Using our work as inspiration
Posted on: Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009*Please scroll down for Soph’s punch art video tutorial*
Ever since papercrafter’s have started posting and sharing their artwork online, there has been an ongoing debate about the appropriate use of shared arwork for inspiration. There have been a few issues that have cropped up recently that have made us think that it would be a good idea to follow Kristina Werner’s lead (a blogger we greatly admire), and clarify our views on the topic.
Anything that we share on our blog that is NOT part of a paid class or tutorial is FREE to all our readers. You are welcome to use our cards, scrapbooking projects and gift items as inspiration for your personal work. In other words, please do not “CASE” it and submit if for contests or for publication.
As Stampin’ Up! demonstrators we understand the need to be constantly looking for fresh ideas to share with your customers. So we are perfectly all right with other Stampin’ Up! demonstrators using the projects we share, as is or slightly altered, keeping in mind the following guidelines:
Posting inspired works on your blog or web galleries: if you would like to share a creation that was inspired by one of ours, we would please ask that you would note where you found the original idea with a full name (first and last) at the very least. Although not necessary, a link would be appreciated. If you have been a long time reader of our blog, then you would see that this is a practice that we ALWAYS follow – we include full name AND a link to the blog post.
Using our work in your classes: You are free to use our work in traditional classes that you offer to your customers - this would include a workshop, stamp club or other attended events. Please do not use our artwork to create email or video tutorials that you then turn around and sell online.
The classes and tutorials that we sell: as most of you know, in addition to all the free stuff that we share with you guys, we put out a variety of products that we sell. These include Stamp Classes by Email, Class Planners, Workshop Planners, DVD tutorials and Class Kits by Mail. Only those who have purchased those products have the right to use them as classes – as part of their investment in the product they have purchased the right to use it in their businesses to make money. If you have not purchased a class or product, then please do NOT copy or “CASE” these project ideas and use them for classes or for other monetary gain. This is not fair to us, and it’s not fair to those Stampin’ Up! demonstrators that have made the financial investment.
We GIVE a lot on our blog – most of it for free - and it takes up a LOT of our time and effort to create, film, edit and publish the projects we freely share. What we earn in the products we sell, helps pay for that time.The things that we have asked are considered to be common courtesy and are encouraged by most websites. We extend that courtesy to those people that inspire us and hope that all our readers would extend that same courtesy to us as well.
Andrea Walford 
46 Comments
September 23rd, 2009 at 2:35 pm
Your respect for other crafters is awesome if only everyone else had that integrity. Thanks so much for sharing your ideas with us.
September 23rd, 2009 at 3:02 pm
I consider your time and talent to be above reproach. If people are utilizing your resources for their own profit, then you should prosecute. What you offer is an amazing gift. Thank you for all you do.
September 23rd, 2009 at 3:06 pm
Andrea and Soph – Thank you so much for all that you share!! I trust that people will listen and understand, if they didn’t already, all of the points you have made. I for one can truly appreciate the time you have spent on this blog and your projects. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!! There is no better way to start the day than with a cup of coffee and the inspiration this blog provides!! My best to you and all who visit your blog.
September 23rd, 2009 at 3:23 pm
I would only hope that any inspiration anyone gets from your blog does let everyone know where they got their inspiration from. I for one and so happy to be able to send some love your way when I have created something that inspired my mojo to get working that came from here and now w/that I am off to check out Sophia’s video and get my mojo on
September 23rd, 2009 at 3:33 pm
Well said. You gals are an ispiration to so many others out here and I
for one truly appreciate what you and other bloggers put out on the internet to inspire others. I hope you never have to get to the point of not being able to do this because of the misuse of others! Thanks!
September 23rd, 2009 at 3:52 pm
You girls well deserve all the praise possible for your wonderful ideas. As a new demo I couldn’t wait to be able to try your wonderful class planners. I am waiting for you to release the Christmas Jingle kit. I have showed your link to some of my customers and they can’t wait to recreate your masterpieces! Keep up the good work and don’t let the dishonest few discourage you.
September 23rd, 2009 at 4:06 pm
I have often times found inspiration from both of you. I appreciate your clarification on what’s proper and what’s not. (Just in case someone was not certain.) I, too, always try to give proper credit where credit is do. I think it’s only good manners and let’s face it-it is the right thing to do. Please continue to inspire us. We all love your creations. Just try not to let a few bad apples spoil the bunch for you.
September 23rd, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Very well said! Bravo! I hope that the readers take these words to heart and live by them.
September 23rd, 2009 at 5:47 pm
I would be lost without your inspiration. I proudly tell customers and friends where I got my ideas or if I have purchased a class planner, etc. You have been more than generous with your sample cards and videos. Thank you again for all you both do.
September 23rd, 2009 at 5:49 pm
We love you guys!
We recently did a big card swap at our team convention and for sure there were a few cased projects with Sophia’s punched art…the punch art inspired us to have a group of 25 swappers doing nothing but punchies!
Mine was totally a CASE of the Baby bundles card, which stole my heart and is viewable on my blog. I shared some of my steps and did everything in assembly line fashion over a matter of weeks and they just turned out so VERY cute. Thanks for all the inspiration. Many people took many pictures of all of the punched art cards that were created.
In my blog, I did tribute Sophia Landry with the inspiration and kudos, but I didn’t actually LINK back. Thank you for clarifying your wishes about link backs. Sophia’s name will now be ‘clickable’ back to the original baby bundle posting!
I have no problem sharing my sources of inspiration, I keep telling everyone ” noo I don’t think up these things on my own, someone teaches me too!”. Thank goodness for you guys, your projects, your planners and more!
I hope that everyone takes care to consider each other in such a friendly and forthright manner.
Dreena.
September 23rd, 2009 at 6:31 pm
I so appreciate everything that you supply us on your blog. I love visiting her and learning everything!
September 23rd, 2009 at 7:56 pm
keep up the wonderful work you do…I sure appreciate all you do…thanks so much…
September 23rd, 2009 at 8:21 pm
Every time I come and visit your blog I am in awe by the work that you ladies do and the ideas you come up with and share (for FREE) will all of us!! I (and many others) truly appreciate all that you do. I currently do not have a blog but I found your blog quite some time ago from a link from another blog and enjoy visiting and learning from you two. Thank you
September 23rd, 2009 at 9:01 pm
It’s sad to see society in such a state that things like this have to be clarified…. if there was more honesty and less thieving, maybe this wouldn’t be an issue… and I’m not a demonstrator, but I only “CASE” a card for my personal use… actually, I usually alter it a bit from the original, and use different stamps and colours.
I love the work you ladies do, and greatly appreciate the time and effort you put into the blog.
September 23rd, 2009 at 10:07 pm
Providing the full name and link back to the originator of any idea that I use is standard. Not only do I feel it necessary to be respectful in this manner, but I feel that people looking at my “version” of the project could receive further inspiration from the originator! I do NOT understand why others do not provide the inspiration source. It troubles me that people are so inconsiderate, disrespectful, and rude.
Thank you both so much for keeping this blog wonderful and full of Free ideas and videos. Also, thank you for all the kits!! I can only imagine the time that it takes to complete one of those kit tutorials! Wow.
September 23rd, 2009 at 10:14 pm
Andrea and Sophia, you provide so much inspiration and share so unselfishly. I thank you and truly appreciate all of your time and effort dedicated to your blog. I tell all my stamping buddies to check out your website for ideas, layouts and color combos. You gals are the best!!!
September 23rd, 2009 at 11:23 pm
You and Sophia are very special ladies. I would like to thank both of you for all the hard work you do for us. You have taught me and inspired me. Thank you.
Blessings,
Deborah
September 24th, 2009 at 12:39 am
I love your girls artwork! Inspiring
September 24th, 2009 at 12:51 am
Very well said. You folks work so hard…I thank you for being so inspiring!
September 24th, 2009 at 3:23 am
I love your blog and think you girls totally rock!
Thanks you for your wonderful talent and inspiration. Some people are rude and need some etiquette reminders obviously!
September 24th, 2009 at 6:03 am
Hi girls. The work that the two of you do is invaluable to this new SU demonstrator of only 3 months. I have purchased two “classes” from you and they are wonderful! I look at your blog EVERY day and I want to thank the two of you for the wonderful work that you both do. Thank you for all of the time and energy that you put into making such lovely things that inspire us all.
September 24th, 2009 at 7:55 am
this little guy is so stinkin’ cute!!! love it.
xox
September 24th, 2009 at 8:25 am
I, too, am in awe of your work. And I truly appreciate the time you put into each project. as well as the time it takes to video your tutorials.
I am sorry that there are some whom abuse this kindness.
Thanks for your time, effort and hard valuable work.
September 24th, 2009 at 8:25 am
Well stated. I’m sure that there are always new demos to your site eager to utilize the great things you offer. Probably a good idea to make these reminders once in a while. Thanks for all you do.
September 24th, 2009 at 8:56 am
I’m sorry that you are being taken advantage of. I have purchased a few of your class and I’m a big follower. I love what you both do and respect you for it. Thanks!
September 24th, 2009 at 10:09 am
I totally agree on the point about posting on where the inspiration came from. I have seen one very clear and blatant example where someone copied my designs and posted it saying that it was her own design. I try to tell myself that imitation is the best form of flattery but I still think it’s good common courtesy to reference where the “inspiration” (or copying in my case) came from.
September 24th, 2009 at 10:23 am
Nicely said! Thank you both for all your time you put into your blog, projects and videos. I truly appreciate it!
September 24th, 2009 at 10:50 am
I have enjoyed your blog and beautiful art work everyday for a long time. Your work is such an inspiration for us all and I hate that people are abusing your generosity and talent. I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate you and all your hard work. Nancy
September 24th, 2009 at 11:16 am
You would THINK this would all be common sense, but thanks for clarifying:) You definitely deserve to get credit (and money!) for your hard work!
Thanks for all you share!
September 24th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
I am totally in love with your blog. I recently found it & ordered your christmas jingle tri-shutter album kit. I was so excited when it arrived in the mail. All the hard work that goes into your projects is amazing. I love checking out your blog, I try to get there daily. I also love hearing about how you & Sophie have regular everyday adventures with your families. Thanks for the awesome blog Andrea & Sophie, you are very inspiring!!
September 24th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
Very nicely said. Thank you so much for all you and your sisters hard work! You two are amazing inspiration for everyone alike!!!
September 24th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
Well said, Andrea (and Sophia!). Please know that I may not comment everyday but I DO come by everyday. You’re not only an inspiration for your art but for your work ethic. Thanks for doing all you do.
Take care,
brandi
September 24th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
I think you ladies do a terrific job and your projects are a source of inspiration. I wish I had all the products you do!
September 24th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
Thank both of you so much for sharing all your talent. This was very well said.
September 24th, 2009 at 7:55 pm
Andrea, your work is AWESOME. I’m amazed each time I see your work. When I first saw this little elf earlier today, I thought, that’s not CS – it looked like a little plastic type face. He is darling! I must try him, but don’t own the die cut. I love punched type items, but this was is precious! Thank you for sharing video tutorials with us. I will always be coming to your blog for ideas. Thanks,
September 24th, 2009 at 10:36 pm
I will always keep your thoughts in mind when I’m creating with your idea as my base when working with my customers. You make is so easy for us demonstrators.
TFAS all that you do
Candyce
September 25th, 2009 at 8:55 am
I want to thank you for this post! Blogs are my number one source for inspiration and yours is one of the few that offers things for sale. This caused a ‘fuzzy’ area for me and I wasn’t sure if I made something using one of your posts if it would be ok to post on my blog or not, so just didn’t do it! Now I know specifics and feel great about it.
Beyond that – thank you for all the sharing you do with your blog. I love Stampin Up and the spirit of community and you guys are a perfect example.
September 25th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Andrea and Sophia,
First thank you so much for all both of you do to put together this wonderful blog. I love it! It’s my favorite! I’m so disappointed in what people will do these days to turn a buck or two. Not surprised but really disappointed. I hope that that who ever it is gets some bad karma coming their way for what they’ve done. Please know I appreciate the work you both put into this awesome blog to inspire the rest of us! Thank you for the bottom of my heart!
September 25th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
Andrea -
I am sorry about losing your precious memories and items from your loved ones. I hope that through a professional cleaner, some items can be saved. Through your writing I could feel your anguish.
I am so fortunate to have discovered your website. You are such an incredibly talented artist and well and instructor. Thank you so much for taking the time to provide such a high quality website and resource site for other stampers. I visit your site often, have sent the link to many of my friends and thoroughly enjoying browsing and learning from you. I get excited each day wondering what new and inspiring creations you have added to your site.
Keep up the good work!
Jean
September 25th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Girls, it’s because of your amazing talents and design that keep me coming back for more inspiration. Thank you for all you do. As new demonstrators I think it’s important that you do clarify. I think it’s awful that someone would use your ideas (without paying) and charge for your classes without giving you due respect or financial payment. I think your classes are very reasonable and I too have become a huge fan.
Thank you for all you do
Your Vermont Fan
September 25th, 2009 at 9:20 pm
Thank you for all you do and share with us. I check your blog all the time and love all the projects that you create. It is not fair that people take credit for what you do, so I am glad you posted your expectations.
September 25th, 2009 at 11:22 pm
It’s a shame when someone takes credit for your ideas. I had that happen last year and I WAS THERE WHEN SHE DID IT!! Can you believe the guts of some people?! Well, that’s all in the past now. I so respect the time you put into your projects and I’m glad you spoke up to us about using your ideas with integrity.
September 25th, 2009 at 11:38 pm
Makes sense, it’s only fair!!
September 27th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
Please know that your hard work is appreciated by MANY!
September 29th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
What you ask is only fair, and common courtesy. Thank you for spelling it out so clearly and kindly.
I know how much you give away for free – I love watching your new videos and I learn something every time. Thanks for everything you do!
September 30th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
Dear Andrea and Sophia,
I am so sorry that you even had to create a post like this.
I hope that the disrespectful actions of some of your readers does not discourage you from continuing to share your creativity with us.
Please know that your time and talent is truly appreciated.
Have a great day,
Chelsey