Sarah Sonder

05/30/2026

I always say that I am better at creating with metal than I am at drawing. New collection in the works....

Two of these turquoise stones have been in my stash, being saved, for a DECADE. 10 years, just waiting for my abilities to catch up with what I wanted to create with these precious babes.

These are the last of my turquoise stones. Which means a stone buying trip is in our future. I get to buy pretty rocks. For my job.

05/29/2026

Come have lunch with us and celebrate the new park in Downtown Peoria! Next Friday 6/5 11am-2pm 🫶🏻

Join ArtsPartners of Central Illinois and Peoria County for a First Fridays Amplified pop-up lunchtime celebration on Friday, June 5 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. outside in the new Bicentennial Park at the Courthouse. Bring your lunch or purchase food from one of the food trucks on site. A ribbon-cutting to open Bicentennial Park in the Courthouse plaza will take place at 1 p.m.

“Peoria County is excited to officially open Bicentennial Park and show off the extensive renovations to this area,” said James C. Dillon, Peoria County Board Chairperson. “We previewed the park during our Bicentennial Block Party last year, which celebrated our 200th anniversary, and we’re looking forward to the public being able to now fully utilize this new and updated space.”

The newly renovated area includes new stone pavers, bronze bison statues within a new water feature, updated lighting, landscaping, and seating areas.

Hosting the inaugural First Fridays Amplified event in this space allows the community to experience the new plaza as a hub of art, music, and creativity. Peoria County is grateful to ArtsPartners of Central Illinois for selecting Bicentennial Park for their June 5 daytime event.

Some of the participating artists and performers include:
🎵 Live music by Goodnight Gracie
🎨 LNOR LLC, freelance illustrator and Studios on Sheridan artist, creating live paintings
💍 Sarah Leman of Sarah Sonder Design, featuring handcrafted sterling silver and bronze jewelry
🖌️ Sarahi Munoz of Cloudgaze, presenting watercolor illustrations inspired by fantasy and everyday beauty
🎈 Doug Smith and The Unique Twist & Twisting Crew with live balloon art entertainment

Food will be available to purchase from Tony's on Wheels (Haddad's Restaurant) and Chuy Blonos Tacos on Hamilton/Adams, plus attendees can get a free ice cream scoop from The Daily Scoop - Peoria Heights while supplies last until 1:30 p.m. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public.

05/27/2026

"Do you know that what you are doing is actually not soldering?!?"

Ok, bud.

A rose by any other name is still a complicated skill and artform, joining two pieces of metal together using a torch, flux, and solder.

New pieces coming this week👀

05/19/2026

Thank you SO MUCH to everyone who came out and visited my booth at the yesterday!!

I saw some of my very favorite customer-turned-friends, met some new faces, and enjoyed the beautiful weather with my favorite guy! Shout out to and Jamie for all their hard work and organization to make this market possible!

Lots of new babes went home this week, but I have plenty more up my sleeve. Check back for more fun pieces coming soooooon!

My next market will be June 20th in Washington, Il

05/17/2026

We are out here at and the weather is 10/10😊

Come enjoy the coolest spot in Peoria, and all the makers it can contain!

See you 12-4pm today🤘🏻

05/16/2026

All the cool kids will be hanging in the Valley tomorrow.

If you noticed my sunburn, no you didn't. Come say it to my face tomorrow😘

05/14/2026

A collection of 20+ designs just hit the website if you would like to take a look 🩵

05/08/2026

Bringing the ocean to you...with the Larimar "Down By the Water" Collection

I am lucky enough to have a dear friend who brings me larimar stones from her vacations in the Dominican Republic. The elements and atmosphere in the Dominican make it the only place on earth where this bright, vibrant blue stone forms, and it is in finite supply.

There are a few more pieces than what is photographed here, ready to hit the website next Wednesday (5/13)

Photography by 😘