About the Artist...
Billie Sudbrack was introduced to the world of teddy bears by her mother, June Hodgson. June studied with a number of bear artists, including Lisa Lloyd and Shelly Martinez, and had been making bears and teaching bear-making classes under her JuneBearies label since 1994. Billie attended teddy bear shows in Austin and Houston, Texas each year with her mother. Like her mother, Billie quickly fell in love with the artists' teddy bears.
The two women shared a joke that led to Billie's first bear efforts. For several years, Billie had been working on a quilt for her mother, and they often laughed that it might be finished by the end of the century. Billie asked her mom to teach her how to make bears once the quilt was finished. In 1999 (before the end of the century!), Billie finished the quilt, and June gave Billie her first bear kit, along with some instructions and tips of the trade. Within a day Billie had created her first Dream-Hearts bear, George. He was two inches tall and based on a purchased pattern. She was hooked, and within a month had made several other bears and even begun designing patterns of her own, such as her MerBear.
Since then, Billie has made numerous bears and other tiny creatures. She loves the unique personality of each little bear, and pours her heart into making them. She uses only the finest materials available and concentrates on making every detail perfect. Because of her attention to detail, most of Billie's creations take between 10 and 15 hours to complete.
Making bears is one of Billie's favorite activities. She can often be found stitching in the evening, with her cat Keenan sitting happily on her lap as she sews. Her little helpers have even been known to help her prepare for teddy bear shows. The love and care that goes into making these little guys shows. We think you'll love Dream-Hearts creations as much as Billie loves making them.
Dream-Hearts creations are not toys and should not be used by children under 12.
