I found my inspiration for bear making in my own collection of vintage bears, old toys, dolls, fabrics and vintage postcards. I love the aged and worn bears because they tell a story, each has been someplace different, been played with and well loved. These bears have held their own in the face of childhood destruction, time and possibly the elements. They have made their way into collector homes, started a new life and inspired an entirely new generation. When making a bear, I want them to really look and feel old, and have the ability to blend with real or reproduction antiques and collectibles.

To achieve a time worn classic look in my bears, I create my own patterns, and use traditional German and English mohair. The paws and ears are wool felt, vintage or vintage style cotton fabrics. Old shoe buttons are used for eyes, or new hand blown German glass eyes with a pupil. I use Perle cotton thread for the nose and mouth, then natural elements to stain and age the mohair. The mohair is then distressed by plucking, and scissor or razor cutting. The bears are dressed by using vintage or vintage style fabrics that I collect. Antique elements such as old keys, toys, photos, rusty bells, etc. are also put with the bears. Companions, such as dolls, clowns or bunnies are also made for some of the bears. These are made out of canvas fabrics then painted. The bears are stuffed with wood excelsior and gravel pellets for weight. Each bear needs to feel good when they are picked up, and look old when they are sitting.  In my most recent endeavors, I have started creating mohair bunnies and elephants, using the same techniques.

In addition to being a Teddy bear artist, I am a stay-at-home mom with a wonderful supportive husband and two little girls. We live in a 1930s cottage-style home and have three dogs, a goldfish and a trio of hermit crabs.

All of my pieces are one-of-a-kind. I sell exclusively on eBay, from my website www.BradyBears.com, or on the To Dwell in Primitive Thymes mercantile website, www.TDIPT.com. My work has been featured several times in Teddy Bear and Friends and Teddy Bear Review in the U.S. as well as in Teddy Bear Times and Teddy Bear Scene in the United Kingdom.

I wanted to share some of my accomplishments with you, including my recent recognition as one of the top 200 craftsman in America by Early American Life magazine for 2007 & 2008.  My work was featured in the 2007 directory.  I was also just selected for the 2007 Holiday directory and my Patriotic bear was featured in that issue as well.  My bear will also be featured in the 2008 directory, due out in September.

I was also just selected by Teddy Bear and Friends magazine for a 2008 TOBY, Teddy Bear of the Year, industry choice award!

 

 For more information on Brady Bears Studio just email:
BradyBearsStudio@yahoo.com 

 
Gallery of Work:




          
 
         

 

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