In July 1997 I went to England to buy a Steiff.......after seeing the prices I returned home with a growler, joints, eyes, a needle and a lot of friendly advice from the shop owners and their customers. My first mohair bear was completed. Miro regularly attends fairs, gazing at my customers, completely oblivious of his scoliosis and his skew head seam.

I completed a national diploma in theatrical props, decor painting, textile design, costume construction and make-up. I then did my B-tech, specializing in puppetry. While doing my B-Tech I worked as a freelance artist, doing most of my work at the “Little Marionette company” . While I was there I made many things for South African television and theatre. I still do a bit of freelance work, but I love bear making too much to go back to television work full time.

My bears come in any and every size, shape, colour and texture. They are all fully jointed, and limited edition. Each bear is created from an unusual and original pattern. They are made from anything that I can lay my hands on, but I prefer using mohair or upholstery velvet. I also make solid sculpted heads from papier mache. I use glass eyes and special white eyes that are custom made for me. I generally embroider my bear’s noses. To complete my bear, I needle sculpt the bear’s face and feet, then I shade them. BUT I HAVE NO RULES !!!!!!! I love experimenting and doing challenging and unusual orders, which have included ducks, cats, dogs, frogs, rats, sheep, rabbits, dragons, pigs, hippos and a realistic mole rat.

I feel honoured that so many special people have welcomed my bears into their homes, and I feel good that I can bring smiles to people with the “work” that I love so much. I want to continue creating bears forever.

For more information contact me, Lisa Durbach at+27 +12 3484399 or e-mail at durbach@iafrica.co.za