Well folks! It has been a year. I’m not one to bring personal problems into my business posts, but let’s just say there were a lot of life changes that happened this year. There are some things I truly don’t and wont understand, some things that I will probably never have closure on- but you know what? It is what it is. Sometimes people enter and exit our lives in ways we just don’t understand.
I took the month of December to heal up a wrist injury (still got 2 more months ugh), some personal issues and to get over this darn flu. A lot of things have been put into perspective for me as of lately, and alls I can really do is keep moving forward. While it is saddening that some people may no longer be apart of my life moving forward, I do wish them the very best on their journey. I think one of the hardest things for me is feeling like I lost a piece of family with such a departure and not having someone there to share the wins and growth that has been happening with me. If it is one thing I miss, it is having someone to celebrate these wins with. I am very fortunate though to have an amazing family, friends, students and mentors who have been there for me though.
Anyways, without further ado- let me go move on with some changes I have planned in 2023.
New in 2023
So I am REALLY excited about this, and i’m not sure if and how this will all pan out- but I have a potential oppurtunity to become a brand new home owner in 2024! Providing things continue to grow and the permit doesn’t fall through. For those who are new to my page and stuff, owning a home has been a DREAM of mine for so many years. Not only would this allow me to continue to grow my business, but I will also be local- so all my clients won’t need to worry about shipping and what not. I can still vend at all my own shows and work on building my shop. OH, and added bonus- I can decorate it with ALL my laser work.
I plan on hiring a freelancer to help get my Bigcommerce ready to go. Aiming for late spring/ early summer launch. My wonderful little brother bought me a wireless Rollo, so i’m getting prepped! Things are happening.
With the addition of my new hat press (thanks Mom & Dad!) I will soon be adding hats and patches to my product line.
Some other opportunities are emerging, and I might also be adding a 3rd laser (2nd CO2) to my shop as well to keep up with the demand. My Dad has been helping me completely re-vamp the workshop to really make it workable. So i’ll have dedicated areas for everything I do- from laser work, to videos, to product showcase and even photography.
I hope to continue collaborating with designers and companies within the laser community who are growing, so keep an eye out! I love making content to help promote others too.
So long story short- BIG GOAL is to prep and get situated enough to move forward with this house, grow this business to the next step, hire some help and launch this shop!
My Ideas
I plan on implementing a schedule to try and keep my goals set. Not only will I be collaborating with others, but I want to get more into working on my patterns again as well as SVG files that I plan on listing once the amazing new marketplace CraftEazy launches.
I’d love to really get more videos in motion on my Youtube too. This includes not only featuring my various suppliers, but showing some of my tests, diy tutorials, featured designer files I purchase from, and more.
And before anyone asks me “Why do you buy files from other designers when you can make them”, the truth is I haven’t had much time to hand draw these days and there really isn’t anything wrong with supporting other creators. I also like to show my support to other artists and designers and enjoy using their files, re-working them and promoting them where I can. The same goes for my wonderful suppliers I purchase from too. You may notice when I post product images, I always try to credit the original designer of the file when possible, same goes for the supplier of my materials. As a designer myself, this is something I truly feel strongly about and WANT to give them the full credits they deserve. I look at it more as a license kind of deal- I purchase a file, modify it/ use it as I see fit, but essentially purchased the license of that file from another maker. I also work a lot with laser newbies who often need a point of reference to start and many of these designers have been involved with lasers long before I was and are fantastic resources. I am more than happy to send business their way. A bulk of the things I do is small scale like jewelry design, but if you notice- I often purchase files like signs, ornaments, sun catchers and more.
I think I covered quite a bit here. I’m still limiting my groups and where I post, frankly I just don’t have much time being in so many these days. I always try to answer messages on IG, FB, YT and email when I get them. Direct messages work best, but sometimes IG and FB filter messages into spam which can be problematic. A lot of my older messages seem to disappear too- so if it’s over a month old, it’s gone.
I hope everyone is doing well here too! I am getting around to approving and going through the older comments from a month back (whoops my bad), so sorry folks.
Oh no! I am so sorry girl. Not sure if your loss is a significant other or a close friend, but I truly am sorry. It is always hard. It doesn’t sound like they passed and if they did I am ultra sorry and don’t mean to sound insensitive. I am here to talk if you need to. You know you have me and plenty of other people to share your accomplishments with. I get it tho. My best friend of 15 years just stopped talking to me and moved across the country with her boyfriend and she and I… Read more »
Hah how are you commenting so quickly? Out of curiosity, do you get an email alert when I post a blog? I was always curious how that all worked. I’d love to know hahaha. Thank you for the concern too, it really means alotl. This person didn’t pass on (thankfully), but he did go his own way in life and pretty much vanished from mine without a word. I try to not talk personal on here, but he was a huge part of my life for the last 3 and a half years and he was a part of many… Read more »
I saw that you commented on my older post before this as I have it subscribed LOL. I get an email alert when I get a comment. Hope that helps. Don t worry about the icon either. That is minor lol. Aw. I get it now. I’m so sorry hun. XOXOXO from me. People can be a big part of our lives and there isn’t anything wrong with feeling the way you are feeling and our situations impact our work in so many ways. Just know that you have people who do want you in their lives. I know you… Read more »
WOAH. Thank you! I had NO IDEA that was even a thing. Just tested it out and confirm it works! I see on my end I get alerts when people post comments, but never knew how it worked for commentors. Hah I admit iv’e had a margarita here and there. Honestly I haven’t been drinking as much with the flu in all- trying to stay hydrated. I do appreciate the kindness though. Just going to keep on plugging away at life. I don’t think you can tag other members on here, at least I haven’t figured out how to yet.… Read more »
I got your comment on the other post but didn’t see the recent blog updates. Strange. Not sure if my other post went through. I did not see that post. Did you see the present post? Someone made a gift box and wrapped gift looking pair of earrings and someone else got upset claiming they were the first one to do shapes inside a shape? Probably the same person you saw. This person actually called out shape inside shapes. I didn’t know that was a thing that was patrolled. The more posts I see the less I interact with communities… Read more »
Hi, I would kindly like to ask you to explain how my “Teachers Pet” designs are not copywriten and trademarked by me? I designed them and posted them in the groups such as [removed] and [removed]. I know you are referencing my designs as I take pride in my work to make sure they are not stolen and posted across the internet so I issue take downs and messages when I see people ripping off my work. I work with inlays in all my designs and came up with teacher styled inlays so I own all rights to the idea… Read more »
My work
Hi Mari. I approved your post because I want to clarify some things with you as I see this a lot, also as one designer to another. I think this will be very helpful to those starting out and getting into designing their own files. Giving you a gentle reminder that I do not allow any names, groups or links to be posted here- so you will see your post has those removed. Iv’e had issues in the past with people getting bullied on some posts so I ask to please keep this tame. I am ok with you posting… Read more »
Hi. I know it is about me because I invented the chalkboard earring and the pencil earring. Are you saying I cannot protect my idea of chalkboard earrings with shapes inside shapes and text? Even if I added the text and fonts myself? So even my short phrase of back to school I cannot own? It says typeface I cannot copyright in that document so how can I make it so I can protect my work then? This is all very confusing to me. I see you draw axolotls but I see lots of other axolotl art out there and… Read more »
Hi Mari, While I do not allow names to be posted on here (as I mentioned), you are actively bringing this up- so I feel it is within my reach to try and help educate you as this is my site and blog, and I really want to help you get to that next step with your design work (that’s what I do- I help those with lasers and design). You cannot protect your work as it stands with the artwork as it is, it’s just too basic. Like I said, you can protect it once you start customizing it-… Read more »
So if I can’t copyright my basic shapes as you are saying can I copyright the materials used? If I make my earrings out of wood and acrylic can I copyright that so other people can only use wood and acrylic if they purchase my files? Can I copyright the size? If I make the files and earrings 2 inches can people only use the rectangles at 2 inches if they buy my files? I guess I am trying to prevent people from also selling chalkboards that are similar as mine and the same size as mine when they should… Read more »
Hi Mari, You cannot copyright the materials used to make earrings. Same with size. They are still basic shapes. I understand the struggle and frustration of feeling like you are getting ripped off, but worrying about that will only take away from the time you could be spending creating and making more designs. Try to not think about what others are doing. It happens to all of us. Someone releases a farm sign, then a week later another one does. I released a lemon design then a week later, someone else did. It’s how it goes. Iv’e had people upset… Read more »
I guess I never looked at it as bullying. As someone who has been bullied as a kid that is the last thing I want. How can my reputation get ruined though? I have reported dozens of people to group admins and their comments and on the past on my shop site cause I felt they were stealing. How could this backfire? Can you please explain what happened when you faced this so I know what to expect? Can I ask you to please also change the name in these comments so if someone reads them they do not reflect… Read more »
Mari, I am not sure if you are familiar with the TWD group, but you should look at the huge lawsuit going down with the easter lady. She’s getting sued for filing false claims all over Etsy and the internet. She was issuing fraudulent claims claiming she owned trademarks and rights to things she actually did not, and pissed of a lot of people. Be careful. Not trying to be rude about this but with the stuff you are claiming, this could very well happen to you. I can message you more info if you want to learn and read… Read more »
Hi. No I am not sure what that is. I only reported in groups my designs are not for sale just yet as I was working on the files. How can I check the lawsuit? Yes can you please email me or can someone message me the group so I can join and check thank you.
Mari,
I can email you the group and info going around- I know exactly what Amanda is talking about. It’s been an ongoing suit since last fall. I really don’t want to mention it here in the event of getting flagged by SEO lol.
Hi. I went to go search Etsy and saw someone else has almost the same heart design I thought of. Will this cause problems? I am sending a link [removed] and you can remove it but please let me know cause now I don’t think I can post my design cause someone else beat me to it. I see this shop has some basic shapes similar to things I designed. I have never seen or heard of this person or their shop before up until searching today. Please give me guidance. I am really upset right now because I thought… Read more »
Hi Mari, You will notice there are a lot of similar designs out there on Etsy and the internet in general. I am familiar with the shop you sent. Alls I will say is those designs in question are extremely basic and expect that person to go after you (they did to me over a heart inlay and mine looked nothing like theirs). I won that case- there were zero similarities minus the heart inlay within the design and they often file false claims against shops for no reasons, or so I am told by others. I would honestly avoid… Read more »
Hi. Thank you for that advice. I think that person is the same person getting upset at me for posting a photo of my heart design too. I will send them a similar post like you sent me. It sounds like if they are acting like this they won’t stop and will annoy people until they get banned? I don’t want to get banned but I also don’t want to get bullied by this person either. Maybe I will try to draw some shapes and make them look different. I really don’t want my shop to get reported when I… Read more »
Hi Mari, Some people will nag others to get rid of “competition”. Others are just new and have no idea. That is the thing with basic designs, anyone can take a circle or heart and turn it into earrings or an inlay. There isn’t anything unique about it. The photo you sent again, is super basic. It’s just a heart as earrings. Anyone can make and do them and sell a file. I guarantee you there are TONS of options like that on Creative Fabrica and Design Bundles too! They have no right to claim that design as original. It’s… Read more »
Well the group made a post about copying and I am no longer a member so I guess they kicked me out cause of that heart design the other member reported me for. That is so dumb I can’t believe it. They even said they wouldn’t do that for members who make basic shapes.
Id like to hear about your groups please. I can’t believe that happened I was a active member in there since I got my laser and they really did this to me.
Hi Mari,
I am very sorry to hear that. Unfortunately, this is a very common thing. One lady in another group of mine today had the same thing happen to her as well. Some groups also have affiliates and sponsors, so if they see anything remotely close to a designer/ mod/ admin- they often take the defense and boot.
I’ll have to make a list of trusted groups I like. I’ll send you an email of ones I trust, how about that?
Yes please send me the email. I am very upset about this. Can you report these people in other groups? That heart person is going to probably start it there as well. I don’t want to go through building a community and then have them ban me cause someone else said they started heart design. Can you warn the other group about that person? and do you have a group? I just cant get over this and how wrong this is. I guess it has come back to bite me cause I reported people for stealing my shapes and now… Read more »
I do mod some groups and am working on my own. If I see such people join I usually try to give admins heads up with problematic members.
I am in the process of making a group! I will make an announcement here once I get to that point.
Unfortunately, like I said- sometimes groups have admin/ members who they side with, even when it comes to things like basic shapes and concepts.
Hi. I saw a lawsuit post for making mouse ears does that mean I cannot use two circular shapes that look like ears? I was going to make a bubble design and make them stacked but can I get sued if I put two bubbles next to each other and they look like mouse ears?
Hi Mari! So sorry I didn’t see this until now. Yes, I am familiar with the lawsuit you have in question. From my understanding, making actual generic mouse ears is legal, BUT if you use things that represent or make one thing of Disney (like trying to knock off their official products), you could get yourself into hot water. The lawsuit you mention actually is much more involved and isn’t actually over the mouse ears, but the tags used and IP that Disney owns which other makers were clearly profitting off of. I am no lawyer though, this is just… Read more »
@Daniel C seeing if this tag will work here
I do not get tag alerts I only get comment posts and that is by blog. For some reason I cannot get blog updates unless there is a comment being replied to. It looks like I have some reading to do.
I read the insta post and was hoping you’d get back into file making. I wanted to ask for more Axolotl earrings and jewelry if you can. I do not do inlays but prefer your illustration studs. I think they are the quickest and cutest and the most unique around. I really hope you will sell some file bundles as well. That would be amazing.
I am catching up on the last post and sorry I did not see the updated post. I get the subscribed comments but not the latest blog posts. But if someone replies to my older comment I can get alerted. Just wanted to let you know. The blog posts also show up as having 0 comments but when I click there are comments. I am sorry to hear about your sickness and breakup. I assume breakup please correct me if wrong. Keep your head up and remember to take some time to focus on yourself. The dating days are way… Read more »
Hi Daniel, Thanks for letting me know. I’ll have to look into that. I don’t see it on my end- what computer/mobile (windows, mac) and browser are you using, if I may ask? I guess breakup/ falling out are the words for it. Iv’e been so busy with the holiday rush it’s honestly kept me from overthinking, but now that things are slowing down- i’m finally able to take some prep time. I do appreciate the kinds words. The shop is goals! It’s been in the work for what, 2 years now? I’m still dishing out $32.00 a month on… Read more »
Just a FYI you should go with an Aeon for your 2nd CO2. I cannot speak high enough about them and you will get the in with some of the groups for your work if you want to be strategic. Also so much better than some of the other garbage brands out there. Keep that in mind. We would love to have you in the Aeon fam.
Hi Janice,
Sorry I am so late here! Thank you for the info. I have quite a few friends who went the Aeon route. I am not sure what I am going to go with yet and if I even have the space right now, but I will consider it. 🙂 Thank you!
Do you think I can pay you to photograph some earrings I did? They are small and just need scrap. Primarily inlay designs. I love your photos and really want to get some done and maybe you can make me a matching set of insert cards as well? Let me know your price gurl.
Heyoo! Sorry for the delayed reply. Sure! I want to start offering this service more. Email me at kristina@kristhecreative.com 🙂 Send me your logo and what info you would like on the card and I would be happy to!
CAN I JUST SAY I LOVE THIS THANK YOU GIRL YOU ARE THE BEST. You can share this to your social if you want. I just don’t have any social presence to let you tag me to and I intentionally plan to keep it that way to avoid drama lol. So worth the $. Please post your services more and I will let my laser friends know.
Yay I am so glad! I’ll schedule it next week with those posts! 🙂 I just posted the blog with the service details, so feel free to share it about.
Hi. Can I purchase your services to hand draw earrings files that I can put in my shop? Like if I send you a basic shape and you can draw it and pose it like this? Is this part of your services? thanks.
Hi Mari, So I actually don’t offer hand drawn services in the sense that you can sell the files themselves, BUT if you have a shape (like your chalkboard) and want to have me illustrate some designs for it to sell- i’d be happy to talk about a license with you. Giving away the full rights to things that can be re-sold is a pricer option and risk for me, so please do keep that in mind. I’m not sure if it is something you’d be interested in. If you are asking about me testing your files and photographing them,… Read more »
Hey I guess I should have really read your post before commenting and jumping into the comments. I found your page from a friend in my group who mentioned she comes to your blog for resources and ideas and I guess I knew some comments were about me even though nobody said my name so I freaked. I am Sorry to hear about your breakup and here I am going off. My last breakup was one of the hardest things I have gone through so I feel for you. It took me a year to feel a little bit normal.… Read more »
Also I was looking through your projects and Idk if the valentine shadowbox was something you made for the guy who break up but the project was really sweet and thoughtful and I am just so sorry for all that I really feel for you and my heart goes out to you. I shed a tear. Reminds me of myself. I am crafty and always try to make gifts and they usually end up in the trash or at the discount store. I made my friend a mug once and worked so hard on it and a year later saw… Read more »
Ah yes! That was actually my first shadowbox I ever made. I’m in an ok spot mentally looking at those things honestly (it is what it is), but maybe i’ll hide it just out of respect. At the same time, it was my first ever valentines- and it was a very proud moment for me looking back. 🙂 I am so sorry that you had that happen to you. I saw someone in one of my craft groups, a very elite clay maker (she makes flower pots) and i’m talking like $150.00 flower pots she sells all over the globe.… Read more »
Hi. A couple years ago you did up the rude candy heart sayings. I’m seeing people post them around Instagram now with similar colors and sayings. Wanted to let you know so you can report them as seen fit. Some profile names are [removed], [removed] and [removed] if you want to look into it. Sorry this is happening to you. I’m a big fan and own your original products and not any fakes or impersonations. Keep strong.
Hi Sarah! Thank you for reaching out and for telling me your concerns. I did remove the links to protect other artists and businesses, however I did check them out. I do not own the candy heart designs (also cannot copyright basic shapes as hearts) and the sayings are different than mine, also using different fonts (which also cannot be copy written, fun fact!). So we are all good and in the clear here! One of those shops are actually one of my laser friends too, who purchased a laser from me! So it’s completely fine for other people to… Read more »