One of the newest additions to Tooradin is a bear-making shop, Bear Essence. From left bear artist Josey Freni, bear lover Kim Stein and owner Kim Boyd show off some of the creations at the business. 37089 Picture: Stewart Chambers
By Bridget Brady
THE only shop in Victoria dedicated entirely to making bears has found its new home in Tooradin.
Bear Essence opened in Tooradin last Thursday and the response from locals has been pleasing, owner Kim Boyd says.
“We sell everything you could possibly think of to make a teddy bear,” Ms Boyd said.
And she said her business would be only one of five in Australia dedicated to the art of bear making.
Bear Essence offers classes on bear making from beginners to advanced, bear-making supplies from fur to eyes and also sells already made bears with the smallest about two or three inches to the largest at two and a half feet.
Ms Boyd owned the shop in Boronia for five and a half years before one of her employees who lives locally, Josey Freni, introduced her to tiny Tooradin.
“She showed me around and I fell in love with it.”
And a unique teddy bear shop was suited to Tooradin, Ms Boyd said.
“It’s just such a beautiful place. I have not been able to wipe the smile off my face since I got here.”
Ms Boyd said much satisfaction was gained from making a bear from scratch, and she encouraged everyone to give it a go even if they believed they were not artistic.
“I think it’s the fact that you start with a piece of fabric and as you put it together it comes to life and you are bonding with it while you are making it. They all have their own little personalities.”
Ms Boyd said bears made perfect gifts, but were difficult to part with once people made them.
