I am Deborah H's Brother and I just received my Teddy Bear, Spencer, yesterday. Thanks for the great job, I will cherish this bear for years and years. I look forward to having grandkids and when they are old enough to appreciate a heirloom, I know I will have a very difficult time deciding who to pass the Teddy Bear on to, if I can give it up at all.

Thanks for your great work.

Kim S

My mother, Marguerite passed away in August of 2006.  She had given me her precious China Mink coat some months before as she was unable to wear if any longer.  It was not a style or color I would normally wear, but because it belonged to Mom, I was unable to part with it.  When I met Teresa, I knew she had the perfect answer for me!  I could take that coat that hung in the hall closet and turn it into something that would provide joy not only to me, but to my brother and sister as well.

I had also given Teresa an old fur cape that belonged to my mother-in-law, in the hope she could make another bear from it, but alas, the fur was old and the dry skin crumbled in Teresa's hands.  Imagine my joy when she delivered the three beautiful bears made from Mom's coat, to find that she had made a stole for one bear and lovely little blanket pads for the other two from the fur cape.  What a wonderful way to link the memories of two great women!

Teresa's bears have such personality and are made with great love.  I named mine Marguerite as she has the 'M' from the monogram from Mom's coat on her foot pad.  She makes me smile every time I look at her.  I know my sister will love Audrey (she has the 'A' on her foot pad) and my brother, who has a collection of Teddy bears, will be very happy to have Spencer (the bear with 'S') come to him at Christmas.

Deborah H

Shirley’s bears were made with much love from her Grandmother’s fur coat.  The coat was given to Shirley’s Mom, with the understanding it would go to Shirley when her Mom was done with it.  Her Mom said she used it a few times but felt out of place, as she was not a “fur coat kind of girl.”  She passed the coat to Shirley who used it until it started to come apart. 

It was after Shirley became sick that she decided to have the bears made.  Shirley’s Grandmother’s coat was about 50 years old.

Shirley wanted to have the treasured coat made into two bears, and they have now become heirloom keepsakes for her Granddaughter’s by passing on the legacy of the coat worn by their Great, Great, Grandmother.  These bears were given to her Grandchildren before Shirley’s passing.

Richard J

Teresa

I have received my twin bears and they are gorgeous! I love the way you used the lining of the coat for the paws and my grandmother's initials on the foot of one bear. The faces of the bears are perfect, so alert and questioning. The craftmanship is wonderful, you are a very talented seamstress!
 The bears will be special reminder of a special lady and I thank you so much.

Sincerely,

Lauren B

Teresa

Thank you very much, she’s beautiful.  This coat was given to me by my Godfather who, as I was growing up was the only person that remembered my birthday, and always sent a card.  He still does.  They had one daughter, and the coat was too small for her, and that was why her Mom never gave the coat to her.  The more I have thought about this, the more I want to give her the bear.  She lives alone and I thought this would be special.

Helen G

I feel my maternal generations blend together when I look at my healing bear.

My Grandmother, Ella said to my Mom (Dorothy) at a time when she was lost and hurting, “It’s time you came home.” My Mother, when her health was failing said to me “It’s time you came home.” I cared for my Mom when she needed me and I felt lost when we were separated.

I hug my Ella Bear made from Mom’s treasured fur coat and feel like “I’ve come home.” I find great comfort and healing when I see the little Dorothy bear on display, still sending out her love.

Marjorie L.

My mom chose to have her old coat made into bears by Teddy My Bear. The coat turned into 6 incredibly beautiful bears – each with their own special personality and unique characteristics. The bears quickly found homes within our immediate family. Since my mom’s recent passing, my “Pugs” bear has become even more special – “Pugs” offers me lots of hugs and is a constant reminder of the love and happiness that my mom brought our family.

Agnes L.

I love my “one of a kind” made just for me teddy bear. “Buddy Bear” was made with love by Teresa. He has eyes that reflect his own “bear personality”. The mink fur is wonderful to stroke, so soft, and reminds me of my pet cat who is no longer with me. I smile when I see him, and enjoy his presence in my home.

Anne B

Isabelle (Isabear) and Sadie

Dear Teresa

Thanks for the precious bears. Part of our mother's estate was her mink coat. Although in good shape, it did not fit anyone, but after seeing your great work, I thought? "What a great idea." My sister and I are so pleased with the results. The quality and your attention to detail exceeded our expectations. Using the embroidered lining to make the paws, collars and purse was inspired. Our “Sister Bears" are real keepsakes and will always be treasured.

With our gratitude,
Dawn and Fay

Thank you again for the beautiful job you did in making three adorable bears for me. The kids LOVED them. I added a bow for color on each of the girl bears, and their necklaces still show up below the bow.

Shelley M.

In 1984, a gift of a full mink coat was made to Alma to keep her warm during Alberta's harsh winters. This coat was with Alma until her passing away on April 21, 2005.

The intricate labor of love in re-designing, cutting and sewing this beautiful coat thus began a new cycle and the 3 bears were born. In honor of our Mother, Alma, these bears took her names to be each of her children's bear. Alma is Denise's bear, Rose is Jeannine's bear and Freddie is Rene's bear. Alma's given names fit in well with her three children as Jeannine's middle name is Rose, and Freddie fit as a male name. This nickname was given to Alma by a group of friends at a bridal shower. Alma was better known by the nickname she was bestowed with. Denise took her Christian given name, Alma , to be her bear's name.

The bears now reside in the homes of Alma's children. Rene & Denise in Edmonton & Jeannine in Westbank, B.C. These special bears will remain a perpetual memory of Alma forever.

The "triplets" will become heirlooms of a very special lady......"OUR MOM".

Sincerely,
Denise M.

As we travel life's journey we collect. Some collect stamps, others coins. But all of us collect memories. Memories come in many forms; Happy Memories; wedding days, births of our children, and of course Dad's 80th birthday celebration. Fond memories; special friendships, vacations, stories from our youth. And we have all had our share of sad memories. Hidden within sad memories are happy memories that we recall. These memories are those that I call everlasting. Two years ago Dad brought over one of Mom's fur coats for Margie. As soon as I saw it I recalled a fond memory of Mom saying, 'this fur coat keeps me so warm as I wait for the bus to take me home.' Margie wore that fur coat the first winter we had Mo. It kept her warm when she would take Mo out for his walks on those cold winter mornings. On one of those mornings, a neighbour called out to her and said, 'your coat is the same colour as your dog.' She laughed, because it was so true. Margie and Mo looked like they both had fur coats to keep them warm.

Last year we met Teresa Brunner. This lady would take scraps of material and create the most beautiful warm quilts. She also would take people's fur coats and create Heirloom Bears. We knew that Mom loved nature and all of God's creatures. So we had a thought, 'why not create an Heirloom Bear from Mom's fur coat.' A bear that would represent the warmth and love that Mom shared with all of us and all who knew her. So, today Dad, on your 80th birthday our gift to you is a little heirloom treasure, made from Mom's fur coat. This little bear needs love; this little bear needs hugs and; of course this little bear needs conversation. As this little bear is made from Mom's fur coat we hope that she will keep you warm and fill your heart with everlasting memories.

Happy Birthday Dad,

Peace be with you always.

Love, Gary, Margie, Ryan, Kyle and Mo.

Edna and Edgar Bear were born on August 31, 2005 in St. Albert Alberta. They were made by, Teresa Brunner (Teddy My Bear) from a mink fur coat owned by Elsie Jayne C. This coat was purchased in Moose Jaw, SK where Elsie worked as a seamstress.

Edna and Edgar lived in St Albert, AB with Don, Shirley and Mark until the Christmas of 2005, when Edna (who has Elsie’s initials on her right front paw) moved to Midland Park, NJ, USA to live with Gail, Elsie’s granddaughter and Edgar (who has the original label attached to his little backside) moved back to Moose Jaw to live with Edythe, Elsie’s eldest daughter.

We all hope Edna and Edgar Bear will be very happy in their new homes!

Shirley M