I wanted to share this story since ages but never found the time. It’s something that can only happen in New Zealand!
One Sunday in July 2010 I had unexpected visitors in my little studio, telling me a sad story. During a holiday Morven’s much loved teddy bear TE – a family member for two generations – had been snatched from the beach by a large evil sea gull! Morven was utterly distraught. TE was assumed to be lost forever.
The family had seen some of my work online and commissioned me to make a new body for TE adventurous bear spirit. I felt honoured and happily agreed to take on the work. Morven selected fabric and felt for the new bear.

TE’s new apprentice
A couple of weeks later I got good news: TE was rescued. The evil sea gull was a notorious thief in the area and known to be nesting on a lonely rock in the sea. A local team, moved by the young girl’s story, went on a teddy search and rescue mission. They actually found TE held captive in the gull’s nest on the rock and send him home to Wellington.
After this last adventure the family – including TE – decided a younger teddy apprentice for Morven’s outdoor adventures might not be a bad idea. So we decided to make the new bear and he is now living with a happy Morven in Wellington.

TE after his adventure
All is good that ends good!
I love my work…
^_^…