This weeks feature is with Sarah from Armillata Designs where she showcases gorgeous handmade jewelry with vintage appeal.
Tell us your name and a little about yourself.
I’m Sarah, a bookworm and coffee junkie whose slow migration to increasingly warmer climates has brought me from my native Indiana down to Florida, by way of Texas. Along the way, I’ve collected a few things, from a degree in classical archaeology to a small assemblage of rescue pets, to a ton (I have a mover’s estimate to verify) of books. Since I arrived in Florida about six months ago, life has been very exciting, between launching my jewelry business, exploring a new city, planning my upcoming wedding, and most recently, house hunting. In December, I began selling my own pieces of handcrafted jewelry, drawing on vintage costume jewelry design, and using reclaimed and antique components, semiprecious stones, and vintage style beads.
What led you to start making the things you do, and how long have you been doing this?
I’ve always loved crafting and art, and I’ve been fortunate to have the support and encouragement of the people around me from the time I was a child. My father and grandfather are skilled carpenters, and my mom, grandmother, aunts, and great-grandmother established an amazing legacy, from china painting and charcoal to fine embroidery and sewing. I grew up in a ?we can make that? world, and my parents made a lot of sacrifices to encourage their children’s creativity. I dabbled in all sorts of crafts, and after college, about eight years ago, I found myself particularly drawn to jewelry design (probably because I couldn’t afford to buy all the vintage pieces I longed to collect).
What inspires you most?
Geography and history inspire me. I had the good fortune to spend many months living in Italy a few years ago, and anything that suggests the rich color or ancient feel of that place will attract me. More recently, I’m very drawn to ocean colors and themes. This is the first time in my life I’ve lived near the water and I’m a little giddy about it. Every time I go to the beach, it feels surreal, and that fascination has definitely come through in some of my recent projects.
Tell us one of the most memorable things while creating or selling your art/craft.
My most exciting business moment was definitely my first sale to a total stranger. Despite years of encouragement from friends and family, I was a little awestruck that someone out there liked one of my designs enough to entrust me with their hard-earned money (I’m doubly awed now that I think about how terrible some of my earliest photos and descriptions were, even a few months has made a big difference!). Every subsequent sale has generated the same little shock of wonder, and gratitude. Other memorable moments were my first repeat customer sale (the best feedback you can possibly get about how your work!), and my first Etsy front page appearance a week ago.
Do you have any advice for other artists/crafters?
I’m so new to business that I’m still better at listening to advice than handing it out, but as a crafter, I’d like to encourage others out there to never sell their designs short by denying themselves the quality supplies or tools they deserve. If you’re putting your energy and creativity and hours upon hours of your labor into something, don’t be afraid to use the kinds of materials that will stand up to time and use, and reflect your skill and craftsmanship. When I was still very new to beading, I spent weeks creating an intricate spiral stitched pearl necklace, then finished it off with a cheap, tacky clasp, because I felt guilty spending a little more for something nicer. I know many of us work on slim budgets, and those of us who sell often like to produce items for a range of price points, but if you can find the means, treat yourself once in a while to quality tools, and look for supplies that are worthy of you and your inspiration.
