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Hi I'm Elanor Andrews the creator
of Shantock Bears. I made my first bear in the January of 2002 and I
haven't really stopped. Anyone who's involved in the bear scene will
know once you start you just can't stop!
For as long as I can
remember I have always loved bears and have a large personal "hug".
I work part time in a day centre for Adults with Learning
Disabilities, which is a challenging but rewarding occupation as
well as being lucky enough to be my own "boss" for part of the week
and run Shantock Bears.
I decided upon the name Shantock
Bears in memory of my Grandmother. She was a wonderful seamstress,
always helping and encouraging my creative side. Coming from this
artistic background and having studied display and design I have
always enjoyed all art and craft pursuits. I like to think that in
my bear making I am carrying on the skills that she taught me.
Shantock Bears are all one of a kind bears. They are totally
designed and handmade by myself, usually from mohair but sometimes
from synthetic materials like upholstery velvet. Lyn (my Mum) who is
a great help to the business designs and knits bear clothes which we
also sell.
I am always delighted to do special commissions. Among some I have
made so far are wedding, christening, hairdresser’s, butchers and
chocolate fairy bears. From the first feeble and distorted bear
making attempt I have been hooked on the joy of creating a fantastic
being from a piece of mohair. The excitement never leaves me and I
have constant itching fingers at the thought of what is coming next!
So please feel welcome to contact me with any special requests.
I was delighted to win a British Bears Artist Award in 2005 for my
miniature bear "Off to Market". I was also nominated that year for a
Teddy Bear Scene Readers Choice Award and " Dove" was awarded joint
runner up position. In 2006 I got through to the "almost made it
stages" of the TBS Readers Choices awards with my mouse "Whiskers".
Please take some time to browse my site and I do hope you like my
bears as they are all waiting patiently to be adopted.
I look forward to hearing from you
Big Hugs
Elanor x
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