My name is Sonya Shaw and I am the artist who creates Sunnie Bears. I live in sunnie Ridgecrest, California in the middle of the Mojave Desert with my fiance', Mike, and my babies, Tilly, Ladybug, Sunnie, and Sunshine (all 4 lbs of her). Tilly is a poodle/terrier mix, Ladybug is a Yorkie/Silkie mix, and Sunnie and Sunshine are AKC registered Yorkies. All of them provide me with much inspiration.

I have been creating my bears since February 2002. I use the highest quality mohair,  hardboard joints with stainless steel bolts and lock nuts,  German glass eyes, 100% wool felt and/or suede leather/ ultra suede for paw and foot pads, perle cotton for the hand stitched noses, and polyfil and tiny polished glass beads for stuffing your bear to assure that you will have a long lasting heirloom quality bear. Because of the glass eyes and hardboard joints my bears are collectible items that are not toys and are not suitable for children under the age of four.

My bears range from 6 to 30 inches and are all one of a kind. I design my own patterns and create the entire bear with my own hands. I am easily bored, so I am always changing my patterns to give each bear individuality. I make both undressed and dressed bears, my favorites being vintage styled sailors in child's wool uniforms. I also do custom orders using either my supplied materials, or a loved one's uniform and badges/medals or an infant's christening gown.

I pride myself on creating a top quality bear that you will be proud to show to your friends and treasure for years to come. I am very proud and honored to have won a TOBY (Teddy Bear of the Year) in 2004 and also a Golden Teddy nomination the same year, as well as JeJu Teddy Bear Museum Award and Artist of the Year for 2004. More recently, I won the URSA Prime award for 2006 for my mariachi bear, Tequila..

I can accept credit cards on my website thru my secure credit card provider, Securepay, or over the phone, and also offer Paypal as a payment choice. Layaways up to 60 days, are also available upon request.