Ambrosio Helder

Article and Photo, David Nesseth, Standard-Freeholder

Teddy bear maker Helder Ambrosio takes grandma’s fur coat and transforms it into a cuddly keepsake.

He’s taken coats made from mink, muskrat, raccoon, coyote, baby seal, lamb, even monkey and then this Morrisburg resident, by way of Angola in south central Africa, creates a one-of a kind personality.

“Each bear is different” said, Ambrosio “Different shapes, different fur, a different muzzle and face”. In a series he made last year, Ambrosio event put the scent the grandmothers used to wear inside the bears.

It’s all part of Fur Memories, a labor of love that came to Ambrosio as a child. At that time, his family travelled a lot and he never had a teddy bear of how own. But at the age of eight, once his family settle down, he decided to make4 his first teddy bear. It was only a two pieces. Now, the bears have 20 pieces.

“It’s a child’s best friend”, said Ambrosio, who tailors the bear’s personality for each client. “You can tell them anything. That’s why I don’t make them mouths. They don’t say anything. You can tell them anything and they keep it a secret”.

Ambrosio has made some 200 bears in the last five years. Pillow too. He displays them at hid day job in Morrisburg, where he works as a hair dresser at AURA on Lakeshore Drive.

“The one I name, I keep. So I try not to name them. The bears range from $100 to $350. The larger one are fully jointed. Ambrosio said the bears are meant to be touched, not jus displayed. Human oils help keep the bears’ fur lubricated. :”They need to be touched”.
Ambrosio said. “Love is essential”.

Helder Ambrosio can be reached at aurainteriors@hotmail.com

Helder recently been enjoying making bobbin lace. He too loves to cook and bake using food as a creative outlet, teaching others to enjoy simple recipes.

Aura Escapes is new to Cornwall, it is a resource place to learn new skills in arts, craft, decorating, and cooking.

Owned by Dwight Saunders & Helder Ambrosio both artist and teachers. www.auraescapes.yolasite.com