Thanks everyone for the great advice!
I had researched the basics of the copyright laws and it is frustrating when looking for images in the "public domain" that you cannot totally rely on them being completely copyright free.
Unfortunately some sites simply state their images are public domain but you have to take their word for it! Often they don't identify the original owner and they assume that because of this there is no basis for a copyright claim .... buzzzz .... wrong answer! There is no proof that the owner has indeed released their work.
Also a lot of images are listed for "personal use" and cannot be used commercially such as here, even in modified form. So getting started on a shoestring is really hard without purchasing licences, etc!
Even using images from books that allow a certain number of reproductions would still be a minefield. As the image is reproduced here multiple times by other users it would far exceed the original intent of the book publisher. Sheesh - I can't win!!
But, always wanting to do the right thing I guess I'd be safer purchasing some stuff first then once my confidence with PSP grows I can start designing my own artwork!
So again, thank you everyone for getting me on track and I'll check out the leads you've given me!
(Mind you if there are any more suggestions I'd still love to hear them
)
Cheers
Barb