I first came up with the idea of making my "Keepsake Bears" when a lady asked me if I could make her a bear and dress it in something made from the dressing gown that had belonged to her late Father. She always thought of him wearing his cosy brown checked dressing gown, so when he had died, 6 months earlier she had kept it  and it now was kept on an armchair in her bedroom. She told me I could keep or just throw away any part of the dressing gown that was left over.

She was amazed when she came to collect her new bear and found that I had actually made the whole bear from the dressing gown. Using the plain brown side for the bear and the checked side for his paw pads and the inside of his ears. I had also made him a  little dressing gown of his own. This way she still had the memento of her Father but in a format that she could hug without feeling morbid or maudlin. Also now she happily keeps the little bear in her living room where everyone can enjoy him.

The bears in the photograph at the top of this page are also "Keepsake Bears" made from a Sable coat and a Mink stole that had belonged to the Mother of two lovely ladies. They had a bear made for each of their children as keepsake of their Grandma.

The following set of pictures shows you the process step by step.


These 3 coats belonged to a much loved lady named Lilian. Sadly her "adopted" family had recently lost her and she was greatly missed. They asked if I could get 4 bears, including one mini one, out of the coats.


I carefully took the coats apart, removing linings, buttons etc.
I then cut out three bears and a panda using patterns designed by myself. Here you can see all the cut out bits, including the mini bear pinned and ready to sew. (The pattern pieces are beside it)


Here are all the pieces sewn up and waiting to be stuffed and  assembled.


Almost there !


The Wilcock Hug finished and ready to go to their new home.
(I have put pics of each bear on the adopted  bears page.)

Each "Keepsake Bear" comes with a certificate saying what precious item they are made from and who they are made in honour of. Also on there is the bears "date of birth". If this has been arranged to coincide with a special anniversary/birthday etc that fact can also be included on the certificate.

Any material or garment can be used, either for a whole bear or bears or to dress or be included in a bear. ie trim left from making a wedding dress could be used to make a glam hat or to make the paw pads etc for a bear.
Please use the contact page or ring me on 01756 796548 to discuss your requirements, I'd love to help.