Many of you know I used to own a rubber-stamp store, and I've been creating handmade cards ever since. Some of you have even received cards from me, but not as often since I started writing. I'm hoping I'll be able to change that soon. I've been contemplating opening an Etsy store to sell some of my card creations, but I always set it aside, telling myself, "You should be writing".
But lately my muse Endora and I have come to a rare meeting of the minds. A frightening thing, to be sure. Although I'm certain for once we're both right.
I've decided it's a good thing to be distracted from writing every once in a while, and in a productive, non-guilt-producing fashion. I like looking at the different papers I've collected, as well as the inks and stamps and all of the wonderful accessories. These visual pieces stimulate a creative portion of my brain that I believe is connected to the wordy parts of my mind. I can craft and create with tangible materials while my brain storms and plots and devises solutions to the book that exists in a less concrete fashion.
No matter what I'm working on, creativity rarely follows a linear pattern. It's more of a swirling mass that sweeps me up and I try to grab onto parts of it, even though it can feel like clutching a snowflake during a heat wave. It's ephemeral, fleeting, and there's a definite ebb and flow. The best I can do is immerse myself in it when it's strong, and try to coax it out of hiding when it's feeling reclusive.
Naturally I keep pen and paper nearby, so I can jot down whatever the characters butt in with. And I do the same when an idea for a card design springs to mind while I'm working on the WIP. There's no reason I can't let both creative aspects benefit from this tag team approach. When one is panting on the sidelines, the other is racing to the finish line. I have no doubts the speedster will be the one I thought I'd set aside for the moment, but that's what makes creativity so much fun: it doesn't know how to act logical and predictable.
So when I have some handcrafted things for you to see, I'll let you know. (The hardest part is actually taking pictures of my creations, so I can upload them here!) In the meantime, I'm off to see what creative ideas spring to mind as I sort through these papers. I can't wait what to see how it will inspire my characters as well.
Donna, you're right, a writer shouldn't have to feel like they have to "pick one" creative endeavor, which is the writing! LOL That's the way I have felt about doing cross-stitch, but it's refreshing to think different kinds of creativity help each other out! I actually think I like cross-stich BECAUSE it's a bit "logical and predictable" though, unlike the writing. LOL
Posted by: Melissa | May 22, 2013 at 07:03 PM
Melissa, I used to do counted cross-stitch all the time! I loved it, but had to quit because my eyes were having a hard time switching between the pattern and the cloth. But now I want to get back to it. And I agree about it being "logical and predictable", which is one reason I loved it -- there was something comforting about that, and I loved seeing the picture gradually appear. Oh boy -- now you've got me started! LOL
Posted by: Donna Cummings | May 22, 2013 at 09:03 PM
I didn't know you owned a rubber stamp store! Is the adorable card at the top one of your creations? I love it!
I remember seeing something in a previous post that you enjoyed creating cards. I think an online store would be a wonderful undertaking!
I think creative people often have more than one outlet they find fulfilling, and it's wonderful that you blend the two. I enjoy working with graphic images and like to do digital scrapbooking. Sometimes it's fun to set writing aside and just immerse myself in that for a while. I'll be looking forward to seeing more of your creations!
Posted by: Mae Clair | May 23, 2013 at 01:32 PM
Mae, yes, that is one of my cards. In fact, it was the very first card that was published in a rubber stamping magazine, and I was so thrilled. Luckily I have a picture of it, because I had to send them the original. LOL I hope to have pics of more recent creations, but I'm finding that taking decent pics is probably the hardest part of this online story endeavor!
I'm intrigued by digital scrapbooking, but not sure I have any talent (read: patience) for it. So I'm in awe of you being able to do that. I think it's a great way to let your brain work out writing problems while you're immersed in visual things. (Which is why I'm looking at potential cover pics right now. LOL)
Posted by: Donna Cummings | May 23, 2013 at 02:57 PM
Are there no bounds to this lady's talent!
Will you be making cards with a view to selling them, either the designs for others to copy and sell, or with your own on-line shop?
The coffee bean design is lovely.
I reckon there might be some interesting book covers in this as well. LOL
Posted by: Quantum | May 23, 2013 at 05:36 PM
LOL, Quantum -- there are indeed bounds, many MANY bounds! I can't draw. I can't sing. I won't be auditioning for a dance show. :)
My plan is to sell my cards on Etsy, which is an online shop for crafty-type people. I like doing it, and people seem to like what I create, and I've got a ton of materials here which need to be used. LOL I hadn't thought about book covers, though -- I don't think I have the right kind of papers and stamps for romance covers!
Posted by: Donna Cummings | May 23, 2013 at 06:28 PM