Legality and Interest?

[cwmeg]

I hand embroidered and cross stitch handmade items for custom orders.

I would love to be able to combine my love of the Civil War with these hobbies but wondered as to the legalities involved and if there was even an interest.

I'm aiming more for using photos from newspapers and such of the Civil War era. I know the LOC photos (unless otherwise stated) are public domain BUT would it be a no-no to create a handmade item and sell it with those photos? An example would be a newspaper drawing turned into a cross stitched framable decoration.

And if this would happen to be A-ok legal, is there even an interest? I could fill my own walls with Harpers Weekly drawings and such but didn't know if this interested anyone else.

 

[AndyHall]

I know the LOC photos (unless otherwise stated) are public domain BUT would it be a no-no to create a handmade item and sell it with those photos?

They're public domain. Do anything you want with them, for-profit or otherwise.

 

[cwmeg]

Thank you! Still debating on it. Don't want my items to seem like they are made just to make money, but because I love the Civil War and want to make things for others who also love it

 

[Lnwlf]

Try it! It seems like an interesting way to combine your two pleasures! Do a couple of different pieces and show them off to determine the interest level. Even if no one bites, you are still having fun!