When did you start making teddies and what was it that inspired you?
I am relatively new to making teddies, as I have been creating bears for just over four months. I have collected bruins since I was a small child and have a treasured collection of artist editions made by Jill Baxter, Deb Canham, Steiff and many more. I admire Bears by Barbara Ann; they are so full of character and in such beautiful colours. All these different characters in my collection, in books, on the Internet, have been my inspiration to start making my own beary creations with my own design and style.

Can you tell us a little about yourself? Do you make teddies as a full time occupation?
I am 22 years of age and live on the south east of England. I have always been creative; my parents are artistic and always encouraged my imagination, often helping me to craft various creatures from a young age from a wide range of mediums! I love colours; I enjoy oil painting and draw in my spare time. I did attend Art College but my bears are now my full-time occupation.

How would you describe your style?
I would describe my style as unique! My beary creations have big personalities, enhanced by their colours and facial expressions. Bear's features are important to me; I take my time on their little faces, bringing their individual characters to life.

How long does it take you to make a bear?
It depends on the size and level of detail of the bruin. Some can take me about a day and a half, others take a few days longer or up to a week of even longer. Each teddy is different.

Where do you find inspiration for new designs?
Inspiration for new designs? Well, that is everywhere! I can find ideas on the Internet, in magazines and when I am dyeing some mohair, the colour can lend itself to a particular design. Different animals, other fabrics, textures – anything that catches my eye and gets my imagination flowing!

What in your opinion is the definition of a good bear?
I think a good teddy must have a delightful facial expression, whether it is cute, sleepy, happy or otherwise. It gives a bear a huge personality; the more you look at the teddy the more you love it.

Do you have any particular favourites amongst the bears you have made?
I love them all, but if I had to choose I would pick two, Taffy being one of them, as I love his adorable little face. He is really cute; you just want to give him a big hug and he certainly tugged at my heartstrings! My second one would be Twinkle, my little blue Fairy Bear. He has a beautiful sleepy little face and I just love his big feet!

If you could make a teddy for anyone in the world, who would it be and what kind of bear would you make?
Now this is a difficult question! Well, I would love to have made a teddy for the late, amazing, Marilyn Monroe. The bear would have to be very glamorous, uniquely feminine with natural beauty and charm. I would also love to make a bear for Sir Anthony Hopkins!

Where can enthusiasts find your work?
At the present time my mum and I are having a website built, which will hopefully be up and running in approximately eight weeks time. My talented mum - a member of the Professional Doll makers Guild, sculpts beautiful, enchanting, fairies from polymer clay. So the website will be a Fairy and Bear site and the address is: www.elizabethrosecreations.co.uk. You can also find us on Ebay (teddyfairymoomin56). If you have any questions or comments you can contact me at rolferachel@hotmail.com .

What has been the high point of your career so far?
Having my creations sent around the world to Singapore, Canada, America, Australia and England is a real high point, knowing my bears are appealing to many people. I often wish I could deliver them in person! Also the wonderful positive feedback I receive is a real confidence boost.

What do you enjoy most about teddy making and collecting?
I love to create a bear that can bring a smile to your face and posting them gives me great pleasure, knowing I’m sending little boxes of happiness to people around the world. All teddies are unique and no two are ever the same. Sometimes you set out with a particular idea of how your bruin will be when you start making it and often they surprise you and are completely different than you first expected them to be and that is great! I love collecting bears; I have an array of lovely characters on my shelves that are all different, all equally delightful.

How do you feel the teddy bear scene in the UK is developing?
In England there are many, many amazing bear artists out there; you only have to search the Internet or magazines to find them. They are creating unique teddies, big or miniature, unconventional or traditional and all wonderful in their own way. A rich network of inspiration!

Collectors' Notes
If you would like to be considered for Artist of the Month, send some details about yourself and a selection of images of your bears to Artist of the Month, Teddy Bear Club International, 25 Phoenix Court, Hawkins Road, Colchester, Essex, CO3 3RB, England or email: melissa@aceville.com