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I Left My Corporate Job To Make Mystical Polymer Clay Creatures, And Here Are My Works
A little over a decade ago, my sister helped me start up my art business "Mystic Reflections." At the time, I had just a small website and most of my artwork was black-and-white sketches that I sold at craft shows. In 2007, I sculpted my first Myxies (fairies), dragon sculptures, and animal pals. My early mythical creature sculptures were made from air-drying clay. I now use polymer clay, having refined my materials along with my techniques and tools.
After trying for several years, I was finally accepted into the Dragon Con Art show in 2008, known for the very cool artworks they represent. I've been fortunate enough to be accepted back every year, which has continuously made it my largest annual event. To date, I've received six awards from the art show for various mythical animal pieces. My work's popularity has grown steadily due to the exposure Dragon Con provides, and I look forward to this exciting convention each year. Several smaller shows discovered me through Dragon Con and have approached me about being their featured artist.
Two years ago, I was able to leave my corporate job to pursue my unique art full-time. This allowed me to dedicate more time to perfecting my craft and gave me the opportunity to illustrate my first children's book, "The Adventures of Mend." It was my first experience as a contracted professional illustrator.
Every year, my business continues to grow, and I'm able to create a multitude of animal and dragon artworks for people to enjoy. I hand-make each of my sculptures, never using molds, so each piece is one-of-a-kind. These cool dragons prove to be the most popular of my pieces.
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ChubbySquid 7 years ago
YES. BABY CUTHULUS. OH I ADORE THEM. LOOK AT THEM SNUGGLING THE MUTILATED BODY PARTS. THEY ARE SO SWEET.
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Chief Bear Cloud 7 years ago
Hey, I may not be a kingfisher, but I can still dive for my dinner. :D
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Chief Bear Cloud 7 years ago
Wind this little fellow up and he's ready to give his all for you. :D
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Tammy Chapman 6 years ago
It's cute. But is it supposed to be an owl with paws or a cat with wings?
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Tammy Chapman 6 years ago
I love it. Subtle, but so adorable. I love this little guy. MUST HAVE!!
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Jeannie Carle 7 years ago
Sooo sad that so many people wouldn't take the time to see them all!
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What do you think ?
John L 7 years ago
Caralyn, congratulations on being your own boss. I was in construction management until the Carter recession of 1980 left me without a job. A good friend told me that the only job security I have is that which I make for myself. Now I've been self-employed for 36 years, and control my own destiny, instead of an employer. Good Luck on your journey through life. :D
dayna valle 7 years ago
Hello Caralyn, your work is just so lovely :) so adorable, i love every detail of those creature, they are taking me to another dimension. keep up the good work and be an inspiration to all of ua.
ChubbySquid 7 years ago
My only complaint is that, being a Brit, I can't purchase any of your amazing creations as you do not ship there. Good job- and keep it up!
Adriana E. Henricy 7 years ago
I've seen your work before! its really cool to know the story behind the artist. One day I also hope to live form my art, but in the meantime, back to the office!
Errorsaurus 7 years ago
This is some of the best art I've seen on here before. I congratulate your wonderful craftmanship!
Terri Rowland 7 years ago
These are all beautiful and very realistic, I am however more attracted to the ones that are mostly animal based as opposed to the fairy type. Congratulations on being such a creative soul 💝😇💜
Linda Crowley 7 years ago
As I scrolled through your creations I could not stop smiling. Beautiful ! Just wonderful ! You have an amazing gift!
AspieGirl88 7 years ago
Omg ... I wish my bedroom was HUGE, because I'd fill it completely with all the dragons I could get my hands on!! 💕✨🐲✨💕
Karen O'Dell 7 years ago
You made the right choice in pursuing the arts. Your work is fantastic and totally awesome! Do you sell on line?
Angela Protheroe 7 years ago
Carolyn, I have just seen your work. I'm blown away. I think your work is amazing. It's good to know there are people out there being imaginative in the realm of fantasy. Keep up the good work, I hope your business goes from strength to strength.Angela xx
Kintsukuroi Shell 7 years ago
You are so talented, Caralyn! My goodness, I'm just taken away by the charm in all that you have made here!!! May you continue to bless us with your art for many years to come, dear! Blessed Be!
Donna Keil 7 years ago
Congratulations! You make absolutely beautiful pieces, which are very much in my favorite genre! The little details show how much you love your creations. I make gemstone jewelry and worked full-time as well until recently when I started slooowwwly retiring. I am now starting on the stuff I wanted to do years ago! You were very brave to take the plunge, and just looking at your work shows it was the right decision and worth it!
KT Trondsen 7 years ago
These are stunning! Do you make enough from sales to stay out of the corporate world? Congrats on making this bold move you're very talented
Charmaine Burrows 7 years ago
I am primarily a die hard dragon fan, but your steampunk stuff is gorgeous and you have found a new fan for the steampunk you do, thank you 😍😍
Alusair Alustriel 7 years ago
Now that's what I call ART. Absolutely beautiful! No more comments needed :)
Alexandra Rodrigues 7 years ago
Dear Caralyn your work is amazing! Right now I just want to know more about every character, just like if they were really or came out of a book!!!! By the way, I love fairies and yours are amazing!!!! Congratulations!
Branislava Simić 7 years ago
This artwork is truly amazing and it is really encouraging to hear that people manage to get away from awful corporate life and live their lives like they want. This really gives me hope that I will be able to change my career soon. Congratulations and keep up the good work! :)
Wendy Smith 6 years ago
I could never afford these beautiful works of art unfortunately. What a fantastically talented young lady you are. The world is a better place with you in this job than your previous one
Carolyn Rogers 7 years ago
Hi Caralyn, nice to see the work of another polymer clay creature designer. I am creating a collection of fae creatures. I have just finished an exhibition and the response I received from my fellow artists was astounding to say the least. I am only a beginner, but I love the medium and how it lets me extend my skills base while letting me visit my childhood again. My website is www.artpathonthepond.com if you would like to visit. Cheers Carolyn R (CAZ)
Barbara Schaffer 7 years ago
Caralyn Your work is stunning. Do you have a price list of figures for sale?
Fred Hocking 7 years ago
Amazing work! I'm a senior citizen and your art brings out the imagination Thank you
Nancy McCune 7 years ago
Caralyn, I am so impressed! I just made my first little dragon to wear as a necklace at my shows. I am Dragon Lady Bling. I managed a $$$M company until I could not take it any longer. When I decided to sell my work I needed a name and my husband suggested Dragon Lady Bling as that is what I had been called, behind my back, in the corporate world. Keep on making your fabulous pieces! They are gorgeous.....
Heather Thorn 7 years ago
can we buy these most amazing beautiful things?? do you ship to australia??? god i hope so, im a huge dragon collector and your work is truely amazing!!!!
Merle Lee Nichols 7 years ago
I especially liked the poker playing Steampunk cat with the sneaky expression . If you sell your work to people , not just at Dragon-Con , how much would you charge for that piece ?
Lindsay Mclaughlin 7 years ago
what I dream of doing! I love the designs, and the little Steampunk accessories. when I have the time...
John L 7 years ago
Caralyn, congratulations on being your own boss. I was in construction management until the Carter recession of 1980 left me without a job. A good friend told me that the only job security I have is that which I make for myself. Now I've been self-employed for 36 years, and control my own destiny, instead of an employer. Good Luck on your journey through life. :D
dayna valle 7 years ago
Hello Caralyn, your work is just so lovely :) so adorable, i love every detail of those creature, they are taking me to another dimension. keep up the good work and be an inspiration to all of ua.
ChubbySquid 7 years ago
My only complaint is that, being a Brit, I can't purchase any of your amazing creations as you do not ship there. Good job- and keep it up!
Adriana E. Henricy 7 years ago
I've seen your work before! its really cool to know the story behind the artist. One day I also hope to live form my art, but in the meantime, back to the office!
Errorsaurus 7 years ago
This is some of the best art I've seen on here before. I congratulate your wonderful craftmanship!
Terri Rowland 7 years ago
These are all beautiful and very realistic, I am however more attracted to the ones that are mostly animal based as opposed to the fairy type. Congratulations on being such a creative soul 💝😇💜
Linda Crowley 7 years ago
As I scrolled through your creations I could not stop smiling. Beautiful ! Just wonderful ! You have an amazing gift!
AspieGirl88 7 years ago
Omg ... I wish my bedroom was HUGE, because I'd fill it completely with all the dragons I could get my hands on!! 💕✨🐲✨💕
Karen O'Dell 7 years ago
You made the right choice in pursuing the arts. Your work is fantastic and totally awesome! Do you sell on line?
Angela Protheroe 7 years ago
Carolyn, I have just seen your work. I'm blown away. I think your work is amazing. It's good to know there are people out there being imaginative in the realm of fantasy. Keep up the good work, I hope your business goes from strength to strength.Angela xx
Kintsukuroi Shell 7 years ago
You are so talented, Caralyn! My goodness, I'm just taken away by the charm in all that you have made here!!! May you continue to bless us with your art for many years to come, dear! Blessed Be!
Donna Keil 7 years ago
Congratulations! You make absolutely beautiful pieces, which are very much in my favorite genre! The little details show how much you love your creations. I make gemstone jewelry and worked full-time as well until recently when I started slooowwwly retiring. I am now starting on the stuff I wanted to do years ago! You were very brave to take the plunge, and just looking at your work shows it was the right decision and worth it!
KT Trondsen 7 years ago
These are stunning! Do you make enough from sales to stay out of the corporate world? Congrats on making this bold move you're very talented
Charmaine Burrows 7 years ago
I am primarily a die hard dragon fan, but your steampunk stuff is gorgeous and you have found a new fan for the steampunk you do, thank you 😍😍
Alusair Alustriel 7 years ago
Now that's what I call ART. Absolutely beautiful! No more comments needed :)
Alexandra Rodrigues 7 years ago
Dear Caralyn your work is amazing! Right now I just want to know more about every character, just like if they were really or came out of a book!!!! By the way, I love fairies and yours are amazing!!!! Congratulations!
Branislava Simić 7 years ago
This artwork is truly amazing and it is really encouraging to hear that people manage to get away from awful corporate life and live their lives like they want. This really gives me hope that I will be able to change my career soon. Congratulations and keep up the good work! :)
Wendy Smith 6 years ago
I could never afford these beautiful works of art unfortunately. What a fantastically talented young lady you are. The world is a better place with you in this job than your previous one
Carolyn Rogers 7 years ago
Hi Caralyn, nice to see the work of another polymer clay creature designer. I am creating a collection of fae creatures. I have just finished an exhibition and the response I received from my fellow artists was astounding to say the least. I am only a beginner, but I love the medium and how it lets me extend my skills base while letting me visit my childhood again. My website is www.artpathonthepond.com if you would like to visit. Cheers Carolyn R (CAZ)
Barbara Schaffer 7 years ago
Caralyn Your work is stunning. Do you have a price list of figures for sale?
Fred Hocking 7 years ago
Amazing work! I'm a senior citizen and your art brings out the imagination Thank you
Nancy McCune 7 years ago
Caralyn, I am so impressed! I just made my first little dragon to wear as a necklace at my shows. I am Dragon Lady Bling. I managed a $$$M company until I could not take it any longer. When I decided to sell my work I needed a name and my husband suggested Dragon Lady Bling as that is what I had been called, behind my back, in the corporate world. Keep on making your fabulous pieces! They are gorgeous.....
Heather Thorn 7 years ago
can we buy these most amazing beautiful things?? do you ship to australia??? god i hope so, im a huge dragon collector and your work is truely amazing!!!!
Merle Lee Nichols 7 years ago
I especially liked the poker playing Steampunk cat with the sneaky expression . If you sell your work to people , not just at Dragon-Con , how much would you charge for that piece ?
Lindsay Mclaughlin 7 years ago
what I dream of doing! I love the designs, and the little Steampunk accessories. when I have the time...
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