Rose & Ruby Tiaras - Handmade Couture Tiaras and Accessories, Crystal Tiaras, Bridal Tiaras, Swarovski , Earrings, Necklace, Jewellery, bracelet

CLASSIC BRIDAL:
~ TIARAS
~ FASCINATORS
~ HAIRPINS
~ COMBS
~ HAIRVINES

SHOWCASE:
~ TIARAS
~ FASCINATORS
~ HAIRPINS
~ COMBS
~ HAIRVINES

FEATURES
~ TINA'S TIARA
~ STYLE GUIDE
~ TIARA CARE

ROSE & RUBY >> About us

MEET THE DESIGNER
INDIA SMITH

Hi! My name is India and I am the designer at Rose & Ruby.

Tell us a bit about yourself
I'm 22 and I've just graduated from the University of Portsmouth, nearby my home in Southsea. I've been making tiaras for the past 4 years, mostly as a hobby, and decided to steer it into a career direction just recently. I love animals and i'm phenomenally and incurably messy.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?
I think I watch a little too much TV. And I probably spend way too long on the internet. Other than that, I enjoy spending time with family, walks along the beach, lazy weekends, a wander around a wedding fair, web design, and spending time with my boyfriend, Mark.

What first made you want to become an artist?
I think i've always had the drive to make and sell my own products. When I was a kid I used to sew old labels into clothes I'd made and pretend it was my own fashion label. Through the years, i've also (to varing degrees of success) sold my handmade items such as photo frames, scarves and bracelets.
Before I began University, I worked for a bridal design house, and realised that the creative wedding industry was where my passion lay. And so here I am!

Please describe your creative process how, when, materials, etc.
How? Inspiration can come from anywhere. Magazines are a really great source, and not just bridal ones either. A few times i've been flicking through

Country Living Magazine and seen a wonderful colour combination, and thought: "I need to make a tiara in those colours!" (example: the "Spring Garden" tiara). Custom orders also get the creative juices flowing. My mother, Tina, just got married (see Tina's Tiara) and I made her a vintage style headband to go with her cream and gold dress.
When? All day, and sometimes way past my bedtime too! I find the making process very relaxing, and often completely lose track of time.
Finally, Materials. Swarovski is the main feature in my designs. You just can't beat it for the sparkle factor. I also use pearls often, as they are so undeniably bridal and always give the right touch of femininity. Just lately, I've been getting more into millinery (hats, fascinators and headpieces) and designing a few fascinator style tiaras, so slowly my designs are beginning to feature silk fabrics, lace and feathers.

In ten years I'd like to be...
I love making things, I love crystals, I love pretty things, I love weddings and I don't like being told what to do! So for me, this is the most perfect job. In ten years, I hope I'm still doing exactly this, and still loving it.

x x x

These questions are an adaption from the 'Featured Seller' pages on www.etsy.com (India's favourite website).