CASEing
is a term thrown around by paper crafters of all types. What does it actually
mean? How do you do it? What good is it?
What is CASEing?
The
term CASEing is an acronym for Copy And Share Everything. It means slightly
different things to different people. For some CASEing is creating an exact
copy of a project. To others it means a point of inspiration. To many it is
something in between. Whether you are copying something exactly or using
someone else’s work as a jumping off point, CASEing can be an invaluable tool
in any paper crafters tool box.
How do you CASE?
When
looking at someone else’s project as a starting point, examine four different
things.
Color
Perhaps
you already know what you want to make but are looking for color inspiration.
CASEing or using the color combinations from someone else’s projects is a great
way to step out of the box and use combinations that are not traditional for
you. In addition to color combinations you might notice how many colors were
used and in what proportions. For example two main colors with one accent color
or one main color with three accent colors. I have found some of my favorite
color combinations of all time this way.
Layout
Often
I will spot a project in which I don’t care for the colors or maybe the topic
but I like the layout. It is easy to CASE a layout from someone else’s project
and use it for you own. Look at the size, shape and proportion of objects. Then
break the project down into a sketch.
Topic
I
have a whole stash of project ideas including cards, scrapbook pages and 3-D
items just waiting for me to recreate them because I like the topic. For
instance I’ve seen scrapbook pages illustrating family traits from generation
to generation or someone created a family tree display using paper. While I do
not plan to use the same layout, colors or form I do want to create my own
project using that same topic.
Form
This
refers to style of card, scrapbook page or 3-D projects. When you hear someone
say hand made card the traditional folded card comes to mind but there are tons
of other options such as a waterfall card, buckle card or easel card. With
respect to scrapbooks there are different page sizes from the traditional
12”x12” and 8 1/2” x 11” down to mini albums, albums in boxes or albums meant
to hang from pegs. The list goes on and on. As for 3-D projects the number of
forms a project of this type can take is truly endless.
Why should you CASE?
When
you sit down to do a little paper crafting do you ever find yourself wondering
where to begin or what to make? If so CASEing is a great way to make optimum
use of your time. If you know what you want to make, for instance a card but
aren’t sure where to go from there look at some card galleries for color and
layout. Or if you want to make a scrapbook page with your latest patterned
paper purchase check out someone else’s work for ideas on layout and form. Any
way you look at it, CASEing is a huge time saver. It’s best summed up by the
old saying, “Why reinvent the wheel?”
As
you can see CASEIng is a valuable tool. Whether you choose to make an exact
copy of someone else’s project or just use it for inspiration CASEing is one of
the easiest way to get your creative juices flowing.
Now that you know what CASEing is and how to use it I encourage you to start using your new found skill. You will be amazed at the time it saves you and how inspired you will feel.
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If you're looking for great
ideas right now be sure to check out Creative Inspiration for Card
Makers: Volume I by clicking
here.
