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I live in Krugersdorp, a city on the outskirts of Johannesburg, South Africa. I have been married to Rae for a very long happy time, and we have a daughter Megan. We share our home with three Airedale Terriers (as known as the teddy bear dogs), and will shortly start a breeding program. We live out in the country on a 7 hectare property, and enjoy life off the beaten track.

I have been a collector of dolls and bears ever since I was a child. I was given my first children's toys became a passion, culminating in ownership of one of the largest Madame Alexander doll collections in South Africa. A progression from dolls to teddy bears occurred following my attendance at a local bear making class in 1999. I was truly hooked from day one!

I attended a Jennifer Laing Design Workshop in 2002, and have been designing and making my own patterns for bears, which I have branded LEO Bears.

I run workshops most weekends, and we have a lot of fun in our sewing circle. Students can be involved in many different projects, and there are always UFO's (unfinished objects) to keep us busy. Our group of bear makers are beginners through to advanced, so new workshops can be challenging as I try to cater for everyone. The common thread that ties us all together, is our love for teddies. Long may they reign!

Linny Earl