Just the “bear” FAQs!
Click the arrow to left of the question to expand the answer.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
~Accessibility to your designer, Kim.
~Special characteristics of clothing, such as a printed logo on a t-shirt, will be captured in your custom keepsake.
~Interfacing and stabilizer, depending on fabric.
~Hypoallergenic, dense but “huggable”, fiberfill.
~Legacy and Bliss bears receive black plastic eyes sized to the bear and secured via shank and washer. Brown eyes may be substituted for contrast.
~Bambini creations receive hand-embroidered eyes using a satin stitch and coordinating color thread (brown or black) unless plastic eyes are specifically requested. Alternate color embroidery floss may also be requested.
SAFETY FIRST:
Though 8 Cardinals keepsakes are NOT toys, if young ones are expected to interact with Legacy or Bliss Bears, please contact me about hand-embroidering eyes for safety purposes. No additional cost is required for hand-embroidered eyes on Legacy and Bliss Bears.
**With humility I offer prayer throughout the crafting of your keepsake, praying for you, your loved one, and your family. If you wish for directed prayer, I invite you to contact me to share your request. After all, “where two or three are gathered…” Matthew 18:20
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?
~Shipping costs are not included in the price of each bear. The customer is responsible for the cost of shipping the clothing to 8 Cardinals LLC and return shipping and handling of your finalized keepsake. Shipping costs for returning the keepsake to you will be factored into your quote at the time of the order and will be based on current/best price shipping costs.
WHAT KIND OF CLOTHING SHOULD I SEND?
Most types of fabric work. Bears may be made from a huge variety of clothing items and fabrics. Possible clothing items may include business (dress) shirts, polos, t-shirts, sweatshirts, dresses, pajamas, pants, suits or uniforms. Clothing items made of mesh, as in a sports jersey, require consultation with me and a picture prior to ordering to determine if the fabric is viable for transformation.
Leather and fur are not recommended. Clothing items such as wedding dresses, gowns, or dance costumes that are heavy with sequins or rhinestones are not recommended.
Uncertain? Please contact me with questions. I am happy to help!
WHAT SIZE CLOTHING SHOULD I SEND?
~Legacy Bears: A size Large (L) shirt usually yields a single 18″ bear, though a long-sleeved men’s Medium (M) may work. For smaller-sized clothing, you may elect to have a smaller bear made (15″ or 11″), or you may send 2 or more clothing items you enjoy seeing together for contrast. At times, a contrast fabric may be needed to complete a bear due to a shortage of material. If this should happen, prior to completion I will consult with you before obtaining additional fabric. **Sending 2-3 items for a single bear allows for contrast which can be appealing, such as inner ears, under arms, tail and feet of a different fabric than the main body.
~Bliss Bears: Wedding dresses or gowns in general should yield a bounty of fabric for an 18″ bear. Creating a facsimile dress will depend on the style and size of the original wedding gown. When ordering, Kim will ask questions and request pictures to determine if your dress will accommodate your request.
~Bambini Bears & Beyond: For the littlest ones, several pieces of clothing such as 4-5 onesies should work well. For larger children’s clothing, 2-3 items will work. The more items you send the greater the contrast and “patchwork” characteristic your Bambini will have.
ADDITIONAL FABRIC NOTES:
If you would prefer to have a contrast fabric (solid or patterned) incorporated in the design with your clothing item, you may, for an additional cost. For example, if you send a clothing item in a solid color and would like a contrasting patterned fabric, we can discuss your loved one’s favorite colors, hobbies, or occupation to drive the choice of the fabric. For instance, Legacy Blue was made for a little girl from her grandfather’s solid color polo shirt, and the contrasting fabric contains butterflies which are a symbol of new life. Her male cousins’ bears, Legacy Jade and Legacy Garnet, are also made of their grandfather’s polo shirts and have contrasting fabric with compasses, also a symbol of new life.
WILL YOU TAKE REQUESTS?
Fulfilling your vision as the goal! During the order process, we will have a conversation about your wishes and how I can best fulfill them. Contact Kim at 8 Cardinals to discuss. (704) 269-8787 or kb8cardinals@gmail.com
WHAT ABOUT THE LEFTOVER FABRIC?
Leftover fabric (remnant) is not returned except by request with an additional charge of $20. Fabric remnants may be saved and combined at a future time to create bears for charitable giving with your permission.
DO YOU LAUNDER THE CLOTHING BEFORE BEGINNING?
I do not launder customer clothing, but it would be helpful if the clothing you send is clean and free of debris.
ARE YOU A LOCAL CUSTOMER?
Are you local to the Harrisburg, NC area? (i.e. within 30 miles)
Contact Kim at 8 Cardinals to discuss local pick up and delivery. No shipping needed. (704) 269-8787 or kb8cardinals@gmail.com