What Does C.A.S.E Mean?
If you are a card maker, you have probably C.A.S.E’d a card or two, maybe without even knowing it! The initials stand for “Copy And Share Everything”. It is the “copy cat” of copying.
All card makers enjoy looking at each other’s work. I have spent many hours on Pinterest myself. If you have a particular stamp set or theme and need ideas on using it, there are plenty out there!
How To C.A.S.E.
C.A.S.E.-ing is simple. First, find a card you love. Next, re-create it, just like it is pictured. I find great card samples in the Stampin’ Up! catalog, on Pinterest or on someone’s FaceBook page or blog.
It is highly encouraged to C.A.S.E.. Many card artists who design cards are flattered when someone “copies” their work. It is a sign of a great card if other card makers want to make it too.
The “Do Not” of C.A.S.E.-Ing
The number one “do not” when C.A.S.E-ing a card is to claim that you are the original designer of the card. While C.A.S.E-ing is encouraged, it is also recommended that you give credit to the person who created it.
Cards and card designs are not copyrighted. It really can be difficult to track down the original source, especially if a particular card has been C.A.S.E’d over and over. If you are not sure where the design originated, give credit from the last known source.
Copy And Slightly Edit
The initials C.A.S.E. can also be construed as “Copy And Slightly Edit” as well. This analogy is also very common. How many times have you looked at a card design and thought to yourself, “I would change this or that”?
When you slightly edit, you are taking the original design and changing a thing or two. Perhaps you are rearranging the lay-out just a bit. Maybe you are adding something extra in. The changes for a slight edit are minimal, and the original design is evident.
Fine Lines
There can be a fine line between slightly editing and making your own design with forethought in mind of a previous card you have seen. It is up to you to decide if you should claim the card as your own design, or say you were “inspired by” the original card creator.
There are a lot of cards out in the world. A lot. And even if you are creating your own designs, chances are that someone, somewhere, has a similar card as well, without any C.A.S.E-ing happening. After all, great minds really do think alike!
My C.A.S.E’d Cards
Even though I prefer to create my own designs (I share my own card recipes with every Monday’s Are Hard Stamping, Shouldn’t Be Cards, and pass on project information in my monthly newsletter) I also C.A.S.E. cards from time to time.
Why does someone who has the creativity to design cards C.A.S.E. them? The answer is two-fold:
TIME
It can take a lot of time to come up with an original idea. When I design a card, I can spend hours on just one! I play with parts and pieces and colors, setting aside things that don’t work and trying more ideas. If I am commissioned to make a card for someone, I am typically pressed for a timely delivery.
DESIGNER BLOCK
Ever heard of writer’s block? Card design can get blocked too. Sometimes I need lay-out inspiration, or visuals on how certain stamps were used by others. There are times when I want the quick answer on how intricate parts assemble, without having to figure it out on my own.
Card CASE 1
This card was cased from Jeanie Stark. I made quite a few changes, but loved her original design.
Card CASE 2
When looking for inspiration for a 90th birthday card, I found it in Sandy Mathis’ card. Again, I changed many things, but the overall design is similar.
What Will You C.A.S.E.?
There is no shame is C.A.S.E-ing. Often times, using other card ideas as starting points for creativity is best. Your card may inspire someone else!
Card making and clothes shopping have this in common: You see something on the rack at the store (or a card on Pinterest) and you take it home (or go to your craft room) and add different accessories or clothing pieces (or different embellishments or card making supplies) and create your own look. You may be inspired by what you see, and make it your own!
So, shop and C.A.S.E. away! If you need stamping supplies, my online store is always open, https://juliemakson.stampinup.net/. Be sure to follow my blog for easy Monday card recipes, and sign up for my email to get additional tutorials. I also love to inspire you!