Sweet Red Wine

March 28, 2017 by Thea Starr in Shop Update

I laughed out loud at myself when I was editing photos and noticed my dry skin on my fingers in the above photo. Its not meant to gross anyone out, but I found it funny because I went to great care ensuring that this piece would look it's best in the photos. And I go and wreck it with my hands that created that piece. Life of a handmade artist...

Kanzashi making is definitely a hands on process. After 15 years of making them, my hands have aged a bit. Totally worth it though. Recently, I've revisited a few of my older designs. Some of which, still are making the rounds around Pinterest. It has been fun to appreciate my own work and development of my craft, especially since I am completely self taught. It's inspired me to make some new pieces, especially for my shop here, not just my wholesale accounts.

There are two fresh items in the shop! Check them out, there's more to come!

xo-Thea

P.S. Today is my husband's birthday. He's awesome and I'm glad he was born.

Leaf Love

July 05, 2016 by Thea Starr in Shop Update

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

Burgundy and Cream Keepsake Bouquet | Thea Starr

Burgundy Cream - Keepsake Bouquet

April 04, 2016 by Thea Starr in Shop Update, Process

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

Mini Starr Flowers

November 30, 2015 by Thea Starr in Craft Shows, Starr Flower, Shop Update

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