Expressive, curious, impatient, energetic, honest and creative are characteristics for the constellation Aries and according to these descriptions I am surely typical one of them.

After finishing the gymnasium I graduated in Amsterdam at the School of Haute Couture. There I learned how to design, to draw, to make patterns, 'moulage' skills (draping very thin cotton around a body), and making hats from wool felt. Shops for fabrics were (and remained) an addiction for me: touching, caressing, crinkling, scraping and smelling; my fingers, eyes and nostrils decide which material is best.

Although the 2-years training was mainly focused on fashion, I feel that is has been the cradle for my bear making in a later stage. In fact I have never stopped expressing myself visually and have mastered many artistic disciplines since. Sculpting, painting, bookbinding, soft furnishing, home decorating and flower arranging, it all enjoys my interest. More than 11 years I ran a shop in baby clothing right in the centre of Haarlem, close to Amsterdam, and tried to raise my 3 kids at the same time ;). When the shop was sold I finally got more time for my hobbies and for years I sculpted dolls out of self-hardening clay. A few years later I experimented with some mohair and my first teddy was born. At that time teddy bear making was pioneering in the Netherlands and many pupils have asked me the tricks of the bear making trade since.

I owe teddy bears a lot: they have opened many doors for me, because, as a real Aries, I am always curious to attend a show in another country. Indeed this bear-making hobby leaded me up to the most beautiful spots in the world! I certainly hope to meet you one day at one of those lovely places.

Till then, cheerio,

Anna Koetse
Netherlands
March 2010