At the end of Leah Courtney’s garden in Birmingham, a shed has become the workspace for the bereavement bears she makes from a loved one’s clothing.
Using a sewing machine, stuffing and bags of clothes from the person who has died, the mum of two creates custom bears for grieving relatives as lasting memories of those who have passed away.
She started making the bears for bereaved families in 2023, after her sister’s mother-in-law died. She has now made more than 500 keepsakes and turned the hobby into a full-time job.
“By creating a bear that they can touch, cuddle, appreciate and see everyday, it’s like their relative is still there,” she said.
Courtney’s business, Made From Memories, makes bears with names and messages sewn onto the body. Voice boxes and vials of ashes can also be placed inside the bear.
“I make sure the arms and legs aren’t fixed so you can cuddle the bear; it’s very therapeutic for me and I have a very structured rhythm on how it all comes together,” she said.
Courtney has shipped bears as far as Spain and said some people have cried with emotion at her home when they received them.
“It warms me because when you lose somebody, it’s instant. Their presence isn’t there, their smell isn’t there and it can sometimes feel that they are just gone,” she said.
She said turning clothing into bears meant they “sat with pride in somebody’s house” and was a way to bring relatives “back to life for new generations”.
“It gives me goosebumps and when people get emotional, it makes me feel that I’ve given their relative back in a way,” Courtney said.
Since starting the business, she has made bears from materials including dressing gowns, pyjamas and a 1950s wedding dress for a bride and groom bear. She has also made blankets and beds for pet bears.
“I do feel a pressure sometimes because materials can be delicate and I don’t know how the material will handle the change to create a bear,” she said.
“I get asked if I wash the relative’s clothing and I don’t because I’m a big believer of scent of smell linked to memories. I can smell Aussie shampoo and I’ll think of my nan.”
As a finishing touch, Courtney’s daughter hugs each bear before it is sent to customers.
“At just five years old she decided her special job would be the bear hugger,” Courtney said.
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