A block party of bears by Debora Hoffmann

Juniper

Juniper is a bear Debora created especially for her friend Hiromi Nagataki. Hiromi and Juniper live in Japan!

Because she completed this bear in June, Debora decided to name him Juniper. The name also evokes memories for her: When she was a young girl, there were juniper bushes growing in front of her family's house on New Avenue. Juniper is wearing a collar of forest-green alpaca that simulates a juniper branch, with little faux pearls added as berries.

Little Juniper stands tall at about 10.5 inches (26.67 cm). Distressed, wavy brown mohair was the fur of choice for this sweet bear, and Debora gave him Ultrasuede pawpads with needle-sculpted fingers and toes. His nose and mouth are embroidered with pearl cotton floss, his eyes are black glass, and he is stuffed with a combination of polyester stuffing and plastic pellets for good hugs.

Satsuki and Juniper Taking Tea

Teatime must be a universal indulgence. Debora snapped this picture before sending Juniper off to live in Japan with Hiromi. Satsuki traveled all the way from Japan to live with Debora--he was specially made for her by Hiromi.