Picture the scene. You are six years old and tucked up in your bed. You are at complete peace with the world. But for some reason there is no Teddy tonight. But now you hear some magic comforting steps. They are those of your Mum and Dad, quietly climbing the stairs to their bedroom. Now you are asleep. That is in deep slumber. All of a sudden you see toys. Lots of lovely cuddly Teddy Bears. You are dreaming. Suddenly something ten times the size of your Mum and Dad appears, it is a Giant. He starts ripping the Teddy Bears. Destroying them one by one. He closes in. You start to run, with Teddy safely in your hands. Your feet freeze. The Giant approaches. There is no escape. The Giant's large rough threatening hand is about to grab you. You can feel his jagged hand and his thick weed like bristles of the hair cutting across your arm. Quickly you wake. You are shaking and then you scream “Mummy, Mummy!” She rushes in and lovingly says “It is only a dream and here is teddy”. You hold and hug him. You are safe. Your eyes simply close and you gently fall back to sleep.

Many of us remember that childhood moment as an adult. Consequently in later life we go on to collect Teddy bears. That is special Teddy Bears. And this time they are not toys. Yes, they are Teddy Bears for adults. Extraordinary Teddy Bears for collectors.

Since 2007, in Melrose, a quaint Scottish Border town 44 year-old Suzanne Kirk of Eildonbears and Studio Stitches makes these precious Teddy Bears especially for you. Originally from Edinburgh then Cambridge, she makes collectors' bears to order. Each Teddy a unique piece. A piece of crafted exceptional art and as a result they are not suitable for children. Not only does Suzanne make these new Teddies, she can repair your very special worn or broken bear too.

I asked Suzanne “Why bears?” and she replied “Perhaps because my German Omi (German Grandma) had toy shops in Berlin and when I was young I would see the bears there”, but more importantly she added... “everybody can relate to a teddy as their first true friend”.

Suzanne said “I have always been creative and I have always created things even as a child. I come from an artistic background, my mother made doll sculptures, my father is a carpenter and has built much of our furniture. Both my grandmothers were sewers and did embroidery and crochet etc. My sister is an artist/illustrator”. Later she added “I have a spinal injury which flared up really badly 2 years ago and this spurred me on to leave my employment and set up on my own business. To give me more flexibility about my work and to let me explore my creativity”.

Interestingly. Suzanne also runs Studio Stitches. It has two offerings, that is, a day to day sewing service – dress and curtain making, alterations etc. and crafts – traditional bears, contemporary animals and bags etc. To purchase her bears and see many examples of Suzanne's work you can do so at her on-line shop at www.eildonbears.etsy.com and at her website www.eildonbears.webs.com. You could also pop along in person in Melrose and see Derrick at Present Perfect, Jannette at the George and Abbotsford Hotel, and Julie at Abbotsford House Gift shop where you buy Suzanne's hand-crafted bags.

(article by Charles Litster)