Wearable art…that is what inspired me to be a jewelry artist! I had a hunch that people might like to have their favorite pet as a pin or pair of earrings, and what do you know? I was right.
There’s nothing so inspiring to me as using a photograph of a beloved pet to create something memorable for the human companion. And I am picky about the finished design! It has to be loved by the recipient. It has to have the personality of the cat, dog, bird, reptile etc. whose photograph I worked from.
Otherwise, I just haven’t done my job!
There is nothing so precious to me as hearing back from the customer who is pleased with the result. Those comments mean the world to me, more than money ever could. Here’s one of my favorite testimonials:
“I just bought my second and third set of custom polymer earrings for my wife. The first set was of my wife’s first dog and the latest pairs were of our beautiful Malamute, one set as a puppy and the other as an adult. Everyone has been astounded at how closely they match pictures sent in as models. My wife could not be happier with them. The work is beautiful and the quality is top notch. The first pair is about 10 years old and they look now exactly as they did when she received them. She even was able to replicate one earring after the original was misplaced. Especially considering they are custom work, you just can’t beat the prices either. I look forward to buying from Merry again in future, when that second Malamute joins the clan!” – Jim from Louisville
It doesn’t matter what kind of animal you have as a pal…I have made everything from sugar gliders to iguanas. Of course, most custom orders involve cats and dogs, but I get my fair share of exotic pets as well.
The other good thing about the custom pieces is that I will repair any damage they may suffer if they get a bit of rough treatment throughout the years. (Just to let you know, the polymer clay I make them out of is extremely durable, and most likely they won’t suffer a bit of damage with normal wear. Here is what Mary had to say about her ferret jewelry that needed a bit of fixing up after 10 years of wear:
“Merry made a pin of 2 of my ferrets many years ago and it is wonderful. After many years of being on my purse (and not treated as gently as it should- what can I say I loved it and wanted everyone to see it) it got some mild damage. I contacted Merry to see if I could pay her to fix it. Not only did she fix it good as new, she fixed it for free!! And this was more than 10 years after I bought it. That is the best customer service I have ever received. I have several pieces from Merry that I have had even longer and they are all still in perfect shape, but it is so nice to know if something does happen she will stand behind her work and repair an item, even a decade later!!” – Mary (long time customer)
Do you have a very special animal you would like memorialized in a one-of-a-kind polymer clay design? I can’t wait to see YOUR pet!
Noelle Avritt says
Hay there! I was wondering how much are your custom made charms from a photo of a fur baby?
Merry says
Hi Noelle,
Would you mind emailing me via contact on my website? That way we can have a conversation about this and it will be a bit more private. Thanks!