MEET YOUR HOST:
Hi I'm Melissa, your summit host from Strong Girl Clay Co, and I am excited to create beautiful clay earrings along with you. Learning a new skill or growing your business can be overwhelming. I'm here to help you with that journey.
I’ve been creating and selling clay earrings for over five years I have relied on the kind makers who have gone before me. They taught me the skills that eventually led me to be confident in my clay earring journey. And now I want to help you with your clay earring making journey.
Let's get together and make some beautiful clay earrings together!
Melissa Power
Owner of Strong Girl Clay Co.
MEET YOUR SPEAKERS:
Jaime, Petal & Posy
RAINBOW GRADIENT SPIRAL CANE & SLAB
Hi! I'm Jaime of Petal & Posy. I'm a silversmith, clay maker and sewist with 20 years in the photography industry. I guess you could say I'm a creative soul!
I started making jewelry in 2005 after a trip to a local bead shop. Then I signed up for this little-known startup website and ventured into the new world of selling online. That startup was Etsy, and I was one of the original sellers there!
In 2007 I became a silversmith, and after a hiatus in 2017 to start a family, I picked up clay making in 2020. This is my passion and polymer clay as a medium is a dream and endlessly fulfilling. Teaching the techniques I have honed with polymer clay keeps this passion alive for me. I love the idea that I could be nurturing someone's creativity at the same time as my own!
Hollee, Glampop Designs
Sculpture & Stucco Technique
Hello! I’m Hollee, the artist behind GlamPop Designs. I’ve been involved in a decades-long love affair with polymer clay from my very first sculpt during a mid 90s art class! My passion for creating with my hands has continued throughout my life and led me to the jewelry space in 2018. I love exploring different mediums and techniques and adapting them into unique clay styles. I strive to take an artistic approach to jewelry design and am continuously evolving as a polymer clay artist. I love to create bold, fun, unique one-of-a-kind wearable art for ears (and occasionally necks, wrists, and fingers). I’m passionate about sharing my discoveries with my fellow makers and I’m so excited for us to learn together!
Hannah, Happy and Hannahmade
How to Make Clay Hoops: The Basics and Beyond
Hi! I'm Hannah, owner of Happy and Hannahmade! I have been making polymer clay jewelry for about 5 years. My goal is to create pieces that not only bring me joy, but bring joy to the people who wear them! I love using color, florals, and experimenting with patterns in my jewelry. I have so enjoyed being able to share my making process and inspire others to pick up this fun art form.
LL, Handmand & Beyond
From Art to Income: Etsy SEO Strategies for Clay Earring Creators
I’ve been selling online for 20+ years, but Etsy changed everything. I started 9 years ago as a side hustle, but it was slow because I didn’t take it seriously or know what I was doing. After two years of trial and error, I committed to learning and implementing the best Etsy strategies.
Once I became consistent, my shop grew—from a few hundred dollars a month to $5K, $10K, even $15K+ per month. In 2018, I left my corporate job of 11 years to sell on Etsy full-time, and I’ve never looked back!
Now, my passion is helping other handmade sellers succeed. I know the struggles, and I also know you can break through with the right support. That’s why I created Handmade & Beyond—a community for Etsy sellers ready to grow. Join me and hundreds of others as we build thriving Etsy businesses together!
Celine, CLN Atelier
Floral Techniques
In addition to designing and curating tools, she shares her expertise through workshops, helping others develop their skills and bring their ideas to life. Whether through finished jewelry or maker-focused products, CLN Atelier is all about encouraging creativity and providing the right tools for every step of the process.
Caroline Shipman, Owner/ Designer PIERCE + HIDE
Wholesale Without The Hustle: A Smarter Way to Scale
Built 6-figure brand DTC, then scaled from 0-300+ retail accounts in just one year through wholesale! As an Enneagram 7, I love connecting with fellow makers, sharing real, in-the-trenches strategies, and helping entrepreneurs grow + thrive!
Scarlet, The Clay Impress
Mastering Liquid Clay: Painting, Grouting, and Faux Ceramic Techniques
Scarlet Adare is the creative force behind The Clay Impress, a brand dedicated to innovative tools and resources for polymer clay artists. With years of experience in polymer clay, Scarlet combines artistry with problem-solving to develop high-quality tools that simplify and enhance the crafting process. She is known for her meticulous attention to detail, her commitment to the polymer clay community, and her passion for empowering makers of all skill levels. In addition to running a successful business, Scarlet actively engages with artists through tutorials, expert guidance, and thoughtful product design. At this summit, she is excited to share her expertise and help makers refine their techniques with practical tips and innovative solutions.
Taylor Strycker
The Ultimate Guide to a Successful Market
taenickole is passionate about creating beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces of polymer clay jewelry to help ALL women feel beautiful and confident. We work to inspire women to be the best version of themselves and to feel confident in who they are. We strive to create products that you've never seen before and won't ever see anywhere else. We have been in business since 2019. We have used these years to perfect our design and finishing process. You can be sure that you will be getting quality, handmade jewelry. We’ve dedicated time and effort to perfecting every step of our process, ensuring the highest quality earrings for our customers.
Owner of taenickole
Kristin, Studio Squad
Cane Basics: Two Simple Flower Canes
Hello friends! I'm Kristin, a polymer clay artist, and handmade business coach! I started Hillside Studio in a little closet in my basement 2015. Over the last 10 years, it has grown into more than I could have imagined and in March 2021 I finally decided to pursue this passion full time. I fell in love with canes in 2020 and the rest is history! Every design I create truly comes straight from my soul. There is something so special about creating wearable art with my hands and I'm so happy to share it with all of you! I have a passion for teaching others this craft, and how to build a business around it, and offer a variety of courses and tutorials online. Let's get crafty!
Taylor, Buzzy Bee Clay
The Finishing Process: Sanding, Top Coats, and other basics
I never intended to make a business. I just wanted to make myself something cute. Well 1 pair turned into 100 and I had to do something with them. It turned out I wasn’t the only one in my area that loved them. I have been obsessed with them ever since the first pair I made!
Sarah, Midnight Narrative
Product Photography Tips
Hey there! I’m Sarah, the artist behind Midnight Narrative, a small business that was born from my love of stories. I started my business in 2022, creating jewelry inspired by books with a touch of whimsy and magic. Along the way, I’ve had the joy of connecting with book lovers, indie authors, and book clubs—bringing stories to life through my designs.
When I’m not in the studio, you’ll usually find me with a book in one hand and a cup of tea in the other.
Melissa Robbins, The Lot Co.
How to Price and Promote Your Product For More Sales
Melissa Robbins from thelotco has over 25 years experience as a Retailer, Brand owner and Mentor. With experience in all areas of the industry she works as a Business Coach with Retailers, Wholesalers and Brands on strategies to help increase their sales, market their business and build a strong foundation to then scale. Offering strategies, tips, and business advice for those in the creative industry.
Kanika, Bella Creates
HOW TO CREATE COLOR BLOCK EARRINGS
Aloha! I’m Kanika, the creator behind Bella Creates. My journey into handmade polymer clay earrings began with a love for crafting and a desire to make something unique. Each pair is thoughtfully designed and carefully handcrafted, inspired by my travels, nature, and the little moments that make life special. What started as a personal passion has grown into Bella Creates, where I can share my creativity with others. I focus on designing bold, modern pieces that bring joy, individuality, and a pop of color to any outfit. Every pair of earrings reflects my journey, and my goal is to create accessories that feel personal and meaningful, just like the stories behind them.
Jess Ahlborn
Owner of Ditti
Stucco Glow Tutorial
As an 80's kid growing up in the Midwest, Jess earned the nickname, "Jessica the Mess-ica". While her parents attribute this to a perpetually messy room, Jess prefers to see it as a reflection of her boundless curiosity. Since childhood, she's embarked on a lifelong quest to create; exploring new mediums, leaving a trail of projects in her wake and most importantly, finding joy in the process. For Jess, polymer clay isn't just a hobby, it's an essential part of her being. It grounds her, allows for escape and ignites a spark with each new challenge. She hopes to inspire as she's been inspired by countless others. So, grab your supplies and get ready to make a mess with Jess.
Bloomcore Design Tutorial
Australian based Polymer Clay and Resin Maker Sheree is known for her bright and bold designs, her colourful aesthetic is complimented by her graphic use of illustrating. Sheree also shares her love of creating through fun and informative content for her YouTube and Patreon Subscribers. If you're wondering why she has a odd accent that's because she is actually from Aotearoa (New Zealand) not Australia! She resides in Melbourne with her husband and 2 daughters and their cheeky cat Banjo.
Polymer Clay & Resin Creative Educator, Owner of Polly Collective
Sheree McCready
Shelby, Maverly Designs
Social Media: Plan, Grow, and Turn Followers Into Customers!
I started selling earrings in November 2020, bought my first 3d Printer with Christmas money I was gifted from my Grandma (love you!) and from there I continued to learn and grow in my craft. I knew that the business name would reflect my love for my two daughters, Avery and Maylee. This is where the name Maverly Designs was born. Each night after bedtime, I would sneak away and play with Polymer Clay until I was almost asleep at my desk, but I was so excited to learn and it ultimately became my calming creative therapy. I would do monthly launches or tools and earrings. I collaborated with other makers and hosted giveaways to provide tools to makers all over the world! I found a niche community of clay creators who all felt the calming desire to continue to create, and I was happy to be apart of their journey. I learned how to 3D model on a program called Fusion 360 and began designing shapes and tools for other polymer clay artists. From Etsy to Shopify, I built my online eCommerce website with over 500 products and growing!
Lauren, Artist + Handmade Business Coach
The 3 Content Pillars Every Polymer Clay Artist Should Be Using To Sell Your Work On Social Media
Lauren is a Ms. Frizzle inspired artist obsessed with helping other artists thrive! 🌈 As a polymer clay earring maker, handmade store owner in Apex, NC, Host of the podcast, How She Creates and creative business coach, she’s spent 10 years figuring out how to sell successfully—at markets, online, in stores, and on social media. 🎉 Now, she spills all her secrets to help other makers grow. You’ll find her running her Etsy shop, coaching makers inside The Creative Business Lab, or out camping with her pup & husband. 🚌
Founder, Polymer Week
Lucy Štruncová
Creating Movable Earrings with Polymer Clay and Glass Inclusions
Since starting her journey with polymer clay at the age of eleven, Lucy Štruncová has gained extensive knowledge of the medium. Specialized in precision-based polymer clay designs, with a focus on composition, color, and construction, her artworks blend clean aesthetics, innovative approaches, and visual depth.
She is the driving force behind Polymer Week, championing polymer clay artists, publishing magazines, organizing international events, and uniting the global clay community.
Samantha, Jessama Tutorials
One Easy Technique - 3 Faux Stones - Endless Earring Possibilities
Samantha Burroughs works in multiple areas of polymer clay from canes to mixed media to faux effects. Having lived in South Africa and now in Australia, she finds most of her inspiration from the natural world. She teaches online classes on Youtube and sells polymer clay tools and supplies on her Etsy shop. She has been creating polymer clay art since 2013 and plans to keep creating for the foreseeable future.
