Haley Crespo is our ArtResin Winner!

Congratulations to artist Haley Crespo, our latest ArtResin winner!  Haley is a mixed-media artist based in Toronto, Canada who creates colourful handmade accessories and jewelry for her company Haley Made Shop. Using resin, glitter, and different pigments, Haley creates unique pieces that everyone can wear:  "I’d say my art is bright and colorful. My goal is to spread happiness through the pieces I create, and I do that by sticking to a very cheerful color palette. I mainly make resin hair clips and beaded jewelry. I love turning everyday items into little bursts of joy. I always want my work to feel fun and whimsical—everyone needs a little more color in their wardrobe!"

Does where you're from or where you currently live influence your work?

I’d say Toronto definitely influences me. It’s such a diverse and multicultural city, and I’m constantly exposed to different fashion trends and creative styles. I sell my work at local markets around the city, and I’m always so inspired by the people I meet and the way everyone expresses themselves. Whether it’s bold fashion, cool vintage finds, or just the creative energy in the air, Toronto really encourages me to keep experimenting and embracing my own style.

What's your art background?  Are you self-taught or did you study art? 

I've always loved being creative and trying different crafts. I studied graphic design in university, but near the end of my second year, I was hospitalized and diagnosed with Lupus. While in the hospital, I started making jewelry, which sparked my passion for resin art and led me to start my own business. I’m self-taught through online tutorials and lots of experimenting. Resin feels special to me because it lets me bring color and texture to life in a unique, hands-on way.

Are you a full-time artist or do you create around work hours?: 

I work full-time on my small business. As of the end of May, Haley Made will be turning 4 years old! I feel incredibly lucky to be running a full-time business at just 24. I love having the freedom to work for myself and pour all my energy into building my brand—it’s exciting to watch my vision grow every day.

What do you love about the mediums that you use in your work? 

I love how many different combinations I can use to create unique pieces. Resin lets me play with color, glitter, and pigments to make each item truly one of a kind. I’m all about bright, colorful designs that stand out—and every piece I make has its own personality.

How did you discover resin?

I discovered resin through TikTok during COVID. I saw someone making little trinket dishes and became totally obsessed. I immediately ordered some resin and started experimenting with different molds. My first batch was full of air bubbles, but after researching and asking friends who work with resin, I gradually got the hang of it. Ive been creating with art resin ever since!

How has resin impacted your artwork?

Resin has allowed me to experiment with different glitter mixes and create something truly magical. I love how you can preserve small items in resin and turn them into unique hair clips that people can wear and enjoy. 

Can you provide a brief rundown of your process? 

First, I start by laying glitter and pigment into my hair clip molds. I like to make my clips in batches, so pre-laying the glitter helps save time when I mix the resin since it hardens quickly. Next, I mix the resin and work fast to pour it into each mold. At the end, I do some last-minute adjustments—shuffling glitter or adding pieces—and then use a lighter to pop any air bubbles I see. After waiting 24 hours for the resin to fully cure, I demold the pieces and glue the clips onto their backings. 

Why do you want to make art? What motivates you to create? 

I love making art because it makes me feel happy and fulfilled. I’m all about bright colors, and I want to bring as much of that joy into the world as I can. Building my small business and working for myself is amazing—it feels great knowing that every piece I create and sell helps me support myself and chase my dreams.

Does art help you in other areas of your life? 

Art has helped me so much in my life. When I was 20, I was diagnosed with Lupus, and while I was in the hospital undergoing tests, I turned to creating art to keep my hands busy. That experience led me to discover my love for wearable art and inspired me to start my business. Creating art every day really helps me relax and supports me through life’s challenges. I truly believe art has changed my life and helped me get through some tough times.

What do you hope someone sees or feels when they look at your art? 

I hope people feel happy when they see my art. I love making people smile or even laugh when they spot the mini fruits or sparkly glitter in my pieces. Bringing a little joy and fun into someone’s day is what it’s all about for me. I also hope my art can inspire confidence and brighten someone’s mood, even if just for a moment.

How do you define success as an artist? What does that look and feel like for you?

That is such a tough question because I find my definition of success to be rapidly changing. But right now, I would say a successful artist is someone who continues to create and share their passion with the world. Someone who connects with people through their art and has a clear vision.

What's your favorite resin tip you'd like to share with our readers? 

My favorite resin tip is to warm up the resin a bit before working with it. I find it helps reduce air bubbles and makes the resin clearer. Also, make sure to have everything prepared—materials, molds, gloves—before mixing the two parts. You want to make the most of the time while the resin is still workable!

Where do you sell your work?

I sell my work on my website, Haleymade.ca, and at in-person pop-ups all over Southern Ontario. I’m also working hard to start offering wholesale deals to brands across the country.