Mama & Me

My destiny of bear making began soon after my mother,

Dorthy, passed away from breast cancer in 1996. She left behind
a legacy of faith, love, perseverance, and a fur coat.

Mama really loved the coat, so when I saw it hanging in
the closet two years later, I knew I wanted something special

from it. I wanted a teddy bear! I thought, maybe I could try

and make one, however, not only did I not sew,

but I was born with only one hand.

After several attempts, discouraged and frustrated,

I sadly put the idea away. Days later, remembering what

Mama would have said, and how proud I knew she would be,

I couldn't give it up just yet. Mom always told me I could do

anything I wanted to if I believed I could.

So with those words echoing in my mind...

and my heart, I made my first teddy bear.

Now, with each little bear and dog I make, lives the faith and

love of our Mama, and most importantly,

the belief she instilled in me…

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

Phil. 4:13

I graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Masters in Human Relations.

I worked as a Mental Health Professional for 5 years before turning

to soft sculpture art as my full time profession in 2003

We live in Blanchard, Oklahoma, USA

Publications and Features:

MIT Robotic Media Lab “Huggable” for more information

Teddy Bear Club International September 2007 issue, thank you Alison!

Dogs Today May 2007…Great Britain’s premier dog magazine!

You can find more information about me and my work in the

August 2006 issue of Teddy Bear Review.

I want to thank Trina for sharing my story.

Teddy Bear and Friends has a special on dog artists in the July 2006,

you can find me and other great dog artists in that issue.

In the United Kingdom, look for my story and work in the May 2006 issue

of Teddy Bear Scene…thank you Natalie!

And in the Yorky world…Yorky Club Magazine has featured my hand made

Yorkies…that is June 2006 issue.

Soft Dolls and Animals featured my work in the Nov 2006 issue.

“Is This a Great State or What” feature on KFOR TV Channel 4 Oklahoma, 2003

Teddy Bear Review June 2001

Me and Pico and Josie

God is Love