About Me

Sweet Stella Designs is the brainchild of artist and educator Amy Neiwirth. Amy began crafting a few years ago while “between jobs.” Putting her fine arts skills to use, Amy began making gifts for friends and family members and selling the occasional polymer clay creation on Ebay. This temporary burst of craftiness whet her appetite for more! Amy spent lots of time working on her craft skills (i.e. making things that didn’t break or fall apart), gathering new ideas, and getting her mom to model jewelry at the office to lure in new customers (it worked!). In November 2006, Amy started Sweet Stella Designs and made the leap from “just a hobby” to “hobby with benefits”.

Amy enjoys working with materials such as beads, wire, polymer clay, glass, buttons, decoupage and collage, resin, charms, chain, vintage components, cabochons, and felt. She is attracted to the quirky, funky, colorful, and shiny. Amy’s inspirations include pastries, vintage jewelry, wood grain, telephone poles, birds, toile, graphic design, Lucite, damask, Pop Art, gemstones, citrus fruit, candy, and handwriting.

Amy is constantly working on new ideas and has recently expanded her jewelry collection to include several distinct lines. She sells her work in several boutiques and shops, at craft shows, and online at sweetstella.etsy.com. Amy currently lives in Columbus, Ohio and teaches visual art to grades K-12 at a small private school.

In her spare time, Amy enjoys visiting museums, galleries, and art shows; listening to music; people-watching; shoe shopping; collecting things; and lying in sunny patches with her muse, a sweet little cat named Stella.

Q&A with Amy

How do you make your little clay treats? Can you sculpt any object out of clay!?

I sculpt each little treat out of polymer clay (like Sculpey) and bake it in the oven. I use many different types of tools to cut, roll, and add texture each charm. Once they’re baked, I often use gloss, paint, or permanent marker to add details to the item.

When creating my polymer clay charms, I generally try and stick with food items; they’re what I’m best at. However, there are definitely certain foods that don’t look too appetizing as little clay charms!

What’s your secret to working with resin? It’s so tricky and finicky!

My secret is that I am lucky enough to have two friends (Jen and Anne) who gave me some great pointers on which brand of resin works the best! Much of what I learned I also figured out through trial-and-error. I have not had the best luck with Envirotex Lite or EasyCast resins.

Are the pieces you create one-of-a-kind?

Many of them are, especially those with found images or vintage beads and cabochons. However, many other styles and designs in my collections and are reproducible with very slight variations.

Due to the nature and availability of vintage components, certain styles may not be reproducible.

I have a very specific idea for a jewelry piece. Can you make it for me?

Definitely! I love creating custom orders, and whether it’s a specific Tiny Treat, a unique resin pendant, or a necklace with colorful beads, I’d be happy to discuss your ideas with you. Please email me at amy@sweetstelladesigns.com and we can get started!

How do I care for my Sweet Stella Designs jewelry?

Resin Jewelry: Avoid exposure to moisture and direct sunlight. Do not put extreme pressure on the bail (silver hanging piece). Clean glass with rubbing alcohol, clean resin with a dry cloth.

Tiny Treats/Polymer Clay: Many pieces are delicate, please handle with care! Polish silver and plated components with a polishing cloth. Do not use creams. Avoid exposure to moisture and direct sunlight.

In general, please use care and common sense when handling, wearing, and storing your jewelry pieces. They are not indestructible!

Aside from the barrettes or hairpins, I do not recommend my items for very young children.

Can I send you a picture of me wearing my Sweet Stella Designs item?

Yes! With your permission, I would love to add your photo to my online gallery!

Please email photos to amy@sweetstelladesigns.com

How do you pronounce your last name?

“Nye-werth”. First syllable rhymes with “eye”, second rhymes with “birth”. Easy!