Celebrating Nature’s Intricacy: The Story Behind Our Best-Selling Plant and Animal Cell Earrings
Among our collection of polymer clay creations, it's the plant and animal cell earrings that consistently steal the spotlight. They’ve been my best sellers for three years and I have shipped them all over Canada, the US, Australia, the UK and even Turkey! They've captured the hearts of customers of all ages and backgrounds, from high school students and college professors, to cell biologists and cancer researchers.
The first pair of cells I made was, in fact, for my son’s high school biology teacher.
She was special to us, because she inspired him to learn in a way no teacher had done before — her enthusiasm lit up his curiosity. This was a special challenge given that much of his time with her was online due to Covid. Her background was in cell biology, and her passion for the subject was infectious. Cell structure, the function of organelles, photosynthesis and cellular respiration can be tedious subjects and difficult to memorize, but she had a way with words.
For teachers like my son’s biology teacher, these earrings are more than just accessories; they're symbols of inspiration and tools of education.
Imagine a teacher wearing detailed cell diagrams. As they stand before their students, these become conversation starters, sparking discussions about cell walls vs cell membranes, active transport vs facilitated diffusion, what happens inside chloroplasts, and the process behind “mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell.” In the classroom, they serve as tangible reminders of the lessons taught, fostering curiosity and a deeper connection to the subjects at hand.
Similarly, for scientists, these earrings offer a bridge between art and academia. They serve as a nod to the wonders of nature that inspire their research. These earrings provide a moment of respite from the rigors of the laboratory, reminding scientists of the beauty that first sparked their passion for discovery. Wearing them, scientists carry a piece of the natural world with them, grounding themselves in the beauty of their chosen field.
I now make these in small batches of plant cells, animal cells and mismatched pairs twice a year. Each pair tells a story—a story of meticulous craftsmanship and a deep love for science.
As an artisan, I take pride in knowing that these earrings bring joy and inspiration to those who wear them. Whether they're worn in the classroom, the laboratory, or simply as a statement piece for everyday wear, these earrings serve as reminders of the microscopic magic present inside us and around us.