Quarterly Artisan Highlight: Polymer Clay Artist Kelli McAbee
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For our last quarterly artisan highlight of 2022, I am so excited to introduce polymer clay artist Kelli McAbee of Hello Teddy Co.! While our past quarterly artisan highlights have showcased a painter, furniture maker and stained glass maker, I wanted to feature the work and talent of a local artist right here in Anderson, South Carolina. No journey is the same, but each creative story showcased here this past year has been so inspiring and encouraging in hearing how they have honed a craft and pursued their passion to bless others. Whether their passion began as a hobby, a gift to a friend or has been purposefully honed over the years, each highlight has encouraged me to use my talents for creative endeavors and learn more each day from those around me! I hope that by sharing these journeys, you might be encouraged to learn something as well and perhaps, in this highlight, you might even find that last perfect Christmas gift for that special someone in your life.
After stumbling upon the most amazing shop of polymer clay jewelry through a friend at a wedding shower, Hello Teddy Co. became ingrained with my life throughout 2022. Whether bought in celebration of the birth of my nephew (also named Teddy!) or gifted by a sweet friend to cheer us up during the start of Charlie’s chemo, Hello Teddy designs have been an integral part to key moments this year and with each purchase, I have been so amazed at the designs, quality and adorable packaging of this amazing jewelry. Established here in South Carolina, Kelli McAbee of Hello Teddy Co. is a polymer clay artist who creates stunning statement pieces that elevate any outfit. Whether integrating floral motifs, holiday symbols or rich textural interest, McAbee’s wearable art provides a playful yet sophisticated spin to jewelry. McAbee is fun, approachable and uplifting in her responses to each question and I hope that this interview will encourage you too to find a passion project that brings such joy to life.
Kelli, tell us a little about yourself and how you got into your niche of polymer clay jewelry?
As a full time entrepreneur, I started out in 2017 as a wedding and lifestyle photographer. In 2020, when the whole world started slowing down, so did my photography business. I’ve always been a creative minded person. From my earliest childhood memories I remember busying myself with paints and clays and any other art supplies I could get my hands on – always wanting to make something new, beautiful, and unique. So when my creative outlet slowed down and I was met with idle hands and a mind full of creative potential, polymer clay jewelry became my 2020 passion project! At the time my husband, 2 dogs, (Bear and Teddy) and myself lived full time in a renovated RV, and my workspace consisted of a small dining table (turned desk), a chair, and some really innovative storage methods for tight spaces. At first it was just a hobby. I was making gifts for friends and family and just trying to get the hang of different methods and techniques. I already had a small Instagram account dedicated to creative work and I started posting about what I was making and people started showing interest really quickly. I decided after a few months of really honing in my skills that maybe I could make something of this hobby, and decided to launch Hello Teddy Co in the Fall of 2020.
Every collection you come out with is so unique and beautiful; where do you find creative inspiration?
I find my inspiration from the things that I see in my everyday life. I know that’s kind of a vague answer but the best way to describe it is that I don’t want to limit myself to one single “thing” within my niche so I keep my mind open for things that catch my eye and I create based on what sticks out to me. Like the changing colors of the leaves during the Fall, the flowers in my front yard, or even some of the clothes in my own closet. I am big on creating unique textures in my designs and VERY BIG on creating designs based around special moments worth remembering, celebrations and holidays.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part about being a polymer clay artist is the prototyping stage. It’s where the ideas in my head come to life with clay right in front of my eyes. Sometimes it’s a messy fail and other times it turns into something truly amazing but either way, there’s no pressure behind it, just the freedom to create without boundaries.
Describe your favorite piece (or collection!) you’ve ever created.
I have so many favorites but if I had to pick, I would say that the Honey Bee dangle earrings are in my top 3 for sure!
They’re delicate, elegant, and totally unique to my style! I love the honeycomb design that’s stamped into the clay with flecks of gold that peek through the layers – and the daintiest golden honeybee pressed into the corner adds the perfect touch!
What is the most challenging aspect of working with polymer clay and being a jewelry artisan?
I think one of the most challenging aspects of being a polymer clay artist as a jewelry artisan is that it can be easy to lose myself in the comparison game. There are so many insanely talented artists within the same category as me, and I have to remind myself daily that there is room for me and my art.
Do you have a subject or style you are drawn to when creating?
I absolutely love holidays and themes – when I launch a new collection (which is usually on a monthly basis) I am typically drawn to the season, holiday or “theme” of that month. I go a little overboard specifically around spooky and Christmas season!
Has your style evolved over time and if so, what influences have driven your work?
My style has definitely evolved over time. It took me a while to learn that I don’t have to limit myself when it comes to being creative, but I also don’t have to make absolutely everything that my brain could think up for a single collection. Finding my unique style for my business has been a journey, and it’s been formed and molded from my own personal style and a mix of fun colors and textures.
Finally, what is your go to dessert and/or food to celebrate a collection launch / conclusion?
After a long couple of weeks of making and preparing for a new collection, you can find me celebrating with a crisp, ice cold Dr. Pepper and bowl of Orville Reddenbacker Microwave Popcorn….. (or diving into some chips and Queso at my favorite Mexican restaurant)!
Final Thoughts
It has been a joy to have the opportunity to get to know Kelli and I am so grateful for her willingness to share both her creative and entrepreneurial journey as a polymer clay artist. If you are interested in her beautiful work or looking to find a gift from her many recent collections, head over to her site, https://helloteddyco.com/. Be sure to order soon to get your gifts before Christmas!
Merry Christmas!
