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I hope LOTS of collectors respond to these questions..... including those who normally just read posts!!!
Yes, I'm a teddy bear artist... but I am a collector too! I'll post my questions and answer first in the first repsonse. That way you can just copy and paste the questions. I'm hoping to use some of the information gathered here on my site: www.TeddyBearCollecting.com
WHY do you collect teddy bears?
HOW did you discover the (adult) world of teddy bear collecting?
WHAT kind of bears do you collect... and WHY?
WHERE do you buy your bears?
HOW do you display your bears?
WHY do you collect teddy bears?
I collect teddy bears because they make me smile... I like the way they look. I enjoy looking at them.
HOW did you discover the (adult) world of teddy bear collecting?
I had no IDEA that adults collected teddy bears! Then I met my now best friend... and she collected teddy bears. I loved going to her house and looking at all the bears and how she had them displayed in her home. I had no idea that teddy bears could look so cool!
WHAT kind of bears do you collect & WHY?
I have a few manufactured bears (Boyd's, Deb Canham, Gund) but mostly I collect artist teddy bears.
I like the look of the faces of many artist teddy bears. You can tell that a lot of time and care goes into creating these bears. I also like the fact that many artists weight their bears so they are kinda heavy.
I LOVE the antique bears too.... but I can't afford to buy those right now. I fell in love with one early Steiff... but he cost $3,500.
WHERE do you buy your bears?
Bear shows (neat to see so many bears together all in one place and in person!) **favorite place
Bear / collectible shops
eBay
Artist websites
HOW do you display your bears?
I love to use my bears to decorate my home. I have some on bookshelves, some in a basket, on top of some furniture. I love to change how I display my bears. I don't have room to have them out all at once as I don't like it too crowded... so I rotate which bears I have on display. I keep my "sleeping" bears in boxes in cabinets or under the bed... NOT in the attic or in the basement. I don't want them exposed to dampness or extremes in temperature.
WHY do you collect teddy bears?
-- I collect artist bears only, and only the ones that speak to me, whose faces I find really endearing, no matter who the artist may be. I generally buy work from people whose skills and abilities impress the heck out of me, because I'm in awe of their work and want to stare at it up close.
HOW did you discover the (adult) world of teddy bear collecting?
-- I tried to make a bear which turned out hideously. When I went to research about bears online I found the artist bear category on eBay and then Michelle Lamb and many other inspiring artists. I honed my skills while acquiring a few artist bears for my collection along the way.
WHAT kind of bears do you collect... and WHY?
-- I don't collect any one kind of bear but they do all tend to be neutral colored (browns, tans, golds.) Most of my collection is contemporary bears that have a certain patina of age or a nostalgic quality, even if they're completely modern in every way.
WHERE do you buy your bears?
-- Largely on eBay.
HOW do you display your bears?
-- I have some pieces behind glass in an antique hutch in my family room. Others are on high shelves in my studio, as inspiration. A few sit on my guest bed in that same room (it only occasionally gets slept in.) I tend to arrange my bears in artful ways and use them as my wall art, instead of framed prints or hung canvases. It's both pretty AND motivating!
Newelley.BearsWHY do you collect teddy bears?
Because they bring me alot of joy. The bears are wonderful pieces of art.
HOW did you discover the (adult) world of teddy bear collecting?
I started collecting TY Beanie Babies in 1997, I then proceeded to collect the TY Attic Treasures range and from there to Boyd's, Gund, Steiff, and artist pieces.
WHAT kind of bears do you collect... and WHY?
Artist Bears because each one is a unique piece and tend to be irresistable. Steiff because there quality and craftsmanship is unparalled. Boyd's because they are just cute and cuddly and make great display pieces.
WHERE do you buy your bears?
I buy my bears online (artist's websites, ebay) and through retail (The Teddy Bear Abbey or www.theteddybearabbey.com)
HOW do you display your bears?
I mostly display my bears on shelves and inside glass display cabinets, although currently many of them are in storage due to a TREMENDOUS lack of space... :(
Jeremy
Newelley.Bears
WHY do you collect teddy bears? I'm drawn to their spirit. They smile, wink, or wave....and some even shout from across a crowded bear show!
HOW did you discover the (adult) world of teddy bear collecting? I attended a Doll and Teddy Bear show looking for inspiration when I was sculpting designs for Enesco.
WHAT kind of bears do you collect... and WHY? I collect both antique and artist bears that look like they could be antique. I'm not one for bright and shiney.....unless it's a car! I have antiques and shabby vintage througout my home. Bright, shiney and contemporary just doesn't fit in my world. They're lovely to look at, lovely to hold, but I don't buy it unless it looks old!
WHERE do you buy your bears? Bear shows, internet and antique shops.
HOW do you display your bears? Bears are displayed throughout my home. They're used as decorator items and art pieces. I have bears peeking out of vintage purses that are hung on the wall. I also frame bears by either hanging them on the wall and framing them or sitting them in a chair on the wall and then framing them with a shabby frame. They sit and chat with each other on piles of pillows in the guestrooms. They stand in glass apothecary jars. They ride antique bicycles and horses. They take tea at three in my studio at a antique children's table and chair set. I love the art of display!
Warmest bear hugs, :hug:
Aleta
Newcastle, OntarioTeddy bears have always made me think of my childhood and thos care free times from the past. I just find them comforting, and enjoy having them around me.
I stumbled across Teddy Bear and Friends miniature edition about 12 years ago. I literally couldn't stop thinking about them. I was star struck. I couldn't afford to buy them, so I started making them. Once I started attending shows, I managed to acquire a few teddies by trading.
I collect bears that are antique in style, and now have full size bears as well as minis. Old, worn bears just speak to me and I seem to have a connection with them.
I don't buy many bears, but the few I have acquired lately, have been bought on Ebay.
My bears are displayed in curio cabinets. I used to display some of the larger ones in my living room, but my one cat insists on bathing them (eeew) so they are now all behind glass!
hugs,
Brenda
TinyBearWHY do you collect teddy bears?
I collect artist bears because I find theme adorable and cute and can´t resist.
HOW did you discover the (adult) world of teddy bear collecting?
I went to a miniature and bears fair to by miniature stuff - went home with a bear kit and lots of business cards from exhibitors.
WHAT kind of bears do you collect... and WHY?
I´m a bearmaker to, so I collect bears that are different from my own. Bears that 'speaks' to me. Bears that I just most have...
WHERE do you buy your bears?
At fairs, on artists websites, on Ebay.
HOW do you display your bears?
I have them in my studio close to where I work with my bears so I can see them all the time.
1.Because I can, and bears are something that I like.
2.On my travels, when I went to a Bear Fair in the UK, never having a bear as a child thought I would rectify this and have one as an old lady.
3.Old Steiff teddy bears, Artist teddy bears that speak to me.
4.Shows and shops.
5.I have a cabinet now, mainly as Tristan will soon be walking and wanting My bears, Sam and Teddy cannot tell the difference between MY bears and their toy bears.
Many years ago, I had bought a bear from Sue Pearson in the UK, while I was working in my office, in the corner of my eye I kept seeing a blurry brown thing flying in the air every few seconds. I thought I better investigate , only to find my then dog Becky, with an very old bear playing soccer with it in the driveway !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Fortunately the bear was intact, just the label was a bit chewed up.
Lynette
Strange BearsWhile a bear artist myself and I do collect the occasional one that really really impresses me ........my husband is the real colector so I asled him the questions.......here are his answers.
WHY do you collect teddy bears?
They appeal to me nd I didn't have one as a child......I loke their personality.
HOW did you discover the (adult) world of teddy bear collecting?
My wife started making them and MADE me go to the shows!!!
WHAT kind of bears do you collect... and WHY?
All kinds, as long as they are well made and unique in some way. If I have to careful because often Sandra goes.......I can make that why did you buy it. Also she recently cleaned the collection and after 6 to 8 years she found all these problems so now I can't buy anthing with elastic, dried flowers, some natural things, too many accessories, bells or thiings that tarnish etc etc.
WHERE do you buy your bears?
Shows, we have bought a few from ebay but generally I like to check the workmanship and I won't buy from ebay if I don't know thw artists work. this generally means all more collection is from Australia although I do have a few english artists.
HOW do you display your bears?
They are in book cases, top of the TV unit, tall boys in our bedroom and where we can find space.......thre is over 1000 bears throughout the house.
FABulous!!!!! :clap: :clap: :clap: Anyone else???
WHY do you collect teddy bears?
I haven't been able to collect for a while, but I was an avid collector, particularly of vintage English Chiltern Hugmees. I love those bears! There's something very noble and reassurring about them and the simplicity of their design absolutely enchants me. They really do encompass a special something which achieves an emotional connection ... and they are manufactured bears, not individually designed!
HOW did you discover the (adult) world of teddy bear collecting?
I was in a bookshop one lunchtime and stumbled across Pauline Cockrill's 'The Ultimate Teddy Bear'. I have kept my childhood (Chiltern Hugmee) bear with me all my life and found a picture of him in the book, which delighted me! I checked the references at the back of the book and found a museum to visit, which led me to my next Chiltern bear. I also found Judy Sparrow's book and the references in that opened my eyes to hunt down another shop ... which in turn introduced me to my first copy of 'The Teddy Bear Times' magazine. Once I had that in my hot little hands I found out about teddy bear shows and artists bears and .... well, here I am!
WHAT kind of bears do you collect... and WHY?
Aside from my vintage Chiltern's, I also have a Chiltern replica made for me by Pamela Howells, the lovely lady who used to design for the Chiltern company when they were still manufacturing. I have tended to collect big bare bears with real hug appeal and artists like Frank Webster, Sandra Wickenden, Janet Clark, Jane Humme ... have all made the kind of bears I couldn't leave behind and had to bring home with me from shows. I have a wonderful black standing bear by 'Little Folk', a limited edition manufactured bear called Sebastian made in sleek black faux fur ... he's very handsome! It's rare for me to buy a little bear, but I did have a beautiful 3" pink miniature made for my birthday several years ago by Sally Lambert - the bear has an even tinier bear, fully jointed in a fabulously delicate 'cage' ... it's amazing work!
WHERE do you buy your bears?
Auction house and shows primarily.
HOW do you display your bears?
Sadly, because of my impending move, most are are all packed away at the moment. However, my very first Chiltern bear still has pride of place in my bedroom, along with a lovely 1930's Chiltern and Jane Humme's gorgeous classic bear.
b]WHY do you collect teddy bears?[/b]
They inspire me and make me happy just to look at them or to have something to cuddle.. Some
of my antiques I have bought for investment.. but I have to love them.... so they really aren't
an investment.. heehee.. (a good way to convince yourself to spend big $$ on an antique.. heehee)
HOW did you discover the (adult) world of teddy bear collecting?
A Teddy bear shop that my Mom and I came across when we were out on a shopping
trip one day.... I had been collecting those manufactured bears that people dress before that and
when I saw these fantastic artist bears ...I was in awe!
WHAT kind of bears do you collect... and WHY?
I collect artist bears and antique bears... even some manufactured bears.. I usually will buy something
because it is unusual or just because it appeals to me.
WHERE do you buy your bears?
Ebay, websites, bear shows, antique shows, stores.
HOW do you display your bears?
I display my bears on shelves and in cabinets with antique dolls... on Chairs.. pretty much anywhere I
have any space left.. heeeheee.
Hugs!
Melanie
Drea's BearsWHY do you collect teddy bears?
Who better to have a tea party with? Seriously, they bring me a kind of joy that can't be found anywhere else. They bring me comfort and connect me to childhood, not necessarily MY childhood (although I have always had them) but it seems they connect me to childhood on a more universal level, as though I'm conneceted with every person in every country in the last 105 years who have ever loved a teddy......is that weird? 
HOW did you discover the (adult) world of teddy bear collecting?
My mom brought home a copy of Teddy Bear and Friends in February 1997. I read every word of that magazine. Through it I got to know the current artists at the time and the very next year my first artist bear purchace was Lorraine Chein.......a bear named "Sparky" I would have been 20 years old, and I remember almost fainting as I handed her the money and she handed me the bear. I felt like such a geek!
WHAT kind of bears do you collect... and WHY?
I take home who ever tells me to (within reason of course), I don't seem to have a 'type' I have minis and big bears, long fur short fur, vintage, polka dotted, you name it. I collect mainly artist bears but I do have a few Steiff, and Merrythought ( 
).
WHERE do you buy your bears?
I buy my bears usually from shows....I like to meet the artists if I can. I also buy from shops and on EBay occasionally.
HOW do you display your bears?
I have a few in my living room in the bookcase, but mainly in a glass display cabinet. Don't worry I take them out to play often!
Hope this helps!
Hugs,
AndreaM 
LutonWHY do you collect teddy bears?
I have always loved teddy bears since I was a little girl and have always had bears as part off my life. They are the most cutest, loving, homely creatures.
HOW did you discover the (adult) world of teddy bear collecting?
I used to go to a beauty salon and the lady who was a recptionist there had some of her bears on display. She then put me in the right direction.
WHAT kind of bears do you collect... and WHY?
Artist bears mostly, although sometimes I cannot resist those ones you get in card shops sometimes.
WHERE do you buy your bears?
Artists websites and Ebay.
HOW do you display your bears?
On bookshelves, cabinets and little bits of furniture.
Hugs
Claire
Back Road BearsWHY do you collect teddy bears?
Because I'm a sucker for anything with a look that says "I need a hug"! Dogs... kids.... animals..... teddies!!!!
HOW did you discover the (adult) world of teddy bear collecting?
Drove by a sign for a teddy bear show.. had NO idea artist bears even existed! Thought I'd be in Gund/Russ/Boyds heaven! It was better than that!
WHAT kind of bears do you collect... and WHY?
Now mostly artist bears, used to collect Boyds before they were sold and the bears lost their bearsonality. A Gund frequently comes along that I can't resist!
WHERE do you buy your bears?
Shows and shops mostly.... occassionaly on eBay.
HOW do you display your bears?
Shelves in my studio, perched on chairs and shelves throughout my house and on the beds.
Posts: 2,203I collect Teddy bears because they remind me of a simpler time.
I actually discovered adult collecting through QVC.
I collect bears that are cuddley with cute expressions. The kind that "talk" to me. I am a sucker for a face that seems to say" Please can come home?" I also collect older teddys because of the stories they can tell.
I buy from you guys! They are on my bookcase.
