Both beginners and veteran crafters will find this comprehensive guide to making teddy bears a valuable reference and inspiration.
Now more than 100 years old, the "teddy bear" has evolved considerably since its inception with a disabled German dressmaker in 1902. Many of today's handcrafted bears are still made from woven fabrics, but others are being shaped from synthetic fibers, alpaca wool or even genuine fur. Modern bears with double-jointed necks, beaded appliques, airbrushed colors and contemporary fashions are increasingly popular.
Veteran teddy bear artist Nancy Tillberg of Thunder Bay, Ontario, provides step-by-step instructions for traditional, modern and realistic bruins, as well as tips on crafting open-mouthed bears, sculpting teeth, creating fur, and shaping paw pads.
Divided into three sections, this book concentrates on "Making a Teddy Bear" and then on "Creative Touches" such as dyes, stuffing variations, darts, embellishments and finishing techniques. The last and final section focuses on "The Bear Business" with advice on setting up a teddy bear business and becoming established as a teddy bear artist. The back pages include a photo gallery of unique bears and project patterns for antique, modern and realistic bears.
