Would you like to leave something for me to find in my post-office in the hedge?
Oh dear, how horrible! This has never happened to me (for I don't have a store or something of the sort 
) but I do hope that this inconsiterate person realizes what they did, and what hurt feelings they caused, and that they feel remorse for it! I hope you and others have no more troubles with copyrighting. Have a wonderful day!
-Colleen
You have written eloquently and straight from the heart, Thank you, Lesley for writing about our joint dilemma. It is a serious issue that needs airing, and as many of us to stand up for what is right as will do it. I echo your sentiments, Lesley, in asking customers to NOT buy from those they know are copying original ideas. Perhaps even kindly letting those who copy, know that you know...this might chasten them to stop - we hope. Support the artists that you love by standing up for what is right. It is so important. Thank you for writing, Lesley! 3 Cheers for you for standing up to the Lions of Injustice.
I think that people who copy other people's work for profit (or even not) know that they are being dishonest. Either they rationalize it to themselves or they don't care because they are fundamentally without integrity. I personally will not support a business, a colleague, or an organization that I believe is behaving unethically. While in certain arts/crafts there are 'serendipity' moments (like people creating very similar knitting patterns at the same time because there's only so much new under the sun), in the visual arts there is truly no excuse for copying, copyright infringement or other dishonest behavior. Let's just call it what it is -- stealing. Thieves don't deserve my support or money.
Hi, Lesley,
I'm so sorry to hear about all this! I see it in writing, too. It's happened to me only in very small ways thus far but the more I write and publish, the more I see the problems. So many people really don't understand, and think that anything "out there" is fair game, but others, like the woman who deliberately took your stuff, are clearly making a deliberate, unethical choice.
Lesley, such a pitty that this has happened for you! I truly do not understand people who can be in peace, with making other artists work as created by them. Why people want to do that? I myself could not sleep with such a deed!
but i think that those people who do like this, do not have their own imagination.
Being inspired by someone, some piece is very different than copying without permission, i reckon.
Delila
What an awful experience. Not one I'd ever had. I'd hate to see my pictures or words somewhere else, without being credited for them, too.
I think you were remarkably restrained and polite. I hope too that it doesn't happen to you again. The motivation of some people is peculiar at times, isn't it.
what a terrible experience. and to think it's the same person doing this again and again? i'm glad that you followed up and made etsy remove the copied images. wish there was some other recourse for you. and that's hateful that the perp attacked you for merely sticking up for your rights.
How sorry I am that you have had to deal with this issue. Even sadder that the other persons involved have such a small (apparently non-existent) sense of honor and integrity that they appear to see nothing wrong with such actions.
I personally haven't had to deal with this issue of copywrite infringement that I know of, but have known other artists who have. I fear it is a problem that is growing and one in which there are no easy solutions. Litigation is expensive in terms of money, time and emotion spent and in truth, rarely compensates adequately. It is impossible to police all the wrongful use of ones work ~ the internet and the private sector are simply too vast.
I look forward to the day when some computer whiz develops a method for putting images on the internet that are uncopyable/unsavable by others. internet. For now, some people use a watermark on their images or put a copywrite disclaimer prominently on their blog and count on the integrity of others, but unfortunatley as you have discovered, there are people who have no morals.
You did well to contact the individual and to contact Etsy. I would hope that with repeated problems, the person would be banned from their site.
The artist website, www.wetcanvas.com has discussed these issues many times over on their forums. Unfortunately the site is being moved to new servers at the moment and will be down for a few more days. But when it comes back up, go to their business of art forums or type copywrite in the search box and take a look at their info on it. I've found it to be excellent.
Apologies for such a lengthy answer, but it touched a chord with me as well. As one of the other comments said, you have spoken eloquently on the subject. I wish you the very best as you seek to overcome this.
P.S. I love the idea of a weekly "Gift from the Sea" book club!
Blessings and peace,
Lisa
Hello,
Sorry to hear of your problem. I think it was really not on of the Etsy moderators not to shut her shop down. For all we know everything else in her shop was someone else's work!
I realise that printed paper and digital art must be rather easy to copy unchecked, what a nightmare. I have resorted to adding "copyrights 2008 all rights reserved" and my name on my pictures on my blog and on flickr and I do not post large scale photos anymore, so it is difficult to see the work really close to copy it. But I for one would be really really sad not to publish photos just in case of plagiarism - because I am a dreamer, I like showing nice things to people, or at least peaceful tranquil positive art and I love seeing other people's too.
But if I love your birds and nests prints and looking at them I get inspiration for a running stitch composition, is it also copying? I've asked myself the question especially when I am on the lookout for say photos of specific birds or countryside or stone bridges because I need visual support to draw them right... so I only use my own photos too now for my artwork.
Too many questions - and it seems I've now written a whole book in your comments!
Oh,my! I've heard of this just happening recently to someone else also. She is also *fighting* back by making it known......the Light has a way of illuminating those who want to stay in the dark, doesn't it?
People who rob others tend to run dry. Their work has no life and they have no vision. I can see how much you love what you do....it permeates even the smallest gift tags!
I love what you create!....(and have loved to give them as gifts to those I love). Please, don't let this rob your "Joy"......that Joy of Creativity was given to you and will only grow stronger as you use it each day.
I guess I went on and on and on........but only want you to know what a blessing it is to support your endeavors.
oh.......my....thanks for the very interesting and informative post. i can tell from your tone how difficult and discomforting this must be for you. how sad. i'm sorry that you are having to deal with this...i've often wondered myself what are "the rules" even though i don't sell anything online...ONEDAY MAYBE!!!...so i thank you for the links you've provided. my husband is an attorney and even he has mentioned an unsureness of sorts about the whole thing...anyway...i haven't had lots of time to read blogs but yours will always be one of my favorites!...and i'm trying to check in and keep up. blessings!
Well, that is a terrible experience. I am sorry that it happened to you, but if it helps, I do have two little comments for you:
1. is that I have been that niave blogger who pasted a picture upon her own space (not claiming that it was my own, but simply using it) only to have it disappear a day later and be replaced with a message about how it wasn't supposed to be copied. I have been more careful now, specifically avoiding taking images to illustrate my blog posts from gutenburg etc. But, though this wasn't the case in your situation, sometimes it is a matter of ignorance.
2. Because of your hardship (or else because my dear friend's birthday is around the bend) I think I will be purchasing (very, very legally) something from Small Meadow Press very soon. Your things are SO lovely. It isn't any wonder someone is copying you. 
Everly
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