Tammy & the Bears

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​​My life and love of teddy bear making began shortly after my mom lost her long battle with breast cancer. Mama left behind a life of faith, love, perseverance, and a fur coat. Mama loved the coat, it was worn, furry and hugged my mama in warmth many times.
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I would often see it hanging in  the closet, and  two years later, (1998) I knew I wanted something special from it. I wanted a teddy bear! I thought, maybe I could try and make one, however, not only did I not sew, but I was born with only one hand. (we believe as a result of symbrachydactyly 
​This caused my right arm not to develop just past my elbow,  leaving me with a nub and five tiny pea-sized "fingers". 
I would sit on the floor using my toes, my knees whatever I could to make up for the hand I did not have. After several attempts, discouraged and frustrated, I put the idea away. Days later, remembering what Mama would have said, and how proud I knew she would be, I couldn't give it up just yet. Mom always told me I could do anything I wanted to if I believed I could and tried hard enough. So with those words echoing in my mind...and my heart, I made my first teddy bear.
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​​Now, with each little bear and dog I make, lives the faith and
love of our Mama, and most importantly, the belief she instilled in me, 
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​​​ I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.
​-Phil. 4:13
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My Mama Bear
​What our bear-families are saying...

  • I picked Tammy for my memory bears because when I look at her bears, they make me smile. ​That is exactly what a memory bear should do!! Beautiful work!!- Lexi S.

  • ​This is a very special lady with a very special gift. The 3 bears you made for me are beyond my expectations. You can certainly tell you love what you do. Thank you, for the memory bears, in memory of my Dad.-Diana S.
 
  • Couldn't have asked for a more personable bear. Lost my papa last January and this bear reminds me so much of him, it is perfect! Thank you!!!-Nicole C.
 
  • Amazing! Tammy is so talented. I can't say enough! Our memory bear turned out better than I imagined!-Amy N.
  • Thank you for the beautiful bears in memory of my Mom. My son loved his for Christmas. I will cherish these for the rest of my life. Your work is outstanding and my bears are precious.-Carolyn O.
 
  • I am beyond happy with the bear you created for my daughter in honor of her son that we lost all to soon. Thank you so very much, Tammy! The bear is just perfect! When I first looked at this bears eyes, I truly felt love! The packaging was an added special touch! Thank you Tammy, for such an amazing keepsake. God Bless you!- Marj H.
 
  • Couldn't be happier with Nana's memory bear!!!! Best made bear I've ever seen. I was excited that the arms and legs moved but had no idea the head moved as well!!!! What a great way for my son to remember his Nana!!! It's a shirt we saw her wear all the time and my son says it still smells like her. Can't thank Tammy enough.- Brandi S.​
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Read more reviews on TammyBears' Facebook Page

A Book about Hope

Bear with Hope, is a collection of encouraging stories with creative and inspiring ways to restore hope and to help create opportunities to experience joy even when circumstances challenge us.
Bear with Hope
Click image for to read full reviews.

Also available on Amazon

​Amazon reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH~
By Jean K.B.
I have enjoyed reading this book so much. It's so heartwarming
at a time in my live I truly needed to be lifted up. It has given me
Hope and encouragement when I had none. Not only that. It's a
book filled with Bears, gorgeous bear art. The book is so beautiful
before you ever read a word. It's worth it just for the illustrations alone.
This one's a keeper! I will refer to it again and again. It's a happy
place for me!

By Barb 
5.0 out of 5 stars
A wonderful book! It's beautifully written and illustrated and filled with love, warmth, hope and inspiration.
​I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it. Thank you Tammy. You are truly an inspiration.

By MaryAnn
5.0 out of 5 stars 
Encouraging, heart warming well written book filled with personal stories, hope and encouragement -

TammyBears in Print​
TammyBears has been published in  teddy bear, dog,
and soft sculpture magazines, with the first being in 2001.

Television Media: 

To view the full list of publications please visit our Media Room
Love Bears all Things