Colorful, textural and delicately created, Linda Livaudais makes some of the most creative jewelry and kitchen instruments from polymer clay. Her designs range from elegant “boa-esque” necklaces with carefully controlled tonal progressions to fun and funky retro flowers and candies that look good enough to eat.

Linda earned a degree in Art Education from Ole Miss University and taught in the public schools for 18 years. At an art educators convention in Chicago she was introduced to polymer clay being demonstrated by artist Donna Kato. She was also drawn to polymer clay by a couple from Michigan who diplayed annually at the Pink Palace Crafts Fair. “They made all of their beads from polymer clay. I finally bought an eyeglass chain when I started leaving my glasses all over the classroom and the kids had to help me find them!” Ten years ago, as a Knoxville transplant, Linda began immersing herself in the art of polymer clay and has been influenced by clay artists that use bright colors like Donna Kato, Lindly Haunani and Debra DeWolff.

Since joining MACA five or six years ago, Linda has been extremely active in the chapter activities. From being on the MACA board for 2 years to participating in the Chapter booths in the Nashville TACA Fair and the local Pink Palace Crafts Fair, Linda has taken advantage of every opportunity to show her work- and with much success. “MACA has brought me so many new friends and exposed me to new mediums and given me access to shows. I’ve found art people are usually very giving and sharing”

Linda has also been involved with the Foothills Craft Guild in Knoxville, International Polymer Clay Association, and is a new member of the Craftsman Guild of MS. Her work can be found at the Memphis Brooks Museum Store and the Women’s Exchange as well as at some of the more popular fall craft fairs. “I would love to be more computer savvy, have a website, sell online, etc. but I’d rather be “playing with clay” than fighting my computer who decides to rebel half the time!”