Thursday, May 26, 2011

Are Pictures Free for the Taking?

 
I guess I've got a bone to pick with someone.  I know the laws regarding the internet can be very vague, but I'm getting really tired of people taking my pictures and posting them on their website (or in a recent case in their newsletter) and using them for their own monetary gain.  I can't tell you how many times this has happened to me.  And I'm sure there are some I don't even know about.  Maybe I should be flattered by it.  But I only seem to find out about it in a round about way.  And I've only rarely been contacted for prior authorization.

I work really hard to produce the projects I do, let alone edit the pictures so I can bring them to you.  I really make no money in doing this.  My purpose for doing it is to inspire you and even be able to recreate it for yourself.  And I have no problem with that.  I think we all love to share ideas.

But my question to you is this.  How do you feel about using other's pictures or other's using yours?  I know some websites are totally made up of other's pictures, and none of them their own.  A lot of times they're from major magazines and store catalogs.  But this has really discouraged me from posting at all.  I think I'd feel a little different if I had been contacted in the first place.  If you know me, I'm really very giving.  But finding out after the fact just makes me plain old mad.

I do think this is a good discussion to have.  I'd really love to hear your thoughts on the matter.  Am I wrong? Please don't feel bad of me to bring this up.  I really want to know.  What are your thoughts?  My blog from the get go has tried to be totally original, and positive.  I want it to be, well....all me.  Not anyone else.  I want it to be a good reflection of me and my style.

So please, don't hesitate to comnent.  I'd love to know your thoughts on the subject, good and bad.



PS  The picture used in this post is free clip art.

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Tuesday, May 24, 2011

"I've Been Framed!"


Did you miss me?  I've been having a bit of over load load lately and thus I've neglected my blog.  My bad.  I'll try to do better, but sometimes you just have to let some things go for awhile.  We've been busy, too.  With a Hockey Trip to Boston for my daughter, the Easter Holiday, Occasional Sales I'm involved in, another speaking engagement, etc., I've been extremely occupied.  But here I am, back on the bike again and getting  into the swing of things.  I've got some new ventures I'm stepping into and I'll let you know more about that when they take more shape.  

But in the meantime, here's one of my newer vignettes in my home.  I purchased this amazing frame with the great patina a few years back.  I didn't want to detract from it's coolness by adding a picture to it so I did something different.


I had purchased a bunch of these European house numbers from a wholesaler that was going out of business.  I loved the rusty patina on them and I thought they'd worked well inside the frame.



There you have it.  To me it's much more interesting than a silly old picture.


I hung the two in a little alcove I have in my entryway.  I think everything seemed to come together quite nicely, if I do say so myself.


I found these children's boots at a favorite local occasional sale and I think they work perfectly in the vignette.  Using them as bookends is a little out of the box, but I like that!


And how about the nice little Texas star on them?!


I LOVE vintage books!  I have quite a few of them.  Funny thing is, I'm the farthest thing from a book worm.  These books have some fun titles, Child Rhymes, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Songs for the School and Longfellow's Evangeline. 


This iron urn holds a branch I picked up on a sisters' weekend in the woods.  It holds a branch I literally stole from Mr. Beaver.  I went and got it right off the top of his dam (and that's probably what he was sayin').  Ooops.  My bad.  But it was soooo cool.  Couldn't help myself.


Rocks hold the branch in place...and the moss adds to the coolness of it.


The branch slightly covers the frame, but I kind of like that. 


And the final piece to the vignette puzzle, this chippy grate.  I added the inside gear piece to it as I didn't think it looked quite complete without it.  Sometimes the best things just happen by chance.

 

Again, another piece with amazing patina.  It's perfecto mundo!  And if you pick up the latest issue of  "Country Garden" Magazine, you'll see some more of my grates collection, among some other of my vintage pieces, in the JUNKMARKET Garden Party Ideas section.  I was honored to be a part of the shoot and provide some of the pieces for it!  Unfortunately, any pictures with me in them must have hit the editing room floor.  Oh well.  But Sue did an amazing job in the styling so it's definitely worth picking up!


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Monday, May 9, 2011

Junking from J to K, and Everything In Between!

I have my second speaking gig!  Seriously!  And I have to say, I'm quite excited.  The first one,  a few months ago, was at a local thrift store.  And I guess it went so well, I was asked to do it again.  This time at The Loft on 2nd in Anoka, MN.  So if you're not busy on Thursday, May 12, from 6-7 pm, I'd love you to come on down and join me!  And it's all free!

What will I be taking about?  Why "Junk" of course.  My  topic, "Junking from J to K and Everything In Between" will hopefully inspire and entertain you with some of my experiences of taking what some would call "junk", and transforming them into amazing decorating accents. You'll also be able to spend time with other fellow "Junkers", and learn how you too can save money and be "green" at the same time.

The Loft on 2nd is located at 2005 2nd Ave, Anoka, Minnesota. Their phone number is 763.208-0589. For additional info head on over to their website at  http://www.thelofton2nd.blogspot.com/.  I'd be thrilled to have you join us!





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