Thanks for the input - I know for a fact that my design is not a problem because I am using a copyright-free skin so anyone can have the same design. I work for a web development company and as the SEO in training, I have mentioned that perhaps building my own site and optimising it myself would be a good way of putting the stuff I learn into practice (my boss isn't ready to let me loose with client sites yet!)

I'm re-thinking what I will use as content with all your suggestions in mind - and I will be writing some text to make clear to visitors that it is copyrighted. I know you can't stop people lifting stuff, but I shall use Copyscape as recommended. This site isn't just going to be my own personal playground - I am eventually adding a forum to it as well - but some of the things I have been toying with are actually worth protecting if possible, so I wanted to do what I could (if possible) to protect my work.