Sarah Winfield
Name: Sarah Winfield (Winnie to my friends)
Company name: St Piran Silver
Instagram: @stpiransilver
Facebook: St Piran Silver
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/StPiranSilver
When did you start making art with sea glass?
I discovered sea glass quite by accident when strolling across a beach in Falmouth near where I live and coming across a couple of pieces of green glass about 6 years ago. The glass sat in a cupboard and was added to whenever we went to the beach for the next few years.
I had been taking silversmithing classes one evening a week and had been shown how to make a simple bezel setting with a regular stone, then my daughter announced that she would like a sea glass ring, so I thought I’d have a go. I had the silver, I had the sea glass but sadly not the skill! After several failed attempts which consisted of numerous melted bezels, glass that wouldn’t fit the bezel after it was made and watching several online tutorials I had some success. It was worth the perseverance.
What inspired you to make your first piece?
Living in Cornwall I am surrounded by the sea, so sea glass was available (and beautiful).
Where do you sell your products?
Initially I didn’t sell my jewellery. It was given as presents to friends and family. I then started to sell at a local farmers market one Saturday morning a month which boosted my confidence. Following lockdown I wasn’t able to do this, but still enjoyed making so I set up an Etsy shop. My daughter also manages an Instagram page for me.
What do you love most about sea glass?
I love its uniqueness. Two pieces are never the same in colour, shape or texture so a piece of jewellery is completely one of a kind. However all Cornish sea glass is green or white, so with the help of Archie supplying me I have been able to branch out into jewellery made with gorgeous shades of blue.
Where do you make your creations?
I have a makeshift bench set up in my little potting shed in the garden surrounded by seedlings, compost and garden tools. It’s my favourite place to be!
Do you make bespoke orders?
Yes, but there is a limit. My silversmithing is done alongside a full time job.
