Teddy-Bears.Org : Teddy Bear Artist Kelli's Kollectibles by Kelli Kilby

Kelli's Kollectibles by Kelli Kilby

Hi, my name is Kelli Kilby, and I first started making bears in 1978, when my Mom brought home a book entitled,"How To Make Your Own Teddy Bear", by Peggy and Alan Bialosky. I never had a teddy bear as a child, so this book sparked an interest that began my venture into making furry friends.

Having always been creative, and handy with a needle and thread, I bought some fur and created my first bear. Instantly I was hooked! Over time, I designed my own original patterns and created many bears for friends and family. Many were given away as gifts for Christmas, birthdays, and other occasions.

In 1983, I began working for the LAPD as a radio dispatcher, answering 911 lines and assigning radio calls. Whenever I would have a free moment, which were few and far between, I would work on bears. It seemed like the more stressful the calls were, the harder those bears would be stuffed!