We recently connected with Crystal Nuckels and have shared our conversation below.

Crystal, appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

During COVID and maternity leave, social media was the perfect escape to peer into the outside world. Many people lost their jobs or began to work from home and find new hobbies with the extra time they newly had. I came across a few posts of others working with polymer clay and how it was done and I could not look away. Fast forward to the end of the year and I began to play with clay and was asked to make a pair of earrings for a friend and it kind of took off from there. I worked in the dental field, orthodontics in particular, prior to relocating and becoming a stay at home mom. So working with small things was fairly easy for me, which gave the ability to really enjoy the steps it took to make a pair of earrings as well as the trial and error of it all since I loved orthodontics so much. You can read the packaging directions on the clay but sometimes that doesn’t quite work well for everyone. I’m thankful I followed other polymer clay artists on social media because they were a huge help in the process of their own trial and errors. I do wish I would’ve come across a few certain YouTube videos and social media accounts earlier on in order to not have SO much error but I’m so grateful for my entire process because it got me to where I am, all in God’s perfect timing.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am the owner and artist of Petra Clay Co, who focuses on handmade, unique, and lightweight polymer clay earrings. I love to create earrings for every day wear and special occasions. Every one deserves to feel beautiful and if I can do that with a pair of earrings, I will do just that. As I began to finally find a routine as a stay at home mom, in a completely new state and town. I couldn’t help but want to do more and be more for not only me but my little girl, but was torn with leaving her. After making a few earrings for family and friends for Christmas, the responses I received were pretty exciting which gave me hope that I could do this while still staying home and spending time with my now, children. The polymer clay world can be saturated, which is why I was very hesitant to begin. I prayed and talked with family and realized that although there are many others doing the same thing, we are also all so different and have different ideas and designs that make who we are and our products so unique. Fast forward a few months with lots of discipline and encouragement, from my family and closest friends, Petra Clay Co was born and launched in December of 2022. Another main focus for my business was to make sure I was offering quality earrings that last, which is why I make sure to use hypoallergenic stainless steel, in order for everyone to be able to wear their earrings without irritation or their skin turning green. I developed a nickel allergy in middle school and had to really watch what I wore from the buttons on my clothes to the jewelry I wore, so having hypoallergenic materials is always on the top of my list for my customers, which I am so happy to offer. I am extremely proud to have started a wonderful journey while still being able to spend time with my family and make earrings to help you feel even more beautiful.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I believe whole heartedly that in this day and age with social media, word of mouth is huge. The best way to support is to share, whether you can afford the art or not, whether its not necessarily your style, it may be for someone else. Art can be an array of things, other than just a painting. As a society, we are so quick to scroll through a small business and support big box retailers and celebrities. As an artist, mama and small business owner, the best thing to support us, is sharing our talent with your friends and family.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a polymer clay jewelry artist is when I get to see you wearing Petra Clay Co. Knowing I made something that you want to wear is so huge for me. You are supporting me, my family and my vision and for that I will always be so grateful.

Contact Info:

• Website: PetraClayCo.com
• Instagram: @PetraClayCo
• Facebook: Facebook.com/petraclayco

Image Credits
Images 1-3,8 : Elle Belle Photography Image 4: Cameryn Wilkins Photo Image 5: Willow Birch Photography Image 6: Amber Starr Photography Image 7: Helena Photographs