WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO?
My name is Jade Alexandra, and I was born and raised here in Augusta. I design and hand craft polymer clay and wire wrapped jewelry.

DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS.
I usually think about what seasons and holidays are coming up when determining my next project. My mind’s eye is quite vivid, so I create my designs mentally rather than on paper. Once I’ve settled on a concept, I then hand mixed my color palette. I use a wide array of techniques to create a slab from which I cut out my earring shapes. Once baked, I sand each individual piece on the sides and back, apply resin to those that need it, drill holes, and assemble my pieces using stainless steel findings.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
I have a constant stream of ideas flowing through my head at all times. My favorite aesthetics to work with are cottagecore and whimsigoth. Bats, moons, mushrooms, and anything mystical set my creativity ablaze.

FUN FACT ABOUT YOU.
When not working on my art business, I can usually be found cross stitching, tending to my garden of succulents, or obsessing over my two cats. I also listen to dozens of podcasts and audiobooks, usually paranormal, true crime, or sci-fi.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA.
I love how active our downtown is. There’s always events happening. You can always find something to do here.

WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE?
I was born to create. From the moment I could hold a paint brush, I’ve been compelled to bring my inner world to life through my art. When I’m feeling down, the first thing my fiancé asks is when was the last time I created something. There’s nothing like the joy we as artists feel when we bring a concept from our minds into existence.

WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS?
Be willing to fail. Let yourself make things without fearing the end result. We as artists can be so critical towards our own creations that we fail to see the beauty in it. I’ve often found the pieces I’ve created that infuriate me due to some perceived fault will be loved by someone regardless.

“Dude, sucking at something is the first step towards being sorta good at something” – Adventure Time

Anyone can create. The act of creating should be celebrated as strongly as anything else we do in this world. Never let someone tell you you should create.