Oksana has been restoring and dealing in teddy bears and other soft toys since 2006, when Old Teddy Bear World was founded. and has helped over 3,000 teddy bears get a new lease of life and be cherished again.  Oksana has worked for the former Christie's auctioneer Daniel Agnew assisting in teddy bear auctions and thus acquiring  a wide range of experience and information. 

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It wasn't too long before she started creating her own teddy bears. They are all individually hand crafted from a variety of materials - mohair, alpaca, wool or silk plush, velvet, Welsh blankets, old curtains or even cardigans. Often an interesting or unique piece of fabric would inspire her to create a teddy bear out of it! A lot of the fabrics are recycled, but mostly a combination of new and old which creates uniquely individual pieces.

 

The teddy bears are stuffed with natural fibres - kapok and wood-wool (oe excelsior) and heavy fibre polyester. Teddy bears are jointed with copper pin joints, with glass or boot button eyes, nose, mouth and claws are hand stitched - the same way it was  done a hundred years ago.

 

The Teddy bears are advertised and sold under the name 'Llanelli Arth' and are available, along with other needle felted pieces at Y Tŷ Celf – The Art House Gallery in No. 1 John Street, Llanelli.

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To purchase any pieces, please contact Oksana: oksanastasiene@btinternet.com

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