Creating Miniature Teddy Bears: International Artists' Designs [Hardcover]

This book invites teddy bear artists the world over to make 20 bears. These miniature wonders are a delight. Artists will find original patterns, beneficial tips and detailed instructions for making original and unique miniature teddy bears. The artists featured in this book are known world-wide, and they have created exclusive designs with desirable characteristics in their own inimitable style just for the readers. Gisele Nash's beautiful and practical illustrations, found throughout the book, will be enjoyed by all.

Introduction The following pages contain rare rewards. Here is an opportunity to join the ranks of bear hobbyists who yearn to give life to a hand-made bear. Or, if you have already set forth on this creative path, you’ll find original patterns, handy tips and detailed instructions for making original and unique miniature bears.

The miniature teddy bear artists included in this book are known world wide. They have created exclusive designs with desirable characteristics in their own inimitable style just for readers of this book. Enjoy their words and each of their bears which best exemplify some of the many styles of bears that exist today.

The advantage to the small stature of these miniatures is well known to thousands of collectors and hundreds of bear artists. Every inch is filled with the details of love compacted into a small space. However, less room on the shelf does not mean less room in your heart. The bear(s) you create may be tiny, but they are sure to bring you tons of joyful satisfaction.

Let your individuality shine through as you choose fabrics and materials to make your bear. Undoubtedly, Gisele Nash’s beautiful and practical illustrations will make your project fun, interesting and successful.

I hope you find much joy in your miniature bear making. It is my pleasure to share these pages with you.

Linda Mullins was born and raised in England. She emigrated to America in 1969.

Her present collection of more than 2000 bears began in earnest when her husband, Wally, gave her an antique teddy bear as a gift. That hobby escalated to a full-time profession and today Linda Mullins’ knowledge and expertise are in demand throughout the United States, Europe and Pacific Rim.

A Southern California resident, she produces the region’s most popular two-day show: Linda’s San Diego Teddy Bear, Doll & Antique Toy Show and Sale. It is held twice a year. The January show of 2000 is the 42nd of these events which continue to draw international attention because of the excellent antique, collectible and artist teddy bears, dolls and toys on exhibit and available for purchase.

In addition to collecting, speaking, educating and traveling, Linda has written 16 books and countless articles on the past, present and future of teddy bears.

After an all-out effort coordinating an auction of international artist’s bears designed to raise funds for Kobe, Japan’s earthquake victims, Linda Mullins became instrumental in shaping that country’s Huis Ten Bosch’s Teddy Bear Kingdom in Nagasaki, Japan. She is a supervisor and honorary director of the museum.

As the year 2002 marks the 100th anniversary of the teddy bear, Linda is at work with various organizations, institutions and private collectors the world over to celebrate this historical landmark.

It is Linda’s lifelong goal to continue on her mission to make the teddy bear an ambassador of world love and peace.