When you can't come up with your own original ideas...
I have been in the maker business since 2002. I have been copied (down to the exact style of design) many times. I've even had my work bought and sold and passed off as someone else's work too.
It should come as no surprise to me that someone on the Glowforge community created a file exactly like my original work and is sharing it there for other Glowforge members to use.
How do I know? They linked directly to my work here on my site.
Unfortunately for me, there is nothing illegal about this. It is just disappointing. I know "nothing" is original anymore and no one "cares" how something is made. Its just sad that it is my exact design, including the star in a recreated file being shared. It is called a STARR flower for a reason. I created it to expand my use for vintage kimono fabric and have a collaboration product with my laser cutting company. I'm sure in no time there will be a new Etsy shop filled with Starr Flower copycats for sale as the file gets passed along. My husband John and I have experienced this a few times with our business together in the past 4 years. An Etsy shop opened up with a Happy Rain Cloud keychain copycat as it's only product. Just like this and previous experiences, I'll just shrug it off and create new original designs. Imitation is the best form of flattery right? But it doesn't feel that way though, I am human. An actual person who creates for a living.
As creatives, there are so many ways to take inspiration from a design and make it your own. Create something totally new with your own flair! If you like something you see made by a maker, compliment them, buy their work, be inspired by their work to make something of your own in your own style. When I teach classes on kanzashi making, I assure my students to do just that. You disappointment me Mr. Copycat. You could have at least removed the star(r).
xo-Thea
Dreamy Pastels
Dreamy Pastels - Thea Starr 2016
I'm a lover of bold colors. But I can absolutely appreciate softer more neutral tones and pastels.
I recently made this bouquet to have on display at Urban Craft Uprising Summer Show. My family and friends all noted that the color palette was not a usual one for me.
I tend to avoid the "basic" wedding color palette. I love being able to offer custom colors for brides who want something out of the ordinary. Even with this pastel arrangement, I incorporated a succulent grey green, with a perfectly pale pink both fabrics are cotton and come from the same kimono. Along with a soft cream ro kimono silk fabric.
Soft, subtle and timeless. A perfect heirloom keepsake for your special day.
This bouquet is now available in my shop.
xo -Thea
Mini Starr Flowers
Hi there! I hope my fellow Americans had a great Thanksgiving weekend. We had an excellent one with plenty of leftovers to allow me to not have to really cook for a couple of days.
Well, it's here! The week of Urban Craft Uprising. I'm busily packaging things up in preparation. This will be my last show with my flowers for this year. I will have my 6 by 6 Arts stuff at Crafty Wonderland in Portland, Oregon next week. Unfortunately, my laser stuff won't be at Urban Craft Uprising in Seattle. We didn't make the cut. But I will have my Starr Flowers at UCU! Brand spanking new mini ones at that.
I only have them listed on Etsy online at this time. I will have oodles on hand at the show this weekend for all you locals.
Available in maple or walnut woods and in two different designs. I chose a super grippy alligator clip with teeth for these. Something small should have a good grip so it doesn't get lost in your hair. Also, these clips are versatile! You can clip them onto your lapel, hat, scarf and more.
I'm looking forward to the show this weekend! I'll post more about my booth location and specials that I will have at the show later this week.
xo-Thea
Splitting up my time between the two.
Well, I got this fancy new blog and I've barely used it.
Last year I started a brand new business 6 by 6 Arts. We do laser cutting and engraving on and of quirky, geeky, Pacific Northwesty cool stuff. As you can imagine I've had to devote a lot of time to nurturing that baby. I've had to some balancing between the two companies. I did manage to do one collaboration between the two - The Starr Flower Brooch Pins. The hair clip version is coming soon. Here's a peek:
Coming soon! The Starr Flower - Hair Clip
I'm still buried up to my nose in beautiful fabrics and creating wedding bouquets and custom pieces. I will be vending at one show for certain this summer, perhaps more with my fabrics and kanzashi. But this weekend is 6 by 6's weekend. I'll be at Crafty Wonderland's Super Colossal Spring Sale. It's this Saturday (May 9th) 11 am to 6pm at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon. I will have a couple of the Starr Flowers on hand but the rest is all laser cut goods.
Never fear, my love for fabrics and flower making is strong. I'm not stopping this any time soon.
xo-Thea