FAQ

As someone who creates art journal pages and scrapbook layouts, I began to create and curate my images primarily for that purpose.  Then I decided to share those images with others.  

I make my images with crafters, scrapbookers, and art journalers in mind.  But, of course, the images are free to use for anything 'personal use.'  Just follow these Terms of Use and have fun! 

1) What does your CC-NC-SA license mean?

This license enables users to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator. If you remix, adapt, or build upon the material, you must license the modified material under identical terms. CC BY-NC-SA includes the following elements: BY: credit must be given to the creator. NC: Only noncommercial uses of the work are permitted. SA: Adaptations must be shared under the same terms. (if you use my image to create free cards or scrapbooks, etc, your images must also use the same license as this).

I also require that you change an image in some way before you share it.  You cannot share my images as is.  Do not take a collection of images from my blog and then just offer them on your own blog for free.  The images are meant to be used to create something new.

Do NOT just drop the images into a free scrapbook without altering them and changing them in some way.

2)  Can I use your images for commercial use purposes?

No.  They are not licensed for commercial use.  You cannot use them in images, or anything else, that you plan to sell.

I create these beautiful elements to share for others to use out of kindness.  

This is a service I do not charge for.  I don't make money from them, why should anyone else?

I do create some images for Commercial Use, you will find them on my Pixabay  and on my Open Clipart.  I suggest you check those out, they are free for all commercial use purposes.

3)  Can your images be used in personal use projects?

Yes, absolutely.  

Some personal use projects people have used my images in are:  art journal pages, scrapbook pages, greeting cards, ATC cards, blogger and Facebook banners.  They also work great for printed paper projects.

You may use them in things such as:  blog and web design (as long it's not for a shop and as long as you aren't making money from the said website or blog), free scrapbook kits, free clusters, free e-cards, memes (so long as they are not violent, racists, vulgar, or anything else illegal), scrapbook pages, art journal pages.  

Basically any image free to use, or shared for free.  Or created just for yourself.

4)  Do I have to give you credit?

Yes, you have to give me credit.  This means if you upload page you make with my image to a blog, website, or gallery, please include 'Creative Abundance by Stacy Stephens' in your credits list.

If you use an image of mine (remember you also have to alter it in some way) for your FREE scrapbook kits, you must provide my name in your credits list.

Again, credit me / my images as:  'Creative Abundance by Stacy Stephens.'   A link to this website would be appreciated but is not required.

5)  Are images totally free?

Yes.  Anything offered on this website is free to use EXCEPT for My Artwork (these are my original artworks created in PSP, they are for show but not share, these are my actual artworks, not stock).   I do not have a store or a subscription.  I never charge for my images.   However, if you'd like to help support my work and my website, you are welcome to DONATE.  Any amount is appreciated.

6) Are all the images created completely by you?

No, but most of them are.  Sometimes I purchase Commercial Use images, elements and digital tools that I then incorporate into totally new works of art and designs.  Some of the commercial use images are purchased, some are free and some are free stock images.  However, I purchase them with Commercial Use license and they are safely incorporated into new images and designs.  The images I share are legal and they are still okay for you to use for any personal use purpose.

Images for which I sometimes use Commercial Use elements are:  e-cards, premade background scenes, clusters and cluster frames.

7)  Why do you create for free?

Well, first of all...I do not create for money.  I have never created artwork with monetary gain in mind.  Creating is a hobby for me, an outlet.  Second of all, it is an act of kindness.  As someone who enjoys creating scrapbook pages, art journal pages, and original photo manipulation artwork, I found quickly how expensive digital images and elements are.  I've spent thousands on graphics for which others created.  Finally, I began creating my own.  So why not share them for free with others who may not have the funds to purchase expensive quality images?  It's my little contribution to good and to art.  Enjoy it!  Everything on this website is free and always will be.