Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicky Dexter.
Hi Nicky, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
What started as a simple hobby has grown into something genuinely fun, fulfilling, and surprisingly meaningful for me. I fell in love with polymer clay because it’s such a forgiving, versatile medium. There’s very little you can’t do with it if you’re willing to experiment. I love the process of having an idea spark in my mind, or seeing something during the day that inspires me to create a tiny wearable piece of art.
The funny thing is that even though I adore making jewelry, I’m not a big accessories person myself. So for a long time, my creations just piled up. I’d give pieces away, or they’d sit around in little piles like my own goblin hoard of shinies.
A dear friend eventually suggested that I try selling some of my hoarded treasures at a local festival. I took the opportunity and everything bloomed from there. Since then, this little hobby has helped me build a wonderful, supportive community, meet amazing people, and share in creative energy that keeps me inspired and learning new techniques. It’s allowed my hobby to fund itself while giving my creations a life beyond my shelves and allowed me to spread a little joy and excitement when creating pieces that are inspired by favorite fandoms and shared stories.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a completely smooth road, but it has absolutely been a fun one. I’m very much still in, and will probably always remain in, my “maiden era” of learning. I’m grateful for every lesson along the way. One of the biggest things I’ve had to learn is that not everything is for everyone. Some ideas sound exciting in the moment, but if you have a clear sense of what you want to create and what your values are, it’s important to stay aligned with them. When you do, you naturally find your people and your niche.
Time is always a huge struggle. There never seems to be enough of it, and as a perfectionist, when I see a piece a certain way in my head, I want it to look exactly like that no matter what! But life doesn’t always work that way, and I’ve had to learn to let some things become what they want to be instead of forcing it. Art, no matter the medium, is so wonderfully subjective; two people can look at the same piece and see something completely different. Accepting that fact has been freeing and has helped me enjoy the creative process instead of sometimes wrestling with it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I primarily work with polymer clay, though I occasionally create resin pieces as well. My current focus is on small-batch and one-of-a-kind jewelry, and I’m always experimenting, always curious to see what happens if i try “this instead of that”. I am always open to custom requests. Some of my favorite moments happen at events, like when someone pauses at my booth or table, sees a piece that sparks a smile or reminds them of a story they love. Sometimes they share that story with me, and a genuine connection is made. Those moments are what I’m most proud of.
I truly believe my intent is what sets my work apart. My goal isn’t just to make pretty things; it’s to build a diverse and welcoming community, to create spaces where joy and imagination feel accessible to everyone, and to encourage others to explore their own creativity without fear or judgement. Perfection isn’t the goal; movement, curiosity, and not letting yourself become overwhelmed and discouraged are. If someone walks away from my booth or my page feeling inspired to try something artistic themselves, or just be their own little weird self I consider that the greatest success.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risk-taking is a complicated subject for me. I’m not naturally outgoing, and I’ve never considered myself a particularly social creature. In fact, my comfort zone is a quiet little bubble where I keep to my little introverted self and create. So I’m still not entirely sure why I decided to jump in with both feet and start putting myself, and my hobby out into the world. But I’m incredibly glad I did. Stepping outside my comfort zone has led me to meet so many wonderful people and experience things I never would have encountered otherwise. Every conversation, every shared story, every unexpected moment of connection has reminded me that taking a chance, even a small one, can open doors you didn’t even know were there.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sylvanbaubles.com/
- Instagram: https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fsylvanbaubles%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExdWFxM0tGZDBjdTN1UWx0ZXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7Bdycg24c4tUK4JElF-aJCsobTZcZDNoTmzlUmpea54YdgBPEbYtTGKATwFA_aem_kXXDh90b9oR3FkLIGDf2zQ&h=AT1FNmEqEStin9Tu1rAI8Uq0JP6C9GmYxaoV_QhpQZc_BnRplTFZ3dSVL3XefiAkBUrmP9EYrlUkK-CgCAlo_OZTwwYclCYJL7z8RhehCpnOfhUDllIOm11XMuf756pl4w
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091803104291&sk=about_profile_transparency&viewas=100000686899395
- Other: https://sylvanbaublesbynicky.etsy.com/
