Colorful Adventures: Exploring Eclectic Designs with a Polymer Clay Artist

Karla Sol is an artist from Florida, USA, and owner of Clay Love By Sol. Her creations are colorful, fun and beautifully detailed. She goes where inspiration takes her and that leads to creative and playful designs that will make you fall in love.

Tell us about yourself, when did you get started? What led you to start your own business?

Hello, there! My name is Karla Sol and I’m the owner and founder of Clay Love By Sol, a jewelry boutique selling uniquely designed polymer clay pieces. I’m also a teacher of little eight year olds and I started teaching when I was 23 in Puerto Rico. I currently live in Florida with my husband, my daughter and my two doggies. I lost my oldest little lady this year.

I have always been a maker, so I needed to connect with myself again and have something to create besides all the teacher work I was doing, so I took to polymer clay. I told myself, oh I can just make studs… and I loved it all too much, so much so that I decided to sell my art.

Why do I keep doing it? Because I want women to discover what I did. A sense of self I forgot I had. I learned to see myself in a different light because I dared to wear a piece of jewelry outside of my “comfort zone”. I switched the little silver huggies I never took off for gorgeous earrings that let me be myself and show the world who I am and what I love.

Where do you get the inspiration for your designs?

I have to say color, everything starts with color. When I feel stumped and creation does not flow I mix clay colors. Either recipes or new ones with leftover clay from other projects. What leads me to designs is usually a powerful and meaningful concept. For example, things that God has meant for us, a favorite scripture or just ideas that speak to the heart of a woman.

How would you describe the art you make? What is your signature style or technique?

The art I make is definitely playful and sophisticated at the same time. I am drawn to organic elements, like woods, plants and flowers within a sophisticated context, all the beautiful things we feel, think and believe and I show that in my pieces.

My style has sides to it, just like every woman has, so to me it is definitely feminine; a boho chic style with an elevated look if you will, but also fun and elegant. If I had to pick a signature technique I would say painting with alcohol inks. I use them as if they were watercolors and I just love it. The marble slab technique is a close second and dear to my heart. I love the look of broken things put together, made into something new…because that’s what God is great at.

What is your most successful design?

One of my favorite things in this world are flowers and hearts, so they are always present in my art. The most successful design in my shop is my sculpted sunflower. I can make her in any size and I love that about her. She adapts, and she shines no matter what.

What is your favorite design you’ve ever made?

I would have to say my hibiscus flowers! Those were a labor of love and I was so grateful for a tutorial on canes I watched to learn how to make the petals. They are close to my heart as those are a known symbol in Puerto Rican culture.

What is your favorite tool or material right now?

Oooh I would have to say a beading awl I recently bought. It looks like a needle with a handle. I know, I didn’t know what an “awl” was🤣🤣🫣, but that’s the name. It’s not meant for clay, but we clay artists are resourceful and we use anything that can do the job, extra points for not being a clay tool per se. It lets me make super detailed veins on little flowers and leaves in slabs.

Do you sell your products on more than one platform? Where do you get most of your sales from?

I started selling on Etsy claylovebysol.com but last year I explored markets and I sell more there than I ever imagined I could on Etsy. I love being able to connect to other women and helping them enjoy themselves through self expression.

What are your main goals for the business? What do you wish to accomplish in the coming months or years?

I would looove to do this full time. I think I should have studied business instead, probably. I’ve come to realize that what I love most in this life is serving and connecting; that’s what Clay Love has done for me and I know I need to share that with others. My 5-year vision is to be a global presence that encourages women to assert themselves and influence the world around them through the joy of self expression. I just happen to make great earrings to help them carry that message.

“I am also building a brand, so I’m always busy.” (Couldn't find who said it but sure feels real🥹💗)

Who are your favorite accounts that others should follow?

Wow! So many💗 Among my favorites are @roclayco, @bohoway__, @zelis_studio, @prclayart, @pollycollective, @ever.clay, @maverlydesigns, @fifthandwoodland, @beckhillco, @prettysnailhandmade and @wildhoneyclay to name a few. @motherblissco is awesome! Not clay related, but amazing for branding and perfect quality, she’s also a personal friend I met in markets. These have all the things to make me teary eyed.🥹💗

You can see all the latest Clay Love By Sol designs on the online store and Instagram profile.