Art for Art's Sake: Artist Stories From Sfingiday's Local Art Program

“I like the idea that something I’m creating can bring other people joy.”

Clara Boyd

September 17, 2026

If you took a moment to recall your youth, would you remember the art you created? Could you imagine taking said art and subsequently turning it into a business? That’s precisely what Clara Boyd, at age 15, did with her brand, Cards by CLB. 

Boyd began creating her work when she was younger, recalling her love for watercolor and art in general. That interest in watercoloring and drawing turned into something even bigger. 

“I started making cards for my family, like birthday cards, Christmas cards, and stuff like that for my parents and my grandparents,” Boyd said. 

The journey didn’t stop there. In the fifth grade, Boyd first sold her group of cards at her school’s “Makers Fair.” Following that newfound business venture, she and her mother found a way to produce even more of Boyd’s cards. 

“And then me and my Mom printed them, like took copies of them at our local printing shop,” Boyd said. “We started selling them in packs to other friends and family.”

Ever since then, Boyd has been selling her cards in local shops in the Seattle area, specifically, “West Seattle, like our favorite bookstore and just like a few other places like that.” She recalls selling her work in shops as early as age 11. 

Her subjects derive from everything, from childhood interests to special holiday items she finds beautiful. Her cards are also varied, ranging from art made when she was younger, to more recently conceptualized designs. 

Boyd’s earlier work focused more on animals, which she says were her passion at that time. More recently, she’s shifted her focus to other design subjects.       

“I started doing Christmas wreaths like two years ago, and then I do Mother’s Day wreaths,” Boyd said. “I (made) a Fall birthday wreath for my Mom cause she really likes my wreaths and she’s a Fall birthday, so it has like pumpkins and acorns and stuff like that.”

For now, Boyd plans on continuing to sell her art. She is currently taking a graphic design course at her school and expresses an interest in pottery after experimenting with it in a former art class. As for the future, she plans to attend college, where she will decide what role art will play in her life. 

“When I go to college, I want to study engineering, but I feel like it would be fun to do an art thing on the side or something,” Boyd said.

Between precious “happy birthday” wreaths and “thank you” animals, Boyd’s brand CLB sparks delight in our store and in the hands of those who get a chance to be a recipient of one of her cheerful designs. 

“I like the idea that something I’m creating can bring other people joy,” Boyd said. “Everyone likes receiving cards and I like that I could make a card that someone can feel good about giving to someone else, and then they can be happy receiving it.”

Written by Cori Caplinger