MEYSPRING Artist of the Month - June 2023

Congrats, Leo & Laney Designs!

Join us in celebrating Mary-Kate Jones of Leo & Laney Designs as our June Artist of the Month and immerse yourself in her crafting world. She combines polymer clay with MEYSPRING pigments to create eye-catching earrings and jewelry pieces with gleaming designs. And we are thrilled to share some of her behind-the-scenes videos showing straightforward techniques and delicate craftsmanship that leads to unique and beautiful results!

“The name Leo & Laney comes from both of my grandmother's names, Leocadia and Delaney […] My maternal grandmother gave me a love for crafting. She was known as the “Linen Lady” and up-cycled gorgeous, vintage linens. My hope is that Leo & Laney carries on the name of these two wonderful ladies while bringing beautiful pieces of art into people's hands.”

- Sourced from www.leoandlaneydesigns.com

Meet the Artist

Stay with us to learn more about the artist behind Leo & Laney Designs and her remarkable creations. Uncover the inspiration and passion that drive her artistic endeavors and much more.

Tell us more about yourself!

First and foremost, I’m a wife and mom to the cutest little boy and girl. I fish and boat a lot with my family, so not surprisingly, a lot of my pieces resemble water and sea life! I’m a born and raised Floridian and work full-time as a speech-language pathologist at a center school. 

I specialize in AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication). Being an artist and a speech-language pathologist actually coincide nicely. I often have to find creative ways for my students to communicate, so having an artistic mind is very helpful!

What inspired you to become an artist?

I have always had a creative side. But I started making earrings and jewelry because creating wearable art is so much fun and different!

How long have you been making polymer clay jewelry?

I have been combining polymer clay and resin to make earrings for almost two years now, and I’ve been using MEYSPRING pigment powders for almost as long.

What makes/made you choose MEYSPRING pigments?

I really enjoy using MEYSPRING's pigments because of their high-quality and beautiful colors. It's fascinating to see how some of them can completely transform translucent polymer clay, to me it's almost like a science experiment. These pigments are also very versatile and I use them in a variety of ways and mediums on my pieces. It's always fun to choose from the many distinctive colors available.

What is your favorite pigment color or color scheme?

I use Gilded Gold the most, but my favorite one to use and transform clay would be Mermaid Dust.

Where do you find your inspiration or motivation?

Creating wearable works of art inspired by nature and being able to merge them with fashion brings me great joy.

How much time do you dedicate to your craft?

With a full-time job and being a mom, it can be hard to juggle my art. I try and work on my earrings at least once a week, but some weeks are less and some are more. It’s a balance I’m always working on.

What are your goals for your artistic journey?

I enjoy designing wearable art, with the ultimate goal of creating jewelry that is both desirable and recognizable to all.

What is the most significant "Aha moment" in your artistic journey?

I’m not sure I’ve had one specific moment, but it has been amazing to look back and see how much practicing and creating have helped my pieces.

Any advice, tips, or tricks that you like to share with aspiring artists?

I would say just to start and create. That was one of the hardest things for me; I constantly looked at the supplies I purchased to make earrings and became overwhelmed. Once I finally told myself to create something, I realized how silly I was and how calming and fun making earrings has been.

We hope you enjoyed meeting Mary-Kate, the deserving winner of the MEYSPRING Artist of the Month for June 2023. Again, we extend our warmest congratulations to her and look forward to being a part of her creative journey ahead.

To see more of Mary-Kate’s work, check out the following pages:

Instagram: @leoandlaneydesigns

Facebook: Leo & Laney Designs 

TikTok: @leoandlaneydesigns

Website: www.leoandlaneydesigns.com 

Would you like to be featured as MEYSPRING’s Artist of the Month? Tag us @meyspring or use #MeyspringPigments on Instagram (min. 3 posts are required) to be entered. The winners will be announced via MEYSPRING’s Instagram Feed and featured across our social media pages! They will also receive a $100 Gift Card from www.meyspring.com.