Welcome and  many thanks for dropping by my website!  I hope that you enjoy my bears.  My bearmaking adventure began in 1997, when I set out to make "just one bear" in my University holidays.  I was quickly captivated by the world of artist bears and now I can't imagine a world without them. 

All Honeythorpe Bears are created from start to finish, by me, Melissa Toohey, from my New Zealand home.  In the past, I have made bears as big as 32 inches but in recent years miniature bears have captured my heart and imagination. My favourite size to create is between one and three inches, though the odd giant 6 inch bear sneaks his way in every now and then, usually when there is some luscious new mohair I've fallen in love with.  The style of my bears fall somewhere between traditional and modern - they usually have a slightly wistful air and always have a chubby tummy and big feet!  

I am privileged to have found homes the world over for my creations and to have formed some fantastic friendships through bear making.  I attend shows in both Australia and New Zealand and in the next year or so hope to make it to the UK and US...there are bears there that need to come home and live with me!

I am often asked where the name Honeythorpe comes from.  My first name, Melissa originates from the Greek for honey or honey bee and we all know that bears love honey.  I also imagined a mythical place where my bears lived...so I created a wee place called Honeythorpe.

I am looking forward to 2008 and have many ideas for new bears and designs.  I can't wait to share them with you!

hugs, Melissa