Because I am as new to blogging as a caterpillar is to a cocoon, I thought I would begin by introducing you to myself and to my little creations.
First things first: My name is Amy Lilley, I am 22 years old, a wife and an aspiring homemaker. I discovered my love for crafts shortly after getting married, and have been crafting away ever since. I have named my blog Teacups and Teddies because, for me, these things generally go together: I am most content sewing away a new little friend with a cup of tea in hand. As this blog will be dedicated to the things I love best, I thought this title was a good place to start.
However, I would like to tell you a little bit about my artist bear shop today :-)
Creating these little bears and animals is always a fun and exciting experience that leaves me reminiscent of my childhood. It was here that my love for these creations began.
It was my mother who first introduced me to the jointed (artist's) bear. She owned a little lion (Leo) and a bear (Bruno), whom she had acquired during her childhood. They were both charmingly tatty and fragile. I looked on them with envy as I knew they were one childhood posession that my mother would not relinquish to my pleading. I settled for having them visit my bedside every time that I was unwell or scared at night: they both had excellent bedside manner. Failing to inherit Leo and Bruno as I grew older, I sought after a little jointed companion of my own. They were annoyingly hard to come by! The completion of this search was anticipated on every beachside-holiday (as a result of my mother explaining that the 'quirky' shops by the seafront may sell them). I did make several purchases, but none were quite the same as the little lion and bear whom I loved.
It was not until I discovered Etsy (at the age of 21), that I realised that these creatures were available to 'adopt'! They were called 'Artist's Bears,' and were handmade, OOAK (one of a kind) creations (most of which had little moveable joints-the feature I loved best about Leo and Bruno). I rang my mum and asked her to buy me a little jointed elephant from one Etsy shop as a Christmas gift.
I was delighted that I could finally have a little jointed companion of my own! I began researching 'Teddy Bear art,' and started to make my own little bears and animals. I have always loved making things and I had loved these critters for so long that it seemed the perfect art-form for me to pursue. I have done so ever since.
I hope that my little anecdote has both communicated the love that goes into my work and has brought a smile to your face. We all remember our little furry companions, and I am delighted at the thought that my little animals may find a place in another's home, heart and memory.
