Bearing burden of pain

Ruan's gratitude encouraged Xiao to keep on helping people by preserving the memory of their loved ones.

"With my crafting skills, it feels good to be helpful," she smiles.

Xiao has been kept busy balancing her work and the teddy production, with around 10 bears under her belt since she started last year.

On average, it takes her at least six hours to design, plan, cut, sew and complete a bear. She only charges about 300 yuan ($42.3) for the basic costs.

"My mother and some friends suggested that I use a sewing machine to alleviate the heavy workload, but as a craftswoman, I insist on sewing every stitch by hand," Xiao says, adding that she believes that hand-sewing can inject soul and life to her work.

To make sure each bear is safe for children, she sews every line twice. Sometimes, she sews a pocket to hold a photo or object belonging to the person to whom the bear pays homage by using additional clothing.

Once, she sewed a red, heart-shaped pillow to a bear.