Inspiration not imitation, illustrated

9.16.08

An example of inspiration, not imitation.

Here's a netted collar by Adrienne Gaskell, which will be published in the Nov. Dec. issue of Step by Step Beads. I was inspired by the palette and technique, and created 2 bracelets. Does anyone think these look like I copied her design?

Imitation or Inspiration

Inspiration or Imitation, and why I care.

9.13.08
The battle rages, and among beaders, no less. Is it kosher to copy someone's design if they see it as a tutorial project someplace, and recreate that project, then sell it? I'm not talking about the whole "Who invented peyote?", which everyone knows is not the point. I am talking about using someone else's exact design and making a profit from it, without permission from the original creator. Sometimes there is a very distinct line between inspiration and imitation, as in my case.

This is my original O-ring design, first sold online in my own site, then published in Step by Step Beads and referenced on Beading Daily. I sell many versions of this, and people recognize it as one of my signature designs, especially the use of the rubber ring and rubber cord, and the prominent inclusion of the thread as part of the design.

These other pendants were found online, on the same art-for-sale Web site where I sell my work. Let me ask, inspiration or imitation? Should I care? They were underselling me, too.
My blog, my rant. One artist was nice enough in their reply to my request to stop selling my design, the other didn't at all understand why I was angry and was actually quite spiteful.

Go figure. You'd think we beaders would look out for each other in a world where overseas producers are ripping off artists left and right!

Still beading

As if a anyone was still even checking my posts. I am still beading, just too busy to post anything. How do you find time/make time to bead??

O-ring O-riginal

Thank you everyone! I am thrilled at the response to my O-ring design.

Complete instructions for this project will appear
in the March April 08 issue of STEP BY STEP BEADS.
Look for it in bead, book and craft stores mid February!

Who's going to the Tucson Bead Shows 08?

I'll be trying to do a daily blog from Tucson , the first two weeks in February. The shows include beads, tools, findings..fossils, gems, treasures from all over the world... with almost one hundred hotels, tents, halls, gyms and gypsy camps plus a couple resorts and a mansion full of gem, jewelry, mineral and fossil shows...talk about a rush!

Big beads in Tucson!

Beading Daily

Are you Beading Daily? I am beading nightly, but it's the same thing. Whatever the time, I am one of you who must bead, need to bead, on a regular basis. Beadingdaily.com is a portal to a fix, a cure, a moment of zen, a treat, an indulgence, a distraction..from the stress and foibles that plague us. It's a cool place to go to be with those of a like mind!

One thing I don't let plague me is the mess on my table. Case in point. Here's what's on my table as of this morning.




The paw has a puss attached. Meet Tai.

10.9.07 The Uncommon Quilter

If you want to be truly inspired to play with texture, color, personal journaling and simply making art, get a copy of THE UNCOMMON QUILTER by Jeanne Williamson (Potter Craft, Random House). Jeanne has been creating small quilts every day for years, each one a page in her life. (She has other accolade-worthy achievements but this is about her book!)

Now, I do not make quilts. I am a beader, but let me tell you, THE UNCOMMON QUILTER still gets my fires burning! Jeanne's explorations make me want to MAKE stuff. The book itself is superbly designed; modern and bright, it seduces you with lush full page, full color images and easy to follow projects. Yes, this is a HOW TO book! What it really teaches amidst the step by step projects is how to make your own creative discoveries, walking by Jeanne's side as she has made hers.

Share a remarkable journey with a highly creative artist, and become one yourself, with THE UNCOMMON QUILTER.
http://www.theuncommonquilter.com./