Bears-Direct - Teddy Bear Artist Spotlight

Artist Spotlight
Janet Ann Anderson
Janet Ann Anderson & Bears

Janet Ann Anderson has always excelled at sewing and fiber arts. She began sewing her own clothes at 12 and went on to major in clothing and textiles in College. She taught sewing to Junior high students for six years.

She made her first bear for her first son before he was born. He loved it to shreds! She made bears for each of her next two sons as well. Then she quit teaching to raise her boys, but she wanted to continue sewing, so she started making and selling dolls. After about five years of doll making, she made a bear and got hooked. The bears took over her doll making.

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Her husband died suddenly and the bears became both therapy and a means of supporting herself and her three small children. Her bear business really grew at that time out of necessity.

It has now been 20 years since Janet first started making and selling her bears. The three little boys they helped support are now grown up, but the bears are as charming as ever.

Her bears are Contemporary in sizes ranging from 4 inches to an occasional 18 inch bear. Most are 6 inches and less. They feature a unique, inset muzzle design.

Her study of historic costume and design means that most of her bears are dressed. She likes to incorporate her other needle work interests into her bears, such as knitting, embroidery, cross stitch, applique and quilting. The clothing and accessories she includes with the bears are used to display these other arts.

One of her favorite bears is "Joey" a 4 inch bear who wears a sweater with a bear face knit into it on tiny wire needles. He requires a great deal of time and patience but she keeps making him because people are drawn to him, and she loves him as well. She even has a picture of one of these bears sitting on the Great Wall of China, that a collector sent her. He's an endearing little ambassador!

The main other interest in Janet's life, after her boys, is music. She is an accomplished oboe player, and she practices daily to stay in shape. She plays in a Denver Orchestra, a chamber group and duets with a harp and a pianist. Music is playing all the time while she works, and she says it brings "beauty, serenity and calm" to her creations.

Janet does not have a web site, but if you write to her at JanetandBears@aol.com she will send you a flyer every month showing her newest creations.

Janet Ann Anderson

Above: Red Riding Hood 12"

Right: Joey a 4" bear who is one of Janet's favorites and most popular creations.

Vallie 6", Tea Rose 4"

Below: Violette 5"

This interview was conducted and edited by
Jackie Morris: www.blacklickbears.com