About Me
I have loved sewing ever since I first picked up a needle. I can remember being taught to sew and knit at school with royal blue wool on yellow needles. The first soft toys I made, were a rabbit and a duck based on the characters of Beatrix Potter. But I think you will see from the photo, my love of soft toys started much earlier than that!
After a long break, where I tried my hand at most other fabric crafts, including, knitting, quilting and cross stitch, all of which I still enjoy; I discovered the wonderful world of teddy bear making and soft sculpture and have been hooked ever since.
I am completely self-taught and spent many hours refining my skills and in 2006, searching for something a bit different to the traditional teddy bear designs, I started to make my signature Flopsey Bears.
As with any achievement in life, it is important to acknowledge the love and support of those close to us and in 2017 I sadly lost my beautiful Mum, she was always my greatest supporter and fan, all the bears prior to this time, received a special hug from Mum before they went off into the world; and her spirit still infuses everything I do today.
In 2018 I also lost my partner and friend Bryan, behind the scenes he was a huge support to my bear making efforts, by taking photos, website admin and accompanying me to shows. I have a wonderful memory of him standing at the front of our stand in Kensington Town Hall in 2015, with his engaging smile telling passer's by stories about the bears.
After he became sick in 2016 I put my bear making aside for quite a while, but I always knew that he would not want me to give up; and it's because of his belief in me and what I can accomplish that I continue to this day.
The above events profoundly altered my view of the world, and I have learned to hold dear to the memories and uniqueness of the relationships we have with everyone in our lives. For me the love and comfort of my craft really helped me to heal and move forward, and I realised that I can not only help myself, but also others, who have suffered their own loss, or where they want to celebrate and commemorate a special event.
This has led to the Flopsey Keepsakes collection.
These are Memory Bears and other comforting items such as photo cushions, and quilts, combining my Teddy Bear artistry, with clothing belonging to a loved one.
It is a joy and a privilege to be trusted to bring these memories to life and to be able to capture your memories in a hug.
In 2018 I also lost my partner and friend Bryan, behind the scenes he was a huge support to my bear making efforts, by taking photos, website admin and accompanying me to shows. I have a wonderful memory of him standing at the front of our stand in Kensington Town Hall in 2015, with his engaging smile telling passer's by stories about the bears.
After he became sick in 2016 I put my bear making aside for quite a while, but I always knew that he would not want me to give up; and it's because of his belief in me and what I can accomplish that I continue to this day.
The above events profoundly altered my view of the world, and I have learned to hold dear to the memories and uniqueness of the relationships we have with everyone in our lives. For me the love and comfort of my craft really helped me to heal and move forward, and I realised that I can not only help myself, but also others, who have suffered their own loss, or where they want to celebrate and commemorate a special event.
This has led to the Flopsey Keepsakes collection.
These are Memory Bears and other comforting items such as photo cushions, and quilts, combining my Teddy Bear artistry, with clothing belonging to a loved one.
It is a joy and a privilege to be trusted to bring these memories to life and to be able to capture your memories in a hug.