Copy layers from one document into a another document

Is it possible to create layers in one document and then copy them into a new document?
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Yes, recommend you read up on layers at Tavmjong's free inkscape manual. But you can simply HIDE the image layer using the LAYER DIALOGUE, Shift+Ctrl+L. To hide a layer, simply click the EYE ICON in the layer dialogue. This EYE ICON is also at the bottom of the
left corner of the Inkscape UI.
http://tavmjong.free.fr/INKSCAPE/MANUAL/html/Layers.html
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I'm a total newbie so bear with me. I'm trying to use an image as my model to create a vector image and I haven't been able to take that original image and make it into a layer that I can later delete. Thus, I've been creating my vector image over the model image on another layer and then trying to copy the top layer into a new document.
I appreciate any advice. Thanks!
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Not sure of your workflow, but from scratch....
1. Create a New Blank Document >File >New
2. Import (>File >Import) your example image, open the Layer Dialog (Shift+Ctrl+L), LOCK the layer & rename it ex. "example image".
3. Add a layer >Layer >Add Layer..., Name the Layer and use the pull down menu to Position the layer "Above Current"
4. Complete your drawing, now use the Layer Dialog to HIDE the "example image" layer. This will eliminate the layer from the >File >Export Bitmap... command, done.

 With this flow there is no need to create a second document.
TIP: Sometimes Inkscape will create its own Layer automatically, these auto-layers can be seen in the naming convention of the HELP MESSAGE in the STATUS BAR. The status bar is at the Bottom-Center of the Inkscape interface. The auto-layers use a naming convention like "#g4567". When this happens use the selector tool and use the >Layer >Move Selection to Layer Above/Below (Shift+PgUP (above) Shift+PgDn (below).
http://inkscape.org/doc/keys048.html#id2352063

hope this helps

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