Tell us about what you do:
Designing and making jewelry has always served as a source of delight and calm for me. Given these extraordinarily challenging times, it has also become a welcome and happy refuge. My deep hope is that the jewelry I create will, in turn, offer delight and calm to lift the spirit and make the wearer feel special. I’ve made and sold earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pins, pendants, rings, and hair pins in my spare time, while working as a higher-education administrator full time. In 2010, the jewelry took center stage. And, in 2013, RuthieLine Jewelry Designs came into existence as a full-time venture…adventure, really. I also started teaching others how to make jewelry. What a joy!
Is there a story behind your business name?
Yes, indeed! Growing up, my parents called me “Ruthielein,” which is a German term of endearment for someone whose name is Ruth. It’s pronounced, “Ruthie Line,” and I have a lot found memories associated with the name. When it came time to brand the jewelry I make, “RuthieLine” just felt right.
What's your medium of choice?
I work primarily in sterling silver, but also enjoy using other materials in my designs, such as stones, copper, touches of gold, and even resin on occasion. Using a variety of materials along with a range of techniques makes for all kinds of design opportunities and keeps things wonderfully interesting.
Why do you feel your art/craft is important/relevant today?
This is an interesting question. I would say that any creative endeavor has relevance, no matter where an individual chooses to focus. In a time of pandemic, if it’s at all possible, I think it’s especially important to engage in something that provides satisfaction creatively, no matter what the outlet is. My focus happens to be making jewelry, which is a source a great joy in the making, in the teaching, and, I hope also, in the wearing for those who purchase my designs.
What is the most gratifying part of making your work?
Making jewelry and teaching jewelry-making are inherently joyful activities for me. BUT… the most gratifying part of my work is either seeing someone take delight in wearing something I’ve made, or seeing someone take delight in their own creative efforts after learning a jewelry-making technique. These experiences are incredibility uplifting, and it just doesn’t get old!
Where do you find inspiration?
Primarily, inspiration for me is grounded in exploring the range of techniques available to make jewelry. It’s the equivalent of a child’s sandbox. As I explore and experiment, design ideas emerge. It’s exciting! In terms of forms, my inspirations are quite eclectic, ranging from wrought iron gates and grates to cathedral ceilings (like the one Salisbury, England) to jewelry from early civilizations to Art Deco and Art Nouveau. Even renaissance and medieval influences creep in every once in a while. And, significantly, customers are a source of inspiration. When they ask me to make something I’ve not done before, the collaboration between the customer and me always opens the door to new design ideas.
You can find Ruth's work on etsy here and follow her on instagram @ruthielinejewelrydesign.
Designing and making jewelry has always served as a source of delight and calm for me. Given these extraordinarily challenging times, it has also become a welcome and happy refuge. My deep hope is that the jewelry I create will, in turn, offer delight and calm to lift the spirit and make the wearer feel special. I’ve made and sold earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pins, pendants, rings, and hair pins in my spare time, while working as a higher-education administrator full time. In 2010, the jewelry took center stage. And, in 2013, RuthieLine Jewelry Designs came into existence as a full-time venture…adventure, really. I also started teaching others how to make jewelry. What a joy!
Is there a story behind your business name?
Yes, indeed! Growing up, my parents called me “Ruthielein,” which is a German term of endearment for someone whose name is Ruth. It’s pronounced, “Ruthie Line,” and I have a lot found memories associated with the name. When it came time to brand the jewelry I make, “RuthieLine” just felt right.
What's your medium of choice?
I work primarily in sterling silver, but also enjoy using other materials in my designs, such as stones, copper, touches of gold, and even resin on occasion. Using a variety of materials along with a range of techniques makes for all kinds of design opportunities and keeps things wonderfully interesting.
Why do you feel your art/craft is important/relevant today?
This is an interesting question. I would say that any creative endeavor has relevance, no matter where an individual chooses to focus. In a time of pandemic, if it’s at all possible, I think it’s especially important to engage in something that provides satisfaction creatively, no matter what the outlet is. My focus happens to be making jewelry, which is a source a great joy in the making, in the teaching, and, I hope also, in the wearing for those who purchase my designs.
What is the most gratifying part of making your work?
Making jewelry and teaching jewelry-making are inherently joyful activities for me. BUT… the most gratifying part of my work is either seeing someone take delight in wearing something I’ve made, or seeing someone take delight in their own creative efforts after learning a jewelry-making technique. These experiences are incredibility uplifting, and it just doesn’t get old!
Where do you find inspiration?
Primarily, inspiration for me is grounded in exploring the range of techniques available to make jewelry. It’s the equivalent of a child’s sandbox. As I explore and experiment, design ideas emerge. It’s exciting! In terms of forms, my inspirations are quite eclectic, ranging from wrought iron gates and grates to cathedral ceilings (like the one Salisbury, England) to jewelry from early civilizations to Art Deco and Art Nouveau. Even renaissance and medieval influences creep in every once in a while. And, significantly, customers are a source of inspiration. When they ask me to make something I’ve not done before, the collaboration between the customer and me always opens the door to new design ideas.
You can find Ruth's work on etsy here and follow her on instagram @ruthielinejewelrydesign.
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