Penney prefers to utilize vintage plush and soft cashmere but she does venture into mohair occasionally. She has been blessed with features here in the US and UK magazines. Because she tends to specialize in one-of-a kind bears, she prefers not to use the same pattern as she gets easily bored. (And that's another project just in it self to organize the patterns). She believes in pushing her creativity to the fullest. She creates the bears and patterns in her head and applies it as she goes along. Her latest project was to stretch her comfort zone into making a realistic polar bear. His name is Yumee, which means Peace. Two heads and three noses later she is thrilled at how he came out. She believes that stretching herself creatively even further she will create a duo of polar bears for adoption.
She admits she has no formal training, but was fortunate that her mother taught her how to sew on her old singer sewing machine. It was a real beauty, So for her larger bears she will use the sewing machine but prefers hand sewing for the special details especially applied to miniatures. Penney in turn love to read and explore new techniques from many of the forums on the Internet. Magazines have been a great blessing as they contain informative info on Bear Events, Bear Artists and upcoming Teddy bear competitions.
Her newest creations have been Lions and purely by chance she discovered that the little creatures could be just as challenging to make as bears. She enjoys the intricate details you have to apply to make a small bear look perfect. Particularly the faces, which she pays close attention to. Also working with invisible thread and a naked eye keeps her less stressed than her full time position.
She created a new website last year and has been taking special orders for her bears. One very sweet lady had her design 12 different ladybug miniature bears for her collection. Penney says it was thrilling to create special bears that would all be friends together. At this present time she prefers to sell on Bearpile and The Teddy Patch. She finds the process a lot easier and she says she gets nervous when it's an auction site such as Ebay. Having to wait to see if her poor little bear it going to be adopted by a new bear friend. The monthly dues are easier on her pocket and less strain on her brain to concentrate on her creativity. She only now attends one bear show a year, in Amherst, MA. Which makes for a very long day...So she is leaning towards the Internet. This way her husband can help with the emails and delivery to the post office. Penney's daughter officially names the bears and gives them bear hugs before they are packed up and sent on their way, well fed and loved to their new friends.
Her very first bear was called "half bear", and she's so amusingly funny because she has one of her legs sown on backwards. Now that Penney can reflect back on some of her mistakes she can realize how much she have grown as an Artist. She has met some wonderful bear friends and bear artists along the way. Who knows what she has conjuring up in her? Only time will tell, as long as Penney feels they are heartfelt and appreciated and bring smiles to your faces. Her mission is accomplished and will help brighten up your day.
