I'm a copycat and that's OK!

When I first starting making cards and scrapbook pages I always stressed over coming up with something completely original. The obsession took all the joy out of the hobby for me. I'm not a naturally artsy person, and some days I don't even feel very creative, but I get a lot of satisfaction making cards and scrapbook pages - especially if I'm giving them as gifts. Over the years I've learned that in this hobby it's perfectly OK to use other people's work as your source of inspiration or quite simply - copy it. There's even a special term for it - CASE. No, no - not nut case or basket case like my husband may think sometimes *chuckle* - CASE stands for Copy And Share Everything.

I spend a lot of my free time online looking at other people's creations. If I find something that I like, I save it as a source of inspiration for a future project. Most of the time I use just a part of the project - the color combination, the layout, the technique, etc. - but occasionally I do CASE the project. If you see something here that inspires you, please feel free to CASE it. I'd be thrilled knowing that I was able to spark your creativity. All that I ask is you give me credit for the inspiration if you post it anywhere.

One of the galleries I check out regularly is Stampin' Kub. He is an uber-talented stamper!! I really like his clean style. A couple of years ago I saw this card in his gallery and just loved the simplicity of it. This year I decided to CASE his card for my Christmas card. Here's my version:

Supplies used:

Stamp set - Home For Christmas

Cardstock - Always Artichoke, Ruby Red, Natural White

Ink - Always Artichoke

Accessories - Vintage Brads, Stampin' Dimentionals

I received these fabulous handmade Christmas cards this year. I'm a lucky, lucky girl! I finally had to take them down today - so sad - but I'll put them in my inspirational stash in my stamping room. Aren't these beautiful!

This one was made by Kim - one of my fantastic downline!

This one was made by Lois. She's my sideline and a dear friend.

This one was made by Pat. She's another one of my sidelines and makes amazing cards.

This one was created by Connie, a friend and customer. Can you believe she just started making cards a few months ago!

This one was made by my absolutely favorite customer - my mom, Rosemary. She rocks!

This is my favorite card of all, made by my 5 year old son, Vaughn. It's a keeper!








Thanks for stopping by today. I hope one of these great cards inspires you. Remember, you don't always have to CASE a card. Change the colors and the stamp set and any of these could be a great birthday card. I have a great example of doing that - but I'll save it for another day.