Now For Something Completely Different...

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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

 

Bon Odori

in ,

This weekend the Bon Odori festival is happening in Seattle. 

Seattle Bon Odori Flyer at Momo 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  

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

The Historic Panama Hotel

Walking up Jackson Street in the International District  

Walking up Jackson Street in the International District  

Xo- Thea

Leaf Love

in

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

in

Urban Craft Uprising was a pleasure as usual.  UCU attendees are faithful and fresh. 

www.urbancraftuprising.com

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.💗

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.

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

in

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

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.

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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!!!

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 Headquarters - Grand Opening TOMORROW

in

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

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 

I am 39 today.

in

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