Meet Sherry Pitko, the Village Bearsmith!

The myWallaby Bloggy isn’t all about myWallaby. Sometimes, we find something (or someone) out there that we would like to blog about. In this case, we would like to share with you the talents of someone we became aware of when my parents recently visited us in NYC.

My parents always like to surprise us with gifts when they visit, and this time was no different. One of the gifts they brought with them was a gift for our daughter, a stuffed Kangaroo called Kanga (a famous cousin of a Wallaby) complete with miniature Joey that sits in its pouch (see picture to the left). Besides the symbolism associated with our company, the gift was also special in that it was made for my sister and I by our Aunt who knew we loved (and still do) the Winnie the Pooh story. My mom told me that after almost forty years in storage, Kanga had lost its original shape and was in need of some tender loving care – care in the form of some stuffing, a bit of sewing and a little tuck here and there.

Enter the Village Bearsmith! My parents heard of the Village Bearsmith, a.k.a. Sherry Pitko, around their cottage in Michigan. Sherry is known in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for her skills in restoring stuffed animals and dolls. Besides stuffed animal / doll restoration, Sherry also makes replicas of old teddy bears and provides a very unique service, called Bear my Memories (see below for a description of each).

If you are interested in finding out more about Sherry’s services, she doesn’t have a website yet, but she can be reached via email at spitko@lighthouse.net. I’m sure Sherry would love to hear from you!

What Sherry offers:

Bear My Memories

Sherry is an award

winning bear artist that specializes in preserving memories of loved ones and special events through incorporation of personal or heirloom garments. These beautiful heirloom quality teddy bears

can be made from a treasured mink stole, mink stroller, mink coat or other heirloom furs. Rather than having these items tucked away…the memory stays alive by having one of these beautiful teddy bears made of your cherished item tucked in the corner or sat on your favorite chair. Prices and sizes vary. (Typically starts at $195- and up)

Old Friends

Sherry also offers replicas of early 1900’s teddy bears at a fraction of the antique bear price.  Made from quality mohair, cotter pin jointed, wool paw pads, and German glass eyes. These are beautiful heirloom quality. Made just as the old bears, but stuffed with polyfill for preservation purposes. She even offers custom orders. Prices and sizes vary. (typically starts at $49.95- and up)

Bear Hospital

Finally, and the way we found Sherry, she also offers repairs and restorations for old and new teddy bears and other stuffed friends. Prices vary on the amount of work. Feel free to email her for a quote.

Below are some pictures of one of Sherry’s Bear My Memories stuffed animals. Look at the skill and craftsmanship! Good luck Sherry from all of us at myWallaby!