WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO?
I’m Emily! I’m originally from Ringgold, GA but have lived in Augusta for about 5 years. By day I’m an Account Manager at Wier/Stewart, and by night I make polymer clay earrings at my kitchen table. I turned a fun hobby into a fun side business!

DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS.Even though the final products can be very different, the basic process for making polymer clay earrings is essentially the same every time. I start by conditioning the clay by working it with my hands or putting it through a clay roller (basically a pasta roller). Once it’s pliable, I roll it to the desired thickness and cut out using cutters or knives. Sometimes I add designs or other elements (like marbling). Throughout the process, it’s important to keep the work surface and my hands clean so I don’t introduce lint or other debris. If some finds its way in, I clean the surface of the piece with rubbing alcohol before baking to remove any specks. When they’re ready to go, I bake them in the oven based on the type of clay I used and then allow them to cool. I then sand the edges and add the holes with a Dremel (unless they’re studs), then I adhere the posts using liquid polymer clay for durability. I bake one last time and they’re done!

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
I follow a lot of other polymer clay artists that have really honed their craft. Seeing the type of products they create keeps me pushing to improve my skills!

FUN FACT ABOUT YOU.
I clogged for most of my childhood (as in the Appalachian dance)

FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA. Too many to pick just one, but Knuckle Sandwiches is close to the top of the list.

WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE?
Since I was a kid I’ve had some sort of craft or project going on—I guess it’s just in my DNA! I love working with my hands and making things that are fun and beautiful.

WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS? Don’t worry about what other people in your creative space are doing! They’re not you and you shouldn’t worry about being them