Moose Spotlight: Handmade Unique and Conversation Starters Jewelry

"I think the best and most unique designs come from happy accidents. Sit at your bench, play with scrap metal, lay out shapes, lay out stones. Experiment! This will lead to truly one-of-a-kind designs."

- Sarah Ellenberger

 

 

MEET THE ARTIST

 

 

 

@intidesignstudio on Instagram

 

 

This is jewelry artist Sarah Ellenberger. She lives right outside of Baltimore, Maryland, and has been metalsmithing since 2008. Her creations are seen on Instagram @intidesignstudio.

 

 

THE JOURNEY TO CREATING JEWELRY

 

 

"My mom studied geology and was very into handmade jewelry. I used to obsess over her collection of jewelry-mostly purchased in the southwest." Sarah shared her mom would travel a lot for work and pick up new pieces on each trip. When she started college and saw that they offered a metalsmithing course, Sarah decided to try it out - which got her started in creating jewelry.

 

 

Getting started with anything can be quite a challenge. For Sarah, when she was just getting started, it wasn't easy. "Well...it was rough! I was a metalsmithing major for a few years and really struggled. I ended up dropping out of the program and thought that I just wasn't good enough." Sarah took a few years off from it but then she ended up finding a full-time job as a bench jeweler. 

 

Quickly, she got back into it and really thrived. Sarah realized that she just needed more patience and practice. "It's not an easy skill to learn and there will be lots of frustrating moments. It's not as forgiving as other medium."

 

 

The story or significance behind Sarah's brand name is quite special. "My mother is Peruvian. In Inca religion, Inti is the sun god. Growing up, we had a lot of Peruvian art in the house, including images of Inti."

 

Some people say the first sale is the hardest. We asked if Sarah still remembers how she sold her first piece. Surprisingly, she still does! She shared, "So I sold my very first Inti piece through Instagram actually. The customer was someone that I didn’t know and just found me either by coincidence or word of mouth. I probably had my IG page for about two months and slowly got followers through hashtags and exposure. But ironically enough, she’s a return customer and I’m currently working on a custom for her as we speak!"

 

The power of social media when you're just getting started with your business - incredible! 

 

 

Take a look at some of Sarah's unique designs: 

 

 

 

 

 

Handmade Jewelry by Sarah Ellenberger of @intidesignstudio on Instagram

 

 

 

ARTIST'S DESIGN STYLE

 

 

Sarah's very first AHA moment was the time an entire collection of hers got sold out when it launched.  She explained that they were new designs and instead of designing what she thought was trendy, she made a collection that spoke to her. "I feel like that was also when I found my own aesthetic."

 

 

Here are a few more eye-catching jewelry pieces by Sarah!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Handmade Jewelry by Sarah Ellenberger of @intidesignstudio on Instagram

 

 

 

THE DESIGN PROCESS

 

 

"For the most part, I just start making something and let it flow. I don't sketch or think of designs ahead of time." Sarah stated that she does better with the material right in front of her. Sometimes, she plays with scraps and make shapes... experiment a little. "I often dream of pieces too, so I keep a notebook on my nightstand and write my ideas down."

 

 

Sarah describes her design style as a mix of edgy and boho. She loves geometric patterns and designs. Sometimes, she said she pulls a lot of her designs from textile patterns and shapes that she sees in public. "I always find inspiration when I am out and about."

 

 

 

JEWELRY DESIGN TIPS, TRICKS, AND HANDY TECHNIQUES

 

What's one design tip you one to share with your fellow artists? 

 

 

"Try not to rely on social media when looking for inspiration. Sometimes it can be great but I think this can lead to subconsciously taking someone's design too. I think the best and most unique designs come from happy accidents. Sit at your bench, play with scrap metal, lay out shapes, lay out stones. Experiment! This will lead to truly one-of-a-kind designs."

 

 

Any words of encouragement or tips to those who are starting out in the world of jewelry-making?

 

 

"It can be frustrating and you'll want to give up a lot. But if you stick to it, you'll get over that hump. I've been doing this off and on for 13 years and I still have bad days. When you're having an off day, it is best to give yourself a little breather (metal ain't cheap!)"

 

 

Lastly, Sarah's message to the universe: 

 

 

 

 

Follow Sarah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intidesignstudio/

Check out her website: https://www.intidesignstudio.com/