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I was in CVS at the pharmacy this afternoon picking up some meds. during a very slow time for the store. Over to the right was the greeting card aisle. I couldn't believe it but a lady was standing many Christmas cards up on other cards and taking photos of each with her cell phone. Common sense pretty much told me what was up. So I casually walked on over and pretended I was looking for a card. She got quite flustered by my close presence. Then I just HAD to ask, "What are you doing?" She answered rather self-consciously, "Oh, I make cards so I was just getting ideas for mine."
I don't know about everyone else, but I started card making so I could make my own special designs and NOT look like Hallmark, American Greeting, etc.
LOL I LOVE looking at cards in the card aisle! I don't make cards to be original; I make 'em 'cause I love colouring. I have noticed that ever since card-making became more popular, Hallmark's cards have gotten better. Over the years I have even bought store-bought cards and framed them; I loved their artwork so much. I don't get many ideas from the store's cards though. I just get them from the stamps that I have.
Actually, I've noticed the past couple of years that places here like the bookstore, etc. that sell a limited line of "high-end" cards - those cards are starting to look a lot more like papercrafted ones! Dimensional items, glitter etc. I have been known to take a pic or two of a particular card with a layout or element that inspired me. But I don't think I've ever taken more than 2 or 3 pictures of a single card at a time.
__________________ "You may not have lost all your marbles, but there's definitely a hole in the bag." Grumpy Cat
I've challenged myself to try and recreate cards I'm inspired by in catalogs from work. It's almost like using a sketch for inspiration, I use what I have already in my arsenal and usually learn a few new techniques for future use. It's fun!
I love looking at cards in stores. I don't pay much attention to the outside design, because like everyone says, I've got ideas of my own.
I do, however, keep a small notebook in my purse to jot down clever sentiments!
Recently I "swiped" a cute one for birthdays. A cute doggie on the front (your choice), then a happy birthday sentiment.
Inside: A tail has been wagged in honor of your birthday!
How cute! I can say don't even look at the card aisle anymore but recently saw a few cards given to a family member and I'm impressed! They've come up in the world...may have to start stalking the aisle for cute sayings like the one you found, Bugga!!
Haha....great topic. Back in the day I had a job at a Hallmark store, but now, I don't love looking at Hallmark cards! For years I used to go into a store, spend $25-30 on cards for family alone every couple of months. After I started making my own, I stay FAR away from them. I should probably check out the sentiments, etc., but I am just happy doing my own thing. The doggie card was very cute, I must admit!
I haven't looked specifically at cards in stores lately, but I did notice a few years back (and some I receive occasionally) that they look very 'handmade' these days. Yep, lots of 3D, glitter spots and so on. See, we're all so good, the 'professionals' copy off us!!
I am worse. I buy the cards, lol. I love cards. They are so pretty. I have a big box of cards I get inspiration from. I blame my Mom for this. She does the same thing.
She needs to do better than cards at CVS! I study cards at some high-end stationery stores, mainly to see trends and colors for the season. It's very inspirational and gets me going to try new things.
Mary Beth
In Kansas City, there used to be a small card shop that had a sign on the door stating no cameras and no Hallmark Employees were allowed in the store. They were located down the street from Hallmark's headquarters.
__________________ Denise
"If a person who indulges in gluttony is a glutton, and a person who commits a felony is a felon, then God is an iron.�
― Spider Robinson
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni Creative Crew SU Design Team Alumni
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I have taken pictures of cards in Target, mainly the ones that look handmade. And then I don't case them exactly but use them as inspiration for either the layout or color scheme. I find nothing wrong with it. I really don't see it any differently from using a sketch challenge or color challenge. As far as caseing.....isn't that what TONS of people do with the cards here? People case me ALL the time so they aren't coming up with THEIR own designs?
Inspiration can come from anywhere! I'm not picky about where I get my ideas! And I have no problem with store bought cards. I see plenty of nice ones! And I buy them and send them to lots of people - specifically to anyone who I think doesn't get what I do and will toss my creation in the trash two minutes after opening it.
__________________ I have come to the conclusion that buying craft supplies and actually using them are two separate hobbies. RachelRose Designs by Robin... GALLERY
Inspiration can come from anywhere! I'm not picky about where I get my ideas! And I have no problem with store bought cards. I see plenty of nice ones! And I buy them and send them to lots of people - specifically to anyone who I think doesn't get what I do and will toss my creation in the trash two minutes after opening it.
I agree with you 100%. Inspiration can come from anywhere. And I am in no way a purist in regards to my own sources. What I watched for a good 8-10 minutes before I walked over was less inspiration and more of an attitude of pure plagiarism. I should have told her about the SCS Gallery and viewing absolutely spectacular cards on the internet in the comfort of her home! It was just an unusual incident for me and I thought I would share.
Talk about "casing the joint"..........
