Welcome to the Stamping University: Card Inspiration Series. In Part 2, I will outline some of the many ways you can get inspiration from technology. Have you ever been stymied for a creative idea? There are times when I am totally drawing a blank on creativity. Twiddling my thumbs and wandering around my craft room is so unproductive. HELP! How do I get inspired?
To begin our discussion, I’d like to talk about Copy and Share Everything or Copy and Selectively Edit. That is one long phrase so you may hear the acronym CASE. It goes something like this, “I CASEd this [project] from [a person].” Now basically, what it means is that it’s okay to get your ideas from someone or someplace else. The issue is giving credit. In my humble opinion, if the card/project is posted to the public it is sharable and thus CASEable. Now comes the sticky part.
COPY AND SHARE EVERYTHING If you are copying exactly then credit should definitely be given to the originator of the idea. But what if all you have is a picture with no markings or signature? Use your best judgment. I like to credit the source. I put “I CASEd this” in my description of my card/project. Giving credit to the originator does several things. First, it is the highest compliment you can give. Second, it is like sourcing your research in a paper and it’s just the right thing to do. And third, it sets the tone for the reader/viewer. It says this person is lovely, considerate and joyful.
COPY AND SELECTIVELY EDIT If you are copying but selectively editing then I would use the words “inspired by [a person]” in my description. Editing involves changing shapes, colors, images, etc.
WHERE DO I GET THESE IDEAS TO CASE?
Every day we are bombarded with ideas that inspire us to create. How do I focus to get the ideas to make a card/project when I have a mental block? In an attempt to demystify the Inspiration Process I have created a STAMPING UNIVERSITY: Inspiration Course Series broken into 3 parts.
My Inspiration Course is broken into 3 parts.
Part 1: Non-Internet Inspiration Sources (Click here to read Stamping University: Card Inspiration Part 1)
In Inspiration Part 1, we started your creative inspiration with some easy sources that you have on-hand. If you would like a current Stampin’ Up! catalog, please contact me.
Part 2: Internet Inspiration Sources (Stamping University: Card Inspiration Part 2)
- Search Engine
- Instagram, YouTube & Twitter
In Inspiration Part 2, I will outline how I use Google (Search Engine), Facebook and Pinterest. And a bonus path to finding awesome ideas on Instagram, YouTube and Twitter from Stampin’ Up!
Part 3: Targeted Inspiration (Stampin University: Card Inspiration Part 3)
- Challenges
- Blog Hops
- Swaps
In Inspiration Part 3 I will help you find inspiration from hosted Challenges, Blog Hops and swapping with fellow enthusiasts.
Now, how to use the internet to find Inspiration.
1. SEARCH ENGINE (Like Google, Bing, Yahoo, AOL, etc)
Searching on keywords can be rewarding and tedious. I use Google so my advise will be based on a Google search. Here is a list of suggestions to make your search engine query relevant.
Use only your keywords, not complete sentences. For example, enter the search parameters ‘Stampin Up This Little Piggy’ or ‘SU This Little Piggy’. Each of those queries will generate different responses. Across the top and under the search bar you will see a list of tabs. By selecting images, you will see thumbnail versions of all the responses with images. By selecting videos, you will see all the responses that contain a video that refers to your search parameter. You can also just scroll down the response list until something inspires you.
- Let’s say you want to exclude something. Enter the symbol “-” before the word you want excluded.
- How about something with a precise phrase? Enter quotations ” ” around your search phrase.
If you would like to learn a technique then searching the internet is a great way to find out how others accomplish it. I suggest that you search for a technique then move to your craft space and try it. There is no better teacher than experience. To get experience you need to do. My daily mantra is ‘Do Something Creative Every Day!’ Get inspired then go do.
2. FACEBOOK (Join Murray Stamps Facebook Page)
Facebook is a popular free social networking website that allows registered users to create profiles, upload photos and video, send messages and keep in touch with friends, family and colleagues. It is a valuable resource for crafters. It is more than kittens and puppies, hard to believe but it is true. Join Stampin’ Up Facebook page
I have a personal Facebook page for sharing my thoughts and following my friends. I also have a targeted Facebook page for my Stampin’ Up! Tribe. We all share projects, encouragement and advise. I would love for you to JOIN the Murray Stamps Facebook Group Page.
Would you like to find a group that has similar interests like Artist Trading Cards or Scrapbooking? Search for a group by entering your parameters. For example, Stampin’ Up! Scrapbooking.
I found inspiration, how do I save it? There are 3 little dots in the upper right-hand corner of the post. Click on the dots.
Then select {Save Post}. Now look at the top of the post and see the like that reads ‘Add to Collections’
Select {Add to a Collection} and then Create a Collection. I save my inspirations in categories to make them easier to locate. I use [Cards + year], Boxes & Bags, Shadowboxes, Home Decor, Techniques, etc.
How do you find your SAVED posts? Go back to HOME and look in the left-hand column under the EXPLORE heading then select SAVED. You can search on your COLLECTIONS across the top or ALL by scrolling down the page.
3. PINTEREST (Follow Murray Stamps Ink)
Pinterest is a visual discovery engine that allows users to organize and share images and videos from around the Web. Images uploaded by users are called Pins and may be organized into Pinboards, which may be customized, themed and followed by other users. Users can also like or repin content shared by other pinners. Thanks to the existence of this social network, you will not follow people or brands, but rather styles, trends, types of information and themes according to your interests and your professional sector.
In the search bar enter the search parameters ‘Stampin Up This Little Piggy’. To the right of the search bar find the ‘down arrow’. Select the ‘down arrow’ to get a list of options. I usually select All Pins, Your Pins or Boards. A lot of inspiration will be retrieved and you can repin to your Boards.
How do you create a Board that will be meaningful to you? That is a personal preference. I have tried several Board ideas. I am currently pinning to catalog names. For example, 2019-2020 SU Annual Catalog, 2019 SU Holiday Catalog, etc. You can also create Sections inside your Boards. I am creating Sections using the Stamp Set, Bundle and Suite names. I would love for you to follow me on Pinterest.
You can choose to keep your Board secret by selecting the Visibility box for Secret. This is a great option if you are pinning potential gifts and you think that the person may be Following you on Pinterest.
4. INSTAGRAM, YOUTUBE & TWITTER
Follow Stampin’ Up! on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, and Twitter—all from one spot. There’s plenty of inspiration for everyone! Check out the CONNECT section of the Stampin’ Up! website. The Artisan Team at Stampin’ Up! posts the most beautiful projects to inspire us.
CONCLUSION
The internet is a valuable resource for inspiration in your crafting. But make sure you give yourself the freedom to ‘go do’ and enjoy the process. Experiment using the inspiration you found and don’t be afraid to substitute a technique or image for one that you have on hand.
Come back tomorrow for Inspiration Series Part 3 where we will look at more advanced inspiration ticklers.
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Thank you! If you do not currently have a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator, I would love to work with you. Contact me.
Do Something Creative Every Day,
