Hi all!
Today I’m starting a new Friday Focus miniseries on inspiration. I’m calling it Inspiration Everywhere. :)
Where do you find inspiration?
One of the questions I receive the most is, “Where do you find inspiration for all the cards you make?” That’s a good question! And it’s also sort of hard to answer because I really find inspiration everywhere. Being a very visual person means that I’m constantly looking at things around me with an artistic eye. So each week I’ll be sharing with you one of the places I find inspiration for cardmaking.
Week One: Papercrafting Products
When I first started out scrapbooking and making cards, I just loved playing with the paper and the other products. I was most inspired by the actual product. Anything from the colors of some patterned paper influencing the color palette on my scrapbook page, to the shape of a stamp inspiring the shape of a card. It all stemmed from products I was seeing and using everyday.
It also helps that I’ve been working full time in the papercrafting industry since 2005–I’m surrounded by fun products! :)
Using Stampin’ Up! Ink on clear stamps
One thing that I show in the video below that I wanted to note here is that I used Stampin’ Up! Classic Ink on a clear stamp. I ended up lightly sanding the surface of the stamp to get the stamp a bit more “grab” so it would hold the ink better. You can also rub a pencil eraser over the clear stamp. That seems to help, too. :)
And now, I’m going to step up on my soap box for a moment… Please bear with me. :)
Using other cards as inspiration
This is a sticky topic and can be misunderstood easily. For this reason, I have edited the original part of this post. I hope this is more clear…
It’s worth noting here as we head into inspiration sources, that looking at cards on the internet can be a great wealth of inspiration. There are so many awesome cards out there! And like you, I am constantly amazed at what people are creating. :)
Personal use vs. for-profit
Generally speaking, using another person’s art or card as inspiration in your personal crafting is A-OK. If it’s for your personal use, you can do most anything you want. :) For example, you might duplicate someone’s card in order to learn a new technique. That’s a great example of personal use. :)
Where it gets a bit sticky is when you want to sell that card or submit it for publication. When you sell something you’ve made, it is best to make sure that your work is very different from your source of inspiration. If making a card puts money in your pocket (or supplies on your craft table as a form of payment), it’s better if it’s entirely of your own creation or vastly different from the original source. That’s just a general rule of thumb.
What we need to answer for ourselves (and perhaps start a dialogue about) is this: When it is “inspired by”, and when is it is a copy? Sometimes it’s hard to tell.
For me, I answer this question by imagining placing my card next to the original inspiration. If another person who was familiar with the original inspiration saw my card and thought, “Hmm… that looks a lot like _____,” then it’s too close. If they wouldn’t think that, then I’m okay.
In the video below I go over some tips to make sure your cards look different from your inspiration. So be sure to watch it for more info.
Good internet etiquette when it comes to cards as inspiration
When we use another person’s work as inspiration for our cards, and share it online, it is best to note where the inspiration came from. This can be as simple as, “I saw this awesome card by ____, and was inspired to create this card. Be sure to check out her card!” We cardmakers are a happy bunch and we love to share our ideas. Pay it forward by sending your online friends to online sources where you get inspired! :)
What about my cards?
Every once in a while, I’ll receive an email asking if someone can use my cards as inspiration. Absolutely! If you’re finding inspiration in my cards, thank you! You are more than welcome to use them as inspiration for your personal crafting. I just ask that if you plan to sell your cards, etc, that you make sure your card is different and your own creation. Thanks! :)
And on to the card!
Watch video below | Watch at YouTube
NOTE: If you want to skip all the talking at the beginning, skip to around the 6:00 minute mark. :)
Supplies
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Thank you so much for the tip on sanding the clear cling stamps. I use SU Classic and never thought to do this so guess what I will be doing this weekend…!
You new POST is very clear and much easier to understand! Now it makes perfect sense to me and I totally agree with everything and have always created in this way! Phew!!
Thanks for taking the time to post again and for replying to the posts from those of us, who were a bit confused or somewhat mis-understood!!
:)
Whew! Glad I cleared that up. Thanks again, Lisa. :)
Thanks Kristina! Wonderful explanation at the beginning, it really helps a lot! The card, as always – fantastic!!
Thanks! This was so wonderful to read…I do my best to come up with my own ideas and love getting inspiration for others. It great to know when that line it crossed and why, it is nice to see that you took the time to spell it out, thank you again.
Cool card! Always like your videos. :) Have to comment on “copying” designs. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve opened a card magazine and saw “my” card that is in my SCS gallery or in my picture files, whereon the published ‘designer” has only changed the papers and main stamp! A yr or so ago, on SCS, I “met” a crafty gal who I’ve become internet friends with. We have a lot in common. We participate in some of the SCS challenges and there have been a quite a # of times that while playing the Sat. IC challenge, we have picked the same inspiraiton piece. When we have seen each other’s card, we have been totally shocked! Sometimes they are so alike … right down to the stamp, colors, patterned paper, embellishment, etc. I have also sketched a card, picked my papers and supplies, then browsed the challenge linkz b4 I made it. I cannot tell you how many times I have seen cards so similar or like what I’ve “designed” to make, already posted. I have had to change my design or not play because I knew the person who made the similar card would think I copied them, which I did not. I’m not sure that any card design is an actual, bonafide original. Sometimes it’s not copying, it’s coincidence. Now, I will get off my soap box. Thanks for letting me share my thoughts. :)
Yes, that absolutely happens! And it’s so funny when it does. I used to have a “card twin”, although now our styles are somewhat different. :)
Oh I love this one! Looking forward to more videos :)
I’m a new follower, and love your simple cards. They have alot of meaning! This is a good way to use old stash or good stash. You inspirer me alot! Thanks for Sharing, Vicki Oh, I’m lost when it comes to embossing! There’s so many, I get lost , wanting to know what each one does. Which one raises,which colors & and theres one that said Detail. Whew, where do I nstart? Thanks
I really only use two colors of embossing powder: white and clear. Hope that helps!
Thanks!
Such an interesting topic, and I think you covered it very well!
When I teach online scrapbooking classes, I tell my students that inspiration is everywhere (and I’ve even used that as a theme of one of our Layout a Day months!). I also encourage people to scrap lift, particularly to save time or to refine their own sense of design, color selection, etc. But I tell them that while no one cares if they scrap lift element-for-element in their personal albums, if they are publishing their work on their blog or in a gallery, they SHOULD give props and link if possible to the original source of inspiration.
And submitting for publication work that was scrap lifted? A definite no-no in my book! I like your rule of thumb that if someone could see a striking similarity when the two projects are placed side-by-side, then they’re too similar to claim yours as an “original” work.
Thanks for bringing up the topic. It’s interesting to see where people stand on this issue.
Kristina, I have to tell you that I enjoy your blog so much. When I sit down to check out blogs, yours is the first on my list. I feel that you convey your message and lessons very clearly – I love that! Your videos are always full of fun and you’re always so cheerful. LOL – I always look forward to checking out your nails too! (I’ve visited your other blog many times for inspiration!) I am often inspired by your work, but I don’t think I have even simply copied anyone’s card design exactly. I have found lots of inspiration through the online classes that you and Jennifer have taught along with your talented cohorts. I can hardly wait for the next one!
During the Tim Holtz Chemistry 101 online course, he mentioned that stamping clear stamps with Archival ink and allowing it to dry on the stamp solves the problem of ink bubbling up on the stamp. I’ve tried it and it does work, but you have to get used to having stained stamps. I do like to lightly sand my stamps. Thanks for the idea of using a nail sanding block. Great idea!
LOL! I tried to do the Archival Ink trick on the “hello” stamp for this card but I was too impatient to let it dry. :) Next time for sure.
I think you are very generous to share your talent and your cards with us. I enjoy reworking your cards, and I always link to your blog when I post one. I hope I’ve sent some traffic your way. The vast majority of my cards go to Operation Write Home, never sold or sent to publications. Case in point (HA! Punny!): www.mdcochran.blogsp…
Since I’m subscribed to your blog I read the unedited post and honestly it really made me think less of you. Your blog readers don’t need to hear about your issues with those that have “copied” your cards. I’ve always appreciated your professionalism in all you do, please don’t stoop down to their level. You’re so much better than that!
That’s why I reworded it. Because it came across the wrong way to so many people. Hopefully it’s more clear now. :)
i LOVE this card! it reminds me of one i made the other day. i love the multiple stitches on it, so cute!
I recently discovered your blog through Pinterest and have loved seeing your designs and videos. Thank you so much for sharing your talent! I’ve been crafting for years, but in the beginning I did alot of CASing while I learned. Now,when I find a card or scrapbook page that catches my eye, I always ask myself what exactly is it that I like. Is it the color palette? The layout? A particular embelishment? I think once you really hone in on that, you can then focus on developing your own style. Whenever I “copy” someone’s design it is always for personal use and I freely admit it. So many people are intimidated by crafting- they don’t think they are creative enough. And I have no problem telling them that inspiration is everywhere. Thanks again!
You are such an inspiration. Good to hear how you are inspired and to learn the difference of being inspired or what you call copying. Keep sharing your thoughts and ideas, I really enjoy watching you create. Loved how you got your inspiration from this card and translated it in your wonderful style.
It’s good to have this subject aired. There are so many amazing blogs out there, so generous with their amazing ideas. Your own and Jennifer McGuire’s are two I check every day. I think it’s only right to link to the blog that inspired you, not just for a card but for an original technique.
Thanks for sharing your sources of inspiration!
Ger x.
I also love your blog and have loved seeing you create cards. I often use your layout as a “sketch” but seldom hae the same embellishments or papers on hand that you use. O also have found myself using craft cardstock and a white gel pen much more often than before I found your blog. I hope you don’t consider that stealing when I use these elements in my classes.
Of course not! :) No problem. Those are very simple elements that anyone can use. Feel free to use them whenever. I obviously love them! LOL!
Recently I was in a tile shop on an errand when I was drawn to the display of glass mosaics. What an inspiration! I used the technique you used today for your background and added Ranger Perfect Pearls to my spritzer. After ther paper was completely dry I carefully cut it into 1″ x 1″ squares, shuffled them up and laid them out on printer paper (cut to size). It was so much fun to watch my tile take shape. Now what to do with all these really cool backgrounds I made today?!
Advice, pls….which would you recommend: Big Shot or Spellbinders Grand Calibur? Thanks.
Big Shot. It believe it’s a bit cheaper and more dies from other companies are compatible with it. Not all dies are compatible with Grand Calibur.
Good morning, Kristina! I love your card today.
I was wondering if you left the inside of the card with the stitching exposed or if you covered it with another piece of card stock or patterned paper. If you left it be, would you mind posting a picture of it?
Thanks for all you do!
Mollie
I’m sure glad I found you and your website, it is fantastic and I will be following this for awhile. I’m very new at card making and paper design, although I have made small books before I’m trying to look at ways to combine both of these loves. I get inspired but also disappointed in what I have to work with at times. So your “Inspiration Everywhere” is great. I’m even using photos I take or from pinterest to enlighten me a bit now!
I suppose it’s like the angel policy with Stampin Up too. They have a lot of really great ideas in their catalogs and I’m sure people copy them exactly all the time but it’s not the same thing for them when the idea is more to “sell product” not the results so much :)
Ok, I get the copying of cards, but what about sketches? There are many sites with those. I have often found sketchs that scream ‘use me’ and then I search my stash for product. Just where does that land on the spectrum of copy and original? I always give, link if possible, the source of a sketch.
I’m so a… I lay out the card before I create, acutal size. I have to know what sizes to cut before I start. Then, too, I can make sure I like the proportions before cutting. Or if I want to change things around. Much easier to erase and I grew up with the measure twice cut once! Don’t want to waste anything. :)
So many grey areas! :D Thanks for the post. I read both the original and edited. I think the ‘look and set aside’ is a great way to go. I’ll have to start practicing that one.
The nature of sketches is that the originator expects you to use the sketch. :) So I would imagine your absolutely okay using sketches. However, if you’re planning to sell cards, you’ll want to make sure they are different enough from the sketch in order to make them more of an original. That’s just my opinion. :)
Got it. It all comes down to make sure anything made to sell should not look like the inspiration, card and sketch. For personal use, note the inspiration, but don’t stress over it. And then the exception, sometimes what I see in my head may have popped up into someones elses! :D
Thanks, Kristina, for your thoughts on this. It is always helpful to hear the pros take. :)
Thank you Kristina. I love reading your blog. Always appreciate you sharing your incredible ideas, skills, tips and techniques. Each time I read your blog and watch your videos I am totally inspired. I only make cards for personal but congrats to you for taking the time to talk about the unfortunate situation where cards are “copied”. I thought your approach to this subject in your written words and on your video were very professional and not offensive. I agree it can be a confusing subject but I think you have done a fabulous job of talking about it and making people aware. Keep up the amazing work! Thank you for all you do to help, inspire, teach and share! It is always soooooooooooooo much fun to learn from you! After I enjoy reading your blog and watching your video one day I am inspired and look forward to what your next idea is. Love your creativity, love your approach and for caring for your followers. Thank you!
Great card, Kristina! FYI, I use Versa Mark to condition my stamps.