By: Susanne Faulkner
Faulkner Sterling Design

Creative people come up with ideas that make us wonder, “Why didn’t I think of that!”  Recently, a number of families have discovered a great new way to provide their children with a creative experience, shared by several generations.
Susanne Faulkner, of Faulkner Sterling Design in Middletown, spent more than 30 years in an elementary classroom.  Her second career, jewelry making, has allowed her to bring her educational skills to the studio. She delights in teaching many types of jewelry making to people of every age. Comfortable with children, and excellent at ensuring the success of every student, she provides the technical support and encouragement necessary for each person to leave class with a beautiful piece of jewelry they are proud of.  Success is guaranteed!

A local grandmother was looking for something new to do when her daughter-in-law and granddaughters came for a visit. She arranged to spend an afternoon together at Sue’s studio. Hesitant at first, she decided to “do it too,” just to be a part of the day. “To my surprise and delight,” she reports, “I totally enjoyed making my own piece and I wear it regularly.  Now I’m planning an adult’s day to learn how to make our own silver piece!”

Children are amazing creative designers. They quickly learn to work with many different types of jewelry making materials.  Inexpensive polymer clay is a versatile product used to make beads, charms, or pendants for necklaces and earrings.  Some like to select from the studio’s extensive collection of gorgeous beads from around the world. Even the simple process of stringing a necklace ignites the creative spark in everyone. With supportive instruction, even beginners can make intricate pieces like chain maille bracelets.

“After I attended a class, my creative son wanted to try one. He was a little tentative when he went in. When I picked him up, his smile said it all!  He had a great time, and spent his own money to buy supplies to make more things on his own. The pieces he made – a bracelet, some earrings, and a necklace – were lovely gifts for me!  He was so proud that he got to create them.”

Many people dream of a job where they do only what they love most. Susanne Faulkner has established a second career that allows her to do just that. Faulkner Sterling Design emerged from her love of beauty, gift for working with her hands, fabulous sense of style, and never ending desire to create beautiful things.
Sue delights in helping women express their inner beauty through the high quality artisan jewelry she makes by hand. She creates an endless flow of unique pieces that help any woman to set herself apart. Sue searches the world for beautiful beads, new techniques, and materials to delight women. She welcomes others with a passion for jewelry to her studio to explore new possibilities for their collections.
Teaching is a natural part of this former educator’s creative process. Many women enjoy the chance to create jewelry for themselves. Workshops meet regularly
in both her Middletown, Delaware studio and the nearby “Gibby” Center for the Creative Arts. Sue loves to gather with small groups for a few hours of creativity. Sue is delighted by their joy as they leave wearing a beautiful piece of jewelry they made for themselves.

Testimonial:

My girls love to wear their jewelry and tell admirers that it is their own handiwork! I get many compliments on my one of a kind necklace. I appreciate Sue encouraging creativity while giving basic instruction! My girls have asked to go back!           ~ Sherri H.

Faulkner Sterling Design
115 E. Redding Street, Middletown, DE 19709
302 378 4850    •    302 584 7351
ssusanne@faulknersterlingdesign.com
www.faulknersterling design.com

Thursday: 11 – 5pm

Friday: 11 – 5pm

Saturday: 11 – 4pm