Charleen Kinser

Dear Maggie,
I didn't know your mom, unfortunately, but her work was a great inspiration for me. I think her book on soft sculpture is one of the best of its kind, because it shows her creative processes and inspires one to tap into one's own creativity, rather than copying someone else's style or designs. I believe that making art is something that all we humans need to do. Your mom's spirit is a gift to us all.

Dear Maggie,

my deepest condolences for the loss of your Mom.
She was an extraordinary woman, and an awesome delicate-hearth-driven designer.

Just today I got to know about this terrible news, browsing her website.
As a toy and plush designer I can say the "Toy Biz" lost one of its more brilliant Masters.
This loss will mark the days, and I do feel honored since I had the chance to met her in person once, many years ago, at the Toy Fair in New York.

Her smile,...

Dear Maggie,
I am so sorry to hear about your mom. I had know idea until today. She was quite the lively lady. I loved her gardens and goats. My deepest condolences to you and the kids. Please call me when you get back to PA.
Your friend, Molly

Charleen came into my life when I was a young bride, in 1973, with her "Flock to Stitch and Stuff" in the American Home Crafts magazine. I still have three of those magazines because of her designs, including the beautiful "Cradle of Reeds", Fall/Winter 1976. I would love to have the pattern for that cradle that I then didn't have the skill to make, as I now have a grandson on the way.

I've lost count of how many sheep I've sewn from Charleen's design, but I have many nieces and...

I was shocked to hear (belatedly) of Charleen Kinser's passing, and so sad. She gifted my world - and those of many other collectors - with such a wide range of characters to share my life with. Her Louie bears are my favorite and I adopt any Tagalong or Louie Louie I can. I always wished she would make a gray mohair Louie and spent two years sewing mohair bears for myself in a fruitless search to create a bear as charming as Fudge, my first Louie Louie. Finally I realized that each bear is...

Maggie & Family,
I'm so sad to hear of your mothers passing. I worked for your mother as my first job at the age of 14. For many years your mom, and at times your dad, helped to teach me many lessons related to life and responsibility. I always admired both of them for their amazing strength and knowledge. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

To Maggie and Family,

I express my deepest sympathies to you and your family. My Mom and I worked for your Mom in the early eighties. She made such beautiful creations and it was an honor to work under her tutolage! She was and is a remarkable artist, woman and human being! I will miss her so! She was instrumental in my development as a doll artist. I am truly touched and humbled. Maggie, may whatever was great in her travel with you and your loved ones. Please take care. I think of...

I sign with a heart that is heavy. At peace, to join her son Tom and husband Bill; Charleen's creative spirit flies free with the wind and the rain. Rest easy Charleen, and thank you for who you were and are - and thank you for the cloak of memories I shall put on. To those left behind, I wish the fragrance of a sudden summer rainstorm - earth's tears to renew that which is parched.

My most sincere condolences. I am a collector of Charleen's work and I cannot put into words the joy I get from them. She had a rare and special talent that brought many people happiness. She will be missed.