Your Keepsake Questions Answered
Where are you based?
I am based in Colchester Essex, but I have customers based all over the UK. If you are local to me you are welcome to drop off your clothes and collect your keepsake when its finished.
How much clothing should I send?
The amount of clothing needed depends on the keepsake you choose. Many customers like to use two or more items in each bear or animal, but you can send as many as you like. The more items you send, the more creative we can be!
Here’s a general guide:
- Small baby clothes (0-6 months): 8-10 items. If they are smaller in size its best to provide a couple more items to ensure I have enough to work with.
- Medium baby clothes (6-12 months): 6-8 items
- Large baby clothes (18-24 months): 4-6 items
- Children’s clothing: 2-3 items
- Adult clothing: 1-2 items ( or send 2-4 items for a more varied pattern)
If you only have one item, we can usually still make a bear, though we might need to add a matching fabric. We’ll discuss all your wishes and ideas when you order to make sure your keepsake is perfect.
What if I send too much or not enough?
It’s fine to send extra clothes! Please add a note telling us which items are most important to you and if you have any preferences for their use. We can’t guarantee all items will be used. Any unused whole pieces of clothing will be returned with your finished keepsake. If you don’t send enough items, we’ll contact you. For very tiny baby clothes, please send a couple of spares.
What types of items can (and can’t) be used?
We can create keepsakes from many items like blankets, covers, and pillowcases. Thin or stretchy fabrics will be lined to help them keep their shape.
Items we generally can’t use include:
- Fur or heavy leather
- Socks, underwear, or shoes
- Thick knitted fabric or super fine scarves
- Sheer fabrics like chiffon, silk, or organza
- Very chunky loose knits
- Very thick or stiff fabric
If you’re unsure about a particular fabric, please get in touch, we’re happy to help!
How should I send my clothing?
Double Protect: Please send your items in a sturdy box or a heavy-duty postage bag. I highly recommend placing the clothing inside a plastic bag first—this adds an extra layer of protection against moisture or accidental damage to the outer box and send them by recorded delivery or a courier service that requires a signature and provides tracking. This helps prevent loss or damage. Please double-check your contact details are correct!
Can I order more than one keepsake?
Absolutely! If you order multiple keepsakes and want specific clothes for each, please separate the clothing into bags with a note for each keepsake. If you don’t mind which clothes are used or want a mix for all keepsakes, you can send them together with a note. Just add all the products to your cart and check out.
Do you offer discounts?
Thank you for your interest! Each keepsake is crafted with significant time and effort, so we’re unable to offer discounts at this time. We believe our prices reflect the value and craftsmanship of every piece.
What condition do the clothes need to be in?
Most clothes can be used, even if they’re a bit worn. However, we generally can’t use clothes with many holes or severe stains, unless that’s specifically what you want. We’ll try to avoid small stains or tears. Keep in mind, the more worn an item is, the less durable the final keepsake might be. If an item is in poor condition, too worn, or unclean and might affect the quality, we’ll let you know.
What is the turnaround time?
My current turnaround time is 3-4 weeks from the date we receive your clothing. While we can’t accept requests for specific dates, we want to help you meet your deadline! If you need your keepsake for a milestone event, please secure your order slot at least 4 weeks before your required date. Larger orders may take longer. If there’s high demand, we’ll let you know about any potential delays and give you a realistic completion date. We’ll keep you updated throughout the process! These are unique, handmade items, so they do take time.
What materials go into my keepsakes?
I believe that what’s on the inside of your bear/animal is just as important as the cherished clothes on the outside. To ensure your keepsake lasts a lifetime, I use only high-quality materials:
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The Features: I typically use beautiful safety glass eyes for a classic, soulful look. For the nose, I can use a safety nose, a hand-stitched fabric nose, or soft felt, depending on the character of the bear and your preference.
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The Stuffing: Every animal/bear is filled with high-grade 100% Polyester hollow fiber. This makes them wonderfully soft, huggable, and ensures they keep their shape over the years.
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The Structure: To give your sentimental fabrics the support they need, I line them with 100% Cotton woven brushed interfacing. This strengthens thinner fabrics (like well-worn shirts or baby grows) without losing their softness.
Can my keepsakes be personalized?
Yes! We offer machine embroidery. Please contact us to discuss your ideas before ordering.
Can I have leftover clothing returned?
Yes, if you specifically ask for any fabric remnants back, we’ll send them with your finished keepsake.
Do I need to iron the clothes?
Good news!!
No, you don’t need to iron the clothes prior to sending them to me. Because I prepare your fabrics by interfacing each panel I need to iron them anyway, so save your precious time and let me do it for you.
Do I need to decide exactly where each clothing item goes on the Memory Bear / Animal?
If you’re using several items, you can include a note with your design ideas, or you can leave it to us to create something special! Memory bears and animals can be made from almost any material, not just clothes – even dog blankets, pillowcases, scarves, or tablecloths!
Can I return an item?
No, unfortunately, we can’t accept returns as these are completely custom-made items. Because we use a variety of fabrics, the final keepsake may look slightly different from examples shown. Please keep this in mind before ordering.
Product & Safety Information (Disclaimer)
Are these bears and animals suitable as toys? No. While they are very huggable, all of my keepsakes are sold as ornamental items only and are not intended for play.
Why they are for display only:
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CE Testing: Because the external fabric is supplied by you (sentimental clothing), these items cannot be individually CE or UKCA checked. Therefore, they do not comply with the safety guidelines required for children’s toys.
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Choking Hazards: The designs often include small parts such as glass eyes, buttons, ribbons, and tags which can pose a choking hazard.
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Delicate Construction: Some Memory bears/animals feature moving joints attached with professional-grade thread and buttons or cotter pins. These are designed for gentle positioning on a shelf and must be handled with great care.
The Agreement: By placing an order, you agree that you have read this safety information and understand that your item is being created as a decorative keepsake for display purposes.
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Age Restriction: These items are not suitable for persons under the age of 14 years.
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Safe Display: Please ensure your keepsake is displayed out of reach of children.
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Liability: Loved & Cherished cannot be held liable for any damage, misshaping, or accidents caused if the item is used for play or handled as a toy.
Care advice –
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Cleaning: Do not machine wash or tumble dry or hand wash as they will go misshaped. To keep your bear/animal looking its best, gently surface-clean with a damp cloth if needed.
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Sunlight: To prevent the sentimental fabric from fading, try to display your keepsake away from direct, harsh sunlight.
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Handling: Please handle with care, especially if your bear/animal has moving joints.
Don’t see your question? Get in touch with any questions you may have.
