Happy Saturday, y'all!
This week, I had a fellow artist very publicly accuse me
of stealing her idea and was very upset that I hadn’t cited her as a source on
this blog. The person I’m referring to
made a lovely cork creation. I’ve made
cork things before and, as you know, used the opportunity to showcase them in
my first blog post half a year ago when I started this blog. So, yes, I could have cited her as an “inspiration”
to pick up the corks again –I did talk to her online on a FB post in a comment,
but I guess that wasn’t enough. So I’m
sorry.
So, to clear the air, let me say a few things:
Corks are kind of a hot craft project right now. Like here, here, here, here, here and here.
I’m also sorry to the folks who had to see her posts and
were unfairly pulled into the drama by being named and my subsequent posts
setting the record straight. I would
have done this privately with you, but since you publicly called me out, didn’t
do your research and subsequently blocked me after I accepted your friends
request on FB, I wasn’t afforded that opportunity. And just so you know, my peeps that are
friends on FB don’t have to erase their comments. My FB page for the most part is not publicly seen
and I’m picky about the company I keep. They know they can say what they need to me
and own their words as I do mine. I’m also v. political and love spirited
debates from ALL parties, so if you take issue with something I say, please let me know. I LOVE it and embrace learning from others and try, try, try to keep an open mind. (And NO, we will NOT talk politics on this
blog. Period. I said, NO, Libby. LOL!!)
So, if you want to unblock me, talk *privately* as an adult, I’m all ears. What I won’t tolerate is DEFCON 3, apoplectic
public vitriol. How you handled this was like someone walking
into your home, taking a giant dump, not flushing and then walking out. As we Texans say, that dog won’t hunt.
My work right now is derivative. And because I do my homework, I know
that. I started jewelry making one short
year ago; I have a ton to learn and I’m taking an autodidactic approach. When I use a tutorial, I cite it. When I use someone’s product, I cite
it. If I see a fabulous creation from
those I admire, I cite it. I will make mistakes and I trust the people I
respect to let me know if I do something boneheaded and if I miss giving credit
where credit is due, please tell me! I
also trust that if they do this publicly, they do it in a kind and respectful
way – (If you want to swear a blue streak at me, please DM me xD).
With a couple of exceptions to fam and friends, I’m also not
selling my work until I’m comfortable knowing my stuff is up to snuff and that
may be a while. That’s why I truly respect those folks who have made a
signature style and brand for themselves. I own your creations and you know who you are.
It’s damn hard work and I’m nowhere near that level. I hope to be someday. I also hope that everyone will bear with me
and we can put this unfortunate episode to rest. Thanks for your patience with this long
winded post and I’m going back to making some more Small Stuff! -r xoxo
