THe process
Conditioning
Once the design and colour palette are finalised, the clay is conditioned to achieve a smooth, pliable texture. I knead it by hand and then run it through a clay machine to eliminate air bubbles and ensure even consistency.
Colour Mixing & Layering
Once conditioned, the clay is then blended to achieve the desired colours, and rolled out to the specific thickness. Any screen printing or surface treatments are completed at this stage.
Cutting & Curing
The shapes are cut on a ceramic tile ensuring no contact with the surface to avoid fingerprints. Curing involves baking the clay in an oven at the 135°C. Proper curing ensures the earrings become strong and durable without cracking.
Sanding & Polishing
After curing, the edges of the pieces are sanded to reveal the beautiful layered colours. The edges are also buffed for a smooth polished finish. My preferred surface finish is matt, although occasionally I will add resin at this stage for added lustre.
Assembly
Earring posts are double secured, using jewellery adhesive to hold them in place and then secured with resin. The elements are carefully drilled and strung together with jump rings. Precision is key to ensure each piece is securely and symmetrically assembled.
The Final Product
After assembly, the earrings are complete - lightweight, durable, and ready to wear. Each pair is a unique, handcrafted piece, showcasing intricate detail and artistry. They are ready now for their luxury earring cards and recycled branded boxes, all carefully chosen for quality and sustainability.
Design & Inspiration
Every design begins with colour. I’m guided by mood and emotion, mixing and blending clay until I find the tones that capture the feeling I want to express. From there, I explore shape, proportion, balance and texture, experimenting with layering and surface pattern to create balance and depth. It’s an intuitive yet deliberate process where each idea evolves.