Me and "Feazel"

Some Fun Facts:

1. I'm a Gemini
2. I was born in the Dog Hour of the Dog Day in the Dog Year according to the Chinese Horoscope.
3. I'm a diehard animal lover, currently owned by a zoo of five.  In the past I've owned dogs, cats, ferrets, horses, a coatimunde, numerous fishtanks, and birds.
4. I'm certified for equine shiatsu massage for horse and rider. 
5. I'm retired from dog and cat grooming.  Retired due to being in way too much demand and overworking my hands.   
6. I've owned my own specialty pet and indoor houseplant shop on the Oregon Coast.
7. I've lived in Guatemala for a year.... 6 months in the Capitol, and 6 months on the side of Volcan d'Agua in Antigua.  

Translation.... over the years I've experienced life to the fullest.  Being a Gemini, I'm constantly engaged in all sorts of artform, be it painting, jewelry or creating my bears from real furs.  I have a very strong positive energy and that energy flows into my bears and jewelry.  So many times I have heard the bear or pendant arrived at just the perfect time, giving the perfect support to the new owner.

FAQs:

Why real fur? :  I adore real fur!!!  Always have, always will.  I like to recycle vintage furs so those furs do not end up in a landfill.  What a waste of the animals' spirit!  I'd rather bring them back to life in my art as a bear.

Why not mohair or synthetic fabrics for your bears?:   Unfortunately for me, my hands are extremely allergic to both synthetics and mohair   I have tried in the past to work with both of these and each and every time I wind up with my hands split open and cracked within days.  Gloves do not work for me.  As my true love is first and foremost real fur, this isn't too much a hardship for me, but don't expect a Debbie's bear to be made from either. 

How long does it take you?:  Typically 2 weeks for me to create a bear from start to finish.  If the fur is something like raccoon, coyote, or fox, the process is longer, taking 2 1/2 to 3 weeks to finish.  All of the process is completed by hand, which means there are not too many Debbie's Bears available.  I prefer to take my time with each individual, pouring heart and soul and energy into them and watching them 'come to life'.  It means more to me to create a work of art than to be a production line.