About
I am proud to offer the service of creating artisan memory bears using your sentimental fabric items. I make classic heirloom-style teddy bears with jointed head, arms, and legs. I am honored to preserve your memories in such a special way and look forward to working with you.
I'm just beginning to offer this service, so please note that details and features may be added or changed as I figure out what policies work best for me.
MATERIALS
Memory bears are traditionally made using fabrics with sentimental meaning for the recipient. These are typically clothing items, linens, robes, quilts or blankets. Plush bears with clothing made from your special items are also available.
FABRICS
Most fabric types can be used. The best fabrics are sturdy - denim, cotton and cotton blends, terrycloth, fleece, sweaters or sweatshirts, faux fur or sherpa with a knit backing.
All fabrics incorporated into the bear will be stabilized using a muslin backing, cotton interfacing, or a stiffening art medium, depending on the fabric content. Stabilizing the fabric strengthens it and reduces stretch.
I am not able to work with leather or animal furs. More delicate fabrics may be difficult to incorporate into a bear, but may work for bows or clothing items (coming soon!).
HOW MUCH FABRIC SHOULD I SEND?
Generally, I need about 1/2 a yard of fabric for a large bear, 1/3 of a yard for a medium bear, and 1/4 of a yard for a small bear (a "fat quarter"). If sending garments, an adult Large garment should be enough fabric for a basic bear. I like the look of a main fabric for the bear with coordinating fabric to add contrast to the ears, paws, and feet so please send a secondary garment or fabric if you have one. If not, I can supply fabric for those contrasting pieces if you like.
If you have multiple items that you want used, the basic bear pattern will accommodate up to 19 different fabrics, and a patchwork style bear can be cute too! There will be an extra setup fee for 4+ fabrics.
I can squeeze a small bear out of 4 newborn onesies as an absolute minimum. please send 6-12 pieces of baby clothing if possible.
When you order, please indicate if you would like the remnants of your items returned to you. (Note that the weight of additional fabric may affect the cost of return shipping). If you do not want them returned, I enjoy upcycling and will be happy to incorporate usable pieces into other projects. If you'd like scraps to be made into a patchwork bag or other handmade item, please ask for details and pricing!
INSIDE THE BEAR:
All bears are stuffed with new hypoallergenic PolyFil. Weighted bears contain virgin plastic pellets. Joints are made from laser cut hardboard discs and stainless steel components, secured with strong adhesives.
FACE:
I prefer the look of glass bead eyes. They are secured to the head with strong upholstery thread. If you prefer plastic safety eyes or another alternative, please let me know.
Noses and smiles are hand embroidered. Noses are further treated with a stiffening art medium and given 2 coats of gloss varnish.
SIZE & Weight
The small bear is 7" tall in a seated position and 11" standing. A small weighted bear weighs about 8 oz.
The medium bear is 9" tall in a seated position and 13" standing. A medium weighted bear weighs about 1 lb.
The large bear is 11.5" tall in a seated position and 16" standing. A large weighted bear weighs about 2 lb.
SAFETY
Sentimental fabrics cannot be put through the potentially destructive safety tests required of children's toys. Bears are therefore sold as decorative keepsakes. Buttons and beads are attached securely but could be a swallow or choking hazard if mishandled by young children. That being said, utmost care will be taken in secure construction of your bear. Though it is not a toy, your bear can be handled and lovingly snuggled as a special keepsake.
ORDERING
Submitting a request form will enter you into a queue with others who would like to commission my work, in the order the surveys are received. I'll touch base to clarify any questions you or I might have at that time, and give you a cost estimate for your bear. When you are 3rd in line I will contact you to request the shipment of your items and a deposit (approx. 1/3 of your total) to secure your spot. Payment can be made with a credit card or directly from your bank, via a secure payment system.
I will send a contract, invoice, and a diagram of a bear that you can include with your items to indicate design ideas or fabric placement preferences. Shipping your items to me will be at your expense. Please choose a shipping method with tracking to make sure your items arrive safely.
I will be in touch while working on your order to clarify the design and share my progress. If you do not wish for your order to be shared on social media please let me know.
SHIPPING
There are several options for shipping your bear to you. We will discuss pricing and options to choose the best fit for your order, and it will be included in your total.