we’ve posted about the amazing jewelry designer sarah lewis on the blog before – as a former member of the fp team she is a part of the free people family and we love carrying her designs. she also has an adorable store in philly called adorn. read on for a brief interview with sarah and to see photos of her beautiful store and jewelry!
How did you get started as a jewelry designer?
I’ve been making jewelry for as long as I can remember! When I was really young, I did a lot of beadwork and macramé, and then started working with glass when I was in high school. I started working with silver and stone while living in Arizona. I have only been focusing all of my energy on my jewelry business for the past year, (before that, I was working for Free People!), but so far it has been going well. I guess the way that I got started was just making the initial decision to go for it!
Where do you draw inspiration for your work?
I draw inspiration from everything around me. My mind is always going, thinking of new jewelry designs. I also am really inspired by the natural beauty of the materials that I work with. Because so much of what I do is based on the materials that I work with, I really love going to gem and mineral shows to search for material. I often can pick up a piece, and immediately picture what I will make out of it. I am also inspired by the past. I find a lot of materials and design ideas by shopping at flea markets, and vintage and thrift stores. While staying true to my own earthy and bohemian style, I also draw inspiration from fashion. I try to create pieces that are beautiful and timeless, but also stylish and on trend. I also think of jewelry styles as how they relate to apparel, what they could be worn with, and how they could be used to complete an outfit.
What are some of your styles that you’re really excited about right now?
I am really excited about some of my recent ring styles. I’ve been doing a lot of rings with drusy quartz, amethyst, and crazy lace agate. I also really like my new gemstone fringe bib necklace, and my concentric circles crystal necklace. I also am currently working on a new collection of jewelry and handbags for FP for holiday that I am really excited about – so watch out for them in November!
What are some of your other hobbies?
I really love to travel, and hang out with my friends, and I live for seeing live music – so I usually combine the three! Also, even though I live in the city, I love the outdoors. I try to go hiking, snowboarding, and make trips to the beach as much as I can.
center, rocking the sequin slip at phish!
How would you describe your personal style? What are some of your favorite free people items?
I would describe my style as earthy and feminine by day and rockstar by night – so I am a total Free People girl! I am obsessed with all of the versions of the birds of paradise dress, and I could not live without my fp intimates. I wear my bandeaus and halter tops all the time, and .I own two sequin slips that I have probably worn hundreds of times! They are so great for layering, I can always find new ways to wear them. I also have a few FP sweaters that will probably stay in my wardrobe forever, because they are so soft and comfy, and I love the FP beach styles too!
What is your motto?
Work hard, but play hard too. I am a total workaholic, but I love what I do so much, that it doesn’t really seem like work. My business keeps me so busy that I often have trouble breaking away. But I know that it is important to take breaks and go out and have fun!
What does free mean to you?
To me, freedom means being able to be creative everyday, making a living doing what I love, staying connected with nature and spending time with the people I love.
thanks sarah!! check out her website here, and see our collection of sarah lewis jewelry right here!
