkland, FL -- Private Event

June 10-13, 2010:  Teddy Bear Reunion in the Heartland, Clarion, Iowa.  --  Details

July 24, 2010:  Young-At-Heart Doll & Bear Show & Sale, 3650 RCA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, FL 

August 12-14, 2010:  TBAI (Teddy Bear Artist Invitational), Binghamton Regency Hotel Grand Ballroom, 225 Water Street, Binghamton, NY     Details  

September 12, 2010:  Fall Teddy Bear Show & Sale, Dulles Expo Centre, 4368 Chantilly, Chantilly, VA -- Details

November 13, 2010:  Hunt Valley Christmas/Holiday Teddy Bear Show & Sale, Embassy Suites Hotel, Hunt Valley, MD  Details & Info 

November 27-28, 2010:  Stephen C. O'Connell Center Craft Festival, University Avenue, Gainesville, FL Details

Heir Bears in Print:   Who's Who in Bear Making 2008; Teddy Bear & Friends Magazine (see feature article in Sept.-Oct. 2008 issue); Teddy Bear Review Magazine (see feature article in April 2009 issue AND "Monroe" on the cover.)

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Customer Comments:  "The two bears made from my Mom's beaver coat arrived ... they are absolutely precious and even cuter than I thought possible.  The workmanship is wonderful; I just love their faces!"  M.S.

" The Safari Bear arrived today.  I think you do a wonderful job in shaping the faces.  He is very adorable." M.P.

"I love 'Lil Coyote ('Wiley Coyote').  It's always great to see you & your bears."  C.W.

 "Your bears have the magic touch!!"  L.V.M.

"... thrilled with the bear.  (I) had no idea that furs could be recycled into such magnificent creatures!"  C.K.

"Your work is beautiful and I am thrilled to own a piece of it!"  G.M.

"'Little Ted' arrived safe and sound today.  He's even better than I anticipated!  Thank you for sharing your talent with me!"  L.N.