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Wednesday, June 5, 2013

knockoffs: what do you think?



tee, Banana Republic Factory Store
Halogen knit skirt, Nordstrom Rack
pounamu (greenstone) necklace, New Zealand
jade bracelets, gifted
      
      I've been wanting a long pendant-style necklace lately, and wasted time did a little research on eBay and etsy to consider my options. Then I remembered this necklace and a few others I picked up on my trip to New Zealand, and realized I didn't need to buy anything. Yes for shopping my closet!


  
      I saw Kendi wearing this necklace recently, and liked it. I then proceeded to waste more time do a little research on eBay to see how much it might cost to purchase similar materials and make my own. However, I've decided to hold off on buying materials until I complete some of my unfinished projects.
    A question occurred to me: What do you think about creating your own knockoff of something you admire but can't afford? Do you think you are "stealing" from the artist in some way by creating your own? Is the right thing to do to save up your pennies to buy the original, or go for the immediate gratification of crafting your own? I can understand both viewpoints. I think artists deserve to earn a living from their creations, and that the price often (justifiably) reflects an investment of creativity, skill, experience, and materials. But at the same time, my budget can't stretch enough to accommodate my wish for an armful of Chan Luu bracelets (are they out? Who cares, they're still pretty) and other pretty but pricey baubles.