THE FIBER & CLAY YEARS
POLYMER CLAYMISS CHICKPEA'S
Shelly Arroyo
Miss Chickpea, 2008, © Shelly Arroyo
As an adult, I’ve dabbled in various projects such as soft sculpture (sewing), knitting/felting fibers, and various forms of clay. I traveled the northeast United States, selling my creations, known to many as “Chickpea.” And, so we embark on the fiber & clay years…
“Softies Collection,” circa 2002, © Shelly Arroyo
During these early show years, I embarked on a quest to get healthier. After some health scares in my early 20s, I got into diet and exercise, fell in love with my favorite bean, a chickpea. After one too many lunch dates with friends, starving for hummus, I earned my nickname, and thus, the storyline for Mama Chickpea began.
After some health scares in my early 20s, I got into diet and exercise, falling in love with my favorite bean, a chickpea.
Miss Chickpea purse entitled “Not Sari,” made from recycled silk, 2005, © Shelly Arroyo
“Miss Chickpea’s,” circa 2007, © Shelly Arroyo
Inside "Miss Chickpea’s,” circa 2007, © Shelly Arroyo
Outside "Miss Chickpea's," circa 2007, © Shelly Arroyo
After closing Miss Pea’s and moving to Texas, I aspired to work on my sculpting skills yet again, but in other avenues of clay. I started a collection of customizable pieces I sold online through Etsy, under the art persona, Mama Chickpea.
“J.Lo,” polymer clay sculpture, 2024, © Shelly Arroyo
El Paso Half Marathon, 2019, © Shelly Arroyo
MEET THE AUTHOR
All content and artwork © Shelly Arroyo, A.k.a. Mama Chickpea.
Shelly Arroyo, A.k.a. Mama Chickpea!
I have been a graphic designer excelling in desktop publishing programs, dabbling in web design, and making brand content for twenty years. I have owned my own brick-and-mortar studios, and developed my own brands. Designing user-centric UX, beautiful graphics and meeting deadlines are some of my strongest skills…but don’t forget my killer macaroni and cheese!
PLEASE FOLLOW ME as I embark on a quest to enjoy, learn from, and raise my bamBEANos, in the best way this Mama Chickpea can. Art is my “balance” to life and I enjoy all the DIY therapy I can handle! To learn more about Mama Chickpea, click HERE.
XOXO-
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When I’m not learning something new, I love creating anything arts and crafts, watching comedy, and cuddling with my crew — all alongside being immersed in my love of all things design.
Join me! A journey is always better with friends. 🩷
MY MISSION
© Copyright Mama Chickpea 2026.