We all get inspiration from a variety of places. Anthropologie is one of my favorite places to swoon over. The items they sell are unique and have a vintage artist type feel to them. I personally was inspired by this owl necklace from Anthropologie.
This is one of those touchy situations. I feel that I have put enough of my own spin on this necklace to sell it. I also will most certainly disclose that I was inspired by Anthropologie. Here are the details - let me know your thoughts: 
Handmade owl by Erin of Every Heart Crafts, which is framed in a piece of filigree
Handmade owl by Erin of Every Heart Crafts, which is framed in a piece of filigreeFlower and leaf links/charms
Bow from Michaels - had a blue crystal in it which I colored black
Dalmatian jasper and toggle clasp
7 comments:
I had no idea about the link with the necklace from Anthropologie, but I can tell you that that is my least favorite "BeadStyle" cover design EVER! I really disliked it and now I like it even less. Although the materials were changed, it's quite obviously the same necklace.
As for your piece - to me it has a completely different feel to it because of the stone (vs. the pearl and silk cord in the Anthropologie piece). Also, you're going to reference your inspiration and NOT pass it off as your own design on the COVER of a major bead mag. THAT's a huge difference!
I do see the similarity between the cover and the Anthropologie necklace.
I think you've made your necklace "yours" by your use of materials. I too take overall design ideas from the Anthropologie and Sundance catalogs, but I think I would draw the line at submitting pieces to a magazine if the design wasn't my own.
First off, Heather I love what you did with the Owl face! It looks wonderful. Wrapping it in the filigree is such a great idea! It's a really fun necklace! If you are on Flickr, please add it to my every heart crafts gallery!
As for the Anthropolgie inspiration, it is a touchy subject and there is no easy answer. The difference in opinions are as wide as the grand canyon! I have come to the conclusion that everyone has to decide for themselves and be true to themselves. My best advice is to go with your gut and listen to your own heart.
Hi there. I happen to have a tutorial (not the necklace) in that magazine.
It's entirely possible that the person has never seen Anthropologie (for instance, I don't have one near here and I don't get the catalog so I totally missed the reference). When I saw it, I just thought of the vintage necklaces I've seen in antique stores -- there are a lot of bib necklaces from the Miriam Haskell era.
It's also possible that the designer saw the necklace, and it entered her subconscious, and then came back out at a later date as this design. Jewelry designers see so much jewelry just by walking through the mall, and something is bound to stick in our brains. It happens.
I'd like to think those two things first before assuming someone copied someone else. In fact, Anthropologie has recently been called to task for copying OTHER independent artists - so it's safer to know both sides of the story before pointing fingers. It can hurt you if it ever happens to you or a friend.
(Just my opinion, and I don't even know the person who made the necklace.)
Wow. That is a similar necklace, right down to the placement of the alternate color. I didn't care for the necklace design at all. Too heavy and not in a good way. But I thought the beads chosen were cool. A touch of whimsy perhaps.
I like your owl necklace. I see that the pattern is quite similar to the inspiration, but I think that you have made it your own and you are open about your inspiration which is so important. I think that we are all inspired by the world around us and I do beleive that there really is not much new under the sun. We have eons of history showing us great design that is reinterpreted over the centuries. As long as we are evolving and changing and adapting I think that there is room for it all. You know I love your work, Heather. And thanks for bringing up this subject to ruminate on further. Enjoy the day! Erin
I am the maker of the necklace on the September cover of BeadStyle magazine. I am aware that the necklace on the cover is much like the necklace sold by Anthropologie; it served as the inspiration for both the wooden necklace and the one on the cover made with Lucite beads.
My version is not for sale nor is it BeadStyle’s intention that people make it and sell it, as the designs are meant for personal use. It was my attempt to serve readers by teaching a technique. I hear your criticism though, and I think you all raise good points. In thinking more about it, I should have stated in the story that this necklace was inspired by a piece from Anthropologie. But I didn't and what's done is done, however in an attempt to make things right, I've been trying to contact the Anthro folks to learn more about the jewelry designers for Anthropologie. This is no easy task. So far I have been able to contact the Divisional Merchandise Manager of Accessories at Urban Outfitters, but neither the buyer nor the PR Manager have responded to my questions about their designers.
I'd like to talk with the individual who made the necklace for Anthropologie to thank and credit her for her influential piece, and to learn more about her. And ultimately share her experience with BeadStyle readers. So, if any of you have ideas that will help put me in contact with the person who designed the Anthropology necklace, please let me know.
I love that owl!
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