Tara Logsdon has made it her life’s mission to rescue abandoned teddy bears from the depths of thrift store despair. Through her label, EKL Bearmy, she provides unloved bears with high-class upcycling, using worn-out designer bags to transform the derelict toys into much sought-after works of art. The textile taxidermist repairs dismembered appendages using only hand-stitching techniques. Tara also removes the nose and mouth and gives them new eyes for a better outlook on life.
Recycled material from Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Burberry products are used in the heart replacement so their new owners know they are ready for some high-end love. Each bear must go to a good home — doctor’s orders. “I mean, let’s face it, they have already been through enough,” says Logsdon. “They all have a unique prescription that must be followed until they have adapted to their new environment.”
Logsdon — who refers to herself as a “bear surgeon” — accepts custom “surgery” requests via e-mail. Visit her site for more info.
