How your bear is made

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.

I have worked with flannel, denim, cotton and cotton blends, terrycloth, fleece, sweatshirts, t-shirts, faux fur, blankets, and linens. 

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 heavy leather or animal furs. More delicate fabrics may be difficult to incorporate into a bear, but they may work for bows or clothing items. 

HOW MUCH FABRIC SHOULD I SEND?

If sending garments, an adult Large garment should be plenty of fabric for a basic bear.

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"). 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 you have multiple items that you want me to use, 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:

Glass bead eyes are secured to the head with strong upholstery thread. If you prefer plastic safety eyes, 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 10" 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" tall in a seated position and 16" standing. A large weighted bear weighs about 2 lb.

SAFETY

Though it is not a toy, your bear can be handled and lovingly snuggled as a special keepsake.

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.

ORDERING

Submit a request form to be entered in a queue with others who would like to commission my work. Orders are filled in the order they 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 delivery of your items and a $30 deposit to secure your spot. Payment can be made with a credit card or directly from your bank, via a secure payment system. If you are local to me, cash/checks will be accepted.

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.

DELIVERY

There are several options for getting your bear to you. We will discuss the best fit for shipping your order, and it will be included in your total.

I can meet for in-person delivery in Sedalia or Warsaw, Missouri.