Support Small: Pixels & Petals Crafts

By Stacie Ball

Pixel and Petal Crafts is a new online shop where creativity meets keepsakes. Founder Caity Rose started making polymer clay jewelry and figurines for fun as a teen. During COVID lockdown, she revisited her crafting hobby as a creative outlet. After purchasing a few supplies and with the continued support of family, friends, and coworkers, she launched her business. Rose has been selling her work since June 2021 and looks forward to celebrating the first anniversary of buying her first mold on January 17.

Rose is excited about adding “usables” such as trinket trays, coasters, games (dominoes/ drinking Jenga/ chess sets), bookmarks, pens, and notebooks to her inventory. She is constantly challenging herself to build a collection of unique ideas and molds. She proudly tells customers, “If you can imagine it, we can figure out how to make it.” One of Rose’s leading supporters was her late grandmother, Nana Weezie.

“She’d be my top salesperson at every craft show (whether I invited her or not), helping me build displays, clean my workspace, etc.,” Rose mused, “I often find myself wanting to call her after I make something awesome or have a big sale day because I know I’d make her proud.”

Rose used crayons from her childhood to make earrings and dominoes, which serve as a physical reminder of the sleepovers, bike rides, and Skipbo game nights she shared with her grandma. She hopes to capture special memories for others in the jewelry and gifts she designs.

Not only does each design have significance, but the name Pixel and Petal itself is very symbolic. Petal refers to her last name, Rose, and the flowers in her work. She calls it special memory floral preservation and uses flowers from momentous occasions to create physical memories. Some examples include a pair of earrings from a bride’s reception dress, a set of flower petal pendants from a grandmother’s funeral, and a picture frame for a friend who grew a garden with their young daughter this summer. The picture frame included strawberry blossoms, marigolds, carrots, and cucumber leaves.

Pixel is the name of Rose’s precocious, calico cat. The feline serves as a model, project manager, and quality control. She tests earrings by knocking them on the floor and inspects all items thoroughly. There is even a picture of a kitty swatting at earrings on her earring cards. Pixel also refers to Rose’s other full-time job in digital advertising.

Rose said one of her favorite parts of Pixel and Petal is the anticipation of popping a piece out of a mold. She has even made “demold with me” videos, showcasing her excitement. Another favorite part is each moment when she thinks, “Nana would be proud of me,” or “Nana would love this.”

You can find Pixel and Petal mostly on social media, but you can also find her at a few local craft markets per month. She posts her inventory on Facebook and Instagram and accepts custom orders on Etsy. Visit her at pixelandpetal.com. a