Did you know our memory bears travel? Oh yes, there have been a few in the past including one to Sydney, Australia [ordered here, sent there]. One that was shipped to South Korea so it could travel to Romania and then back to the US. One ordered for someone's niece in Russia. One given to an aunt that lived in England but spent time in Germany and Mallorca. A couple more to England over the years.
Latest country to mark on the map? Ireland! Four bears to Dublin, another I don't have the full address on yet. All within a few days of each other. Of course I love having the business, but the best part is the people you meet and the lives you touch.
Memory bears are parts of families, with stories to tell, memories to share, love to embody. They are not a toy, but can be hugged and talked to and loved like one. They ARE a part of each family they are made for, and by extension part of mine. Each is a creation of its own, coming to 'life' as it is made. They are instant heirlooms, a part of the family history to be shared and passed along.
Time for me to get back in the den and either sew some more or tidy up a bit.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
Bears of all kinds....
This bear is in memory of a sheltie therapy dog and wears her vest with red cross patch. It was the closest fabric I had to her hair & color!~~~
The little 12" bear on the right is made from fleece, has a heart sewn on his chest and is not yet a memory bear. It was made as a bonus to accompany a gift certificate for a memory bear.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Brrrr
It is just too early to come out of the den and have a picnic, and you can't make me!!
Heck no, that isn't one of the bears complaining, that would be ME! Although it is 'just rain' currently, we've had another delayed start at school due to snowy/icy roads, and barely got our kiddos home the day before. Part of me was so ready for picnic weather and we could have on last Saturday. Now we are in the middle of another long bout of winter weather. Surprised? No, it is just Oregon weather.
Meanwhile, bears are still in production as we capture special memories in each one. The best part has been hearing from folks who received their bears over the holidays and have shared the reactions of themselves and family.
If you have a closet or box or bag of treasured clothing no one will ever wear, think about a memory bear. It doesn't have to be someone you've lost - consider graduation bears, birth bears, 'just because' bears, change of jobs bears, retirement bears.....there is always a good reason for a bear!
Heck no, that isn't one of the bears complaining, that would be ME! Although it is 'just rain' currently, we've had another delayed start at school due to snowy/icy roads, and barely got our kiddos home the day before. Part of me was so ready for picnic weather and we could have on last Saturday. Now we are in the middle of another long bout of winter weather. Surprised? No, it is just Oregon weather.
Meanwhile, bears are still in production as we capture special memories in each one. The best part has been hearing from folks who received their bears over the holidays and have shared the reactions of themselves and family.
If you have a closet or box or bag of treasured clothing no one will ever wear, think about a memory bear. It doesn't have to be someone you've lost - consider graduation bears, birth bears, 'just because' bears, change of jobs bears, retirement bears.....there is always a good reason for a bear!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Wahoo!!
and Happy New Year! Here we are in mid January already, and the bear den is busy. Folks are planning now for special occassions and even next Christmas! This is great because I really hate to have to refuse folks when we get too close to the next holiday season. I would much prefer to get their bears done, safely in THEIR den and just waiting quietly for the gifting moment.
Got questions? call me at 1-888-229-7873
Got questions? call me at 1-888-229-7873
Monday, December 29, 2008
Holidays almost done....
Christmas is over
The people are getting fat
Time to start exercising
And all of that.....
Time to think about memory bears for family and friends. There was a lot of reminiscing when you all got together during the holidays. Some was about folks no longer with you, ones dear to the heart. Someone probably still has a favorite shirt, dress, jacket, blanket that belonged to them. Why not get some memory bears made for yourself and family? Check out my Bellybutton Bears site, especially the FAQ page and see if I can help.
Some points:
The people are getting fat
Time to start exercising
And all of that.....
Time to think about memory bears for family and friends. There was a lot of reminiscing when you all got together during the holidays. Some was about folks no longer with you, ones dear to the heart. Someone probably still has a favorite shirt, dress, jacket, blanket that belonged to them. Why not get some memory bears made for yourself and family? Check out my Bellybutton Bears site, especially the FAQ page and see if I can help.
Some points:
- I can make a bear out of almost anything.
- You can combine up to 22 different fabrics in the bear if you choose to.
- You can have photos on the bear, on the vest, just ask.
- If you have photos, but no clothing left, we can find an appropriate fabric and still make you a great memory bear.
- Ornaments - you can order with a bear, or just order ornaments. Big group and can't do bears for all of them? Ornaments are the way to go, and you can have a photo on them too. Just ask me.
- Gift certificates? yes!
- Last but not least - stories [books]. There is the original Bellybutton Bear Legend, and now the first in an ongoing series of Bellybutton Bear stories - the Oregon Trail story.
Lots of options, and each bear is a hand crafted heirloom treasure, that fits your family.
Happy New Year!
Friday, December 26, 2008
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
It was a busy, busy fall with little time to write pieces for the web, update my website or any of that! Looking forward to a productive new year, here is our Christmas greeting:
We made it through the year
And a wonderful year it was
Making many new bears and friends
Who remain in memory because...
Every story and box in the door
Brought tears & memories within
Each to become an heirloom bear
To cherish & hold memories for kin.
Every memory is handled with love
From beginning to end, each bear
Is a job I do with heart
To help everyone show they care.
Thank you Bear Lovers one & all
For trusting me with your treasure
I wish you safe & happy holidays
& God's Blessings in full measure.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from Denise & Bellybutton Bears
We made it through the year
And a wonderful year it was
Making many new bears and friends
Who remain in memory because...
Every story and box in the door
Brought tears & memories within
Each to become an heirloom bear
To cherish & hold memories for kin.
Every memory is handled with love
From beginning to end, each bear
Is a job I do with heart
To help everyone show they care.
Thank you Bear Lovers one & all
For trusting me with your treasure
I wish you safe & happy holidays
& God's Blessings in full measure.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from Denise & Bellybutton Bears
Friday, August 29, 2008
More Memory Bear bits......
A customer recently noted, when we spoke on the phone, that she was not aware that each bear gets a paper tag. Yes, they do. It is part of the package, so to speak, at Bellybutton Bears. If I have been sent a photo, I include it on the tag, and/or any words they may wish, to include dates, verses etc.
They also get a ribbon or something around the neck, in a complimentary color, and that is what the tag hangs on. It is made out of cardstock, and can be left on the bear or removed and put away.
Bears arms and legs are normally attached with heavy upholstery thread and buttons. This is an old style joint method used by many early doll makers. I use buttons from the garments you send, if there are any
and they are the right kind. If not, I have a few pounds of buttons to select from! Each bear also gets a bellybutton, even if it has something on it that hides the bellybutton. Eyes are made from buttons as well, and you may request the color you prefer.
I can add a photo or embroidery to a vest, chest or footpad. There is an extra charge if I add embroidery or photos to a bear, because it takes a bit extra time and effort. My sister does the embroidery for me.
Part of this may have been covered before - but things I take for granted with the bears are sometimes just totally new to someone else!
They also get a ribbon or something around the neck, in a complimentary color, and that is what the tag hangs on. It is made out of cardstock, and can be left on the bear or removed and put away.
Bears arms and legs are normally attached with heavy upholstery thread and buttons. This is an old style joint method used by many early doll makers. I use buttons from the garments you send, if there are any
and they are the right kind. If not, I have a few pounds of buttons to select from! Each bear also gets a bellybutton, even if it has something on it that hides the bellybutton. Eyes are made from buttons as well, and you may request the color you prefer.I can add a photo or embroidery to a vest, chest or footpad. There is an extra charge if I add embroidery or photos to a bear, because it takes a bit extra time and effort. My sister does the embroidery for me.
Part of this may have been covered before - but things I take for granted with the bears are sometimes just totally new to someone else!
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