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The Original Online Teddy Bear Magazine |
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 Click on the bear head to view this feature
article in Flip Magazine format. |
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From a childhood heartbreak to a flourishing creative journey, the story of Irene Tsaritson is one of loss, resilience, and the pursuit
of a lifelong dream.
What started as a promise
to herself has turned into a global mission to create teddy bears filled with warmth, comfort, and love.
Irene was born in the small Ukrainian town of Donske, nestled between Donetsk and Mariupol.
It was here, in the heart of a creative and caring family, that she first developed a deep connection to the arts.
Her parents, both creative spirits, surrounded Irene and her sister Tanya with music, art, and hands-on experiences.
Irene with the monkey she made and sister Tanya
It was an environment that encouraged them to explore their talents.
And it was one specific moment from Irene's childhood that would shape her future in ways she couldn’t yet understand.
When she was a young girl her parents gave her a very special teddy for her birthday. |
Elise
Oliver
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James
Oswald
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This bear, who became a constant companion, accompanied her through adventures and quiet moments alike.
Then on one fateful day, Irene left the bear at her grandmother's house and before she could return, tragedy struck: her grand-mother was hospitalized, the house was sold, and the bear was lost in the shuffle.
“It was a painful heartbreak, the kind that stays with you forever.” she said.
This was the moment Irene made a promise to herself: one day, she would either find a bear just like him or, if need be, she would create one herself.
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Irene, being young her creativity expanded beyond toys.
She developed an early fascination with sewing, history, painting, and architecture which lead her into a career.
After completing her studies and working at an architecture firm, Irene’s life took yet another turn when she met her husband.
Ready to start a family, they had three daughters and eventually making the decision to pursue a theological education.
The couple relocated to Crimea, where they lived for more than two decades, dedicating themselves to mission work and church life.
In 2014, life again took an unexpected turn.
Amid political unrest and turmoil, Irene and her family were forced to leave their beloved home.
They relocated to a suburb of Kyiv, near the town of Bucha.
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Brother Bear
Oscar
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In 2022 they faced a much more dangerous shift; Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
“For the next two years, me and my family lived in constant fear, as bombs and air raids became an unfortunate part of daily life. There were moments of sheer terror, like the day a missile exploded near our home, damaging the building.”
Yet, in the midst of the chaos and uncertainty, Irene found an unlikely solace: teddy bears.
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With little more than a dim candle light and on the occasional light from a makeshift battery-powered flashlight, her husband made, Irene began to sew.
It wasn’t just a distraction;
it became her lifeline, her way of holding on to hope.
Each bear she made was a quiet rebellion against the despair surrounding her. |
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“They were a refuge, a way of finding warmth and purpose in a time when so much seemed lost.”
It was during these dark days that she found herself falling in love with vintage-style teddy bears.
“These weren't just any toys; they were little vessels of comfort, bringing warmth and peace in an otherwise cold and uncertain world.” |
Osteen
Oldy
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She wasn't just creating toys; she was creating pieces of her soul, each one stitched with love, filled with meaning, and imbedded with the memory of a lost bear from her childhood.
In 2019, Irene officially began making bears professionally.
The craft that had started as a childhood hobby blossomed into a meaningful career.
She honed her skills by studying the work of renowned European teddy bear artists and attending specialized courses.
In early 2022, as the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine began, “our lives
were turned upside down
once again.
We had already faced one painful displacement, but this time, the danger was even more immediate.
Explosions echoed near our home, and one day a missile struck close enough to damage our building.
The fear became constant, and each day felt like a struggle for survival.
We often huddled in shelters during air raids, with no heat or electricity, relying on faith and one another.”
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Eventually, they made the heartbreaking decision to leave their home behind.
“We fled Ukraine, seeking safety and a fresh start, and that’s how we came to the United States.
Now, we live in Freeport, Florida with our family, embracing the peace we had long been missing and holding tightly to the hope of a new beginning.”
Safe now and feeling confident Irene founded her business called The Teddy Beartson Collection.
The name "Beartson" is a blend of the word bear her own last name, Tsaritson. This trademark name became a reflection of her journey.
The Tsaritson family is an integral part of her new business.
They all play active roles in everything from photography, managing social media, to packing orders, and brainstorming new bear characters.
Today, Irene’s handmade bears can be found in homes in Ukraine, Poland, Germany, Canada, and across the USA.
“Each bear is crafted with unparalleled care and precision, made from premium German mohair, wood wool, and sawdust stuffing.
The heads and limbs are attached using cotter pin joints, and each bear’s eyes are carefully hand-painted to give it a unique expression.
These are not just toys; they are heirlooms in the making, designed to hold a story and
a spirit that can be passed down through generations.”
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4th of July Bear
Bilbo
Twinkle
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Onyx
Rosalie
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The bears come in a variety
of styles, ranging from classic teddy bears to those with vintage charm and antique elegance.
Every bear, though built from the same pattern, carries its own distinct personality and its own soul.
“They are for collectors who appreciate the time-honored tradition of handcrafted artistry and for those who believe that a bear made with love is something more than just a toy.”
"I want my bears to become part of a family story, and
I hope they can carry with them a sense of home, love, and stability; something that endures through generations.”
Today, Irene looks back on her journey with pride and as she continues to create, one stitch at a time, and she is reminded that sometimes, “the most meaningful things are those that are made from the heart.”
Irene participates in Bright Star Promotions, Inc. Online Teddy Bear shows and often sells her one-of-a-kind bears on several social media platforms.
When you look into her bear’s eyes, you see reflections of hope, resilience, love and joy!
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Contact:
Irene Tsaritson ~ Teddy Beartson
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Videos to enjoy by Irene |
| Making her bears . . . view |
| Preparing for an online show . . . view |
| Another interesting video . . . view |
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Learn More!
Where is Freeport FL USA?
Click on the map >>> |
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