Decorative Painting for Profit, Copyright Restrictions

Decorative painting can be so much fun that it begees an addiction. Once you have filled your home with your art work and you have given family and friends many of your finished pieces, you may start considering selling your work.
The very first thing you should do before using a pattern designed by someone else is to check the copyright restrictions. Usually these restrictions are located on the inside of the front cover or on the first page of a book. The "right to use" or copyrights of written designs in books and packets by designers are sometimes abused by painters, who just don't realize what they are doing.
The copyright symbol protects the designer by establishing the fact that she or he owns all rights to it. Many designers, however, do allow certain leniency by permitting the designs to be copied with certain restrictions. Every designer has the right to state what may or may not be done with his or her copyrighted design.
Usually the author will state "No instructions, photographs or patterns contained in the publication may be reproduced (except for personal use) or duplicated mechanically without written permission of the publisher." It is acceptable to hand trace the design. The artist usually gives permission to enlarge or reduce the line drawing to fit a different size surface other than the original surface the design was painted on.
Business or gemercial use of any part of the publication is usually prohibited. Most authors will state patterns and instructions are intended for the individual's fun or profit. The majority of the time the author will state it is permissable for an individual to paint these designs and sell them at craft shows and bazaars. I have seen copyrights that forbid the selling of the product on the Internet. If you have decided to sell the projects, and you have a question that you feel isn't clearly covered by the copyright statement, it is a good idea to contact the designer for approval and ask for written permission. So when you see a project in a book that you would like to create to sell, it is a safe practice to check the copyright before creating the project to sell.
Now you may ask, "Where can I sell my finished item?" Many local organizations have craft shows and bazaars to raise money. They rent out tables for a small fee and you are allowed to sell your wares. Usually the organizations advertise for vendors several months ahead of the sale in local newspapers and weekly shoppers or pennysaver newspapers. The one important requirement to set up at these shows is you must have a state tax "Certificate of Authority", so you will be able to collect sales tax on the items you sell. You can obtain this certificate through your State Sales Tax Division. You are required to have your certificate in plain view when displaying at these shows. The organization will let you know ahead of time if they have any other selling requirements.
Any projects you choose to paint should give you pleasure in painting it and the pride of acgeplishment. You will only be able to maintain your enthusiasm and confidence by choosing projects you can handle with ease. There are many books full of decorative painting ideas and instructions. Some projects will rate the level of skill: beginning, intermediate and advanced. Many designs can be turned into beginning level by just eliminating some of the fine detail. There are so many tools on the market now that help you create beautiful painted treasures.
Here on okay you can find a vast assortment of decorative painting project books. There is such a wide variety of adorable projects available for all different types of tastes that you will never have any problem finding a project to paint.
Good luck in your endeavors,
Sandy (fairandsquaredeals)
Fair and Square Deals Marketplace (Offering a wide variety of painting books)
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