The Artist
Whenever I am out at a show I quite often get asked about when and why I started making teddy bears. Most people laugh when I tell them I nearly failed Home Economics in grade eight as I could not make a pillow! Despite the efforts of my mother who was an excellent sewer and great cook, I just did not do well in this class. I went so far as to tell her I would marry a cook (which ironically I did) and who really needs to sew anyways!
I went on to university, received my degree, majoring in anthropology, got married and moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba. It wasn't until the year we moved to Winnipeg that I even thought about sewing again. That Christmas my Mom made me a huge teddy bear that was three feet long, and this was her first bear. I was fascinated, so we got a book from the library, followed the instructions and made a bear. I named my bear Darwin and gave him to my husband. Despite the fact that one of his ears curves backwards towards the wrong side of his head, and that he has a leg that sticks out at an odd angle, everyone loved him!
From that point on I was hooked. My Mom and I sought out better fabrics and began designing our own patterns. My husband was actually the one who designed the very first See More Bear who we named Seymour, and my designs have grown in number since then. My Dad, being an entrepreneur and savvy with finances supplied the business advise and in 1998 See More Bears started as a part time business. By 2001 due to attending lots of shows , having happy clients, and a growing collector base this part time venture was propelled into a full time business.
My family has played an intregal role in my business. My husband who can gently critique new designs, sets me up at my shows and thankfully always seems to turn a blind eye to the bear hair that follows me from room to room. My Mom who taught me the basics, and has the patience and persistence that I sometimes lack in perfecting a new idea. My Dad who set an example for me, always had an optimistic approach when following dreams, and continues to answer all of my math questions (another area I did not excel in at school!). My grandparents who insisted on paying $60.00 each for the second and third bears I made, giving me confidence I could really do this. And lastly it was my sister who, when I gave her my first See More Bear, cried. Those happy tears solidified why I had to continue making bears, as they reinforced the strength of what a special gift a teddy bear really is.
It is my hope that you enjoy looking at the bears on my website. Should you have any questions about them please e mail me. Thanks for taking the time to look!
Beary Warm Regards,
Andrea
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