Thistle Rose Studio is a virtual gift and craft shop operating as a sole-proprietorship in the state of Tennessee, in adherence with all federal, state, county and city laws, regulations and licenses. It is not a physical shop, but offers items for sale via online shops and provides custom work as ordered. TRS also offers instruction in the needlework arts and sewing. All items, designs, and the name Thistle Rose Studio and TRS are copyright Lisa Murray 2004. 2006 & 2011.
Contact Info:
Lisa Murray murraylisa64@yahoo.com Gallatin, TN
FAQ:
How long have you been designing/fabricating sewn goods?
I have been sewing and doing similar things since I was about 6 years old. That gives me about 42 years experience in sewing, and about 30+ years in designing. I started out making Barbie doll clothes, then designing Barbie doll clothes, then went on to making my own clothing and other craft items. I have picked up other crafts along the way, such as needlework, knitting, crochet and beadwork. I try to incorporate many different crafts into my products. I have recently been encouraged to put my hobby to good use!
Why do you do this (make things)?
I love to create/design and make things. Selling them has become a recent addition to my hobbies, otherwise I'd have a house full of buckets, baskets and other things! I discovered a market for my unique items so I decided to make them available to the public.
What's the difference between your items and (other designers) items?
Most of the designers, esp. those nation- or world-wide, are fairly large companies with hired designers, staff and fabricators, who buy materials in bulk and have set patterns, fabrics and styles. There is nothing wrong with these products or the designers! What makes my items different is that I am a one-person show. I design, shop for materials, fabricate (sew, put together), market and sell all my own items. I make each one individually and uniquely. Larger companies can cookie-cutter their products and make hundreds available to the public. Some are expensive, some are relatively not. My disadvantage is I don't have the resources the big companies do, nor can I turn out hundreds at a time. My advantage: I can produce custom, one of a kind creations and work with a customer individually. My items may be similar, and have a set pattern (such as my named handbags), but they are all made different in some way. No two are exactly alike. I can also ensure quality work and reasonable prices.
I saw a handbag I liked, can you copy it?
Absolutely not. All my items are designed by me. I seek inspiration from other items I see, but I never copy other people's patented work. Not only is this unethical, it's illegal. If you have a design idea of your own you would like me to create, I'll be happy to work with you. Please do not ask me to copy or duplicate someone else's design. Any of my work that appears to be the same as someone else's work is purely coincidental. If you have an idea that you want me to design and produce, the design becomes my property, and I reserve the right to reproduce that design.
Why do you copyright / patent your designs?
I do this so that my designs, as well as graphics, photos and documents, are protected from being stolen and copyrighted or patented by someone else. Should something like that happen, I wouldn't be able to use my own designs! My conceptual designs (what can be put on paper in written or graphic form) are protected under U.S. Copyright law. Most of my work is general design, therefore there is no patent for them (ie: 'handbags' or "bucket covers" are to general to patent). However, should I come up with a truly unique product and/or design, it will be patented (or applied for patent) before being made public.
Will you be opening your own shop/store?
Who knows? Right now I have a web presence and an occasional booth when available. I don't know that this business will take off to the point of needing a shop - but you never know!
Do you have items available to buy 'off the shelf'?
Sure. I will have an Online Store - which are items I have already made up and are ready to ship out. I update the Store as new items are available, and remove items that are not.
I need a lot of items, and/or in a hurry!
Well, that depends on the items and how much of a hurry! There is just me - not a warehouse full of sewers, so making items takes time. Drop me a line, I will let you know if I can fulfill an order and in what time frame.
Do you do custom embroidery or hand quilting?
Absolutely. My bags and other quilted items are machine quilted. Special touches are available, but keep in mind they take time. I can also do custom bead work, wire work, leather carving and knit/crochet pieces. Extra work will have an extra charge, which can be quoted. Be advised I am not an artist, so please keep it simple!
Do you sell through other shops/vendors?
Yes. I can work with vendors, gift shops and other web stores in creating what you need for your particular needs, or on consignment.
I bought a couple of items - can I sell them to someone else?
Absolutely. If you bought them, they're yours. Give them away, sell them, whatever. Please don't remove my labels or pass them off as made by someone else. It would be embarrassing for someone to contact another designer and ask for something made by me.
Can I use your items for my fundraiser/raffle?
Absolutely! I can create some unique fundraiser or raffle products for bona-fied fundraisers or raffles. Just drop me a line to see what I can do for you. I also donate items to worthy causes.
I bought one of your items and want something else to match, is this possible?
That depends on what fabrics were used and if they are still available. My creations are unique, and fabric availability changes over time. Most fabrics are usually available. It's best to decide what you want to have in a matching set in advance, that way I can make them all up at once from the same fabric. My handbags are numbered and cataloged, so if you want accessories to go with, I have an easy reference and can tell you within a couple of days whether or not a fabric is still available. I do not buy bulk fabrics and cookie-cutter my items out. Each item is unique and made individually.
I need a custom item, can I get it?
Sure thing. Does it cost more than the same type of item, with the same type (ie: cotton/poly blend fabric) of fabric? Nope. Cost and availability, as well as time to get it, depends mostly on what you want, when you want it, and how elaborate you want it.
I have material I'd like made into something, can you do that?
Mostly, yes. I can take your fabric and materials and build what you need within the scope of my business. For example: I can take some of the fabric from a wedding ensemble and make matching handbags or whatever. I can take some scraps from great-grandma's old gown that is falling apart and make the "something old" part for your wedding. I can cover the old buckets you have in your basement. I can make accessories for a room or office using the same fabrics used for the bedspread or quilt Aunt Martha made, provided Aunt Martha still has enough scraps left over to make what you need! Prices will be adjusted accordingly for the materials provided. I cannot be responsible for use of other people's materials.
Do you use commercial patterns?
Any patterns I use are designed by me, and may be variations of patterns I have made in the past. I learned to make patterns for my work in Junior High School, and some of my original patterns are from them! I do not use commercial patterns for items I sell. My patterns are copyrighted.
Are your cloth items washable?
For the most part, yes. If they are made with a washable fabric, with washable trims, you can wash them or have them cleaned. Cleaning instructions are included with the items. Please be advised I am not responsible for items mishandled, misused, or mis-cleaned against recommended use. Full cleaning instructions can be provided for each item.
How long does it take to get something made and shipped to me?
Generally, I can turn out a small custom item in about a day. It takes me time to find the materials, get it sewn, and get it wrapped for shipping. Depending on my back log - how many items/projects I have ahead of your order - two, three days plus shipping is about average. When you place an order, I can let you know back log time, production time, and shipping time. Shipping depends on how it is shipped (I can deliver locally or mail USPS, UPS or Fed Ex) and how far away you are. The season has a big influence on shipping as well. You will receive a written quote and time frame on your order or request for quote. Premade items (as available on the Online Store) are usually shipped the same or next business day from when I receive the order.
Why do you use Paypal and not take Credit Cards yourself?
Two reasons - security and cost. It is cheaper for me to use Paypal, thus keeping my overhead to a minimum and prices low. Secondly, when you use Paypal to send payments, they have a secure system and I never see your information. They are a proven system, and very secure and easy for you. You don't even have to have a Paypal account to use it. And it's free to use for you, the buyer. I do accept cash, checks and money orders myself, however. But please do not send cash through the mail - it isn't secure!
Can I return an item?
Generally, no. I do not usually accept returns. I work on the assumption that intelligent people, who know what they want when they spend their money, are buying my products. However, in certain circumstances, I will accept a return for a refund (minus restock fee of 5%), and only on pre-made, non custom items. These circumstances may include bought as a gift but not giving (ie, wedding that was cancelled), manufacture defect (though I do my best to make sure each item is well made and usable), etc. I take it on a case-by-case basis. Custom items are not returnable. I have to be able to resell an item. Returnable items must be returned within 30 days of original purchase, and have prior approval (call or email for a Return Authorization Number). I do not refund shipping charges. All returns/refunds must be within 60 days of purchase.
Why do custom items need to be prepaid?
This is basically to ensure that the person placing a custom item order is serious about the item, and I don't get stuck with a non-sellable item. An order can be cancelled for a custom item if I have not yet started the project. This may include purchasing the materials to make the item, depending on the materials used.
I heard a negative rumor about you...
There is a group of people who, due to jealousy or whatever bug infects them, feel the need to tear my family down and will attack anything I do. Consider the source and judge for yourself. There are many, many more who will vouch for me.
Are you a registered business?
Absolutely. I am registered as a Sole Proprietor business through the State of Tennessee. That means I am my business and the business is me. You get to deal with me, a person. Not a corporation. I charge TN sales tax for TN residents and file my taxes accordingly. I have a business degree as well and have been working in business, including retail sales and management, for 20 years.
Page created and maintained by Lisa
Note: all pages under the web site "www.thistlerosestudio.com", brochures, and all tangible item designs are copyright 2004, 2006, & 2011 by Lisa Murray.
No material or design may be copied or reproduced without written permission from the owner.
