Our Story
How we got started making memory bears
Our story starts with an act of love. My dear friend lost her husband suddenly and wanted a teddy bear made out of his clothing for her daughter. I offered to do it and with two of his shirts, made two bears with the help of my daughter. One bear was for her daughter and one was a surprise for my friend. It was an incredible honour to be trusted with such precious clothing. We used other fabric to make a practice bear first because we wanted to be sure of each step.
We wanted them to be perfect.
The bears are special. They are a tangible reminder of the man they miss so much. The clothing that was so familiar to them is now in a form they can hug and hold.
A bear you can hold that is made from clothing a loved one once enjoyed is better than a piece of clothing hanging in a closet.
- Laurie
About us
We are a mother and daughter team based in Calgary, Alberta.
Laurie is an artist who has been creating art in one form or another for as long as she can remember. She has spent her most recent years honing her skills as an oil painter and has her work in homes and businesses across North America. This most recent project with the bears is a way of building something meaningful together, and sharing her love of art with her daughter. You can find her art at lauriealdridge.com.
Claire is currently a University student and is thankful to have grown up in an artistic home. She is creative and skilled with her hands and is the one who gives the bears their faces and personalities.