In our weekly Featured Shop series, we shine a light on a standout shop from Etsy’s talented seller community, offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at their process and story.
If you ask jewelry designer and unabashed accessories enthusiast Elyse Tolles, there’s no occasion too ordinary for throwing on something a little extra polished and pretty. “My friends and family know me for being perpetually overdressed,” says the creator of California-based shop Tidy Clutterings—home to a dreamy collection of chic statement earrings and equally elegant trinket dishes. “It’s important to me to be put together, so I wanted to make something that reflected that same sensibility.”
Explore the Tidy Clutterings collection
For Elyse, that meant opening her mind to the grown-up possibilities of a surprising material: polymer clay. “Before if someone had said ‘polymer clay,’ I might’ve thought of kiddie summer camp crafts,” Elyse says. “Now one of my missions is to lift the medium out of that reputation. I love it because it’s super versatile, but it’s also deceptively difficult to create things that look very quality and high end.” Today, Elyse has achieved that aesthetic by expertly blurring the line between sophisticated minimalism and soft femininity in her work. Using her signature combination of mixed media, organic shapes, and an earthy pastel palette, Elyse fashions statement pieces designed to instantly elevate your everyday look—no matter where you like to wear it.
Read on for Elyse’s jewelry styling tips and to discover why her pieces make great gifts, then shop the Tidy Clutterings collection.
Can you tell us about your creative background, and how you discovered your love for polymer clay?
I’m a classical flutist, and I have two and three quarters degrees in music performance. It was Thanksgiving break in the second year of my master’s, and I was really burned out with school and needed to do something else. I’d played with polymer clay as a child, but I’d never thought of it as a material that could be used to create really cool, classy-looking, functional objects. I started with the trinket dishes, and once I started playing with the clay, I was totally hooked. Eventually I began experimenting with jewelry making as well, and that’s when I really felt like I was able to express my personal sense of style and creativity. Now I’ve put my doctorate on hold to work full time on Tidy Clutterings.
What unique qualities are your customers looking for in a piece of jewelry?
The comments that I get most often from people are about the elegance. I use the word sophisticated, and I think that’s very unique to the type of jewelry that I’m making. Because pretty much all of the polymer clay jewelry out there when I first started was super bright and playful with lots of loud colors and patterns, and on the opposite end of the spectrum, it was really ultra boho. And I was like okay, I love what they’re doing, but I want to do it in a way that works for me and what I would actually wear. My own personal style is very feminine, and I wanted to bring that into the brand as much as possible, but in a way that’s fresh and contemporary. I also wanted everything to feel elevated and not look overly sweet. Now I get lots of people saying, “I’ve never seen any polymer clay earrings with this sort of minimalist vibe.”
How do you come up with new designs?
I’m not much of a planner by nature, and I’ve found that my process tends to be very fluid and intuitive. It usually starts off with a vague idea or a mood inspired by a picture or a specific shape. I don’t really do any sketching: The idea is already in my mind, so I suppose it feels redundant.
From there, I make general decisions about shapes, colors, and patterns, then I cut out all the pieces and bake the clay. Once the clay shapes are baked, I’ll lay them all out on the table and put them where I think they should go, arranging the different components in different ways. It’s almost like a puzzle and I’m trying to fit the pieces how I think they look best together.
Designing is a very tactile process for me as well. I have to physically put something together with my hands to see if it’s going to work. A lot of my favorite designs have come from just experimenting while I’m working.
Where do you find inspiration for your work?
I’ve been really into Art Deco lately. I’ve also been looking at a lot of contemporary objects in furniture design, sculpture and architecture, even clothing. I like to see how I can take inspiration from other things—their geometric shapes and lines—and integrate that into my designs somehow. I’ve also been really into seashells, which you can see in a lot of my newer earrings.
Say someone has never worn statement earrings before, but they’re thinking about trying it out. What would be your advice?
Just rock them, because you’ll be getting compliments on them all day. That’s one of my favorite things about wearing fun earrings: Whenever I go out, people are like “Oh, those are so interesting.” It’s a conversation piece. Plus, all my designs are super lightweight, which is great for people who are not typically wearers of large earrings; you’re already stepping outside your comfort zone by trying a new style, so you’re going to want something you can feel comfortable in.
In terms of styling, I like the combination of structured and unstructured: pairing a flowy dress made of a silky material or a long, pleated skirt with a more structured top or jacket. All the earrings I make work really well with that sort of combination, I think.
With Mother’s Day coming up, we’re wondering: What from your shop do you think makes a great gift?
I think anything that’s meticulously designed and handmade will always make a great gift, especially if it’s personalized. You can tell when something has had a lot of love and time put into it—it’s almost like handmade items just have this unique, positive energy that you can feel. When I’m making, I really focus on putting that energy into every single dish or pair of earrings.
One really popular gift is my customized trinket dishes. I can put anything you find meaningful onto a dish—Bible verses, inside jokes, nicknames, children’s initials. I get a lot of orders for moms with cute messages. One that was very sweet said, “My mom, my best friend.”
I’ve also done a handful of custom earring designs as gifts for bridal parties. Some of them have sent me one specific design that they really like and just asked for a matching set for all their bridesmaids. For others, they’ll message me and say, “I like this shape, and I like this shape, and these are my wedding colors. I trust you to make something that will work.” I like doing that sort of job because I get to be creative, but within parameters.
What’s next for Tidy Clutterings?
One of my biggest goals is to work toward getting a studio space. I’ve been working from home, and I’m an extrovert, so it’s a challenge to be by myself all day. My other big goal is to start doing more in-person events and big craft shows. I live in the Sacramento area, and there are so many small businesses and makers and artists—just this huge community of really awesome creative people—and I’d like to become more of a part of that.
Follow Tidy Clutterings on Instagram and Facebook.
Studio photography by Juliana Aragon. Model photography by Hannah Ours.
71 comments
cherryZO from cherryZOvintage said 229 days ago
Congratulations on the feature ! What a beautiful shop !
Anna Nicolaeva from AnniesGurumiStudio said 229 days ago
I would never have thought that a person can create such beauty with her own hands! 👐 Wonderful earrings. Such neat and unique.😍
Marusyateddy from Manunyateddy said 229 days ago
I'm amazed! I never thought that the polymer clay that I use to create my toys can be used to create such beauty! Bravo to the master!
Lisa from MagicBeadCrochet said 229 days ago
Very beautiful and elegant earrings! I also loved the workspace, so cozy! 😍
Tatyana from MOMsBirdie said 229 days ago
I like the combination of structured and unstructured too. It's so beautiful!
Darya from BijouPuzzle said 229 days ago
Very beautiful products, you can admire them for a long time! And the article touches the soul, see it yourself. For us, the beads were also something the children initially. And now we intuitively understand what needs to be done to make something beautiful and unique. I reread the article several times, because it is very important to me
Сергей Игоревич from Friojanestudio said 229 days ago
So cute, such beauty!!! I love that!
Christina from TheWildPlum said 229 days ago
Brilliant creations! Congratulations Elyse on the feature!
Tatiana Kirienko from ooccttoobbeerr said 229 days ago
Awesome! I have not seen so stylish jewelry made of polymer clay! Indeed, for the most part, it evokes thoughts about children's creativity, and here a completely new level! I would definitely wear such jewelry!
Vlada from SiberianHomeDecor said 229 days ago
It was interesting to look at the creation process! Delicate spring earrings, very beautiful! I liked the bright and cozy workshop!))
Galina from MaguzoCreations said 229 days ago
Cool accessories! Monochrome colors and they look like made of leather.
Sujata from TreasuredMemoryLane said 229 days ago
Beautiful and very chic designs! Congratulations on the feature!
Renee from RandMhandmade said 229 days ago
Beautiful! Congratulations!!
Cathy from msbijouxbeads said 229 days ago
Loved seeing your creative process, beautiful and artistic, thanks for sharing!
Sylvia from DaviaFloralDesign said 229 days ago
I love the workshop! Such a beautiful space! Hope I could own a studio like this in future!
Elena from ElenaAndFlowers said 229 days ago
Congratulations!! It's so beautiful!
TropicalGarden from TropicalGarden said 229 days ago
Beautiful collection! Love your bright and tidy studio. Congratulations on the feature!
Marina Klimantova from Babycarestudio said 228 days ago
Wow It's so beautiful. I love pastel colors with gold. I consider every pair of earrings)
Katerina Korykova from LeepsLeepsJewelry said 228 days ago
Very delicate and beautiful decorations. Everyone responded to my heart.
Irina Balashova from IreneTemplate said 228 days ago
I love to see the work process! Very beautiful workshop and earrings
AnitasPottery.com from potterybyAnita said 228 days ago
Lovely, innovative designs! Congrats on being Featured! 🌷🌷🌷
ClassicMemories from ClassicMemories said 228 days ago
Very pretty shop. Congrats on the feature
Kenya C. from PeacockVintageJewels said 228 days ago
Your jewels and trinket dishes are so beautiful and creative. Wishing you much success!
Rhonda Stubbs from RhondaCorner said 228 days ago
Great story! Congratulations on your feature. I wish you the very best on all of your future endeavors.
Stekia Pantou from StekiapantouStore said 228 days ago
i follow this artist on instagram congrats for very well display and good photoshooting keep going and feel unique
Watts DryGoods from WattsDryGoods said 228 days ago
Absolutely yummy!
Artem Argirov from AdriaticDriftWood said 228 days ago
It’s a really nice!
Tatyana from TatiJewelryDesigns said 228 days ago
Very interesting to watch the work process! beautiful workshop ,beautiful earrings.
Anastasiya from byKiama said 228 days ago
Amazing earrings and the same stylish workshop)
Irina L from IrmalandBaby said 228 days ago
I congratulate you with such beauty. So much everything is perfect and gentle. Prosperity to your team!
Margarita from LiliaArtShop said 228 days ago
Bravo! This is just magic! You have golden hands.
Nicole from Crackerjackarma said 228 days ago
Beautiful inside and out. Terrific fresh designs ~!~ Cheers to much continued success
Kristina from krismini said 228 days ago
It is very interesting to look at the process of creating such beauty. Earrings are beyond praise
Anna from LissiKids said 227 days ago
Very beautiful earrings. Thank you for the article!
Gillian Northcott from esanivintage said 227 days ago
I love the soft pastel colours. beautiful.
Anna from FairyToysWorld said 227 days ago
I like the colors you use)
Джамамедова Алефтина from Djamalya said 227 days ago
Such decorations are relevant in the summer - they are light, airy and elegant. And I love such powdery colors!
Rita from YourDigitalDream said 227 days ago
Great earrings !So spring and fresh look! Exited!
Daria from MyCrochetFriends said 227 days ago
Very stylish decorations! And the workplace is my dream!
Olga Kaplina from FunnyLoopsFinds said 227 days ago
Very beautiful earrings! Congratulations on the feature !
Kristina from KrisluxuryStore said 227 days ago
Such beauty, long considered the ideas! thank you for the inspiration!
Юлия Крамина from YuliasFeltworld said 227 days ago
So beautiful, such cutel!!! I love that!
Nataly Makina from NatalyMak said 227 days ago
Beautiful work! I really like the photos of the workflow. It is interesting to read the creation story. And I love to draw sketches of my jewelry.
Sharon from YearsAfter said 227 days ago
Very Unique Earrings! Love the Pink Clay color for Spring. Congrats!
Leo Nuvunga from AfricanCraftsCenter said 227 days ago
Very beautiful earrings. Congrats!
maggie from BlossomBouquetStudio said 227 days ago
Congratulations on the feature! Your designs are truly unique and dazzle. So beautiful are you earrings! Good luck in the future.
Ekaterina Zykova from KatyaToysShop said 227 days ago
Thank you for an interesting blog and ideas to create a new image.
Aleksandra from CrochetHeroes said 226 days ago
Very inspirational story! This is just wonderful.
Tatiana from InLoopsPattern said 226 days ago
Wow! What wonderful earrings! It's so stylish and elegant!
Irina Zozulya from CleomaKnitShop said 226 days ago
These are beautiful organic designs by talented artist!
Elizabeth from LizBethJewelryCo said 226 days ago
I love a good pair of statement earrings!
Anastasia Tokareva from tastydolls said 226 days ago
very stylish and original jewelry! they would very come for my dolls) only in miniature!))
Elena from KnittedArttoys said 226 days ago
Thank you for introducing such an interesting master. I did not assume that it is possible to create such stylish and elegant jewelry from polymer clay. It's great! And I really liked your workroom. It is so light and cozy! I wish you success in your creation!
Kostiantyn Kharchenko from CoinedWords said 226 days ago
Marvelous designs.
Jennifer Tyson from LadyInPurpleBoutique said 225 days ago
Your work is really lovely! Congrats on the feature!
Imagine Delights from Imaginedelights said 224 days ago
Wow! So talented! LOVE your crafting room!
Natalya Evstigneeva from FeltAlchemist said 224 days ago
Very unusual and interesting jewellery. I never thought that products made of polymer clay can be so beautiful.
Rosita from pillowlink said 223 days ago
Elegant and nice accessories. Love the story!
Ekaterina Zykova from KatyaToysShop said 223 days ago
Сharming ideas of creating earrings are very inspiring
Chique Accessory from ChiqueAccessory said 222 days ago
I love the earrings 😍 They look great. Congrats!
Anastasia from MypartyboxPrintable said 221 days ago
wonderful art studio and magical earrings!!!!
Ekaterina Zykova from KatyaToysShop said 221 days ago
Very interesting ideas for your image
Lu Lu from Vol4iwa said 219 days ago
And I, on the contrary, an introvert. And I feel very comfortable in my little workshop at home.
Julia Verulashvili from JuliShvili said 218 days ago
It’s amazing! To put doctorate on hold, for making polymer clay jewelry! But I can understand this decision, polymer clay - is love of my life:) Now I dream about workplace like Elyse has!
Iryna from IRjewelryStudio said 212 days ago
So trendy and unique! Very beautiful pieces!
Indre Darius from idworkshopStore said 206 days ago
Very nice accessories ! Good luck!!
Elena from PocketsFullOfStars said 205 days ago
That's very beautiful! Simple and clear shapes and nice colors.
Melanie Rhoades from ModernTypography said 187 days ago
Everything I love about modern, handmade jewelry!
Emily O'Connell from ShopByEmilyNJ said 179 days ago
Her workspace is so neat & organized. Beautiful items!
Lara Korotenko from ETSforYou said 173 days ago
Изумительная работа! Браво!
Yvonne said 88 days ago
I’m an Aussie. I love the craft some of our locals do but have only just started looking at what the ‘Poms’ are making. You have some fantastic ideas. I started watching ‘Mudlarking the Thames’ with ‘Si-Finds’ then went on to Nicola White and her Tideline crafts. Her Youtube episodes got me hooked. Then I saw what she was doing with all those pipes and tid-bits. I ended up getting some necklaces from Etsy and now I’m hooked! They are gorgeous. I wish I. Old be that clever to make things like that. All I do is write poetry. I have hundreds but it’s not popular enough with most people to get it out there to folk. Oh well, I’ll keep writing and keep YouTubing and probably keep buying. Hooroo from down under Yvonne