UncoveredSpudNic Designs

Now in its fourth year, the Opera House’s Uncovered program is a platform for local artists, makers, creators and artisans to showcase their artistic talent. It exists to support up-and-coming Australian makers by selling their products on the Opera House’s platforms.  

We sat down to speak with one of this year’s Uncovered artists, Nicola Nossal from SpudNic Designs, who shared the inspiration behind her products and how they celebrate the vibrant beauty of Australia’s native flora. 

Tell us about yourself and how you started SpudNic Designs.  

At SpudNic Designs, we hand make mini wearable artworks using polymer clay to create functional earrings and accessories inspired by Australia’s native flora. I like to call them ‘forever flowers’. All designs are handmade by me (Nic), and I’m always supported by my fellow traveller and dog (Spud).  

Growing up, I was an arty kid who spent a lot of time experimenting with various mediums. When I was in primary school, I made a waratah from recycled foam cut-offs dyed red which kickstarted my passion for wildflowers and artmaking.  

Where do you draw inspiration for your designs? 

My mum is a horticulturist, which really influenced my love for plants and flowers. She would take me to flower markets, and would teach me the botanical names of different plants. I’ve always had a keen interest in native flora and I love exploring the nature around me which inspires my designs. I’m now very attuned to which flowers bloom in what seasons so I know what to look out for.  

Can you tell us why you use polymer clay? 

I started working with polymer clay during the pandemic and watched a few online tutorials before getting started. I wanted to experiment with something inexpensive, and that didn’t take up a lot of space at home. I mix many different coloured clays for my designs and I’ll use any leftovers for a different piece, so there’s very little wastage. 

Polymer clay is lightweight, which usually surprises people who think the earrings look heavy before picking them up. It’s also a durable and flexible material that works well as a study accessory.  

What is involved in your production process? 

So many people ask if I paint my designs on, and are often surprised by the answer! I hand detail each design, using the tiniest pieces of clay to form intricate flowers. Once I’m happy with the design, I cut it to shape, bake it in the oven and then I sand and wash it before attaching the jewellery components. Each design is slightly different, creating one-of-a-kind pieces that can take me up to 6 hours to create. 

What does showcasing your products through Uncovered mean to you? 

As someone who was raised in Sydney and has fond memories of taking the ferry to Circular Quay and admiring the Opera House, it is a tremendous honour for me to showcase my work in such an iconic architectural marvel. Knowing that people visiting the Opera House might pick up a product I’ve handmade is really special to me.  

What is your favourite piece in your Opera House collection? 

I particularly love the Sturt Desert Pea Earrings because they are inspired by one of the lesser-known or rarely sighted natives. People who are familiar with it usually have a personal connection to it. I love the detail achieved with the different shades of red and how vibrant the red looks against the black background.  

Shop the SpudNic Designs collection. 

Find out more about Uncovered.