From Play-doh Pies to Polymer Clay Gamer Jewelry
I've had a love affair with clay since my Play-Doh days, making pies and eggs to cook in my kitchen play set. I grew up in Arizona and can recall digging out behind my friend’s house in the desert and finding natural clay that we made tiny bowls with. My first experience with polymer clay was around 10 years old, doing a bird whistle project in school. After that, my mom would tape craft shows and collect clay project books for me to practice. My family has always been my biggest support, especially my mom. I continued on making figurines and small projects for friends and family as a hobby.
I received my Associate of Arts I went on to pursue a degree in photography. Throughout my college career I consistently signed up for ceramics classes despite not being part of my major. It was, in fact, a stress relief for me. It was something I loved doing and never had to worry about. I would come early and stay late, throwing bowls and cups and whatever caught my fancy.
A time came when I had to admit I didn’t have a desire for photography anymore. I moved to California in 2007 and found myself a steady desk job that left me plenty of free time. With a small budget I started making polymer clay items again as gifts for friends and family. My mom placed an order in 2008 for 25 mini clay cakes after I showed her a small Oreo cake I had just made for fun. The next year she ordered ornaments and encouraged me to think about selling my work. I attended my first craft fair in the winter of 2009. Despite being rained on, I did manage to sell a few items.
I researched how to continue selling and decided the best route was online. Finding Etsy in 2010, I started out with what I knew: cutesy figurines like my mom normally requested and were prevalent in all the clay books I owned. I sold a few things here and there, but I was not getting the reaction I was looking for. Later that year while browsing a candy shop I found a small candy dispenser shaped liked a Bob-omb. I freaked out a little bit because I grew up with Mario and well, it was adorable. It was about $6 for that plastic candy toy and I said to myself “Why, I can make that…”
After making that first Bob-omb I realized I could combine my passion for clay with my passion for gaming – something I previously kept separated. I've always been in love with fantasy, video games, books, and I was now able to see endless possibilities for new items. Moving forward I decided if I wanted more people to buy my items though, they had to be functional in some way. I figured if I was excited to wear a Triforce Necklace, someone else had to feel the same way.
Slowly my inventory (and personal jewelry collection!) grew and so did my fan base. Once I started selling, I made sure I gave back by introducing monthly charity donations in April 2011. By the time the holidays rolled around in 2011, I was so overwhelmed with orders I was backed up through February! Clearly I had found my niche.
I am finally doing what makes me happy, even if it’s harder to find time for gaming now between orders. I love being able to call my gaming passion "research" as I play though the Forest Temple in Zelda:OoT, bash Goombas in Mario Bros 3, or inbreed Chocobos on Final Fantasy VII.
I feel lucky enough to be able to share what I love with the world, and if you have something you love, let me know! I am sure with a little "research" I can make it just right for you. ;)
