What is polymer clay?

That's probably the first thing people ask when they hear about my chosen medium.  Simply put, it's synthetic clay that can be fired (baked) in a regular oven.  Unlike earthen (ceramic) clay, polymer clay isn't brittle, doesn't need to be glazed, and comes in a variety - in fact, a veritable rainbow - of colors.  These colors can be manipulated to form intricate shapes; the fired clay can be left unfinished for a rough-hewn look, sanded and buffed slightly for a matte look, or sanded and polished to a sparkling luster.

Why don't you use gold or silver wire in your designs?

I use coated wire because so many people have allergies to metals.  Plus, it gives me a much wider variety of colors to use when accenting a clay pendant. However, on many of my newer pendants, you’ll find sterling silver wire, silver beads and silver toggles.  As for gold … well, that would another thing entirely.  The price of gold being what it is – high! – I’d use that primarily in custom orders.

Do you ever use chain, rather than the cording shown?

The cording I used is designed for comfort; no metal to cause a rash, no links to pinch or scratch.  I use truly neck-friendly cording.  Some of my future designs will feature chains, and of course I would use it should a customer request it in a custom piece.

What inspires your designs?

I find inspiration all around me.  Nature in all its wonder and glory, fabric designs, other jewelry artists, paintings, sculptures, even billboards and logos can wake my muse and tickle her fancy.  At times it's something I've read or heard that strikes the creative spark; friends and family have long become accustomed to the faraway look I wear when an idea is being born.