Magic Charms & Free People

A Bittersweet Victory

Magic Charm Pins

My magic Charm pins have always been one of my most popular creations and ecourses. They are made from recycled fabrics, cut into little soft collages and then hand stitched onto what I consider to be one of the most versatile of all accessories, a safety-pin. I will often add a tiny charm from a vintage piece of jewelry or some simple beads to add a little sparkle. These tiny creations bring so much joy to me because I find so much beauty in their small simplicity. I love that they are humble little gifts full of magic. Here is the writing on the back of the card:

Back in April I was contacted by a buyer from Free People who had come across an image of the Magic Charms on my Pinterest and they asked if I would be interested in including them in their 2023 Holiday Collection. Um, ya!!! I was thrilled, I felt that my creative vibe matched the Free People esthetic and was SO happy for the opportunity to share my creations with such a wider audience. This was definitely the biggest retailer I had ever worked with and the biggest order I had ever received. Opportunity knocked and I was ready to roll up my sleeves. Keep in mind I am a force on just one person and each one of these babies are handmade. I had to create a system and a timeline to execute this successfully. I spent my entire summer stitching beachside & poolside with the kids and at the work table in the evenings or when the days were rainy. I had a one track mind and I had to give this my best efforts.

Well, I did it! I hit the number, made the deadline and reveled at the boxes filled with more pins than I ever could imagine making.

Here’s where the bittersweetness comes in…..

One box was sent to the online store warehouse for their website. You can see them shining on the Free People website here:

BUT………

That really big box you see in the photo? That was sent to the warehouse that distributes to all the stores. Upon receiving the box it was LOST. That’s right, days and months of work GONE. What is so disappointing about the ordeal is that I was so excited for these babies to go all across the country and sine in the Free People stores and find their owners. Deep breaths…… The biggest lesson learned in this ordeal which I will pass on to all my artist friends out there is make sure you ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS send your items with signature confirmation so there is a record of your artwork’s travels. At least there will be a paper trail of when your work arrives and who receives it. The details are all still being worked out from this situation but in the meantime if you would like one for yourself you can find them on the Free People website. I originally thought I would have some available on my own website for the holiday season but honestly after all that I did not have the bandwidth lol. Maybe after the new year :) So as you see, a bittersweet victory indeed.