Forces keepsake bears

Posted on December 4, 2013 By Blazer Bear

Keepsake bears made from Forces uniform

The very first forces keepsake bear we made was created from a wonderful RAF jacket from the 1940’s as a unique gift. The jacket was adorned with memorabilia and very smart buttons and, as always with our handmade bears, we included as much of the detail as possible. We hand sewed the shoulder composite braid and RAF wings and followed the original jacket lay out to make an accurate representation of this gorgeous jacket in the form of a keepsake bear.

We were delighted having put this very handsome bear on our website to be contacted by a current serving member of the RAF, due to start a tour of duty in Afghanistan. She wanted a keepsake bear made from her uniform to take with her as a mascot for the troops. This Blazer Bear was made from the camouflage uniform with the golden wings and insignia again stitched on.

This order was swiftly followed by a very special order for two handmade teddy bears made from two army jackets from the Second World War. Each differed slightly. One had gilt buttons and the insignia and medals varied. We took great care with these older jackets so as to preserve as much of the original and were aware of some of the material being somewhat worn. The bears were for a Granddaughter and Grandson and once made these special keepsake bears were personalized further by adding a scarf for each bear, which we had created from their Grandfather’s favourite jumper. We also added one of the buttons from the lapels of the army jackets.

Since then we have made several other keepsake bears for the forces. One was from an RAF cadet jumper, which make a particularly soft teddy. It come with a wonderful beret with badge. However, we have been told since our photograph was taken that our placing was not quite correct, the badge is supposed to sit to the left! We will know for the future! We also made another keepsake teddybear from camouflage kit for a TA cadet. For Remembrance Sunday weekend we were given permission to display these bears at a few fairs we were attending and even made a special Remembrance keepsake bear from poppy material.

Our current exciting order for a keepsake bear is one to replicate the Kings Troop uniform! It is a real challenge but one we are relishing. The gold braiding will go at the front and we will add the beautiful silver buttons and a splash of the rich red. The original coats cost thousands of pounds, but we hope the replica will do the uniform justice and make a wonderful handmade keepsake.