My first endeavor as a “bear artist” was in the early 1990’s. I was regularly visiting my favorite store on Main Street in St. Charles, Missouri – The Bear Factory. They were advertising bear-making classes. And since I had been sewing since high school – and I love teddy bears – I signed up! (see picture above) The owners of The Bear Factory were just wonderful and over the next few years, they became very dear friends. I went to every class they offered and we went to bear shows together all over the midwest. I was, and still am, a collector of artist bears. I have over a hundred bears from very talented artists.

Main Street in St. Charles is a magical place. Visit their website: Discover St. Charles, Missouri. It highlights their treasured river heritage. If you’re ever in the area, Main Street is worth a visit.

So, from there, I started selling bears to family, friends and friends of friends. Then in on-line shows. I sell one bear for every three I make. My husband keeps the other two because he loves teddy bears as much as I do and doesn’t want to part with any of them!