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Copyright Laws: What Crafters Should Know

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As the editor of FaveCrafts’ weekly newsletter Creative Income, I’m always trying to learn more and find way to bring relevant information to crafters and craft professionals. One of the hottest topics right now is copyright laws. With the popularity of blogs and the constant dissemination of information, tips, tricks and tutorials, it’s so easy to unknowingly push boundaries or even break a law.

I came across a feature in the Chicago Sun-Times that I think Creative Income readers (and crafters in general) should know about. The piece, Crafters Should Know About Copyright Law was originally published by the Associated Press.

There were many important points made in this article, but what struck me most was the idea that simple photocopying a pattern can be seen as infringement. Never assume you can use someone else’s work as your own. Often on blogs, you’ll see that the crafter indicates how their patterns can be used. Most often, they say that their tutorials are “for personal use only.” A little research goes a long way in this case. Be sure to check the source and do your homework. If you want to share a pattern or project tutorial that you love (but isn’t your own creation), make sure you ask permission from the designer.

Craft professionals can protect themselves by obtaining copyrights on designs and patterns. It isn’t expensive and can be done online. In the end, that time and money could save you from future problems.

Want to learn more? Read the rest of the article here.

Ask Maria “Copyright Worries?”

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Question

Where can I find crafts projects to make and sell that are not copyright protected so don’t get in trouble?

From FaveCrafts Radio Fan Page on Facebook

Above is the copyright notice from Design Originals in the book, Simply Soldered by Carrie Edelmann Avery.  Design Origials is a strong supporter of crafters who want to sell their finished work.

Answer

Good for you for being aware that there are copyright laws that protect designs and patterns. It is important if you want to earn income from selling your handmade crafts that you do it without infringing on the rights of designers and publishers.

A good look at the fine print shows that Design Originals does allow crafters to sell items made from their books for pin money, but clear states you need to hand make the item and not mass produce it.

Most publishers are aware that people want to make and sell crafts and often look for inspiration in magazines, books, kits, and pattern packs. Most of these sources will clearly state if a design may not be reproduced for profit. Some might word their copyright notices with permission to hand make for sale or that the design can be used for “pocket money” or “pin money”. What this means is that the owner of the copyright doesn’t want anyone to mass produce or machine produce the design. If you want to make 3-5 to sell at the church bazaar, that’s ok.

Rubberstamp companies often have what is called an Angel Policy. This means the stamp company has set up guidelines to use their stamp images on items you might sell. Images can only be hand stamped and there is a limit to how many times you can use the image. Just put the keywords Angel Policy in your favorite search engine to find rubberstamp companies who have an Angel Policy.  All that stated, I’m not a lawyer and can’t give legal advice. The best thing to do is to contact the publisher or design owner and ask if you can hand make a project to sell. Many are very flexible as long as you follow their guidelines.

You can learn more about copyright laws at the United States Copyright Office’s website.

Resident Craft Expert for FaveCrafts.com, Maria Nerius, has been a professional crafter for over 25 years selling finished items and designs.

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