Friday, August 31, 2012

Have a Wonderful Labor Day Weekend Everyone


Have a Wonderful Labor Day Weekend Everyone!

Hello everyone, and Welcome to LilacsNDreams! I am sure many will be happy to have this day over with to enjoy the long weekend. Many of you will be home, many of you will be traveling, and there are many who will be alone too. Whatever your situation is I want to wish you all a wonderful weekend of celebrations. Enjoy, Have Fun, Be Happy, and most of all Be Safe! See you all when you come back!:)

                    HAPPY LABOR DAY WEEKEND TO ALL!!


Thursday, August 30, 2012

Do It Yourself Repurposed Upcycled Reused Headboards


 Do It Yourself Repurposed Upcycled Reused Headboards is another homemade project that you can do in your bedrooms. 

Hello, and Welcome to LilacsNDreams everyone! Glad to have you here, and now let's see what projects we can work with today. 

Our bedrooms. How many times do we look at them, and think I need something different in here. I would love to get a new bedroom set, but ouch with the price too! Maybe you don't want the whole set, but just the headboard you are thinking of. Still, that is a costly piece of furniture to buy brand new. You find something at the store, loved it there, get it home, and you no longer like it. Wasn't what you thought it would be, and just does not look the same. So, now what do you do?

Yes! Repurpose a headboard that will go with your decor, be what you want it to be, the size you want, the color you want, and you know what I mean. That personal touch is always a wonderful feeling of accomplishment too. As you have already guessed there are so many ways to design a headboard for you, your life style, your bedroom. Use wooden pallets, shutters, vintage signs found, some antique doors, maybe an old worn shelf, update it with some new shelves or storage units used, use a rod and curtain or material of your choice, and another neat idea is to paint a picture of what you want for your headboard right on the wall. Yes, use some paint, stencils, chalk paint, or whatever you like to paint your head board on the wall with. How neat is that, right? Using any of these ideas would be wonderful, and make your room more of a comfort zone for you to sit, relax, and sleep better too. 


Headboard from an old sign found at FunkyJunkInteriors

Rustic Shelf Headboard adds a little bit of old in the room from bhg.com

I thought this was cute, updated, and very helpful with organization and decorating the wall to your bed too. bhg


Don't forget that you can also use doors for your headboard. Stand them up, lay them side ways, paint them, and many possibilities too. Apartment Therapy

Of course I could not leave out using shutters for your headboards too. Sand them, paint them, and as we know you can also decorate with them too. Hgtv




 As you can see again many ideas to help in the bedroom there. If you want to relax, and hide away in your bedrooms why not make them enjoyable to do so, right? Remember, you can also google, bing, and yahoo about ideas for repurposed, upcycled, and reused headboards to see many more ideas to enjoy. 

I hope that you have enjoyed your visit today with LilacsNDreams. If you have a headboard project you have worked on please share it with us here in the comments. Leave a note, and leave the link so that we can come look at the pictures. I like pictures, and I enjoy all kinds of ideas to consider. Right now I am thinking shutters because we have some old bi-fold doors that were pulled off from our closet with a remodeling project that was done. Possibilities, isn't it fun?

Hope ya'll have a wonderful day, and come back to visit again soon. See Ya!:)

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

DIY Projects With Repurposing Shutters

DIY Projects With Repurposing Shutters. Fascinating, Creative, Repurposed, Upcycled, Imagination, Home Decor, Homemade, Inexpensive, and etc. 

Hello, and Welcome to LilacsNDreams everyone! I just love saving money, don't you? I enjoy being able to do things, even the small things, for our home with our home decor. It is thrilling, and satisfying to be able to put that little bit of personal touch to something to show in your home, and when guests ask "Where did you get that?" How satisfying to say "I did it!" Know what I mean?

Below you will see a few pictures of some ideas I am showing for repurposing shutters. Who would have guessed what you can do with them, and to also know there is so much more that can be done as well! Hopefully by showing some of these different projects you can maybe get some ideas for yourself as to what you might like to do too. Shutters can be found inexpensively with Thrift Stores, Yards Sales, sometimes on the side of the road, maybe you know of someone who no longer wants the ones they have, and so on.



Here are some painted shutters sitting side by side, and shown with some pictures, and hangings on them. Pretty neat, huh? TheCraftingChicks

Hey, this is cool! A simple magazine rack. No bending over for the rack on the floor, but to have it on a wall is a great idea!  CraftGossip CraftGossip

Love pink, and how neat to have them painted this color. Then, to have them hanging on the wall in your child's room for little notes, pictures of their friends, and so on.  Addicted2Decorating



Moving onto another idea which is really neat, and who would have guessed this also, right? making a book shelf of your size, your choice, your color, and using shutters with some wood for the shelves. Now, that is a neat idea too! You know, with the shutters being on the sides you could also clip little things on there as well. Just saying:)  MyRepurposedLife

There is soooo much more I could show you, and so many things that I have not come close to mentioning here in repurposing shutters. I hope this little bit has given you some ideas, and make sure to visit some of these places for some more great ideas too. Also, if you google repurposed shutters you can see so many more ideas too.

Thanks so much for sharing your time with LilacsNDreams everyone. It has been a blast, and I hope you enjoyed it along with Me. Take care, and have a wonderful day everyone!:)

Monday, August 27, 2012

Repurposed Tire Was Saved From the Landfill

Repurposed Tire Was Saved From the Landfill

Hello, and Welcome to LilacsNDreams everyone! Hope you all had a great weekend! We got some rain here, but it sure was nice, and enjoyed it too. Please think of all those who are facing some bad weather, storms, and such from hurricanes too. I wish them all well, and that they are safe. 

Above you will see a picture I took from a blog over at thatwasawhat blog. Amazing work, and they shared how they did this project too. Above you see an ottoman that was made from a rubber tire. Yes! This piece was made from a semi rubber tire. Amazing work, isn't it? Now, instead of me trying to explain all the details to you, I am asking that you click on over to read about this. Read what they did, the supplies used for this, and the search for the rubber tire. Hope you are amazed, and also inspired after reading this Blog

I so enjoy reading about what others do with things that are always thrown away, and no one feels there is a use for. Not only does it keep things from the landfills, but it also adds a more personal touch to our homes as well. Inspring story to help those who are creative, or maybe help those searching for ideas as well. 

Thanks so much for sharing your time with LilacsNDreams, hope you enjoyed your visit, and your reading of this shared story, and blog too. Hope to see you again soon. Have a wonderful week everyone!:)

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Eames Era or Known as Mid Century Modern Era

Eames Era or Known as Mid Century Modern Era is another vintage fun time. 

Hello, and Welcome to LilacsNDreams Everyone! The Eames Era is still hot to sell, collect, and decorate with in your homes. This Mid Century Modern Era represents the 1950s to 1960s era. 

As time goes along there is always New Collectors of all ages. Like some of those precious times to us there will never be a 1950s to 1960s era. This is a time that is still collectible, desired by many, and there are reproductions of this time too. Guess what? Those items are sought after as well. 

The colors are noticeable for this era too. Shades of orange, or like that burnt orange. Some of that dirty looking yellow or gold like colors, and the greens too! Even the teal color has been a popular choice for many. Not only the colors, but the styles of the furniture, and the home decor that was used then! Desks, chairs, lamps, clocks, radios, candle holders, lamps, pottery, wall decor, and so much more. When viewing items of this time, if you know the era, you sometimes will actually feel like you are back there when you see the different pieces. Oh, and let's not forget the clothing of that time too. Actually the vintage retro clothing from then is in demand with people today. Sellers have searched to be able to offer them. I myself also enjoy seeing some of them old pull traveling campers too. You know, them small ones, but yet so cute too. 

Some of our TV shows have kind of helped in a way with this particular era too. I am thinking of Mad Men which I did find referred to the retro era time. 

Above is a picture of a retro vase that I had sold on Ebay. Seeing this took me back to that Eames Era. How groovy, right?:) Below you will also see a few pictures I got from google search to help you feel that era, and time as well.


The green lounge retro chair

Pinkish retro radio


Gold Tone old phone from that era
  

Don't forget those starburst clocks too!






Hope you enjoyed your trip down memory lane with the Eames Era, or what is also known as the Mid Century Modern era too. Hope they were good memories. If you have not experienced this era yourself, I hope you did with this little bit shared today. Thanks for sharing your time with LilacsNDreams everyone, and see you again soon. Take care, and have a wonderful day!:)

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Folding Room Dividers Original and Make Overs


Pretty much like the room divider I have now, and below are ideas I will cover a little bit with everyone....Have fun creating!!


Folding Room Dividers Original, and Makeovers can be so much fun.

Hello, and Welcome to LilacsNDreams everyone! Come on in a little closer, and let's have a look at what I am discussing today. 

The very first picture is a very close resemblance to what I have at home now. I got it a few years ago from a garage sale, and just had to have it. Well, here it sits still looking at me. I often think I will just get rid of it, then I think no there is something I know I could do with this, and back and forth it goes.  The pictures I am sharing with you I got all of them when I searched Bing for folding room dividers, they are not mine, and are not things that I did.

This particular room divider I have has all the spaces, and pieces there for me to add pictures as you see with the black divider. I have thought about getting another divider, and putting them together too. I have often thought of not adding family or friend pictures, but instead add some pictures of things I like. Maybe use some scrapbook paper in the places available, some curtains or material added to this piece would be adorable, and I even like the idea of adding few mirrors on it too. 

So many possibilities to do this with this. Yesterday (Tues) I had the opportunity to have another one in my possession. I had visited a Good Will store I had not been to in quite some time. Remember, I am downsizing big time, so I have worked very hard on not picking up anything big to bring home. So much temptation, but so far, so good. Anyway, yesterday I seen another divider like the one I have. All the glass panels were missing, and the spots were all left open. It pretty much was just the wood framing, light wood, not bad condition, and only $2. What a deal that would have been, and did I fight temptation big, big time with this too!

Instead, I offered my ideas to another customer who was looking at it, and showing concern. After making conversation with her she was trying to think of something for her grand daughter to do when she visited. Here I go...I started giving her ideas of some things she might consider. I suggested painting the wood to match for a girl, add in some pieces to make chalkboards for the lil girl, maybe add in some cork board tiles with the chalkboard pieces she could do, add in some scrapbook paper, put on some curtains, put behind her lil desk to make it more of a message/picture center, and the list went on. I suggested she could also use it in a bedroom as maybe a headboard, and threw a few other ideas at her. 

Well, the item sold for $2, and it wasn't to Me. The woman I talked with so enjoyed my ideas, and thoughts she was taking it home for her use. Whew! I am still downsizing...LOL:) But, I also know that I will not be getting rid of my folding room divider. It will stay with Me, and will be a working project for Me. 

Thanks all for sharing your time with LilacsNDreams. I have enjoyed it, and hope you all found this lil tid bit of sharing enjoyable, and maybe helpful to you as well. Take care everyone, Have a wonderful day, and see you again soon. 


Monday, August 20, 2012

Simplify Repurpopse Upcycle Reuse Things Already in the Home

Simplify, Repurpose, Upcycle, Reuse Things Already in the Home.

Hello, and Welcome to LilacsNDreams everyone! Glad to have you here, and hope your Monday is off to a good start for the early risers too. 

As many know over time I have been downsizing things in our home. Not only to be rid of things not being used, but to help make things easier for when we do move also. Some things I have been selling from my collections, or have been crafting with some pieces I have too. Then there are other things I load up, and drop them off at a place that helps others. At the same time I also give things away to others who might be in need, or are needing some extra things for their homes. I have been waiting on a truck with one couple so that they can get one of my chairs, and a couple of my older end tables too. They both work, have a baby coming, and moved into a home. They could use a few more items. Hate to see things go, but also enjoy helping others who can use them too. 

Letting things go has always been hard for me as it is for many others too. No, I am not a hoarder, but rather a keeper of precious things. Some items I keep thinking I will use it, maybe if I add a little paint I will like it more, I can't think of anything right now, but I am sure I will come up with something later, and etc, and etc. Know what I mean?

I have been working on simplifying things in my life, at home, and downsizing the clutters I have. I enjoy being able to use the things I love, and showing the things I love without all of them being in boxes, or hidden in closets too. Some things I hate to let go, but later I am happy that I have done so too. I am thinking I will wait till I move, but I have a room divider here that is 3 panels that pictures would go into. You know, pictures that are sized close to 8 x 10. It is an oak wood which I like, but I am thinking of making it into something to fit more into the decor of things I have today. Hmmm....I could paint it, add chalkboard where the pictures would go, I could take the panels apart to use them in different places in the home, and I am seeing some possibilities for it. I might have to research this a bit more, and bring it back here to share with ya'll what I have found others doing too. 

I want to thank you all for sharing your time with LilacsNDreams. I appreciate the visits, and I really appreciate your comments that are shared here, or in private emails to me as well. Thanks again, and ya'll have a wonderful weekend! See you again soon. 

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Summer Gone Seasons Changing Fall is Coming

Summer Gone, Seasons Changing, Fall is Coming. Hello everyone, and Welcome to LilacsNDreams!

That time of year is once again upon us. Summer is coming to an end, schools are starting if they have not already, vacations have been done, and people are starting to come back to their homes for the season that will soon be changing. Don't give it up to quickly yet though. Still some late summer time left for us before it starts to get cold in the areas we live, and still some things we can do. 

I Love summers! To me when spring comes I get all excited because I can than do what I enjoy doing so much. When I go down the road I will often find myself breaking for the Thrift Stores, stopping by the Yard Sales and Garage Sales that are posted, check out some yummy Rummage Sales, watch the papers for Estate Sales, and so on. I tell you when I see some of them signs posted for these sales it is like they are calling out to Me "over here" or rather "come visit me" and so on. Fall is soon upon us, seasons will soon be changing, but hang on as some of those tempting signages can still be seen. Sorry, but when I see them I just have to stop because you never know what treasures you might discover, and what little goodies might have been over looked by someone else. 

I enjoy looking through tables, and shelves of glasswares, dinnerwares, home decor, some boxes of odds and ends being offered, and I just cannot pass them up. That is the fun of doing what we do, the thrill of the hunt, and also meeting some really great people with some neat stories to tell for some of the items we find along the way too.

That is the fun, and enjoyable part of what becomes our adventures that we have taken in finding once loved treasures. Now, once that part is done we then are faced with the post sale of our business which is the careful, and gentle cleaning of things. Upon completing this we can then see how the pieces really look, and if there were any unnoticed flaws. Next we have the fun of researching different items, recording what we find and read, and then we photograph the pieces as well. This is all a part of the fun of selling online, or even with some who have brick & mortar stores too. 

I so love what I do! Now, if only I could figure out a way of having more hours in the day to do all of this, and knowing what fun possibilities I could have.

Thanks so much for sharing your time here at LilacsNDreams, and I always enjoy you visiting with Me. Remember that sharing, leaving comments, asking a question, and etc is acceptable here. I enjoy them all by responding to you as well. Thanks again everyone, and have a most wonderful day. See you again soon!
 

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Happy Hump Day, Remember to Count Your Blessings

Happy Hump Day! Remember to Count Your Blessings. 

 Welcome to LilacsNDreams everyone, and glad to have you visiting.

I do believe this week has become some sort of a slack off week for me. Ever get those yourself? Not that anything has gone bad, or that everything is all good, but sometimes we just need those. Don't you think?

I have taken pictures of items, revised them, need to put them into listings at the shops, have been listing a little bit, and doing some relisting, and of course revising some of my listings too. Doctor appointment again yesterday....nothing serious. Just something that has pretty much come to me over time, and become a usual routine....most of the time anyway:) Did a little bit of research on items before I pictured a few of them to see if I should list them, or not. Just that kind of week so far. 

But, I had to come by here, leave a note with ya'll, and let you know I am still here. I have gotten into a routine of making my blog posts for ya'll to visit with, and I feel like I am forgetting something if I do not get by here to do what I have scheduled for me to do. Yes, blogging has become a part of my ritual, my routines, and I enjoy it too. Gives me a little time to share things I know, things I read, share opinions with things, make some new friends, and of course I enjoy hearing from everyone too. 

After watching some things on tv, and reading on the internet I realized I have things good compared to some people. You know they say not to dwell on what you don't have, but to be thankful for what you do have. Even though we do not see it ourselves, we are actually rich in many ways that others would like to have, and dream of. Society has changed so much over the years, and it is so darn hard to do anything good without wondering if it is a scheme, am I being played, is it a worth while cause, where is my money actually going, etc. I enjoy handing money to someone I see on the street if they need it. I enjoy giving money, and actually giving many things into donations because I always felt if something happened that I would need it some day....I sure hope people could be there for me as well, and donating too. Instead many people just stare at those who are trying to get some money to eat, feed their kids with, and find some shelter. Many times people in need are ignored, looked down upon, and talked about too. Sadly, we cannot blame them fully till we know their stories. Some of us  might be surprised to find out that some of these people use to have great paying jobs, had homes, wore beautiful clothes, and some of them even had more than we have ourselves. For reasons unknown, or out of their control they lost everything, and have come to things like we see today. 

As I have always told my kids as they were growing up, Please do not judge someone by what you see until you know more. And, the next time you want to complain that you don't have anything....think about them words, and know what they really mean. In all reality you are rich compared to someone who has nothing. 

So, this is my thought, and feeling for the day I wanted to share with all of you. I do hope that all of you had a great weekend, and the week has been good to you so far. Hang in there now....the weekend is almost here again...WooHoo! Thanks again for visiting, and sharing your time with LilacsNDreams everyone. Hope to see you again soon. Take care, and Happy Hump Day!!

Monday, August 13, 2012

Happy Monday, Welcome to LilacsNDreams

Happy Monday Everyone, and Welcome back to LilacsNDreams! Hope ya'll had a beautiful weekend, got to do some thrifting, junking, yard sales, estate sales, were able to be creative, and just hope that you enjoyed all that you wanted to do. 

Had rain during weekend here...that is fine. We needed it badly, no storms, and it was nice having nice rains too. When it rains....I lounge more (LOL) Last night having printer issues again, put in new ink, cannot get it aligned, cannot print, paper 1/2 way in stops and says it is jammed...but it isn't, and just all that kind of stuff. Looks like I shall be getting a new printer real quickly here. My very 1st printer last for many years....not having that same luck now:(

Anyway, hope ya'll had a great weekend, and I know today was Monday....but hope all went well with you in all that you did. Take care everyone, and see you again soon. Have a wonderful evening, and come visit with LilacsNDreams again soon!:)


Thursday, August 9, 2012

Blog Posts, Three Step Improvements to Use

Blog Posts, and a Three Step Improvement that you can Use. 

Welcome to LilacsNDreams everyone! You know I like to Blog, and I try to spend time with my Blog as well. Anytime I read something, or learn of something about Blogging I also like to share that with you as well. 

I started out on Google Plus reading an aricle, then I visited a Blog from there, visited another Blog, read another article, and then it kind of came together with a few quick tips I got to share with you. Now, whether you are a blogging pro, or someone who is new starting there is always something to learn to help with improvements for our blog posts. 

So, here are some quick tips that was picked up on, and I wanted to share with all of you. 

1. Write All of Your Ideas Down. This is something I have found to be very useful, and will repeat to others to do as well. You are gonna have some days you will sit down at the computer, sign into your blog, and then it happens. You are blank, no thoughts, lost track of what you were thinking, and the question of what do I do now? I really hate it when this happens too! This is the time that those silly little notes you made about some ideas for blogging with, or actually some of them you thought you would never use, but wrote them down anyway will become helpful to you. So, if you keep a notebook, or use your phones for your notes this would be a perfect time in need to use those ideas. 

2. Add Some Photographs. This is something I do not always do myself as I worry about loading times for everyone when loading my blog pages. I like to share pictures, and when I do I make sure to revise them in sizes to better fit with my blog page, and for loading times too. Even though you might have something totally awesome to post about, and share with everyone. Sometimes the photographs are very welcomed with those postings too. It was suggested that even if you do not have a photograph that goes with the post idea to just throw something in there too. People will like it, and enjoy it. 

3. Make Your Post Attractive. By this I am referring to you giving your readers a chance to respond with your posts. You can post a question at the end of the post asking them how they feel about the post, or even ask them how their day was too. You can always ask their opinions about something as well. This is a great way to get your readers to connect, and to converse with you. I like it because it is always nice having the chance to meet some of my readers, and share with them. I really enjoy it. 

This concludes some ideas to add to your lists about Blogging. Everything that I read, or find I try to make my notes so that I can share them at some point with all of you as well. Hopefully you found this tid bit to be of help, and useful to your Blogs. Enjoy, and again thanks so much for visiting with LilacsNDreams everyone. Have a yummy day, and see you again soon!!:)


Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Ruby Lane Ruby Plaza Changes Happen by End of Year

Ruby Lane and Ruby Plaza Changes are Happening by the End of the Year. 

Welcome to LilacsNDreams everyone! If you have not already heard, or maybe need a reminder  about Ruby Lane's sister sight called Ruby Plaza, it will be closing by the end of the year. At Ruby Plaza you were able to sell your items of new, and not vintage. Many sellers who do online sales enjoyed that there were 2 sights they could work with selling their items. Earlier in the year it had been announced that Ruby Lane would be closing their sister site of Ruby Plaza. The site is still active for those who are selling there, and the sellers there were also given the option of moving some of their things into Ruby Lane too. Now, for those who are still there selling, it is best that you visit the site so that during the process of my discussion there is no misinterpretations of the rules, and the changes for you too. 

Like with any other market place when this happens many questions can flood your minds. A big question especially of what do I do now? Where can I sell my items that are not considered vintage, how do I sell some of these items that are maybe new, I buy from Thrift Stores and different places to resell. So where can I sell these items at now? There are many market places out there, and you will hear all kinds of stories about them. Unfortunately, you will have to find the one that feels good for you, that works for you, and that you can agree with also. 

There is Ecrater to consider which you can sell a little bit of everything there. Paypal, and Google Wallet are both accepted there for payment processors. No listing fees, or final value fees. There is Etsy which is for handmade, supplies, aritisans, media, repurposed, upcycled, and vintage is also sold there as well. They have paypal, and a direct checkout that is offered with their payment services. Listings are .20 cents for up to 4 months, and then there is a 3.5% final value fee. Of course Ebay is still around, and still the biggest place to be selling your wares with. They offer paypal for their payment services. No listing fees, final value fees are 9%, and there is also a final value fee they charge with your shipping charges too. Each place has their own visibility, some are straight selling with a buy it now price, and like with Ebay that is auctions along with buy it now prices too.

Now, some already have a website, or maybe have websites they have been working on. These are services you can pay for along with cost of shopping cart services, or some use free website services, and use the widgets from different market places that are offered as well. They then will buy their own domains for this as well. Don't forget there are many who will also use their Blogs. With their blogs they might offer buy it now buttons, or also offer widgets to visit for different places too. With most of the people who Blog you can contact, and they would also be happy to invoice you for an item that you are interested with as well. 

Many options, many things available, but it is up to you with your choices of what can, and will work for you. I hope that this bit of information was helpful to some of you who are still deciding, or needed some ideas. Hey, don't forget you are always welcome to offer something that I have not covered, or added too. 

Thanks for sharing your time with LilacsNDreams everyone. See you again soon.

    

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Bubble Pattern Anchor Hocking Glass Company 1937 to 1965

Bubble Pattern Anchor Hocking Glass Company 1937 to 1965 is a very nice piece. 

Welcome again to LilacsNDreams everyone! As many of you know, or are about to know...LOL:) I do Online Sales with different market places. I often rescue treasures from Thrift Stores, and Yard Sales. I will also search Estate Sales, Flea Markets, and have been known to save a treasure, or 2 from the dumpsters too. Once I find treasures that I will resell I like to look them over, examine them for any flaws, I gently clean them, and then I do the strenuous part of researching them. I will research online to see how popular the item is that I will offer. Are many others selling it, and if so what are they offering them for, or actually what has the piece been selling for. At the same time I will research through books I have for the item I will be offering. I also get information by researching online with what others are offering, and the information that they also include with their items as well. 

This particular item you see above is listed with my shop at Ecrater called Anchor Hocking Milk Glass Bubble Pattern Bowl. Collectors call this pattern "Bubble" The Anchor Hocking Glass Company which is of Lancaster, Ohio first produced this pattern in 1937. This item shown above has also been listed with my shop at Etsy too.

There are different Bubble colors for different years made which are:
1937 - crystal, forest green, sapphire blue
1959 - white milk glass
1963 - pink which came out in a very limited number, and there is the royal ruby too
There is also the iridescent which rare, vitrock, amber, and other hocking colors too. 

These exceedingly orbicular bubbles have managed to be timeless in blending, and with today's decorating themes. 

Just a little piece of history found with this adorable piece. Hope that you found it helpful, and an enjoyable visit with LilacsNDreams today. Thanks for sharing your time with Me today, and wishing you all a wonderful day. See you again soon.
  

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Beware Bloggers, Careful of Pics You Use in Your Blogs

Beware Bloggers, Careful of Pics You Use in Your Blogs. This is something that is a growing issue, and that many people everywhere on the internet need to be careful of. 

Welcome to LilacsNDreams everyone, and glad to have you here. I apologize for being late today, extremely late it appears. I have been roaming through a few blogs, news flashes with yahoo, reading on google, and etc. There is a lot out there to see, and read. I could get lost with it sometimes too. Know what I mean? 

As Pinterest became more popular, the idea of pinning things you found on the internet was a neat idea! Sometimes we see something sooo cute we want to save that picture for a reminder, or to also share in other ways with others as well. As I have always mentioned, and have it noted in my side bar, I do not mind things being shared from here. It's an honor, and a privilege when someone wants to pass along what you have shared. But, keep mind that some of the pictures and articles from here are written by me, and sometimes things come from other places that I do respectfully try to note to you the names, places, and share the links with you too.

Pictures on the internet is a very big thing. Many like to view, many like to dream, others will share, some people copy the pictures for their needs, and will wrongfully say how it is something that they did. Keep in mind there are some people who make a living with their pictures, photographers, designers, artists, and so on. They also like to be seen as the rest of us do showing our work, what we found, and the things we can do, and are capable of doing too. So, why ruin it for those who trust that far with sharing things on the internet? 

I myself am a casual blogger, and I have learned my way into blogging by watching many others, reading what others had to offer, what they did, how they did it, etc. I learned soon that sometimes a post with a picture looked rather nice, and was quite appealing too. Kind of like eye candy in a store. Gets the attention, and is appealing to read further. Over time it appeared that many would get their pictures from images at google, and within other search engines too. Yes, some would share their own pictures as well. Along with these pictures some shared where they came from, or who they belonged to. Sometimes the pictures had nothing shared with them of where they originated from. With the pictures you would see different disclaimers being noted about using images, and etc. Yet, some of these things done is still not good enough to protect ourselves with. There is so much out there to learn about the copy right laws, about the photos that are actually approved to be used at random by others that we find, about using pictures of others without approval. Then, of course, the worst of it is what can, and will come of it when someone is sued by the original owner to the picture being used. 

With Fair Use it does not matter if you:
• link back to the source noting the photographers name
• you did it innocently
• if you have a disclaimer on your site
• if you didn't claim the photo was yours
• if you remove a picture upon request from your site it still does not remove you from what charges that they can still file against you

So many more things to mention, but know that it does not release you from liability. You are violating copyright if you have not gotten a permission from the copyright holder, or using the pictures of a public domain, creative commons, etc. 

So, what to do?
1.) If you are using images from the internet without approval on your blogs and places, know that you could be violating copyrights, and could be sued for it too. The chance of this really happening is not high, but it could really happen. 

2.) Need to search for photos that are approved for use without any issues. 
Creative Commons photos that are free to use. This means that the photo would have to be attributed to the owner, and link back to their site.
Wikimedia Commons has some free media files that anyone can use. 
• You could always buy a subscription to a stock photo site. Some of them can be pricey, so you might want to shop around too.
• Find photos that are in the public domain that can be used.

3.) You could also take your own photos, and share the love with others too. 

4.) As always use sites like Pinterest, or even Tumblr with caution. When you pin something to sites like that you are claiming you have a legal right to that picture. If by chance the owner of the photo would come after the company for violations, you will be the responsible party. 

5.) Safest thing to do would be to assume that all pictures you see have a copyright with it. If you are not 100% sure if you can legally use it, then don't use it. Better to be safe. 

So, please protect yourselves, and also remember to respect the rights of others. I am in no way someone with a legal background, but am offering you advice from many horror stories that have been read on the internet, and stories about some reporting of these things happening to them legally. Keep in mind that this does not only apply to blogging, but also places like Facebook too. I hope that maybe this will help you think a little bit before copying that next picture, maybe sharing something you are not suppose to share, and keep in mind the rights of others too.

Thanks so much for sharing your time with LilacsNDreams this evening. It has been a pleasure as always, and I look forward to you visiting again. Take care everyone, and see you again soon.