Nancy Tillberg  ... University Dean and Instructor

Nancy's Web Site

Nancy has been making teddy bears since 1994 and has had two books published about the subject. When  not bear-making, she leads a busy life as a wife, mother of two and full time Police Officer.  Among the awards she has won for her bears is a  Toby nomination for my clown teddy, 'Mulligan,' in 1999.

Nancy is the owner of Kran-Beary's Teddy Bears, North Country Teddy Bears and is the founder of the EbearZ University.  Her books include 'Teddy Bears with a Past' and '101 Bears to Make.'  Both are published by Krause Publications.   

Nancy has appeared on national television, and has taught bear making workshops across the country.

Judi Paul ...  Instructor

Judi's Web Site

Judi Paul

Judi creates bears and other critters  under the business name 'Luxembears.'

Residing in Luxemburg Wisconsin, this mother of three and dairy farmer’s wife is also a registered nurse and avid ballroom dancer.

Art is not new to Judi as she has been drawing and painting since early childhood. She has found that designing, making, and just plain hugging bears to be a huge stress reducer.

Judi works with a variety of mediums including ink and graphite illustrations, acrylic and water color paints, and airbrushing. She went to school in 1983 to learn airbrush painting and is certified in 'airbrush rendering' and 'graphic illustration.'

“ I have found airbrushing to be a wonderful way to really add lots of intimate detail to my bears. Airbrushing really bring them to life.”

Judi has received numerous awards and nominations including 2 Ace Awards, 5 Golden Teddy Nominations and 2 Toby Nominations. As well in 2005 she won First Place in the Steiff Design Competition.

Diane Lundgren ... Instructor

As the daughter of a successful artist I had the opportunity to experience art all over the world.  I learned early that art should be what brings happiness to the creator as well as the recipient, regardless of the form that art might take. 

    I trained as a classical pianist, and came too close to making that my life.  But this was not the way of contentment or happiness for me.  I have found what I was looking for.  It consists of mohair and kapok, paints and buttons, glass eyes and embroidery thread.  It consists of every color possible of wool roving, template plastic, needles, needles, needles,  and the happiness on someone's face when they see the right teddy bear, or pick up a golly-wolly that speaks to them. 
     I believe that this kind of art is every bit as important as a Sistine
ceiling, or Michelangelo marble because of the comfort it can we can bring
someone.  I count myself truly blessed indeed to have found something so
simple yet elegant that brings me such contentment.