85 Responses

1. So, true. I posted on this same thing the other day. After hanging my piano music rolls in the top of my space I thought it would be cool to incorporate it into my tree decor when the holidays came. I made some garland with Happy holidays printed on it..Had it all packaged and ready to go the space then the catalog came to my door – and what the heck? They had some very similar garland on their ever loving gorgeous tree. Oh well – we should be hired by PB to make their stuff – what do you think?
   tammy

2. Had the same thing happen to me ther other day, I have a project I have been working on and haven't yet posted. The catalog came the other day, and there it was!!! But like you said, mine will be different. At least you can feel confident in the fact that you had your out to the blog world long before it was in the PB Catalog. I, however, can not say that. Oh, well. Still going to finish the project and then move on to the next one!

3. I agree. I'm not sure there are completely original ideas, but I think there is a difference. You are empowering and teaching others to do something you figured out on your own. Pottery Barn isn't empowering DIYers. They may be inspiring, but we appreciate your willingness to share and to teach! Don't be discouraged, be encouraged. You are on the same wavelength as Pottery Barn!

4. No offence to PB but I'd much much rather have your beautiful creations rather than something they had mass produced in China.

   I am a paper crafter and believe me the rubber stamp and paper world have zero original ideas. Every stamp manufacturer seems to come out with the exact same designs but with just a different look to them. I submit my creations to card magazines for publications and believe me it's getting tough to get picked up due to the competition out there. A card designer really has to try to have a unique look or there is no chance. However, regardless of that I still love what I do and I know you do too!

5. Very true! I see all these wonderful things out there and think "Hey, I have done that" What do you do?! Each piece we create is original, maybe not the idea but like you said, it is our own personal touch that we add to it that makes it special. I love PB and to be honest, I really like yours better and we all know how creative and talented you are! 🙂

6. I would buy yours over those mass produced copy cats at PB any day! But you are right, original ideas just keep getting recycled through out life, but it is always yours when you make it yourself.

7. So what if there's a similarity in your Christmas ornaments? I would much rather buy ornaments made by you than a huge corporation. Theirs are mass produced, probably not even in this country. My dollars go to the home based entrepreneur every time!

8. I think the important thing is that we continue to make things that WE love… That say WHO we are and what we like…. I'm sure that all the things we do have been done in some way similar for eternity… I'm sure the pioneer women worked with old paper and scraps of ribbons to make Christmas decorations and other things. All the painting and staining all over the place is glorious, and my mother has been doing it for over 50 years. We all love YOU, because you put YOU into your things… Even if someone else does something similar yours is the only one that has Miss Mustard Seed… Honestly, I think Pottery Barn and Ballards have employees scouring all our blogs daily. Think about all the things they WE use first that show up in their catalogs later… I think that the PB line is in fact a little Miss Mustard Seed. 🙂

9. First off… Yours are made BY YOU! Handmade by a loving blogger girl doing it all by herself! Pottery Barn is not doing that so that in itself is totally unique!

   Second off… I like yours better!

   Third off.. DALLAS SUCKS!! Are you watching!?!?

10. So glad you said that. First because your items are more special since they are made by hand by you. But also because i have ideas swimming in my head sometime and I'm slow to bring them to reality. Then I will see them somewhere and I get mad that I was so slow! But it's all really an interpretation of a creation. And you my dear, can interpret really well!

11. Your post reminds me of a verse from my Sunday School lesson this morning: Ecclesiastes 1:9 "What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun." So don't sweat it. It's a fact of life. I love your ideas. Keep "creating!" 🙂

12. The bible says so,nothing new is under the sun,and the internet doesn,t help,everyone is copying everybody and we are just letting everyone copy our ideas,no one is unique or different and we make heros out of women we like but are their ideas really new?no they arent and then we keep letting them steal our every thought,they claim as their own thought.It is irritating to me also.

13. Amen to that !!
    I really do not think there is
    much of anything that has
    truly not been done before but
    that is okay ~
    I heard a famous designer at
    a conference once say that
    your idea will be copied very very
    quickly no matter what you do ~
    She totally does not worry about
    it which I thought was wayyy
    cool! I think we have to have
    that attitude or we will go
    nuts ~

    I know your work is amazing !
    xoxo
    Lori

14. I thought the same thing when I got my PB catalog. But my thought was more along the lines of, "Check out Miss Mustard Seed! She's on top of styles with the PB stylists!!" I took it as a compliment.

    And I agree with the others…I'll take your decor over PB's any day! And I like supporting local businesses. 🙂

15. If it makes you feel any better, I think that your line is way cuter than PB's! 🙂

16. Pottery Barn's ornaments (sorry, PB) don't make my heart sing like yours do! No contest.

17. Hey!!
    You know what you failed to mention is that YOURS are SO much cheaper!!! That is so important to a lot of us out here in Blogland! I know I have told you before, but your blog is wonderful and your ideas spectacular!
    And about that upholstery webbing…Well I've been using it for about ten years. Really. But here is the funny part of the story. The first year I used it my dad could not even believe it. He said he remembered his mom (my grandmother) using that to repair their furniture when he was young. He could not believe I had "found" some and was using it! Ha! Keep up the great work. Lori L

18. You do marvelous work.
    My mom could have been a trillionaire if only she would have patented the damp teatowel we use to put on the broom and sweep around when we were getting cobwebs and a rag when we were in a hurry to freshen the floor…..just sayin…keep smiling and creating

19. I'm so new to blogging that all of your ideas are new and amazing to me. I'm always impressed with what you show us even if Pottery Barn does it too. At least you know you are in good company. Keep doing your thing and embrace it. The beauty about being yourself is that God only made one you.

20. The way I see it…great minds think alike!!!

21. your are better anyway.

22. You are Absolutely Right!! Everything we Create is Uniquely our Own. We all have our own Special touch to our Work.
    Also I would Like to Say that I have been working in a Higher End Florist and Gift for Quite a Few Years. I Also made Handmade Items. My Experience is that the Average Customer Appreciates Handmade Gifts & Will Pay More for them than Mass Produced Items. They see the Quality & Uniqueness of Handmade.
    I Agree with 'pogonip' above! Handmade makes your Heart Sing!
    Have a Wonderful Evening
    Jill

23. I was going to quote Ecclesiastes, but someone beat me to it. I actually think your line is much prettier! This happens to all of us, at times (actually, all the time). I actually did a sheet music line a few years ago, as a fundraiser, but it was completely different than yours or PBs. The funny thing about PB is that all they do are knock-offs. Almost everything they sell is contrived to look like it's vintage, but it's just an imitation. I would much rather have yours, because it's the real McCoy!

24. I prefer handmade things over mass produced things. I love knowing that it was made by someone and is completely unique. No matter how hard you try, none of your products will ever be exactly the same. Pottery Barn is way over priced and I'm not a fan of the Gold glitter they have, it looks cheep. Maybe just me. Lol I love your stuff more!

25. So refreshing to hear – thanks! So many people are worried about their ideas getting stolen, copyright nonsense… There isn't an original idea – just different versions… Thanks for being so honest …

26. There is a difference, a huge difference. Yours are made with the loving touch of very talented hands and a creative mind. There are still many who appreciate that!! Keep doing what you do, you're a fabulous inspiration!!

27. Personally, I've been feeling {very} discouraged by exactly what you are talking about in this post…

    I hear you loud and clear.. more than you know!

28. When I saw the PB look, my thought was, "The blog world is getting to be a powerful deal, as catalogs are watching/reading & copying"
    Yours was original… as you thought of it & developed it.
    I did an art show yesterday with my own idea… something I have been doing for 12 + yrs. & I heard many comments like "my sister makes those, my aunt makes those" Was a little dis-heartening… as I worked hard on my own pattern & to have folks try & make it like mine. BUT then a customer said, "I have seen these BUT yours are so much better done"
    Oh well, imitation is a form of flattery… 🙂

29. I know that feeling, I had made the cutest thing and when I was blog surfing, I found one that looked so close. I hadn't shown anyone mine and I hadn't seen this blog. I felt so bad, because you want to think that maybe you came up with something that would set you apart, but that was not the case. I am still going foward making it for gifts…I guess great minds just think alike!

30. Yours are fab! 🙂

31. We were taught in fashion school – that every silhouette has already been done. And that there is no designer today creating truly original garments. The only thing that makes them unique is the texture and textiles. And to me thats what makes yours unique too… quality and texture.

32. Oh honey, there is no such thing as an original idea. In 4000 years of men painting picutes on (cave) walls everything has been done before. And everybody is inspired by something somewhere, sometime.
    But I can relate to that feeling. Can't remember the times I thought I came up with an original idea, only to google it and find it had been done a gazillion times before. But yes you do it a little different each time and that makes it unique.

33. LOL that is what I think too, everytime I create something: WOW that is original….until I go to a store, see a catalog…whatever. I see "MY" idea there too!
    But yes, yours are better, nicer, handmade and not as common as PB or whatever store you can buy them in.

    So you (and everybody else) GO girl ♥♥

34. I would be much more proud to say I have something made by Miss Mustard Seed then by PB anytime. Keep doing what you are doing, we love it!

35. There is no love in PB's offerings, just 'commercial'. If someone walks into my home and says…'oh, did you get that at Target?', I'm immediately depressed. I like to stick to the 'love'…it cannot be copied!

36. I agree, there are no really "original" ideas, as some things have been done before(unbeknownst to us), but the thing is, it's an original idea to you. You came up with it all on your own, thus, your imagination is obviously running in line with marketing geniuses, which is a consolation. Besides, I would much rather have the beautiful handcrafted items that you sell, then assembly line stuff that someone didn't put their heart into. You are a one of a kind Marian!

37. for what it's worth, i like yours so much better!

    keep on keepin' on!

38. I honestly like your creations better!

39. I guess great businesses, large and small, think alike! As a schoolteacher, I often feel I have not had an original idea! We just borrow from one another, share, and enhance. Don't be discouraged by this. The whole PB thing is just getting to be so expensive and over-the-top. I have boycotted them! There is something special and unique about a small and personal business like yours!

40. Almost 40 people before me- and I am sure many who do not post a comment as well-I suppose just want to let you know what you and we all know in our hearts. You are unique, and what you create may sometimes be similar, but actually there is no comparison as you are a unique individual who lavishes time, attention and love to her products, her art, , her blog, her blogreaders and her tutorials.
    There are "trends" everywhere that are in the air which no-one escapes- the world is so interlinked– which you can also gleam when you see designers colections from couturies and design-houses like Gaultier, Prada, you name it.Your things are beautiful .Give yourself a pat on the shoulder sometimes from all of us.

41. I completely understand how you feel! It happens on my blog – it happens in my shop…

    But! Yours are SO much more beautiful!

    Love & hugs,
    Gina

42. I agree! It's pretty difficult to have a totally original idea. But the key to take an idea and put your own spin on it. And remember, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!

43. I was thinking pretty much the same as Modern Country Lady (above). Plus, the corporations have staffs and pay who-knows-how-much for those staffs. There's nothing like a relationship and even though most of us our distant, we have that with all things MMS :).

44. oops, "are" distant.

45. I had a discussion very recently with a few friends about this very thing. Myself, being the older in the group, recognized the fact that everything has been done before somewhere, sometime, by someone else. We just make it our own with our two little hands and the love of what we do.

46. I so know the feeling. It has happened to me as well and at first you do feel discouraged. But you need to remind yourself, which you have done, that the idea your created is one of a kind and not punched out of an assembly line. So good for you for not letting it get you down.
    Hugs
    SueAnn

47. I like your sheet music and glitter A LOT better! There's is actually very cheap looking in person and the glitter ends up on your hands. If I was creative then I would try to do some of this myself but luckily I found your site and can get an entire selection of sheet music ornaments that are original and handmade for a much better quality and price!

48. I'm always reminded of the Bible verse that goes something like, "There's nothing new under the sun…"

    That always relieves some of the pressure that comes with trying to be totally originally… trying to be unique and quality is a better goal I think.

49. Well, regarding the analogy about wearing a dress to the prom and realizing another girl is wearing the same dress. Haven't you noticed that when 2 different girls wear the same dress it can look remarkably better on one girl than it does on the other? Even though the dresses are the same, each girl has a unique shape that the dress either enhances or not.

    There may not be any original ideas, but it is in the way those ideas are expressed that makes a difference. Quality, craftsmanship, and love will always shine through no matter how many times an idea has been recycled.

50. No worries for you, dear. Your ornaments…no, ALL your work is truly lovely. I like your comments about embracing one's creativity no matter what one is up to, whether it has been tried before or not. I read a fashion designer's comments last week…although I can't remember who said it: "There are no new designs, only new interpretations." So true on so many levels.

    Thank you for the glittered letter tutorial and your note as well!!

    Carry on, oh talented one!!

51. I haven't commented before, but I adore your blog!

    I wanted to tell you that, though I love the ornaments at PB, I would MUCH rather buy ones that have been handmade (like yours!). I have watched PB jump on what I call the "faux vintage" bandwagon, and it just makes me want the "real" thing. They sure are good at what they do, though!

    You have so much talent and such a great eye, and knowing it's handmade is always better in my book….which is why it's a treat to come here, every time (:

    Amy

52. I JUST had that happen to me right after reading your post! I worked 4 hours saturday creating this cream dress and brown ruffled cardi and wore it yesterday. I just checked out Ruche's newest lookbook, and they have a cream dress exactly like the one I made all the way down to a brown ruffled coat with it. (Mine's better, though.)

53. This only shows just how truly gifted you are! Pottery barn hires only the best, the most creative, and the most talented people in their field! You came up with this all through your own gifting. I think that is pretty special! All of yours are hand made as well. You are also empowering others to tap into the creativeness that is in all of us…and I just think you are awesome!

    Kim

54. That is so funny that you had that thought. I had a similar one. But I found it amusing that stuff I have been loving for a while showed up at Pottery Barn and it makes my husband happy. He is all "Hey, they are doing what you have been doing for a year!" Whatever. It apparently validates it in his mind. I just do what I like and you should to, 'cause we all like it too.

55. Marian,
    I can certainly understand your frustration at the PB discovery. What I (and probably the rest of your friends agree) your creations are a work of art, a labor of love and piece of you. When we purchase one of your creations we are given the unique opportunity to have a piece of you in our homes. There is no other feeling than being able to say "that was made by Marian" and know that as much joy I find in that piece was only a fraction of the joy you had in creating it.
    Create on!

56. Wonderful post. I think that truly anyone who has ever created something feels like this at one time or another. But you're right. The fact that you made it is a testament to your creativity. Some of the most amazing things I've seen look similar to other things, but the creator's original take on the idea is what makes it so great.

57. I think their are still original ideas out there it's just sometimes more then one person thinks of it and another does it first.

    While your decorations v. Pottery Barn may have a coincidental and while I really like Pottery Barn I prefer to support small businesses and I think many are in this mindset.

    Imagine if we all tried to rely on handmade and small businesses in this economy.

58. My mom has a sheet music ornament from like the 80s 🙂 It's all been done!

    I say, buy local!

59. You know, I have thought for awhile that all the original ideas have been thought of. It's our job as creative folks to reinterpret.

    After all, that's the only explanation for fashion trends coming back again after we all hoped they died the first time. ;-p

60. Where can I purchase your ornaments? I love all of your things and can't seem to find how to order!

61. Well, I looked at the Pottery Barn catalog a few days ago and didn't even see the tree topper you showed above. I didn't notice that they had ANY sheet music ornaments. I saw the glitter ones and thought that yours are better because you use German glitter. Your creations are much, much better. Did you see La Dolfina's post on Loot? They had a sheet music wreath of flowers that was great. Maybe you could expand your line to flowers next year. Or, make a tutorial and we could do it ourselves.
    If I could make a banner I would: " My customers like handcrafted things. " Then I would send it to you to hang in your studio. Love, Ann

62. Hey — Where's all the fanfare? You passed 3000 followers. Great job, and there are probably thousands of readers that are not followers.

63. I was just introducing my mother- n -law ( who is a crafter in MN and came for a visit) to the sheet music crafting craze…and then like no kidding that same day the Pottery Barn Catalog Came. It was instant validation that I was right and she was sold on the idea for the use of all of her inherited sheet music!!!!! Also this past Sat we were at Chartreuse talking with one of the Vendors about how the vintage wheels she had in her booth where also now in Pottery Barn !! How does Pottery Barn do it??? But I do have to admit though..I did pull out the … I saw it in Pottery Barn "Card" on my hubby while in Chartreuse that day and he broke down and bought me the Vintage Pull Down School Map That I have been wanting!!! Somehow I wish we could "Tag" an idea and see how it spreads and develops into a Trend!! I often think that we are "ALL" being exposed to the same "crafting/vintage culture"..thru magazines, design shows and so on…and ideas just feed off of one another and a trend develops. All I know is your stuff is amazing, and you are super generous to bounce and share all of your ideas with us. When someone copies your idea it's a Huge compliment… but PB has nothing on your Christmas Line…..If at all, just validates that your creations are amazing and you did not have to pay a huge marketing team to figure that out!! So you Go Girl!!!! oxoxo's..Liza

64. I forgot to add… when I added the string to my picture frame, I thought I dreamed it up the way I wound it in a random fashion. Someone later posted a PB string wound plate hanging on the wall. Bleah. 🙂

    Ah well. If we didn't look elsewhere for the idea first, I still vote it's OURS. 🙂

    Donna

65. I thought I left a comment, but didn't work. But I have to tell you, that I have been following your blog for a while now and have been inspired by your sheet music and german glass glitter so much, that last month I hunted down glass glitter on etsy and bought a couple ounces. After I ordered the glitter I saw PB catalog and did copy some of the ornaments just recently.( I know…I know :)) When I think of glitter glass and sheet music, I instantly think of you creations. Thanks for the inspiration you share daily. Your handmade ornaments are absolutely gorgeous!

66. Marian,

    I so, so, so prefer homemade items than mass-produced and while I've seen the PB items in their store (I immediately thought of you and that they probably read blog sites and probably copied you!) I'm certain your things are better made.

    P.S. we have a very nice gift store in our area that also had the glass-glitter letters and stars, so you are right, there are no original ideas left, maybe.

    Karen at Garden, Home and Party

67. Ms. Mustard Seed, I adore your blog and your taste in design. It's like I'm stepping back in time. Thank you so much for your tips, ideas and cheerfulness. 🙂 Isn't it wonderful to creating a "home!" Anyways, I just wanted to say thank you!

68. Ms. Mustard Seed, I adore your blog and your taste in design. It's like I'm stepping back in time. Thank you so much for your tips, ideas and cheerfulness. 🙂 Isn't it wonderful to creating a "home!" Anyways, I just wanted to say thank you!

69. Great minds think alike… It's actually kinda amazing that you are so in tune to "home fashion" or whatever you want to call it, that you came up with the same concept as the in-the-know PB designers.

70. Hi Marian,
    I'm pretty new to blogging…you are definitely in my top 5 blogs I stop by daily…I learn so much and am inspired by all your creativity…I was amazed to learn you have 2 small children, it's incredible what you get done it a day…Thank you for all you share! Lalo.

71. Hi Marian, You're so right! For the many years that I've been in this business, I've heard people complain that someone "copied" them. Countless times I've made something, or had the plans to and then saw it somewhere in a store or online. Obviously neither one of us copied each other. It's almost impossible to have an idea that NO ONE else has ever had too. Like you do, a lot of us share our ideas and how-to's to help others. I love your ideas on sheet music projects. I use it as well but it's funny that I don't think any of the projects are ever the same (so far anyway!). I came up with a wreath idea (honestly, long before I found your blog) but a totally different style. Then I actually did end up seeing almost the same somewhere else! And you know what? So what. All of us love to be creative and whether we come up with the stuff totally on our own (and so did others) or we "copied" or were inspired by someone else it doesn't matter. What's important is that we follow our hearts and dreams and are proud of our creations. Like so many of your faithful followers have said, most of us would rather have something hand-made. But you never know, maybe the ones at PB originated from another Mom crafting away at home and was then "discovered" by a rep form PB. Now that's pretty inspiring! Just like YOU are to us with your HGTV fame! I just know you'll end up with your own show one of these days. You're such a natural on camera. ;).
    Well, I've blabbed long enough…
    Sincerest Blessings to You,
    Missy

72. Marian, I forgot to tell you…I never did comment on your post about your beautiful new Christmas line but I was going to do my window to my booth in a sheet music theme (even with burlap!). But again, I don't think any of it is exactly the same though. I guess great minds think alike! Our Christmas Open House is this Friday, I'll post pics of it and remind you if you have a moment to check it out.

    Have a great day!
    Missy

73. Dear Marian, I cringe every time you talk about using vintage sheet music for your lovely decorations. I do the same thing when people talk about using books for making wreaths, etc. Just the way I am. BUT I think YOUR decorations are prettier than the ones from Pottery Barn! And, of course, they are handmade. So in my book, they're the best. Besides, you know Solomon said long ago, "There is nothing new under the sun." Have a blessed week!

74. Your tree topper is definitely better than PB (check the review on it) … yours is 'softer' and less urban if you know what I mean. I sincerely wish you reconsider sending them – I would love to order one!

    Grace & Blessings!
    ~Crystal

75. "Pretty much everything that can be invented has been invented."
    Willis Connover, Director of the U.S. Patent Office, 1889

76. What a nice post. You always see the silver lining in everything. I am a teacher, and we always say a good teacher is someone who borrows ideas that work and makes them their own. Why invent the wheel everytime! You are creative, and always so generous with your knowledge, gracious, and encouraging. It is so refreshing to see that in the blog world.

77. As you can see, you are SO not alone on this one! I always felt like I was "ahead of the trend" too, then came the pb catalog in the mail to pop my balloon!
    That's okay, our ideas are still cool!

78. My mouth dropped open the other night at a Pottery Barn holiday decorating class I went to. The wine bags I had just made were sitting right there in their store!! 🙁 I know my bags weren't terribly clever or 'new' but it is weird when you see that.
    You can just tell yourself that you AND PB are ahead of the curve!

79. First, I have to say, I like yours better! Nothing beats a handmade ornament.. not even PB. I had the idea the other day about the furniture webbing! too funny! the best part of any tree is the personal touches and love that is created with each detail! Love your site and ideas!!! Thanks for sharing your tutorial!

80. I was just talking about this, too. I'm in the process of opening a new Esty store. And, I'm finding that many of the crafts I intended to make are already on sale. (Which might mean I don't make them anymore.)

    I'm sure there are new ideas out there. But, I think it comes down to Great Minds Think Alike.

    And, I love your stuff.
    All the best.

81. You know, there really is "nothing new under the sun", but I like the phrase "great minds think alike" better. Keep on keepin' on and don't be discouraged, you are doing your own version of anything you do which means it has your fingerprint on it and that makes it unique.

    Judy

82. I realized this myself as I was putting together my living room. Ideas I thought were unique to me only to get on line and see others thought of it to. It can be frustrating but with all of us creative minds out there it is not a surprise. Your ideas are still creative and gorg! Keep on keepin on!

83. I know exactly what you mean. Almost two years ago, I had what I thought was this amazingly genious idea to paint stripes on fabric to create faux grain sacks. Then, several months later, I see the exact same idea in an issue of Country Living. I said to my husband – "LOOK AT THIS…they stole my idea!!" Haha…once I calmed down, I too realized that someone else just thought of it as well. Then it started popping up on blogs everywhere so I figure great minds must think alike and I wasn't alone in the quest for a cheaper grain sack alternative!

    Have a great day and happy creating!

    I LOVE your sheet music and glitter line btw!!

    God Bless,
    Kathleen

84. It is amazing how people from across great distances can be thinking the same exact thing. The other people just happen to work for PB and you had your thoughts out before them so Good For You.—THE BOOTLEGGER

85. Well said!