Somerset Park woman creates memory bears to bring comfort to many
After Willis made a few bears for family and friends and the news spread like wild fire.
A SOMERSET Park woman, has impressed the north Durban community with her handmade collector’s item memory bears.
Nicci Willis told Northglen News, she’s always had a love for arts and crafts.
“My passion has always been sewing, from bridal wear to everyday clothes. Recently I started making memorable teddies which have been a hit,” she said.
A few years after Willis’ mother died, she was going through some of her clothing and came across a pink gown which her mom loved wearing.
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“I used the gown to create a bear in memory of my late mom. Word got out and friends started asking me to create bears out of clothing of loved ones they had lost,” she said.
“I have people from the north Durban community and other provinces who order memory bears from me. They send me their loved ones’ favourite clothing items for me to make the bears out of them. It’s very emotional but also brings the grieving person so much joy at the same time,” she said.
Willis has also made dolls and quilts, not only for someone who has passed on, but in memory of special occasions as well.
“One of my clients gave me their dressing gown and shirt that she and her partner wore on their wedding day to make bears out of, as a wedding memento,” she said.
“Others have asked me to make dolls for their grandchildren. It’s something that can be passed from generation to generation,” added Willis.
The bears are hand crafted and each one unique to its own style and personality. Each bear is jointed so it can sit, stand or lay down, and is then lined with polyfibre.
“When my clients receive their bears, it brings so many emotions to the fore but they’re happy knowing that they have something of their loved one with them. It’s such a rewarding job,” added Willis.
You can follow Nicci on Instagram: @nicccinoo_creations, Facebook: Niccinoo Creations or visit her website: niccinoocreations.com
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