If you're an avid crafter or DIY enthusiast, chances are you've heard the term "CASEing" thrown around. CASE stands for "Copy And Share Everything," and it's a common practice in the crafting community. Essentially, it involves taking inspiration from someone else's work and recreating it with your own spin.
While CASEing can be a fun way to get inspired and create something new, it's important to recognize that it's not always the best approach.
Stop Casing & Do This Instead Video Replay:
Here's why you should consider ditching CASEing and doing this instead:
Find Your Own Style:
One of the biggest drawbacks of CASEing is that it can prevent you from developing your own unique style. If you're constantly copying other people's work, it can be difficult to figure out what you like and what works for you. By taking a break from CASEing and experimenting with your own ideas, you'll have the opportunity to explore your own creativity and develop your own signature style.
Exercise Your Creative Muscles:
Another downside of CASEing is that it can be a bit of a crutch. When you're constantly relying on someone else's ideas, you're not giving your own creativity a chance to shine. By taking a break from CASEing and coming up with your own projects, you'll exercise your creative muscles and become more confident in your abilities.
Avoid Copying Mistakes:
Let's face it: no one is perfect. Even the most talented crafters make mistakes from time to time. When you CASE someone else's work, you run the risk of copying their mistakes as well. By creating your own projects from scratch, you can avoid this problem altogether and ensure that your work is truly your own.
Embrace Imperfection:
Finally, it's worth noting that CASEing can create a lot of pressure to create something that's just as good as (or better than) the original. This can be stressful and discouraging, especially if you're a beginner. When you create your own projects, you have the freedom to embrace imperfection and focus on the process rather than the end result.
So, you may be wondering now if we shouldn't CASE then what should we do. Well, I am glad that you asked. The better option is called L.I.M.E.S.
L.I.M.E.S.:
The idea of L.I.M.E.S. was developed by Ardyth Percy-Robb. She has some fabulous videos on her YouTube Channel and her blog is filled with information about it as well. I have linked to her blog here so you can check her out as well. But what L.I.M.E.S. stands for is to List, Include, Modify, Exclude, and Spin.
You are going to find your inspiration image and follow the steps:
List - the Colors, techniques, elements, occasion, and layout of the inspiration piece.
Include - decide on your favorite things about the inspiration image you found.
Modify - decide what elements, colors, size of elements, etc you want to modify.
Exclude - What are the least favorite or no longer items that fit with the design. These are things you are going to or have left off.
Spin - Make it your own with your signature touches.
My inspiration for the card I shared for this video came from Keisha Charles of the Paper Mint, here's a link to her blog in case you want to check out her fabulous work. Plus, she has an fabulous Studio Tour as well. Here's a look at the card that I used L.I.M.E.S. with from Keisha's clean and simple colorful card. Which was what I was attracted to when I saw her card on Instagram.
So if you're looking to take your crafting to the next level, consider taking a break from CASEing and focusing on your own ideas. Who knows? You may just discover a new technique or style that you love!
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Happy Stampin'
Rick Adkins