Moose Spotlight: Mother Nature-Inspired Handmade Jewelry

Finding incredibly creative and talented jewelry artists on Instagram is truly one of the best experiences we have. Learning more about their journey, where they get inspiration from, and their design processes are a few of the privileges we get to discover as we get the chance to get to know them better!

MEET THE JEWELRY ARTIST

Julie Pope is the amazing artist behind the brand Sunlight Silver Jewelry, or is also known on Instagram as @sunlightsilver. Based in Provo, Utah, Julie has been making jewelry for 15 years now, and has been silversmithing for 4 years.

THE JOURNEY TO CREATING JEWELRY

Upon asking what inspired her to start creating jewelry, Julie said she is inspired by nature and all the beauty of the outdoors.

"Good things take time," Julie said when we asked her what was her journey like when she was just getting started. She added that the first time you try something new can be a daunting experience. However, with each experience, you get to practice more and get closer and closer to mastering a new skill.

When we asked if there was a story behind her brand name, she said, "Just that I love sunlight. 😁" So do we! What a lovely brand name 💚

ARTIST’S DESIGN STYLE

When creating something, just like Julie said, it can be frustrating at first, but when you get that first AHA! moment... that moment when you finally feel like you've achieved what you've been wanting to achieve - that's such an inexplicably rewarding feeling!

For Julie, one of the most satisfying moments is seeing the solder flow on the last element of the piece. She shares, "When the design has come together just as I had imagined - or turned out even better than I imagined - is such a rewarding moment."

Take a look at some of her stunning pieces!

Turquoise Jewelry by Julie Pope of @sunlightsilver on Instagram

THE DESIGN PROCESS

"I like to look at my cabochons and see what inspiration strikes," she mentions when we asked what her design process is like. Julie will pick out the pieces that just seem to talk to her. Usually, an idea will pop into her head. She shared that it's almost like the stone is talking to her and telling her what it wants to become. From there, she will go with that design unless it gives her more inspiration along the way.

When asked to describe her design style, she said she loves to create what she feels is beautiful. Julie particularly loves the desert, the mountains, and the beach. "I am inspired by the outdoors and this amazing earth."

Here are some more of Julie's beautiful work!

Turquoise Jewelry by Julie Pope of @sunlightsilver on Instagram

JEWELRY DESIGN TIPS, TRICKS, AND HANDY TECHNIQUES

What’s one design tip you want to share with your fellow jewelry-artists?

"When making bezels, I place the stone on the sticky side of painters tape. The bezel will stick to this as you wrap it around the stone. It helps get a tighter bezel for a great fit."

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

"Persevere and don't give up. We were all beginners once."

Finally, her message to the universe: