Z-Bears – Old-World-Style Bears, Hand-Made in Ashland, Oregon

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 it stand out for its quality. To achieve this, we use only the finest materials, starting with premium-grade mohair imported from Germany.

I use wool felt for the foot pads and paws, and all of my 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, I first cut out the various parts individually. Then, I 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, I insert wooden discs, metal washers, and cotter pins through the various parts and fasten them securely to the bear’s body. These joints make the parts movable, so the bear can be posed and animated into different positions.

I then stuff the bear’s body and hand-stitch the back to tie the open seams together. I 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.

My bears are made to last a lifetime.

My bears are inspired by the timeless tradition of old-world teddy bear making. Since 1983, I have used traditional techniques, original designs, and carefully selected natural materials to create bears with lasting character and charm.

Each bear is carefully handmade from start to finish, using fine mohair, sheep’s wool, and traditional jointing materials. I take pride in the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into every stitch, joint, and finishing touch.

Every bear develops its own unique expression and personality. My hope is that you will enjoy your bear as much as I have enjoyed creating it, and that it becomes a treasured companion for years to come.

I’ve got a few bears on hand.
Contact me today to buy, customize, or restore your bear.

About the artist

Kirk is an artist living in Ashland, Oregon. Since 1983, he has been creating one-of-a-kind teddy bears using traditional techniques, original designs, and carefully selected natural materials. Each bear is handcrafted from fine mohair and other high-quality materials, with great attention to detail. No two bears are alike—each one develops its own unique character and personality through the process of being made by hand.

Why quality is so important to me.

My old-world teddy bears are handmade using premium materials and traditional techniques, which makes them more costly to create than modern teddy bears.

I use durable, long-lasting materials such as mohair and natural sheep’s wool, along with sturdy traditional hardware. Each bear also requires a high level of skill, patience, and craftsmanship to create, all of which contribute to the time and care that goes into every bear.

Mohair

One of the most famous teddy bear manufacturers, Steiff, has used mohair for more than a century to create its iconic bears. Mohair is valued for its softness, distinctive texture, and exceptional durability.

I choose mohair for the same reasons. It is an essential material for creating a high-quality bear that can be enjoyed for generations. Its natural sheen also gives each bear a beautiful, luxurious appearance and adds to its timeless character.

Have an old bear needing restoration?

I often hear from people with a beloved old bear that needs a little care. Over the years, I have had the pleasure of restoring several well-loved bears, carefully repairing and preserving them while keeping as much of their original character as possible. Every bear has its own history, and I treat each restoration with patience and care.

If you have an old bear that needs some attention, I would be happy to take a look and see what I can do to bring it back to life. Whether it needs repairs, restitching, new stuffing, or general restoration, you can contact me through the form to tell me about your bear and send along a few details.