BEAR HUGS
Creating your treasures into family memories
“BEAR HUGS” for all occasions–FOR COMFORT/MEMORY (the passing of a loved one). FOR CELEBRATION (Graduation, Sport’s memory, e.g. baseball, basketball, golf, etc. using team logo shirts). FOR HOLIDAY (Birthday, Christmas, Christening, Mother’s & Father’s Day). Bear hugs are uniquely crafted from your clothing or clothing of loved ones. The bears pictured are samples that are not for sale. Many of these bears have been made to honor a family member or friend who has passed. The bears are cutest when constructed from 2 articles of clothing. The paws can be made from the clothing sent to me or I can add felt or fleece. If you choose, I can hand embroider a name and/or date on the paw ($5 for name; $10 name & date). Add a vest for an additional $10 and/or a color & button strip for $10.
Each bear measures 21″ standing or 15″ sitting. Be assured the articles of clothing you provide will be handled with the utmost care. I’m honored to create a “Bear Hug” as a memento. Each bear comes with a tag sewn into the body of the bear & a card to explain the “Bear Hug.”
How to Order
I Need From You
- Desired fabric(s) for bear (for e.g.: shirt, t-shirt, bathrobe, pajama pants, blouse, sweater, sweatshirt, jersey, blanket)
- Fabric must be clean & odor free. Please feel free to send any accessories (e.g. hat, scarf, tie, earrings, pin, necklace, etc.)
- Size L or XL long sleeved shirts, preferred (1 shirt can make 2 bears)
- Size M or S requires 2 shirts
Process
- Add to cart this listing. Give me any specifics you prefer for your bear in NOTES section @ checkout.
- Once you have completed your purchase, I will send you a private message with shipping address to send your items to me. Please mail your items with a tracking # so the pkg. can be found if lost.
- Any substantially unused fabrics will be returned to you, unless otherwise noted by you, and will be accounted for in the shipping costs. Small & unusable pieces will be disposed.
- I will notify you when I receive the fabrics & let you know the time frame. I hope to send your finished bear 1-2 weeks after arrival of fabric. If you live in the Boise, ID area, you may drop off your articles & pick up completed bear to save shipping fees.
- If you are sending the bear(s) as a gift, I’m happy to ship it directly to recipient. Please indicate this in the note to seller section during your checkout and include the address where you need it to be sent.
- I do not offer discounts for bears when ordering multiple items in an order. However, I do give a discount in your shipping cart after the first item when ordering multiple items in an order.
Our Story
My passion for the past several years is to create a memory bear, heart, pillow to commemorate an event (e.g. graduation, baby’s birth, family reunion) or to honor a family member who has passed. I want to create a piece that reflects the client’s requests & gives honor to the memory of a special person or a celebration.
This journey of creating Memory bears began when a client/friend wanted to give gifts to family & friends in honor of her husband who had recently died. My friend brought a collection of t-shirts that she commissioned to be made into bears & pillows. Her husband loved bears. So those seven bears & a pillow began this wonderful journey.
The name “Bear Hugs” came as my family & I discussed what best described these memory bears. When the bear is given a hug, it’s a picture of the honored person giving the recipient a hug. It reminded me of when my stepdad used a heart-shaped pillow following his heart surgery. He was to squeeze the pillow as a part of the healing process. I think, in a small way, this bear is meant to be a part of the grief & healing journey as a life is remembered. My cousin, who commissioned a bear in honor of her husband, says that she gives the bear a hug at night before she goes to bed
Each bear has a “Bear Hugs” tag sewn on the bottom. The bear also comes with a card explaining the gift. Names & dates can be hand embroidered on the bottom paws. Accessories, such as a moustache, a necktie or glasses can be added to the bear for an additional fee. The 2 sizes are 21” & 15”. The 15” bear is especially appropriate when baby clothes are used. One client commissioned a bear for his wife to honor their son who was born premature but is now thriving. A baby bear will need approx.. 1-2 sleepers , but more can be used.
A Heart Ornament (4 ¾” x 5 ½”) is another way to remember a loved one. This heart can hang on a peg or knob throughout the year or be placed on the tree at Christmas. $ 15 each- $20 with embroidery.
The Memory Pillow is a beautiful way to honor a loved one. Usually the pillow is 18” square but other sizes are available. Patches can be added with names/dates/favorite sayings/scriptures… ($35 -plain $40 with name, additional fee for more words.)The pillows require button or snap shirts. Each pillow is a cover only. Pillow forms are purchased separately by client.
Any of the 3 choices (bear, heart, or pillow) will be made with attention to detail and creativity.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or to request specific information about any other features you might want included.
YOU are responsible for shipping costs when sending in materials.
⚠ SMALL PARTS WARNING: Bead eyes – not safe for children under 3 years.
My products are made with great care in a smoke free and pet free home. ❤️
Reviews
Very satisfied
I ordered two memory pillows & 1 mini heart from Church Mouse Creations. Understandably, I was extremely emotional at the time & I really only had a partial vision of what I wanted. Nancy was kind & gentle and walked me through several options. I provided two shirts that were my daughters. I was so happy with the finished products. My favorite feature on the pillow I gave my son was the Hebrew writing of the word essence. Nancy took my half formed idea & brought it to life. She helped me honor Paige in a way meaningful to our family. Very satisfied. ~Gina
Keepsakes
When my husband Chris passed away several years ago, I asked Nancy if she would help me create bear keepsakes out of his favorite shirts for our children so they would always have a part of their Dad with them. The kids each picked out their favorite shirt and Nancy made them into the most wonderful keepsake bears. I was so impressed with the details she added and the quality of the workmanship. They have become treasured mementos for our family. ~ Diane
I was so excited to find Nancy making bears out of shirts.
My husband passed away suddenly, and I wanted to give my family something to always remember him. She was more than willing to help me out with all of my silly requests. I found some of his shirts in the colors they liked, or I knew it would be a shirt that had a special memory. They all were so excited when I surprised them with theirs. I still hug mine at night, and we have some really great conservations. My bear has helped me when I have been at my lowest, and cheers me on as I grow.
Thank you so much for our wonderful bears, they are a treasure to this family. ~ Vickie
5 out of 5 stars
I have lost count of the number of Memory Bears this precious lady has made for me. You will never ever be disappointed what your Bear will turn out like if you give this lady a chance. The Bear pictured is one with my daddy‘s clothes and she made him a vest like he use to always wear; yes I cried when I opened the package. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ ~ Debbie
Fishing Bear
It is a real pleasure to give a review for Nancy Pew and Church Mouse Creations. I have had the opportunity to work with Nancy twice in the past 3 years. The first time was after my dad passed, which I can honestly say was the hardest time in my life. Nancy made nine bears and two pillows for me out of my dad’s clothes. She made the process of figuring out which clothing to use for which bear, so easy. She has the eye to make the bears come to life, each with their own personality. She does such a beautiful and quality job on everything she makes. She does not skimp on anything, and her prices are worth it! When my cousin’s husband passed, she wanted to have bears made for her kids and grandkids.
Even though she lives in a different sate, she knew she wanted Nancy to make the bears because of her quality. If you are looking for someone to make bears from a loved one’s closing, look no further, Nancy is your gal!! ~Shirley
Nancy is amazing!
After my father passed away we wanted to give something special to the grandchildren that would be a sweet memory of him. Nancy suggested memory pillows that would be created from some of his special shirts and emblems from some of his favorite baseball caps. She was thoughtful in listening to our desires, collaborated with us in color and style and the final product was perfectly made. All of the grandchildren were touched and pleased with their individual pillows. So thankful for Nancy and her ability to provide great memories for our family. ~ Tammy
Nancy is an artist with a compassionate heart
Nancy is an artist with a compassionate heart and it is evident in her Bear Hug creations! She used fabric, buttons, lapels, pockets and patches from my husband’s uniforms to create adorable and lovable memory bears for my grandchildren. They hug their bears often and love to talk about “Gramps” when they do! She blessed our family in a priceless way using her artistic gifts! ~ Martha
