Arts & Crafts by Sarah Moody
Tile and mosaic art became a significant part of my life in my early 20s, inspired by a book about fantasy art from around the world. A small inheritance from my grandmother gave me the opportunity to travel through Europe and visit many of the places on my bucket list, including La Maison Picassiette and Chartres Cathedral in France, the Tarot Garden in Tuscany, the Château des Baux-de-Provence, Claude Monet’s Garden in Giverny, and the Musée d’Orsay.
The extraordinary craftsmanship I encountered left a lasting impression on me. I was captivated by the thousands of years of artistry created by master craftspeople—many whose names have been lost to history, but whose work continues to inspire.
My own art is a small thread in that much larger history. I create with deep respect for those who came before me, carrying their influence forward through my own hands, imagination, and love of craftsmanship.
Mosaic
Dreamcatchers
Dreamcatchers originated with the Ojibwe (Chippewa) people as protective charms inspired by the legend of Asibikaashi, the Spider Woman. Mothers and grandmothers wove willow hoops like spiderwebs to catch bad dreams and let good ones pass through, offering comfort and protection.
My dreamcatcher journey began when I inherited doilies made by my great-great-grandmother. With Native roots through my Flathead grandmother, I’ve always felt a pull toward my ancestors. Creating my first dreamcatcher became a way to honor the generations of women—my mother, grandmothers, and those before them—whose love and creativity shaped my life.
Each dreamcatcher in my collection is one of a kind. Many center doilies are crocheted by my mother-in-law, while others come from antique stores and artists across the U.S. and U.K. I hand-stretch, bead, design, and finish each piece myself. All are made in limited quantities, crafted individually with care and connection.
Succulent Pumpkins
Fountains
In my early 20s, I worked at a unique garden and sculpture shop in downtown Carmel, California, featuring more than 60 years of handcrafted fountains, gardens, and sculpture made on site. I began as the shopkeeper, then apprenticed with the owner and a prominent artist, learning the craft of hammered copper sculpture.
I eventually managed the shop, created my own fountains and sculpture, and curated work from other artists. My love for fountains and garden art never left me.
When I became pregnant with my daughter, I stepped away from metalwork and returned to school to study design technology. Today, I combine my background in design with my love of handmade art—always a nature girl at heart.
