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Designer Spotlight: Chasing Sun & Sea with @followthesunstoneco 🌞🌊
Some artists find inspiration in a studio; others find it with every step along the shoreline. For @followthesunstoneco, the rhythm of the ocean and the simple joy of collecting stones have shaped an entire creative journey. What began as a way to share gratitude with friends, gifting “strength stones” and sea glass necklaces, has blossomed into a jewelry business that captures the calm, meditative spirit of the coast.
From New England gift shops to her Etsy storefront, her handmade designs invite us all to follow the sun, embrace creativity, and find beauty in everyday moments.
How did you get into jewelry making?Ever since I can remember, I have always loved walking on the beach and collecting stones and I have always found joy in being creative in all different ways. When I retired from teaching four years ago, I was looking for a new creative outlet and I started making stone necklaces and giving them to friends that were always there for me. I started giving rocks to my "Rocks".
The process of making the stone and sea glass jewelry sparks my artistic spirit and is very meditative for me. I enjoyed making them so much that I decided to continue making necklaces to share with others as well. I started selling them wholesale to small gift shops in New England and then last year I opened an Etsy shop too so I could share my jewelry with more people.
What kind of jewelry pieces are your favorite to make?
All of my jewelry pieces are inspired by my love of the Sun & Sea. I started by making stone necklaces and now I also work with genuine sea glass and stainless steel charms too. In addition to necklaces, I make hoop earrings which are very fun to make. I enjoy making all different types of pieces. I like to work in small batches and focus on the colors and the vibe of each necklace or pair of hoops to create something unique. My favorite necklaces to wear are my “Strength Stone” necklaces. They are made with larger stones and they are very meditative to wear and hold. Some people call them “Worry Stones” in necklace form, but I like to think of them as Strength Stones. They have a very calming, zen feel to them.
What types of beads are your favorite to work with?
Early on I discovered beautiful recycled glass beads from The Bead Chest and those are still my favorite! I’m inspired by my love of the ocean and there are so many beautiful shades of blue and green beads that evoke the feeling of water. I think they pair so well with the stones and sea glass pieces that I use. I like the calm feeling of working monochromatically, so I like using different shades of blues and greens for many of my pieces. I also love to work with neutral shades and the clear recycled glass beads and neutral wooden beads work so well together. When you work within a monochromatic palette, it’s important to vary the types of material and textures to create interesting pieces.
Early on I discovered beautiful recycled glass beads from The Bead Chest and those are still my favorite! I’m inspired by my love of the ocean and there are so many beautiful shades of blue and green beads that evoke the feeling of water. I think they pair so well with the stones and sea glass pieces that I use. I like the calm feeling of working monochromatically, so I like using different shades of blues and greens for many of my pieces. I also love to work with neutral shades and the clear recycled glass beads and neutral wooden beads work so well together. When you work within a monochromatic palette, it’s important to vary the types of material and textures to create interesting pieces.
Where can our followers purchase designs from you?
To purchase my handmade necklaces and hoop earrings, visit my Etsy Shop followthesunstoneco.etsy.com. I'm always happy to work with people on custom orders too, so if you see something on my Instagram, but don’t see it in my Etsy Shop~ definitely DM me!
Also, if you live in New England, you can visit these shops to see more of my handmade jewelry and lots of other great gifts they have! I truly appreciate these independent gift shops that support local artists and carry my line of handmade jewelry!
MA:
•Russell Orchards ~Ipswich
•Snows Cape Cod ~Orleans
•Moons ~Salem
•Mono Mono Boutique ~Marshfield
•The White Belle Home ~Upton
•The Treasure Box ~Medway
NH:
Colonial ~New London
Trends Gift Gallery ~Exeter
ME:
Whispering Sands ~York Beach
What is your biggest jewelry design achievement?
My biggest achievement has to be having re-orders year after year from the gift shops that carry my jewelry. It’s amazing to think about all the people out there in the world wearing and enjoying something that I created! Re-orders from stores and repeat Etsy customers inspire me. I also have to add that my 22 year old son has been wearing a necklace that I made for him for two years straight! That feels like an achievement for both of us- he loves it and wears it every day and the quality of the necklace has stood up to his active life! It feels pretty good to know that young and old, men, women, and teens all appreciate my designs and find a piece of jewelry they love to wear.
Who are some jewelry designers that inspire you?
I have felt so lucky to find ‘’my people”. I was welcomed in by this great group of creative women and they always inspire me! Following the Sun is a state of mind that I try to live by and it’s wonderful to have connected with a positive community of creators that lift each other up!
@sweetandstonejewelry, @tlynnjewelrydesign, @juliemariestudio, @klblivingdesigns, @natalieburelson72, @whimsybeadworks, @foxglow_trinkets, @thatshowiknot, & @cm2jewelry.
I have felt so lucky to find ‘’my people”. I was welcomed in by this great group of creative women and they always inspire me! Following the Sun is a state of mind that I try to live by and it’s wonderful to have connected with a positive community of creators that lift each other up!
@sweetandstonejewelry, @tlynnjewelrydesign, @juliemariestudio, @klblivingdesigns, @natalieburelson72, @whimsybeadworks, @foxglow_trinkets, @thatshowiknot, & @cm2jewelry.
With each order, repeat customer, and “strength stone” necklace worn daily, @followthesunstoneco continues to build more than just jewelry—she builds a community rooted in positivity, authenticity, and seaside inspiration. Her story is proof that creativity can spark at any stage in life, and that sharing what you love can create lasting connections. Whether you’re drawn to her calming blues and greens or inspired by her uplifting spirit, we hope her journey encourages you to discover your own creative path and surround yourself with people who help you shine.
So who should we feature next on Designer Spotlight?
Let us know in the comments!
#TheBeadChest
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