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InspirationArt & Culture

Incredibly detailed journal covers crafted entirely from polymer clay and jewels

Have you ever dreamed about turning your hobby into a business? Do you wish you could quit your day job to do what you love while still paying the bills? That's exactly what happened to London-based artist Aniko Kolesnikova, also known as Mandarin Duck.

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Two open polymer clay journal covers featuring intricate swirling patterns in turquoise and gold on the left, and a white fox with amber eyes against a teal decorative background on the right, embellished with green jewels

When she began to share her incredible journals with front covers sculpted entirely from polymer clay and other materials such as miniature plastic jewels, she grabbed the world's attention – literally attracting hundreds of new customers overnight. Her creative hobby was so much in demand, Aniko was booked up with orders for six months, and even reached a point when she could quit her day job working as a photo retoucher at a fashion studio, to focus on her handmade products full-time.

Crafting the most beautiful journals, book covers and Kindle cases – her work is so unique and precious it can never be relegated to the charity shop bag. From intricate dragons and fantastic foxes to wise owls and majestic eagles, every product is lovingly handmade and you can even choose your own theme. Prices start from £150 for an A6 front cover only.

Discover more at www.mandarin-duck.com or follow Aniko on Instagram. To find out how to craft your own polymer clay covers, Aniko has helpfully created her own video tutorials.

Via direct submission | All images courtesy of the artist

Lime-green tree frog with red toe pads surrounded by intricately sculpted leaves and a blue butterfly on a polymer clay journal cover by Mandarin Duck
Bright green tree frog with striking orange-red eye and blue markings on its side, perched amongst detailed polymer clay foliage leaves
Curled red fox with white markings surrounded by turquoise leaves and golden beads on a polymer clay journal cover by Mandarin Duck
Red fox with white markings curled into a ball surrounded by turquoise flowers and green leaves on a polymer clay journal cover by Mandarin Duck
Ornate brown polymer clay journal cover featuring a sculpted dragon with spread wings, turquoise gemstones and gold leaf detailing on a grey background
Ornate polymer clay owl journal cover featuring a luminous turquoise eye, intricate swirling patterns and jewelled details in bronze and gold tones
Detailed polymer clay chameleon with textured green and blue colouration, adorned with jewels and surrounded by sculpted foliage on a dark patterned journal cover by Mandarin Duck
Emerald green dragon with yellow eyes and detailed scales adorning a polymer clay journal cover by Mandarin Duck
Ornate silver polymer clay journal cover featuring an owl face with orange gemstone eyes, surrounded by intricate feather and gear details with ruby-coloured jewels
Intricately sculpted grey polymer clay owl with orange gemstone eyes and ornate feather detailing on a journal cover by Mandarin Duck
Open journal with embossed copper left cover and polymer clay right cover featuring three rabbit figures in a woodland garden scene with flowers and foliage
Smiling rabbit figure with large blue eyes and long ears, wearing a turquoise dress with a white collar, holding a small rabbit, against a floral garden background
Child holding a polymer clay rabbit figurine with bright blue eyes wearing a red outfit, created by Mandarin Duck
A sculpted rabbit figure with bright blue eyes holding a smaller rabbit figurine, both crafted from polymer clay by Mandarin Duck, set against a mossy green backdrop
Ornate polymer clay journal cover featuring a horse's head with reddish mane, adorned with gold detailing, jewelled eyes and elaborate feathered wing design with blue gemstones
Ornate polymer clay journal cover detail featuring two purple gemstones surrounded by gold leaf elements, pearl beads and filigree work by Mandarin Duck
Detailed polymer clay giraffe head sculpted with brown and cream patterning, surrounded by green leaves on a journal cover by Mandarin Duck
Two sculpted dragon heads with detailed scales and horns, one with a golden eye and one with a white eye, adorning a polymer clay journal cover by Mandarin Duck
Detailed close-up of a grey owl with striking blue eyes, adorned with pearl beads and metallic triangular jewels, surrounded by blue and purple polymer clay flowers and embellishments
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