I started out in the bear world making bears which then converted me to collecting. My favourite bear artist being Sue Challis of Minikin bears! Before bears, I was a lampshade maker (would you believe!) making lampshades for none other than good old Buk Palace. They have been used in many a t.v. program, and also at the end of the Mission Impossible film with Tom Cruise, you know where they go into the British pub? Those are mine!!!!!!!!! I'd much rather meet Tom Cruise though!!! Well I gave up the lampshades to have a family, and continued on with the bears. Which I think was one of the best moves in my life. It's great to be able to earn a living out of something you really enjoy. I must now retreat under my pile of mohair once again!!!!!

e-mail: eileen.wood@mail.bta.com