Non teddy bear afficianados also flock to bear makers to order their new room mates, usually custom made from their own fur coat, or the coat of a loved one. The sentimental value already attached to the coat for these customers, ultimately makes their bear a priceless treasure. O ne of the most readily available sources of fur is of course the old fur coat. The American Fur Association, on their web site, estimates that one in five women in the United States, currently owns a fur coat. Many of these coats are old, out of style, the wrong size, or are not being worn for political reasons.
Many artists work with custom orders, thereby using the customer's own coat to make a bear.
Others locate furs in thrift shops, yard sales, newspaper ads, estate sales, auctions and online. G enuine fur is somewhat more difficult to work with than traditional synthetics and mohair, and requires special techniques for the bear to be of high quality. The garments must first be completely dis-assembled. Cleaning, vaccuuming, and treating dryed leathers are also a consideration. Care must be used in matching variations in color and thickness.