Etsy Interview with Simon and Ruby

I'm originally from Alabama, living in Nashville, Tennessee. My little corner of the world includes my very patient, musician husband, my two children (cats) Matisse and Oz, and a dozen or so incredibly supportive friends. I tend to collect hobbies, watch too many movies, and read too many books. I would rather travel than do most other things, as long as I have my camera. I have a Jewelry Line: Simon and Ruby, a photography business, Lindsay Farrer Photography (www.lindsayfarrer.com), and a collection of paintings inspired by stained glass windows.

How and when did you start making jewelry and your other items?

My jewelry career truly began back in 2008, but I have been stringing beads and buttons since I was much, much younger. Both my grandmother and my great grandmother were seamstresses, so some of my earliest memories are of sitting with jars of buttons and beads spread around me, playing and combining colors that I liked. Simon and Ruby, my jewelry line, was born in 2008 in response to my burning need to create something that I loved.

Regarding my painting....My uncle is an artist and he convinced my parents to let me start painting lessons when I was 7. Interestingly enough, my teacher, Jackie, happened to be his teacher when he was younger. Tuesdays and Thursdays, lesson days, were my favorite days of the week. I adored mixing color and pattern, leaning towards a more abstract look at life.

When and how did you originally find Etsy?

A coworker, and fellow Etsy artist, heard about it from a jewelry artist that had been selling on Etsy for a while. She passed on the life changing news to me and a week or two later, Simon and Ruby was created. Luckily, I've learned a lot since the first days, my poor photos make me sad. (and I called myself a photographer!) It has been quite a journey, and has truly transformed the way I look at my craft. I really can't imagine where I would be if I hadn't heard about Etsy.

What is unique about Etsy and what about the website do you like the most in regards to your shop?

Etsy has a dear place in my heart. It allowed me to begin creating something I love and unleash it upon the world. Etsy helped to make handmade and one of a kind items accessible to more people and also has launched the Handmade movement light years beyond where we saw it in previous years. I love the opportunity to connect with others who share a similar vision. It is quite an impressive community of artisans.

What inspires you the most in regards to your creations?

I am an individual born of my experiences. I've found a way to combine some of my favorite childhood memories to create art that I love. Even though they don't admit it, my family is very creative and each are self driven. Both sets of my grandparents and my uncle worked in stained glass, which I also was immersed in at an early age. You know, I don't know if I've actually made all these correlations before! Its interesting what you learn about yourself when you really start thinking back at your life.

I definitely draw upon my past for the broad picture, but my individual designs are influenced heavily by characters I read about, the cultures of places I have traveled, characters in the movies I watch, and color schemes in photographs that I love. Our most recent travels lead us to Ireland. I truly don't think I am the same person. It changed me in ways I haven't been able to articulate yet, but I can see a definite influence on some of my newest Simon and Ruby pieces.

What is your favorite piece you've created and why?

My favorite piece. Hmm. Honestly, it probably changes every week or so, but I would say The Merlin necklace is one of my favorites. My best friend ended up with that one and I tend to look at it longingly whenever she wears it. The good thing is, I know I could borrow it if I wanted to! (I think my new favorite is in my fall line, you'll have to check in at Simon and Ruby in the next month or so to see it!)

What do you want to accomplish with your online shop?

My true desire is to continue creating. I hope that the memories and characters that I draw from, the color combinations and designs can speak to other people. I want to create the piece that you see and days later, weeks later, you're still thinking about it. I want to take Simon and Ruby to a new level in regard to quality, design, and originality. I'd also love to generate a little income so that I can create full time. On my own terms.

Do you have any new creations in the works? If so, what can shoppers expect to see from you soon?

New creations, ha! I have a box of jewelry that I still have yet to even photograph and release. I am working on my fall line and ordering supplies for my holiday line currently. You can expect more color, more texture, and more chain. I have amazing stones that I have been collecting... you'll get to see some of those on Simon and Ruby in the coming months.

Where can readers find out about more information regarding your jewelry and other creations and possible special offers (including additional websites, blogs, facebook, etc)?

There are a plethora of ways you can find Simon and Ruby Jewelry:
As always, my Etsy shop: www.simonandruby.etsy.com
follow me at Twitter: @simonandruby
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Simon-and-Ruby/46188884061
Papernstitch : http://papernstitch.com/shop/simon-and-ruby
Blog: www.simonandruby.blogspot.com
And launching soon: www.simonandruby.com !