Interview with Ruthie from Roseworksjewelry

What is your craft of choice, and how long have you been doing that?

Do I really have to pick just one? LOL Jewelry is my main focus/business and I've been doing it for around 10 years now. I've recently picked up cross-stitch again, but I can't even begin to figure out how long I've been doing that! I was pretty young when I first started... And other than that, I love to learn any crafts I can!

How did you get started?

A former Bible study leader got me started doing basic "link" wire-work when I "graduated" from her group :) I've picked up the rest of the techniques I use in various random places over the years.

What is your inspiration?

I find inspiration just about everywhere I look! Seriously, I've had the most random things inspire me, like someone's sandals... I love to look at other people's work, web-sites, magazines, and usually best of all, my own bead stash! Since I do so many different types of crafts (even within just the jewelry realm) I tend to never run out of ideas.

How long have you been on Etsy?

Since May of 2008.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Rich and famous? LOL Seriously though, I have a lot of health problems that we're working through with the doctors, I'd like to see myself healthier and more functional in five years. Going alone with that, I'd like to regularly be involved in selling my work at craft fairs, bazaars, and markets. I'd love it if my jewelry and other crafts could help support me and my husband :)
What is the most challenging thing about having an online business?
Hands own, the hardest part is getting your name out there. There are many cost effective (or free) ways of doing this, but it takes discipline! Especially in the jewlery market which is highly saturated.

What is the most rewarding thing about having an online business?

I love hearing that people love my work! It's very affirming :) And it amazes me to realize that people all over America, and even a few in Europe, are wearing my jewelry! It's not an overly large number yet, but it's growing steadily!

How does your internet business fit into your life? Is it your job or do you have another job as well?

At this point in my life my business is my job. It doesn't really support me and my husband, but I have too many health challenges right now to maintain a regular job.

When you are not crafting, how do you spend your time?

I stop crafting? Ok, so I do from time to time. I actually spend a lot of time reading blogs, advertising my business, talking to lots and lots of people, writing, and I love to read fantasy and scifi!

Are there any links you'd like to share?

Plenty of them! I have two shops, the second one I share with my Mom :)www.roseworksjewelry.etsy.comwww.kstreasures.etsy.com

And three blogs :P

www.roseworksjewelry.blogspot.com

www.roseworkstreasury.blogspot.com

www.ajedismusings.blogspot.com

I also have the honor of doing a radio show every Thursday at 9pm EST where I interview artisans live on the air!

Come join us at:www.blockheadradiolive.com

And if you want to follow me on Twitter you can find me at:www.twitter.com/rosewksjewelry.

Thanks again Robyn!