About Us

Dreaming Bear Designs is a dream that became a reality (officially) in 2000. I have always enjoyed creating, starting at a very young age with scraps of fabric, scissors and glue. At about the age of seven, I claimed our family room as my own personal art gallery. I imagined a place where I could create anything I wanted, and sell it to people who loved happy things. Over the years, my interests and tastes have evolved into what they are today. My passion is fun, funky color, playful motifs, and inspiring words. While I was working at a stifling "real" job in the corporate world during the day, something magical happened at night after I tucked the kids into bed. Flying hearts and magic wands started emerging out of my busy little hands. Blue candles decorated with puffy white clouds, and zebra striped martini glasses were appearing. One night, I sketched a dreamy eyed little bear wearing a top hat. And right then and there, Dreaming Bear Designs was born. (Dreaming Bear was the last name of a spirited, feisty woman I met during my travels. We had a wonderful connection, and I told her that someday I would name something after her. She laughed, and years later, viola!) I continued working the day job for several years, while peddling my wares through various venues, including local gift shops and art fairs. This later turned into a wholesale business as well, with my work exhibited in major markets such as Chicago, Minneapolis and Atlanta. Before I knew it, I was selling my whimsical creations to 150 gift and specialty stores across the nation. I was blessed with more work than I could handle, and eventually I took the leap and left my "day job" in 2004. Since then, I haven't looked back!

Our first retail store, The Dreaming Bear, opened in the spring of 2004 in a tiny little cottage on 11th street in historic downtown Marion. We quickly outgrew that space, and in November, moved across the street to roomier quarters! Here you will find many one of a kind creations, from hand painted furniture, to funky handbags and unique jewelry. We have pottery, candy, and handmade soaps. And there is always something here that will make you smile.

I am continuing to sell my work both on a wholesale and retail level. My creations are available in my store, as well as other fine boutiques across the country. I have been a little too busy to travel much these days, but my goal is to attend a few more art shows again, as I miss the travel, and the fellowship with likeminded artists and fun customers! I feel very fortunate to have done some licensing work also, including children's furniture, giftware items, home décor pieces, and my favorite...fabric! Everything is created in my wonderful studio behind the store. This fabulous room with high ceilings and brick walls was hiding behind the back wall of my store, just waiting for me to bust through and start using it as a creative space. So I did! And with the help of some great friends who worked in exchange for pizza, the space is colorful and inspiring (not to mention jam packed with supplies) to all who enter. I open my studio to the public on the weekends, so others can enjoy the process of creating their own works of art.

Each Dreaming Bear item is designed and produced with love. We hope to give you objects that make you smile, and brighten your day. We want to give you something, that perfect thing, which you can slip into the hand of a friend who is feeling down. Our products will help you celebrate the little things in life that too often go unnoticed. Enjoy!