Kristie Bonner-bearsmith


	My name is Kristie Bonner and I have been making bears since 1996. In a relatively short time, these little bears have come to take over my life. I specialize in miniatures and with my busy life-style, I have two children, I needed something portable. Miniatures are perfect. Everything I need to work on a bear fits in a little bag that I take everywhere I go. You never know when you are going to get a few minutes to sew.

	My bears range in size from 1 1/2" to a large 4 1/2". The majority of my bears are 3", which is the easiest size to work with. I sew all my bears by hand with right sides together. The pieces are then carefully turned with hemostats. I use upholstery velvets, cashmere, rayon, and mohair as a medium. Black onyx beads are used for the eyes. I generally 4 way string joint the bears and use cotterpins for the heads. In some designs, I use glass pellets in the feet of the bear to help them stand better on their own. The average bear takes anywhere from 5 to 8 hours to complete, but they are a true labor of love.

	In the past few years, my bear designs have changed and hopefully improved. Color plays an important role in my designs and I like to dye a lot of the fabrics. Since I do dye so many fabrics, a lot of the bears tend to be limited in number. Occasionally I come out with a series of one of a kind bears. In the past I did a line of fairies, with lots of beading. Finding trims and accessories in scale with a 3" bear can be a challenge in itself. I hope you enjoy looking at the bears and I shouldn't forget the bunnies. My minis have appeared in the June 1997 issue of Teddy Bear and Friends, in the January/February 1999 issue of Teddy Bear Scene, the March/April 1999 issue of Teddy Bear Review, and also the April 1999 issue of Teddy Bear and Friends. Please note that my email address was listed wrong in the Teddy Bear Review article. It should be kristie@mybears.com. I will be doing the November 14th Bright Star show in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I will also be doing signings July 10th in Pennsylvania. More information will follow on those events. If you have any questions or if you need any more information on my designs, please email me. You can also reach me by snail mail at: Kristie Bonner 2116 White Lincoln Park, Michigan 48146
	Copyright 1999, Kristie Bonner