Purple Valley Bears - All About the Artist

...and I've been making miniature teddy bears since about 1990. I started with bears that were about 6-8 inches tall, and gradually they got smaller... and smaller... and smaller! Now, my bears fall into two size categories: The minis, which are generally 2-4 inches head to paw, and the micro-minis (or as I call them, the teensies), which are right around 1 1/2 inches standing! Miniatures have always been my passion. I not only make them but also collect these adorable teensy bears from various other artists. As far back as I can remember, teensy, tiny things have always been what I was drawn to and were always quite special to me. I not only collect bitsy teddies but also bitsy dolls as well! So, when I started making bears, it was only natural that I made the teeny ones.

The first bear I ever made was about 8 inches tall (he was supposed to be about 4 inches!) and looked far more like a Scottish Terrier dog than a bear! I still have him. He's a mess, stitched really badly (I didn't have a clue how to stitch from the outside to close a seam!), and a bit goofy looking, but I love him all the same! :c)

I taught myself to make bears and never learned to use a pattern. I still make teddies the way I did when I first began: I lay the fabric out, judge what sizes I'll need of each piece, and cut. This is both good and not so good! Good, because you, the collector, are assured a one-of-a-kind bear, but not so good because I cannot ever exactly reproduce a really popular bear. I take great pride in my work and always strive to produce an adorable, high-quality bear.

My bears are all complete individuals and always unique. I never force them to look a certain way or fit a "mold." Because I'm not using patterns, I have only a very vague idea what the bear might look like as I'm working on her (or him). I allow her to come to life and show her face and personality all on her own—no rigid expectations from me! They tend to spring to life under my needle and thread as I sew. And yes, they absolutely do let me know who they are and what they should look like! Somehow, I seem to have very little to do with it! They are all sewn by hand by me with tons of love, and stuffed with personality and bitsy little hugs! Some are shy, some silly, some bold, some sweet—but each and every one has a definite personality of his/her own. I mean for them to touch your heart and bring a smile to your face—I truly do hope they are able to do that.

I exhibit at bear/doll shows once in a great while (when I've enough unsold bears to bring!) and sell direct from this site. I also try to offer one bear every 1-2 weeks on eBay, as well. By the way, when I am scheduled to do a show, I will send out a message to those on the Purple Valley e-mail alert list so you can come and visit the bears if you're in the area.

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