Quality construction in my bears is as important to me as a 'take me home' appearance. Only the highest quality materials are used.  Additionally, I am a bit of a perfectionist........perhaps this is one of the reasons my bears take so long to finish? I love adding detail to them, and sometimes this is a very time consuming process.  Just the shading alone can take up to a few hours with the oil paints, depending on the size of the bear.  Also, if the face is very detailed, I then feel the need to put detail in the paws as well.......this makes for a well-rounded bear, which is what ultimately pleases me as the artist. 

My bears are created in my studio, located in our quiet country home......or as quiet as can be expected with three active boys and a gaggle of various animals inside and out:o)  I live with my family on a small acreage in rural Iowa, where we have lots of room for pets.  In the barn and pasture live two horses........my Arabian girls, Amber and Zarubi.  There are a couple of fat and happy barn kitties and an Indian Blue peacock as well.  We also have a chicken house. Country living is wonderful!!  My days are filled with caring for my children, my bear making, and our animals.  These are the things that make me happiest........my family most of all.  I am very fortunate to be able to work at home so that I'm always here for them.  And I'm working at something that I absolutely love.  I am thankful each and every day for these blessings!  And all of you wonderful collectors have done so much to make this possible for me......thank you all so much for your support and patronage!:o) 

Teddy hugs,
Tracy