Saul Bailon’s first creative idea sparked from his family’s kitchen. He was going through his mother’s silverware drawer and couldn’t help but notice the intricate designs on some of the old spoons, forks and knives. He was intrigued—what could he create from this?
The answer: Sawls Spoon Crafts.
At only 17, Bailon decided to invest all of his savings from his job making pizzas at Motz Pizza into starting his own business making jewelry, and other works of art, from spoons. He began buying equipment and introducing himself at local farmers markets, coffee shops, and festivals, creating his first spoon ring by using pliers and a portable sanding machine.
In 2023, Bailon opened Sawls Spoon Crafts, one of many creative businesses across the country that are part of a growing movement that prioritizes artisanal skill over mass production.
“I got accepted to the Dallas Farmers Market, and it has been a really great accomplishment for me, because it has provided a sense of stability and appreciation,” Bailon said.
Today, shoppers can find him at the Dallas Farmers Market and the Fort Worth Community Market where he will transform your average silverware into a ring in just a couple of minutes. He also has other pre-made inventory available for customers to choose from.
“I never thought people would buy things made from silverware, or that people would appreciate the artistry that I make,” Bailon said.
That’s a lot of spoons
One of the biggest challenges for him is being able to find his inventory. It’s usually a full day from early morning to late night, of going to estate sales, antique malls, through eBay and Facebook.
“It gets me excited because you never know what you’ll find,” Bailon said. “To be honest, I would say I’ve wiped out all the antique stores local to me so that’s no longer an option.”
Even when traveling or on vacation, Bailon is searching for the nearest antique shop.
The most time consuming part of his business is polishing the silverware.This task takes up many of his evenings.
“One time it took six hours to polish 183 spoons,” he said.
Music, and some occasional help from his family and friends, helps him get through the more arduous parts.
At the market he has a table set up, where people are able to pick out their favorite silverware piece, and he then makes everything right there. After he’s done, he ensures the ring fits the customer properly.
His creative skills don’t stop at ring-making, he also makes small flower vases, key chains, spoon earrings, and hair clips. Bailon charges anywhere from $12 to $45, depending on the item and quality.
Besides farmer’s markets, Bailon would love to start doing private events.
“My goal is to be booked for a wedding, because the live spoon ring-making would be such a great experience for everyone to have at such a personal moment,” he said.
Bailon is currently at the University of Texas at Arlington studying visual communication design. He’d like to find a remote design job after graduation.
“I want to be able to have that freedom of being creative and being on my own time too.”
