Welcome to my world of Nikkel Bears – I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoy making them for you!

After dabbling in other crafts such as decorating eggs, scrapbooking and beaded bracelets, I chanced upon teddy bear making while visiting a craft show in Sydney with a friend.  It was the beginning of my obsession!

Unlike a lot of other bear artists, I don’t have a background in design, art or fashion, having worked in administration for all of my working life, and I must admit to not being all that interested in sewing in my earlier years.   I work full time as a Department Manager in a chemical manufacturing plant, and am currently completing a Diploma of Frontline Management.

As a relative newcomer to the industry, I am self-taught, and have only been designing and making my bears since 2007.  I’m thrilled to say that I’ve enjoyed competition success during that time, and am always striving to learn and try new skills and develop new patterns.  In that respect, I guess you could say my style of bears is still evolving.

Each of my bears has been hand-sewn from mohair or alpaca (my favourite) and I spend a lot of time hand-painting their eyes.  They say that ‘the eyes are the window to the soul’ and I like my little creations’ eyes to have a depth of character that speaks to people.

I am inspired by beautiful colours, and I love the fantasy and mystery of shows such as the wonderful Cirque du Soleil, and the beauty and culture of the Fanta-sea shows in Phuket, Thailand.

I enjoy dabbling with different design techniques (which I am still learning) and can’t wait to see a little finished face staring back at me.  I admit to having a penchant for collecting mohair at bear shows (lucky I still have my day job!!!) and somehow my bear making supplies and bears have taken over our spare bedroom where there is now little room for visitors!!!

I live in the beautiful Shoalhaven area of New South Wales with my family, one very large Alaskan Malamute, and two neurotic cats!   My husband and I are proud grandparents to our gorgeous 2-year old granddaughter Mikaela, and because of our very hectic and busy lives, we very much enjoy family time together.