For Heirloom Quality

Accomplished artists take pride in putting their name on their work. As a result of that pride of workmanship, quality control is practiced throughout the entire process, not just at the end of an assembly line. All the details of stitching, jointing, stuffing, trimming and costuming are done in harmony with the capabilities of the bearmaker, who knows how to create the entire bear, not just one part of the process. Since the bear begins its life in relationship with its creator, there is greater likelihood that the bear will relate to others. Collectors often say that a bear "speaks" to them. They are experiencing a connection similar to that which the creator has with the bear. Like meeting a person for the first time, when you first make eye contact with an artist made bear you will immediately know whether or not you want a future with the bear. Manufactured bears may be wall-eyed and unable to initiate or develop a lasting relationship. Artist-made bears will become family heirlooms as well as good friends.

To Collect Something Unique

Handmade bears are available in much more limited quantities than manufactured bears. The number available is smaller because artist designs are original, not made from another's pattern, and there is no mass production involving hundreds of workers. You won't be trading your collection like baseball cards, or hoping you bought the one that will increase in value overnight so you can sell it and buy more of the same. Instead, you will have something so special that you won't want to let go, no matter how tempting the offer. Often you can acquire a bear that is one of a kind, perhaps even a commissioned piece. When you give an artist made bear as a gift, the recipient will appreciate your good taste and the unique qualities of the gift. High quality hand made bears tend to hold their value or become even more valuable over time, unlike many manufactured bears which eventually end up in tag sales for a fraction of their original cost.

For Personal Contact with the Creator

When you go directly to the artist to add to your collection, you have the opportunity to ask questions, request changes or special designs and make arrangements for payment and delivery that work for you. Artists who guarantee their work will accept returns or make exchanges. If there are ever any problems not covered by the guarantee (Sometimes pets get jealous, for example!), you can go back to the creator to get repairs done. Not only do you get personal service, but collectors and artists often become friends, sharing a common passion.

To Support Art

You will be supporting an individual artist rather than a large corporation. Our culture is richer and fuller because of artists and their creations. Most bear artists generously share their skills by teaching others and by donating bears to charities, benefitting children, the sick and the elderly. Bears have wonderful healing, soothing and loving qualities that can only be described as magic. Collecting artist made bears supports the creative process and also helps others in need.

To Have Fun

Just try it. You'll like it!

Anne Cranshaw

e. willoughby bear company