Miniatures by CMYKlays
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How did you first get started in miniatures? Where does the interest stem from?
As a stay-at-home mom, I wanted to begin working from home now that my daughter had grown a bit older. I knew that a perfect fit for me would be something related to the arts. I’ve always loved the field, ever since I was old enough to hold a pencil. After deliberating for a bit, clay come to mind! I had previously taken a clay-making class at my local craft center and had a blast with it. So, I headed to Michael’s, bought a few basic items, and just went at it! It all came back pretty quickly for me! After about a month, I opened up my Etsy shop.
How many years have you been making minis? How has your work evolved?
I began creating in July 2014, so I’m only at the 10 month mark right now. It’s quite interesting to see how far I’ve pushed myself to evolve in such a short amount of time. When I look at my initial first works, I sort of laugh at how different they already seem compared to my newer miniatures. I’ve definitely become a better artist, and I keep pushing myself to try new techniques so I can always be my best.
What materials do you use to make your miniatures?
Almost 100% polymer clay. Sometimes I will use acrylic paint for a few details. Occasionally I will use chalk pastel to give cookies that “just baked” look.
Advice for beginner artists and miniaturists?
Give everything a shot, and practice, practice, practice! If someone else can do it, so can you! if there is a technique you see and want to achieve this in your own work, you can do it! Just keep trying, and you will get there.
Tool, material or technique you can’t live without?
Besides clay (obviously), I would have to say my needle tool. Texturing clay to look like cake is one of my absolute favorite things to do, and I love my needle tool for that! I know some people dread texturing cake, but it’s honestly relaxing for me. 
I tune in to Netflix or listen to some good music, grab the needle tool and clay, and texture, texture, texture!
Favorite mini you own by another artist?
This would have to be my Tokidoki Sakura Unicorno! It’s absolutely adorable. I’m working on making it into a custom purse attachment with some of my yummy goodies attached to it.
Favorite mini you’ve made?
That’s tough. It’s hard to choose between your babies! I really love how my miniature ramen noodle bowls turn out. 
And again, my cakes because I love texturing the clay and slathering on frosting.
What inspires you?
Almost everything is my inspiration. Since I work with mostly food-related items, even the grocery store is inspiration! I find myself taking my time walking up and down the aisles looking for something new to make in mini form. I also find Art Nouveau to be fabulous. Alphonse Mucha’s paintings of hair are incredible and one of my favorite things. It’s perfect and mesmerizing! Audrey Kawasaki is also absolutely amazing, and I would love to own a piece by her one day!
Fellow miniaturists that inspire you?
There are so many other talented miniaturists out there! Sucre Sucre Miniatures has a remarkable attention to detail. And I’m truly baffled by the realism that Scrumptious Doodle is able to achieve. I aim to one day be as talented as these artists because their work in miniature is simply amazing.
Why miniatures? What appeals to you most about what you do?
I have been obsessed with mini things my whole life. I wanted all the Calico Critters as a child because I loved how tiny and adorable they were with all their little accessories and furniture. As I grew older, Hasbro’s Littlest Pet Shop line was created and I collected so many of those. Also, the old style was so much cuter than the new style of Little Pet Shop! Things were smaller and more adorable. I know other people will know what I’m talking about when they read this! The old style was so much cuter!
What’s to come from CMYKlays?
Right now I’m still wrapping up my first year of sales, and I’m honestly shocked that I’ve successfully made 1,117 sales in 10 short months. I’m still learning how to do this thing! I never dreamed my shop would take off so well, and I’m so grateful for everyone’s support because I get to stay at home with my lovely daughter, still work, and do something I love! I’m very, very lucky, so thank you to everyone!!! I do plan on releasing new minis over this next year, and now that I know just how crazy things get around the holidays, I definitely plan on prepping things a lot earlier! You learn very quickly about things like that while selling on Etsy. Right now I’m still taking it all in and learning as I go, but as ideas come to me, I just go for them. Because, why not? I figure everything is worth a shot and fun to try!
Other activities you enjoy?
Anything having to do with design and color. I just designed some gift boxes that now come with each order because I love making things attractive and memorable. There’s something so special about getting something fun in the mail, and even just opening it is a nice visual surprise. If opening something is fun and memorable, I’d like to make that impact on someone. My degree is in Visual Communication Design, so I definitely incorporate that wherever I can!
What do you want miniature fans to know about you?
I love to make people smile. With my items, I like to say that sometimes you just need some cute in your life to make a rainy day sunny again. While I don’t get to see any of my customers open their items in person, I like to think my little pieces always make them smile when they first open that package and see them in person. Making people happy is what I strive for in life!
You can shop Ohio-based Jacqui’s miniatures on Etsy today! Follow her creations on Instagram and Facebook for many more mini photos!