Totally STUFFED with love!

Years and YEARS ago my Mother, Sister and I collected handmade bears from local artists. Since my Mom is an antique dealer, she would come across old fur coats and then trade them for more bears. It was great for the artist, because they always had enough material leftover to make more bears to be sold. Over the years my collecting habits may have changed, but deep inside my heart there is a sweet-nostalgia that still lingers for my beautiful stuffed bears. Someday, they'll come out from hibernation to visit with us once more.

I was curious to hear from the makers of these little majical creatures, who are so filled with love and wonder. Were they as whimsical as their storybook creations? But of course! Just as I imagined these talented artists find inspiration from their youth, surroundings and their own children.

~Jes
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SAVANNAH CARROLL CHICO
California

I have always been the type of person who lives and loves to create things. There is nothing I enjoy more than making something with my own two hands. It feels natural, and always has. I can't really remember a specific moment in my life when I realized that I was a crafty person.. its just always been this way! Before I got into sewing I was really into acrylic painting and knitting. I started sewing when I was pregnant with my son, Finnley. I wanted to learn how to sew clothes for him, soft toys, etc. That was a year ago and now sewing is a daily thing for me, its kind of like eating and breathing.

I find a lot of my materials from local thrift stores. I look for woolly tweed jackets, pants, scarves, etc. I of course always wash the material before sewing with it. I also use a lot of new anti-pill fleece, and a wool/rayon blend felt. I love sturdy fabric, bright colors, earth tones, contrasting colors and tweed patterns.

I am constantly inspired by my adorable and funny 11 month old boy, nature, animals, and all things cute.

In the future I hope that I am still creating plushies and maybe a whole line of other things.. maybe I will get into making clothes and purses, who knows? I never knew that I would be selling my plush creations on etsy last year. If you would have told me that I was going to be in an upcoming magazine (Stuffed Magazine, out January 2010) I would have thought you were crazy!

I don't know whats in store but I hope that I can continue to be even more successful and make a living doing what I love.

Find Savannah at:
Etsy
Blog
Twitter
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ERINA
Ohio

I have always been creative; I function best when I have a few projects going. When I was a little girl my Grandmother taught me to sew; I loved creating art in that form from my first stitch. My grandmother is a quilter and a primitive artist who is pretty well known in our home town. She was my first inspiration and continues to inspire me every day. I am also a stay at home Mommy of two amazing little kids, my son Rupert and my Daughter Prudence. My children are definitely another source of inspiration for me. They both pre snuggle each and every toy I create. You have to have good quality control standards you know. Toys are one of the most important things in my life; I have a home filled with them. Actually the toys I collect are an inspiration as well, most of which are designer art toys. I could not survive if I could not add to the toy culture, and so I do just that. If I could choose my own future in this business it would be to have some solo gallery shows and one day have one of my creations produced by one of the leading art toy companies. Honestly though, if I continue to make people smile with dolls and plushies then that is more than enough.

There is something magical to me about creating dolls, like I am creating this little life. I give them a lot of personality and put a little of myself; my character into each one; it is hard to let them go. I like knowing they are going to good homes where they will be enjoyed.

Find Erina at:
Etsy
Website
blog
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CATHERINE YOUNG
Belgium

Welcome to the land of Bumpkin Bears! I grew up in England, but nowadays live in a small rural village in Belgium with my fiance and two tabby cats. I studied art, textile design and photography at University.

As a child I spent every available moment outdoors. My love of nature and animals was shared with a love of story telling and Art. With every animal that would hop by my mind would fill with all sorts of adventures that they got up to (in fact this still happens)!

Spending many happy times in the heart of the English countryside at my Granny's beautiful white house, with roses around the door, has given me a lifetime of inspiration for my artist bears and illustrations. It was my nickname of Country Bumpkin that inspired the name of Bumpkin Bears. It is my wish that those hugging my bears and looking at my Art will too be transported to this gentler, care free world.

I began my Bumpkin Bears business around 6 years ago bringing to life collector's Artist Bears in the finest, beautifully soft mohairs, achieving the finalist position for British Bear Artist Awards as well as a lot of Press recognition. Still creating these Bears, a year ago, I started to draw the characters that were inspiring them along with cute bunny and mice friends, and the world of Bumpkin illustrations began. I started with a desire to create nostalgic, vintage inspired art for children and adults alike. I have a wonderful collection of vintage children's books inherited from my Granny that along with my childhood memories are always a special source of inspiration for my bears and drawings. I create one of a kind artist bears as well as special teddy commissions. If you would like to join my Mailing List to be kept up to date with new additions to the Bumpkin family just drop me an email (catherine@bumpkinbears.com).

Find Catherine at:
Etsy
Blog
Website
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WENDYZ
California

This is my personal definition for "upcycle" - the one you'll see in my shop and on my business cards:

upcycle [uhp-sahy-kuhl] verb: To salvage and transform otherwise cast away items into unique, functional, fresh bits of art and whimsy.

The act of upcycling is taking something long forgotten or two steps away from the garbage and making something beautiful (or more useful) with it. My favorite items to rescue and upcycle are colorful sweaters with unique texture. I'm always on the hunt for cashmere, lambswool and merino when friends offer hand-me-downs or as I troll through second hand shops. Little holes and small areas of wear present a welcome challenge and make the end result all the more satisfying for me.

My husband gave me a "starter" sewing machine about 10 years ago. That machine necessitated my first sewing class at the adult school and inspired countless curtains and drapes in the years following. I'd also like to think that the many ceramics, watercolor and art therapy classes I took in college and after influenced (and will continue to influence) my work and creative life. When constructing new plush designs I get to paint with colors and hand build or sculpt with fabrics. In the end, I hope my work inspires both a smile and a belief that upcycling is beautiful.

Find Wendyz at:
Etsy
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SHE DREAMS OF ART is a new monthly column by Jessica Moreau-Berry, published right here at Indie Public. Look for new articles on the first Sunday of every month!

If you would like to be featured in future month's articles, then you can convo me here at Indie Public, or send an email to berryandco87@hotmail.com. I am looking for one to two paragraphs, a flickr link to a photo you'd like to show, and your website info.

December's article will be all about Christmas of course! I'll be lloking for artists that embrace the spirit of the holidays through their creativity and art.
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Jessica Moreau-Berry is a self-taught mixed-media artist who has been creating with vintage throwbacks since her teens. She started making jewelry in 2004 and to this day still delights in the numerous ways jewelry can be constructed from flea-market treasures. She finds her muse quite often at home and in the natural surroundings Maine has to offer. When it comes to art and being creative, she follows her own natural rythms, needs and desires and simply creates what makes her happy at that moment.

Find Jessica at:
Junque Revival
Junque Revival at Etsy
Junque Revival's Blog
Belle Amoire Jewelry: Winter 2009 - Summer 2009 - Fall 2009
"A Charming Exchange" by Ruth Rae and Kelly Snelling
"Exhibition 36" by Susan Tuttle