From Classic to Quirky: An Interview with the Artist on a Mission to Try It All

Courtney Hayward is an artist from New Zealand and owner of Seize the Clay. Her designs include colorful florals and marbled pieces mixing bold and vivid colors, and my favorite: the bookstacks earrings. This is the up-and-coming artist you need to know about.

Who are you and when did you get started? What led you to start your own business?

Hi! My name is Courtney (or Court) from New Zealand. I’ve always been a crafty person, I draw, paint, cosplay and make dream catcher. In late 2022 I decided I wanted to give polymer clay a try! So when my sister asked what I wanted for my birthday, I asked to go to a clay workshop. And I was hooked. I started making in every spare moment. Eventually it was suggested I sell some, which was a practical idea, because I didn’t want to stop making, but the amount of earrings I had around the house was starting to get a little crazy! 🙂

Where do you get the inspiration for your designs?

Honestly, everywhere. At this point for me it's largely a learning exercise. Because I'm still fairly new to this, whenever I see a technique I haven't tried, I give it a go. But big inspirations are nature, stories and Disney.

I made both my sisters Disney themed earrings or keyrings for Christmas, while my mum got earrings inspired by Pounamu and woven Flax (people outside of Aotearoa/New Zealand would know Pounamu as Greenstone or Jade).

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

Varied. Haha I think my personal style is still developing. I have rather broad and eclectic tastes, so my style will vary day to day.

Signature technique… enthusiasm! As soon as I see something that inspires me, I disappear to my office and start making!

What is your most successful design?

It is actually a really rough pair I made for myself. I made them as a way to use up some scrap clay and practice using my flower molds. While out and about wearing them I got compliments and comments and ended up making some more pairs for several friends. I have a range of similar ones I am in the process of making.

What is your favorite design you’ve ever made?

This one is a tie at the moment. Between the trio dangles, bookstacks, and the custom Pleaser heels I just finished. 😀

What is your favorite type/brand of clay and inks to work with?

My favourites are Sculpey Souffle and Premo. I also adore some of the specialty ones that Cernit has, specifically the neons. I have only recently started using inks and have been working with Jacquard’s Piñata ink.

What is your favorite tool or material right now?

My Dremel is always a fave, plus right now I am really enjoying using my extruder. And I am slowly learning how to use resin better, it's quite the learning curve!

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

Currently I only sell via Instagram and markets, but am currently looking into other platforms for small businesses. There are just a lot of options out there so I’m doing my research first. Most of my sales have actually been through word of mouth.

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

My main goal is to get to the point where my business can support itself. I do have a full time job, and that's not something I am looking to change in the near future, but having a creative outlet, something I am passionate about, that could finance itself would be amazing.Another goal is to be able to find my niche, I suppose. And I would love for that to be quirky custom pieces, I had so much fun making the heeled boots!

Who are your favorite accounts that others should follow?

• Pallvi, Art Nouveau artist @palyclaystudio

• Pura Vida Clay, original hand sculpted designs @pura_vida_clay

• Clare Slatter, handmade and bridal jewellery @clareslatterdesign

• Melon Heart Creations @melonheartcreations

• Katie Manning @lion.feather

• L Gann Designs by Lindsey Gann @lganndesigns

• Ellianna @elliannaarts

• Tacklebox @shoptacklebox

• Sky Clay Shoppe, resin clay cutters @skyclayshoppe

To see more designs by Seize the Clay, follow @seizetheclay_bycourt