tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59383381067954087522024-03-19T10:43:23.045-07:00Memory Bear DenUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938338106795408752.post-27239792021104353912017-01-29T12:17:00.002-08:002017-01-29T12:17:08.004-08:00Wow, a long time!Seems I've not used this blog in....years! Perhaps because I tend to post to the Facebook page on a regular basis. <br />
IF you encounter this blog and IF you are interested in it continuing, send me an email to bellybuttonbears@charter.net THANKS!<br />
PS, in case you'd not figured it out, I create memory teddy bears for folks from treasured clothing or other keepsakes. Also pillows and many custom items. You can see them at <a href="http://bellybuttonbears.com/">BellybuttonBears.com</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938338106795408752.post-26994295932047609522013-04-11T11:38:00.001-07:002013-04-11T11:38:08.033-07:00Update for April!All fine here, busy with a variety of projects. Some bear related, some not, but all fun. Okay, not so much if they don't work the way envisioned!
Done your spring cleaning yet? Have a box or trunk of family heirloom linens, or grandparents favorite clothing? Look at it again and think bears.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938338106795408752.post-30254706134550963432013-03-17T06:34:00.001-07:002013-03-17T06:34:06.261-07:00Holidays and family memoriesHappy St Patrick's day to you all! One of our Great Grans was Annie Fitzpatrick, and although we never met her we've heard many a tale.
Seems like the holidays bring more family memories to the surface; special times, stories, associated foods. Memory bears are a good way to carry on the family connections.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938338106795408752.post-17712597115190929842013-03-10T07:05:00.001-07:002013-03-10T07:05:35.476-07:00Don't have time to read?Try audio books! I listen to books on tape, or CD, while at my sewing machine. It helps the time pass and I get to enjoy my favorite books. My other reading time is right when I go to bed, but that is usually only good for about 15 minutes until I drop the book, or my Kindle.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938338106795408752.post-50840707084346059462013-02-26T10:58:00.003-08:002013-02-26T10:58:36.244-08:00Just checking in....Sunshine! All well in the den [which means if anything is lost I just don't know it yet, so I'm a happy camper!] Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938338106795408752.post-64062270607269570022013-02-26T10:58:00.001-08:002013-02-26T10:58:14.447-08:00Just checking in....Sunshine! All well in the den [which means if anything is lost I just don't know it yet, so I'm a happy camper!] Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938338106795408752.post-52441949312361241832013-02-21T10:55:00.001-08:002013-02-21T10:55:41.982-08:00Howdy!We have all kinds of bears in creation, some yet in the 'talking' stage. That is where we have several communications with the new family so we can plan their special memory bear or bears 'just right'Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938338106795408752.post-46274729663938378022012-10-14T07:24:00.004-07:002012-10-14T07:24:39.827-07:00Cool Weather, Think HolidaysCool fall weather is so refreshing after a long summer. It is time to think about the holidays and perhaps you can solve two problems at once.<br />
As you shift clothing in your closets, what IS that bag on the top shelf? Grandma's hand knit afghan you treasure but don't use because something might happen to it? Why not have it turned into a bear you CAN display? This might be just the solution for family gifts this year also. One or more items turned into one or more memory bears for those who will treasure them the most. You can't find anything this perfect in your local store. <a href="http://www.bellybuttonbears.com/">Bellybutton Bears</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938338106795408752.post-24889642402318426442012-01-07T08:57:00.000-08:002012-01-07T08:59:10.937-08:00Repost from 2008 - Oregon Trail story available now!<h3 class="post-title entry-title"> How DID they get their bellybutton? </h3> <div class="post-header"> </div> I'm talking about Bellybutton Bears and their bellybutton. Yes, every single bear that I make has a bellybutton. Even if they have a shirt or something else on, take a peak. There is a bellybutton! First, it sounded cute. Second, it looked cute. Then I wrote a story about how the first one got it's bellybutton. "<a href="http://www.bellybuttonbears.com/legend.htm">The Bellybutton Legend</a>" is an original story that I wrote, print and bind. In the works is a series of Bellybutton Bear stories, following them through history. All stories will be 'family safe'. Email [bellybuttonbears@charter.net] to find out how to get a copy of the Original legend AND the Oregon Trail story.<br />Some folks, when ordering a bear, send their own buttons for eyes and bellybuttons. However, if they do not, I have pounds which I go through until I find just the right ones for each individual bear. Sometimes it takes quite a while, because...they have to fit the bear, the personality, the feeling I have gotten from communicating with the customer.<br />So there you are - you still don't know how they got their bellybutton do you? hmmmm......Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938338106795408752.post-55771999268848587382012-01-07T07:27:00.001-08:002012-01-07T07:27:59.711-08:00We create bear droppings!!!<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" ft="{"type":1}"><span class="messageBody" ft="{"type":3}">at Bellybutton Bears we do more than bears. We create bear droppings!!! Just ask my husband. They end up from one end of the house to the other when I am creating. Just bits of fabric trim, stuffing, loose threads etc but some have been mistaken for caterpillars, worms, scat, spiders etc.<br />On a more serious note, a related craft is hand-bound books. These are constructed from mat-weight 'boards', covered with fabric and a combination of gluing [two different kinds] and stitching depending on the size of the book. The content part is printed on my computer, and yes I write them as well. If there is a delay in one department, I have only myself to yell at!</span></h6>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938338106795408752.post-8708213076293570072012-01-07T07:26:00.000-08:002012-01-07T07:27:28.507-08:00Questions folks have asked:<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" ft="{"type":1}"><span class="messageBody" ft="{"type":3}"><br /> Can we put hair on a bear? If it is real hair, no but we can put a lock in a netting heart on the chest so it can be seen but not lost.<br />ANY small trinket can also be placed in a heart on the chest or elsewhere.<br />ANY small trinket or packet of ashes can be placed inside the bear.<br /><br />Back to hair, if you want dreads on your bear, we can do that! Granddaughter and I exper<span class="text_exposed_show">imented last summer. This was a Bob Marley bear for a very special gift.<br /><br />You have a bear and would like a memory vest for it? Yes!<br />You only have a small amount of material and need something to coordinate? Yes!<br /><br />Just ask, because we usually have an answer to make <a href="http://www.bellybuttonbears.com">YOUR memories</a> whole.</span></span></h6>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938338106795408752.post-51416932642850404472011-11-15T18:22:00.000-08:002011-11-15T18:26:36.180-08:00Memory Bears from your treasured clothingRight here, right now. Get in the queue for Christmas or whenever your special holiday is. Email <a href="mailto:bellybuttonbears@charter.net">Bellybuttonbears@charter.net </a><br /><br />to ask questions, etc. Visit <a href="http://www.bellybuttonbears.com">Bellybutton Bears </a><span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"><span class=" down" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_CreateLink" title="Link" onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);" onmouseup="" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);FormatbarButton('richeditorframe', this, 8);ButtonMouseDown(this);"><img src="img/blank.gif" alt="Link" class="gl_link" border="0" /><br />to check out the galleries, the FAQ section, and the additional options. No questions you can't ask!<br /></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938338106795408752.post-47993846400427002252011-11-10T08:52:00.001-08:002011-11-10T08:54:27.524-08:00Yes there IS still time!For a Christmas order! Email your questions to bellybuttonbears@charter.net. I can create you a bear out of almost anything. If it is old and worn, I can use a backing fabric to stabilize your memories and turn them into a family heirloom. New, old, worn, loved, cherished ~ articles of clothing, blankets, linens. Just ask!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938338106795408752.post-63233700432287321102011-09-23T19:01:00.000-07:002011-09-23T19:02:34.391-07:00Come visit, make comments, leave a testimonial!If you have something to ask, or perhaps something to share about a favorite bear in YOUR life, go for it! We want to hear from you.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938338106795408752.post-35668676626252568862011-09-09T10:13:00.000-07:002011-09-09T10:14:46.776-07:00That Green ThingYou too can do 'the green thing' by sending us your treasured garments. They will be turned into heirloom quality bears that can carry the memories through your family for generations. This is all about recycling clothing into lasting tangible memories. Contact us! bellybuttonbears@charter.net or drop by the website at www.bellybuttonbears.comUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938338106795408752.post-67591824876722449672011-09-06T10:43:00.000-07:002011-09-06T10:45:54.475-07:00September is here!and this year I got to stay 'in the den'. Yes, retired and not back to school after 25 years! More time for bear creations, story writing, grandchild encounters, adventures etc. <br />Check out the new <a href="http://www.bellybuttonbears.com/Stories.htm">Story</a> page on the <a href="http://www.bellybuttonbears.com">Bellybutton Bears</a> website.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938338106795408752.post-48355476230562624172011-08-29T05:47:00.000-07:002011-08-29T05:50:32.322-07:00Ahhhhhh, what a week!This is the THIRD week I am not going back to my day job!! Retired in June at the end of the school year but it is now that I actually feel 'retired'.
<br />That said, I am as busy as ever, the bear den has bears waiting to ship to their new homes and others due to arrive soon. This is the time to plan holiday gift giving, those bears full of memories for family and friends. Although I am working on reorganizing my office and sewing areas, phone calls and emails will be answered quickly! Drop me a line, ask a question or dozens of them. I look forward to working with you on your special projects.
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938338106795408752.post-42430583410226322642011-08-17T19:46:00.000-07:002011-08-17T19:49:15.972-07:00Arrgghhh!!That was a bear yawn, lol. Been stitching bears off and on all day, between house stuff, making fresh salsa, and a pot of cream of cheesy potato leek ham soup [from scratch except for the pack of 3 cheese instant potatoes!]
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938338106795408752.post-36596772068822346182011-08-16T13:41:00.001-07:002011-08-16T13:47:25.470-07:00Memory VestsThese are vests added to either a bear we make, or one you already have. This is a great place to place a photo, verse, dates or other special memory of your loved one. Standard version is attached to the bear and does not have a backside. However, we can make it with a back [another great place for photos or words] and removable if you wish. Check out at <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.bellybuttonbears.com/Memories.htm">Memory Vests</a> or see other examples in our Galleries. <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.bellybuttonbears.com/2010%20Album/">2010 Album</a> has some great examples of memory enhancement on an heirloom bear. Yes, I did say 'heirloom' because all heirlooms begin somewhere and YOUR bear will be one. They are special, one of a kind, custom made, full of your memories.
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938338106795408752.post-87759412638467110952011-04-11T05:45:00.000-07:002011-04-11T05:48:27.939-07:00Spring in the Air?Hmmm, this ol' bear keeps checking and about the time we feel spring in the air, a winter breeze comes through again! However, the birds are singing and many things are blooming, and an occasional sunny day gives us hope! Bears still come and go - in the door as a pile of clothing, out as memorable bears to hug and hold.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938338106795408752.post-89846942545117877482011-03-22T06:12:00.000-07:002011-03-22T06:15:02.649-07:00Do you know why these bears have a bellybutton?Buy the book and find out! Our own original story of WHY the bears have a bellybutton - and it is more than just 'good looks'. <a href="http://www.bellybuttonbears.com/legend.htm">http://www.bellybuttonbears.com/legend.htm</a><br />Only a few of the wood bound books left, then we'll go with a new cover style.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938338106795408752.post-83112886689299585292011-03-21T08:33:00.000-07:002011-03-21T08:34:25.547-07:00Keepsakes and moreA friend sent me a 'clipping' about keepsake quilts a lady makes. She talked about the therapy and connectedness of making them. It is much the way I feel about bears. Most of the bears I make are from articles of clothing that were special to the families of those who wore them. They all come with a story, sometimes verbally shared, sometimes just felt in the style, the age, the photos.<br />Some fabrics are more difficult to work with than others, some need TLC to help them along. All of them represent lives lived and loved. Through the years I have found it very satisfying and fulfilling [therapeutic] to help folks preserve their memories and deal with loss through making their bears.<br />All bears are a celebration of a life lived, or of a special event. Commemorating a birth, graduation, retirement, graduation, or anniversary is just as special.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938338106795408752.post-13507417127797281222010-11-01T13:41:00.001-07:002010-11-01T13:42:24.487-07:00Busy in the den!You've probably noticed the lack of posts; that would be due to the fingers being busy with the needle rather than the keys. All is well in the den, bear droppings strewn from one end to the other as creations grow and leave for new homes.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938338106795408752.post-10047030999699678812010-04-26T05:38:00.000-07:002010-04-26T05:41:32.706-07:00Didn't See the Cave Bears??<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiupmRFabKSovqHGsriPX8mOyN9VZAozFOQRH-wJ1T0mxUdFEYf2zNwC4aoDBqQd0GltUrQ3-wEYRcQZldet13RXc5n_LOakjMCag5uegCe9z696Z3dEoE1NRSgMVclbs4yMFrBSoGN-vQ/s1600/100_9316.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464425361443974482" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 263px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiupmRFabKSovqHGsriPX8mOyN9VZAozFOQRH-wJ1T0mxUdFEYf2zNwC4aoDBqQd0GltUrQ3-wEYRcQZldet13RXc5n_LOakjMCag5uegCe9z696Z3dEoE1NRSgMVclbs4yMFrBSoGN-vQ/s320/100_9316.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Purkq2oRj3aBspTUEGu4TusBzQYrXtbogJZQPr1Pl-aPXGSaebjf3r2O-e4fECMfdEH7WQOBhLf7QUIAmXBAlE_eyicrizIRegsp3ynwzxgtVpGrWFanAJuWiEclWWHF91qu4Bdi924/s1600/100_9311.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464425175846795554" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Purkq2oRj3aBspTUEGu4TusBzQYrXtbogJZQPr1Pl-aPXGSaebjf3r2O-e4fECMfdEH7WQOBhLf7QUIAmXBAlE_eyicrizIRegsp3ynwzxgtVpGrWFanAJuWiEclWWHF91qu4Bdi924/s320/100_9311.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM7pcm-x4GA279na8pzL4HNeqJXxSk6NODD2cTx28kKf4xk0pypoAZSFWh1JLEoiRnVwt48Y5LzipmvBhSzWtpwbQYRwYPPZiOaheM04uFlHkTmV-6eKvDwIJ3OnBy___mDuLCYF0mnrQ/s1600/cave+bear.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Oops, appears I did not upload and share that image either!</div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5938338106795408752.post-30966724756266697302010-04-26T05:36:00.000-07:002010-04-26T05:38:17.461-07:00Bear Food<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk__PONZzS_MAmtt3koLOGPvY8FqsMWjSuuLhl45c9lNHYf0B3okq6ZcB087Nf9M2RmEMSX2FL1YWHK-T1-9HbVzYiy3M9aiCDwBnxNAFWjqxDexWTQtjtnvuye-NAbGXQWcrSPthyphenhypheniyo/s1600/fishingstream.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464424560194904002" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 196px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk__PONZzS_MAmtt3koLOGPvY8FqsMWjSuuLhl45c9lNHYf0B3okq6ZcB087Nf9M2RmEMSX2FL1YWHK-T1-9HbVzYiy3M9aiCDwBnxNAFWjqxDexWTQtjtnvuye-NAbGXQWcrSPthyphenhypheniyo/s320/fishingstream.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>A while ago I designed an interactive piece, Cave Bears, and now there is a river for them to fish in complete with fish!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0