Hand-sculpted Designs by November Clay
By Taryn King | Photos by J. Nicole Photography
Every month, on the 13th, the drop goes live. Within hours, the new earrings sell out completely, with the most popular designs gone in minutes. The heavy disappointment of would-be buyers is calmed by the knowledge that they can head to a number of local stores for another chance to own designs created by the one and only November Clay.
Four years ago, Danielle Malone — the owner and sole creative behind November Clay — assumed she’d be solidly in another industry at this point. She wanted to be more available to her son, and real estate seemed like a good option for balancing the demands of work and home life. But then — as was the case for many — the COVID-19 pandemic hit and derailed her plans.
During a session of Instagram scrolling, Danielle came across a pair of pretty clay earrings. The price tag was off-putting, and as a lifelong crafter, she knew she could make a pair herself, at a fraction of the cost. So, she went to the craft store and purchased polymer clay and other supplies.
“When I first started, clay earrings weren’t really a big trend. I was using cookie cutters, medicine caps and X-acto knives to make shapes, and it was trial-and-error, since at the time nothing was really available for production,” said Danielle, “But I made a few pairs and posted them on Instagram. I had maybe 15 to 20 friends who all just loved them and wanted me to make more.”
It was as this point that Danielle and her husband realized this could be a viable business, and in August of 2020, November Clay was born.
Creating each pair of earrings by hand is time-consuming. With 200 to 300 earrings created for each drop, it made sense to keep the new releases on a monthly schedule so she still has time for family.
“I’m a stay-at-home mom. This business is the biggest blessing because it gives me the opportunity to express myself through my earrings, but it also allows me to be with my son.” The adorable little guy is also the inspiration behind the company name: “He was born in November, and the release dates are based on his birthday!”
Over the last few years, November Clay’s popularity has rapidly blossomed. In addition to her monthly drops, and keeping various local stores stocked with favorite selections, another aspect of the business has recently taken off: custom bridal creations. From simple styles in matching colors for bridesmaids, to intricate floral designs replicating bouquets and wedding flowers for the bride, these hand-sculpted designs are highly coveted.
For the one-of-a-kind creations, the bride is thoroughly involved in the collaborative process. Danielle recommends “that clients give a month or two of lead-time for production. This allows them to send color swatches, pictures, mail time, etc., and to communicate exactly what they want. I’ll make up color batches based on initial ideas and show them samples, and sometimes they’ll realize it’s not the color they actually want. We need that extra time to make sure everyone is happy with the end results.”
In addition to the clay work, Danielle also offers decorative elements, such as cubic zirconia charms and posts. While the majority of everyday styles are created with hypoallergenic balls, hoops and hooks, precious metals, such as gold and silver, can be requested for custom pieces.
Most of the bridal requests Danielle receives include earrings for the entire bridal party.
“These are wonderful gifts to give to your bridesmaids, mothers of the bride and groom, flower girls — really, anyone who would wear earrings. I can customize studs, too. And don’t forget the rehearsal dinner. I’ve had several custom earrings made for the night of the wedding rehearsal.”
Affordability plays a big part in November Clay’s branding. Everyday styles range in price from $14 to $25, and the more detailed custom work, such as bridal bouquet designs, starts at $70.
“Making affordable pieces was a big part of what got me started. If someone loves my earrings, I don’t want them to hold back because of a big price tag. This is about more than making money. I’m doing something I love, giving the people what they want, and I’m connecting with other amazing businesses.”
Danielle also offers workshops and classes through Hammer & Stain in Lewes, for those who want to learn how to make their own clay earrings. For more information and to stay updated on upcoming releases, follow November Clay on Facebook and Instagram. For a full list of locations with November Clay earrings in stock, visit the website at novemberclay.bigcartel.com/.
