One of the first things people ask me when I say that I make Memory Bears is, ‘What is a Memory Bear?’ and ‘How do you make a Memory Bear?’
Well, let me introduce myself to begin with. I am an artisan, designer bear maker by trade and I have been crafting for as long as I can remember, but over the last few years I have focused prominently on making Teddy Bears, or “Memory Bears” and Heritage Bears.
Where did the original Teddy Bear come from?
The original Teddy Bear was invented in Mississippi on November 14th, 1902 when Theodore Roosevelt went on a bear hunting trip – but that is a whole different story! Since that time people have fallen in love with the traditional Teddy Bear and you’ll usually find one in most children’s nurseries. Teddy Bears are a form of comfort for many, so it is not surprising that they are used to help people with grief, and to remember the happy times in their lives and this is where a Memory Bear comes in.
What is a memory bear?
Memory Bears can be made from a variety of items that would hold special meaning, including clothes and accessories from loved ones past and present, baby grows to recall what your child wore when young (these bears can also be weighted to the exact birth weight of your baby), and School Bears made from uniforms of your child’s school, both primary and secondary schools; or even military uniforms from serving in the forces. Almost any piece of clothing that holds a memory for you can be made into a keepsake Memory Bear for you to cherish for years to come.
Making a Memory Bear can have its challenges but I like to start the process with the design. I spend a good portion of my time on this part as I love seeing how the different items of clothing or accessories fit together to make the perfect bear!
I can create animals as well as Bears if you would like something a little different including elephants, rabbits, foxes, horses, and dogs.
And for something a little magical, I can create a dragon, dinosaurs or even a unicorn!
What materials can you use to make a bear?
I have used a variety of materials over the years, from t-shirts, ties, trousers, horse blankets, wedding dresses, fedora hats, scarves, gloves and even a masonic sash. Its lovely to put medals, badges and even jewellery on the finished Memory Bear to make it incredibly special and unique.
How to make a bear in 5 simple steps?
After I’ve created the design, I start by cutting out a pattern for the bear or animal you have chosen from a fabric called Interfacing. This is a sturdy material that will add structure to your fabric so that your Bear will sit nicely when completed.
The Interfacing is then then ironed onto your material to provide a backing. Most of the animals I create have upwards of 15 individual pieces that are pinned, tacked and sewn either by machine or hand to bring the bear together.
The limbs and body of the bears are stuffed with high-quality fire- retardant stuffing, or toy stuffing beads (for the weighted bears); at this stage I can also add things inside the bear, like a sewn pocket of ashes, or even pictures if you would like.
The bears are then joined together using either buttons and strong upholstery thread, or cotter pins for the heritage bears. Any adornments are added last along with either a bow, tie or scarf.
Last but not least, they are lovingly wrapped and sent back to their forever home ready for you to have and to hold for a lifetime.
If you have any questions you would like me to answer regarding a Family Comfort keepsake Bear or animal please get in touch on:- www.family-comforts.co.uk
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