I started making polymer clay earrings in February, 2021. I picked up this "covid" hobby because I had been watching a lot of TikToks by a woman who made beautiful earrings out of polymer clay. When I watched her videos I thought, "I can do that!" 

Shortly after picking up this hobby my mom started having some issues and eventually she was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. It has been a terrible year for our family. I have found that my hobby has become both an escape and a coping mechanism for me. 

My mother is an artist who appreciates and lauds creativity. She has always been my biggest cheerleader and it is HARD to see her suffering from this disease. Every single pair of earrings I make, I make for her, in a way. She would LOVE THEM. Not just because her girl made them, but because she'd love that I am being creative and that I love what I am doing, and because she loves jewelry. She used to be the full package every time she walked out the door, decked out in jewelry, wearing perfume, wearing a beautiful scarf, with her face fully made up (this is probably why I feel naked if I leave the house without putting earrings on). She owns a lot of hand-made jewelry, as she has an appreciation as an artist for such things. She does not wear jewelry at all now, or believe me, I'd be sending her earrings all of the time.

Every time I make something I am proud of, I think of her. 💔

Here are the first couple of pairs of earrings I made back in February 2021. I used whatever cheap clay came in my kit from Amazon. Pretty decent for Pair #1! My friend, Lori, has the ones on the right, I think.

I use quality clay now, and work a lot on making earrings that I can actually sell to people. Up to now I've been giving away a lot of earrings. Anyone who wanted a pair could have them, unless I wanted to keep them myself, lol. 😜 

Some of my new creations are below.

My mom would LOVE THESE cross earrings. They track exactly with the Walk to Emmaus message and "De Colores". De Colores is a children's song which expresses the joy of living and exalts the beauties of creation. I made them last week.

These arches would also be a nice agapē gift.

Love my little birds with stars, but next time I'll use a solid color. I used leftover prism clay and swirled it all together for these birdies. 🐦🐦

I used a new technique on these Moroccan dangles, called a Skinner Blend. The effect is subtle here, but I've made some with more obvious blending. I just like red and orange so much. I picture my mom wearing these to a play or a musical.

I used a texture roller to get the surface on these to be more interesting. 😆

All my life I've had a love of heart jewelry. Heart rings, bracelets, earrings, anklets. I probably make more heart-shape earrings than anything. 

Fini.