Meet the Maker: Lynda Copley

Some makers create beautiful things. Others create meaning. Lynda Copley does both.

From her earliest memories of playing with textiles to crafting deeply personal memory bears for families across the country, Lynda’s creative journey is rooted in love, legacy, and community. Known online as Crafty Copley, her work blends thoughtful craftsmanship with heartfelt purpose. Every stitch carries a story, and every finished piece offers comfort, connection, and care. We got to know Lynda to learn more about her creative journey, what inspires her work, and the meaningful projects that continue to shape her path.

Getting To Know You

How did you get started on your creative journey?

My creative journey began with my father, who owned a textile company called Ringo BD Inc. I was always fascinated by how many different types of textiles could be transformed into beautiful, functional items. That early exposure to fabrics sparked a lifelong love for creating with my hands.

In high school, I made my first drawstring backpack in home economics class taught by Linda O’Neill, and that simple project lit a spark that never went out. My mother-in-law, Shirley Copley, taught me how to crochet and encouraged me to follow my creative dreams. We continue to brainstorm and chat about our upcoming projects together, always finding new inspiration.

Years later, while working as an activities assistant at Garden Plaza at Cleveland, one of our residents, Ruth Hale, taught me how to sew a tote bag. That experience inspired me to start a sewing club called Material Girls, where residents came together to share creativity, conversation, and connection. The men who joined proudly called themselves the Material Dudes!

Around that time, I discovered a YouTube channel called Oklaroots, where Jessica guided me through the art of making bags. Through her videos and the social media sewing community, I made many amazing friends, people I’ve never met in person, but can always count on for help, advice, and encouragement. I also began showcasing my creations on social media as Crafty Copley, sharing my projects and connecting with fellow makers from around the world.

During COVID, I began making memory bears for the families of residents who had passed away. My friend Suzanne Womack, of Bearable Memories, showed me how she made her bears and introduced me to Fairfield Poly-Fil, the perfect stuffing. I’m so thankful for companies like Fairfield World that help crafters perfect their craft with quality products.

To date, I’ve made over 200 memory bears, and my creations have found homes in 15 states and 2 countries. One family even plans to take their memory bear on trips to Japan and the Winter Olympics in Italy. Sewing is more than a hobby for me, it’s my therapy, my creative outlet, and my way of spreading love and comfort through every stitch.

Memory Bears & Meaning

What inspired you to start your Memory Bears?

As a child, I always found comfort in stuffed animals. Holding something soft made me feel safe, and I carried that feeling with me throughout my life. A few months before my father passed away in 2005, I bought him a fuzzy stuffed bear from the hospital gift shop. He loved that bear so much, it never left his side. Seeing how something so simple could bring him comfort stayed with me.

Years later, while working at Garden Plaza at Cleveland, one of my residents, Barbara, shared an article that said we all need 4 hugs a day to survive, 8 to get by, and 12 to thrive and that each hug should last at least 5 to 10 seconds. It reminded me how deeply we all need love, connection, and acceptance.

During COVID, it was difficult to attend funerals or gather to grieve, and I kept thinking about that need for comfort. I started seeing memory bear patterns circulating online and decided to purchase a memory bear for the family of a resident who had passed away. When the pattern arrived, I thought, I can do this.

I found a memory bear pattern on Etsy. Though that shop has since closed, over time I’ve altered and shaped it into something I love. One day, I hope to design a brand new pattern of my own. Every time I sit down to make a memory bear, I can’t help but think, If my dad only knew… I get my craftiness from him.

Inspirations & Creativity

Are there any themes, colors, or materials you find yourself drawn to again and again?

I’m always drawn to bold colors, playful patterns, and a touch of whimsy. My absolute favorite fabric designer is Tula Pink. I love her vibrant use of color, hidden details, and the way her designs tell a story. Her fabrics spark my imagination and inspire me to explore new combinations and techniques.

When it comes to materials, I’m very particular about what I use. For all my crafts, I only use Fairfield World’s Poly-Fil stuffing. It gives my memory bears and other creations the perfect softness and shape. Over time, I’ve learned that the right materials truly make a difference, and Poly-Fil has never let me down.

I also have a few favorite fabrics I reach for again and again: woven cotton, canvas, waterproof canvas, and poly nylon. Each brings something special to a project.

My go-to shops for materials, threads, and notions are Stash Fabrics, Stitch Supply Company, Missouri Star Quilt Company, Fat Quarter Shop, Shop Oklaroots, Wonderground Fabrics, Fabric Therapy, and Juki Junkies. For that final personalized touch, I order my custom logo tags from Heartwood and Hide Company.

The Making Process

What’s one project that challenged you the most, and how did you overcome it?

Learning how to make memory bears was definitely my biggest challenge. I quickly realized how much the type of fabric affects the shape and form of the bear. Some fabrics worked beautifully, while others didn’t hold up the way I expected.

I spent a lot of time experimenting and eventually decided to alter the pattern to fit my own style and preferences. It took patience, trial and error, and a lot of determination, but through that process, I grew tremendously as a maker.

The biggest lesson I learned is to never give up. Every mistake is a chance to learn, and I truly believe that if you can see it, you can achieve it.

Behind the Brand

What’s the most rewarding part of sharing your work with others?

The most rewarding part of sharing my work with others is that it’s a way of giving back. Every piece I create carries a story, a connection, or a memory. Knowing that something I’ve made can bring comfort, joy, or even a smile to someone else means everything to me.

At the beginning of next year, I plan to make and donate heart post-surgery pillows to people in my community. It was one of the first projects the Material Girls and Material Dudes completed together, and I would love to do it again. I found a free pattern on Moda Fabrics, and it feels like the perfect way to reconnect with that spirit of giving.

Sewing has given me so much, and sharing it feels like my way of returning that gift to others.

Fun & Personal Touches

If you could collaborate with any other artist or brand, who would it be?

This year, I had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with Fairfield World and author Shelby Van Pelt. Inspired by her book Remarkably Bright Creatures, I created Marcellus the octopus for a special social media giveaway. The pattern, designed by Funky Friends Factory, brought the character to life in such a fun and meaningful way.

If I could collaborate with any artist or brand, it would definitely be Tula Pink with FreeSpirit Fabrics. Her creativity, bold colors, and imaginative designs have inspired me since I first started sewing. Partnering with her and FreeSpirit Fabrics would be a dream come true.

Looking Ahead

What upcoming projects or goals are you excited about?

My goal for the future is to start creating my own sewing patterns. I would love to design stuffed animals, ornaments, bags, and eventually my very own memory bear pattern.

After making so many bears over the years and tweaking different designs, I’m ready to create one that’s completely my own. My dream is to develop a pattern that’s beautiful, well-shaped, and easy for others to follow. Something that allows people to honor their loved ones in a special, handmade way.

It would mean so much to share a design that carries both comfort and creativity, helping others experience the same healing joy that sewing has brought to me.

A Stitch That Lasts

Lynda Copley’s work is a powerful reminder that handmade creations can hold more than fabric and thread. They hold memory, love, and healing. Through her memory bears and heartfelt projects, Lynda continues to turn creativity into comfort, one stitch at a time. Follow along with Lynda’s journey as Crafty Copley, and keep an eye out for the patterns and projects she’s dreaming up next!