We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kylie Nugent a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kylie, 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?

Epoxy resin is very finicky, and it takes time and research to figure out how to make it work. I have learned from a variety of Facebook groups and tutorials from other artists, but it takes a lot of experimentation to really understand the best way to do things and how to avoid mistakes. I think the most essential skill that I have developed is patience. You can’t rush resin, and the slightest mistake with measuring, stirring, or even environmental factors can ruin a project very quickly, so it’s important to take your time working, and it takes a while for good skills to develop as well. I have made many mistakes along the way, and I have learned from them all.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Kylie Nugent, I am originally from Houma, Louisiana, but I have lived in Clarksville, TN since 2008. I create resin art and jewelry, usually with plants and other things I find in nature. I first started exploring with resin art after my husband gifted me an epoxy resin set and some molds for Christmas in 2021.

After quite a bit of research on how to work with epoxy I made my first few projects a couple of months later and was surprised and happy to find that I had quite a knack for it. After much positive feedback I started selling my designs online and at craft markets, and it has been growing since then!

I try to set myself apart from other resin artists by using a lot of plants, bugs and other things I find in nature to make things that are functional as well as beautiful. I love being able to try new techniques and come up with new designs that are unique and one of a kind. No two pieces of my jewelry or art are ever alike!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I love being at craft markets and seeing people get excited over my work. Seeing people’s expressions and hearing their compliments is very rewarding for me. A lot of people have never seen the kind of things that I make, so they like to ask questions about resin and how it works. Kids especially are fun when they see my bug pyramids and preserved dandelions.

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

I think people can shift from going to Amazon or big box stores to find gifts and art for their home, and instead seek out artists and other creative for more unique items. Go to craft shows and local art shops, you can find such beautiful and unique things for everyone. Look for local creatives and artists for things like jewelry, home decor, t-shirts, tumblers, outside decor, hair accessories, memorial items, event decorating, paintings and photos, decals, bags and so much more! They appreciate your business way more than the big stores do.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Instagram.com/Vallencourt_Creations
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VallencourtCreations

Image Credits
Wy Wakefield Kylie Nugent