I have only “talked” with Mary Ellen Nichols via e-mail. Even so, I can honestly say that her enthusiasm for and love of her craft is palpable and contagious. It’s also very evident in her work.

Polymer clay is Mary Ellen’s medium of choice. Fun is her muse. She says, “I try to include a big smile with every purchase.” That’s not a tall order, considering that each piece is so genuinely cool. I have a personal preference for the cake toppers.

While perusing her web site, BeeTree by m.e., I noticed that Mary Ellen is not afraid to experiment. She has a healthy selection of clay goods including bracelets, buttons, floating candles, beads and magnets that range in theme from fantasy to floral.

It isn’t difficult to be swept away into this world of polymer clay – a material that is, according to Mary Ellen, very versatile: “It's a wonderful, easy to use medium that can be transformed into anything! Seriously... it can become ANYTHING! Best of all, if I don't love what I make...I just squash it flat and start over! Very therapeutic!”

Lucky for us, Mary Ellen is participating in the Baltimore by Hand Halloween Giveaway! You might just be the winner of her Vampire Pendant (below center). Just answer the following question: Where can you find some of Mary Ellen’s work for auction? Visit her web site for details, be the first to post the correct answer below, and win. Good luck!!

(Images courtesy of Mary Ellen Nichols)