Donna Griffin – Donna and the Bears

Collateral Joys of Bear-Making

by Pam North

Donna Griffin is the delightful Donna of Donna and the Bears, and she has participated in the world of teddy bears for over 20 years. She recently shared her thoughts on this, “The industry has changed greatly during this time, and I've certainly learned a lot, not only creatively, but in the world of technology as well. From teddy bear shows and magazine advertising as the main sales opportunity for artists, now the whole world is our audience through the Internet. I have found that besides the actual creation of the animal, photography is perhaps the next most important skill to have. We must be able to represent our work well to others who may have only the opportunity to view a couple of photos before making their decision on whether to adopt our creations. It's also essential to have keen computer skills to package the photos, along with our message, to send into the world through social media and the online shows and shopping sites such as Etsy. Additionally, besides reaching folks around the world with our products, we have the advantage of conveniently shopping for supplies, which quickly arrive at our door. It’s both a great opportunity and great fun to search for and discover innovative and different furs, eyes, and accessories we hadn’t previously known about. I'm thrilled that my collectors are enjoying the new looks I have been able to achieve from new materials.”
Griffin recognizes additional benefits as well. “By far the very best thing about this adventure has been the people - collectors, artists, writers, publishers, and promoters - that I've come to know. I've seen the  children of my collectors grow up, go to college, enter their chosen fields of endeavor, and many have had experiences. struggles and joys which I have been privileged to share. It's such fun to hear from those whom I don't see regularly, and learn how their lives are going. I once was asked to make a wedding bear couple for a dear collector friend’s grand celebration in Pennsylvania. I also received a call a couple of days before one Christmas from a lady who had attended a show several weeks before; apparently her daughter had seen a little panda I had made, and that was the only thing she had asked Santa for that year. As luck would have it, I had sold that panda, but I was able to get another made in the wee hours of Christmas Eve, just in time for Santa to pick up to deliver to her on his rounds!”
Griffin constantly widens her creative horizons. “I am currently employing some new and different longer furs, which aren't usually thought of as being used for the very small bears I make. I'm always on the lookout through Etsy and other websites I've found for new ways to improve my designs. I feel that the heart of any creation is the face. The souls of our creations must connect to the world through the eyes and expressions we give them. I'm convinced that being able to make that connection is a priceless gift that makes this lifetime a treasure for us, filled with wonderful friends!”

Contact Information: 
Email:  Donnaandthebears@aol.com
Website:  www.DonnaAndTheBears.com