Super Mario Circle Skirt and vintage fabrics in my Etsy shop

I don’t know why it slips my mind to post here when I upload a video. But here we are.

I recently turn a Super Mario bedsheet into a circle skirt.

It was a fun make, but the fabric was horrid. I go into that in the video.

Speaking of fabric, I have recently uploaded some vintage fabrics from my stash into my Etsy shop.

Why not here you might wonder? Well, Etsy’s SEO is quite good for that sort of thing and I’m taking advantage of it. Also, shoppers there are like Amazon shoppers. They seem to careless about the aesthetics of your shop as a whole and are just interested in the products. So, its easy to just toss up some random goodies in my shop over there. Maybe I’m wrong, but so far its been working for me.

I’m currently editing a new video for tomorrow whilst sitting in front of a fan. I do whatever I can to avoid the sun and the heat during the summer. Some people complain about the rain and gray skies, I complain about the sun and the heat.

More tomorrow! xo-Thea The PNW rain lover.

On Our Menu - Vegetable Pancit Bihon

This is an accompanying post to a video on my channel linked below. (Available May 19, 2020 12pm Pacific.)

I loathe big stories before the ingredients list when I am looking up a recipe. So, I’m going to give you the details right up front.

Basic recipe ingredients:

• 1 8ounce package of Excellent Brand Rice Stick (We used 2 packages in this video.)

• 2 carrots julienned

• 1 medium yellow onion sliced

• 4 cloves of garlic (at minimum) chopped (We used 8 cloves.)

• 2 stalks of celery sliced

• 1 cup of snow peas sliced

• 2-3 cups of cabbage or bok choy sliced (We used bok choy.)

• 2+ tablespoons of soy sauce (to taste)

• 1 tablespoon of Filipino fish sauce (optional)

• 1 small lemon sliced and seeded

• Ground black pepper to taste

• A neutral oil like canola for the pan.

• Water if needed. (Traditionally, chicken stock is used.)

• Optional but traditional (chicken, pork and shrimp) small bite sized pieces cooked after the onions and garlic. Or as Jina says in the video use leftover meat.

Basically follow the steps in the video and you’re good. This a very tasty easy side dish or meal to make.

Substitutions:

• If you cannot find the Excellent Brand of Noodles at the store or on Amazon like I can. Maifun rice stick noodles also can work.

• Tamari. I get asked this a lot from my gluten free friends. Yes, you can substitute tamari for soy sauce.

• Also, as stated in the video I cannot confirm whether or not if the noodles I used are gluten free or not so I will leave that up to you to discover.

“A person I know makes it differently.”

Ahh yes, that is one of the greatest joys in life isn’t it? We all add our own personal touches to dishes that make it ours. I personally have never tasted to lasagnas that are the same.

This is a tried and true version for us that I learned to make from my mom and stepmothers. (All of my stepmothers were Filipino too.)

Are you sure you’re Filipino? You don’t look like it. Also, should you be making a Filipino dish if you’re only “half”.

I have laughed in someone’s face when I was asked am I sure that I am Filipino. If you knew my mom, you’d know she’s undoubtedly my mother. I just happen to look like the other parent that created me.

I am proudly Filipino with a sprinkling of another Asian heritage. My children (who are a quarter Filipino with darker skin than I have) and I are white passing. Genetics are wild like that. However, as many biracial people will attest, we are whole people with blended heritages. This is my cultural experience and I get to claim it. Just like I get to claim my German heritage from my dad.

Left - Thea’s Mom. Right - Thea’s Lola (Grandma) 1970s.

I did not have the “typical” white American childhood. My mom suffered from culture shock when she came to America and I witnessed a lot of that. I also went to school with “smelly” lunches and other “typical” “my mom is from another country and speaks another language” stuff.

My children have a Lola (tagalog for grandma) and got to experience very Filipino things too.

Like with many cultures, I, and now my adult children get to express their appreciation for our heritage through the dishes we make. Sharing a meal with your people, friends or family is the best way to show fellowship for a lack of a better term. If you’ve ever met a Filipino, you’d know there’s nothing more that we like to do. Share a meal, sing, dance and have togetherness. I am proud to share this little of togetherness with you.

Mabuhay.

Thea

Some favorite thrift finds and my first button down blouse.

John and I had a vintage hard to find Legoland Castle set(s) to share this week on my channel. So, I thought it would be fun to share a couple of our favorite thrift finds too.

In other news, I made my first successful button down blouse. I’ll be dedicating a post to this in the future as I am currently making more. I am genuinely surprised that I got the fit right in the bust, but boy howdy - I am stoked about it.

In other sewing news, a neighbor in my local Buy Nothing Group offered up a big box of vintage sewing patterns. I was on it and was lucky to be selected.

There are so many goodies in there, I can’t wait to try a few of them.

Sorry to those of you who follow me for my kanzashi work. I just haven’t had any new projects that are completed to share. I still do make them. Also, I am indulging this sewing bug that I have. I really do appreciate the support and encouragement on my sewing projects.

Tomorrow’s blog post will be a long awaited one and it’s a recipe. So come back tomorrow for that.

xo-Thea

Vintage 1970's Nishijin Pachinko Machine + Mother's Day 2021

1970’s Nishijin Pachinko Machine

I took a hint and a few nudges and very recently started sharing some vintage things I’ve happened upon or acquired. First was my 1940’s Vanity. That was on my wishlist for so long, I felt it warranted a dedicated vlog/blog post.

Just a few days after acquiring my vanity another long wished for item was checked off of my list.

A vintage Pachinko Machine!

After some Mother’s Day shenanigans, John and I share a bit about the machine in my video this week. John did have to do some light repair with more to do in the near future. It is fully functional and super fun. it is everything I hoped it would be. As mentioned in the video, we do intend to mount it on a wall of our family room and do an entire photoshoot around it. Because, it’s us.

Admittedly, the entire reason I’ve wanted one is due to the movie Kamikaze Girls. That movie influenced so many aspects of my life when it came out. I often say that my aesthetic is a cross between Kamikaze Girls and Morticia Addams. At least I aspire it to be that.

My bebes doing pictures right.

My Mother’s Day was a good one. One of my long standing gifts for Mother’s Day is a group photo. As you can see, we get creative with that too. I love my brood, they are a fun bunch. I am extremely lucky.

Not sure where Trevor is for this picture but this is one of my favorite pictures from this weekend.

For those of you who follow me for fabric, you are in luck. This week I am adding some new vintage fabric yardage (That’s right yardage!) to my Etsy shop. I have some incredible mid century deadstock fabric that I plan to take an obscene amount of photos of.

Stay tuned for that.

xo-Thea

I made a dress out of a bedsheet.

If you’ve been with me for awhile, you know i am all about repurposing vintage fabrics. I reuse all that I possibly can reuse from a damaged vintage kimono. A few years ago while thirsting I started to notice some really pretty patterns on some vintage bedsheets. I had the intention to use them to make curtains and decorative hold things with them. But it dawned on me that I could use them to make dresses.

There’s tons of fabric to use! It’s more affordable than heading into JoAnn’s for a some fabric.

In my video this week, I talk a bit about it.

xo-Thea

My 1940's Vanity

In the hub-bub of last week on a supply run to the fabric store I popped in to Goodwill that was on the way. The thrift gods directed me there to present me with a find that has been on my want list for a very long time.

A 1940’s vanity set.

Obviously this warranted a full vlog post about it. I explain why I wanted one so badly as well as some recent failed attempts on getting one.

xo-Thea

Designs in limbo - Laser cut creepy Valentine.

Thea Starr | Be Mine Valentine

Typically, I would share this sort of thing over at 6 by 6 Arts, but I felt this was a bit more of a personal design. Also, these days I have my hand in many projects, why not use this blog a hub for everything.

I recently shared this on my personal IG account. It is a design in limbo. It was meant to be a valentine for my girlfriends. This is actually just the first iteration of it. The final ended up being a bit better.

However, at the last moment I worried that some of my friend’s really wouldn’t appreciate the creepy spiderwebs, So I withheld the gifts.

It was meant to be a brooch.

I should add that I don’t do Valentine’s as a holiday. I just got overwhelmed with work during the holiday season with John working outside of 6 by 6. My plate was just too full until after New Years. I thought it was a good idea to send friends a “random day” gift instead of a holiday gift.

With my fear of the creepy spiderwebs not being for suited for all of my friends, it was back to the drawing board as they say. It took awhile but I think I’ve come up with a good replacement. I know I am a tease for saying that and not sharing anything, but I promise I will once the new thing has been sent.

It’s off season - (I rarely design within the coinciding seasons), I am a tease with information and yes, I do plan to produce these. The better version of it that is.

I know this is so random, but welcome to my life! Being a creative maker for me is being completely random often in large amounts then I go into a dry spell.

Let me know what you think about my spider web valentine. Too creepy for you or just right?

xo-Thea

My first linen dress and John's birthday. (Vlog)

An Original By Thea Starr - Burnt Orange Linen Dress with pockets and an attached tie belt.

Yesterday was John’s birthday. There’s still not a whole lot one can do to celebrate a birthday. But we made the most of it and had an excellent day. I give a little run down in my vlog below.

No about that dress. You can see me wearing it in the vlog video too.

I got the fabric from a thrift store for $3.99. It was just a smidgen over 2 yards of fabric. It’s a warm burnt orange shade that I don’t think I’d choose for myself. But the thrift store gods provided and the pricing was on my side.

I had never sewn linen before and I learned quickly that you can’t make too many mistakes with it due to the nature of the weave. It’s some squirrelly stuff. But I love my linen store bought clothing so much I’m willing to try to make my own.

Vintage coordinating floral cotton fabric for the pockets.

I didn’t have quite enough fabric that the pattern called for. I made some length adjustments (the pattern was for a midi length dress) and I opted to use a vintage cotton floral fabric for the pockets.

I ran out of vintage buttons! I only needed one more to be able to have enough to make it fully functional (and modest) dress. Until then, I’m wearing it as a tunic with leggings which is pretty awesome in my book.

I’m definitely ready to take on my next linen project now that I know what to expect with it. Being the fabric nerd that I am, I’ve read up on the history of linen. Truly amazing. Even the wikipedia page for linen is an interesting read.

I hope you’ll enjoy the video and I hope your Monday has been a good one. xo-Thea

Domestic Adventures - Ginger Beer

This is sort of a flash back post in a way. These days my main content is fabric based. Once upon a time I posted recipes regularly and shared what my growing family was up to. The current “season” of my life is a bit different. I’m learning to cook smaller meals since my nest is emptying. Which in turn adds to the benefit of focusing on foods and drinks that are more adult geared.

Enter ginger beer. John and I recently became ginger beer obsessed. We love the bitey taste. The only bummer is that the really good ones are pricey. So, off to the internet I went to see how ginger beer was made. I quickly discovered it sounded “easy” to make at home.

“Ginger Bug” mush.

Easy in quotes because there are steps involved. First - you need to make a ginger bug. I basically followed this recipe. It does take some dedication, but so far it’s been worth the effort to me.

Draining the liquid from the mush.

My current dilemma is attaining really nice affordable sealing flip top bottles. Good ones that keep things super air tight. I do not recommend the IKEA ones.

The good-good.

My personal tips are : Make sure everything is clean. Use filtered water. Be mindful of the temperature of where you store it. Fermentation time will vary due to temperature. Get really good sealing bottles.

Juicing lemons for the beer.

Since I’m new to this recipe I don’t feel comfortable giving a step by step walk through. So, Im just sharing some pictures of the process I follow.

Remember any home brewing is risky and always be wary of anything that smells off or looks bad.

The final mixture. Ginger bug juice, lemon juice, simple syrup and water.

My kitchen is usually a laboratory anyways, so this was a welcome addition. When it warms up I will be adding kombucha back to the mix too.

Below you can see that I don’t have any of the fancy things, Just some cotton cloths and mason jars. I wash and sterilize everything weekly. Even the sourdough starter jar.

A corner of my kitchen counter. The ginger beer fermenting in the left back. Sourdough starter front and center. My ginger bug in the back right.

I hope that helps those of you who asked questions on IG & FB. AGAIN I am not an expert of even a super proficient at this so Google your pants off on the topic and adventure at your own risk.

xo-Thea

The end result. I drink it as is or with a splash of vodka. :)

So what's up with all the sewing?

Today I used my vlog to address that question. While I did film it in a constant blurry vision state today, my sights are clear on my sewing intentions.

Nothing is happening right away, but I am starting to get requests just from the work I’ve already shared and I wanted to say something now.

I am not sorry for staying at home and being there for my kids when they were little. I feel so very lucky and wholeheartedly thankful for that opportunity. Things didn’t start off with like for me, my eldest was 7 years old when I made that change. My life and it’s hurdles pushed me to continue on that path up until last year. Although, I have to say that my kids who are all adults now, seem to need me more than ever. Not for daily basic things, but for adulthood sounding boards and perspectives. What life season to be in.

I am going to take this opportunity and do what I can with it. Whatever keeps me playing with fabrics for the rest of my life. My handmade clothing is coming. I don’t know when or how many things I can offer at once yet. But I know it will be something and I will share all the details here and on YouTube.

Don’t worry, I’m going to keep making my flowers until my hands won’t let anymore. The same goes for all of my 6 by 6 Arts with my husband. This is just some bonus action. Stay tuned!

xo-Thea

Everyone needs a cape.

I made this cape with one yard of wool tartan that I picked up for $1.99 at my local thrift store.

I’ve been sitting on a yard of wool tartan fabric for a bit now. I decided after being influenced by some Youtubers and my rewatching of Outlander - i needed to make a cape. What eccentric’s wardrobe doesn’t have a cape?!?!

I didn’t have a pattern. But it’s a cape, how hard could it be? In my vlog video I describe that I used a round tablecloth as a “pattern”. I also swoosh around in the cape for visuals. Now I have at least 5 more capes to make and have had some great conversations about capes with friends. I wasn’t expecting that, but I’m glad for it.

I am trying by best to have a healthy balance of continuing my kanzashi work, laser cutting work and growing past my intermediate sewing skills. I have hopes to turn my sewing skills into a part of my business. I’ll go more into that soon. I do address a bit of that in my vlog too.

I am feeling the spring vibe, both visually and with allergies and I’m adding some new pretty spring blossoms to my shop. As the vaccines roll out, wedding and other celebratory events are happening again in the not too distant future. I am open to discussing some custom work but my availability will be very select. While I am able to employ my two daughters for administration help, I am the sole creator of my pieces at this time.

As always thank you for following my adventures!

-xo Thea

Vlog video, 1940's dress inspiration and new kanzashi.

As seen in the vlog below, my daughter Jina helped me out with some product photography for some new kanzashi pieces.

Kanzashi and model (Jina Starr) by - Thea Starr

I’m slowly editing the photos as I’ve also been sewing a few experimental things. I’m honing in on some long unused skills to become reacquainted with them again.

If it wasn’t obvious, although the dress turned out well and I succeeded in achieving using some skills. The colors just are not my flavor. Then there’s also the intentional oversizing due to the layout of the fabric. I do plan on altering it, so maybe it might make a trip out of the house this spring.

Made from thrifted fabric and a vintage Butterick pattern. | An Original By Thea Starr

Stay tuned for more shop and sewing adventure updates. xo-Thea

Vlogging, sewing and incoming spring flowers.

I don’t always remember to post my vlog links but this is this week’s episode:

The “Frankensteined” blouse did not turn out how I hoped. However, I did learn a lot and will be more successful the next time around. I quickly kicked out another sewing project to redeem myself. I chose one of my favorite patterns - Butterick Fast & Easy #3674

I made this skirt from vintage fabric, vintage buttons and vintage thread all purchased at the thrift. I love the big exterior pockets. Also, with all of my sewing adventuring recently I’ve discovered I’m quite good at sewing closures. Zippers, bound buttons/buttholes and just plain old buttons/button holes. The button down front on this skirt is great for my current skill set.

Today I am organizing some kanzashi pieces that will be modeled later this week by my eldest daughter. Spring is just around the corner and new spring blooms are coming. As well, as adding touches to new designs for 6 by 6 Arts.

I hope you are all well friends!

Shop update.

As promised in yesterday’s post, here is the finished product.

Made from vintage kimono silks, reclaimed from the same kimono. These flowers are double tiered with double petals.

There are currently two available. Each one measures approximately 2.5” in diameter.

You have the choice on hardware upon checkout.

For more details please see the listing in the shop.

So, it did decide to snow today. We are staying cozy indoors and I taking more photos of additional updates for the shop. Stay tuned and stay cozy. xo-Thea

Staying Cozy.

Making kanzashi at my dining room table.

While I have good intentions to post here more regularly, I often get side tracked. But as mentioned before, you are welcome to check in on me via my vlogs on YouTube. They’re mostly made for friends and family, but I do share a lot of work projects there too.

I’ve had to learn to adapt to some new changes around here, which has taken a bit more time than I thought it would. However, I am still actively sewing up new projects, working on new 6 by 6 Arts designs and as you can see from the photos above, working on new kanzashi.

Kanzashi work in progress.

The low warm light in this group of photos is no mistake or editing trickery. It is currently chilly here and we’re waiting to see if we will be getting snow or not. I’ve basically been living in this huge cozy sweater while I work the past few days. As we do every cold season, we keep it toasty warm in here with our wood burning fireplace, make warm soups and add soft warm candlelight too. I know many get bummed out during the dark time of the year, but I’m used to it. I’ve lived here 99% of my life and I look forward to the season changes and appreciate them all. Except for summer, I’m not really a heat loving gal. But I enjoy what the heat does for my garden.

Kanzashi WIP - Made from vintage kimono silks.

So, I’m embracing the low warm lights and enjoying my big warm sweaters. Even though I feel like I look like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. :)

More pictures to come of the finished kanzashi pieces pictured in this post.

Stay cozy friends - thea

Catching up.

Since I started vlogging weekly, I have put the actual blog on the back burner.

But I have been better about posting to Instagram these days. I’ve been sharing some recent sewing and painting projects.

January 11, 2021 - Completed sewing project - Swing Coat. This is my first attempt at a coat. I learned a lot, including how to do a bound buttonhole. Also, the lining turned out really well. It is too big for me, which is my fault for having no idea what size i currently am.

January 14, 2021 - First time in a long while machine sewing knit fabric.

January 15, 2021 - The pattern was so easy, I had to make another one right away.

My youngest daughter Nieves - turned 19 on January 16th. She jokingly asked for a “Max & Ruby” cake. I think I got pretty close

January 17, 2021 - I started this painting back in the spring of 2020. I added to it today with the intention to fill an empty spot I have on my gallery wall.

It feels good to be making and creating again. I guess in a way I’m just burying my head into creativity during this wild volatile time in my country. I made that sound very dramatic but I still dread turning on the news or going into town and seeing grown men act like toddlers at the stores after being told to wear a mask properly. Making and creating seems to be my way of coping and feeling okay. I do have times where I binge YouTube videos under a blanket cuddling my doogos. But I get fidgety after too long.

I stop here for now as I’m sure I’ll have more to share in the next few days.

I hope you are all well friends.

-xo Thea

End of November - already?

Once again I failed to link my last week’s vlog post.

I’ve fallen off the social media sharing recently. If you’ve followed me for a bit, you know I suck at it anyways.😂 However, I’ve been busy with 6 by 6 Arts’ holiday orders recently. Tis the season for snarky and beautiful ornaments.

While packing one of my orders, I noticed a couple pieces were still hooked onto some display hooks. Most likely from my last in person show from last year. I got a bit of the sads when I saw it. For the past 16 years, this time of the year signifies - very little sleep, packing, packaging, making things into the wee hours and traveling because of shows. It’s surreal to not be in that mode. Surreal just like this entire year.

xo-Thea

2020 Shop Small Guide

*This post will be shared on Thea Starr’s blog and 6 by 6 Arts blog.

In our 2020 Holiday Ornaments video, John and I mentioned that each purchase that is made in our shops supports a small business. (It’s us, we’re the small business.) A mom and pop shop. I noticed in the first few purchased that were made for our new ornaments were made by fellow makers/small business owners. Not only did this warm my Grinch heart but it inspired me to share a list of fellow small businesses who would appreciate your orders more than Mr. Bezos would.

Please support small businesses this holiday season. Spend your dollars at places you want to see exist and share the crap out of this list too. This is list will be US shop based with sellers who ship.

GIFTS FOR THE PERSON WHO HAS EVERYTHING

We all have at least one. One dang person who has every thing or doesn’t know what they need. Here are a few of my usual suggestions.

• Ugly Baby Shower Art. Our friends Doug & Rosalie Gale are hella funny and Tik Tok famous. Shower Art is weird and wonderful and exactly what you think it is.

• Estrella Soap - A long time favorite of mine. So much so that my adult children even shop with them now. In the year of the pandemic cooties - soap is a solid choice.

• The Handmade Showroom - Marlo and her team have curated the best handmade goods in the PNW. While the store is open and operating at a reduced capacity, they do offer online shopping and gift cards. Gift cards = the perfect gift for that person you don’t know what to get.

• Seattle Candle Co. - Are you even giving gifts if you’re not gifting a candle? I love the long burn time on these candles. no. 1 is favorite in our house.

• Attic Journals - This mom and pop shop (one of the truly nicest couples I have ever met) save hundreds of discarded books and give them a new life as journals and more. You all know I love that personally, but it’s truly a great thoughtful gift to give. Everyone needs some where to doodle!

GIFTS THAT ARE CUTE

These are not necessarily kid oriented, but they sure are dang cute and in 2020 who doesn’t need that?

• Catshy Crafts - Handmade hoop art made by one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met. Her hoop art pieces are adorable. Perfect for someone who loves cute.

• Kitschy Delish - A little saucy, a little pun-y and a whole lot of kitty cute. Kelly’s work is gorgeous and makes me smile when I look at it. Food with faces on them?!?!? Yes please. I highly recommend her enamel pins. Her swimming in the noods is * chef’s kiss *.

• migration goods - Ugh. Everything Eling makes is so cute it hurts. She even has an “Ugh” Bunny illustration. Her paper and stationary goods are the good good. Perfect stocking stuffers of moody cuteness.

• Devout Dolls - This shop makes all of my lists all of the time. The unusual cuteness makes me smile! Handmade two headed deer plushes, bat scarves and Blythe dolls clothes.

• World of Whimm - Kayce is amazingly talented and creates the most whimsical pieces. While her Etsy shop is currently closed. There is a small offering of her work at Monster Gift Shop.

GIFTS FOR THE CLOTHES, HATS AND BAG LOVERS

• Slow Loris Studio - Hailing from Guemes Island. Team Slow is one of my all time favorite t-shirt slingers. I treasure Jessica’s designs like collectible art. Intricate music themed designs along side nautical and alpine PNW themed designs. So good. Our whole family are fans of their work and the quality of their t-shirts and hoodies.

• Crystalyn Kae - I own two of her bags and I love them so much. Mine were constructed from reclaimed fabric. She has a few styles and accessories to choose from.

• Flipside Hats - Hats and more made from abandoned fabrics from production and dye houses.

• Period Corsets - This pic is highly influenced by recent obsession of historical clothing. I have about 15 YouTube channels I can recommend on the topic. While this might seem like an impractical and expensive gift, the way I see it is we’re locked up in our houses and we should be wearing whatever makes us happy. For me it’s all of my wild wardrobe pieces I’ve collected in my life and for some a corset is needed. Perhaps you have a very extra dresser in your life too? This is a small business that does a lot of work for theaters (which are closed of course) so they’ve been making masks along side their beautiful corsets.

• Poshmark - I know this one is not handmade. However, I know we’re not living in the idyllic everyone wants handmade clothing. This is an affordable way to do that. Think online thrift store but sorted and clean. Whether it be a preloved item or a new item with tags that someone got and decided it wasn’t for them. Every seller on Poshmark is a small business too.

GIFTS FOR THE PET LOVER

If I didn’t have human children, I would be that person who talks non-stop about their dogs. It’s such a joy to spend time with these sweet little beings. They need gifts too!

• handmade la Conner (Henrietta’s) - For the gift guide’s sake instead of raving about Robyn’s amazing lotions and soaps, (please check those out too). I am going to direct your attention to Henrietta’s line. I’m a repeat buyer of the calming spray and dog wash for my girls.

• The Cat Ball (cat bed) - If I had a cat, my cat would have at least three of these suckers. I recommend

GIFTS FOR PEOPLE WHO LIKE TO PUT THINGS TOGETHER

Assembling, sewing and more. Perfect for lockdown activities.

• JCR - When a fellow laser artist recommends another laser artist, I feel that says something. Julio is insanely talented. He creates kits to assemble in shapes of animals and insects. They are mind-blowingly beautiful.

• Delish Beads - Jenny offers affordable kawaii brightly colored beads and cabochons for your DIY crafting.

• Wren Birds Arts - Another idea I love. Mend what you have but make it pretty. Grab a mending/embroidery kit to extend the life of a damaged garment you love.

• Marshmueller - Buy your DIY dumpster fire pillow right here!

• Smile Mercantile - I love all of the little crafting supplies available in this shop! German glass glitter, trims, bottle brush trees and more!

GIFTS FOR YOUR FRIEND WHO WOULD’VE BEEN BURNED AT THE STAKE 400 YEARS AGO

My people. Don’t @ me with any negativity or the “reason for the season”. My birthday is on December 25, believe I KNOW.

• Unusual Cards - * chef’s kiss * Some might get their panties in a bunch over the content featured in Francesca’s fine work. And that’s why we LOVE IT. Jesus riding dinosaurs. Need I say more?

• Candy Relics - With the growth in acceptance of the benefits of cannabis finally happening here in the US, I smile every time I see something of Candy Relics shared online. David is genius with his designs. This is the home of the original ceramic can pipe.

• Ravnvolk - Pagan and occult craftwork. This was a serendipitous find among shops I follow on Etsy. This is a former craft store co-worker of mine from years ago. I’m glad to see him doing creative work that I know a few of my pagan friends will like.

• Vinyl Devotion - Excellent vinyl pics with categories of Doom, Stoner and Sludge or Death Metal, Gridcore and Metalcore alongside indie and pop categories too. This husband and wife duo are serious vinyl pickers (we’ve had the pleasure of seeing their picking skills in action).

GIFTS FOR THOSE WHO LIKE TO BE ADORNED

In the maker space, there are many jewelers. Here a a few that I love to recommend.

• Foamy Wader - Hailing from South Whidbey (my island!), Alexa creates minimalist nautical jewelry. Her pieces are my favorite for their dainty nature. Which is in high contrast to my actual maximalist ridiculous self. I receive many compliments on earrings I’ve purchased from her. My favorite piece from her is my wedding ring that she custom made for us. (I also believe I owe her a shop sign and everyone should publicly shame me for this and make purchases from her to help me make up for it.) I cannot recommend her work enough and I’m eyeballing a few things for myself.

• OTTI Goods - (Formerly Salty & Sweet Designs) Again when a fellow laser artist recommends another it says something. Her laser cut feather weight earrings are beautiful architectural inspired statement pieces. She also does awesome modern hanging mobiles.

• Christine Stoll Studio - She makes mask chains you guys! She’s known for her beautiful reclaimed watch piece jewelry and her collage work. And for also being one of the nicest people I’ve ever met.

• Magpie Mouse Studios - Enamel jewelry inspired by the PNW. Vibrant colors on wearable pieces. With a couple tarot card pieces tossed in there too.

• Fern Works - Nature’s specimens captured in resin, as well as hand painted jewelry pieces. So beautiful and incredibly unique.

GIFTS FOR THE TABLE TOP GAMER

• Game After Game - Yes, I am tooting our own horn. This is the link to our Etsy shop that focusses on DnD and retro gaming themed goods. Ornaments, coasters with the DnD dice and our Critical Hit signs.

• Doize Demos - DnD themed enamel pins, patches and more.

• Mox Boarding House - (Order online and pick up at the stores.) Seattle & Bellevue, WA and also in Portland, OR.

Honestly, this a bit harder than I thought it would be. Many shops have closed or have temporarily closed.

Here’s a direct link to our stockists.

As well as links to our own shops:

• Thea Starr - Fabric Flower accessories made from vintage kimono fabric.

• My etsy shop has vintage clothing and vintage fabric available too.

• 6 by 6 Arts - Wood home decor goods + some sass with a nature vibe. Coasters, ornaments, indoor plant stands, magnets, signs- you know the schpeel.

Please try your best to shop local too. The small businesses in your town adds to the uniqueness of your spot many have online or curbside pick up shopping options. The small family owned restaurants too. The national restaurants will be okay. If you have any added suggestions to this list, please add a link below!

Again to all of our friends who shared our video and have placed an order this week we are filled with gratitude for your support. We’re damn lucky in the friend department.

Thank you so much - Thea & John.

Out of focus.

It me.

Today was me vs. my camera. For the life of me I couldn’t get the lighting right and I couldn’t get anything to focus right. I admire the bloggers and IG peeps who go to great lengths of creating the perfect setting for photos. It’s a lot of work and require a lot of movement for set up. Space in my home is at a premium so I deal with what I have. I usually take photos in my living or dining room where lighting can be meh, at times. Like today.

One minute it’s dark, the next the sun decides to appear. I chose not to set up my lights for this and it shows. But we are doing some rearranging this weekend so I hope to remedy this problem. Work at home problems amirite???

At the very least, I got to wear my new dress from Pinup Girl Clothing. It’s the Luna dress in Witchy Toile Crepe. I love it and it has the deepest pockets. I love me a good 1940’s reproduction dress.

I also listed a single of a kind piece. I’m wearing it in the photos. It’s a very unusual color. I’m slowly but surely getting things listed.

Happy Thursday evening friends, I hope it’s a restful one. xo-Thea

Vlog, shop update and other gibberish.

First, my vlog about last week:

Nice thumbnail there eh? Yeah, so last week and my first online show was a bust. Whomp whomp. Of course that makes me nervous for other online shows. I’ve only committed to one with 6 by 6 so far because of the fear. However, instead of getting into Debbie Downer mode, I’m just going to sew a bunch of random things and be weird. Which is what I excel at.

In all seriousness, I just ride the life rollercoaster and hope for the best.

With the show out of the way, I can focus on other things now. Like listing.

Me in my fancy spiderweb blouse wearing four simply red kanzashi hair clips as you do.

First up is a classic : Simply Red Kanzashi Hair Clips. I usually end up with tons of vintage kimono red silk lining. So I’ve made versions of these clips for the entirety of my business. They are a vibrant red and classic. They are available in ye olde shop.

Then lastly, this is a bit odd for me but the vintage clothing purge has commenced and it’s happening over in my Etsy shop. Why not here you might ask? Well friends, you come here for hair doodads and bouquets and not random vintage clothes. People shop of vintage on Etsy and I’m legit trying to let go of these things. But in the off chance that you’d like to buy something from here and there, just let me know and I can make that happen for you.

That’s all from me for now. I hope you’re all well - as well as we can all be right now. Ride that rollercoaster homies. xo-Thea