All About the Artist Behind Cookie's Critters
Hi,
I'm Donna Nielsen, creator of Cookie's Critters.
" Cookie" is the name my dad called me as a little girl, so it just seemed natural when it came to naming my bears to call them "Cookie's Critters"
I live in the finger Lakes region in upstate New York. My home & studio are nestled in the hills of Bristol - a small country town just a few miles from where I grew up. My husband Craig & our chocolate lab "Ranger" hang out here as well!
My son Scott, who lives in Wisconsin , thought his mom had gone bonkers back in 1994 when he found me talking to a house full of bears! My Studio is quite a comfy area filled with mohair & a variety of fabrics - lots of bear parts, bear accessories ,etc. - sewing machine, computer & a "sitting area" to relax! As I work I can watch the wildlife play outside. When I feel like taking a break, I work in my gardens (my other passion) - take a walk in the woods with "Ranger" or relax and enjoy the beauty!
When the company I worked for shut down in 1996 , my part-time bear creating (started in 1994) became a full-time professional business. My addiction to Mall shopping has since turned into the excitement of scouring antique shops for accessories for some of my pieces.
I majored in Art in school and dabbled in crafts & sewing for many years. My husband & Mom encouraged me to turn my love for collecting bears into the Love I now put into creating them. I took my first bear making class in 1994 - i was hooked! Soon after came a design class and Cookie's Critter's was born. I draw my designs free hand, always having a specific idea in mind, then it is right to the mohair - trace - cut - sew! Each critter is adorned with a tiny clay cookie - made by Yours Truly - attached to their upper back as my Trademark.
I am always ready to try a new technique, create a new design, look at a new little face. There is always anticipation as I see each new piece emerge from the fur. A good share of my work is one-of-a-kind pieces or one of a kind series. I seldom keep a prototype to look at when creating the next bear. Each bear/critter is its own unique self. The way I see it - each little guy or gal lets me know what he or she wants to look like!
My bears range from about 5" to 31". All critters are fully hardboard jointed with rivets and/or bolts & locknuts. They are created from the finest mohair / alpaca / or imported plushes (German/Belgian/French). They are stuffed with polyfil, plastic pellets or steel b-b's and /or glass beads. Eyes are of german glass or antique shoe buttons - paw pads are of suede/wool/ or fabric of choice. Each critter is made entirely by ME from start to finish!
In the winter of 1998-99 I began creating other "critters" such as rabbits , cats, dogs and even a frog for a special piece! Monkeys came sometime after that and in 2007 I created 3 different size Lions. In 2009 I began needle felting some of my faces - it takes some time but gives them great expression! In early 2011 I began creating an open-mouth bear as well as designed an elephant. In 2012 I started designing 5-6" bears & animals as collectors were looking for smaller pieces. Each year I try to add a new design or size to the mix! For 2015 I have designed a small mouse (I have had this in my head for sometime) , a new cat is also new to the menagerie!
I have attended shows in the past in the U.S. , Canada and England.
I am a lifetime member of the Good Bears of the World Organization.
My bears have won numerous awards over the years at shows across the country such as TBAI (Binghamton, NY) and including a couple of TOBY Industry Choice Winners (2001 & 2012).
Currently you can find US at shows across the U.S. - find us on the internet - or contact me personally !
The comfort and security that a Teddy Bear gives to young & old surpasses that of any other stuffed creation. To watch a smile grow on someone's face when they see a bear that tugs at their heart - makes all the work and love I put into my bears worthwhile.
Finally, I can say that this is an art that I sincerely love & enjoy, and that I will continue to do so as long as that joy carries into the lives of others.
Thank you for your interest, and now, Let's look at the Bears & Critters!!
Bear hugs,
Donna
Our "Knox" - adopted as a rescue in 2020!
"Ranger"
checking out the bear carving
early Spring 2011
checking out the bear carving
early Spring 2011
A few of my garden photos-
