Changing the paper and elements from kits
 

I'm thinking it's ok to change colors to blend with our pages, but wondering how far we can go with the elements. For instance, could we take a flower into a plug in and give it a painterly or sketch look - so long as credit is given to the original designer?

As long as it is only to use on a layout and flattened to a jpg for YOURSELF and not sold or given away I don't see a problem. But that is just my opinion other designers may think differently...

It would be used for myself and sometimes in a layout used on a GDS challenge. I finished the page without needing to do this, but thought it might be useful info for the future.

I completely agree with Vicki! If you on a designers Creative Team, they may prefer you don't do this, but I don't see probs if its for you and correct credit is given.