Frequently Asked Questions:

Who will make my bear?

In the past, I made the bear in its entirety. But in 2008

as a result of increased memory bear requests and referrals, my

husband Marc has been able to join me and help

tremendously with preparing the pattern pieces, jointing, filling,

and closing the seams. His meticulous work has greatly enhanced our bears.

This also has allowed me to create more bears

without sacrificing time or details. I do all the sewing, creating the

faces, and add all the accessories as well as other design detail.

We take great joy, and pride in making for you a special bear

that has been thought out carefully, and respectfully from your beloved’s garments.

We believe, and hope our finished bear attests to this.

What kind of clothes or articles can I use?

Just about anything…some materials may require

extra time while sewing, and or require a lining

that strengthens the fabric, but overall anything can be used.

The best to work with are materials that do not stretch, or materials that are not thin.

But if those are the garments that are most special, don’t worry, we can

still create your special bear from them.

Select garments that when you see them, you think of your loved one.

Dad may have had a favorite fishing shirt, or looked handsome in his suit and tie.

Grandma may have always worn that same house coat, Mom

loved her flannel pajamas, or a child’s favorite lounging clothes.

If you are needing a Teddy Baby, we can use blankets, onesies, and

even maternity clothing.

The best materials are denim, corduroy, fleece, flannel, sweaters,

sweatshirts, terry cloth, 100% cotton, khaki type material

and other similar fabrics.

Do I need to wash the garments?

Only if they smell of smoke.

It is vital I keep my shop and others’ precious belongings away from smoke.

If a package smells of smoke, I may return it, or choose

to launder it, if I wash the clothing, there will be $30 charged to your order.

I remember the scent of my Mom lingering in her coat,

that’s part of the special-ness of the bear, so if

the garment is slightly worn, we can make the

bear just like that, still holding the scent,

cologne or perfume of your loved one.

Should I iron the clothes?

Please do iron the garments if they are wrinkled.

I understand that packing and shipping will create

some folds, but with wadded or tightly crinkled

articles, there may be an additional charge.

I only have one garment, what do I use for paw pads?

I have many materials and fabrics available for accents.

I sometimes use felt, wool, suede or cotton…whatever

works best with your garment.

How much material do you need for a bear?

A man’s short sleeved shirt will make

about 3 small bears or 1-2 medium to large bears.

A sweatshirt will make 4 small, or 2-3 medium or large bears.

If your one article is not enough,

you might consider making the part fur bears.

Are the bears child safe?

No they are not. I can, and often do make them

specifically for child play, but I do need to know this on the orderform.

My bears are primarily for holding, comforting, and sharing.

They most often have sewn in eyes, buttons, pins and other small parts.

I have safety lock eyes available, and will reinforce all materials

if meant to be played with.

Some of the pictures I see on you website have lots of accessories,

do you make them all like that?

I use collars, ties, bows, and sometimes buttons.

We always try to include notable

parts of the garment within the pattern pieces.

What may cost extra is needing to sew or glue beads, labels, and tags.

If it’s a simple glue, I don’t worry about it. If it’s stitching to secure

something extra, there could be a small ($3) charge.

Pockets, monogramming, patches, hats, caps, vests, glasses,

those are all in addition to the price of the bear and range

from $3 to $20.

About the pictures on the web site, will my bears’

picture be posted too?

By having me make your special bears,

you agree that I own the pictures and have permission to

share them on my website. If you do not wish your bears’ picture

to be posted, simply tell me so. I would never share a picture

if someone did not want me to, and I will respect your request and not use yours.

What I have found, is that families often feel great joy in seeing their

loved one’s memory live on and shared with others.

How long does the process take?

Normal completion time ranges from 10-16 weeks.

I might have your bear/bears ready earlier, or they may take the entire

time frame. It all depends on how many other requests I have.

What if I need a bear sooner, to commemorate a special day?

Please ask…just let me know, and sometimes

I can be flexible and get to your request sooner…just ask!

I have selected my garments, what do I do now?

Decide what size bear, and what style bear you would like. Complete the orderform,

enclose it with your garments and a $25 deposit per bear

and send to me. I use primarily FedEx for my shipping, but

you can choose whichever service is most convenient for you.

How do I pay?

Please pay your deposit with a personal check, or money order.

I prefer check, but if you need to pay with credit card,

you are welcome to do so. Include that information

on the bottom of the orderform, or call me with the info.

After I’ve sent you everything, then what?

When it is time for me to start your special request, I will look over the garments,

the order form, and if I have any questions I’ll contact you.

At that time I will also calculate the exact price and request

that you please send it in at that time. Usually within 2 weeks of receiving

final payment, I will have your bears on their way home to you.

Do you have gift certificates?

Yes.

If I have not answered your questions…

please call me, or drop me an email.

(405)387-2638 CST

My primary email address is:

tammybears@pldi.net

if for any reason you do not get through,

please use the address below only as a back up:

tammybears@hotmail.com

We are located in Blanchard, Oklahoma, USA

There is a lot to take in, and sort out, especially when dealing

with the loss of a loved one, whether your loss is recent, or

some time ago…it can be heart-aching, but can also be heart warming.

I lost my Mom in 1996, and while each of our losses are unique,

we still share in hurting, missing and in loving, and it is loving that is special

and what we will move forward with.

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