Lesley Stipanov , Les Bears

Lesley Stipanov lives in Maleny, on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Queensland, Australia. Maleny is a small town on the Blackall Range 30mins drive east of Caloundra and 1¼ hours north of Brisbane. It is a beautiful part of the world and home to many artists.

She started making bears in 1993 after seeing some at a local market. She quickly became addicted and just had to keep on making them. While she makes bears of all sizes, she enjoys creating miniatures under 3”/9cm. She loves using sassy fabric for the miniatures but also uses mohair, upholstery velvets, cashmere and ultrasuede. Lesley also makes the bears clothes and hand knits the clothing for the miniatures.

Lesley has also made miniature rabbits; mice; elephants; monkeys; racoons; squirrels; dragons; and koalas, all under 5cm/2”. Most of her bears are for collectors but she also makes traditional heirloom bears. Teddy Bears are a wonderful gift for someone special.

Lesley’s work has been featured in magazines in Australia and overseas and in Debbie Kesslings’ book – “How to Make Enchanting Miniature Bears”
Her bears have found homes all over the world including the USA; Canada; Denmark; Germany; France; the UK; New Zealand; Singapore, and Japan. She also produces a wide range of patterns for those who prefer to make their own bears.

Besides making bears, she also owns a small collection of old bears and is particularly fond of English Chilterns. Her interest in collecting old bears has also led to doing many repairs on well loved bears.

Lesley has been teaching and attending shows since 1995 both in Australia and New Zealand and many friendships have been formed through the Teddy Bear world.

Visit her websites to view more of her wonderful creations:
https://www.lesbears.com.au
https://www.facebook.com/Les-Bears-artist-bearsgollies-and-other-critters-105606342810466