Uniquely yours
On Penny's 7th birthday, her grandparents from England sent her a gift. She received a brown paper package tied with string. With wide eyes, she carefully untied the string and unwrapped the paper, trying to keep it intact. Under the wrapping, after removing layers of tissue, she found a beautiful golden teddy bear. This was the start of Penny's love for soft toys, tissue paper, brown paper, and string.
After a career in cutting and designing, Penny realized her true love was sewing. Over 40 years, she has made children's clothes, quilts, bespoke dolls and more.
In March 2020, during New Zealand's lockdown, she embraced the Māori term “whakahoki mai” (to restore) and used this time to replenish her creativity. This led her to toy making, where she created unique bears that carry memories, inspired by her first teddy from England. Ātaahua Dolls, meaning 'beautiful' in Māori, crafts each bear combining 100% cotton linings with items from clients’ loved ones. Penny aims to preserve precious moments, linking parents and children through these custom creations. Each bear is unique, serving as a treasured memory for generations.
Preserving the past
for future generations
Our lives are made up from thousands of micro-moments or stories.
Some stories we want to hold onto, to relive the feeling of and cherish forever.
A bear with a past, a memory worth keeping
Beautifully handcrafted in New Zealand
Transformed into treasures
Take 40 years of building complicated designer homes, infuse with a passion for all things wood and you’ll find the ‘woodworker’ happily ensconced in his workshop cutting, sanding and engraving treasures for his clients.
His commitment to quality and detail ensures that each piece not only meets but exceeds expectations, bringing a unique touch of craftsmanship to every piece he crafts.
FAQ’S
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You can choose to use one fabric or combine two items for contrast.
1 button through shirt
1 pair of jeans/pants/pj
1 jumper
1 sports shirt
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We haven't met a fabric we couldn't use yet. All bears are fully lined with 100% cotton which holds the shape. The clothing item working as a skin, so stretchy or not, we make it work.
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Yes! Please request a conversation so we can better understand your project and quote for you.
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Yes! Go ahead and purchase the items you would like customised, and we'll be in touch regarding your design.
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Yes! Go ahead and order the item you would like and message us to begin the conversation around your own design.