After my father passed away, I decided to get a bear in his memory. Not having him physically here, with me, was extremely painful but having something to physically hold in memory of him helped me through the grieving process.
I started my journey sewing in 2018 by creating purses, tote bags and masks. While those projects were fun, they weren't fulfilling and, eventually, I stopped creating them.
I felt pulled to start thinking how I can create something more meaningful. "What would people enjoy that would create more impact for them?" After coming up with a few ideas, I remembered my own fathers memory bear! That was it! I knew how healing having that bear was for me and I wanted to create that same experience for others. That is when "Missing You Bears" was born.
Missing You Bears isn't just for our loved ones who have passed, they are also to keep loved ones who are here with us closer. By being able to use your loved ones clothing, I can create a custom Missing You Bear that you will absolutely love and enjoy.
Feel to browse around and contact me with any questions.
XOXO,
Stephanie
A Memory Bear doesn't have to be made only in memory of someone who has passed.
I can create a special bear from almost any meaningful fabric or clothing belonging to someone you love-whether they are still here with you or have passed on.
A favorite shirt, pajamas, a uniform, baby clothes, a blanket, or another special piece of fabric can be transformed into a one-of-a-kind keepsake.
It can celebrate someone you love, preserve a special chapter of life, or honor the memory of someone you miss.
Every piece of fabric has a story. I turn that story into something you can hold.

This Memory Bear is lovingly handcrafted from just one article of clothing, transforming something meaningful into a keepsake you can hold close and treasure forever.

This bear was created from just one article of clothing, with a few special add-ons requested by the customer, including a button-up strip, contrasting paws, and personalized embroidery. The bow tie was made from the clothing provided. I always try to utilize as much of the original clothing as possible to make each bear extra meaningful.

This shirt featured a graphic that I felt couldn't be cut without distortion, so I carefully incorporated it into the bear without a center seam.

This little Bear includes cuffs with different color paws, collar, button up strip, chest pocket, back zipper pocket, regular embroidery and Loved ones digitized embroidery signature.
*the red heart you see was provided by the client

Whenever possible, I love incorporating special details from the clothing you provide into your Memory Bear. Some details you may see on my bears-such as ruffles, pleats, decorative trim, pockets, or other embellishments-were already part of the original garment and are thoughtfully incorporated into the bear's design. I may also repurpose smaller details in creative ways, like turning a piece of ribbon from a shirt into a sweet little bow tie. Because I work with the unique features already found in your clothing, these special touches will vary from bear to bear, making each one truly one of a kind.
Every bear begins with our Classic Bear. From there, you can keep it just as it is or add special touches to make it uniquely yours. Take a look at the options below and choose the details that mean the most to you. Whether you choose the Classic Bear or personalize it with special add-ons, each bear is lovingly made just for you-a one-of-a-kind keepsake to cherish for years to come.

The Classic Memory Bear begins with one article of clothing. In some cases, the garment may be too small or may not provide enough fabric to complete the entire bear. When this happens, a second article of clothing or coordinating fabric may be used.

Embroidery your Bear with a special message.

Zipper Pocket is placed on the back of the Bear. This can hold special memorial items from the loved one.

Sometimes Clothing from loved ones are very small or have a pattern that means something to the loved one. And cutting it in half is something that I am able to avoid. With your request I am able to create a Bear with as much of the design you would like to cherish.

This little Bear includes a little applique heart with loved ones name. I was able to use a piece of material from another shirt the family member included. Just a little beautiful and simple addition.

A collar can be added to your Classic Bear for an extra special touch. Whenever possible, I use the original collar from a collared or button-up shirt, allowing another meaningful part of your loved one's clothing to be incorporated into the bear.

Choose a contrasting fabric from the clothing you provide for the paws and/ or head. you can change the entire foot and hand, or simply accent the bottom of the feet and inside of the hands for a more subtle, personalized touch.

Add a special pocket to your Classic Bear. I can use an original shirt pocket from the clothing provided or create a pocket using fabric from your loved one's clothing.

When possible, I can use the original button-up section from a shirt and add it to the chest of your Classic Bear, giving it the charming look of wearing the original shirt.

Using the clothing you provide, I can create the look of a shirt and pants directly on your Classic Bear. Original details, such as buttons, collars, or other special features, can be incorporated when possible for and extra personal touch.

Not only is the Bear a wonderful memory. But I am able to take a signature and digitize it so that it can be embroidered onto your bear.

Sometimes a bear isn't the only way to hold onto a special memory. This horse was created for a client whose gather had a special love for horses. Together, we chose a design that felt just right. It was truly a pleasure to crate something so special for her that honored something her father loved.

Sometimes there isn't quite enough clothing to make a complete bear, but that doesn't mean you can't create something special. Filler fabric can be added to complement the clothing you provide. Chosose a solid color, favorite team fabric, or another fabric that has meaning to you. Together, the fabrics create a beautiful, one-of-a-kind bear while still showcasing your special clothing.

I have had the pleasure to get special requests from loved ones. Here you can see that I took left over from a Button up Nautica Shirt and made two small wallets and a chapstick holder. So if you can think of things you have in mind I can see if its something i can help you with.
Here is one very special lady receiving her bear for her birthday. It's moments like tis that remid me why I love what I do. Seeing the joy, love, and memories these bears can bring means more to me than words can say.
Each keepsake is handmade with care, and turnaround times may vary depending on my current order volume and the details of your order. I will provide you with an estimated completion time when your order is placed.
Please keep in mind that this is an estimate, not a guaranteed completion date. I may finish your keepsake sooner, but I like to allow enough time to give each piece the attention it deserves and to account for unexpected delays. If you need you keepsake by a specific date, please let me know before placing your order so we can discuss wether I can accommodate it
Please make sure all clothing and materials are clean and in a conditon that is safe for me to work with before sending them.
I understand that sometimes a familiar scent is part of what makes a loved one's clothing so meaningful. If the clothing is already clean, you are welcome to send it without washing it again to help preserve that familiar scent.
For health and safety, I'm unable to work with clothing that is heavily soiled or in an unsanitary condition. If you're unsure about an item, please contact me before sending it.
Please do not send irreplaceable items unless you are comfortable having them cut and permanently altered. Once construction has begun, clothing and materials cannot be returned in their original condition. Any unused clothing or fabric can be returned with your completed order.
Fabric Condition: Not all fabrics are suitable for creating a keepsake. Clothing that is extremely thin, fragile, damaged, overly stretchy, or otherwise difficult to safely work with may not ve accepted. If you are unsure whether your clothing can be used, please contact me before your options.
Becasue each item is handmade from your clothing, the placement of patterns, logos, pockets, buttons, and other orginal details may vary.
Please make sure all names, dates, wording, embroidery details, and design choices are correct when your order is confirmed. custom requests and add-ons should be discussed before work begins. Changes requested after construction has started may not be possible and may result in a additional charge.
Local customers may arrange to drop off their clothing and pick up thier completed keepsake directly from me. Finished keepsakes can also be shipped if preferred.
All shipping costs, including sending clothing to me and returning the completed keepsake, are the customer's responsibility. Tracking information will be provided when your completed order is shipped.
All local drop-offs and pick-ups must be arranged in advanced.
While custom items cannot be returned simply because of a change of mind, I want you to be happy with the workmanship of your keepsake. If you believe there is a problem with your completed item, please contact me within 7 days of delivery so we can discuss it.
A 50% deposit is required before I begin creatin your keepsake. The remaing balance is due once your keepske is completed and before it is picked up or shipped.
Because each keepsake is custom-made specifically for you, deposits are non-refundable once work has begun.
Any additional options or add-ons requested during the process may result in an addition charge, which will be discussed with you before being added to your order.
I want you to feel comfortable and involved throughout the process. I'm available by phone, text, or video call to discuss your keepsake and anser any questions.
If I have questoins while creating your keepsake, I may send phtos so we can discuss the details together. Once your keepsake is complete, I will also send you a photos before pick-up or shipping. At that time, we can discuss any small adjustments tht may be possible to make sure you're happy with your finished keepsake.
Because some parts of the creation process cannot be changed once the clothing has been cut and sewn, i'll always do my best to communicated with you along the way when a decision is needed.
I may occasionally ask for permission to photograph and share your completed keepsake on the Missing You Bears website, social media, or other promotional materials to showcase my work.
When you place an order, I will snd you a Phot & Keepsake Permission Form. If you would like to give permission, simply complete and return the form before your order is finished. If I do not receive the completed form, your keepsake will ot be used or shared.
Permission is completely optional and will not affect your order in any way. Your personal information or the story behind your keepsake will never be shared without your permission.
Once your keepsake is completed, I will contact you to arrange pick-up or shipping. Completed orders will be held for up to 30 days.
Please make arrangements to pick up your keepsake or hae it shipped within that time. If I am unable to reach you or your order remains unclaimed after 30 days, I cannot guarantee that I will be able to continue storing it.
By placing an order, you acknowledge that you have read and agreed to these policies.
Corona, CA 92879, USA
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