Book Review
Make Your Own Bears is a timeless classic because no matter how
many generations grow older and have children of their own, teddy
bears are always a popular and treasured toy/friend. Dressing teddy
bears in unique outfits is especially popular these days with the
invention of the Build-A-Bear Workshops. The bears in this book
can be made special and dressed with love for a treasured child
to care for. There are only two types of actual bear patterns in
this book (the jointed and unjointed bears) but this is made up
for with the variety of costumes they can be dressed in. The type
of fur and eyes used can also give each bear distinguishing characteristics.
At the beginning of Make Your Own Bears there is a section on materials
used in the creation of the bears in this book. The materials include
the types of fur and stuffing that could be used and the properties
of each when it comes to the assembling and the final product. It
is essential to read this information closely because it could make
or break your teddy bear making experience and affect your final
product. If you pay close attention to the clear written and illustrated
(with drawn diagrams) instructions including matching up the proper
pieces of fur after cutting out the patterns, transferring them
to the material and cutting out the fur pieces your bear should
come together nicely. The same attention to details is required
when making the clothing to ensure success with your teddy bear’s
outfits.
What I really like about Make Your Own Bears is how it makes you
reminisce your own childhood and the bear you treasured. It may
have been homemade or store bought but the memories are just as
special either way. The photos of bears in this book are inspiring
in black and white or color because you can see the possibilities
of creating something loveable. I like the suggestions given by
the author as to the varying materials that can be used and with
the wide variety of fur fabrics and colors available the possibilities
are almost endless. The personality of a bear can be tailored to
the child for whom it is intended including using their favorite
color for the fur. |
