All of a sudden out of nowhere Copy & Past is giving me empty graphics

[GiddyupGilbert]

In X. Out of the clear blue..one minute fine, and the next nothing. I've tried Copy & Past and converting to bitmap: All I get are an empty space and a red dash outline; cannot figure out why. Input appreciated.
Giddyup

[zaphodeist]

Pasting onto the Guide layer?

[Rik]

It may not be related to what you're problem is, but, I've had a red dotted outline before.
Though I can't remember, the answer to my problem was reasonably simple.
It's a setting, that was my problem.

EDIT: Aha! Told you the answer was reasonably easy!
Well done, John.

EDIT Again: With the Guide Layer selected, if I copy and paste, then all I get is a red outline of the object.

[Su Lawrence]

Yep, I've often done this too, usually after moving the guides layer around (in the layer gallery) and forgetting to click again/reselect the layer I am working on. Good call John.

Regards

Su