Coco and Clare
Clare Maxted
How a dream was born
Coco and Clare
Hello thanks for dropping by, I'm Clare and my dog is called Coconut. That's simply how I came to name my company Coco and Clare, even though he doesn't seem to help out much!
I live in a lovely coastal village in Norfolk, where in-between windswept beachy walks I busily sew away in my craft room making plush bears and animals.
It all started when I was around 6 years old when my mum taught me how to handsew, knit and operate the sewing machine. I fell in love with arts and crafts at that tender age and have never wanted to stop since. Mum is such a creative and resourceful artist herself and taught me so much in my younger years, we would constantly be drawing, painting and patchworking together.
Following on with an A level in Textiles and a 1st Class Degree in Fashion Design, it wasn't until a few years down the line that I finally found my niche. This is when I discovered the art of bear making.
"I finally found my niche. This is when I discovered the art of Bear Making"
A trigger suddenly clicked and I found sculpting the animal's character and handpainting their expression was what I loved most. Fashion had just never excited me in the same way.
Being brought up with a make-do and mend attitude, recycling has always been close to my heart. (I remember cutting up old curtains and duvet covers when I was young.)
Now I spend my time foraging for second hand faux fur coats, unloved throws and scarfs to make my bears. The joy of giving garments a second life which helps save our planet too is so rewarding. I enjoy the beauty of transforming something old and unwanted and to watch it emerge into a friendly work of art. I hope the future brings many more bears and plenty more joy for us all. xx Clare
Unloved Garments rescued to be made into bears
Sewing my bears using my vintage machine
Finishing and handpainting to create characters.
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