After answering a call for artwork on Etsy, I was please to meet and learn more about Analiese, creator of polymer clay magic. When I asked her to tell me a little more about herself for this article, she did such a great job writing that I decided to use her own words unedited.
Here is Analiese in her own words:
My name is Rachel - middle name is Analiese - which is my design name. I was born way out on the west coast in La Jolla, but moved to the east coast when I was 3 years old. I grew up in Barrington, RI and my parents still live there - so I go back and visit often. Currently, I live in Milford, CT with my husband, 7 year old son and 2 cats. We are walking distance to the beach - which is a bonus. I worked for a large intimate apparel company for 13 years and lost my job due to outsourcing. However, I was actually thrilled since I had already started to go back to school to receive my Master's in Education and become certified in Elementary Ed.
During this time is when I started to play around with beads. I was not new to making jewelry - but I had not done it in years - so it took a while for me to get the hang of it again. For some reason - I wanted to experiment with Polymer clay just to see what it was like. Well - I became addicted to it and discovered how to transfer images onto clay completely by accident. It is not a new art form but my technique is quite different than anything else out there which I am very proud of - since I have been successful in selling my tutorial.
I have been looking for a full time teaching job for 3 years now - it is very competitive here to find a job. So, I substitute teach and also teach an adult Ed GED class 2 days a week. This gives me the flexibility to run my business and come up with new ideas - which I am always trying to do.
I love experimenting and my newest addition is my glass tile pendants which are just as fun to make :) I don't sell much of my finished jewelry on Etsy since it is so competitive, but I do sell at local craft fairs.
I try to do about 6 craft shows a year and sell everything from my handmade pendants to ceiling fan pulls and my beaded jewelry. I enjoy running my business and hope to continue working on it even if I do get a full time teaching job.
I had started my Etsy Artists Pendant line a long time ago and bring it back now and then with new artists - since there are so many wonderful artists on Etsy.
You never know what you mind find in my shop :)
Drawing is an interesting medium. It is extremely versatile and gives glimpses into the inner workings of the mind. Small drawings are particularly precious because of how they pull you in close and create a sense of intimacy.
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