Papers & Plums

Do you ever think less of your work when you CASE (Copy and share with Everyone) somebody? I noticed that I do. I’d love to be original every time I sit down to create, but that’s not where I’m at.  Yet, when I share the finished product of a CASEd card I often hasten to add; “I copied someone else”. Like its a shameful thing. Almost as if the card in my hand appeared of its own will and as if the time I spent working on it meant nothing at all. How unfortunate! Making cards is a labor of love for me. I create because I love to do so. I find it restful and peaceful and it brings me joy when others enjoy what I made for them.

Well, my Mother-in-law recently told me that I shouldn’t think of it as a copy, instead I should say “This card was inspired by”. What a difference a few words can make! This way of speaking takes into consideration the time and labor it took to create my own version and it acknowledges that along the way I made  it my own.

Let me show you what I mean. I found this card in a recent Paper Crafts magazine that I borrowed. I just snapped a quick photo with my iPhone, so unfortunately I cannot credit the person who made it properly.

I find this simply stunning. I wanted to try my hand at the square background you see behind the trees. Since I own the same stampset it would be a simple matter to try this. Here’s my version of this card.

Of course it’s obvious where the inspiration came from, but here are a few of the differences:

• I turned it into a Christmas Card
• I added “snow capped” hills
• I added glitter and stitching

I love the original card, but what I love more is that it spurred my own creativity to take it a step further and make it my own. That’s nothing to be ashamed of!

So, how do you relate to CASEing? Leave a comment with your thoughts.

Thanks for stopping by,

Sara