How much of a no-no is it to copy someone else's craft work?

[Zrt]

I've seen something technical & crafty I'd like to have a go at making. I've also started an Insta to share my craftwork, I do many different things. I'm not starting a business and I don't sell my stuff. But I would like to see if I have the skill to create this new item & record it with my other work. I'd put 'inspired by the work of ...' and credit the person who does sell this stuff. Would this be a terrible no-no? I think if it was me on the other end, I might be a bit miffed. 😬All the materials used would be my own and so would differ from the original designer but the shape/item would be obvious. So hit me with it, is it really bad to want to try it & show my efforts?

OP sorry to keep posting the same thing. I can see why you might want to set yourself the challenge of making it. But why can't you just do that without posting an image? An achievement is still an achievement without external validation.

aroman

If 'personal use' means you would photograph that cushion and post it on
instagram as your own work, that's not fine, because it's not your original work
and you are getting credit/ followers for something you didn't really make.

I agree with aroman's explanation. If you must post any subsequent images anywhere on the website - please ask their permission first.

No they don't sell patterns, only finished items

'It's absolutely not fine to make it and pass it off as your own design on instagram' - I didn't say I wanted to pass it off as my own design, I said I would credit the original maker in full.

Thanks for all the feedback, it's really helped me consider this better. I think to feel comfortable about it I'll need to make some material changes and then say 'Inspired by ...'s work'. I don't want to piss anyone off.

I would credit and link to the maker, and say something like: “if you’d like one of these” visit <<name of original maker>> who makes and sells her originals of this brilliant design.”

but you should ask her first too.

If they created something original, the copyright is automatically theirs: it’s not something they have to go and register.

Why does your copycat version have to go on Instagram?

It’s highly unlikely that the persons work you want to emulate is original to them.

I see this with popular Crochet crafters who claim to have original patterns when in fact I have seen them made in the 60s 70s long before they were even born!

I do agree they deserve credit if they have an original idea and you are copying it.

But I think it depends what it is - if you do a search on Pinterest do 1000’s of similar things come up?

Just how ‘original’ is it?

Why dont you just as them.

This would be the best way.
And explain you just want to do it for personal use.

I think if you dont ask them, you may still get people piling on to you saying you rip off peoples work, even if you acknowledge the other person.

Go for it. Those home made craft sale platforms are copying eachother’s ideas constantly. We used to on some items. And people used to copy our ideas. Room for everyone, and you’ll either sink or swim as a business idea.

if you copy an idea and promote it on Instagram, you will absolutely get comments about how similar your idea is, but as long as you’re not infringing anyone’s trademark, there’s nothing to concern yourself with apart from your own creative conscience.

If you’re going to tag and credit the original owner of the idea, be business like about it, not all kissy-kissy-hunny-bunny about it, and you never know you might end up manufacturing for them if your replica is good enough 😁

Would you copy someone's original painting, change a few details and put it online and pretend it was all your original creative work? No? It's the same. The world of British craftspeople is very small. It will be noticed and you will be called out. Can't you create something from your own head?

Why do you need to 'show it off'
just do it and keep it personal to you

not sure what the craft is BUT card making and scrapbook pages are all over pinterest for people to copy. many (demonstrators) provide links to all the items used. same with knitting. or candle making where all the molds are purchased from a wholesale location.
i don't see the need to even mention it.
chances are it won't be identical due to the skill set and supplies.

You would probably be infringing their intellectual property by putting puctures online.

I was recently asked to make something by a family member. They wanted it to say "xyz xyz xyz" but font/colour etc at my discretion. Really common every day saying so no copyright issues. I posted a pic on my personal facebook page. A "friend" commented that she liked it and wanted to steal the idea- great id inspired someone. No, she literally stole my picture and advertised it as her own. Being inspired by someones idea is generally okay- especially if credit is given but literally taking someones work for your own is a no.

My friend is famous (in the world of quilting/patchwork) she does all sort of styles patterns etc she sees different/new techniques on line/in books/on line tutorials/quilting classes etc and tries it out. She obviously doesn't copy the thing she sees to the letter but is sometimes heavily influenced by what she sees and then makes her own version. Others do the same for her stunningly beautiful work. She doesn't put put on instagram or sell anything but does write books. She's never had a problem.
She was showing me a particular technique there was lots of stuff on the internet all using the same ideas e.g. certain pattern colour of fabrics and on line tutorials it seemed that people genuinely wanted to share ideas and techniques.

When did I ever say I was going to pretend it was my design?