From Passion to Craft: My Handmade Polymer Clay Journey

Art has always been a part of me. As a graphic designer and artist, I’ve spent years creating visuals that tell a story. But deep down, I always knew I wanted to do more than just work behind a screen—I wanted to create with my hands, to bring my artistic vision to life in a tangible way.

I started Mah-e-Rang as a small creative outlet, a way to explore handmade jewelry alongside my full-time job. But as my passion for the craft grew, so did my dream of turning it into something bigger. Eventually, I took the leap, leaving my job to pursue art as my main focus. It was a challenging decision, but one that felt right—I wanted to dedicate myself fully to creating, experimenting, and building something truly my own.

As I stepped into this journey, I began exhibiting my work at different events in Islamabad, including Happiness Bazar, HunerBazar, Behbud Art & Crafts, and Dastkaar Enterprise. These exhibitions are some of the best platforms for small business owners, and being a part of them was an eye-opening experience. I saw so many passionate women working hard to grow their businesses, and I was truly empowered by the sight of it. Our country is full of potential, and seeing these incredible entrepreneurs only strengthened my belief in the power of creativity and perseverance.

Setting up my stall and displaying my work for the first time was both nerve-wracking and exciting. But the response I received from people was beyond encouraging. They appreciated the uniqueness of my designs and the neat craftsmanship, which gave me the confidence to take Mah-e-Rang to the next level. Their love and support pushed me to create more innovative collections, experiment with new techniques, and pour even more passion into my art.

My design process is deeply intuitive. I start with inspiration—nature, culture, or a simple burst of color that sparks an idea. Sketching helps refine my vision, but the real magic happens when I start working with polymer clay. I mix, mold, and shape each piece by hand, ensuring that no two designs are ever exactly alike. Some feature delicate marbling, while others incorporate intricate prints or textures. Once cured, they are sanded, assembled, and transformed into wearable art.

Every pair of earrings or accessory I craft is a labor of love, meant to bring joy and individuality to the person wearing it. Pursuing this dream full-time has been the most fulfilling part of my journey, and I’m excited to continue growing, experimenting, and sharing my art with the world.

Would love to hear your thoughts! What kind of designs would you like to see next?