Meet Wendy Varner | Polymer Clay Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Wendy Varner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Wendy, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Well I can only wear so many earrings myself!!! I love wearable art and love the idea of others being able to wear my art. That’s what really fueled my desire. It’s more of a desire to share than to sell to be honest with you.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I love color, texture and design. Creating with polymer clay encompasses all of these things. I love creating stable and solid staple earrings that the wearer can wear day-to-day and day after day. I would consider my textured round and classic oval hoops as staple pieces. These two styles are available in three different sizes and over 30 different colors, I’m adding new colors all the time! My customers know that I always have these pieces in my store. And then there’s the other end of the spectrum – my custom made bridal bouquet keepsake earrings. The brides bouquet fades and wilts. I create the perfect gift for the bride who wants to cherish the memories of her bouquet. They’re also a thoughtful and unique present for bridesmaids, mothers of the bride and groom, and other wedding guests. Each pair is handcrafted from polymer clay, meticulously sculpted to capture the unique colors and details of her floral arrangements. I create other styles and designs as well but have found that these two styles, the hoops and the bridal bouquet earrings really set me apart from other makers.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Arrival & Relaxation
– Lunch: We’d start with lunch at The Flipside Café, a local favorite offering Southern comfort food with a modern twist.
– Afternoon: After lunch, we could stroll around Anne Springs Close Greenway, a beautiful 2,100-acre nature preserve.
– Dinner: For dinner, we’d head to The Pump House in nearby Rock Hill. This riverside restaurant offers an elevated dining experience with gorgeous views of the Catawba River.
– Evening: Maybe some stargazing at Carowinds Camp Wilderness campground to cap off the night on a peaceful note.

Day 2: Explore Fort Mill & Rock Hill
– Morning: We’d begin the day with a visit to The Fort Mill History Museum to dive into the town’s past and learn more about its roots.
– Lunch: Hobo’s in downtown Fort Mill would be our next stop, known for its eclectic menu and fun rooftop bar.
– Afternoon: After lunch, we’d explore Main Street in Fort Mill, visiting local boutiques and antique shops. Fort Mill is charming, with its quaint shops and small-town vibe.
– Dinner & Drinks : We’d finish with dinner at Fish Market Bar & Grill , known for its seafood and prime steaks.

Day 3: Day Trip to Charlotte, NC
– Morning: We’d drive up to Charlotte, only 30 minutes away. We’d start at The Mint Museum, one of the best art museums in the region.
– Lunch: Lunch at 5Church in Uptown Charlotte, a stylish spot with an upscale vibe and creative menu.
– Afternoon: Afterward, we’d explore Freedom Park for a leisurely walk, and maybe take a peek at the nearby Dilworth neighborhood with its charming, tree-lined streets.
– Dinner: Dinner at The Fig Tree Restaurant, located in a historic bungalow, known for its refined European cuisine.
– Evening: Perhaps catch a show at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center for a bit of culture and entertainment.

Day 4: Winery Day
– Morning: A leisurely morning with breakfast at Local Dish in Fort Mill, known for farm-to-table Southern fare.
– Afternoon: Head out to Narroway Productions, a Christian dinner theater, for a midday show.
– Afternoon/Evening: Spend the rest of the day at Treehouse Vineyards in nearby Monroe, NC. It’s a short drive but offers a scenic, relaxing vineyard experience.

Day 5: Lake Wylie & Boating
– Morning: Breakfast at The Famous Toastery in Tega Cay.
– Late Morning/Afternoon: Rent a boat on Lake Wylie for a fun and relaxing day on the water.
– Dinner: Dinner at Papa Doc’s Shore Club, which has great lake views, fresh seafood, and a lively atmosphere.
– Evening: Catch a sunset cruise on the lake to wrap up the day in style.

Day 6: Shopping & Brewery Hopping
– Morning: Start the day with brunch at Cork & Crust, which has great breakfast pizza and mimosas.
– Late Morning: We’d head up to SouthPark Mall in Charlotte for some upscale shopping, or alternatively, explore the outlets at Charlotte Premium Outlets.
– Afternoon: Afterward, we’d visit NoDa Brewing Company in Charlotte’s artsy North Davidson neighborhood, a hub for local craft breweries.
– Dinner: Dinner at Haberdish, a Southern-inspired restaurant in NoDa that’s a must-visit for its fried chicken and craft cocktails.
– Evening: Explore the NoDa Arts District, checking out live music venues and street art murals for a more vibrant, eclectic evening.

Day 7: Spa Day & Farewell
– Morning: A final indulgence with a spa day at The Spa at Ballantyne in nearby Charlotte.
– Lunch: Lunch at Gallery Restaurant in the Ballantyne Hotel—elegant and refined, a great way to finish our trip.
– Afternoon: A leisurely afternoon in Baxter Village, grabbing coffee and reminiscing about the week.
– Dinner: Our farewell dinner would be at Epic Chophouse in Fort Mill, known for its steaks, seafood, and old-school charm.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give two shout outs. One to my father, who gave me my first polymer clay book. At the time I had to keep it on the shelf because I was raising a family and didn’t have any extra time to learn a new craft. The second shout out goes to my daughter for sharing everything she knows with me about polymer clay. She was my inspiration to give the craft a try.

Website: https://www.WendyVarnerDesigns.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendyvarnerdesigns

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WendyVarnerDesigns

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@wendyvarnerdesigns