People Are Sending Mary Their Loved One’s Clothes So She Can Turn Them Into Memory Bears

There’s no doubt that the memories of our departed loved ones will always stay with us forever. However, it’s also nice to be able to keep a physical reminder of them. So, the clients of British artist Mary MacInnes give her the clothes of their deceased loved ones. And in turn, she transforms these pieces into adorable memory bears.

These stuffed bears usually consist of the favorite clothes and accessories of her clients’ lost loved ones. In some cases, other customers also request to incorporate letters and other mementos that are dear to them. Overall, it takes MacInnes about five to six hours to complete one bear. This includes the planning of the design, as well as cutting and sewing the bear to completion.

Old Lady's Cardigan Turned into a Memory Bear

Dog's Blanket Turned into a Memory Bear

Baby's Onesies Turned into a Memory Bear

White Floral Dress Turned into a Memory Bear

Various Shirts and Pants Turned into a Memory Bear

Umpire Uniform Turned into a Stuffed Teddy

MacInnes took up fashion technology at the Heriot-Watt University and started her sewing career in the bridal industry. At just the age of 21, the artist has already been in the business for almost six years now. However, in an interview, MacInnes revealed that creating stuffed bears was not actually part of her plan.

“I made my first memory bear five years ago as a favor for a friend and was constantly asked to make more, but turned them down because I wanted to concentrate on university and a career in bridal.”

Mary MacInnes

Nevertheless, she finally gave in to her clients’ requests to create more bears. Seeing all the positive feedback towards her creations can surely be rewarding. However, the young artist shared that it can also be emotionally draining at times.

“Recently I had a 37-year-old man pleading with me to make his two daughters aged 10 & 12 bears before Christmas. He insisted on paying in full and gave me £10 extra asking me to post them to his girls. It turned out he has terminal cancer and won’t see Christmas. I cried the whole time I cut out, sewed and stuffed those two little bears.”

Stuffed Teddy Made of Different Clothing Materials

Striped Button-down Shirt and Jeans Turned into a Stuffed Teddy

Robe and Tie Turned into Two Memory Bears

Despite that, MacInnes still considers it a great privilege to be able to create something out of people’s personal possessions. Moreover, she’s happy that her bears are able to help people cope with grief and loss.