long overdue

I am very sad that Tonia doesn't understand what she has been doing for the past few years. I don't think I need to make another long post-it is very clear that she has crossed many lines.

I want to thank so many for their support, this post was not easy for me to make.

 

====================================================================================

Firstly, I want to say thank you to those who are regular visitors & followers of my blog. I know that some of you have been peeking in on me for years-pretty much since I have had this blog. Believe me, I’ve noticed! 

I also want to thank everyone who has taken the time to leave comments. I do love hearing your compliments and critiques.

My blog has been an open place for me to share my work with whom chooses to visit, and I hope that everyone becomes inspired with each visit. I also hope that everyone enjoys my postings & I encourage them to try out ideas that I have shared.

There are hundreds of talented blogs around, and I am lucky that people take time to visit mine. I hope that I have enticed you to buy the products that I have talked about & used. I have been extremely fortunate to work for some great companies, they have great products-these companies want me to show people what can be done with their products.

To date, there has not been a copyright statement on my blog. It is flattering to see people trying the products I love to use; it ‘s also flattering to see people “lifting” my layouts & projects. It flatters most of all when people credit me when they have “lifted” a project of mine. Most people have been very open with crediting “lifted” work. There have also been many times when people “forget” or just choose not to credit where they might have picked up certain ideas. This has been the most frustrating aspect of creating and can be detrimental for any original creator. I want my blog to be open to everyone; I want people to feel free to use ideas from my blog. I hope that I am given credit when it is due. I am proud of my projects. I am excited to share my work; I love to hear what people think. I am excited when I see someone who has “lifted” my projects. I never thought I needed to add any copyright statements, because sometimes I like to use common ideas-but with my take on that idea. I do understand why people need to add copyright clauses. There are some remarkable artists with truly unique styles that need to be protected-I totally agree with that. I certainly do not agree with someone who copyrights their work and uses the ideas of other without giving credit.

I made mention of how I am an original in a post not long ago-my projects are pretty much original. I do not stalk blogs for my ideas; this is why I needed to mention that:

For the past 3 years, I have had a blog follower, Tonia Grant(nyahnicole, scrapfashionmakeuphair, Nicole, nicolebee), who has been lifting a lot of my work and posting to public galleries. I am being modest when I say “a lot”. When I first noticed Tonia doing this, I just figured that because she was new to scrapbooking she did not understand how crucial it is to mention that her projects were “lifted”. I was flattered and was able to look the other way.

My problem with Tonia is that she has been lifting my projects for years, and when she posts to Two Peas, Studio Calico, and other public galleries she has only mentioned me once or twice-if even that much. There were times when people have stated to her that her projects were remarkably similar to my work. I have had people email me wondering if I knew her or have seen her postings. I do not know her; I have never exchanged emails with her-we have not ever been friends. A few years ago she became a regular on my blog, and always had questions about products I used. I have always taken the time to answer every question from her. I have made it extremely easy for her to obtain products for her to complete projects that were extremely similar to mine. A few months ago I left a comment on her blog that it would be great if she stated that someone inspired her work when posting to public galleries. She felt that she always gave me credit when needed. From time to time, she has said that she bought products because of me, very rarely has she said that her layouts were inspired by mine. I have a problem with the fact that she does not give credit in public gallery postings. Tonia also thinks that we share a similar style; I guess doing what I have done-right after me that does make our styles similar. I guess Tonia thinks that if she is not lifting an entire page exactly-it’s not a lifted page. After my comment on her blog and email from her that followed telling me about my ego, I had to block her from my blog and other social media. Recently, I have begun to mention on some of her public gallery postings that her layouts/albums have been inspired by my work in the comments.

I have never been in this situation, and I do not know how to take it (or how to react to it). I have tried to ignore Tonia. I have not said one word (for the past 3 years), except to close friends. At first we thought she is a “big fan”. They said to let it go, and I did. Only now it is getting out of hand. She has gone way beyond just lifting my scrapbook work-it's extremely obsessive. I am tired of changing things on my blog, and the watermarks on my photos. I truly could careless about what Tonia is doing, in general. I do care that it seems as though she is trying to make a name for herself by stepping over (and on) me-not by her own merit. I am all for anyone who wants to share their work, I am all for anyone who wants to be creative; even if they are strictly “lifters”-that’s not a terrible thing. I will not continue to look the other way, I have to speak up for myself.

I would like for everyone to understand that I am not saying never lift my projects, please take any inspiration that you need. I hope that you can share who inspired you. I do not think that I need to be credited for every detail of your work. I am proud of my projects & I try to have my own style. I am upset that I had to do this post, this is not what my blog is ever about. This is one unpleasant situation that I had to address openly, and I would like for Tonia to understand I am not looking for a literal “follower”. I hope Tonia will aspire to find her own style or at least be truthful when she posts lifted projects to public galleries. 

 

some random examples:

 

Comments

[Ana]

1.

I have been following your blog for years now and love your work. I have lifted some of your creations but never shared it on my blog since I did not have one at the time. I lifted your ribbon layout and your hearts hanging one from the other. You are so right about people giving credit to others. I try to always give credit, but sometimes (I will be honest) I have forgotten who I got the idea from or where I saw it. Lately on youtube people have been fighting back and forth and honestly it has become discouraging. Why do people have to ruin it for others because of these stupidities.
I hope you will continue posting your beautiful work. Do not let her or anyone take you sharing your inspirations, creations. I will be posting the hearts on my blog sometime this week or the weekend. I hope you can come on over and visit my blog.
Thank you for sharing.

[Julie Weis]

2.

keisha, i have followed you for years and i love your style! it is yours and will always be yours. can't wait to see more of your creativeness!!

[Stephanie]

3.

Hi Keisha, today is the first time I've visited this blog and I love what I have seen of your work (only managed to look a few pages but everything is so lovely) and I am commenting to say that I'm sorry to hear something like this is happening to you. The photo that was really creepy to me, such that it seems like she is obsessed with you was how she styled her desk to mimic yours. It must truly be hard to continue sharing your work with everyone knowing someone else is just taking your ideas and benefitting off your work without credit.

[Rosa Zanini]

4.

Ti sono vicina ..altro non posso dire!!
xoxoxo Rosy!

[Kim McNair]

5.

I hear you loud and clear! I read, understand, believe and agree with everything you wrote. I understand being inspired by someone and even scraplifting but copying someone else's work even down to last butterfly is a bit much. OMG!!!, wait I think I want to decorate my house like yours as well. Weeks go by on my sad little blog because I don't want to post something I didn't come up with. I always wondered how you like having your own stalker. When I saw all of the type I stopped breathing because I thought, Oh no, she is getting ready to announce that she is ending her blog. I'm glad that is not the case, you can't keep a good woman down, too many people love you.

[Tracie Claiborne]

6.

I've kind of been watching your blog to see if you would say something about her because just this week, I saw a mini-album she did and then I saw your comment about how it was inspired by yours. I didn't think it looked that much like yours so it puzzled me. BUT...then I looked at her gallery and I was astounded. Like "mouth-dropped-open" astounded. At a glance, it is your work. It is SO SIMILAR. I think what's amazing is that you have such a unique style - for someone to think they can claim it as their own is ludicrous. There are just a few people whose pages and projects don't look like anyone else's...I would put you in that category. On one hand, I see how easy it is for someone else's style to become intertwined with your own. For example, I am a HUGE fan of Cathy Zielske's work. She and I started scrapping the same year and I know her personally. I devoured her books and every article she wrote for Simple Scrapbooks. She taught me to scrap so I naturally am inclined to have her style although I don't usually copy her pages completely. And if I do...of course I say it's a copy of her! She just really rubbed off on me and a lot of other people. Now having said that...I don't think you've ever put yourself out there in the same context as she did - teaching people about design principles. Your work is like you said, for companies, to showcase their products - for someone to so literally take on your style is just strange to me. I could see them taking elements of your style but at least have the grace to say "Keisha's my fave - I just wanna be like her." or something like that on a regular basis! Don't then act like you are not just downright copying. Give us more credit than that. Wow. So sorry you had to go through this. It is a strange situation, to be sure.

[LisaW]

7.

That's all a bit frightening! I totally agree with you...if you create something because you've been inspired by someone, give credit! Your layouts have always looked beautiful, original and fresh to me. I've never seen her work before, but I'd know it was a rip off of your's Keisha.

[Jessy Christopher]

8.

I am so sorry that you have to go thru such ugly moments. I have visited her blog and agree that it looks very similar to yours. You have been one of my fav scrapper. Your style is so distinguish and unique, I wouldn't miss that out. Thanks for being an inspiration to many... & thanks for voicing out. hugs!

[Angee Lee Carter]

9.

Keisha I am so astounded. I literally came across her blog within the last two weeks ans was like wow. This seems so familiar. But I never placed where that familiarity came from until you posted this. I've followed your blog for quite some time now. 2 years and I'm so happy to see all your success. You've inspired me in so many ways with techniques and your personal style. But to see that someone would mimic your style, copy your layouts, and overall imitate you to closely is disheartening. The Internet certainly has its drawbacks. From the nasty comments, copyright infringement, to the perception of anonymity that people believe they have that they can do and say anything they want without consequence is ABSOLUTELY WRONG!

Kudos to you for first addressing her privately in hopes that she could at least correct the error of her ways. Unfortunately for her she did not. I'm saddened that it had to come to something lie this but I definitely see why it got to this point.

Just know that those of us who love you, from afar, will always love you, be inspired by you, and always give credit where credit is due.

Sweet hugs.
Angee Lee Carter

[miranda]

10.

i love your work and i always check out your blog. when i come across la tonia blog, right away i knew she was totally copying yours! the way she took pictures of her daughter, the home decor, the layout, everything! its soo totally wrong! and i'm really surprised that she made it into crate papers designers, because all she does is not original, but copy! hopefully people can see through this and you can get the credit when its due! keep on creating!

[Heaven]

11.

Keisha,
I'm not even going to point out what an amazing and talented artist you are. oops, I just did lol

I'll confess, I don't just stalk your blog, I STALK your blog lol. Meaning I check it every day, sometimes more than once! You are probably my biggest source of inspiration when it comes to scrapping. You inspire me to dig into my stamps, embossing powders and just spend an afternoon playing. You even inspired me to buy the AWESOME Ikea desk (the one you used as a scrap desk in China). I've had the desk almost 3 years and still love it. It's perfect and I thank you for posting it to your blog.

I do use your layouts as inspiration, but I must confess, I simply can't "copy" your exact style because you're just better at it than me lol.. Mine arent ecact but you do give me some great ideas.

But I do thank you for all the gorgeous layouts you've shared.

I hope this issue you're having won't stop you from sharing all your amazing work. I would be devastated if that happened!

[Linda]

12.

I'm greatly saddened to hear that you are dealing with such a terrible issue. I have followed your blog for about 2 years now and I have really enjoyed your style; also seeing those lovely daughters of yours grow up. I feel you have shared your awesome style with us all and have truly been an outstanding source of inspiration. I hope that this does not end the sharing of your projects as I look forward to seeing your style of design. I just wanted to let you know that so many of us love that you share your talents and hope it doesn't stop because of one person.

[Heaven]

13.

I just visited her blog and WOW, everything does look almost identical to yours. Even her daughter is dressed and styled to copy your daughterm, Keila in almost every way! I can see why you're upset!

[Renee S.]

14.

I love your blog and ideas. You are a true original. I believe that your readers know this and can tell when the other person is totally passing your ideas off as her own. She will certainly not gain a loyal following, as you have, by doing this. I wish you continued success. Your work is always inspiring.

[Paula D]

15.

I have only been reading your blog since December, I was drawn to your Christmas deco and projects. I am sorry that this has happened to you. You are handling it with class. Please don't stop sharing your work with those of us who have ethics and would never dream of stealing from you. Your blog is an enjoyment for me.

[Tracey Holdyk]

16.

I have been following your blog for quite some time now and everytime I visit I am inspired. I usually set out to copy an exact layout but somewhere between starting the layout and ending the layout something changes and it no longer looks like yours, it looks like mine. What I am trying to say is that this is why I visit blogs like yours. They inspire me to try something different or to look at something in a different way. I am so thankful that talented people like yourself are prepared to share what they do in the hope to inspire others.
Please keep inspiring us because the scrapbooking world just wouldn't be the same without you.
... and I am very proud of you that you stood up for yourself. I know it wouldn't have been easy but it was something that needed to be said.
Love me :-)

[lindsay]

17.

keisha, i swear...i thought you were the other girl. that's how eerily similar her layouts are to yours. i couldn't figure out why you had all of those different logins! i'm glad you called her out on that. i lift layouts all the time, but i only post if i want to give them props for their layout inspiration. and i would never use someone else's designs to try out for design teams. please don't stop sharing your creativity.

[Nicole]

18.

I'm so sorry that you are going through this. That really SUCKS!! Your blog is lovely, I only know your name through 2 peas. When I "scrap lift" I have to put my own twist on it, nothing so similar. Again I'm sorry that you are going through this but I wanted to tell you that you have a great blog!

[KIM]

19.

Keisha, I have been following your blog for several years. You are truly inspiring and unique with your creations. Never once have I thought to copy, borrow or lift any of ideas. They're too unique and it's remarkable your level of creativeness and inventiveness. I regularly look for inspiration from other scrapbookers, but copying is not inspiration. That's just lazy. Personally I don't want to be viewed as a fraud. And as a graphic designer, I'm particularly sensitive to copyright issues.

Keep up the great work you're doing. Thank you for sharing your story. It all gives a reminder to look at our own work and make sure we're crediting others as necessary.

[Jessica B]

20.

i don't usually comment on issues like this, but i agree that her blog/layouts/pics are eerily close to yours. i've been following your blog for a while now and you definitely have a very unique style that i love. when i ran across her blog a few weeks ago, it was a slight moment of dejavu. i thought maybe you too were really close friends or something. i know it can be a tight line determining what is a creative influence and when someone is just "lifting"... and as crafters, i think everyone can have that moment when they are being influenced and not realizing it so much. hopefully she just truly admires your style and doesn't realize what it's coming across as...

[Tammie]

21.

I want to sincerely thank you for sharing your awesome creations, family, home and talents with the world. Thanks for ALL that you do to keep us/me inspired! You have lots of genuine fans out there so don't quit on us!!!

Much love,
Tammie

[louise fortune]

22.

how distressing and unnerving this must feel, I sympathise and understand and agree with the need for this post.

[Donna C]

23.

Keisha. you are a class act! You've taken a difficult/ugly situation and driven the high road. Your post is eloquently written and spot on information. I don't generally post publicly, except when I do the L.O.A.D. challenge with Lain Ehman, and then it's to the private gallery. I never submit for publication. But...even with my L.O.A.D. challenges, I will say who inspired my design if there is someone. They say there are no original ideas, that they all come from things we've seen over the years. We may not even realize we are "copying". However, this does not seem to be the case here. This woman has been blatant, and seems delusional if she doesn't realize what she's doing. I've loved your work for years. I so appreciate your sharing of your work, and it's a shame you'll have to take so many precautions to prevent this kind of stuff. Unfortunately, you are not alone, and I've heard many stories in the last few years. I hope you get it resolved soon. Don't let this bad apple take up too much space in your lovely creative brain!! :)

[Tammie]

24.

Scary isn't it!

[denise morgan]

25.

Good for you Keisha!
Enough is enough, it's very hurtful. You are such a classy lady. I love your blog, check it all the time. I think you are the only artist that I enjoy seeing decorating style, fashion style and scrapbook related projects from all in one place.

Personally I like the real thing ;) not much into knock offs if ya kwim.

Maybe you should have a pay per view blog, at least then you can make something for all the time and effort you put into it. I'd pay.... I'm just being a smart _$$

Hope I made you laugh,
Denise

[Jessica R.]

26.

I have been a follower & admirer of yours for years.You have a unique style & it is obvious if someone lifts you or copies you. I think you were right to call this out because it went too far. Dont be afraid to continue to share though. I am always inspired by your work!

[virginia]

27.

Keisha, I've followed your blog for years (I believe I started reading it in 2006... I remember one of the first projects of yours that I saw was when you were making the coasters with the stitched chipboard letters and I loved how unique your style was). I have long been a fan of your distinct, classy, and sophisticated style. I'm so sorry you're having to deal with this, but in true Keisha fashion, you are handling it with distinct, classy, and sophisticated style. I hope you can get it resolved soon without too much weirdness or drama!

[Simone Derreke]

28.

Hello, this is my first time I visited your BLOG/page and I think it is a very stylish place too be. My very creative sister PJ or Essensevibez is the talented one in the family, and she shared your blog too me as an inspiration too get my creative flow going. Well let me tell you she has the creativity in the family, I think I said that previously. Please do not stop being YOUR lovely SELF.

[rosey of nyc]

29.

wow i read something aboutthis on 2peas im sure there is flattery but dan not right. btw love your blog and im a proud follower love your work im so inspired! shame on her tsk tsk

[Desiree]

30.

Hope you keep your blog public. I'm a 'stalker' but I don't have a blog or facebook page to post or give credit. You have inspired me in home decorating, scrapbooking, crafting jewelry, using my own kids as models! I even visited Beijing and Thailand after following your blog.
You are 'true' inspiration.
Dez

[sarah]

31.

I love your work & you inspire me, to be honest i have seen her work around & thought it was you that created it!!! I cant believe it, its not a lift it is a direct copy & her room is the same as your room, im glad you spoke out girl, maybe more ppl will now as i see this all the the time im no big shot but i have seen things i have done & then copied the next day or when ever & with no credit, & i get so mad i could fall out with the scrapping community but i bite my tounge always!! You inspire me & ive lifted you in the past & i have even linked up your blog too in doing so, KEEP scrapping chick x x

[Stephanie]

32.

I've been reading your blog for a long time now & I absolutely love your style, pictures, & creations. I totally agree with you- give credit where credit is due! It is very creepy to see the similarities in her things & yours, I can definitely see why you felt the need to address this issue.
I look forward to seeing more of your gorgeous posts :)

[Laura S]

33.

Good for you for speaking up, Keisha!

Crate needs to dump her from their DT. The fact that she's had the audacity to *contact you* to ask which specific materials you have used in your projects just so she can go and directly copy them, then be dellusional enough to claim the work as her own is flabbergasting to me.

What a very, very unusual person. She needs to back away from the paper & scissors, and get herself some help.

[Mei Ann G.]

34.

Hi Keisha, I have been an avid "stalker" of your blog since you were living far east east. To me you are one classy lady with a unique style in crafting and decorating. You are an inspiration and after reading your blog today you have proven yourself again - classy and dignified! I'm sorry you have to go through this kind of situation. You are always so generous with your work. More power to you!
Mei Ann

[Juanita]

35.

Keisha, I have visited to your blog many times. I love your work, truely original. I am so sorry you have to deal with this.

[HollyS]

36.

Keisha,

I have followed your blog for years (from way back when a bit east really meant China). You are an inspirration to me as a mom, a wife, a crafter, a photographer and a soul sister. I would be heartbroken if you did not make your blog public.

I can't even believe that this loser has had the audacity to do the things she has done, and then to be as blatant as to post on different websites without giving you credit.

I support you, I love your work and I can only hope that she will read these comments and stop what she is doing.

[Cindy Liebel]

37.

well written Keisha! i'm so glad you shared this, b/c it's something that has been going on for way too long. it's a shame that she stalks you the way she does & acts as if she doesn't. just plain wrong! keep inspiring & stay public b/c i need my dose of Keisha ;)

[Tracy]

38.

So glad you finally called her out. The extent of her copying is darn creepy.

[Ally White]

39.

It sounds like your speaking up is looooong overdue. I am a huge blog stalker of yours. Your work and style is truly your own and it sucks that someone would try to pawn off their not as good knockoffs as their own. Tonia should be embarrassed for doing this.

[Bernice J]

40.

Thanks for showing us the comparison photos....I agree, that is far far beyond any "accidental" similarities! How sad that she cannot even be confident enough to have her own ideas and creativity. Is there something we can do to make a difference? In all seriousness,would knowing her blog address or contact info to allow us to directly contact her help...if so, I am all for it! Any advice on what we can do?

[Crumleyl]

41.

I ran into her (nicholebee)scraproom while doing a search on two peas one time...when I looked at the pics she had posted, I thought wow, Keisha Campbell did her room up! It really looked like she was trying to do it like yours...her love of white..and other things. Look, there are bottomfeeders everywhere and that's what she is. Keep on doing what you are doing and if you have to copyright, then do it. You deserve credit for your work...don't let a bad apple make you forget, but do be careful. We live in a not so nice world. Your true fans will always know your work, at least I do...you do have your own style....love it, love your work...go on.....keep it real :)

[Kim L in ATL]

42.

I agree. I have seen the similarities on 2 peas, etc. and have been like WTH. I am 100% behind you and totally understand your post. I love "your" work. You are an AWESOME artist in all areas... tfs the call out!

[Lauren]

43.

Have loved following you for years! I'm a peeker-inner. From this online and former classroom teacher you are talking about plagiarism...and Tonia needs to understand that it's not only invasive...it's illegal. Her "similar" posts should immediately be removed from all blogs when the owners of those blogs become aware that she has been "stealing" your ideas. Stealing another persons work without crediting them is an invasion of privacy. I'm glad you've called her out...but surely you know that NO ONE gives us the joy and beauty that your designs give us! Blessings to you as all this gets straightened out.

[pamela]

44.

I have followed your blog since you were really a Bit East in China. I have watched your style evolve and many times been inspired by something you have done. I can only imagine how you must feel having someone so blatantly steal your ideas. It is so sad when others feel they can get away with copying someone else's work and not feel the least bit responsible for giving them credit for the original creation or inspiration.
Good for you for finally saying something so that hopefully this woman will finally get it and find her own style. After looking at her blog I would say you pretty much have a stalker on your hands. Many would say "take it as a compliment" but I have been in your shoes and had a woman who would buy every baby product I bought right after me. Yep, same stroller, same diaper bag, etc. At first I thought of it as a compliment but after awhile it gets pretty creepy. I think Tonia has passed over to creepy and let's hope she takes this post to heart and acts in a mature fashion. It's people like her that make others not want to share their ideas. So very sad for all of us.

[Connie R.]

45.

All I can say is WOW that is creepy. I've been following your blog for awhile also and love seeing all the things you make and the pictures of your family.It's really a shame that someone would do that.

[Barbara D.]

46.

Keisha, I am so sorry that you have to defend your talent from such a twit. I have followed your blog for years...I love your style and your colouring..you do such beautiful and inspiring work. I hope that you are able to continue with your art, and(selfishly)I hope that you can still share with the rest of us who honour your creativity.

[Simone Naoum]

47.

Keisha I totally agree with everything you have said and you are right to do this post. Looking at Tonia's projects they are all identical to yours. You are an amazing designer and I absolutely LOVE your work. What she is doing as absolutely appalling. I'm glad you wrote this post.

[kg]

48.

kudos to you for speaking up and calling her out...this should be brought up to the crate paper team! it is shameful that she gives you no credit but for those who have been around and know your work...clearly know that she is copying your work.

[Autumn]

49.

After reading this pathetic attempt for some attention, I must give you a hand clap. For you to go as far as blocking Tonia from your page, I find it comical that you have dedicated an entire blog post to her. You seem to have surfed the web in search of her work just so you could make comments. People like you want all the credit. It seems that Tonia has given credit where credit is due, but can you honestly say that you have always given credit to your sources? Is everything you have created honestly been original without some outside inspiration? PROBABLY NOT!!! Its sad to see people whine and complain when a little competition arises. You do not OWN the scrap booking world nor the right to make assumptions about someone else’s work. After reading this comment section, there seems to be a lot of haters, but then too Jesus was hated upon.

[Cathy H]

50.

I am so sorry you have to go through this! Your work is so inspiring and you deserve every ounce of credit. You are amazing!
I think this issue needs to be addressed in the scrapbook world...there is way too much of it going on!
Thanks for taking a stand!