Beauty in Bear Making
A place to slow down, reconnect with your hands and make something beautiful.
What’s Inside the Online Studio;
Beauty in Bear Making is built around 4 core pillars.
1. THE MINK MASTERCLASS
4+ hours of workshop recorded and ready to watch.
This is your complete workshop experience — filmed as if you’re sitting beside me in the studio.
You’ll learn how to:
cut and prepare mink
sew and assemble your bear
sculpt cheeks
insert eyes using the “button method”
shade, shape, and finish expressive details
create an Artist quality bear from start to finish
This is the equivalent of an in‑person workshop, but you can pause, rewind, and revisit it forever.
Videos are broken down into bite sided pieces for you to enjoy
2. THE GUIDE LIBRARY
12 award‑winning step‑by‑step photo guides
Perfect for visual learners, each guide includes clear step-by-step photos and detailed instructions.
You’ll discover the professional techniques used to create award‑winning bears.
Inside the library you’ll find guides covering all types of bears:
mink bears
miniatures bears
antique‑style bears
advanced multi‑piece patterns
appliqué paw pads
open mouths
double‑jointed necks
needle‑felting noses
scissor‑sculpted cheeks
tools, materials, and finishing techniques and much more
The Mink guide includes 150+ photos, making it also feel like again a one‑on‑one workshop you can revisit anytime.
A complete reference library Value $480
3. THE PATTERN VAULT
A growing archive of my personal patterns
You’ll receive access to the Bare Cub Designs patterns
Printable, ready‑to‑sew templates
Value $100+
The library will continue to grow, and you will gain instant access to all patterns as they are added
4. MINDFUL MAKING SERIES
A Collection of journals, prompts, and guides
This is the real value of the Studio - this is where your transformation takes place.
This studio is not another task in an already busy world. This is a gentle permission slip for your own self-care. To use this practice, to slow down to reconnect with yourself, while doing something with your hands.
The mediative back stitch will move you forward.
The “Guiding Principals” take Bear making from a hobby to a healthy habit.
BONUS: Bear Beautiful Magazines
Bear Beautiful caters to sophisticated bear makers, artists, and collectors who value quality. Showcasing only the finest our industry has to offer.
Inside each PDF you’ll find:
Creative inspiration
Bear‑making tutorials
Artist features
Slow‑living stories
Beautifully curated photography
These add a soft, soulful layer to your studio experience.
$30 Bonus value
Bonus: Lifetime Access + Personal Support
You’re joining a supportive creative space with access to me.
If you get stuck, need guidance, or want help with a technique, you can email me directly.
I’ll support you one‑on‑one as you learn, grow, and create.
This replaces the need for a membership community right now and keeps the experience intimate and personal.
Bonus value Priceless
Meet Helen
Artist. Maker. Guide.
I’m Helen — maker, slow‑stitcher, and founder of Bare Cub Designs.
For over 20 years, bear making has been my grounding practice and my way to slow down in a world that moves too fast.
I created this studio to share not just the techniques, but the deeper nourishment that comes from making something with your hands.
A place where you can return to yourself, stitch by stitch.
Why now?
There’s never a perfect time to begin something new
- but there is a right moment.
And that right moment is when you feel the quiet nudge that says: I want to do something for me.
Why now?
Creativity is one of the most powerful ways to reduce stress
You deserve a practice that feels grounding and nourishing
Your first bear will become something treasured
Lifetime access means you can begin gently, at your own pace
Waiting rarely brings clarity — Doing does
If you feel the pull, trust it. Take the next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Not at all. Beauty in Bear Making is designed for complete beginners as well as experienced makers who want to refine their skills. The masterclass and guides walk you through everything step by step, and you can email me anytime if you get stuck.
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You can begin with simple supplies you may already have: basic sewing tools, stuffing, and fabric. If you want to work with mink or specialty materials later, I include recommendations inside the studio. You don’t need to buy anything expensive to begin.
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You receive lifetime access. There’s no expiry, no subscription, and no ongoing fees. You can revisit the videos, guides, and patterns whenever you like.
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You can email me directly. I offer gentle, one‑on‑one support to help you through techniques, troubleshooting, or choosing your next project. You’re not doing this alone.
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Yes — the guides, patterns, and magazines are all downloadable PDFs. The masterclass videos stream online so you can watch them on any device, anywhere again and again.
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The masterclass is a full start‑to‑finish video workshop where you watch me create a mink bear in real time. The guides are detailed photo‑based tutorials covering specific techniques, styles, and advanced methods. Together, they give you both visual and step‑by‑step learning.
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Yes — You’re welcome to sell any bears you create using my patterns. Many makers use these techniques to build their own small creative businesses. Although I do encourage you to make your own being inspired by me. You will find it much more rewarding. Talk to me and I will help you
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Yes. Many people join simply for the joy, calm, and creativity of making something beautiful with their hands. There’s no pressure to sell or share your work unless you want to.
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The studio is fully online and available worldwide. All prices are in AUD, but your bank will convert it automatically. No need to visit Australia for a workshop. I’ll come meet you online!
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Because the studio includes instant access to all digital content, refunds aren’t offered. But I’m here to support you personally, and I’ll help you get the most out of your creative journey.
An Invitation
If you’ve been craving a creative life that feels slower, softer, and more meaningful… this is your moment.
You don’t need to be ready.
You don’t need experience.
You just need the desire to begin.
Let this be the start of something beautiful — for your hands, your heart, and your wellbeing.
Join the Studio Today
Your creativity will meet you right where you are.
