Memory Teddy Bears

[Bellybutton Bears]

:new:Hello from SW Oregon! I've been making memory teddy bears for over a decade now. From coats to satins, motorcycle leathers to fake furs, vintage [70+ years old] baby blankets to teen party dresses plus many regular shirts, dresses, blouses, cashmere sweaters and more.....I've crafted peoples memories into something they can hold, hug and reminisce with.
The first Bellybutton Bear was made for my grandson 16 years ago. It was 'just a bear' for him to hug. The 'memory' part came after that and now occupies most of my spare time. I still have a full time day job and many other committments, but my bears are rewarding. They help folks deal with grief, to remember the good times, to pull those clothes out of the closet or attic.
Time to go to work!

[elize]

Welcome to the forum Bellybutton Bears:very happy: Wish you were closer to South-Africa as we do not have a "Memory teddy bear artist" :welcome:

[Bellybutton Bears]

Thanks Elize! I do have cousins in S.A. however. Does that count? grins.

Thank goodness for email, it has allowed my mom and sisters and I to re-acquaint with family.

[elize]

I was on your website and read "From Row your Boat to Honk Your Horn to Boot your PC" , these gals continue to have productive ideas!" That sounds so wonderful, what a way to grow up! By the way are you Denise? Have you ever visisted South-Africa?

[Bellybutton Bears]

Thanks Elize! Aha, you wandered into the Homestead Store too!!
Yes, I am Denise, oldest of the 4 Stelting sisters. Our folks homesteaded in Alaska when I was a year old. [We've done a book about the first couple years of them homesteading, done from diaries etc. Supposed to get the rest done one of these years. Also one on our Mom's WWII experiences - she was an English WAAF.]
I think being raised the way we were has given us the fortitude and resolution to get through things in our lives since then. Plus apparently an ever constant new idea syndrome!! We are always calling or emailing each other and saying "I was thinking..." which usually brings on a spate of laughter but then "and...what where you thinking?" at which point our collective minds further grow the idea.
No, never been to South Africa. Not been able to go to England [mom's home country] either yet. Two uncles went to SA after WWII, one later moved to the south of France. 5 cousins grew up in SA, two are still there. Well, their families are, as one passed away last Christmas. Chris Davies worked for SAPPI, had retired, became ill and did not survive the hospital.
Lol, probably more than you wanted in an answer. Thank you for visiting our sites and reading!

[elize]

Denise it is so interesting, You must post some pictures on the forum or in your album on the forum.

Elize

[Bears and Beads]

:new:Hello from Cape Town South Africa
Regarding Memory Bears - I have made a bear for someone that worked with us, and we all wrote a message on the paw pad before I attached them. This was better than a farewell card, as she could read each message everytime she looked at her bear. Must admit he was a big boy.
My daughter has just completed a bug bear, and has used the fabric from her Matric outfit to create the wings. Looks good. Our next project is to make a big bear from her Summer uniform, and get all her matric class mates to sign it before they finish up at the end of the year. She will be able to keep this for a very long time, and look back with fond memories of her final year at school.
Regards
Carol

[Bellybutton Bears]

Great ideas Carol, and I bet your bears are treasured. It is so much easier to keep [and hold and hug] a bear than a garment just hanging in the closet or stored away in a box. You may find others in your area that would be appreciative of a memory bear as well.

I will have to figure out how to add a photo, but for now here is a link to a gallery page http://www.bellybuttonbears.com/Album/ that has some of my bears. I don't think I have added any of last year's - just not had the time! - or this year's either.

Time to get ready for work, my day job.

Denise

[elize]

Carol it is great to know there is someone in South-Africa that makes memory bears. I agree that a memory bear is such a good idea to treasure a memory.

[vardi]

i think memory bears are a wonderful and special idea - although i have only ever made 1 - when the mother of a close friend died, i was helping her to go through all her things, and we found a velvet cushion cover with an embroidered piece made by her grandmother - the velvet was starting to disintegrate (the embroidery could not be saved) - i ironed vilene on the back and made a tiny bear for her. we also found a hair accessory that her mother had worn on her wedding day - i made a necklace from some of the beads and pearls for the bear to wear! wrapped up in a tiny miniature teddy bear - lots of happy memories - easy to keep and travel with - she now lives in australia! - with love, vardi

[elize]

Vardi, it is actually a great idea to use beads and pearls to make the memory bear a necklace.:mamabear: