Today we’d like to introduce you to Ruth Hillman
Hi Ruth, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It all started when I wanted to find strange and unique earrings. I could only find them for ridiculous prices, from brands that don’t pay their workers a living wage, or both. I decided that if I could not find them, I would make them. I bought my first pack of polymer clay as well as some metal findings and started creating. My first designs consisted of eggs, bacon, and French fries. One of my colleagues loved the egg earrings and just had to have a pair. They recommended that I start selling them, and now, here I am.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of my biggest personal struggles with the business is finding sustainable materials from a good business. Often times my materials come from Amazon, which is convenient, but I would much rather prefer to support a smaller business rather than a mega-cooperation. If anyone has a suggestion on where to get jewelry making materials please let me know!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I make charms with polymer clay. These charms are the star of the show and are what I put all of my pride in. With these charms you can pick any one of my attachments to make personalized jewelry. I have necklaces, chokers, earrings, keychains, and bracelets.
I have yet to see another person at any of my craft shows, selling what I sell. I am often told that my pieces are very unique. :) I think the fact that you can build your own jewelry right there at the table, just by picking out your charm and attachment makes the experience so much more.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I really love listening to Cassie from Clutterbug. With so much art stuff it can be easy to be overwhelmed with my materials, but Cassie makes it so easy to decide what is really necessary.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Etsy.com/shop/thatweirdartgirl
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/thatweirdartgirl1
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/thatweirdartgirl1
