Are you stealing?

In any workplace, you stand the risk of having your hard work stolen for another's gain. Is it simply enough to get paid and look in the mirror and know you did your best?

Recently a lawsuit against Pinterest proved that, "no", its not enough. A person has the right to protect their intellectual property, whether it be their craft or their process tho reach the end result, otherwise face the charges.  Pinterest implemented a program, according to reports from the Washington Post, where the up loader (or owner) has the ability to utilize a "opt out" position when posting their original content.  This means they can prevent their image from being re-pinned to another's board. There's also a 500 word limit on the thread attaching to "pins" so a DIY or blog regarding the manufacturing details won't be easy to do.  The debate continues over whether this is enough protection for the intellectual property owner.  My thought? The jury's still out on this one.

I've always been bothered by copycats.  I'm not saying people have always copied me. I'm saying its always bothered me.  So many have said, "feel flattered"! Well, when someone steals your wallet, are you flattered? 

A sweet lady came into my FrillSeekerz shop about a year ago and bought several purses. She came in again and shared her love of the bag but ALSO how much she'd enjoyed making some just like those I'd made.  She stated how she was also looking forward to the extra income her new purses could provide for her.    Realizing how much income these bags have produced for me on etsy, I wasn't  excited for her but instead surprised at her naivete'.  Was it nerve or ignorance?  Why should I care?  After all, I don't do the same design for long at all. Trends change and truly creative souls evolve as does their craft.  It still bothered me. I gave her a "gentle" warning by using reference to copyright "umbrellas". She brushed it off as did I.

A year later, I was approached by a regular client who I supply her bridal shop.  She discussed with me our "no compete" clause on our contractual agreement.  This is when Angel informed me of my purses being carried next door to her shop.  After assuring her I would protect her interest and honor my contract, I did my research.  And yes, this same individual is, indeed, doing my purses as well as bridal sashes, table runners and flip flops and selling them next door to my commercial client. After contacting the mall owner, I was given the woman's contact information and left mine. She called. I was firm and definite with my intentions to sue and the grounds.  The merchandise was removed but now has appeared under her name in other locations.  I do plan to follow through with legal actions.

My question is this, when we've all been inspired by others, when is it crossing the line?  I believe when it is for financial gain and the product has more than 90% likeness, the reproduction belongs to the original designer.  If credits are not given, its the same as stealing.  The profits gained from another's design do not belong to the copycat.  I do realize the original designer takes a chance when posting images for the world to see BUT they should have that right.  I should have the right to display my goods in my store and believe that another creative soul will acknowledge the difference between admiration, inspiration and theft.  And quite frankly, nurturing that creative part of my soul means taking pride in the fact that I did it!

What's your take? Do you simply get inspired or do you steal?

I WUV U BOOK how to

In the spirit of the holidays, I find myself rummaging through my mind ideas for my shop. Open only 4 days per month, it brings travellers from Lake Charles, Louisiana to Galveston, Texas, who buy for their shops as well. Bulk provisions are essential.

Decorating the store for the holidays should be a breeze, as the theme's already white mixed with natural elements and has a warm buttery linen paint as a backdrop.  One of a kind, personalized Christmas wreaths and ornaments as well as gifts are my focus.  (Well, come on, like I focus on anything longer than it takes to deliver a sneeze)! However, I had an idea and wanted to share. You see, my handmade signs have done so well both at shows and the shop that I've decided to take them a step further for gift giving.  The first idea I'm using my sign that sold and was photographed for the facebook page of the Junk Gypsy Company.

The sign measures about 14 by 20 inches, which is a little big, so I stitched the words onto heavy raw linen scrap fabric.  Using embroidery floss, I had to discipline myself to be, well,  undisciplined! Meaning, perfection isn't cute. The juvenile form makes it so much more interesting.
                                                      Each Page varies in floss colors
Measuring about 4 inches by 9 inches, the pages will be washed and dryed with electric heat to insure fraying on the edges. After seaming all pages together, Liquid Starch on each page will add the perfect stiffening. Adding tea or strong coffee to the starch will give extra age!
I haven't decided on the cover but have found so many etsians with great ideas, but, me being me....

I'll appreciate their ideas but will leave it at that!





A fabric hodge podge  of photo frames
with clear plastic inserts may be the way
to go so grandma's can insert pics as she
wishes to gift to the special grandbaby!

Hey! Why don't I do that???








Kylynn may not love it now, but someday.........or we could design one together for her mommy! She loves creating as much as I do and definitely knows her own style! Glitter, Animal Crackers, and a pom pom or two.....aaaah...."Livin' the Dream"!

Okay, okay....back on track! After designing the cover, bind it. I prefer the tattered look of muslin torn into strips to create a ribbon effect. Lacing it through grommets or hand cut holes. *HINT: Dipping the muslin in modpodge and allowing to dry on a cookie sheet in a low temp oven will give an antique look as well as hardening the fabric!

 

 

 

Done!

Now, in hopes of a great retail season, I anxiously await the interest from the shoppers as well as the web.  I'll finish half a dozen WUV U BOOKS and post to our FRILLSEEKERZ FACEBOOK PAGE and collect my blessed 4 cents an hour! But at least its one of a kind and will possibly make a heart or two smile.