Sunday, September 4, 2016

Crafty Ramblings: The paper crafting community

Hello Everyone! 

So it’s been a few weeks since my last post; that was because I went to the local stamp/scrapbook show.  So of course I then had to play with all my new goodies, I think/hope most of you will understand.  That show is the inspiration for this post.

If you read my about me post you know that paper crafting was not my first crafting hobby.  I think the one reason why I got deeper into it, and have stuck with it so long is the community. When I first started I was pretty much on my own, and so my growth was limited, but then with the discovery of my local store, classes and the wealth of knowledge on the internet my love and knowledge grew.

The community is one I have not seen before, we are willing to share ideas, tips, knowledge, inspiration and our love.  It’s funny I walk into a show now and I am rarely in the front door when someone I know is flagging me down to say Hi, and give me a hug. This could be a vendor, one of the many teachers, a fellow classmate at some time, or just someone I have run into at the show time and time again and had conversations with at some stall.  This community is one that shares, I don’t know how many classes I have been in and shared my supplies or someone else has shared theirs.  There is even the concept of C.A.S.E’ng a card or project.  C.A.S.E stands for copy and steal everything, it’s where you see a card you just love of someone else’s and recreate it. It is quite an honor to have that done.  How many communities are willing to let you do that? 

Yes, there are copyright, patent’s and angel policy’s you need to follow. For any stamp or items, you acquire you should look up the policy the vendor has, and follow it.  For the most part it is simple, give them credit for the products that you use, don’t claim their art work or designs as your own, and don’t mass produce with machines and turn around and sell the products. Check out your vendors for their exact policy especially if you are thinking of selling your works.

I go the shows not only for the classes if available, and the products but for the tips and ideas I get from the people there.  The vendors typically have make and takes where you can try out some of their products, or are demoing a product of theirs. In addition, there is the knowledge of our fellow paper crafters. I don’t know how many times I have picked up a product and someone may lean over and provide an example of how else I can use it, or where else I can get it.   

A friend of mine calls card making her therapy. She is so true. I know that I am happier and feel more in balance if I am able to be creative. My vacations for shows or classes are not a nice to have anymore, but mandatory for me to recharge my batteries.  There are studies that show people that do some sort of creative hobby are better workers. The study looked at work performance results of people that have a creative hobby and those that do not.  There is up to 30% better work performance for the people that have a creative hobby.


So to my fellow paper crafters out there Thank you and Hugs!  Please keep sharing and so will I. 

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