Your Keepsake Questions Answered
Where are you based? I’m in Colchester, Essex, and create keepsakes for customers all over the UK. Local customers are welcome to drop off and collect their items.
Do you ship outside the UK? Not at the moment — I currently ship within the UK only.
How much clothing should I send? The amount of clothing needed depends on the keepsake you choose. The more items you send, the more creative we can be! If you only have one item, a bear is usually still possible — we’ll chat through options.
- 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)
What if I send too much or not enough? Extra clothing is fine. Please include a note telling me which pieces matter most.
Unused whole items will be returned. If there isn’t enough fabric, I’ll contact you.
What types of items can (and can’t) be used? I can use most fabrics, including blankets and pillowcases. All items will be lined for stability.
I Cannot Use: Stiff or plastic materials. Heavy leather, real fur, socks/underwear, thick chunky knits, or very sheer fabrics (chiffon/silk). If I’m unsure about an item, I’ll always check with you first.
How should I send my clothing?
- Package: Use a sturdy box or mailing bag.
- Track: Use Recorded Delivery or a tracked courier.
- Include: Your name, contact details, and any special instructions.
Can I order more than one keepsake? Yes! Just add the items to your cart and checkout.
Specific designs: Please separate clothing into individual bags with a note for each keepsake.
Mixed designs: If you are happy for me to mix the fabrics across all items, you can send them in one bag with a single note.
Do you offer discounts? Not at this time — each keepsake is handmade with great care and attention.
What condition do the clothes need to be in? Items must be clean. Light wear is fine, but please avoid heavy stains, large holes, or very thin fabric.
Do I need to iron the clothes? No need! I interface and iron every panel as part of the preparation process.
What is the turnaround time? Around 4–6 weeks from receiving your clothing. Larger orders may take longer. For special dates, please book at least 4 weeks ahead.
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:
The Features: I typically use beautiful safety glass eyes. For the nose, I can use a safety nose, a hand-stitched fabric nose, or soft felt.
The Stuffing: All of my keepsakes are filled with high‑quality 100% polyester hollow‑fibre stuffing, which is naturally fire‑retardant and meets UK fire‑safety requirements for filling materials.
The Structure: I line them with 100% Cotton woven brushed interfacing.
Can my keepsakes be personalized? Yes! I offer machine embroidery. Please contact me to discuss your ideas before ordering.
Can you make clothes for the bears to wear? Yes — outfits can be added on the product page or discussed with me directly.
Can I have leftover clothing returned? Yes. Postage may cost slightly more depending on weight. Just let me know in your order notes!
Can I return my keepsake? Because each item is custom-made, I cannot offer returns or refunds.
Please share any design preferences before I begin. Otherwise, I will use my professional creative judgment. For information on what to do if there is an issue with your order; Returns Policy
What size are you Memory Bears? My Memory Bears range from 12 inches to 13.5 inches when sitting from bum to top of ear.
Product & Safety Information (Disclaimer)
Are these bears and animals suitable as toys? No. My keepsakes are ornamental items for display only. * They are not toys and are not suitable for persons under 14*.
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.
Choking Hazards: The designs often include small parts such as glass eyes, buttons, ribbons, and tags which can pose a choking hazard. Please ensure your keepsake is displayed out of reach of children.
Delicate Construction: Some Memory bears/animals feature moving joints attached with cotter pin joints. These are designed for gentle positioning on a shelf and must be handled with great care.
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.
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.
How do I care for my keepsake?
Display: Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent the fabric from fading.
Handling: Please handle with care, especially if your bear/animal has moving joint’s
Cleaning: Surface clean only with a damp cloth. Do not machine wash or tumble dry.
