Stand Tall

Adelie Penguin ~ Angelwings
WCN Fall 2019 Collection

There are 18 species of penguins living in Antarctica. Of these species, the Adelie penguin is the smallest, but these little buggers can pack a punch. Penguins of any species don't look very tough. They walk rather funny and are exceptionally cute, but they have a lot to go up against. Of course, global climate change is a challenge however on a daily basis penguins face predators, competitors, and even nosy scientists. The Adelie penguin being the smallest deals with all the above. Despite the obvious difficulties you will not catch the Adelie penguin cowering in fear. They are unafraid to fend off their rock nests, and protect their colony from attacking seals, shorebirds and the occasional researcher that got to close. With a good slap of their flipper these feisty little birds send their enemies seeking easier targets.

I don not suggest going around slapping your enemies but I do propose we take a leaf from the Adelie penguin's book. Take courage and don't allow others to push you around. Your enemies want you to feel small, so always remember the Adelie penguin is the smallest in the crowd too, but they never let that stop them.

Lift Where You Stand

African Wild Dog ~ Petrified Vine
WCN 2019 Collection

The African wild dog looks on as one of her pups struggles in a snare. She knows he can't break free and she knows she cannot help him but that doesn't stop her from trying. Even with every mouth biting at the trap it does not break. Suddenly a vehicle pulls up kicking dust in her face. She and her family scatters, except the pup in the snare. Unwilling to leave him behind, the African wild dog and her family circle the parked vehicle. Shots ring out. What is  happening?!
Slowly the African wild dog realizes her pup is no longer hopelessly tangled. He is free. her whole family is free. She turns but all she sees is the dust settling from the departing vehicle. The humans set her pup free.

I only imagine that scenes like this must take place all across Africa. I hear conservation stories from on the ground projects; real people are making a real difference for the African wild dogs. Stories like these help me find my courage to make a difference. Deiter Uchtdorf once said, "to lift where you stand." Wherever you are in the world you have the power and the courage inside you to help someone in need.

Be Dazzled

Zebra Pair ~ Petrified Wood
WCN Fall 2019 Collection

Did you know a group of zebras is sometimes called a dazzle? It is true, a group of zebras crossing the African savanna or even lounging in the shade of an acacia tree is quite dazzling - believe me.
I remember, stepping out into the hot Johannesburg  sunlight after my mad sprint across the airport to catch my last plane to Namibia. The heat was absolutely oppressive and I was shocked. I remember riding in the taxi van out the the Cheetah Conservation Center and being thankful for the air conditioning. But better than any air conditioning was the scenery. The very first African wildlife I saw was a baboon. I certainly was dazzled even though my traveling companions assure me baboons would be one of the more common wildlife sightings. I remember sitting in my first intern meeting just grinning ear to ear.
The presenter looked at me and asked rather gruffly, "why are you smiling?"
All I could think to say was, "because I'm happy." It was true. I was happy.
I remember my first safari. I gazed around wide eyed trying to absorb every detail to be stored in my memory for a time when I needed some joy.
My safari guide turned to me and said, "Is this your first time in Africa." It was a statement not a question. He could tell from my enthusiasm. But even after all the firsts became seconds I continued to wonder in awe. Every day I was like a child, always smiling, always exploring, permanently dazzled.
I wonder when was the last time you were truly dazzled? Today find something to smile about and allow yourself to be dazzled, to love and live in the moment, to be a child and find your enthusiasm once more. Today go create a memory that will always remind you of the joys of life.

Create the World You Want to Live In

Lioness and Cub

I don’t know if you’ve heard, but today is global climate strike change. People all around the world are standing up and speaking out to help protect our planet. It’s not just the polar bears and penguins facing the consequences of climate change. All across the globe communities and wildlife alike are suffering. For example Africa (along with many other places) is burning up. Fires kill and destroy regardless of age, species, or endangered status.

Dr. Jane Goodall believes it is nit too late; we can still make a difference. I believe she’s right, his why.

1. Today is global climate strike, people across the globe are demanding change
2. Conservation is working, in the last decade tiger populations in India increased by %20
3. You are reading this now

More important than any scientific study or conservation program is your decision to make a difference. It’s up to each one of us to create the world we want to live in.

Something New Something Wonderful

Custom marker art available upon request

I used to say, “I can’t draw people.” Whenever I say, “I can’t,” my mom tells me “I can’t ” stands for “I certainly am not trying.” (You see each first letter matches.) as usual mom was right. For the longest time I had self-imposed boundaries. I told myself I wasn’t able and I believed it.
One day I got some illustration markers with my birthday money. The challenge of trying something new lit me on fire and I couldn’t help it, I was up past midnight just drawing. That’s when this drawing emerged. When I paint on rocks the rocks tell me what to paint. This time the markers dictated every line and color. On the paper I walk with one of my bestest friends.

 When you try something new you may find something wonderful. After all that is how I first found my friend. NEVER limit yourself. You are free to live your life, dream your dreams and find love. ALWAYS believe that something wonderful is waiting fir you.

The Heel of the Bread

Black-Backed Jackal ~ Jasper
Will Be For Sale at the Shorty’s Garden of Arts Sale July 12th

You know that feeling you get when you go to make a sandwich and the heel is the only bread you have left from the loaf? I’m sure you do because, despite what my grandma will tell you, the heel is NOT the best part of the bread. Sooner or later you must come to the end of the loaf. You know the inevitable is coming but that doesn’t make swallowing the dry crust any easier. So what do you do about it?

Unfortunately this feeling of disappointment is not confined to facing the heel of the bread. The feeling resurfaces in seemingly every aspect of life. When life gives you lemons it’s a prime time to make lemonade but what do you do when life gives you the heel of the bread?

While we mull this question over, I just have to say that I don’t harbor any negative feelings when I het the heel from one of the rocks Grandpa slices. Grandpa can’t use the end piece if the rock because they often too fragile and fractured to make jewelry. The value of the end piece isn’t discovered in creating beautiful necklaces, but in painting beautiful pictures. Is this the case with our heel of bread too?

Has Anyone Told You...

Swan~Angel Wings 

I think most people are familiar with the story of the ugly duckling. Just to recap, the ugly duckling is teased and ridiculed because he is different. He wonders why he doesn’t fit in. Then he learns he is actually a beautiful swan.

Has anyone told you that you too are beautiful? You are certainly not ugly. Even if you feel you are the odd one out, you are beautiful in every sense of the word. More important than anything I can say, have you told yourself that you are beautiful?

Sometimes believing in your own beauty is the harder battle to win. The mean and horrible lies other people tell you can have a negative influence on your life but what you tell yourself can either hand the power to them or give you the power to be the beautiful swan you are. You get to choose.

If you feel that you aren’t a swan, you are just an ordinary duck, then you go and be the most amazing duck you can be. The good news is, God loves the ducks just as much as he loves the swans, because both are his creations. Both a created perfectly in their own way and so are you.

Catching Happiness

"The least I can do is speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves."  - Jane Goodall

I woke up with a snap. I didn't have to look at the clock to know we were late. I am a pro at speedy morning prep. It takes me no time at all to get dressed, brush my teeth, and braid my hair. I have even paired down the time it takes me to care for the animals.

 After hurrying to select a t-shirt, I rushed out my bedroom door. If I was stressed about oversleeping before, what waited for me in the kitchen horrified me even more. There was ... nothing. Not a soul in sight! I guess I wasn't the only one who slept in.

I raced up the stairs three at a time only to find my little sister still sleeping in bed. Oh no! She takes forever to get ready in the morning. At least Mom was up but she had evidently not been paying attention to the time either. We had 20 minutes before the event began. Twenty minutes until the walk for the Humane Society.

This year's walk for the Southwest Washington Humane Society is this weekend. I am determined not to be late. The annual walk for the animals is one of our favorite traditions. If I have learned anything from my dog, I learned to find joy in other's happiness. It seems my dog lives to make people smile. We may not get to see the smiles our walk will bring but I believe we are making a difference in some animal's life.

Elder Neil L. Anderson taught us to ask "what can I give?" instead of asking "what will I get?" I found that true happiness is captured in giving. Happiness is a dish best shared.

A New Creature is Coming

A new creature is coming. What could it be? Can you guess? It is an endangered species with only 1,409 individuals left in the wild. It lives in Africa. It is a carnivore. They live in packs. The biggest threat they face is human-wildlife conflict. Did you guess it? It’s the African Wild Dog!

When I finally finish this painting, it will be a part of the collection going to the Wildlife Conservation Network 2019 fall expo. I’m excited to be a part of the conservation of this amazing species. 

While in Africa, I got to meet a couple of these critters. They are just like little African Mickeys Mouses. And they squeak like mice too. I hope we can always find a place for them on our planet. 

Magical Media Magi

Sometimes you here stories of fans that got to live the dream. I think of Evanna Lynch. Evanna was a devout Harry Potter Fan until the day she became part of the universe. Producer David Heyman said, "The others could play Luna; Evanna Lynch is Luna." I, like Evanna, grew up loving the Harry Potter Series and though the movies are over the story continues in the hearts of us Harry Potter enthusiasts. Last week, in my own little way, I got to take a walk in a new chapter of my Harry Potter universe.

Last week the Wonderful Weekend of Wizardry offered me a position as the branding lead.We promptly renamed my position to the "Magical Media Magi".  I was so excited to get started. And while the Weekend of Wizardry isn't affiliated with Warner Bros or Harry Potter we love the series and draw inspiration from it for our fan based events. That is close enough for me.

I have already started my journey sketching logos and ideas for next year's big event. From owls, to mystical beings the sketching has begun! I am so happy to have found my place in the fantastical world we will be creating. 

Beware the Sea Monsters

 Look out it is sea monster time! Pirates beware of the kraken (and black spots). Narnians better be careful when sailing the sea I hear there be sea serpents. If you are planning a visit to New York watch out for gigantic sharks. And for all of you non-believers of sea monster folklore allow me to introduce you to the Hippocampus. This name originates from the Greek words "horse" and "sea monster." In scientific terms, this is the genus name for the sea horse.  

Sea horses are certainly not the most intimidating of sea monsters, but they are amazing creatures. You really don't have to cautious of these little guys because even though they are a fish they are terribly slow swimmers and not dangerous to humans at all. On the other hand humans are particularly dangerous to sea horses, or at least our trash is. Ocean debris affects all sea life including our favorite little sea monster. 

Here are three things you can do to minimize ocean debri

1. Use reusable grocery bags
You've probably heard this one before but just do it. Sometimes you don't even need bags simply load your groceries back into the cart and take them to your car.

2.  Avoid products with excess packaging
Fruit already comes with nature made packaging (the peel) so don't buy them in plastic containers.

3. Bring your own reusable water bottle
Drinking water is great make sure its good for the environment too.

My little sea monsters are available for purchase on the Shop Sewing page. Baby seahorses are included.

How to Be Invincible

If you asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, my 8 year old self would have answered, "A magician." I grew up on Harry Potter and despite my mom's encouragement to reach for higher education and a more stable job, magician is what I wanted to be. Mom indulged my fantasy for a while, supplying me with magic tricks for my birthdays and all other gift-giving occasions. Then, one day my dad introduced me to Star Trek. Forget magician, I was going to be an astronaut! This certainly fit into Mom's requirements for higher education, and I was willing to brave the math in order to make my dream come true. Or at least that was the case, until I found out that I had to be at least 62 inches tall to be an astronaut. I might be able to study hard but there was nothing to be done about being short. Unfortunately, working for NASA isn't the only career with height requirements. Among other things becoming a Disney princess was ruled out. This was only the beginning of all the things people would tell me I can't do. I don't like being told I can't do something. I like to believe I am invincible. 

Last week my sister and I had plans to attend a Disney themed dance party. I was going as princess Anna and my twin was going to be Rapunzel. Two days before the dance, my twin asked me if I could possibly make a Flynn Rider costume for her dance partner. I am working 10 hour days not counting driving time. I have my pets to take care of and other household responsibilities I cannot neglect. Was it reasonable to assume I could do it? Absolutely! Did I agree to do it? Yes, yes I did. My dad, with my best interest in mind, told me I couldn't do it. To that I replied it was too late to say "no", I had already bought the fabric. He said, "that was your second mistake," the first being that I had agreed to do it in the first place. Maybe I should have listened to my dad it would have saved me from a lot of stress. Instead I got to work. For the next two nights I was up until 12:00 only to get up five and a half hours later to start the next day. By day two I was exhausted. That is when Mom stepped in. While I was at work on Saturday (the day of the event) my mom was finishing sewing the costume. I could not have done it without her. Flynn Rider was so surprised and pleased when he found out what we had accomplished.

From left to right: one of my best friends, Miranda, borrowing my pirate costume; me as princess Anna; my twin as Rapunzel; and dance partner, Cody, as Flynn Rider. (I made all the costumes except Rapunzel.)

All throughout the night I watched Rapunzel and Flynn dance together. They were so happy and that made it all worth it. I found that the real magic in my dream come true was seeing the joy it brought to others. While I was at the dance I saw this quote on a poster, "All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them. - Walt Disney"   The moral of the story: don't let anyone tell you, you can't do something (after all despite being short I did become a Disney princess for at least one night). Surround yourself with people who will help you accomplish your goals. Find your courage and hold on tight. 

Curious Creatures

Pika: $20.00

In the frigid land, high above the treeline, you might find a curious little creature called a pika. These little critters scurry among the rocky terrain like mice. However, they are not rodents. Pikas are actually lagomorphs, or members of the rabbit family. They are the smallest member of the rabbit family and there are 30 different species spread across the North American and Asian continents.

Yet, so few people know of there existence. Even fewer people are aware of the plight they face. Just like the polar bears, pikas are threatened by climate change.

For years, pikas have thrived in some of the coldest regions on earth where most animals cannot survive But now they are experiencing something new - heat stress.

 

Climate change is not an unstoppable doomsday machine. Here is just one simple thing anyone can do to help our environment and protect vulnerable species like the pika. Waste less food. It takes a tremendous amount of water to produce our food. Cows emit greenhouse gases. Composting food products releases methane. All these factors contribute to climate change. Not only is reducing your waste good for the earth but its good for your pocket book too. 

Dog Backpacks

Aspyn Modeling her Dog Backpack

On the white board where I work there is a list of "Dog Backpack" items. This is the term we use for our "to do" list. On my first day of work, I asked why? Simple, according to Caesar, the famous dog whisperer, dogs are the most content when they have work to do (like carrying a backpack). At work, we assume the principle is the same for humans. So when we have spare time at work we always have a dog backpack item to work on. (In case you are wondering my current dog backpack is library inventory). In contrast with our work vocabulary, "dog backpack" means something very different back home. At home a dog backpack is literally a dog backpack.  

My dog, Aspyn, and I love to go play outside. In preparation for back packing season I designed a pack for  my pup. On one of those rare sunny days, we took the dog backpack out for a test run. 

In this case I have to agree with Caesar, my dog loved her backpack. She was practically grinning ear the ear. I was pretty happy with how it turned out too. The backpack never even tried to abandon ship. We made it all the way up and back down the hillside backpack, dog, and human in tact. 

We cannot wait for our first backpacking trip together. What are you summer plans? If there is a dog backpack required I do make them custom order to fit. We hope to see you on the trail!

 

Less than 80

Save the Rhino foundation wrote, "It’s shocking that today, three of the five species of rhino are Critically Endangered, and two of them have fewer than 80 animals left in the wild.

The good news is that together we can stop poaching and habitat loss so that in 20 years’ time, rhinos will no longer be near extinction. But we need to act now."

My question is "How?"  How can I possibly save an animal that has almost been poached into extinction? I can't stop poachers. I can't stop the people that want to buy the rhino horns. Is there any hope for an animal that has fewer than 80 individuals left? YES! There is hope! Here on the other side of the world I can make a difference. You can make a difference. We can save the rhinos. 

One thing we can do is help support conservation programs financially. They need help paying for anti-poaching, and educational programs. I challenge you to raise funds for our rhinos. Every penny counts. But even if you don't have a penny to spare you can still make a difference. Learn more about the rhinos and share what you know. The world needs to know what the rhinos are up against.

I was doing some reading myself about the five remaining rhinos. I was appalled and disgusted to see the horrific things poachers do to make a buck. I was also surprised to see that two of the most endangered rhino species don't have much of a horn to poach. The Sumatran Rhino barely has a horn at all. I cannot say that I was surprised to read that their demise is due to the cultivation of palm oil. Please do not be fooled by sustainable palm oil. There are no set standards for sustainable palm oil. Farmers with low biodiversity on their lands can claim "sustainability." Whether the farmers created that low biodiversity using snare traps or not does not matter.

People can argue that by boycotting palm oil we put farmers out of a job. But do we buy rhino horns to make sure poachers stay in business? After all poaching is there livelihood. No, of course not! By purchasing palm oil we are supporting the demise of our most endangered rhinos. Now is the time to act. Lets save the rhino together.

A Sable By Any Other Name

Sable ~ Mookaite

What does the word "sable" bring to your mind? The fancier folks out there might picture a luxurious fur coat (I know that is what Mrs. Howell from Gilligan's Island would picture.)  If you are an animal person you might think of the animal to whom the fur coat originally belonged. All the dog people will tell you "sable" is a coat color pattern with black tipped hairs on a tan background."Sable" actually means "dark" or "somber." This is where the sable antelope got it's name, referring to its dark coloration. At first, this antelope was called Palahal in the Swahili language, but now it is known as its more common English name.

Sable antelope are native to Africa and are the national animal of Zimbabwe. Today only 75,000 remain in the wild, mostly because they are prized by hunters for their 3.9 foot horns. Of course, they are also threatened by livestock encroaching on prime Savannah land.

Being an antelope, humans are not their only predator. Lions, hyenas and leopards like them not for their horns, but their meat. But sables don't take well to aggressive advances from predators. Instead of turning tail and running, sable antelope confront their would-be-attackers with horns swinging. I think that is my favorite of their characteristics; sable antelope don't take garbage from anyone, no matter how big or intimidating.  That is what the word "sable" means to me.

Wolves of Yellowstone

Wolf ~ Moss Agate

Many minerals and gemstones are thought to have certain healing or health properties. Moss Agate is a stone composed of Chalcedony. It is most closely associated with creating balance in your life, though certainly not the only stone that is said to aid us in doing so. Just to name a few, Carnelian, Citrine, Mahogany Obsidian, Mookaite, Orange Aventurine, Orange Calcite, Sunstone, and Tigers Eye also promote balance. Perhaps this is because balance is a part of life that we really struggle with. How many of us can't seem to balance work and home life; healthy eating and exercise; me-time and selflessness; strength and flexibility? It only takes one small action to knock ourselves off balance. The earth possesses the same quality.

In 1962, the last wolves were killed in Yellowstone. People didn't like sharing the land with the wolves because of the threat they posed to their livestock and livelihood. After the wolves were extirpated elk populations began to soar. The elk destroyed river systems and transformed woods into grassland. From that point the ecosystem began to fall apart one piece at a time. In 1995, biologists recognized the deteriorating environment and decided to reintroduce wolves to Yellowstone. The return of the top predator brought balance back to Yellowstone. Still to this day, the park is healing. Slowly and gradually Yellowstone is putting itself back together.

To celebrate balance in our lives and in our world I would like to share with you Wolf ~Moss Agate.

On the Wing of Discovery

Bateleur Eagle: $75.00

There is always something to be discovered. Sometimes, I go looking for it. Sometimes, discovery finds me in the most unexpected places, like on the side of a long dusty road in the middle of Idaho. I was driving on a seemingly endless road trip on my way home from school. The land around me was a trackless expanse of brown nothingness. That is Idaho for you. "The Peregrine Fund" jumped off a passing road sign and slapped me awake. Peregrine Fund! That sounded interesting. Without hesitating I pulled onto the road indicating the start of my next adventure.

The Peregrine Fund is an education center all about birds of prey. I remember walking in the doors, my jaw dropping in amazement. I saw displays on the history of falconers, raptor conservation, Harpy Eagles and every other imaginable bird of prey.  I heard there was to be a show with live birds of prey but until then I wondered out to see the birds on display. Among the usual collection of raptors, I found an unusual face. The name Bateleur Eagle was printed beneath this new bird. Hmm. I wasn't even sure how to pronounce Bateleur Eagle.

As I watched, his calm orange face changed to a bright red. He ruffled his feathers and  gave me an intimidating glare. He was gorgeous! Now that I had met him I had to learn more. Bateleur Eagles are native to Africa. They have the shortest tails and narrowest wings relative to their body size. And finally, Bateleur Eagles are in trouble. When farmers loose their livestock to predators, they often poison the carcasses to kill the culprit. Unfortunately, Bateleur Eagles along with other scavengers become the unintended victims.  Clearly these birds need our help. The Peregrine Fund scientists are working to protect this species. I want to help. I will be donating 40% of the money from the sale of this piece to The Peregrine Fund to help the Bateler Eagle. I hope you want to help too.

When Rocks Shatter

With the sound of shattering glass, I knew I had messed up. I was afraid to turn around - afraid to see what I had done. Which one of my mom's breakables had I destroyed this time? I knew I had to face my mistake sooner or later. Slowly, I turned around. All of mom's figurines and home decor were intact. However, my sigh of relief turned to an exhale of horror when I saw what lay before me in pieces. It was my green rock slab. I find most of  my rocks out in the wild but when I saw this slab in the rock supply shop it stole my heart. I had to have it. I had big plans for painting that rock but now my big plans lay in tiny pieces scattered all across the floor. The leopard I had seen prowling across the mossy surface vanished as quickly as the rock had shattered. 

I didn't want to cry but I felt like it. There was really only one small piece big enough to save. Even then, this piece was barely mouse-sized. It wouldn't make much of a painting. Still, I tucked the little piece away. Maybe someday somewhere, my painting would bring some joy to a lonely mouse house. 

That wasn't the first of my rocks to break. For years these little rock fragments accumulated in the bottom of my stash. Often, I asked myself what to do with them. I did not have an answer, but one of my friends did. One day she told me my paintings would be beautiful as jewelry. Jewelry? My mind took me back to the day I crashed my green rock. The leopard was creeping back into the picture. 

 

My grandpa taught me to find the best rocks and how to properly identify leaverite (short for "leave-her-right their"). He also taught me a trick or two on jewelry making. I combined the old wire wrapping technique with my painting to produce my very first pendant painting. At first I hated it but then it started to grow on me like moss grows on roofs. 

Those many years ago, I watched my green rock fall to pieces. Now I marvel to think at what that rock has become. Have you ever felt like your life has been shattered and all your hopes and dreams are broken? I have (and I am not referring to the time I broke my rock). It feels pretty bad. One thing life has taught me is no matter how broken you are, you can still triumph. Oh, you may never be able to put yourself back together the way you were before, but you can become something you never dreamed you could be. So just hold on. You never know what beautiful things lie ahead. Perhaps there is even a friend that will help you along your way. Perhaps you are the friend that can help someone else along theirs.

Check the Shop Painting page to see if the Leopard Pendant Painting is still available.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, I see a Brown Bear

I stand on stiff legs, my heart pounding. My mind races but goes no where. I can hardly breathe. Before me stands an 800 pound brown bear. But my heart is not pounding because I am afraid. No! I am thrilled. For weeks I have been waiting to find out which animal I would be training only to discover I would be working with the biggest one of them all - Kodi the brown bear. 

During my internship at Wildlife Images Rehabilitation and Education Center, I got to work with everything from hummingbirds, to turkey vultures, to raccoons. Humming birds are such delicate little things but fiercer than a wild tiger.  Everyone who has heard me talk about my time at Wildlife Images knows how I feel about turkey vultures. They puke on you as a form of self defense, and when you think about what they eat... well you get the idea. Raccoons are cute,  and they live up to their nickname, "Backyard Bandits". One even stole my phone from my back pocket. And then their was Kodi bear. 

Holding Scratch the Skunk
One of Wildlife Images Animal Ambassadors 

Me and Buddy the Great Horned Owl
A Permanent Resident at the Rehab Center

Kodi was a permanent resident at the rehab center, meaning he will never be fit to be released back into the wild (which is our goal for all animals that come into the facility). This is why we take such an active approach in his care. I helped to develop a training system which allows us to work with him in case of an emergency, and helps keep him mentally and physically fit. I want everyone to know that we never forced the animals we worked with to do anything they didn't want to do. It was always their choice whether they wanted to participate or not. They made it plenty clear when they were not interested in interacting with us. This precaution was just as much for their safety as it was ours. However, it never ceased to amaze me how such a powerful animal like Kodi could be so peaceful with me. I really loved Kodi bear.

Training Kodi Bear with his Favorite Treats

And so last weekend when my mom surprised me with a ticket to the teddy bear making class at the sewing expo my heart was pounding once more. I couldn't wait to get started. I modeled my teddy after Kodi bear. Everything from the fur I picked down to the plastic nose was Kodi. Of course there was one obvious difference. My teddy is huggable size. Kodi was an average size brown bear but brown bears can weigh up to 1,300 lbs! They also have long fore claws specialized for digging and jaws powerful enough to crush a bowling ball. My teddies won't be crushing bowling balls any time soon. In fact, I hope that the future teddies I make can find homes where they can be cuddled. 

Teddies in Need of Good Homes

 

Order your teddy now on the Shop Sewing page.