Curator as Creator

Recently, I've enjoyed acting as a curator of treasuries on Etsy, and it makes me think of the creative process involved. I've received several compliments on my aesthetic eye because of these treasuries, and I like to think that I am creating on a different level from the usual music, writing, or crafting. Yet, like my jewelry, I'm taking materials that already exist and patching them together with other materials to create a new piece. I'd love to be a silversmith, or a seamstress, or someone who fabricates the pieces completely from raw materials, but at this point I'm not. Yet I do truly enjoy the process of my crafting. And I really enjoy the curation of Etsy treasuries.

In most of my treasuries, I try to develop a theme from one of my own listings. This way, I can showcase my work along that of other sellers. Usually, I'll choose a piece that has an exceptional main photo, so the item pops, and so it is easily categorized with other attractive images of listings. Sometimes, I'll create a treasury without my own work in it. It's the only way Etsy will choose it to be on their front page, and I am sometimes inspired to gather items of which I have no examples.

I'm pretty happy with most of my treasuries, and I love sharing them. I am hopeful that others enjoy them, as well.

Here are some examples that include my own listings:

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c34bb57b2d96d91153738cd/turquoise-again
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c2cdfbcb3ad8eef34c029d5/green-is-gold-all-over-again
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c259012e8a08eefe963aa86/fishing-for-gold

And here are some examples that do not include my own listings:

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c364502cc446d91c593875f/a-writers-life
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c2e5033f7978eefc518f6a7/american-independence

Anyone can create treasuries on Etsy, and I recommend it! And while you're there, check out my listings, and all the other fabulous handmade and vintage items that Etsy has on display. :)

a place to share

I've finally decided to start a blog, apart from all the networking sites, in order to share with others the process of my creations. I intend to write about each of my crafts: writing, music, and making jewelry. I am hopeful that this blog will be as revealing to myself as it is to others about what goes into each creation.

Currently, aside from doing some recording at work for Kjos, I am seeking the opportunity to play my saxophone more often. I have been communicating with someone about the possibility of helping complete a '30s and '40s band, and I'm excited about seeing where this can lead. Someday, I will also get back to recording my own music, when I have a moment to try to sort out my "home studio." Time seems to be the missing link for most of my creativity.

I have not been as productive with my writing as I had hoped recently. Other than doing some random editing for a friend, and contributing as much as possible to Kjos editorial projects, I have only been rereading and revising my novel-in-progress called A Stealer's Hands. I'm very excited about this story about Reiki Lee, but I seem to be in a rut when I try to think of how to write all those missing in-between sections.

The most successful of my creative ventures recently has been the one in the most beginning of stages. Only about five months ago, I started creating jewelry and other handmade items, using mostly upcycled, recycled, and repurposed materials. I've been listing these pieces on Etsy at http://shannonbatescreates.etsy.com/, and it seems to be going pretty well, especially for not having done this sort of thing for very long. Here are some samples of my work:

Please feel free to comment on my blogs now and in the future. I would love to have some feedback from others in the process of sharing creativity.

Welcome! :)