Blondheart

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When I was 18 I had just started college at ASU in Tempe with the goal of becoming an attorney. One afternoon I went into a shop that sold gourmet coffee and discovered a book called "Making Your Own Teddy Bear." I bought it because I had never had my own teddy bear as a child and thought it might be fun to make one. I had two that belonged to my father, which I am proud to say I still have. I had taken home ec in high school and done miserably. Our teacher allowed us to make a little stuffed animal for extra credit from a kit. I made an elephant and it turned out infinitely better than my skirt, shorts and top. So I was fairly certain I could make the bear. It didn't turn out even remotely like the beautiful bear on the cover, but I persevered and changed the pattern to my liking for a second try. That next bear came out very well, so I made another as a present for a friend. She showed it to someone who owned a gift shop, and the lady called to ask if I might sell her some wholesale. A year later I did my first show. I have been in business ever since!

27 years later, I make whimsical mohair bears and other animals. I occasionally dabble in other areas like jewelry or other little curiosities and trinkets. I really like things that look vintage, so I gear most of what I make in that direction. I am always finding ways to give things character and reflect that aged appeal.

I can say I have met some of the most wonderful people, been able to help a lot of charities including doing the T4L bear for the AIDS Foundation in Chicago and a piece for the Warner Bros charity auction that was signed by Arnold Schwarzenegger, been in books and magazines, had the opportunity to travel extensively doing shows, classes and signings, and do something I really love. I also just recenty created my own website. But the most important thing I have learned is that you don't become what you want, you become who you are, and the best thing you can do is embrace that and explore it as far as it takes you!