Meet a Maker!

In the spirit of embracing and supporting women-owned small businesses and fellow makers, I'd like to introduce you to polymer clay artist Wendy Varner.

Wendy’s journey into the world of polymer clay was inspired by her youngest daughter, and she quickly fell in love with the craft. After mastering the techniques for creating simple yet stunning earring designs, Wendy delved into color mixing, which led her to develop a polymer clay recipe book—a valuable resource she was eager to share with fellow clay makers.

Based in Charlotte, NC, Wendy is not only a talented artist but also a proud mother of four grown children and a grandmother to six wonderful grandchildren.

1. Your 3D florals and bridal bouquet keepsake earrings are so unique! How did you teach yourself to make these intricate designs, and what do you enjoy most about creating them?
   
   
   Thank you so much!  I absolutely love all things floral.  I kept seeing what other makers were doing with the florals and I watched every reel and YouTube video I could find and taught myself by practicing over and over again.  I purchased the correct tools and I found photos of bridal bouquets online and used those to practice on.    I reached out to other makers and asked a lot of questions.  So many makers are willing to assist.  The polymer clay maker community is wonderful.  The thing I enjoy most is learning and executing the anatomy of a flower.  Understand how the individual pieces fit together is imperative.  And of course, I love mixing colors and knowing the possibilities are endless is exciting!

2. What are some of the most popular designs or styles that your customers love?
    
   My most popular designs are my polymer hoop earrings.  Hoops are timeless, classic and are a staple accessory.  I create two different styles - the round texture hoop and the classic oval hoop.  I offer three different sizes of each in over 25 colors and I am creating new colors all the time.  My customers also love my floral collections, artsy abstract and my hand painted pieces.  I try to have a variety of styles and colors to choose from.  I want my customers to always feel excited to browse my inventory.

3. What has been the most rewarding part of your journey as a small business owner?
    
   I love wearable art.  Truly the most rewarding part of this journey has been creating art that someone actually wants to buy and wear.  LOL.  I know that sounds silly but it's true.  

4. How does living in Charlotte, NC influence your work? Are there any local places or experiences that inspire your designs?   
   Honestly I get my inspiration from texture, color and design and Charlotte has a lot of all of these things.  The Queen City has a vibrant arts scene that includes museums, public art, and artist studios. The city truly supports artists and I'm here for it!  I also get a lot of inspiration from other makers here locally and online.  

You can find Wendy's shop HERE, as well as follow her on her social sites.

https://www.facebook.com/WendyVarnerDesigns

https://www.instagram.com/wendyvarnerdesigns/

https://www.youtube.com/@wendyvarnerdesigns

https://www.tiktok.com/@wendyvarnerdesigns