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Keepsakes by Betty Jane

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Canada
Innisfil, ON
Keepsakes by Betty Jane

I repurpose clothing and other fabric items to create Keepsake Pillows, Memory Bears, Elephants, Dogs, Cats, and more.

I'm mom and grandma to a bunch of beautiful people. They continue to inspire me to create fun things. Orders are usually completed within two weeks. If you have a problem with an item please let me know.

10/27/2026

The sky's almost the limit to what can be turned into a Keepsake. If you're like me, you have an old coat or two in your closet. Maybe even one from your grandmother.

10/27/2026

Do you have a vintage fur coat gathering dust in your wardrobe? It holds stories, history, and the memory of someone special—but it’s just taking up space.

I can turn your family heirloom into beautiful, huggable keepsakes your family can cherish for years to come.

09/17/2026

Christmas is coming! Order today to reserve your spot. $95 for the popular 13.5" seated bear, other sizes, prices, and items available. I'll work with you to create a beautiful keepsake at a price you can afford. Message me today.

08/06/2026

The Making of a Keepsake Animal.

The most important aspect of any keepsake is the memories! My challenge is to create an item that will help keep those memories alive. Here's a glimpse into the process.

Step 1: Trace and cut each pattern piece from fusible interfacing. (23 individual pieces for Betsy Bear.)

Step 2: Examine and dismantle the clothing items in preparation for pattern placement. Working with used clothing can be a challenge since items are often worn and stretched.

Step 3: Iron each piece of fusible interfacing to the fabric paying attention to matching patterns and nap. Carefully cut out each piece in preparation for sewing.

Step 4: Set up the embroidery machine for application to the various pieces that require embroidery. For Betsy Bear this is the heart nose, mouth, and eyes (if desired), as well as other customizations i.e. foot pads.

Step 5: Sew pattern pieces together according to instructions, leaving openings for stuffing. Carefully clip and trim all seams. Turn the item so the finished side is out. Insert safety eyes, if required.

Step 6: Carefully stuff each aspect of the bear until it is shaped well. Hand sew the opening closed.

Step 7: Add the finishing touches and other embellishments, i.e. bows, collar and button placard, etc.

Did You Know?
--Every standard sized stuffed animal contains about one pound of stuffing, equivalent to a standard size bed pillow and requires several hours to complete!

08/05/2026

What about specialty items?

Baby Keepsakes are an adorable way to preserve memories from infancy. Made from baby clothes, blankets, and any other items the child has outgrown. I have even used the crib bumper pads.

Special Event Keepsakes i.e. graduation, retirement. I have yet to make one from a wedding dress but I hope to be able to offer them in the near future.

Pet Memorials can be made from the pet's clothing, bed and blankets. I do have several dog and cat patterns to choose from as well as bears and other items.

Can you provide the fabric?

Yes! When fabric items are not available, I can provide all or some fabric if only a small amount is available.

08/04/2026

What Articles Can be Used to Create a Keepsake?

My usual response to that question is, "Almost any fabric item can be used," but let me elaborate.

The most common items are button up shirts, and they do make fabulous keepsakes. I love to add the collar and button placard to the front of an elephant, bear, or other animal. They also make great pillows, with or without the collar.

However, many more items can be utilized: sweatshirts, knitted sweaters, t-shirts, blouses, although loosely knitted and sheer fabrics need to be lined. Denim jeans, canvas pants, dress pants, men's ties, pajamas, dresses, and bathrobes make great keepsakes. Blankets, bed sheets, comforters, quilts, and curtains also work out beautifully. I've even made an entire bear out of socks!

And then there are the less common items.
Wool and fur coats, both faux and real. These require more work and a heavy duty machine, often a face mask, a good supply of heavy duty sewing machine needles, and lots of patience.

I've likely left out some things and I cannot say I've done it all. But I do enjoy a challenge! There's a worn out leather jacket and a wedding dress waiting in a closet for me. I think "Betsy" bear would make a beautiful bride don't you?

08/02/2026

Why Make Memory Bears Symmetrical?

Creating quality keepsakes requires compassion, skill, good tools, and the right supplies. There are many steps involved and each item takes me several hours to complete. I believe a well made keepsake should be balanced and symmetrical in appearance, firm enough to hold its shape over time and soft enough to be huggable.

Grief causes psychological and emotional upset, but symmetry, in general, can help to balance and calm the mind and emotions. A huggable and symmetrically balanced keepsake can provide a tangible source of comfort and healing. Like this post if you agree.

This little bear reminds me that Christmas is coming! Get your orders in before it's too late.

06/04/2026

Meet Kip the Keepsake Dog. Kip features a spacious front and foot pads for adding embroidery. 13" $95 embroidery extra. (Pattern by Funky Friends Factory)

04/14/2026

"Wolfie" from Funky Friends Factory is new to my collection. It's a fantastic pattern that would work well with almost any fabric. (Animated just for fun)

04/10/2026

Memory BEARS are always a great choice for a keepsake. They can be made in almost any size. 13.5" is the most common size, but the little guy here is only 6"! (Just to be clear, my bears are not jointed. The fun animation makes them look as though they are.)

Address

Innisfil, ON
L9S1M9

Website

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