MaryAnn Wills

Teddy Bears with Expression

P.O. Box 542  Aldie, Virginia  20105

Email:  teddybearswexp@aol.com


               

Click on the photo above for our updated photo gallery! Please note all the pieces in the gallery have been sold.

 

My greatest creative passion is for making teddy bears and their friends.  My wonderful adventure in teddy bear making began in the early 80’s as a project with my young sons and a much needed creative outlet.  My best teacher has been trial and error with much patience and persistence.  Encouragement from my peers, family and friends has been such an added plus.

 

I use only the finest fabrics of mohair, alpaca and occasionally vintage upholstery velvets.    All pieces are completely hand sewn, unless otherwise noted.  Most creations have armature and are very pose able.  Glass eyes, poly and pellet filling, and ultra suede paws are the other materials commonly used.  I try to capture a unique and soulful expression in each creation and always have a wonderful sense of accomplishment after completion.   Hand dyeing, over-dyeing and painting of details along with spending hours on just one face are my favorite steps.  Sometimes just one piece can take many days before it is considered complete.

 

I have been honored with many special awards throughout the years including many blue ribbons, best in show awards, TOBY awards.  My bears and their friends have been in many magazines throughout the years, including Teddy Bear and Friends, Teddy Bear Review, Teddy Today, several international magazines as well as several Teddy Bear Artist Books.  Last mentioned, but not least is the LIFETIME REWARD OF HAVING MET SO MANY WONDERFUL PEOPLE THAT HAVE ADDED SO MUCH TO MY LIFE.

 

Thank you for visiting.  I believe that I am truly blessed to have the opportunity to express myself through my bear making.  One of my favorite sayings is “be good, do good things, smile – make a positive difference in this world”.  Just one smile goes a long, long way.  

 

 

 

 

2009 Show Schedule

  

August 13-15, 2009

Teddy Bear Artist Invitiational

Binghamton Regency Hotel

Binghamton, New York

more info:  www.tbai.org

 

October 24, 2009

Chicagoland Teddy Bear Show

Embassy Suites

Schaumburg, Illinois

more info:  www.backroadbears.com/chicagoland.htm
 

November 1, 2009

Christmas/Holiday Show and Sale

Embassy Suites Hotel

Hunt Valley, Maryland

more info:  www.teddybearsonvacation.com