How It All Began...

My name is Dana Ardiel and I have been making bears since about 1997. I grew up in a very small town called Breton, Alberta. I was always doing some sort of craft and entering them in all the country fairs. You could get prize money for 1st, 2nd & 3rd. Just after college I discovered miniature doll houses. I immediately wanted to build my own. So a 10 room, 3 floor house kit became my birthday present. Simply put, I have always had a fascination with anything that was a miniature version of something else!

Then my sister gave me a kit to make a teddy bear. I have always been crazy about bears but it had never crossed my mind to make one. When I had finished that bear, I was hooked. I found Teddy Bear & Friends and Teddy Bear Review magazines. I never knew this "world" existed. I also found a kit for a 5" bear. After completing it I knew I could combine my love for bears, miniatures and working with my hands, all in one.

I had been making minis for about two years. Then something happened to confirm all of this. I made a 12" bear from a fur coat to give to my grandmother-in-law. Though she cannot speak or move due to a stroke, the joy in her face when she unwrapped him, told me all I needed to know. She loved him.

As they say, the rest is history. I continue to love making bears and watching people's faces as they look at them. I do a show a year and am trying to become more involved again.

I currently live in Keene, Ontario with my husband Mike and 17 year old cat Crickett. My husband is great at putting up with my supplies lingering around and tries to make sure I don't take over the whole house!

I have decided to start a blog on this web site after reading an article in a teddy magazine. So check in with me from time to time and see what is new. Drop me a line and stay in touch!