Hello, I’m Sarah, the heart and hands behind Sarah Munnings Jewellery. Today, I want to share a bit of my journey with you—the personal story of how creativity, specifically silversmithing, became my therapy when I was struggling with chronic illness, and how it evolved into something much bigger than I ever anticipated.
For those who don’t know me, I live with a combination of fibromyalgia, autism, and ADHD. These conditions all affect me in different ways, but together they’ve shaped not only my personal life but also my creative journey. At first, they seemed like barriers I couldn’t overcome, but eventually, they became part of the rhythm of my work and my life.
The Rhythm of Pain, Autism,and ADHD
Living with chronic pain is exhausting, both physically and emotionally. Fibromyalgia has a way of making even the simplest tasks feel like mountains to climb. On top of that, autism and ADHD add another layer of
complexity—there are days when it feels like my brain and body are in constant overdrive. But somewhere in the midst of this chaos, I found a rhythm.
The rhythm, though unpredictable, became the pulse of my creative process. My brain works in waves: some days, I’m buzzing with energy, full of ideas, and other days, the pain takes over and I can barely function. But when I’m in flow, I’m completely immersed in what I’m doing—whether it’s shaping silver, hammering, or polishing a piece. That state of flow—when
everything around me fades away, and I’m just focused on creating—became my escape, my therapy, and my connection to something bigger than myself.
For me, flow is essential. It’s a moment where pain doesn’t matter, where the rest of the world can wait. It’s in that space where I can forget about the noise and the discomfort, and just be. In a way, this process has helped me manage my pain. It doesn’t take the pain away, but it gives me a tool to shift my focus, calm my mind, and feel a sense of control over my body that I
often don’t feel in my daily life. It’s like the rhythm of creating brings balance, helps me manage my energy, and allows me to better navigate my days.
Sharing the Healing Power of Silversmithing
As I found healing in my creative process, I knew I wasn’t alone in this journey. There are so many people who are living with chronic pain, neurodiversity, or mental health challenges, and I wanted to find a
way to share the power of creativity with them. That’s how I came to develop
accessible silversmithing workshops.
The idea behind these workshops is simple: to create a space where anyone—no matter where they are in their journey—can experience the therapeutic benefits of creativity. Whether someone has chronic pain, ADHD, autism, or any other condition, I want them to feel that they can engage with the process at their own pace. For me, it’s essential that no one feels rushed,
judged, or out of place. The creative process is deeply personal, and it needs to be flexible to accommodate where people are in their lives.
2025: What’s Next?
Looking ahead to 2025, I’m so excited to offer a variety of classes to further share this passion of mine. I’ll be offering private, one-on-one classes where I can work closely with individuals to help them explore their own creativity at a pace that suits them. There will also be corporate sessions designed to introduce teams to the therapeutic power of creativity, helping them unwind, connect, and release stress through silversmithing.
For those looking for a group experience, I’ll be running group taster sessions for 10-30 people, where you can come together with others to explore silversmithing and experience the joy of creating something with your own hands. I want these sessions to be full of fun, creativity, and shared passion, providing a space where everyone, no matter their background or abilities, can find joy in the process.
Through these workshops, I hope to give people the same gift I found: the ability to create, connect, and heal through art.
Why Accessibility Matters
Creating accessible silversmithing isn’t just about physical accommodations; it’s about mental and emotional accessibility, too. I believe creativity has the power to heal, to give people a sense of agency and control, and to help them find balance in a world that often feels chaotic. Whether someone
is dealing with chronic illness, neurodiversity, or any other challenge, I
want them to feel seen, heard, and supported as they explore their own
creativity.
I understand how important it is to move at your own pace. I know that some days, you might not have the energy for a full session, or perhaps you need more time to focus on a technique. That’s why my workshops are
designed to meet you where you are—whether you’re working through your
own challenges or simply seeking a creative outlet, I want to provide a space
where you can thrive.
Jewellery making has been more than just a creative outlet for me—it has been a form of therapy, a way to manage my chronic pain and the complexities of living with autism and ADHD. It has taught me to embrace the flow, to find balance, and to create with intention.
I’m beyond excited for the future of Sarah Munnings Jewellery, and I can’t wait to share the magic of silversmithing with others in 2025. I hope that by offering accessible workshops, I can help others experience the same healing power that I’ve found in creativity. Whether you’re someone with chronic pain, neurodiversity, or simply a love for crafting, I’d love for you
to join me on this journey, at your own pace and in your own time.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. If you’d like to know more about upcoming workshops or want to book a session, feel free to get in touch. I can’t wait to see what we’ll create together.
Sarah