Meet Ruth Appleby

Why did you choose to be an artist/designer? I have been dabbling in art and creativity my whole life and started making jewellery (rather badly) over a decade ago. When I had to quit my career due to stress, I decided to pursue my dream of having my own little business.

What's your background, have you always been an artist/designer? The only training I’ve had was at school, but I’ve tried out loads of different types of art and design over the years, currently enjoying learning to throw pots. I worked in the third sector in support work for most of a decade.

How has your practice changed over time? I am not a perfectionist so I have had to learn to push myself to make products that are of a higher quality and better finish.

How and when did you started creating? The polymer clay was a new development this year - a way of combining jewellery making with my love of colour and landscape.

How would you describe your creations? Colourful, abstract, unique and comfy.

What inspires you? Nature, local places that I love, colour or any photo or idea given to me by a customer. I love to make pieces that are like miniature paintings of places around Edinburgh and Scotland

Where do you show / sell your art? On Instagram, Etsy and in the Scottish Design Exchange.

What difference has working with SDX made to your business? It makes me feel that I have made an important step towards fulfilling a dream, by having my work displayed in such a beautiful store in the heart of Edinburgh.

Thank you to Ruth for participating in our blog. You can find a selection of her designs in our SDX shop 51 George St, Edinburgh