Willow and Jazz
Memory Bears and Keepsakes
About Me
About me
I was a teacher for over 30 years, working in both mainstream and special schools and before that I was a police officer in South Yorkshire Police.
I have always been interested in the creative arts and in the past have done dressmaking and various other needlecrafts. I have also made historically accurate 16th century clothing for a Tudor costume band who played in royal palaces such as Hampton Court and the Tower of London. Attention to detail was an absolute priority in order for my work to pass muster at such auspicious venues!
I retired from teaching at the beginning of 2020 and during the first covid lockdown I was approached by a lady who asked if I made memory bears. I told her that I didn’t but that I was happy to have a go. I made two bears for her and she was delighted with the results, and passed my name on to some friends of hers.
And so began my journey into bear making, and my total obsession with soft sculpture.
Willow and Jazz
I work as part of a team. My two assistants, Willow and Jazz, are my constant companions while I work. They are not very good at sewing but are excellent at keeping me company during my working day. Unfortunately, this usually includes emptying my bin and checking the contents for discarded chocolate wrappers (my secret sin).
