AI policy at Ballyhoo Creations

last updated July 1, 2026

To help website visitors, customers, and newsletter subscribers better understand what might be created by artificial intelligence (AI) versus a real human here at Ballyhoo Creations, the following policy is shared to help you better understand how AI may be used, and where it will NOT be used.

The use of AI in the handmade realm is VERY controversial and many in the craft industry shun it completely. I make no such judgments. But I believe the technical crafts that I do (machine embroidery, 3D printing, maker tech) are different than the analog crafts that have been around for generations, like knitting, needlepoint, and hand sewing. My views are different than many of my craft business friends, and that’s OK. We each get to decide how to run our handmade business in a way that works for us. (●’◡’●)

Pattern Design – NO AI is used in the creation of pattern shapes, photos, or instructions. Pattern design, teaching, and writing instructions are my strengths, and I feel strongly that AI has no place in “assisting” with that process.

Photos – All product photos are actual photos of real projects made by hand. AI may be used to change a background or enhance the lighting or coloring of a photo using tools in Canva. Newsletter, blog, or website photos may be generated or altered by AI to animate or show me (Luci) or my designs in a different environment or pose.

Copywriting – The text in blog posts and newsletters is typically my own. I’ve always been told I have a solid, quirky writing voice, and I think AI writing doesn’t capture my weird personality that my audience expects from me. But I usually run my text through AI for proofreading because I miss a lot of errors when it’s just me. For product descriptions or marketing text, I may use AI to assist me because my brain doesn’t think in sales language. I was never willing to hire a copywriter, so nobody is losing a job here.

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Video – All video clips are shot with my video cameras and edited by me. I’ve toyed with some AI generated video and editors, but have chosen not to use them. I may use these in the future to animate my puppet/plushie designs. The only AI I’m aware of currently in use is my webcam uses AI to touch up my face, and I use Adobe to clean up my audio and remove background noise.

Troubleshooting or Tech Issues – Not gonna lie, this is where I use Google Gemini on a regular basis. Tech issues in my studio—such as with my computer, 3D printer, or other tech tools—have proven a challenge that Gemini is very capable of handling, saving me time and money. I’ve also found it incredibly useful in sourcing supplies and helping me decide which tools to use in my studio. So I definitely use Gemini as an assistant for these tasks.

Other Uses – Being a creator is mentally and emotionally taxing. There are a plethora of ideas in my head and never enough time to work on them (yes, ADHD, obviously). I’ve found that chatting with Google Gemini or other AI chatbots can help me narrow down what to focus on for the day/week/month and help me stay on task. So I guess I use it as a business coach, because I could never afford to hire a human coach. I felt that was important to relay in this AI policy so you know the full story.