Stephie’s Beauties are indeed beautiful. The Florida-based (like me!) small shop handcrafts ring and trinket dishes from colorful swirls of polymer clay and then stamps or paints the finished pieces with intricate designs. “I want my shop to spread positivity and beauty throughout the world. I try to make beautiful designs on my dishes that speak for themselves and share some light,” said Stephanie Newton. “I like to think that every time I send out a dish, I am spreading love to that person or whoever they are gifting it to.”
Stephie’s Beauties opened about two years ago, but this is not Newton’s first foray into the small shop business. “In 2013, my original shop was called Nana’s Hidden Treasure. My mom, sister, aunt and I loved crafting and began the shop together. However, my aunt passed away in 2016 and the shop became something of the past. In 2017, I began working with polymer clay and loved it so much, I decided to start Stephie’s Beauties,” she recalled. “When I first decided to open my shop, I was making duct tape hair bows and I was all over the place. Now, I am more focused with what I place in my shop. My designs have also become more complicated than when I began.” These days, the shop focuses exclusively on tiny dishes personalized for every occasion, like weddings and even tooth fairy holders. Each dish is roughly 3 ½ – 4 ½ inches in size and they are perfect for holding jewelry, loose change and keys. “I have quite a few dish designs that I have always loved. One of my absolute favorite dishes is also one of my best sellers. That is the dish that says ‘you are fearfully and wonderfully made.’ I love the color combination and I love what it stands for,” Newton shared. “I also love the gold scalloped edged dishes. I feel like it gives them something extra.”
Newton starts her design process with various clumps of polymer clay and a general concept in mind. “It may be a positive quote, or maybe something that will be used in a wedding ceremony. I will see which colors look beautiful together and, once my clay is marbled and my shape is formed, I add my design,” she explained. “A lot of my designs come from how I am feeling at the moment. I love bright and vibrant colors and seeing how the colors interact with each other. Plus, I love sparkle and spreading a positive message. All I really want is for my dishes to bring joy and inspiration to others and I try to make dishes that would do just that.” Newton usually gets plenty of feedback and design input from her supportive family. “I have a lot of helpers, especially my twin sister and my niece and nephews. They will tell me what they like about the dish I am designing and what they think I should change. I have had some interesting suggestions from the kids,” she laughed.
Most of the dishes range in price from $21-$24 (including shipping!) and make perfect gifts <think bridesmaids presents>. And, while we are still a few months away, Newton is already gearing up for the holiday season. “I have started planning ahead for Christmas and the fall season and have some new design concepts in the work,” she said. Check out all the designs currently available in the Stephie’s Beauties Etsy shop and Facebook page here.
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