Original heirloom bears.
Handcrafted from start to finish.
At the Z-Bear workshop, each teddy bear is meticulously crafted by hand from start to finish, making them stand out in terms of quality. To achieve this, only the finest materials are selected, beginning with premium-grade mohair that is imported from Germany.
We use wool felt for the foot pads and paws, and all of our bears are finished with cotton embroidery thread from France. The nose and mouth are stitched with this thread, and the eyes are handmade from glass. Each bear has its own unique personality, and all are made from original designs.
To create each bear, we first cut out the various parts individually. Then, we baste stitch the parts by hand and sew them together using an old Singer sewing machine. The neck, arms, head, and legs are jointed and stuffed with sheep’s wool. Next, wooden discs, metal washers, and cotter pins are inserted through the various parts and fastened securely to the bear’s body. These joints make the parts moveable, so the bear can be posed and animated into different positions.
We then stuff the bear’s body and hand-stitch the back to tie the open seams together. We sew and secure the ears to the head and finally position and secure the eyes and stitch in the nose. This final step gives the bear its unique personality and expressive qualities. No two bears are created alike; they always take on their own character.
Please note that these bears are not recommended for children under 12.
Our bears are made to last a lifetime.
We take pride in the quality of our bears and we strongly believe that you will be satisfied with your purchase.
Thus, we would like to inform you that we offer a comprehensive five-year normal wear guarantee on all the fabric, stitching, and moving parts of our bears. This means that if you experience any issues with these aspects of your bear within five years of purchase, we will repair or replace it for you at no extra cost.
However, please keep in mind that this guarantee does not cover damages resulting from neglect, misuse, accidents, or any other incidents that are beyond our control. For instance, if the bear gets stained or damaged due to improper handling, we cannot guarantee its repair or replacement.
We hope this clarifies our guarantee policy, and we look forward to providing you with a delightful bear that you will cherish for years to come.
Our stock of bears is limited, so act fast!
Contact us today to buy or customize a bear for any occasion.
About the artist
Kirk is an aspiring artist living in Ashland, Oregon. He’s been making bears since 1983 using an old-style technique and original natural materials such as mohair wool and high-quality materials.
Why quality is so important to us.
Our old-world teddy bears are handmade using premium materials and traditional techniques, which makes them more expensive than modern teddy bears.
They are made with durable and long-lasting materials like mohair and stuffed with natural materials like sheep’s wool. Additionally, they require a high level of skill and expertise to create, which adds to their cost.
Mohair
One of the most famous teddy bear manufacturers, Steiff a German company, has been using mohair for over a century to create their iconic bears. The company chooses to use mohair because of its softness, unique texture, and durability.
We choose Mohair for the same reason. It is an essential component when ensuring that high-quality standards are met. The natural sheen of mohair also gives our bears a luxurious appearance, making them highly appreciated by our customers.
Stitching
Quality stitching is also essential in bear-making because as it ensures that the bear is sturdy and durable. A well-stitched bear can withstand years of play and handling without falling apart or losing shape. Additionally, quality stitching adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of the bear, A poorly stitched bear, on the other hand, may not be able to withstand the wear and tear of playtime and may quickly lose its appeal.
Stuffing
We choose Sheep’s wool for stuffing our teddy bears because it is soft, resilient, hypoallergenic, and eco-friendly. Its natural fibers create a fluffy and huggable texture, while its springy and resilient nature ensures the bear retains its shape over time. Additionally, it is hypoallergenic, making it unlikely to cause allergic reactions. The shape of your bear will last over a lifetime, too, thanks to Sheep wool.
Hardware
Our old-fashioned teddy bears use wooden discs, metal washers, and cotter pins. They provide a sturdy and durable framework for the bears’ joints, allowing them to be moved and posed in different positions.
Why buy an old world bear?
There are many reasons to consider buying a handmade teddy bear over one found in a toy store. Here are three good reasons to consider an old-world bear.:
1. Unique and Personalized: Each handmade bear is unique and one-of-a-kind, created with care and attention to detail. The materials used in creating these bears are carefully chosen for their quality and durability, ensuring that your bear will last for many years. Additionally, handmade bears can be personalized with your choice of color, size, and even accessories, making them a perfect gift for a special occasion or a cherished keepsake.
2. Supporting Artisans: By purchasing a handmade bear, you are supporting the work of talented artisans and keeping the tradition of handmade crafts alive. These artisans pour their time, energy, and passion into creating each bear, and your purchase helps to support their livelihoods. You also have the satisfaction of knowing that you are supporting a small local business rather than a large corporation.
3. Environmentally Conscious: Our handmade bears use natural and sustainable materials, such as mohair, wool felt, and cotton embroidery thread. These materials are biodegradable, meaning that they will not harm the environment. Additionally, buying a handmade bear reduces the demand for mass-produced toys, often made using plastics and other materials that are harmful to the environment.