I'm a newbie and have a question about cakes in the gallery. I LOVE looking at all the beautiful and creative cakes found in the galleries and have saved many of them into my favorites. I've just started cake decorating and am not very creative in getting my own ideas of what to do with cakes, that's why I love seeing what you all do for inspiration. So what is the etiquette for using your ideas in making my own cakes. Can I "copy" what someone did/ or their idea and just make sure that I give credit to whom I got the idea from when I post it on the site? Is that ok? Or is that still considered bad taste? I don't want to "steal" from anyone and want to give credit to where credit is due, but there are just so many great things I want to try from what I've seen here!
Does my inquiry make sense? I just don't want to make a cake, post it, and have someone get upset.
Thanks!! Sara
Everyone inspires everyone. There is no such thing as "STEALING"...lol
We "inspire" one another..lol
Welcome!
trust me I am in the same boat .. many of my ideas come right here from this site .. I do usually p.m. the creator and ask if its o.k. to use their idea, and everyone is always so kind to say yes and give detailed instructions on how they did it as well 
Me too! If anyone ever wants to use something I have done, go right ahead. I get some of my inspiration from people here. There are so many talented people here on CC!!!
I would be very flattered if someone wanted to copy any of my things! I am even flattered when I see how many of my cakes are in someones "Favorites"! If you can use any of my stuff go for it!!!
hehehe!!
When it comes to using someone else's cake design, I ask them not only for permission, but also for any instructions or tips they might provide.
Also, although I do have photos of other cakes I have done, I only publish the ones that I do not mind anyone else copying. Because, although the final design is my own, it's not a cake that someone else hasn't already done, whether it be on CC or another website.
If people are so concerned that someone might copy their work, then they should consider not displaying it in public, whether it be at a cake show or on the Internet.
Just my opinion -
Theresa 
i think it is absolutely ok to "borrow" ideas with proper credit given. even if i can't remember where i got the idea, i simply let people know it is not my design.
i believe the whole purpose of the gallery is to share ideas, help inspire and give kudos : ) soooooooo.... Steal Away and have fun doing it!
Thanks everyone! I figured that it was ok but just wanted to make sure. Oh, and I would definately give credit and a big fat THANKS to whoever inspired me!
I have definately been bitten by the decorating bug and can't wait to get going and try more things!
Sara
I agree. I have, myself, borrowed ideas from other members before (and once even flat-out copied a design per customer request). I always try to give proper credit and would be flattered if someone thought enough of one of MY cakes to do the same!
Welcome to CC. I'm with everyone else. Go ahead and copy the cakes you like. I like to think that is why people post pictures of their cakes. I know the ones I have copied are never like the original. And if I can I always give credit to the original decorator.
The galleries are a wealth of information... I've even made a few cakes thinking that they were originals, and then afterwards, I see (on here) that they already exist!!
Great minds think alike
and of course, it's always nice when people thank others for ideas... it's gratifying on both ends
I agree with everyone! I feel that if people didn't want others to use their ideas, they wouldn't post their pictures. This site is good for a lot of reasons.....tips, ideas, HUGE pats on the back and lots and lots of encouraging words. Everyone on this site is wonderful, I am honored to be a part of the CC group!
Thanks to everyone for such creative ideas and tips.
MKmommy...Good luck in your cake decorating endeavors!!!
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