Teddy-Bears.Org : Teddy Bear Artist What Else But Bears by Linda Henry

What Else But Bears by Linda Henry

My name is Linda Hartzig of "What Else But Bears". I fell in love with bear making about 8 years ago. I had always dabbled in some form of creative work whether it was dolls, sewing clothes to knitting. I have always liked being busy, doing "something". I loved going to bearmaking classes, for instance, but also loved study of all kinds. The friendships made in classes have always meant a lot to me. But now my love of teddy bears has taken over. I also am a certified teacher and supplier for Spare Bear Parts.

I took my early teddy bears to work, where, to my surprise and delight, I started getting orders for them. My company name came from a friend at work. When it came time for me to be serious about selling my teddy bears I needed the right name. Everyone was throwing names at me and then someone said "What are you all talking about" and my girlfriend said "What Else But Bears". Hence came the name for my company. I was keeping very busy doing lots of plush bears. I was actually scared to work on mohair. I had stockpiled it in my closet in hope of one day cutting into it. Then a brain storm hit, I wanted a certain color bear and I did not have the color. Off to the store I went, I bought some dye, came home and - yes - took a piece of my mohair & tossed it into the washing machine! I was a little amazed at myself for being so daring, but luckily the fur turned out the most beautiful color. Now, I'll try anything at least once.