At Lolabears Collection, my creativity has always been about more than making bears. It's about bringing ideas to life, exploring the unusual and creating something with its own character, personality and story.
I founded Lolabears Collection in 2025 with a simple challenge: could I make my own jointed teddy bear from fur, and could I develop a design that would pass CE testing? What started as a personal creative challenge soon became a journey of discovery, learning and experimentation.
Today, Lolabears Collection is embracing a new direction, bringing together unusual collectible bears, curious creatures and a little bit of magic. Inspired by fantasy, folklore, ghost stories, witches, vampires and the wonderfully weird, I'm exploring a world where cute meets creepy, the whimsical meets the unusual, and creativity doesn't have to fit into an ordinary little box.
From Handmade Keepsakes to Collectible Creations
My creative journey began before Lolabears Collection existed. Since 2023, I've handcrafted memory bears and other keepsakes from clothing belonging to loved ones who have passed away, helping families preserve precious memories in a tangible, personal way.
Through my separate business, Made From Memories Bears, I've discovered just how much can be created from fabric, imagination and a sewing machine. These experiences have helped me develop the practical skills, patience and attention to detail that would later become the foundation of Lolabears Collection.
Although my two businesses have different purposes, both reflect my passion for handmade creations and the possibilities of working with textiles.
From the NHS to Following My Creative Path
Before dedicating more of my time to my creative work, I worked within the NHS. As my family's needs evolved, I made difficult decisions about balancing employment, motherhood and my own ambitions.
Being a mum to Millie and Milo has been an important part of my journey, teaching me the value of finding a path that allows room for family life as well as creativity.
Lolabears Collection has given me the opportunity to keep learning, experiment with new techniques and discover what happens when I allow my imagination to lead the way.
A Sign from Above: The Story Behind the Name
The story of Lolabears began to take shape in early 2025, when I felt ready to try something of my own. I've always loved teddy bears, but I wanted to discover whether I could create a jointed bear that was entirely my own work.
Then came a moment I've never forgotten.
A Charlie Bear gifted to me by my Nan suddenly fell from a shelf and landed directly on me. I took it as a little sign of love and encouragement — a reminder to follow my idea and have a go at making my own bears.
And so, Lolabears Collection began.
The name itself holds a special meaning. Lola, my beloved Pomeranian, inspired the first part of the name, while my Nan's memory remains an important part of the story behind the brand.
Those personal connections continue to inspire me as I develop new designs, experiment with materials and bring new characters to life.
Embracing the Unusual: The Future of Lolabears Collection
I've come to realise that I don't want to make just another traditional teddy bear. With so many wonderful bear makers and established collectible bear brands already out there, I want to explore what makes my own creations different.
I've always been drawn to fantasy, witches, vampires, ghost stories and unusual things. Now, I'm bringing more of those interests into my work.
Expect unusual bears, curious creatures, a little bit of magic and a healthy dose of wonderfully weird imagination.
From fantasy-inspired jointed bears to strange little creatures and statement accessories, I'm exploring new ways to combine fabric, construction and character. My faux fur jumping spider backpack, complete with positional legs, is one example of how my ideas are evolving beyond traditional teddy bears.
Every project is an opportunity for me to learn something new, try a different technique and create something that might make someone stop, smile and look twice.
Introducing Seams & Sorcery
Seams & Sorcery is part of my wider Lolabears Collection world, providing a home for my more magical, unusual and creature-inspired creations.
The name brings together two things I love: the craft of sewing and the enchanting possibilities of imagination.
From witchy influences and whimsical oddities to wearable creature designs, Seams & Sorcery allows me to explore ideas that are a little darker, a little stranger and perhaps a little more mischievous.
It isn't a separate business, but another expression of the creativity behind Lolabears Collection.
Some of my creations may be sweet, some may be creepy, and others may sit somewhere wonderfully in between. What they share is my love of originality, handmade craftsmanship and character.
A Welcoming Community of Teddy Bear Enthusiasts
Although Lolabears Collection is developing its own distinctive direction, I remain part of the wider world of teddy bear artistry and collecting. There are wonderful communities, museums and marketplaces where collectors and makers can discover new artists, share their passion and celebrate the enduring appeal of handmade bears.
Here are some useful resources for fellow bear enthusiasts.
UK Teddy Bear Collectors & Communities
- The British Teddy Bear Artists Association
https://bearsuk.wixsite.com/btbaa
UK Teddy Bear Museums
- The Dorset Teddy Bear Museum
https://teddybearmuseum.co.uk/
- The Merrythought Teddy Bear Village
https://www.merrythought.co.uk/visit-us
Artist Bear Maker Marketplaces
- BearPile – Artist Bears
https://www.bearpile.com
- Etsy Handmade Bears
https://www.etsy.com/uk/c/toys-and-games/soft-toys/teddy-bears
- The Teddy Bear Forum Marketplace
https://www.teddybearsforum.com
These resources offer opportunities to discover artists, explore collectible bears and connect with others who appreciate the craft and creativity behind handmade work.
More Than Bears: My Journey of Creativity
Lolabears Collection is my continuing journey of learning, experimentation and self-expression. It honours the people and animals who have inspired me, celebrates the skills I've developed and leaves room for the ideas I have yet to explore.
From jointed teddy bears to curious creatures and magical creations, every project begins with an idea and the determination to see whether I can bring it to life.
I don't believe creativity should always follow familiar rules. Sometimes the most interesting things come from embracing what makes us different, trying something unexpected and allowing ourselves to explore the wonderfully weird.
Unusual bears. Curious creatures. A little bit of magic.
Handmade collectible characters for people who find beauty in the strange, the whimsical and the wonderfully weird.
Welcome to my world of Lolabears Collection.
Explore More of My Story
Visit my "blog" (https://lolabearscollection.com/blog/) for behind-the-scenes insights, creative experiments, new releases and updates from the world of Lolabears Collection and Seams & Sorcery.