TideLine.org

Before You Accuse an Artist
This morning I woke up excited to see the comments on my newest beaded choker designs. Instead, I found something that completely took the wind out of my sails.
"I saw this on Temu."
"She must be a third-party seller."
"She can't bead that fast."
"It must be AI."
Those words may seem harmless to the people typing them, but to the artist reading them, they cut deeply.
What most people don't see is what happens before a single photograph is ever posted.
They don't see the thousands of dollars invested in quality beads. They don't see the countless hours spent designing a pattern bead by bead until it is exactly right. They don't see the evenings where your back aches, your eyes are tired, and your fingers keep working because you want to bring your vision to life.
They don't see the mistakes, the rows you unpick, the colours you change, or the designs you start over because they aren't good enough.
And they certainly don't see that I often save several completed projects and photograph them all at once. It's simply more practical. Good lighting, arranging the pieces, taking photographs, and editing them all takes time, so I do it in batches. Posting several finished pieces close together doesn't mean they were all made overnight.
It means I planned ahead.
We live in a time where AI can generate images in seconds and inexpensive marketplaces are filled with copied artwork. Sadly, that has made some people suspicious of genuine artists. I understand the concern. What I don't understand is why the first reaction is to accuse instead of ask.
A simple question like, "Did you make these yourself?" starts a conversation.
An accusation ends one.
As an Indigenous bead artist, my work is more than something I sell. Every piece represents patience, creativity, and respect for an art form that has been passed from generation to generation. Each bead is placed by hand. Every design begins with an idea and grows one bead at a time.
When someone dismisses that work with, "It's probably Temu," they erase all of the effort, skill, and heart that went into creating it.
Words matter.
Behind every handmade piece is a human being who has invested part of themselves into their work. Before assuming the worst, remember that there is an artist reading your comment.
Be curious instead of cynical.
Be encouraging instead of dismissive.
Support artists instead of tearing them down.
Because sometimes a few careless words can undo months of pride in something that was created with love.
To everyone who has supported my work, believed in me, and appreciated the hours behind every bead, thank you. Your kindness means more than you know.
And to those who rush to judge, I hope this reminds you that there is a real person on the other side of the screen.

I am proud to be an Indigenous bead artist. Every necklace I create begins with an idea, grows one bead at a time, and carries a little piece of my heart. I hope people will remember that before assuming the worst about someone's work.

Looking forward to this on Sunday!! Are you coming?

Along with the map here is the artisan line up in spot numbers.
1-Debbie - www.Debbiekennell.ca
2-Tony - woodworking
3-Louise - silversmith
4-Angela - Empurpled Wares
5- Roe's Garden
6- Janine - woven bowls
7- Lori -jams, jellies and more
8- Linda - upcycled purses
9- Lily - stickers etc.
10- Jessica -needlepunch
11- Faelleste - Faelleste
12- Judy - skin & dog paste
13- Judy - chain mail jewellery
14- Sheri - shawls / blankets
15- Theresa-Hooked on Glass
16- Kathy - cards and boxes
17- Diana - knotty handmade
18- Sidhl - forged pans and planters
19- Cheryl - needle Hummingbird Felting Studio
20- Dawn - sun catchers
21- Joan -Crafty Badger
22- Karen - up-cycled clothing & funky pottery
23- Coleen - Coleen's Creations
24- Marlaine - Bent Rods Metal Garden Art
25- Kasey - framed bugs
26- Stephanie -dishcloths/coasters
27- Anne - Beaded jewellery
28- Toni - TideLine.org
29- Jack & Naia -Litho prints & photography
30- Diana -Natures hair & skin care
31- Hailey - watercolour paintings
32-Karen- soy candles/room spray
33- Margaret - Baycrest Sewing

Hotdog sales are fundraising for Sitka stage & screen
Ryder Bachman will be playing live all day!
FREE Entrance
Please NO dogs. We have 3 large ones on the property! So this is for everyones safety.

🐦‍⬛ over 7000 delica beads
🐦‍⬛ over 52 different colors
🐦‍⬛ handmade by Vicki Johnson