Cindy Butler
The Ledger Independent is publishing a 50/50 series featuring 50 things over 50 weeks. During this series, our readers can expect to see different “Local Talents/Artisans” each week.
Some of the “Local Talents/Artisans” that may be featured will include artists, authors, songwriters and more. The general definition of “artisan” refers to a worker in a skilled trade, according to the Oxford Dictionary.
Please enjoy Day 21 of the series.
Vanceburg resident Cindy Butler is the owner and operator of Cindy’s Creations: Made Just For You. Butler’s unique skill allows people to hold onto their memories in a tangible way.
“I create beautiful memory bears from your loved one’s clothing. I create a huggable, loveable item that you can hold,” stated Butler. “A creation that can give your memory life once again.”
Butler explained that her journey creating memory bears began in September of 2021 when her niece asked her to make a memory bear out of her son’s baby clothes.
She said that she had never made one before but was determined to try.
“I didn’t feel real confident about my work but everyone else that saw the bear loved it as well. Then it began,” said Butler. “I had many requests about memory bears over the years. Since then I have brought over 100 memories to life.”
Butler’s work is not limited to memory bears. In 2014 Butler stated that God impressed upon her that she needed to create lap quilts for her local nursing home.
“I thought there was no way. I don’t know how to make a quilt. With God’s guidance, I did it. With mom’s help too. We made 94 lap quilts that winter,” said Butler. “It was amazing to see those smiling faces when they each received one.”
Butler’s business is very rewarding to her and she gives the credit to God.
“I owe it all to God for this talent. Without him, I couldn’t do it. He gives me the guidance, understanding and ability to do all that I create,” Butler expressed.
Butler noted that creating memory bears has been a blessing to her.
“With each new creation, I learn something new, making that one better than the one before. Just knowing that I am trusted to take a treasured item, and create something they will love is a humbling experience,” said Butler. “To think, little ol’ me, I did that.”
Butler lives by a motto that she has hanging in her sewing room that reads, “Your talent is your gift from God. What you do with it is your gift to God.”
Butler can be contacted on her Facebook page, Cindy’s Creations Made Just For You. She also has a Facebook group to join in which Butler hosts giveaways from time to time. She can be contacted via messenger or by the phone number provided on her page.
