From Caregiver to Teddy Bear Artist:

A Journey of Love, Craft and Art

In the heart of the United Kingdom lies the charming city of Norwich, a place that holds a special corner in Irina Hoppie's heart.

"From the moment I first set foot in England, Norwich felt like home which evoked memories of my hometown, Salaspils, in Latvia.

Perhaps it was the quaint streets, the warmth of the community, or the way the city hummed with quiet creativity, but whatever
it was, it captured me instantly."

Irina arrived in the UK at the age of 30, hand-in-hand with her nine year old son, Arseniy.

As a single mother, her life revolved around nurturing and providing for him.

Over the years, she worked a variety of jobs, but it was her role as a care assistant in a dementia nursing home that shaped much of her professional journey.

"For seven years, I dedicated myself to the care of others, yet somewhere along the way, a creative spark within me began to flicker."

Candy

Love Birds

Baby Reindeer

Tim

Craving an outlet for that creativity, Irina began to explore the world of crafts.

"What started as a simple hobby, making soft toys, slowly transformed into
a passion project.

Bit by bit, I found myself immersed in the whimsical realm of teddy bear artistry. With each stitch and seam,
I felt a renewed sense of purpose, and before I knew
it, my small venture, Oddkin Toys, was born."

Irina is entirely self-taught, learning through trial, error, and an unwavering love for the creating.

"The process of creating each teddy bear feels like stepping into a storybook. Like Alice tumbling into Wonderland,
I wander through the land-scapes of my imagination, letting my hands follow the path carved by my heart."

Each toy emerges not just as a figure of fabric and thread, but as a character infused with love, passion, and its own unique tale to tell.

"Today, my cozy world is shared with two elegant but mischievous sphinx cats, while my son, now 25, has carved his own path in the Netherlands.

Despite the distance, Arseniy remains one of my greatest supporters. It was his encouragement that led me to join Bears&Buds, a global community celebrating teddy bear artistry.

“The world needs to see your marvelous work,” he told me, nudging me towards sharing my creations with a wider audience. It marked the first time I had stepped into the larger craft world with a sense of serious intent.

For the past 16 years, Irina has called the UK home, and her days are dedicated almost entirely to the art she loves.

"I spend 10 to 12 hours each day crafting, shaping, and perfecting new designs, losing myself in the delicate details that transform fabric into collectible treasures.

Every toy is exclusive, designed from patterns
I create myself, ensuring that each one carries its own fingerprint of uniqueness.

These bears are not just toys; they are companions crafted to bring warmth, personality, and joy into homes around the world.

As she reflects on her journey, she realizes that what began as a small spark has blossomed into a full-fledged creative life.

Norwich may have welcomed her as a stranger years ago, but it is now the canvas upon which she paint her dreams, one stitch at a time.

Look for Oddkin Toys in future Bright Star Online Teddy Bear Shows and competing in the 2025 URSA Awards Competition, where you'll have a chance to experience more of her unique creations.

Sheep Heart

Rabbit

Hybrid Dipodidae

Lola

Adele

Pistachio

Lemon

Contact:

Irina Hoppie ~ Oddkin Toys