Now For Something Completely Different...
Hi there! I've survived a wedding and a large show with my other company 6 by 6 Arts.
I'll have lots to post about in regards to our very DIY/handmade wedding in the very near future. But I wanted to share some information about the upcoming holiday season. For the first time in over a decade, I will not be at Urban Craft Uprising's Winter Show with my kanzashi.
Whoa.
It is a bit surreal after you're used to an annual event for so long it seems a bit weird to not have that on the list of upcoming events. Honestly, I didn't try very hard to get into the show. This company this year has taken a back burner to 6 by 6 Arts. Not because I'm not interested in my work or have a lack of business, I'm just branching and evolving into new works.
With that said, I will be at Urban Craft Uprising's 2016 Winter Show with my other company 6 by 6 Arts. For all of those who have asked me; "Where is my other stuff." Now is your chance! It will be 6 by 6's Seattle show debut. I'm very excited for the opportunity.
I will still be making and selling my kanzashi online and at my current stockists. So never fear, your forever flowers are still available, just let me know what you need.
For all of my long time customers, thank you so much for the continued support at the UCU show! I hope to see you all this winter, just at 6 by 6's booth this time.
xo-Thea
Vintage Kimono Fabric Sale!
Yesterday, I spent the majority of the day going through piles of my kimono fabrics. I was looking for specific pieces for a bouquet that I am working on for a bride. I noticed while digging I had inadvertently set aside pieces that "I can let go of". Meaning that I've had them for some time and that they've been out of rotation or that they are just unusable for kanzashi making. So I decided to do a "blue moon" thing and list a handful of random grab bag mixes.
Perfect for small projects, doll making, practicing making your own kanzashi or just general stash building. I typically only have these grab bags available at local craft shows. So grab them while you can! All the listings are available exclusively in my Etsy shop:
I am happy to pass on the fabric love. (Because it justifies purchasing more soon!)
xo- Thea
Bon Odori
This weekend the Bon Odori festival is happening in Seattle.
Seattle Bon Odori Flyer at Momo Seattle
I dropped off fresh new inventory along with some special kanzashi pieces at MOMO Seattle - 600 Jackson Street in Japantown/International District.
Momo Seattle
Those special kanzashi pieces are only going to be there for a limited time. So be sure to get them while you can!
While you're there in the neighborhood, be sure to explore the shops, restaurants and other notable places of interest (Thank you Pokemon Go!)
The Historic Panama Hotel
Walking up Jackson Street in the International District
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
Leaf Love
On the daily, I honestly use my Starr flower clips in my hair (more those will appear in the shop very soon). I have crazy natural wavy hair that flies all over the place. When I have somewhere to go, I toss in a flower or two from my personal collection of special pieces that I've hoarded over the years. But some days, it's just all about the leaves.
I typically will dye vintage kimono lining to a vibrant shade of green. As green is a little harder to come by when it comes to vintage kimono fabric.
They are simple, yet striking. I have yet to see the leaves look bad in a shade of hair color. Blonde, red, brown, black, white...it always looks great.
I have two sets readymade and available in my shop right now. They measure approximately 1.5" inches in diameter. They come as a set of two and are securely affixed to alligator clips with teeth that have excellent grip.
I hope my fellow Americans had an excellent holiday weekend. I had my house full with all of my kids home for the weekend. Those days are rare now so I give them my full attention when they happen.
xo-Thea
Work is my hobby
Urban Craft Uprising was a pleasure as usual. UCU attendees are faithful and fresh.
www.urbancraftuprising.com
I love seeing a familiar customer who freshens up their flower collections at every show. As well as being new to someone who's attending the show for the very first time. 💗
My display and I. Customers love the colorful display. I appreciate all the compliments about it.💗
Each show, I get a new request, a new idea and a new found love for my own work. I also appreciate the people behind making the show happen. The organizers, the volunteers and my fellow makers. Many who have become good friends over the years.
One maker, joked that work was their hobby. While that sounds horrible and ridiculous, many for us makers, it's completely true. And we love it. I came home and began working on 6 by 6 stuff, as well as wedding stuff too. Which is a task in itself. I'm strong and strong willed, but I have had a day or two of being overwhelmed with spontaneous crying. You know, days that are reminders that I'm human. 💁🏻
John came and helped me all weekend at the show.
I'm working this holiday weekend, but I am taking time off too since all of my babies will be home under one roof for a couple days. I gotta get my momming mode on. Happy 4th to my fellow Americans🇺🇸. Stay safe, thank a solider if you see one and have a good weekend!
xo-Thea
Prep Day
I *just* remembered that I can blog from my phone! Perhaps I'll post more now. 😁
New booth display sign by 6 by 6 Arts
I'm getting prepared for the awesome weekend that lies ahead at Urban Craft Uprising! New packaging, new booth display and new sign. If you've been following me for awhile, you know I have another company, 6 by 6 Arts. I've been asked by customers and as well as buyers who plan to attend the wholesale buyer's day, if I or 6 by 6 will be at the show. We will not be. At this time I am limiting my wholesale accounts for my kanzashi, due to scheduling. 6 by 6 is currently taking new wholesale accounts however, please contact us here for more information and our current linesheet.
I love that wholesale buyers have reached out to me directly and plan to attend the unique "tradeshow" experience that UCU is offering!
For the rest of you, (my people!!!) Here is the booth map for this weekend's show:
Booth 18!!!
I'll be in booth 18. I believe I am next to a new UCU vendor, Adina Mills. One thing that I absolutely love about the organizers of UCU is that they are fantastic with their placement of vendors. I am an "old timer" at the show and quite often, if not always, I am placed next to a new vendor. I love that!
It is a busy weekend in Seattle, so make sure you add Urban Craft Uprising to your to do list!
xo- Thea
Urban Craft Uprising - Summer Show THIS WEEKEND!
It's that time of year again! Urban Craft Uprising's Summer show is upon us, already! My life has been one big blur as of late. I don't blog as much as I used to (obviously), but I do now actively post on Instagram. With IG update for ease of switching between accounts, I make it a point to post more there.
This weekend I will have quite a few new things. Also, by request, I will be bringing gallon bags of vintage kimono fabric in. This year, I've slowed down production of my fabric flowers to focus on other projects I have going on and family things. But I still have accumulated large piles of vintage kimono fabric scraps. Somethings never change. :)
I hope to see some familiar faces this weekend! I'd love to get feedback on my new packaging. Which was slightly terrifying to make that change after so many years.
Here are the details for the show:
UCU Summer Show
Seattle Center Exhibition Hall
Saturday, June 25th & Sunday, 26th
11am – 5pm both days
xo-Thea
Burgundy Cream - Keepsake Bouquet
Burgundy and Cream Keepsake Bouquet | Thea Starr
I know I sound like a very broken record at this point. BUT a lot of time is invested into my other company 6 by 6 Arts most of my days and wedding planning too. I have set aside time to do what I love to do, make kanzashi. Particularly wedding bouquets. While I have a few readymade on hand at The Handmade Showroom in downtown Seattle, I haven't had much available online. I remedied that a little by listing this very timeless Burgundy and Cream Bouquet. I will post more selections as they become ready.
Since it is wedding season, I have pulled from my stash some kimono to deconstruct and begin the process of kanzashi making in different palettes. I am truly delighted when I find a beautiful fabric at the bottom of my storage bin and know that I can give it a new life.
Vintage furisode kimono with heavy embroidery.
*Full disclosure* and you already know this if you've been following me a while, I am fabric junkie. Since the day many years ago when I received a discarded kimono as a gift for quilting, I've taken a certain pride of bringing these beautiful pieces back to life. Out of all the things I do creatively, that makes me the happiest. How about you fellow crafter/makers out there? What do you create that puts a smile on your face? I'd really love to hear.
xo-Thea
Urban Craft Uprising Headquarters - Grand Opening TOMORROW
Hey there! Long time to no post. I did warn you though... Anywho...have you heard that Urban Craft Uprising has a brick and mortar store now!?!?! It's true! UCU HQ resides at 1932 2nd Ave - Seattle, WA 98101 and the grand opening is tomorrow!
For those of you who are familiar with that area will wonder why that seems familiar. It's actually where Schmancy used to be. Kristen, the super lady behind both Schmancy and UCU closed Schmancy's doors only to open new ones for UCU.
Sneak peek pictures have already been posted on UCU's Instagram and Facebook.
The grand opening is from 11am to 6pm. You can expect to see many familiar handmade wares of Urban Craft Uprising's vendors. Including yours truly! Mini kanzashi sets and single kanzashi flowers are in stock there!
I'm so excited that Urban Craft Uprising will have and actual store front! I can't wait to see it! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for an easy path across Lake Washington during the new 520 bridge's grand opening. So many exciting new things this weekend here in the Seattle area! I hope you all have a great weekend.
xo- Thea
Something About A Wedding
In my circles, yes even with the 4th decade of life pending upon a few of us, the wedding/marriage talk has been a big topic. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement, planning, congratulations and the general attention of a wedding. As one should. It’s a big life event! An event that puts on display your commitment to another person that you are openly confirming yourself to. There’s a lot of fuss about “things” but when it comes down to it – purpose for the event is what it’s all about.
Being a designer for "wedding things" - this is a topic I can handle with ease after all this time. I've created things for various types and styles of weddings. I've coordinated pieces with all the color palettes imaginable. I have lots of ideas for "things" and I thought It would be fun to share those simply through a Pinterest board.
There are so many incredible ideas to make your day custom to your likes. I can get lost in them. (And have helping out my friend with idea for her upcoming wedding!) All of the pins that are on that board are ones that I think are great and worthy of sharing. I have a private wedding idea board for my up coming wedding that I am currently sharing with my best friend. I'll open that board up after my wedding.
With that said, don't be surprised to see some posts about my up coming wedding. A few personal posts about marriage in general. Just keep in mind that these posts will be from someone who was married previously for quite sometime. For you younger folks who are entering marriage for the first time, I'll have different advice to share than those who have been married before like myself. Some things in life just have to be learned rather than lectured.
But don't worry kanzashi fans, I have lots of new works coming up to share too.
xo-Thea
Custom Work?
With a lack of posts (most are concentrated over at 6 by 6 these days) it makes one wonder if I'm still making kanzashi.
I am!
This year is a very special and full year for me this year so I am only taking a very limited number of custom orders due to time constraints.
If you are interested in getting a custom order quote don't be shy and send me a message.
xo-Thea
I am 39 today.
Some call today Christmas, some call it Friday, I call it my birthday. I was born on December 25, 1976. Having a birthday on Christmas is quite frankly bullshit. One birthday/Christmas present, no birthday parties, no free dinners at restaurants. My personal favorite is getting carded and having that person exclaim “Oh you’re a Christmas baby!!!”, as if I didn’t know. I’ve lightened up about it over the years. Mostly.
My second birthday 12/25/1978
I, however do have quite the positive outlook on aging. 39 is the end of an era. A new decade accolade is on my horizon and I am quite excited about it. I have earned this. I have been filling up the chapters of my life, much of which is filled to the brim with experiences, both good and bad. That’s life right? The sweet and the sour, the smiles and the tears. Like many of you, I have been dealt the short end of the stick many times in life. Some were due to poor choices I’ve made, some were good fortunes that fell upon me. I have lived a lot of life in 39 years. I earned it all and wouldn’t want to be younger or older. I am content with my choices even those hard ones I made. They all make me, me. “If I knew then, what I know now…” I’d probably find a new and creative way to screw it up. I am curious willful human.
I know this time of the year is very difficult for some. We all have lost someone who made our lives worth living and special. For me, it’s my dad. Every day I think of him. He was the best. He was so funny, resourceful, loving and quite the animated character. Every day I miss him. He’s been gone 11 years and it still hurts, particularly on my birthday. I do not share a similar relationship with my mother. She and I are like fire and ice. Maybe I was born mad at her for giving me such a crappy birthday? Days like today are never the same when someone is missing. It’s different. At first it’s hard but as time goes on it becomes okay and the hole left in your heart doesn’t feel as bad.
Or perhaps you are simply just not content with your life and allow some negative thoughts in when you see others share their happiness. I feel you, I’ve been there too. I’m not one to share and commiserate about woes much. I choose to take it on and conquer the thing in my way. I take it in and let it out. When I was younger it used to be rage and destructive behavior. Now it’s probably just another dozen white hairs pushing out. Watching my dad die gave me insight on life. It’s now or never. Really. We all have some cause that motivates us or keeps us sedentary. Whatever it is for you, I hope you can conquer it and go forward. And never feel bad about aging; it’s what we’re supposed to do. We have an undisclosed expiration date.
I welcome you 39. Good or bad, you’re mine.
To those who celebrate it, Merry Christmas.
Xo-The
I'm such a liar!
According to my last post that is! I failed to post about my booth location at Urban Craft Uprising Winter Show this past weekend. Yet, many still were able to find me there. It was absolutely wonderful to touch base with so many former and repeat customers! I love revisiting my previous pieces. I especially LOVE those of you who made the extra effort to come meet me in person after ordering from me online.
The one that got away... this particular flower was admired by two separate people but as any good craft show shopper, you have to do the rounds first before buying anything. But alas, I had to tell both of those folks who returned that someone swooped this up during their rounds. Lessons to be learned at craft shows - if you love it - just buy it! So many things have gotten away from me when I hmmed and hawwed.
Thank you so much! Thank you for supporting my fellow craftspeople and the event in general. We are a thriving community because of people like you.
I do still plan to list a few more things online, however I am in the midst of preparing to sell my other company's wares at Crafty Wonderland in Portland, Oregon this week! So all of my attention is on that right now.
Thanks again to all that stopped by my booth this past weekend! I am filled with gratitude for knowing and meeting the best people through my and other's handmade works.
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
Living on caffeine and wishing for more hours in the day.
Everyone wants something. I really just want more time to do all the things that I want to do. I knew it would be a challenge starting a new business in the middle of a life change. I've done okay (aside from the lack of updates in my shops which inspired this post) considering all of that and still doing domestic mom things.
Lunches for teenagers. I know, I know, crappy "granola bars" and chips. I am a firm believer of living a little.
I'll likely only be participating in two local shows with my kanzashi. Urban Craft Uprising and the Homemade Harvest in Redmond, WA this holiday season. I have a few stockists in the local area and I will share a list of them in an upcoming post.
I'm currently revamping the super popular Starr Flowers and will be offering more styles and sizes. So. Many. Itty bitty mini one inch kanzashi sets are in production at the moment. I hope to have fresh listings to share next week! Including the minis! Which I notoriously never post online because I rarely have them in stock.
Thanks so much for your patience and keep those emails coming! Sometimes I have just the thing in stock just not posted online.
xo-Thea
The Roller Derby Community Is Small But Strong
Next year marks the 10th anniversary of the roller derby league I founded in Everett, WA. Over the past 10 years with heavy to little involvement personally, I've had the opportunity to meet some of the most interesting and wonderful people possible. Roller derby as a sport has been spreading like wildfire all over the world. But the communities within derby are fierce and strong. When something good happens, the energy is the most intense and exciting energy you could ever experience. When something bad happens, it's across the board solidarity.
Last week the derby community lost a wonderful member Coach/Skater Rob Lobster (Robin Ludwig) from the Rose City Rollers to cancer.
While the derby community is small, it's often connected. Rob's sister is a teammate of mine on my home team Camaro Harem. Between my league and the many connections to skaters all over this region, he will be sorely missed. RCR has created a scholarship fund in his name:
The Rose City Rollers is humbled to announce the creation of the Rob Lobster Memorial Scholarship Fund. All money donated to this fund with go directly to help make the gift of roller derby more accessible to skaters in our adult league, helping to cover the cost of dues and insurance. We hope that this program will do his name justice and help bring the joy of roller derby to so many more folks. Please consider making a donation today. And please share this widely. Rose City Rollers All-Stars #RIPlobster#teamlobster #rosecityrollers
Rose City has established a derby scholarship fund in his honor: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx…
There is also a go fund me link to help with remaining medical bills:
https://www.gofundme.com/9j3iok
I know I have readers that are derby fans so I thought it would be good to share this information here too.
xo-Thea (Nova)