Janis Waldron
Designer/maker of original jewellery and miniature teddy bears
About Me
My twin passions are making jewellery and miniature teddy bears and rabbits, entirely by hand.
I began making jewellery over forty years ago and have studied at Nottingham Art School, and Hereford College of Arts where I gained City and Guilds (with distinction) and Open College Network qualifications in silver-smithing. I also attended the Birmingham School of Jewellery where I gained a passion for pearls and trained to advanced level in pearl threading and knotting.
Whilst I particularly enjoy making chains in silver, my range includes a variety of other items, from charms to spoons, and from etched copper brooches to animal pictures also in copper. Some of my jewellery incorporates semi-precious stones. I also seek out beautiful and unusual semi-precious beads and pearls, making them into desirable necklaces.
Alongside my jewellery I make miniature teddy bears, rabbits and occasionally mice, using a range of fabrics: mohair, plush and felt. Some of them even sport hand crafted or knitted accessories, anything from tiny rulers and pencils to duffel coats and scarves! I design my own patterns; in this I am influenced by traditional bears, but I delight in giving my animals individual expressions and characters.
As for what inspires me…I have a butterfly mind and love detail. I am interested in and inspired by so many things: from museum artefacts to careless doodles, from an interesting stone to a leaf or from a random word or idea, I am driven to make!
You can see my work at:
Herefordshire Guild of Craftsmen exhibitions, and https://www.herefordcraftguild.org.uk
Worcester Cathedral shop
Etsy shop https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/JanisPresburyDesigns
Follow me on instagram @janiswaldron
Commissions
Handmade silver chain
Chain with beaten circular links made for a 21st birthday.
Trick or Treat bear
A 3.5" plush teddy bear holding a spider bag - made as a Halloween gift.
1:12 Miniature silver tea service
This tiny tea set was made for a customer's dolls house!
Santa and Snowman Christmas tree bauble bears
3.5" baubles made for a little boy's first Christmas.
Akoya pearl necklace
8mm pearl necklace with silver shell clasp.
Mohair teddy bear
A 3" bear wearing a jolly waistcoat, made to celebrate the birth of a granddaughter.
Trojan Bear
A very special one-off bear to celebrate an opera lover's 60th birthday. The bear measures 14cms, is made from long sparse mohair, and wears a very dashing red beret and bow.
Custom 9ct gold pendants
Very special pendant necklace made for a client's daughter .
Leaf texture spoon
Small decorative spoon made as a christening present.
Tilly
A beautiful bear made especially for a new granddaughter. Three inches tall and made from long hair viscose plush.
A lovely lady
A special commission for a lady whose passions are floppy hats, shopping and rabbits. Measuring 14cms tall and wearing a red felt hat, she carries her shopping bags and a tiny felt rabbit, all lovingly handmade by me.
Events
2024
My teddy bears and jewellery are sold in Worcester Cathedral Shop, WR1 2LA
You can also buy my work through my Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/JanisPresburyDesigns
or by contacting me direct by email or telephone - see contact page.
Venues for 2024
9 to 12 May RHS Malvern Spring Festival, Three Counties Showground, WR13 6NW
27 July to 3 August Three Choirs Festival, Worcester Cathedral, WR1 2LA
7 - 15 September h. Art, Lower Mitchell Barns, Eastnor Estate, Herefordshire, HR8 1RD
27-29 September Malvern Autumn Show, Three Counties Showground, WR13 6NW
Workshops
Testimonials
CHARMING artist teddy bear with jointed limbs, oyster mohair, suede paws, and sweet face with glass eyes, embroidered muzzle and cupped ears. Simply finished with a red plaid neck bow. Exceptionally handmade, nicely wrapped, and quickly shipped…A REAL TREASURE!
Super speedy delivery and the most perfect little snowbear bauble! Beautifully made!
ADORABLE miniature Santa bear with amazing detail and diminutive accessories! An endearing little teddy perfect for Christmas display. LOVE!
Absolutely beautiful earrings and arrived before I expected. Thank you so very much.
Horace arrived safely today. He's lovely. Many thanks for prompt delivery.
The keyring has just arrived. I love it. It is a present for my son on his 18th, and I am sure he is going to love it too. Many thanks.
So in love with your bears… Flurry – so cute… Your bears are so gorgeous.
Just wanted to let you know I received my bear! He is gorgeous! Thanks
This is an exquisite little bear, beautifully made and a total delight. He is even better in the flesh, (or should that be fur), than than the photos showed! Many thanks, this little bear will be very treasured.
Jan's little bears are truly works of art and made with such intricate detail that they each have endearing personalities. I'm so very pleased with the purchase and will treasure my two bears. The careful and thoughtful presentation and packaging was a lovely surprise too.
I wanted to write and thank you for the superb 'master - class' in bead threading. It was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone - not just because we all 'made' something - but it gave a chance to socialise, which is just as important. Thanks again, a great success all round!
Beautiful stones and well made - thank you!
Lovely item exactly as described . Very happy with purchase, Highly Recommended.
A lovely parcel arrived this morning with Posy and Francis. They are so soft with delightful expressions and I love Francis’s scarf. Thank you so much.
My friend was bowled over with her teddy... [she] actually cried when she saw her! It's amazing how your little furry bears can transmit so much love and say what words alone can't express. Thank you so much again x
Thank you so much for the lovely Simon who arrived safely earlier today. I love him. He's absolutely beautiful! Thank you for posting him so quickly and for the lovely postcard enclosed too. It's been a pleasure doing business with you and I hope to do so again.