ClaySmith Creations

Have you ever imagined bringing a beloved childhood project to life as an adult? Could you take the hobby you enjoyed so much at a young age and have it assist as extra income for you as an adult? Rebecca Smith did just that…She has found an outlet for her adolescent ambitions with ClaySmith Creations. Vip Magazine had the pleasure to check out some of ClaySmith Creations' jewelry and find out how she got into playing with clay.

Q: Tell us about the younger days of playing with clay.

A: I became interested in clay jewelry when I was about 13 years old. My aunt was a huge inspiration for my clay-making career. She is a published clay artist, and at the time, she traveled all over the East Coast and Midwest to participate in juried clay shows. She would send me her clay beads and I would add seed beads and make bracelets for her. I was very intrigued by the colors and techniques she used, but I never thought about being an artist myself.

Q: What encouraged you to take that leap of faith?

A: During the Covid shutdown, I started to play with clay and studied how to create earrings. I had the wonderful opportunity of spending six weeks in Indiana with my aunt who showed me the ins and outs of clay. She taught me all of the basic techniques. Then I came home and perfected the skill to make it my own. ClaySmith Creation became a business in 2021. Clay has been a very therapeutic outlet for me. It has been a true blessing to watch my business grow in the community.

Q: What all do you create and do you use any other mediums?

A: I am mostly known for my earrings, however, I also make barrettes and bracelets. The bracelets are my favorite because of the caning technique used. Most people think the flower beads are painted, but they are actually made with several pieces of clay molded and stretched into a cane. Caning is a detailed and long process that takes several hours from beginning to end to create each cane. The process after the cane is created consists of slicing each bead, drilling the holes, and hand beading each bracelet, taking an extended amount of time as well. Each cane is unique and intricately designed. The uniqueness of each cane makes them my favorite. Clay is the main medium used for my jewelry, however, I sometimes use gold leaf, pepper, oil pastels, and acrylic paint, as well as other household items to add texture and different effects.

Q: Who helps you with your creations?

A: My mom is my ‘behind the scene’ partner. She completes the vendor applications and helps me set up and manage each event. She keeps me organized and her help is much appreciated!

Q: What do you enjoy most about ClaySmith Jewelry?

A: The people. My favorite moment in selling products is when buyers find the perfect piece of jewelry. Knowing that I have made someone happy makes me happy. It is a pleasure to work with the public and meet lots of people each week.

February 5th 1p-5p

Playin Hooky Children’s Boutique, Florence

February 11th, 18th & 25th 9a-1p

City Center Farmers Market, Florence