TBONNET: What inspired you to start making bears?

ANNE: When my children were small, I took a class to have a winter project and began by making bears for the kids. That was January 1984. I sold my first bears two months later. Boy, was I surprised!

TBONNET: How many teddy bears have you made? Can you describe your teddy bears?

ANNE: I've made nearly 4500 bears since then. Describing my bears is difficult since I've have done so many different types. I've made jointed and unjointed bears, some with armatures. Sizes have ranged from miniature to 30", although I usually work in a range from 4" to 20". Many fabrics have been used; wool, cotton, plush, and alpaca, although mohair is my favorite fabric. My bears range from undressed to elaborately costumed in historically accurate attire. I have made many one of a kinds, some limited editions and some open editions as large as 300. For stuffing, I've used polyfill, plastic pellets, glass beads, excelsior and kapok.

TBONNET: Have you made any bears which have been your particular favorites?

ANNE: Hmmmm....... I have had a lot of fun making the Orphan bears and knowing how much fun others are having with them makes it even better. I kept one for myself, named Ralph by my son. He has traveled with us and really has become a member of the family. Some of the one of a kind bears have special meaning for me as they usually represent a family tradition or special event. Another favorite is a bear I made with Steve Schutt, named Obar. He is an Native American Shaman bear, which was made during a week long workshop at Denis Shaw's home. Steve and I were very proud of what we created collaboratively and that week with dear friends will always be a special memory. I once made a series of english Beheaded Queens. Each was different, but they all had heads which could be removed and held in their arms! Also, the magic of my very first bear makes him special. E. Willoughby sits in a place of honor in our living room.

TBONNET: Have any of your bears been especially popular with the public and what do they look for in your bears?

ANNE: Anne's Orphans, the hugging bears have been very popular. This bear has Loc-Line armature so you actually get a hug back. Each one has its own name, is dressed differently and has its own toy or treasure. People enjoy this bear much as they would a child. The comment I hear most often from people is that they love the faces of my bears.

TBONNET: How long does it take you to create one of your teddy bears? How many bears each month and what procedure do you follow?

ANNE: An average, undressed bear takes about 5 to 6 hours. Some of my small unjointed bears can be completed in a couple of hours and I've spent days on some of the one of a kinds. They are usually the best value, considering the time I put into them. Unless it's a one of a kind or a new design, I mark out several bears at a time. Once cut, each goes into a ziploc bag. I also will sew several bears on the machine at one sitting. I have had some help over the years from my husband, children, sisters and others. At this time, a friend does a lot of the cutting, machine sewing and combing for me. I always do the small bears entirely myself and the heads of all the bears are done entirely by me. I also do all of the stuffing, closing and finish work, as well as any costuming or accessories. My production rate varys depending on what else is going on in my life, but over the years I've averaged nearly a bear a day.

TBONNET: Where does the reward come from in creating your teddy bears?

ANNE: I love that each one turns out differently, so I'm always meeting someone new. It's also wonderful to see and hear that others enjoy them so much. It's like sending little ambassadors of love all over the world! Also, since I've been able to work from my home, I've been fortunate to be able to raise my own children, working around their schedules. They have been my most important work and I'm very proud of them.

TBONNET: Are there any special tools or materials you use when making your teddy bears?

ANNE: One of my favorite tools is a fine-toothed cat comb, for pulling fur out of seams. I use an awl that belonged to my grandfather. The leather quilter's thimbles are great and I am a big believer in the specially designed stuffing sticks.

TBONNET: Have you ever encouraged other people to try their hand at bear making? What advice would you give anyone about to make their first bear?

ANNE: I have taught many people to make bears and wouldn't discourage anyone from giving it a try. My advice would be to take a class, if possible. I think it's much easier to be shown and much more fun to share the experience with others.

TBONNET: Are there any fascinating people who own your bears?

ANNE: Well, when I first started, a concert pianist bought one to set on her grand piano. Another woman, who writes romance novels and was researching teddy bear artists, took one home as inspiration for her book about a teddy bear artist. It was her first bear. Actually, I find that most of my customers are fascinating, if I have the opportuniy to get to know them.

TBONNET: Do you have any tips for new bear artists?

ANNE: Have fun, do what YOU love, and take care of yourself. Always remember what the teddy bear symbolizes and use that as your guide for how to treat others.

TBONNET: Is there anything you want to add?

ANNE: Thanks for this opportunity, Terry. It was fun!

Thank you Anne