Hello! When you were a child did you have a favorite doll or furry friend that shared adventures with you? My favorite was a stuffed yellow monkey dressed in a blue dress named Maria. I just loved my dolls and stuffed animals, they were a big part of my childhood and I really can't imagine growing up without them. Did you ever think about the person that created them though? To continue my series of posts of interviews with artists, today I'd like to share with you an interview I did with Carolyn Robbins of Warm Heart Bears and Rose Cottage Dolls. Please enjoy!
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| Carolyn Robbins- the heart and hands behind Warm Heart Bears and Rose Cottage Dolls |
Hi Carolyn! Thanks so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to do this interview with me! Please tell my readers a bit about you and your
life.
Coming from a very
artistically talented family, I have been involved in handwork from an early
age, and have designed and created hundreds of bears, dolls and home décor
items. I began creating miniature mohair
teddy bears in 1995 when The Patchwork Ark was established. The original designs included miniature bears
and home décor items. It was not long
before I added art dolls to my product line.
Recently The Patchwork
Ark has been divided. The Bears now have
their own home at Warm Heart Bears where you will find one of a kind handmade
bears and friends that will “Warm your Heart!”
The Dolls have their own home at Rose Cottage Dolls where you will find
“Romantic Style Rag Dolls for your Cottage Home.”
How did you first become interested in creating
stuffed creatures and dolls?
Dolls and Bears remind me a lot of childhood and I think I began
making them because I wanted to bring the same feelings to others. It is sometimes easier to get through tough
times when we remember happier times of our childhood.
How did you learn this craft?
I am a self-taught artist.
Most everything I do was learned through trial and error and a good bit
of God given talent!
What inspires you when you aren't feeling creative?
Looking at nature and home décor styles always inspires me to
create!
Tell us about your favorite creation and why it is
your favorite...
It would be hard to choose a favorite creation! Bears or Dolls…
Here is an example of both.
I do enjoy creating bears more than the dolls, but each one is
so unique. Because of their
individuality, it is hard for me to choose one over the other, kind of like
children! As I think about it, the new
designs I am now making …I do like them better than my first bears. I think it is this way with all artists.
What is the most difficult part of the creation
process for you?
The most difficult part of the creation process is creating
exactly what I see in my minds’ eye. As
I imagine what I want the bear or doll to look like, sometimes it is the actual
creating that gets in the way of the process.
I think we always strive to make a better product.
How did you learn about Etsy and decide to open an
Etsy shop?
I learned about Etsy from a fellow artisan who creates
jewelry. We both did the same show
together for years and I thought it was time to give it a try.
I know you belong to the Artisan Group and get to
participate in gift bags for various events...tell us a bit about this group
and how it works if you could...how does it feel knowing your creations end up
in the hands of celebrities?
The Artisan Group is a wonderful supportive group that allows
its members to be a part of gift giving at several awards shows and special
events. We must sign up to take part in
these events on a first come first serve basis.
There are various levels of participation to choose from.
Knowing that my little bears are going to people I do not know
is exciting! I hope they bring a little
joy into the lives of those who receive them.
Is creating for Rose Cottage Dolls and Warm Heart Bears your day job?
Yes creating for Rose Cottage Dolls and Warm Heart Bears is my
day, and night job for most of the week.
I do work part time outside of the house at a local gift shop but the
bears and dolls are my full time “job”.
Please share where people can find you and your
work:
Warm Heart
Bears can be found at:
Rose Cottage
Dolls can be found at:
What is your idea of the perfect day?
I think my idea of the perfect day would be enjoying the day
with my husband and daughter, including our three cats!! Fall and winter are my favorite time of the
year, so I am enjoying these fall days!
Thanks again for taking a moment to share your wonderful bears and dolls with us! I think they are all so unique and beautifully made!
I hope you enjoyed my interview with Carolyn. If you are looking for a handmade art doll or artisan bear to add to your collection I hope you'll check out Carolyn's creations!
