Introducing Naomi from Enchanted Items by Naomi. Where every item is handmade!! From her home in Western Australia, Naomi creates magical woodland fantasy art.
Find out why Naomi started creating and why she is so passionate about the value of handmade.
Tell us about your creations and your handmade process.
I hand-sculpt whimsical and enchanting fairy art, from fairy doors to mushroom sculptures, starting with nothing more than a simple block of clay. My process is free-flowing and intuitive, shaped by years of hands-on experimentation. Before I begin sculpting, I often sketch out my fairy door and fairy house ideas.
Inspiration can strike at the most unexpected moments-sometimes just as I'm about to fall asleep!
When that happens, I have to jump up and sketch it out before the idea slips away. That's why I always keep a sketchbook nearby; creativity waits for no one, and you never know when a magical idea will take shape.
Tell us a bit about your journey to becoming a handmade artist.
I've always been drawn to the magic of the fantasy world, inspired by childhood fairytales and movies like Labyrinth and The NeverEnding Story. I've continued to love it… Throughout my life, I have expressed it in different ways… especially through art.
My journey as a handmade artist began 12 years ago after my daughter's 4th fairy-themed birthday party. I got creative, crafting flower fairy peg dolls as party favours for her little friends. That experience ignited something in me, and soon after, I discovered polymer clay-a medium I instantly fell in love with. It allowed me to create and sculpted from my imagination. From that moment on, I was hooked, transforming my passion for crafting into a world of whimsical creations.
What is your inspiration or where do you find inspiration?
I find endless inspiration in Mother Nature - she is the first artist. A simple walk through a national park or along the beach can spark new ideas. It might be a delicate flower, a tiny bug, or, my favorite-spotting a mushroom emerging from a moss-covered log after an autumn rain. These little moments of magic in nature fuel my creativity and bring my enchanted sculptures to life.
Where did you learn your craft?
I am a self-taught artist, learning through years of hands-on experience and the incredible support of the polymer clay community. Online resources have been invaluable, and I've also had the privilege of connecting with fellow polymer clay artists here in Western Australia. Sculpting alongside them and sharing techniques has been an inspiring part of my journey, helping me continue to grow and refine my craft.
Why is handmade artistry so important to you?
Artistry, to me, is a form of expression - without it, I would feel lost. Every handmade piece carries a part of the artist's soul, a unique imprint of creativity and passion. In my case, each creation holds a little bit of my magic, bringing my imagination to life in a tangible, enchanting way.
Naomi is a much loved member of the Madeit Collective, posting regularly in our Facebook Group ~ The Handmade Marketplace of Australia ~ and sharing her new creations as they are released. If you haven't connected with Enchanted Items by Naomi, make sure you join our FB Group and say hi !
