Get to Know: Erica Wilson of FOUND Jewelry

For all of our local Savannah shoppers, you're no stranger to seeing our jewelry case filled with Erica Wilson's amazing creations. FOUND jewelry has been a Paris Market staple for a while now, so we figured it was about time to pay Erica a little visit in her studio & find out a little bit more about how she got into jewelry designing. Keep scrolling to see what she had to say & also check out the images we captured of her space (we were in love with all of the beautiful natural light)! 

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am married and have three children, ages 16, 14, 10.  We have lived in Savannah for 17 years.  

How did you get your start as a jewelry designer?
My good friend, Paula Danyluk, thought I would like jewelry making, so one year she bought me a “starter kit” filled with beads, tools and treasures.  I was hooked immediately!

Can you tell us a little bit more about your process? How do you find all the of different, unique pieces that go into each completed piece?
I am a scavenger. I am constantly looking for unique “found” objects to incorporate into my jewelry. I love bones, horns, antler tips, pretty much anything that fuses nature with wearable art. I have even gotten my family hooked. We take boat trips out to the barrier islands and search for treasures quite often.  

What is your favorite part about creating jewelry?
I get very inspired when I find new objects, whether it be something vintage or something from nature. My favorite part is probably the design aspect. 

Erica's pieces are available in-store & online!

Pick of the Week: Gunner & Lux's Little Lux Line

Last week we enlisted the help of a few of our favorite pint-sized Paris Marketeers to show off our newest (& only) line of jewelry that's made especially for kiddos: Little Lux! As fun as these necklaces are, we knew it was sure to be a good time & we definitely were not disappointed. The kiddos had a blast getting to model these one-of-a-kind necklaces, especially because in between takes they got to run around & play. And for us, it was a nice reminder to appreciate the simple things in life, like laughter, friendship, & golden lion necklaces. So if you're anything like us, these necklaces are sure to bring a smile to your face (especially when they're attached to your favorite kiddo), so be sure to check them out in store & online! 

Get to Know: Meredith Anne Sutton

One of the things we love the most about being located in Savannah is all of the amazing local artists, especially because that means we get to fill our shelves with their beautiful hand-made products. And although we don't like to play favorites, we are especially enchanted by the work of local jewelry designer, Meredith Anne Sutton. "Her style uniquely balances industrial & feminine influences & reflects her enamoring of found objects, including vintage pieces, architectural finds & hardware procured from old furniture. Sutton’s work is highly romantic & takes inspiration from literature & poetry, as well as structural relics. With an aesthetic that is at once clean, ornate & bold, Sutton works with mediums of sterling silver, 18k gold, bronze, & acrylic to present pieces apropos for the most discerning & mature woman to the chic young trendsetter." So naturally, you can see why she fits right in here at The Paris Market. We recently had the chance to visit Meredith in her studio & find out a little bit more about her process as a jewelry designer. Keep reading below to get to know Meredith Anne Sutton!

Working at her desk

Look familiar? ;)

How did you get your start as a jewelry designer?

When I began my studies at SCAD, my focus was Graphic Design. During my sophomore year, I was at a friend’s house who was majoring in Metals & Jewelry. I will have to say, I owe it to her because if I hadn’t seen all the cool things she was making, I wouldn’t have been inspired to use one of my electives for an Intro to Jewelry class. Two weeks into the course, I switched my major. From then on, I knew I would be a jewelry designer. 

What is your favorite medium to work with? 

Pretty much any kind of metal, but recently I have really enjoyed working with brass. It makes a great price point for my work & I love the contrast I can create with patina. 

In addition to working as a jewelry designer, you also work at Service Brewing Co. Can you tell us a little more about what you do there?

I am the creative marketing director. I handle all the creative direction for the company’s identity. I work with our graphic designer, writer & illustrator for our labels, merchandise, & other media outlets. I also designed the tasting room & curated the Tap Handle Project, a collection of 22 tap handles all created by artists.  

Piecing together a cuff 

Soldering

Filing the edges of a completed cuff

What is your favorite part about what you do in both of your professional roles? 

Being creative, working with other artists/designers & passing on a product that makes people happy. I mean, jewelry and beer… it doesn’t get any better than that. 

What do you see as the biggest challenge of being a working artist & what are some ways you try to overcome it?  

Finding the time to do everything. I think every artist’s biggest challenge is time. I am constantly making lists, establishing daily deadlines, & have learned to bring in help during the holidays. I have had many sleepless nights just to make sure I meet those deadlines. 

What are your main sources of inspiration, particularly when starting a new jewelry piece?

Lately, it’s been the material. I think that is where it all starts. Whether it’s the metal or a found object, the idea takes shape as I create the piece. 

Studio details

From behind the artist's desk

This Just in: FOUND Jewelry

FOUND jewelry by Erica Wilson has become some what of a staple here at the Paris Market so it's always an exciting time when we get in a new batch of her creations. And it's really no wonder her pieces fit right in here as they combine two of our favorite things: natural elements & vintage finds! Subtle & beautiful, each piece of jewelry possesses its own character & truly feels like a unique piece of wearable art. Be sure to stop by the store soon to see the entire collection!

Jewelry Feature: Peg & Awl

We absolutely adore the husband & wife team of Peg & Awl. They take found, & often vintage, objects & make them "into wearable curiosities, inscribable keepsakes & useable, long-lasting treasures." Out of all their unique creations though, we just might be the most taken with their "wearable curiosities," aka their jewelry. We just can't get over the attention to detail; from the jewelry itself to the packaging, the final product is absolutely stunning. And to top it all off, each piece is made carefully by hand! Be sure to stop by the soon to add one of these beautiful pieces to your collection as they're sure to go quick! 

Currently Inspired: Simple Silver Jewelry

There's nothing we love more than seeing our cabinets filled with an inspiring assortment of beautiful jewelry! Simple and sophisticated, our latest collection of jewelry by artist Denise Disharoon has arrived just in time for the spring season. Inspired by organic forms found in nature, each piece is handcrafted from recycled sterling silver and forged into lightweight, well balanced accessories. Perfect for both everyday wear and for special occasions, each piece will add an element of subtle elegance to your wardrobe that will have everyone feeling envious this season, especially us! Stop by soon and see the rest of our spring collection up close!

Available at The Paris Market.

This Just In: New Jewelry for Sping

We can't deny the fact that our jewelry cabinet is easily one of our favorite nooks in the store. As we like to keep an ever-changing collection of beautifully handmade accessories by local artists, it's a wonder any of us can hang onto our paychecks at all! This week we're especially excited because we've just added a whole boat load of gorgeous new pieces that we can't stop obsessing over! From simple silver earrings to beaded ribbon necklaces, reclaimed wood bracelets to bone and tooth earrings, these handcrafted treasures are a must have this spring! With Valentine's Day now only a few days away, what better way to shower your Valentine with affection this year than a beautiful piece of handmade jewelry! Stop by soon before it's all gone!

Available at The Paris Market.

This Just In: New Products Online

Get ready to do some shopping, because we've just added some of our favorite new products to our online boutique! Books that will inspire creativity, handmade jewelry that will make your friends drool with envy and kitchen accessories perfect for all occasions are just a few of our latest and greatest! With the weekend right around the corner, what better time to find the perfect gift for your friends and family? Be sure to check out our online boutique for new arrivals every week! Happy shopping and have a great weekend!

1. A Life Less Ordinary: Interiors and Inspirations Book | 2. Handmade Wooden Jewelry by Collin Garrity  3. Measuring Spoons | 4. Moustache Comb and Brush | 5. Circles Earrings | 6. Essential Corkscrew 

 7. Domestic Art Book

Objects of Desire : New Jewelry Baubles

We can't deny how much it excites us to unpack new treasures that have come from all over the world. Some items will always remain a mystery as to their origin and use, but others we get to learn all about. Either way it's a thrilling experience seeing trinkets and artifacts that offer a tiny glimpse of another time and place. As with the case with our newly acquired collection of jewelry baubles, items that inspire creativity are especially exciting for us, which is why we wanted to share a few of our new favorite pieces! As beautiful as these objects are on their own, when intermixed with other pieces of jewelry they really stand out as the unique artifacts of history that they are. It's true we love creative projects, so anything that sparks our imagination is easy to gush over, but our new jewelry baubles are just too exciting not to share. With items like miniature pocket knives, religious medallions and police whistles, what's not to love? Stop by soon and see what pieces inspire your creativity!

Weekend Inspiration: FOUND Jewelry

If you're a frequent Paris Market shopper, or if you follow any of our social media platforms, then you've most definitely become well acquainted with our FOUND Jewelry collection. It's no secret that Erica Wilson's designs are a favorite among the entire Paris Market family. Combining vintage items with elements of nature, Erica blends old with new, history and modernity in a style that is both uniquely distinctive and beautiful. Today we're especially excited, not just because it's Friday, but because a brand new collection of stunning FOUND Jewelry has just made its way to the shelves and right on time to inspire us for a weekend filled with creative projects! Though, we may not be making jewelry ourselves, we're nevertheless just as anxious to get our hands dirty and make something that is unique to us. Have a great weekend!