Scraplifting Etiquette

Scraplifting (skrap-lift-ing) – The act of copying ideas and designs from another person’s scrapbook page to use in your own pages. Designs or ideas can be copied in whole or in part and is largely subjective.

Some of my fastest pages have been scraplifts of other pages. They’re quick, they’re easy, and you already know you’ll like them. Besides, why re-invent the wheel for every page? Someone else may have already come up with the perfect design for the photos your have. Scraplifting is accepted…it’s why we look at other people’s pages for ideas.

Layouts by Libby Weifenbach and Andrea Steed

Below are some general courtesies for scraplifting. These are opinions and suggestions, and are NOT hard and fast rules—as far as I know, there aren’t any REAL rules. Because of that, and after a survey and discussion with a group of scrapbookers, it is clear that this subject is debatable…and can become a heated topic when discussing magazine-publishable and contest-submitted pages.

Personal Use – If you’re using a scraplifted layout purely for your own personal use, for your friends and family to enjoy in your albums…make every single page a scraplift if you want to! That’s perfectly acceptable, completely encouraged, and flattering to all those people whose work inspired you.

Give Credit Where Credit is Due – If you’re going to be posting the layout online or sharing it with any online group, be sure to give proper credit to the original artist. Linking to the original layout that you copied from is a great way to do this. You can also give a magazine or book issue and page number for layouts copied from magazines and idea books. Another option is to include the original layout image as part of your layout image, so the two layouts can be seen side by side. If you don’t remember who you copied from, but know that it was copied, be sure to mention “This is a scraplift, but I don’t remember who did the original. If anyone knows, I’d love to give credit.” Many times the original artist will pipe up and be thrilled that you decided to use her ideas. Then you can give proper credit.

Don’t Submit It – If you have copied a layout or a design, especially in full, do not submit the idea as your own to a magazine, idea book, layout contest etc. for any type of publication or compensation.

In an informal survey of scrapbookers at Scrapjazz.com, I asked:

Please choose which elements you would consider to be scraplifting from the following choices:

Using the same words in a title. – 9.36%
Using the same title design. – 18.72%
Using the same color scheme. – 4.68%
Using a particular unique technique. – 18.3%
Using someone's photography ideas. – 4.26%
Having the same basic "sketch" for a layout. – 24.68%
Using a particular journaling idea. – 9.36%
Using the same paper combinations. – 10.64%

From the votes and discussions, the consensus seemed to be that if at least 1/3 of the page was changed, it could be considered original and could be submitted to a magazine or contest for publication and personal gain. Basic sketches, unique techniques and exact creative design seemed to be the most “taboo” to lift and submit.

Before I scare you away from ever copying a layout or thinking “What if I’ve copied something without knowing it?” just remember that we share our scrapbook pages with each other so that we can share our ideas. It’s part of what makes the scrapbooking community special.

Any time that my layouts have been scraplifted by someone else, I have been 100% flattered and excited to see someone else’s interpretation of my designs. Nearly anyone else I’ve talked with has had the same reaction. Common courtesy is all that’s asked to keep the scrapbook community waters calm and peaceful!

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