How it works
Parting with their clothes is the hardest part. Let me make it gentle.
I know how much it takes to hand over something irreplaceable. I’ve done it myself. Here’s exactly how ordering a keepsake works, so you know what to expect at every step — and so you can feel sure your items are looked after with the care they deserve.
-
Step 1
Tell me what you have in mind
Send me a message through the contact form or on Facebook. There’s no pressure and no commitment — just tell me a little about what you’d like and the clothing you have. I’ll talk you through the choices gently.
-
Step 2
Hand over or post your items
If you’re near Newcastle, you’re welcome to drop your items off with me in person. If you’re further away, you can post them to me from anywhere in the UK. Either way, your clothing is in safe hands.
-
Step 3
I make your keepsake by hand
I work on each piece carefully and personally, treating your items as preciously as you do. Most keepsakes take around three weeks. I’ll keep you updated along the way.
-
Step 4
Collect it or have it sent to you
When your keepsake is ready, you can collect it from me in Newcastle, or I’ll post it out to you safely. Then it’s yours to hold, sleep with and treasure for years to come.
Is it safe to send my clothes?
This is the question I’m asked most, and it’s the one that matters more than any other. The clothes you’re trusting me with can never be replaced — I understand that completely, because the cushion I made from my own dad’s clothes is the most precious thing I own.
So I treat every item as if it were my own. Your clothing stays carefully looked after the whole time it’s with me, and I only ever cut what’s needed to make the keepsake you’ve asked for. I’ll never rush and I’ll never be careless with something that means so much.
What happens to any fabric I don’t use? Every scrap of your clothing is precious to me, and nothing is ever treated carelessly. [CONFIRM — what happens to leftover fabric.] Just ask when you get in touch and I’ll tell you exactly what I do.
Can I drop off in person, or post my items?
Both — whichever feels right for you.
Drop off in Newcastle
If you’re local, you’re welcome to hand your items to me in person here in Newcastle upon Tyne. Many people find this far easier than posting — you get to meet me, ask anything on your mind, and hand over your clothing face to face.
Post from anywhere in the UK
Not near Newcastle? No problem at all. You can post your items to me from anywhere in the UK, and I’ll post your finished keepsake back to you safely. Here’s how to send them with peace of mind.
How to post your items safely
Sending clothing you can never replace is a big thing to do. These few simple steps help make sure your items reach me safe and sound — and that you have a record of them before they leave your hands.
-
Photograph your items first
Before you send anything, take a few photos of the clothing. It’s a lovely keepsake in itself, and it gives us both a record of exactly what you sent.
-
Pack them with care
Pop your items inside a sealed plastic bag to keep them clean and dry, then into a sturdy box or a padded postal bag. Tuck in a note with your name and the email or number I can reach you on.
-
Use a tracked, insured service
I’d gently recommend sending with a tracked and insured option (such as Royal Mail Special Delivery or Tracked) so you can follow your parcel and know it’s arrived safely. Keep your proof of postage until your keepsake is back in your hands.
-
Message me first for the address
Please get in touch before posting anything, so we’ve had a little chat about your idea and I can give you my postal address and confirm I’m ready to receive your parcel. [CONFIRM — Hazel’s postal address and any preferred courier.]
Once your parcel reaches me, I’ll let you know it’s arrived safely — so you’re never left wondering whether it got here.
How long does it take?
Most keepsakes take around three weeks from the time I receive your items. Because every piece is made by hand and by me alone, I’d always rather take the time to get it right than rush it.
Working to a deadline, such as a funeral? Please get in touch and tell me. I can’t promise the impossible, but I’ll always do my very best to help when timing matters most.
Ready when you are
There’s no pressure to decide anything today. If you’d like to talk it through, I’m here whenever you’re ready.
Curious about the most-loved keepsake? See memory bears.