Beauty in Bear Making - Online Studio
Beauty in Bear Making — The Online Bear‑Making Studio
If you’re longing for a creative practice that feels grounding, gentle, and deeply satisfying — you’re in the right place.
Beauty in Bear Making is more than a course. It’s a quiet, supportive online studio where you’ll learn how to create expressive, heirloom‑quality teddy bears using the same techniques I’ve developed over 20 years as a teddy bear artist.
Whether you’re brand new to sewing or returning to creativity after a long season of busyness or burnout, this studio gives you everything you need to make beautiful bears at your own pace.
No deadlines. No pressure. Just slow, steady, meaningful making.
What You Get Inside the Online Studio;
✔ 4+ Hour Mink Masterclass Video Series
Learn step‑by‑step as I guide you through the creation of a full mink artist bear — from cutting and sewing to sculpting the face, inserting eyes, shaping cheeks, and adding expressive details.
✔ 12 Step‑By‑Step Photo Guides (Plus Bonus Volume)
Perfect for visual learners. Each guide includes clear photos, detailed instructions, and professional techniques used to create award‑winning bears.
✔ Full Pattern Library Access
Download the very patterns I use in my own studio — from miniatures to antiques to advanced multi‑piece designs.
✔ Lifetime Access
Download everything and keep it forever. Revisit lessons anytime. Learn at your own pace.
Who This Course Is Perfect For;
This studio is for you if:
You’re craving a creative practice that feels grounding and nourishing
You want to learn bear making with clear, friendly guidance
You love working with your hands and want to make something meaningful
You’re returning to creativity after burnout or a long break
You want to refine your skills and learn professional techniques
You don’t need experience. You just need curiosity — and a willingness to begin.
A Note from the Studio;
Bear making has been my creative home for over 20 years. It’s where I return when life feels overwhelming, when I need grounding, or when I want to reconnect with beauty and presence.
My hope is that Beauty in Bear Making becomes that for you too — a place of calm, creativity, and quiet joy.
What’s Included;
Beauty in Bear Making — Online Studio Bundle
4+ hour Mink Masterclass Video Course
12 Step‑By‑Step Photo Guides
1 Bonus Guide
Full Pattern Library Access
Lifetime access
Download and keep everything
Price: $89 AUD (approx. $59 USD) One‑time access. No subscription.
Begin Your Bear‑Making Journey
Learn at your own pace. Create something beautiful. Reconnect with your creativity.
Mink Masterclass Video Series
Fancy a creative weekend workshop in the comfort of your own home?
Watch the creation of a beautiful mink artist bear from start to finish while learning through the entire process that I have developed to make award winning bears. Four hours of video content, work at your own pace and revisit sections as often as you need.
Introduction
Before we begin (4:55 minutes)
What you’ll need - Tools and Supplies (4:08 minutes)
3 x Bare Cub Design Patterns for you to use (1:52 minutes)
Mink Masterclass Sewing the Bear
Fur - Garment deconstruction Trace, Line and Cut (19:56 minutes)
Sewing the bear - Backstitch (10:44 minutes)
Mink Masterclass - Using the slit jointing method
Slit jointing method - slit and turn the limbs (8:12 minutes)
Slit jointing method - stuffing the limbs (9:48 minutes)
Slit jointing method - Jointing the limbs (18:37 minutes)
Mink Masterclass - Creating the head - with loads of trimming along the way!
Head - Stuffing (9:17 minutes)
Head - First trim1(3.31 minutes)
Head - insert eyes with button method 1/2 (25:08 minutes)
Head - insert eyes with button method 2/2 (25:14 minutes)
Head - sewing the mouth (10:53 minutes)
Head - turning the ears (5.43 minutes)
Head - Making the Clay Nose (4:43 minutes)
Head - Finishing the face - Trimming the Face and adding colour (8:56 minutes)
Head - Finishing the face - nose and panda patches (6:26 minutes)
Head - Finishing the face - attach the nose and ears (23:37 minutes)
Mink Masterclass - Finishing your bear!
Head - Joint the head (26:04 minutes)
Head - the final trim - of course (7:27 minutes)
Step-by-Step Bear Making Guides
This is where it all started. The Hershy issue was created to answer all the emails about my making mink bears. 150 photos later we had a detailed guide on how to make a beautiful mink bear. But why stop with one? Each guide walks you through a complete technique with clear photos and explanations — perfect for visual learners and beginners.
Inside the Studio, you’ll learn:
Foundational Techniques
How to cut, trace, and prepare your bear
Backstitching for strength and longevity
Working with mohair, mink, alpaca, and plush synthetics
Signature Methods
The Button Method for beautifully sculpted eyes
The Slit Jointing Method for clean, professional limbs
Scissor‑sculpting cheeks and shaping expressive faces
Advanced Details
Trapunto paw pads
Double‑jointed neck construction
Open mouths, tongues, and facial detailing
Colour blending and raised appliqué paw pads
Creative Expression
How to bring personality into your bears
Choosing fabrics, trims, and finishing touches
Adapting patterns to create your own unique designs
This is the complete foundation for becoming a confident bear maker.
Whether you're dreaming of your first handmade bear or refining your technique, these guides offer not just instruction—but inspiration. Once you learn the techniques you can go head and use them on all your favourite patterns!
1 Snuggle
Master the art of sculpting and shading eyes with my expert guide! Discover a unique method of inserting eyes using the "Button Method" to achieve that beautifully sculpted look, all on your own. Say goodbye to unsightly dimples on the back of your bear's head.
This innovative technique has been recognized for its excellence, with one of my bears even being nominated for the prestigious Toby Award. Elevate your bear-making skills and create stunning, lifelike bears with this invaluable guide.
7 Blossom
Dive into the world of needle felting with our comprehensive guide! This issue introduces you to the essential tools and provides the felting knowledge needed to create a masterpiece, starting with a simple felted nose. You'll also learn the technique of crafting pulled paw pads, making this issue a must-have for both beginners and seasoned bear artists. Unlock your creativity and master the art of needle felting today!
12 Volume Step-By-Step Guides Collection
Your downloadable PDF guides. All the tips and techniques to master bear making minus the hassles. Elevate your bear-making skills and enjoy the process
2 Jester
Discover the "Slit Jointing Method" for creating miniature bears. This innovative technique allows you to seamlessly close the arms and legs without the ladder stitching showing along the seam lines. Elevate your bear-making skills and achieve a polished, professional finish with this expert method.
8 Hershy
Discover the ultimate guide to mastering mink bear-making with our bumper issue! Packed with over 150 photos, this edition walks you through every step, from cutting out the pattern to scissor-sculpting those perfect cheeks. It's like having a one-on-one workshop with me, but you can revisit it as often as you like.
I believe this is one of the most important skills to master, and you can achieve the same polished look with mohair and alpaca too. Elevate your bear-making craftsmanship with this comprehensive and visually rich guide.
3 Alfred
Create a charming antique-style bear and master the techniques to give it that lovingly aged appearance. Use an old flour or rice calico bag to craft adorable little overalls. This versatile overall pattern can be easily adjusted for any bear size—simply enlarge or reduce the one-piece pattern as needed.
Additionally, you'll discover the best stuffing options for your bears, whether they're miniatures, larger bears, or vintage-inspired creations. Make your bears look cherished and timeless with these expert tips!
9 FireFly
Create your own enchanting miniature bear, complete with delicate antennae and wings! Dive into this digital guide and learn the step-by-step process to craft this unique and whimsical bear. Unleash your creativity and bring this adorable, one-of-a-kind bear to life. Get your digital download today and start making your own magical creations!.
4 Duo
Unlock the magic of working with color in bear making! Create a delightful two-toned bear and discover how to seamlessly blend colors to enhance your creation. Learn the techniques for crafting beautiful two-color raised appliqué paw pads, a stunning addition that will elevate any bear. Master the art of colour blending and make your bears truly stand out with this expert guide.
10 Ginger
Unlock the secret to creating an adorable open mouth and tongue for any bear with our easy-to-follow guide! This digital download also features another beautiful mink pattern, ensuring your bears have both a charming expression and luxurious fur. Elevate your bear-making skills and add delightful details to your creations with this comprehensive guide.
5 Teddy
Introducing the first bear to feature a mink insert muzzle! This innovative pattern allows you to work with luxurious mink fur while offering versatility to be made from any fur, alpaca, or mohair. Create those signature fluffy cheeks and explore the endless possibilities with this adaptable design. Elevate your bear-making skills with this unique and charming pattern!
11 Zhu Zhu
Ready for a challenge? Dive into our advanced 40+ piece pattern, featuring a double-jointed neck that lets your bear gaze up at the stars and down for versatile posing. This pattern also offers the option to add an open mouth and appliquéd paw pads, creating a highly detailed and realistic bear.
Whether you're crafting a beautiful panda or a charming sun bear, this pattern is designed for those seeking the perfect, award-winning bear creation. Elevate your bear-making skills and produce a masterpiece with this exceptional pattern!
6 Bridget the bunny
Create an adorable bunny with long, sweet-faced ears and enhance its charm by using flannel for the inner ears and paw pads. Discover how to make your own bendy limbs at a fraction of the cost of store-bought ones, allowing your bears and bunnies to bend their arms and legs for perfect posing. Enjoy the process and bring your creations to life with these delightful, personalized touches!
12 Tiger Lilly
Back by popular demand, we present another stunning mink pattern! This bear, featured on the cover of Teddy Bear Review (US) and Bear Basics and Beyond (by Helen Gleeson), and nominated for the prestigious Golden Teddy Awards, is a must-have for any collector.
In this issue, you'll learn how to create the signature eye accents and dark fur patches under the eyes, bringing your bear to life with exquisite detail. Follow our detailed instructions to make your very own famous Tiger Lilly Bear, a creation that has captured hearts and headlines. Get your pattern today and start crafting this award-winning bear!
The Bare Cub Designs Pattern Library
Download my Bare Cub Designs exclusive digital pattern library!
Here, you’ll find the very same patterns I use to create my adorable cubs, now available for your personal enjoyment.
Dive into the world of teddy bear artistry and start making your own delightful creations. With these patterns at your fingertips, you’ll have everything you need to bring your bear-making dreams to life. Get your digital downloads today and let the crafting begin!
Free 3 day Mini Bear Mastery Course
Day 1 - Bear Making Kit
Bring together your supplies and create your own Bear Making kit (video 10 minutes)
DIY Stuffing BagIt may not be Chanel, but it’s an improvement from a plastic bag. Create your own stuffing bag to elevate your bear making kit.
DIY Pin Cushion An essential product that I cannot live without. I even made one myself. These can be found online if you search, but I will you how to make your very own.
DIY Mood BoardsA great way store your bulk joints, eyes, etc. Learn how to create this beautiful storage and note boards to organize your space.
Day 2 - Patterns and storage
Wach as I share how to create your own templates and store your own patterns. To start you off, download your own Bare Cub Design pattern. (4.03 minutes)
Day 3- Perfect Clay Noses
Have you ever spent time crafting a bear only to be disappointed by an uneven nose? Watch as I create a clay nose, then make your own. And the best part? If it’s not perfect - don't use it. (7:08 minutes)
