The Memory Bear Maker

Honor Your Loved Ones with a Handmade Memory Bear

At The Memory Bear Maker, each bear is crafted with love and care, using your treasured clothing to create a unique symbol of remembrance. These customized, handmade bears offer comfort and serve as a heartfelt way to honor and celebrate the memory of someone dear.

How it works

The Process Creating your memory bear is a simple and heartfelt journey:
Choose Your Fabric
Provide a piece of fabric that holds sentimental value.
Design Together
Share your vision for the bear, and I’ll bring it to life with care and attention to detail.
Receive Your Keepsake
Your completed memory bear will be a treasured reminder of your most meaningful moments.

I create memory bears as a labor of love. While I don't charge for this work, I welcome donations to help cover the cost of materials and continue this passion project. If you'd like to support, you can visit my Amazon Pay it Forward site or send a contribution via Venmo. Every little bit helps keep this project going, and I'm so grateful for your kindness and generosity!

The Memory Bear Maker

Hello, I'm Michelle. In 2019, I retired from my nursing career to follow my passion for community involvement. Stepping away from the constraints of hospital bureaucracy opened the door to more personal and creative ways to make a difference. One of these is crafting memory bears, a meaningful way for me to stay connected and give back to the community I cherish.Read articles in links below:

Let's Get Started

Ready to create your memory bear? Contact me today to start the journey of transforming cherished fabrics into a lasting keepsake.

Thank you

While I offer my services at no cost, donations are welcome and go directly toward materials for continuing this work.

The Power of Community: How Memory Bears Build Connection in Unexpected WaysIn a world that can often feel disconnected, the power of community has the ability to bring people together in profound and unexpected ways. Whether through shared experiences, acts of kindness, or creative collaborations, community strengthens our bonds and reminds us that we are never alone. One beautiful example of this is the story of Michelle meeting Lorna, two individuals brought together through a shared passion for memory bears—handcrafted stuffed animals made from cherished fabrics that hold deep sentimental value.It all started when Lorna, a talented photographer known as @lornaholtphotography, reached out to Michelle with a simple request: she wanted to learn how to make memory bears for her extended family. What began as a creative learning experience quickly transformed into something far greater. Lorna lovingly crafted 16 memory bears, each one carrying a unique history and a piece of her family’s legacy. But the journey didn’t end there.Fast forward to today, and Michelle and Lorna have taken their passion to the broader community. Together, they have collaborated on creating memory bears for Bonner General Hospice’s Kids Summer Grief Camp. This project, in particular, speaks to the transformative nature of community and compassion. The memory bears not only touched Lorna’s family but also brought warmth and solace to children navigating grief at the summer camp.Beyond the tangible beauty of the bears, this journey has also resulted in something truly special—a deep, lasting friendship between Michelle and Lorna. Through their shared mission, they have built a relationship rooted in creativity, kindness, and purpose. Now, looking to the future, they hope to expand their impact by holding classes to teach more people how to make memory bears, helping others discover the joy and healing these handcrafted treasures can bring.Community is about coming together—about supporting one another through life’s highs and lows, about creating something meaningful alongside people who share a vision of hope and compassion. Whether through a single memory bear, a heartfelt conversation, or an unexpected friendship, the smallest connections can lead to the most profound changes.Whether you wish to learn the art of making memory bears or simply want to be part of a movement that celebrates the power of community, there is always room to connect, create, and care. Because sometimes, the smallest gestures—like stitching together fabric pieces filled with love—can leave the greatest impact.Reach out if you are interested in getting involved with The Memory Bear Maker!