Self-taught? Nope

First before I get to the actual subject of this post I am having a brag moment and posting a picture of Shelby at prom.  Yes Lori, I am sorry I hadn't posted it yet. (Oh by the way you need to check out all the gorgeousness that Lori @ Out of the flames has been making lately...YUM) He is my sweet girl looking so grown up.

Ain't she just the BOMB!  She is also such a great friend to have.  I am so lucky to have her and my sweet Derek.

Oh one more thing I have to thank you all so much for the wonderful words on my "Dialed Up" Artbeads bracelet.  I had been in a funk mentally (not about the challenge) and the kindness you all showed gave me a much needed boost (actually it kicked my butt right out of it) for that I say you are all so treasured to me!  HUGS!

Okay now on to the subject at hand.  I have been hearing a lot about copyright infringement and  blatant copying of others work.  Yes we all know this is a touchy subject and has more than once made me want to stop beading.  I am not one to get into all the ins and outs of the legal yuck it involves and I have finally found a way to make my feelings known and not let it get me crazy anymore.  I am not a self taught beader.  Nope I am Proudly a pattern taught beader and I have recently been able to not only purchase patterns from some outstanding beady goddesses I have also been blessed with 2 offers to review (Oh I can't wait to tell you all about them!)  Yes when I first started beading and purchased our favorite magazines I thought I was smart enough to check out what was on the web that I could make for myself.  Yes I know that is a key to this I am not a seller so to try to recreate for myself is supposed to be okay.  Well I have to say I am one of those who would end up feeling guilty and I have stumbled upon something no one else has touched on this subject.  Each pattern and process IS unique.  You may think you know from a picture how it goes together but guess what?  You would be wrong.  Yes it may be herringbone but are there tips and tricks that the designer has to offer that you don't know?  Yes.  So to make this as short as possible I am telling any newbies out there as well as those who may think they know how a pattern works.  Stop right now.  Purchase the pattern.  Yes I know there is expense involved that you may or may not have but you won't regret purchasing a glimpse into a designers mind.  I PROMISE!

I was going to try and link as many glorious designers that I could but that will have to wait for another time.  I may even put a thingy on my page to link you to my favorites but again that will have to wait.  I hope you all don't mind my 2 cents on this subject.  

Hugs and Blessings

KK