Nelson artist Pip Day has never pitched her work to a gallery, yet outlets across New Zealand keep seeking her out after discovering her creations online. Now, with a growing list of stockists and a new medium born from necessity during Covid-19, Pip of Daylight Designs is preparing to showcase her work at the September Māpua Makers Market.
Daylight Designs owner Pip Day knows what it must feel like to be headhunted.
The Nelson artist has never approached a shop or gallery to stock her work. Instead, galleries and retailers have consistently contacted her after discovering her creations online.
Daylight Designs features original, handmade, one-of-a-kind jewellery and artwork designed and created in Nelson. Visitors are welcome to visit her studio and purchase items directly.
Pip studied design in Wellington before she began making colourful polymer clay earrings. Her work was first picked up by Lyttelton retailer Henry Trading after staff spotted her jewellery online.
"They get all the cruise ships down there and so it all began."
Most of Pip's stockists are in the South Island, although her work has recently been picked up by Toi Gallery in Tauranga, which also found her online. The same happened with Wellington City Gallery, although it is currently closed while its building undergoes earthquake strengthening.
Pip's creativity extends well beyond jewellery. She produces sculptures, paintings, mini framed canvases, polymer clay stud earrings and painted recycled wooden 3D blocks.
Some of her work is on display at Rabbit Island Coffee near the Māpua Wharf, and visitors to the September Makers Market can expect to see a broad selection of her creations.
Covid-19 prompted Pip to explore new directions in her work.
When polymer clay, which is made in the United States, became difficult to source, she read about an Australian artist painting jewellery onto Yupo paper.
"I can do this."
Yupo paper is a 100% recyclable, synthetic paper made from polypropylene rather than wood pulp. It is waterproof, tear-resistant and has a smooth, non-porous surface that resists buckling.
Pip applies a diamond-coat resin to both sides of her Yupo paper jewellery to add lustre and seal the designs. The process is labour-intensive, requiring intricate detail, but results in exceptionally lightweight and easy-to-wear pieces.
She continues to create polymer clay stud earrings and uses leftover clay to make small sculptures.
Nothing goes to waste.
And if you already own a pair of Pip's polymer clay earrings, look after them. They are unique and irreplaceable.
Daylight Designs can be found on Instagram and Facebook.
The Māpua Makers Market brings together professional and amateur makers, from first-timers to experienced stallholders. As a fundraiser for Māpua Hall, the organising committee aims to create a diverse mix of crafts including textiles, jewellery, woodwork, homewares, clothing and toys.
Each maker is selected based on the quality and individuality of their products.
Profits from stall hire, the café and the koha entry contribution support the upkeep of Māpua Hall, which is owned, operated and funded by the local community.
The September market may be a little early for Christmas, but it offers a chance for organised shoppers to get ahead and avoid the festive rush.
Māpua Makers Market is on Sunday, 13 September, 10am-2pm.
