Artist profile: Sarah Sequins

Red Galaxy

Artist: Sarah Sequins
Business name: Saturday Sequins
Location: Central Illinois

Website: Saturday Sequins

How do you describe your work?
My work is bold, colorful, and detailed. I don't stick to a particular style or type of jewelry making – I like to let my imagination run wild. Sequins tend to be a common theme in my pieces, though, which is one reason I picked the name Saturday Sequins.

What is your creative process like?
I start out with a very basic idea in mind. A shape, some colors, the type of metal I'll use, if any. From there, my work is improvisation. I fit my components together like puzzle pieces until I come up with something I love.

My favorite place to work is on the couch in my living room, with my supplies spread out everywhere. Once I get started on a project, it's hard to stop, even for things like food and water! I tend to work alone, but I don't mind having other people around, either. My husband, Mr. Sequin, is very good beading company.

Beady Star

What kind of training did you have which helped you achieve your current level of artistry?
Besides taking a handful of classes at the Bead and Button show from some really awesome teachers, I don't have much formal training in jewelry making. A lot of what I do comes from experimentation, trial and error, and good books.

I have plenty of informal training, though. I've been beading since I was nine years old, and in college, I experimented with wire work, abstract painting, traditional embroidery, and bead weaving instead of studying (oops!). I'm always trying out new arts forms, and I love finding ways to combine them in my work.

Is there a tool or material that you can't imagine living without?
Sequins, definitely! The thing I like most about sequins, besides their sparkle, is their versatility. I can combine them with just about any form of jewelry making, and they lend themselves to a lot of different styles, from fun and funky to casual to elegant.

Sequin Choker

What inspires you to create?
Two little words inspire me to create: What If. I'm a curious person, and it borders on obsession. I'm always wondering what will happen if I try this new technique or combine these colors or incorporate this crazy material. I'm happy when things work out, and when they don't, I'm excited to see if I can make them work another way.

What inspires you to keep going when the work gets frustrating or tough?
What keeps me going is the knowledge that if I keep my eyes open and my mind ready, I'll find a way to get through a rough patch. At this point, I have enough experience to know that the solution to a problem will come to me, and it will probably be something unexpected. And simple.

And if the solution takes its time, which can sometimes happen, I know that there's always something else I can work on. That's the really great thing about art as a business and by itself – there are so many facets.

Sequin Cuff

What is your best piece of advice for those who would like to rise in their level of artistry?
Don't be afraid to play and to make mistakes. This goes for the artistic aspect of jewelry making, but also for the business side. It's by playing around that you find what works best for you. It's by discovering what doesn't work, in addition to what does, that you grow and become the artist you were meant to be.

In fact, as wonderful as our successes are, it's our mistakes and failures that teach us the most. They aren't the end of the world! They're the beginning.

What takes up the majority of your time besides your art?
I spend time with my husband, who is my best friend in the world, and my friends. We like to get together, make and eat amazing food, and talk about our latest creative projects. I'm also very involved in the blogging community, and this summer, I plan to spend a lot of time hula hooping in the park and helping Mr. Sequin with his garden.

What's your favorite comfort food?
My favorite comfort food is spinach artichoke dip. If I'm not careful, I can eat the entire batch in one sitting!