Welcome to Sarah-n-Dippity. I am Sarah Thompson, the creative force of Sarah-n-Dippity, and I would like to share a little bit about me and how I got started.

I have been creating jewelry since I was 14. I instantly fell in love with the vast array of techniques, creativity, and individuality found in jewelry, it was my way of creating a statement. I also enjoyed that there was always something new to learn. My main focus was on beading and learning the intricate designs and patterns found in bead-work. Things changed for me in 2005. While attending the Bellevue Art Festival, I came across Marilyn Moore’s work. She was using basket weaving techniques to weave recycled copper wire into the most beautiful sculptured vases. I was mesmerized by the textures and movement that she achieved by just using wire. I went home that day with visions of the jewelry possibilities that could be rendered with wire.

I started researching wire work and weaving, but I never found what I needed to bring my visions into reality. So I began experimenting with different weaves and techniques. My early attempts were pretty pathetic and did not capture what I was envisioning and after several years of no success I almost gave up, convinced that wire work was not something that I could do. One day I had a breakthrough. It was when I took the concepts I had learned from years of beading, and began to apply them to the wire that everything came together. That was 3 years ago. I haven’t been able to put the wire down since, and I can’t imagine working with anything else now.

My style and designs is ever evolving as I discover new ways to work with the wire and in the process develop new techniques. The composition in the design is very important to me. I strive to find the correct balance between the focal gem or crystal, and the different textures created with the wire. I have also found ways to use layering to create depth and interest in my compact designs. Many of my designs feature symmetrical elements that are challenging to create and require careful planning, but I find the extra effort produces beautiful results. I design my pieces so that they will always be elegant and timeless.

This year I also started teaching, and had the good fortune to be able to teach in Bellevue, WA at Quiltworks Northwest, and am teaching some classes in my home town of Spokane Valley, WA at Beyond Beads Gallery. I enjoy teaching and love to open people’s eyes to new possibilities and ideas with wire. I hope in the years to come I will be able to expand my teaching endeavors.

My life at home is pretty chaotic. I am a wife to a wonderful and supportive husband, and a mother to five beautiful energetic children. My children range in age from 11 years old all the way down to a 3 year old toddler. I am often making jewelry with little ones in my lap, or while they are sitting next to me as we work together on their schoolwork. Most of the time, they are just plain running around having fun and making a lot of noise. And yes I stay up way to late to work. There really is never a dull or quiet moment in our home. I have to say that I feel so blessed that I have this opportunity to work from home and do something that I love. It is so important to me that I am there every step of the way for my kids. Being on Etsy is allowing me to do this.

If you are interested in learning how to make wire woven jewelry check out my new shop where I am selling some of my tutorials. https://www.etsy.com/shop/TutorialsbySarah