To see more bears click below!
Dennis (Bear Expert)
Bear Picture 1   -   Bear Picture 2
Bear Picture 3   -   Bear Picture 4

              SMOKY MOUNTAIN BAKED BEARS (Created by Betsy Mansell)

     Each bear I carefully hand mold and bake in a kiln similar to ceramics to achieve a very distinct personality.  Some of my bears are happy, some are sad and some just down right have attitudes.  It has taken me over three years to develop this innovative unique process; a combination of traditional teddy bear making skills and clay handbuilding skills.  My bears' security blankets are pieces of local vintage antique quilts circa 1820 - 1940.  Hiding in my bears' frayed wool scarf is my trademark signature -- Grandma's mother-of-pearl button.

     When you take my bear home with you i hope he will help capture a piece of the past and spark pleasant memories of a slowly fading past when Gatlinburg was known world wide for it's wonderful locally created arts and crafts.  And please -- give my bear a good home!

  -- Thank You,   Betsy Mansell