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 artifacts 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
Blue Ginger Gallery https://www.blue-ginger.com/shop
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.
Events
2022
For the rest of this year, my work continues to be sold through the Blue Ginger Gallery online shop. Do have a look as there are a lot of interesting items for sale, from various craftsmen.
In addition I have my work 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 2022
5 - 8 May RHS Malvern Spring Festival, Three Counties Showground, WR13 6NW
24-26 September Malvern Autumn Show, Three Counties Showground, WR13 6NW
Workshops
If you enjoy hand-sewing and would like to try something new, why not learn to make an adorable 4’’ miniature teddy bear?
Included in the cost is a kit containing everything you will need to make a bear or rabbit. Illustrated instruction sheets and a pattern will also be provided, which are yours to keep.
BEAD THREADING
Would you like to make use of all those broken necklaces and stray beads you have, and learn how to professionally thread a necklace or knot pearls?
Included in the cost is a pack of silver findings (catches, jump rings, crimps, earrings, and head pins) along with thread and wire, sufficient to make two bracelets or necklaces and a pair of earrings. Illustrated instruction sheets will also be provided, which are yours to keep. Any additional thread, findings or beads required will be available to buy on the day.
Each workshop lasts from 10am to 4pm (approximately) and costs £70. A reduction is available when booking for groups of 5 or more.
I have successfully run courses for various adult groups including the WI and the Jewellery and Allied Industries Training Council.
For more information or to book a place please visit the Contact page.
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.
Oscar arrived safely a few minutes ago. Thank you. I’m sure my 18 year old granddaughter will be delighted with him ... He is gorgeous! Thank you for a very prompt service & beautiful packing too.
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!