Hi, I'm Julie, the creator of "Bear Essentials Graphics" & everything on this web site including the web design and layout. I know when I visit other web sites, I'm always interested to read a bit about the person behind the creations, so that is why I have added this page for you.

I'm 49 years young, and I was born and bred in Australia - that wonderful land downunder. I live in the beautiful city of Sydney, where my hubby works as a police prosecutor with the NSW police. 

I've been married to my childhood sweetheart Dave for 28 years. We met and fell in love when we were just 16 & married 4 1/2 years later. We have 3 wonderful children, Melissa (1981) who is married to Jason, Brooke (1984) & Matthew (1986). I am also a very proud Nana to my beautiful grandson Daniel (born November, 2005), first child of Melissa and Jason, and an absolute delight to all of us! 

My faith in God is extremely important to me, and I dedicate this web site and all that I do, to my Lord Jesus Christ.

From an early age, I began drawing on every piece of paper I could lay my hands on, so my father decided to buy me what he deemed to be, a 'proper'  drawing book and some paints. He really encouraged me in my love of drawing and photography, and I'm so thankful that he recognised my talent and encouraged me to be all that I can be. I had a wonderfully supportive mother as well, who also supported and encouraged me in all that I did. 

Just 7 years ago, after connecting to the internet, I really fell in love with all the beautiful country graphics I came across. I so much wanted to learn how to draw with my mouse, and from then on spent as much time as I could practicing in the hope of also opening my own graphics site. My previous site "Heart To Hand Graphics" was my first graphics site, and through it I met many wonderful people, many of whom are my friends today.

During the last 6 years my hubby and I also began selling my designs on greeting cards, and this is a thriving business today. Our greeting cards sell in stores all over Australia, and with over 400 cards in our range, we are kept extremely busy. I've just created around 100 new cards & gift cards in January 2006, so I've been very busy since Christmas often working 14 - 16 hour days to meet deadlines. It's important to keep our card range fresh and new. Our two younger adult children (Brooke & Matt) have now joined me in running our card business. I feel so blessed to be able to work along side my kids. We sure do have a lot of fun together. 

For quite a while now, many of my sweet customers expressed a desire to see my Herbert bears come to life. This too has been a wonderfully exciting journey for me. Although I sell most of my bears on eBay, I do try and also keep my "Bowral Bear Company" stocked at well. Please drop by and take a peek. 

 I hope you continue to enjoy my graphics. Although I have limited time to draw for this web site these days, I will continue to add collections as time allows. Thank you for your interest and encouragement.

If you would like to know more about Julie's drawing process, please click here.