Yesterday I decided to put a photo of my newish Sticks & Stones bracelet on Facebook.

If I'd have known the storm that would happen as a result I'd have shut my laptop and put away my beads permanently.

I woken up Saturday to discover that sadly some people thought I had ripped-off Jill Wiseman and one of her projects.

Fortunately Jill was wise and kind enough to recognise that not only do different people have similar ideas all over the world at the same time but that in all honesty the stitch used lends itself to making 'sticks' (hence both the project names I guess) and the journey from there just flows.

I'm sure similarities in all types of art and design have existed since they began but now with the Internet and sites like Facebook we have instant access to work created around the world and comparisons can be easily made.

I hope also the fact that for more than a decade I've shown my original beadwork backed up the fact there's no need (never mind the time or inclination!!) for me to copy someone else.

To back up my case I added some photos of other new projects, especially Armarria, as it being named after a shield and being designed for protection seemed appropriate for the mood.

Sadly some people were less wise and used it as an opportunity to send me nasty messages and let me know that my Multiple Sclerosis was a result of how horrible a person I am.

I have no problem with some of the accusations of copying as I hope they came from a good place and were a result of people sticking up for an artist they admire. I'm secure enough in my work I do behind the scenes creating projects that I know exactly where an idea has come from and its influences. The nastiness and name-calling I could have done without.

Add in being in excruciating pain with my shoulder and a migraine and my weekend didn't get off to a stellar start.

Fortunately I had a trip to a spa planned with friends and I was able to shut off my laptop and phone and have a few hours away from it all.

Fast-forward to this morning when I next turned my phone on and the 500+ notifications I got of messages and emails of support and compliments on my new work. I can't tell you how much that went towards counter-acting the nastiness and making me inclined to continue sharing work.

I took no photos this weekend so instead here's a photo of my pink shoes and the bright green grass both of which never fails to cheer me up.