“Hello, and welcome to the Bears of Eastwood website. I know you’re here to look at the bears, so just click on the tabs at the top of the page and enjoy!”

If you would like to know how and why, I became an Artist, then please read on!

My first Bear was given to me by my late,  great aunt Winnie, when I went to stay with her for a short time in the summer holidays. I was about 5 years old, and the youngest, and only female amongst my parents (Peter and Sheila) 7 children. I was quite homesick when I arrived, so my aunt Winnie said she had someone I could play with upstairs!! She gave me the most beautiful bear, which was old and already much loved (he had belonged to her son, when he was a little boy). It was love at first sight, and I took him everywhere I went. When it was time to go back home I couldn’t bear to be parted from him (pardon the pun), so I got to take him home!

As I mentioned before I have 6 big brothers, and one of their favorite pass-times, was to torment me!

One day we were out playing, and one of my brothers stole my teddy and threw him onto a roof, he never came back! (the bear, not the brother). I missed him so much!

I have been collecting bears ever since, and over the years I have been given many bears, and bear related gifts as presents.

In January 2004, I was given a book on making bears for my Birthday, from my stepson Peter, and his partner Jenny. I had never thought of making bears for my collection, but had made toys for my two children Donna and Carl, when they were little. I had also been a keen sewer, when I was younger, and used to design and make my own clothes.

In February 2004, My husband Phil took me to our local bear shop to choose a bear for Valentine’s, but they also sold bear making supplies, so I bought some mohair and made my very own bear!. I was hooked, and bought more supplies, and in a few weeks I had made three bears. I took them into the shop where I bought the materials, and the shop owner asked if I would like to put them in her shop for sale. By march, I had sold several bears in the shop, so I went along to a fair, to talk to some other shop owners. in April I was supplying 4 shops, and just couldn’t make them quick enough.

In May 2004, I saw a competition to design a bear for Compton and Woodhouse, in the Teddy Bear Times magazine, and although I had only been making bears for 3 months, I decided to have a go. I sent in my little bear Kip, and I’m proud to say, he won!

Kip was produced by Deans bears, and proved very popular, so I designed his brother Scamp, which was also made by Deans, and his sister Shy.

In September 2004, I gave up my job as a dispenser, and devoted my time to making bears.

Where does the name come from?

Well, I spent all my childhood living in an area named Eastwood, then When I started making bears I lived on Eastwood mount in Clifton!

So there you go, we thought Bears of Eastwood would be perfect!

Besides that, I’ve got to say, a bear hug from Clint Eastwood would be nice!