Other people's items

[Artylady]

I am interested in knowing (please be honest) if you see someone's design without a pattern (e.g. something on Etsy) - does anyone copy it for their own use?

There are many lovely tatted items on Etsy and I'm wondering about the etiquette of doing this - I am very tempted (I would be EXTREMELY tempted if I actually was an experienced tatter).

[Kersti]

I've gotten some great inspiration from etsy sellers and ebayers, but to actually copy a pattern would be too much bother! If the person has made the pattern available, great - and if they charge a token amount for a copy of it, no problem at all - buying the pattern helps keep them designing.

If the pattern was available for purchase but I could make it up anyway without buying the pattern I would feel bad showing the finished piece and I certainly would not sell any of the items.

[Krystledawne]

I have had inquiries on etsy about this. I don't currently offer patterns, but I encourage others to learn the techniques and then design their own. I honestly don't mind if someone "copied" something I put on etsy, however, I would find it rude if the item were sold as competition. Make them for yourself however, more power to you. I can't say that I wasn't inspired by seeing other designers to make my jewelry.

[sackerland]

I have copied other's work and given the finished items as gifts to family and friends. If I show any work that was copied, I always list who the author/designer is of the piece.

[carolivy]

I have used others' work as inspiration for my own designs, but I ALWAYS put my own "twist" on it to make the design "mine". That way I don't feel bad if someone asks ME for the pattern. I can freely share the pattern that I have come up with.

[Tarie]

I have looked at a picture on a site and figured out the pattern for the piece once but it wasn't an item for sale it was like a wallpaper for the site. I also don't sell any of my tatting at the moment. I just tat for myself and as gifts to family.

[Beelizabeth]

I have had a similar question about making items from pictures of other people's work. I'm happy to see this question and the comments. My mind works such that I see a picture and want to see if I can figure out how to make it. If there is a free pattern available, I do get a copy. There are some patterns, though, that are published in the designer's books that after seeing them over and over and saving a couple of images in my inspirations file-- I find myself buying the designer's book. I don't sell my work, i work in a little bit of slow motion in everything I do so it would never be profitable for me. I keep my items or give them as gifts. I also find that when I start looking at my "inspiration" pieces, they really are a jumping off point for me to create a piece that has details that fit my tastes. A big THANK YOU to all of you who post pictures of your work. They really are inspirational to me. (I am a newbie, and wouldn't be able to do much without without all of you sharing your work and experience through your blogs and such.)

[Artylady]

Thanks everyone for your responses.

I noticed your garden earrings Krystaldawne, which I just love to pieces. Once day I may be experienced enough to attempt something similar. But in the meantime I can just drool over them.

[TotusMel]

I learned a lot trying to figure out patterns from others pictures. That being said, copying and showing the pieces without asking permission is tacky. Trying to sell a piece made that way, well it would and unfortunately has pissed me off something royal.

I honestly have no problem with someone making one of my pieces for personal use only so long as I get that heads up and props for the design and if I actually have the pattern written up, I do try to share though I'm awful at writing them up.

[Artylady]

I agree, it's just not on to copy someone elses work and sell it (isn't that similar to plagarism??). It's good to know that most don't mind if people do some sort of adaptation of a pattern for their own use though.