|
|
|
My name is Kristie Bonner and I have been making bears since 1996.
In a relatively short time, these little bears have come to take over
my life. I specialize in miniatures and with my busy life-style, I
have two children, I needed something portable. Miniatures are
perfect. Everything I need to work on a bear fits in a little bag that
I take everywhere I go. You never know when you are going to get a few
minutes to sew. |
 |
 |
 |
My bears range in size from 1 1/2" to a large 4
1/2". The majority of my bears are 3", which is the easiest
size to work with. I sew all my bears by hand with right sides together.
The pieces are then carefully turned with hemostats. I use upholstery
velvets, cashmere, rayon, and mohair as a medium. Black onyx beads are
used for the eyes. I generally 4 way string joint the bears, but I have
started using cotterpins for the heads. In some designs, I use glass
pellets in the feet of the bear to help them stand better on their own.
The average bear takes anywhere from 5 to 8 hours to complete, but they
are a true labor of love.
|
|
 |
|
In the past few years, my bear designs have changed and
hopefully improved. Color plays an important role in my designs and I
like to dye a lot of the fabrics. Since I do dye so many fabrics, a lot
of the bears tend to be limited in number. Occasionally I come out with
a series of one of a kind bears. In the past I did a line of fairies,
with lots of beading. Finding trims and accessories in scale with a 3"
bear can be a challenge in itself. I hope you enjoy looking at the bears
and I shouldn't forget the bunnies.
My minis have appeared in the June 1997 issue of Teddy Bear and
Friends, in the January/February 1999 issue of Teddy Bear Scene and also
the March/April 1999 issue of Teddy Bear Review. Please note that my
email address was listed wrong in the Teddy Bear Review article. It
should be kristie@nscgld.com.
If you have any questions or if you need any more information on
my designs, please email me.
|