Copyright refers to the laws that govern the ownership of an original creation. Copyright laws exist to protect those who create a work, from the unauthorized distribution of that work by others.

Owning the 'copyright' provides the original creator of a work, a set of exclusive rights. Under copyright law, these exclusive rights belong to the creator only.

From Wikipedia...

Several exclusive rights typically attach to the holder of a copyright:

• to produce copies or reproductions of the work and to sell those copies (including, typically, electronic copies)
• to import or export the work
• to create derivative works (works that adapt the original work)
• to perform or display the work publicly
• to sell or cede these rights to others

The phrase "exclusive right" means that only the copyright holder is free to exercise those rights, and others are prohibited from using the work without the holder's permission.

What does Copyright cover?

Copyright covers the actual work. So, a book or eBook, a piece of literature, a composition, a song or recording, etc.

Note above, that copyright also protects the creator against the distribution of 'derivative works'... works that are based upon, or adapted from, an already existing work.

Yes, you may.

Under copyright law, it is typically NOT okay to sell a finished product created from a craft pattern, without the explicit written permission of the designer, as the finished piece is technically considered to be a 'derivative work'. 

However, we are totally fine with it. We give permission for you to sell your finished product created using any pattern you may have purchased from us (in small quantities only; not mass-production) .

I do ask that if someone asks how you made it, that you give The Ornament Girl credit for the design, and tell them where they can find the pattern (please direct them to: www.theornamentgirl.com).

As a purchaser of my eBook(s), you own one copy. You MAY print a copy for your own personal use.

Many people are confused about what is legal/illegal when it comes to eBooks, because they are so much more easily shared/copied/distributed than a regular, physical book.

However, they are covered under the very same laws as a regular book, and as any other copyrighted work.

For example, when you purchase a physical book or borrow one from the library, you are not allowed to take it to Staples and make photocopies and give it out/sell it to other people.

The same goes for eBooks. You cannot make copies (whether digital or physical) and distribute them (even though it may seem sooo very easy to do!)

According to the US Copyright Office....

"Uploading or downloading works protected by copyright without the authority of the copyright owner is an infringement of the copyright owner's exclusive rights of reproduction and/or distribution. Anyone found to have infringed a copyrighted work may be liable for statutory damages up to $30,000 for each work infringed and, if willful infringement is proven by the copyright owner, that amount may be increased up to $150,000 for each work infringed. In addition, an infringer of a work may also be liable for the attorney's fees incurred by the copyright owner to enforce his or her rights."

This means, if you share/upload an eBook in a group (even if it's private), send the eBook to someone else (including by email), make photocopies of the eBook, or otherwise share an eBook in any way, shape, or form.... you are infringing upon the rights of the copyright owner, and could be served with some very hefty fines. 

If you are aware of the illegal sharing/distribution of my eBooks, please let me know. If it's legitimate, I offer a reward for notifying me of this.

Please note: Purchasing an eBook from me only gives you ownership of ONE copy of the eBook, for your own personal use... it does not transfer any copyright ownership over to you, and does not give you the right to distribute it.

You may NOT re-distribute my eBooks in any way, shape, or form, without my explicit written permission. This includes distributing them to those you are teaching.

You may NOT re-create my eBooks or Original Designs, and sell/distribute them as your own. (This is considered a 'Derivative Work' of my Original Work, to which I own the copyright.)

You may NOT use our eBooks, videos, or content to instruct a class without my explicit written permission.

You may not teach our original designs. (please see FAQ: What is Considered an Original Design?)

Note: We are currently building a Certified Instructor Program. ONLY OG Certified Instructors may teach classes. We will have more info on this program soon!

I sincerely appreciate your working with me, and respecting my hard work!

The ornaments on my site fall under 2 categories:

1. Designs based on the old-fashioned, 'folded fabric' craft.
2. Original designs

1. Designs based on the old-fashioned 'folded fabric' craft.

Like quilting, drawing, painting, etc... the craft technique behind 'quilted ornaments' - folding fabric into triangles, and forming a star pattern - has been around for a long, long time.

My own version of that old-fashioned craft is the Basic Star Pattern. I gave it this name as a way to set it apart from the old craft form. I did this because my design is different than the original, and I have my own personal methods & techniques for making them.

I teach the Basic Star pattern for free on my website, but again, please take note that many of the personal techniques I teach are my own. (please see FAQ: What's Different About Your Methods?)

Again, you may not distribute my eBooks, videos, or content (even those I offer for free) without my explicit written consent. You are welcome to send people links to this content on my website.

2. Original Designs:

All other designs that we teach on our websites, YouTube, and provide for the Ornament Girls Club, are ORIGINAL designs, as are the names we've given them, the folds we use, and the methods we use to teach them.

Do not claim any of my Original Designs as your own, or teach them without my permission. Again, a lot of time, work, and love has gone into each design we create.

As always, any eBook, video, or piece of content created by me (and/or my designers) may NOT be shared, uploaded, re-created (this is considered a 'derivative work'), or distributed in any way.

Many of the techniques used, such as specific folds we use (example: Prism Fold), and line drawing techniques were created & named by me and/or or my design team.

While 'techniques' are generally not protected by copyright (just as a painting, drawing, or quilting techniques are not)... they have come about through much time, love, and work.

Thus, if you are to re-teach any of our original techniques, we would love, and greatly appreciate, if you will honor our work by crediting us and referring those you teach to TheOrnamentGirl.com.

No matter what, you may NOT teach our patterns and/or designs.

The original way of making folded fabric ornaments uses squares of fabric, folded & pinned with a different method than what I teach.

I came up with my personal methods as a way to save on pins and fabric, and to achieve a neater and straighter look.

I pioneered the idea of using 'inner & outer guidelines' to keep lines straight, and to match up the two halves of the ornaments, among other techniques for lining things up.

In addition to these things, I've created many other folds (as has my design team) and techniques for creating all kinds of looks and designs.

We have put so much love and time into our work, and we appreciate your respecting our copyright.

(Thank you!)