marygardenart

Having been a professional artist my whole life, I was bound to learn a little something-right? I began my career costuming and creating puppets. Then I became a designer of public attractions and museum installations with my husband in our design studio. During that time I found I could design anything from sets, to props, to costumes, to sculpted characters.
For 8 years we produced mechanical figures for Dayton Hudson's walk-through storybook villages. Each year they required more realistic plush animals for their exhibits. At first I looked to buy them but eventually, I learned how to design and create them!
I fell in love with the process since I love pattern making, fabrics and textures and especially animals! Back in 1994, I showed my animals at New York Toy Fair which was soon followed by a full write up and cover photo in a national Teddy Bear magazine, and a request by Franklin Mint to create a teddy bear. After that, I designed, created and sold collectible animals for about 20 years, was published often, won awards and even had a stint on QVC!
I took a break for a few years, moved and asked myself, "What do I really want to do?" The answer was,"PATTERNS!" I loved the idea of helping Bear Artists create animals for which there are no patterns! Artists can expand their knowledge about techniques, use of fur, hand coloration, needle sculpting and many other secret tricks I have developed over the years.
My challenge now is to create user friendly, well marked patterns with precise, illustrated directions. I am finding that I have a new following of people who want to learn and grow in the world of collectible teddy bears. They consider me their continuing education program and immediately buy each new pattern as it is released. They feel secure that will be able to complete each animal because they know I am always available to help them in any way they need.
I love people and this gives me great opportunity to share my experience and vision with my wonderful customers. I love the feedback I get as I immediately put it to use. For instance, when one of my customers couldn't find fur for her fox, I began dying and selling fox colored fur for my customers. Another customer wanted to dress her fox so I designed a riding outfit for her. Also I created the mouse pattern for a buyer who had always loved my popular sleepy mice.
So you can see how naturally my business is evolving as a result of my relationships with my customers. I love it!
I am working hard to expand my pattern base and respond to the needs of my faithful buyers. It is so rewarding to see the animals created from my patterns. Each one so lovely and unique. What animal would you like to have a pattern for?
All the love in the world to you! Mary of Mary's Secret Garden :)