Life In Clay grew out of my love of earrings and statement jewelry, and the enjoyment they bring.
Whether we are wearing pale, torn jeans, or a sequined, long ball gown, our choice of earrings and other accessories can make a difference in the finished look of our fashion. Our designs are all handmade, and unique, just like you and me. Some are hand painted, some are created with the Mokume-gane technique, some are sketched and carved to a specific pattern, and yet some are created with a mold, then stamped and painted with Mica materials or alcohol ink. Each item is individual in its design, pattern and texture. So you will never attend a social outing and see a friend with the same design.
The Mokume-gane technique is a polymer clay design technique that involves layering, pressing, and slicing clay to create patterns. The technique is inspired by the Japanese metalworking method of the same name, which is used to decorate swords and create wood grain patterns in metal.
These beautiful Greek-Inspired tile dangles are from our Vagabond Collection.
We hope you enjoy our creations, and feel beautiful while wearing them — because YOU ARE!
Life in Clay creates unique works of art in clay, stones and various wires and metals, inspired by the beauty of our world. There is nothing more creative than nature — painted with millions of colors and hues like a hand-woven tapestry. Most of our art — Earrings, bracelets, pendants, architecture, ornaments, sculptures, and a variety of objects — is inspired by natural gemstones, flora and fauna, the sky and sea, mountains and sunsets, and all beautiful things found in our world.
In my 20’s, my mother would query me as I walked out the door, “You are going to leave this house without putting on a little makeup?” And I would respond, “Well, I am wearing my earrings!” as a slinked out the door. Because earrings are much more important to me than slapping on some lipstick or tangerine rouge.
One of my favorite past-times is to shop small boutiques, antique shops, online jewelry creators and even quality second-hand stores, for earrings that I can’t live without. So, I started experimenting with fabric jewelry, after I saw the beautiful necklaces and earrings that my talented friend Pam created. Then, I started the analytical process that I enjoy — reading, researching, watching hundreds of YouTube videos, looking at a variety of materials with which to create jewelry and the work of formal jewelry designers, and yes, I caught the fever. So, I decided to give it a try and started creating one-of-a-kind jewelry to enjoy for myself and share with others who love unique ear bobs and other fun accessories.
My next step was to shop for the list of supplies that the professionals were using to create their designs. So, I logged-in to compare prices, placed orders for the items that I could buy in bulk at a lower price, shopped a variety of hobby venues, and started experimenting. I felt like Willy Wonka in his chocolate factory!
The feel of the clay was amazing! It took me back to my childhood. I could see that the possibilities are endless. It was so enjoyable, I woke up early on the weekends and pulled out my supplies, and worked most of the weekend, testing and trying various techniques I learned on YouTube and from design books.
Earrings From the Flora & Fauna Collection
The technique of building “canes” elevated my interest to the next level. Donna Kato, a talented and experienced clay sculptor and jewelry maker on YouTube, taught me a tremendous amount about building balanced canes. Her work is amazing! In one video, she created a beautiful Monarch butterfly from polymer canes that appeared to be life-like. That creation inspired the name of my company, and the theme of some of my work. Nature is an inspiration like nothing else.
JOIN US ON YOUTUBE – COMING SOON!
Search for the Life In Clay channel on YouTube for educational instruction, interviews with the pros (creative jewelry designers) – and the hottest trends in the fashion accessories industry. We share our love for this beautiful art, so you can love it too!
The “I Am Me” Collection, was influenced by all of the chaos amplified in the world today. We feel it is important for those of any age who have not realized it yet, to understand their own beauty as an unique human being — There is NO ONE else in the world like you! And out of all of the billions of possibilities of life, you were born in a unique body, at a specific time in life, for a reason! When we learn to love and respect ourselves, and teach our children the same, our world opens up to the love we were meant to receive and share! Embrace YOU and LIVE! Feel Beautiful. Because You Are!
We have designed “I Am Me” fun designs for kids, more mature pods for teens, and much more sophisticated collection of accessories for adults, with statement earrings, matching pendants and bracelets. The individual designs can be purchased directly from our store (COMING SOON!) or if any customer would like a custom designed collection, we can set up a call to discuss your ideas. We want you to have fun and enjoy wearing the art from our I AM ME collection.