Party on the stairs!

Mary Tessmer's Teddy Bears
November 25, 2009 to January 1, 2010

Mary started making bears in the 1960's, first for her son, then for gifts. She purchased the "Making Your Own Teddy Bear" book, by Bialosky in 1982. This was a pattern book with Mama, Papa and Baby bear.

She made and displayed these bears and that was all it took... now, over 25 years late, over 100 bears have been "born" in various fabrics, styles and sizes. The bears are constructed of various fabrics : mohair, fur, leather, cotton and wool. Even though the pattern may be the same, the difference in fabric gives each bear a totally different look.

Old fur coats have been a favorite. Folks don't wear the coat any longer, but don't want to part with it. So it turns into a bear! Depending on the owner of the bear, the eyes will vary from glass, plastic to buttons. Many have embroidery thread noses and mouths. Leather or felt is often used for noses on fur bears. Jointed limbs are preferred, giving the bear more movement. However, if the bear is for a young child, (it will be laundered) that bear probably will not be jointed. The arms, legs and head will be joined to the body by machine. Leather, satin and felt are the most popular materials for "old" bear paws.