I've had a few requests for a tutorial/instructions on how to make the dress up babies (recently added to my pics) and I'm wondering is it considered poor form to supply instructions that are not my own. I included the designer's name and her book title in the info but don't mind sharing here on cc how it's done.

Hmm... good question! I would think some simple instructions wouldn't hurt, as long as you credit where you learned it from. But I would wonder about doing a tutorial? I am interested to see what others would say though.

Since they are not your original instructions, just the author's name and the name of the book is fine. The book is more than likely copyrighted as well, which also prevents you from posting it in a public forum.

When in doubt, don't. You can direct them to where to get the instructions. You could also tell them to try their local library or try the "look inside" feature on Amazon. If it makes you uncomfortable, don't do it.

You provided the author and title of the book that was more than enough. Your babies are cute by the way!

If you're really interested in doing the tutorials you could always try e-mailing her to ask for her permission. She has some videos on her site and her facebook page so she may be ok with it, or maybe it would let her know that there is interest and she can do her own videos.

She's got a copywritten book. I'm sure she'd rather sell her book than to have you provide any instruction and tutorials. Doing so would be a violation of copyright laws. Giving credit to her book for the figures you made is great but you really shouldn't do any more than that. I saw the figurines this morning and first thing I thought about was to go find the book myself. (They really are fantastic).

Thanks, I agree with everyone, I wasn't comfortable with the idea of giving instructions and of course copyright comes into it. Frances also offers workshops so that settled the matter in my mind. I highly recommend the book, very easy instructions and lots of ideas!

so which of any tutorial is an original?

I saw your original post and it thought it was tacky for someone to ask for a tutorial when you gave them the name of the book and the author. First thing I did was to find the book on amazon

I agree that we need to buy books when people print them. But is she HONESTLY the inventor of this? I have a hard time believing in this day and age any idea is new. It's revamped, given new life, etc... but is it really new?

If Kathyx revamped or gave new life to what she learned and putting her own style and twist on them, then she would be making her own babies in clothes. But if she is repeating what she saw in a book, I really think people should buy the book. I also saw those cute little things this morning and I was taken aback by people wanting a tutorial (for free) when she had to pay for the book, I always find that a hard pill to swallow. Then they wanted her to have to put time and effort into making the tutorial, for free too.

You are right, a lot of things are re-invented, but people put their own twist on them and their own style and experience into teaching, look at the Lambeth and oriental stringwork that is taught as an example.

I don't think there is anything wrong with doing a tutorial as long as you mention where you got it from. Honestly has anyone ever check out you tube. I'm pretty sure we have all learned a thing or two from someone else who was not the original creator. I would love to be able to buy all the cake decorating books out there and have all the time in the world to read them all but I can't. I like to think we are all here to help and learn from one another with out getting so technical. Just my thoughts.

I applaud her also, and have chosen the same route in the past - so before you decide what you know and don't know about me back up - I was only questioning is this really a new technique? Not the OP actions.

Next time I teach someone how to ice a cake smooth, who should I thank?

We give credit where we can. But mark my word - in a year or less, everyone will be making those babies and no one will know who started it. Who started making booties? Who started CTs? Or BCTs? or Cupcake cakes - and I doubt it was the person who made the little yellow pamphlet on it, which I bought, btw. No one knows who started any of this. And those babies are not originals either. We have been seeing things like this for years.... in polymer - which uses the same techniques as sugarpaste.

I agree that the OP should not financially support the world and pay for directions while others ride her back. Let them go buy their own books. But my statement had nothing to do with this at all.

To be fair to the 1st person who asked for instructions, I hadn't originally included details of the book but when I saw that there was probably going to be a couple of inquiries, I edited my post straight away to include the info.
It doesn't matter whether something has been done before, to me it was new and Frances McNaughton showed me

Well........I've spent thousands of dollars on classes and books. For the most part, money well spent.

I'm extremely fortunate to have been able to do it and I know that.

But, having spent all of that time & money, I just can't see how it would be fair (or ethical) to the authors and teachers, let alone myself, to go around spreading the details for free--especially if I know exactly where to send someone for the book or class.

If they can't afford it, then they may have to do what they can to figure it out on their own. That's just a part of the learning process.

Yes, I know that others do it, but that doesn't make it OK. It just means that they can justify something I can't.

Some techniques are fairly universal, like making a gum paste rose, but if someone comes up with a "twist" on that technique and they write a book about it or teach a class on it, they have the right to be remunerated for it if they choose to seek remuneration. I don't have the right to "take" that from them.

Rae

BlakesCakes.......I am soooooooooo happy that you spent thousands of dollars on books and classes....kudos to you.
It's not that serious. An honest question with honest answers.

I have spent a lot of money on DVDs and I suppose some of you think it would be ok for me to copy those and pass them out freely and deprive the creators of income..........not in my world.

I saw your exquisite babies (way out of my skill level, but I can dream!) and immediately requested the book from interlibrary loan. Completely free to me and completely ethical! I've read a lot of really awesome books that way, and if ever one is so awesome I need it I can buy it myself.