"It’s Never Too Late to Begin" . The Craft Journey of Sara Cardina, Portugal

“Jewelry is a gift of love,” says Sara Cardina, with a calm conviction that only life experience can bring.

Based in the charming town of Caldas da Rainha, Portugal, Sara Cardina is living proof that it’s never too late to change your path, follow your passion, and turn creativity into a profession.

Her story is one of reinvention, exploration, and dedication — a journey that began not in her youth, but later in life, when she made the bold decision to turn her love for craft into a career.

From Decorative Arts to Contemporary Jewelry

Sara’s early years in craft were shaped by a fascination with natural forms, textures, and the soul of materials. Her hands moved through wood, canvas, pewter, ceramics, and textiles, each medium adding a layer to her growing artistic language.

But it was metal clay — especially Precious Metal Clay (PMC) — that truly captivated her. PMC is a revolutionary material made of 92% pure metal (silver, gold, bronze, or platinum) mixed with an organic binder and water. It's malleable, non-toxic, and offers incredible freedom for artistic expression.

In 2008, Sara took a leap of faith and travelled to the Mid Cornwall School of Jewellery in the UK to study under renowned instructor Lisa Cain. There, she earned her diploma in PMC Proficiency and joined the PMC Guild, officially stepping into the world of contemporary jewelry.

A Universe of Materials and Emotion

Sara’s creations are more than accessories — they are miniature universes where natural forms, emotion, and technical mastery meet. Her work features circles, shells, elongated leaves, and textures that feel both ancient and intimate.

Over the years, she has explored a remarkable array of materials:Silver, gold, bronze, copper clay, white bronze, glass, silicone, fabric, 3D printing, enamel, stone, ceramic — all coexisting in her creative ecosystem.

She continued her training with renowned artists such as Hadar Jacobson, Catarina Fernandes, and Nadine Gueniou, diving deeper into ceramic jewelry, bronze techniques, and saggar firing.

Craft as Legacy

Craft is also something deeply familial for Sara. She has passed on her love for ceramics to her son, Dário, and her sisters Ana and Isabel, who have since built their own creative careers in the ceramic arts.

This shared journey shows how craft, when nurtured with love, becomes more than a profession — it becomes a legacy.

Reinvention and Recognition

Since 2006, Sara has created unique, handcrafted jewelry and fashion accessories, showcasing her work in exhibitions such as “Do Design: 4 Perspectives of Contemporary Jewelry” and “Maló Clinics”, among others.

Her pieces reflect a lifetime of learning, proving that mastery comes not just from age — but from curiosity, courage, and a willingness to start.

And yes — today, Sara makes a living from her craft. It’s not just a passion; it’s a profession.

“We should never be afraid to begin something new — especially when it’s something that feeds the soul,” Sara shares.“Art doesn’t care how old you are. It cares that you show up.”

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