Whimsical Creatures

Monica Spicer

Born in Argentina and raised largely in Australia, Monica Spicer began making miniature bears in 1992 after creating a tiny teddy for a dollhouse nursery. What began almost by accident developed into a long and imaginative career creating distinctive collectible bears.

Monica’s work has continually evolved, from elaborately dressed “Elegant Lady Bears” to the wonderfully expressive, slightly mischievous bears she affectionately calls her “cheeky” bears. Each piece has its own personality and reflects Monica’s love of character, costume, and storytelling.

Arts and Souls has featured Monica’s work since 2001, and we continue to appreciate the warmth, humor, and individuality that make her creations so recognizable.

In more recent years, Monica’s creativity has expanded beyond bears into artistic dolls and doll costuming, continuing the same imaginative approach that has long defined her work.

Katherine Hallam

Katherine Hallam began as a bear collector before discovering miniature artist bears in the late 1980s and deciding to create her own. Largely self-taught, she developed her distinctive style through experimentation and a wide range of techniques, including needle felting, sculpting, hand painting, and traditional bear making. That turned into her phenomenally popular Katie Rae Bears.

Each bear is individually created, with faces shaped by hand rather than from a fixed pattern. Katherine’s work is known for its expressive character and finely detailed features, including her handmade noses and signature diamante accent.

Her bears have been collected internationally and have received numerous awards, including TOBY honors and a Teddy Bear Artist of the Year award.