Out of the box and               into

Out of the box and into your arms.

Do you have an old shirt or pair of overalls that once belonged to your Grandpa?

Maybe you have a tablecloth that was your Grandma’s, or one of her beloved shirts sitting in a box somewhere.

These mementos mean so much, and yet, we cannot even truly enjoy them or find a use for them when they are tucked away in the corner of the basement or up in the old attic.

Memory bears are a wonderful way to:

• Remember a loved one
• Commemorate a birth: Baby blankets can be made into a “birthday” bear with the child’s name, birth date and weight and height information embroidered on the foot of the bear.
• Remember an important event: They can be made out of team uniforms. The entire team could even sign the “sports” bear.
• Comfort a soldier’s family:  A bear can be made from a soldier’s uniform who is serving overseas. The “military” bear could be a great comfort to a child who is missing a mom or dad. A “military” bear could even be made out of family members’ clothing for the soldier to keep while he/she is away serving our country.
• Commemorate Graduation- You can send your high school graduate off to college with a bear full of memories.

If you would like to take these memories out of the box and put them out where you can enjoy them every day, I can help.

I have been making these sweet little bears for my own nieces and nephews for over 18 years.

The bears are simple, and soft…a perfect way to “hug a memory.”

Why keep something tucked away, when it can be hugged and enjoyed?

So many fabrics can be used…a baby blanket, a vintage skirt, an old bedspread…you are only limited by your own inspiration and imagination.

These little bears will bring you joy every day, and will put to use some of the treasured things you have kept for so many years…why not give yourself or someone you love a gift that is more valuable than the sum of its parts…the gift of a huggable memory?

I’m Holly, married to Jeff. Together we are the parents of 8 children, ages 9 months to 16 years. (Five sons and 3 daughters.)

I love being a mother!

Perhaps being around children has made me realize even more acutely how fast time flies, and how important it is to hold on to memories.

I have been making huggable memories for almost 20 years, and it is my hope that these little bears will help to lift your spirits and inspire you to remember the good in your family and precious relationships.

For me, making each bear is a labor of love, as I realize the value of the material is worth far more than it appears.

It is with great care that I start each project, thinking as a mother…and I try to infuse that care into each and every bear that I create.

I used to think that I would be a world famous journalist, a trail blazer, a leader among other women.

I did not become who I thought.

Mostly, I’m a wife and mom - a feeder of babes and stopper of squabbles.

And I am happy, blessed, and content to be here.

So, this is not what you thought your life would look like?

No,  it’s better…

and I want you to know that this mother’s heart is a part of every bear that this mother’s hands create.

May the Lord God Bless You,

Fabric

I take extra time and care with your fabric, as I know that it is special and irreplaceable to you.  I will do my best to re-inforce weak fabric so that it will last, and sometimes that takes a little big longer.

Grandma's Bears

Fabrics that I have used in the past:

• Old sheet sets, bedspreads and pillow cases
• Baby blankets
• Baby Nightgowns
• Most types of clothing
• Denim jackets and overalls

The four bears in progress on the right were made from a Grandmother’s favorite shirts.

The two white bears were made from an embroidered sweatshirt.  The navy bear came from a silkier type shirt, and the fuschia bear was made from a stretchy velour jacket.  They turned out beautifully!

Accents

I like to use unique and charming buttons for the eyes when possible; and also a quality ribbon when applicable.  Again, the utmost thought and care goes into every choice made regarding your memory bear.

A Jacket Pocket Now A Huggable Memory

Details

One of my favorite parts about creating these bears is being able to incorporate the pockets, ribbons, button, and patterns of the original clothing into the making of the bear.

This is always done with careful consideration and care, and the results are lovely.

One example is this denim bear that was made out of a little girl’s denim jacket that had a lovely pocket.

It became part of the bear, and the memory is even brighter seeing that pocket intact.

Strap and Ribbon from Dress Become a Decoration

Another example of incorporating little details is this bear made from an old spring dress.

Care was taken to carefully preserve the pink lacy pocket, which is seen her on the bottom left.

I also used the ribbon and straps from the dress to create a little neck decoration for the bear.

Each item is different, and each piece of fabric carries with it different memories, which I try to preserve in the best possible way.

Pockets and Labels Become Part of the Bear

These little bears were made from a Grandpa’s old, worn out denim Osh Kosh B’Gosh overalls.

Here you can see how I was able to use part of the bib and label.

And one little guy has a pocket and bandana ribbon!

These are some of my favorite bears, and I like to imagine that they brought smiles and happy memories of Grandpa.

A Name Patch

Hand Sewn Patches

One of the people who ordered memory bears wanted her children’s names sewn on to each bear.

Another wanted “Watching Over You” on her huggable memory.

I am able to add hand sewn patches with a message or name on to the bear, if that is what you need.

Hand sewn patches require an additional small fee.

Pricing

Pricing is based on difficulty of the fabric, and special handling may incur an extra small charge.  I have checked into other memory-style bears, and am surprised at the prices charged.

My promise to you is that I will never extort you for your memories - they are very important to your life and well-being and healing from grief.

I will always and only charge a fair wage for the time and attention that it takes for me to place the bear in your arms.

Pricing Structure:

• Bears from flat materials (ie, blankets): $30
• Bears from items that need to be taken apart (ie, clothing article): $35
• Bears from very thin fabrics that need reinforcement: $40
• Bears from heavy denim or hard to sew fabrics: $40
• Extra embroidery or pockets: $10

Accessories such as button eyes and ribbon are included in the above prices.

FAQ

Where do I send my fabric?

Send your fabric to:

What if I want a specific color eyes?

Just make a note of it with your order at checkout, and I will use the color you specify.

How long does it take?

Depending on the difficulty of the bear, it can take 3-6 weeks.  This is a single person operation, so every bear is hand crafted by myself, and receives my personal attention. Remember that multiple bear orders WILL take longer, and sometimes I already have some in process when your materials arrive. If you need something by a particular date, ask and I will let you know if I can do that.

Can you use pins and patches?
Certainly! Anything that makes the bear more personal, reflecting the memory you are preserving. I will use any buttons that come on garments as well, and if you have any that are special to you for any reason, include them. However, I will provide buttons if you have none.

What if I have special requirements, concerns, questions?

Please contact me if you have any special concerns.

What happens to the remaining fabric that is not used to make the bear?

Fabric that is not used to make your bear will be discarded, unless you notify me that you would like it returned.  Additional shipping charges apply.

How many clothing items should I send?

For an 18″ bear, you’ll need at least two adult size clothing items.  To make a memory bear from baby clothes or blankets, please send 2 receiving blankets or 8-10 baby clothes items.

If you don’t have that much to send, you may send what you have and I will make a smaller bear.

Order Your Huggable Memory Bear

• Bear From Flat Item
  Order Huggable Memories Bear from Flat Item

  Bear from Flat Item @ $25.00 Add Embroidery or Extra Pockets @ $30.00
• Bear from Heavy Denim or Hard to Sew Fabric
  Order Bear from Heavy Denim or Hard to Sew Fabric

  Bear from Heavy Denim or Hard to Sew Fabric @ $35.00 Add Embroidery or Extra Pockets @ $40.00
• Bear From Material That Needs to Be Taken Apart
  Order Bear from Materials That Need to Be Taken Apart

  Bear from Materials That Need to Be Taken Apart @ $30.00 Add Embroidery or Extra Pockets @ $35.00

]]> http://www.huggablememorybears.com/support-and-causes/feed/ http://www.huggablememorybears.com/contact-holly/ http://www.huggablememorybears.com/contact-holly/#comments Mon, 16 Mar 2009 20:03:04 +0000 Holly http://www.huggablememorybears.com/?p=163 If you have any questions or concerns that have not been addressed on the site, please feel free to contact me using the form below!

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