Then I started incorporating sterling silver, copper, and brass to my pieces, which complemented my polymer clay work very well. After adding stones and gems to my pieces, I can say the polymer clay is at the same level as these more expensive materials.

 After the good reviews of my pieces from online media and family and friends, I decided to start selling jewelry on Etsy; the result with my store has been really amazing. It has been challenging going from a hobby to an enjoyable business.

 I was trained as an electrical engineer. Also, I have worked in the computer industry, utilizing graphic design for building websites. My art background has helped me with the artistic part, while my engineering background has been key in managing the soldering, working with metals and other materials, as well as using tools.

 Starting in 2015, I began teaching metal smithing and jewelry making at Amarillo College in Amarillo, Texas. This teaching experience has been incredible. It has been quite an enjoyable yet challenging journey, running my Etsy store, keeping my full time job as a senior software architect for a risk management company and teaching at the college! At the same time, I take great joy in creating jewelry and sharing with my customers without the pressure of selling to pay the bills. And best of all, it is the passion of creating and imagining how happy my customers will be when they receive a Clos Parra piece in the mail ­-- that is the best reward!