MEET ARTIST OF THE MONTH
Danni Whatford of Delartful Bears




1)When did you start making Teddy Bears and what inspired you to do so?

I started making bears at the end of November last year.  I had wanted to give bear making a go for the last few years, however I didn't have enough confidence to give it a try.  It wasn't until my mother and sister really pushed me into trying it, that I did.  I haven't looked back since!


2) What do you enjoy most about bear making ?

I really enjoy making the head. That's the most fun for me.  It's seeing the little bear come to life in your hands, and being able to give each bear their unique character that really excites me.

3)What Unique Qualities do your bears have ?

My bears tend to have rather small eyes, pinched in faces and large noses.  They also have very round tummies and bottoms.  

4)How would you describe your style ?

I have two lines at the moment, antique and contemporary. Size is a huge factor in my style as no matter what style bear I make, they are all around the 6" size. So, I guess my style is small contemporary style bears, or small antique style bears.  My contemporary style bears are more popular, and more recognisable though.

5) Where do you find inspiration for new creations ?

I get my inspiration from my mohair stash.  There's nothing better than going to your mohair pile, picking out a piece that you would love to use, and work from there.



6) What has been the high point of your  bear career ?

The high point of my bear career would have had to have been having a write up about my bears in the UK magazine Teddy Bear Times.  It was a huge honour.  

7) If you could make a teddy for anyone in the world, who would it be for and what kind of bear would you make?

I would love to be able to give my Grandmother a bear. She was always very crafty and I’m sure she would love to know that it’s been passed down to me.

8)What advise would you give to Bear Artists who are just starting out?

My advice to any artists just starting out is to believe in yourself.  Ask plenty of questions to fellow artists, and if it doesn't work the first time, try again!  Oh and have patience, some skills need to be worked on.


9)Where can bear enthusiasts find your work?

People can find my bears on Bearpile, my webpage - http://bears.delartful.com  and I have a bear up on eBay usually weekly!  I run a mailing list for anyone who would like to find out when new bears are added to my webpage or a new auction is listed.

10) Would you like to thank anyone who has helped you get where you are today?
I would like to thank all my fantastic online bear friends - you have been wonderful, and my Mum and Sister for encouraging me to give bear making a try!

Why not adopt a cute Delartful bear for Christmas www.bearpile.com/detail.cgi?id=667&item=16311



BEAR OF THE MONTH

Meet Li Mei

A beautiful bear made by Helena of Bears-a-bruin.

A little about Li Mei

She's 3.3" tall and made from long-pile mini-bear
fabric in Smokey rosewood and white.

Li Mei has glass eyes and embroidered
nose and claws, plus matching ultra suede foot pads.

Filled with heavy polyester fibre and glass beads, she feels firm and fairly heavy for a little one!


Her arms are wired to enable her to pose, and she wears a little daisy pendant around her neck for her new Adopting Parents.

She has been now adopted but you can contact Helena to make one similar for you.
If you would like to visit her and other bears by Helena Click the link.
www.bearpile.com/detail.cgi?id=641&item=16269

BEAR GROUP OF THE MONTH