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The Rūd Company Maker's Blog

Maker's Story:  Custom men's bracelet order
Maker's Story: Custom men's bracelet order

By Bonnie Swensrud on Nov 17, 2024

This journey began almost 3 months ago, with the choosing of the raw stone that was cut to custom-sized cabochons for this project. I made a video for you, because there were just too many photos!  I hope this helps you understand the story behind your custom pieces and treasure them for many years to come.

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Ornaments!
Ornaments!

By Bonnie Swensrud on Dec 20, 2023

Trying to break back into a comfort zone with my metalwork.   What better way than to make gifts for people?  I just freeformed them all - letting the wind lead me on the design for each one

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Hand-Drawn and Etched Copper and Sterling Silver Car Grills and Tails, with Semi-Precious Gemstone Accents
Hand-Drawn and Etched Copper and Sterling Silver Car Grills and Tails, with Semi-Precious Gemstone Accents

By Bonnie Swensrud on Nov 20, 2023

A bit of showing process.  Not everything, but the highlights... these took a total of about 16 hours over 2 days to complete.  Now they will be suspended from custom made sterling necklaces.

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Names of Gemstones:  Do they matter when you hear them?
Names of Gemstones: Do they matter when you hear them?

By Bonnie Swensrud on Dec 29, 2022

So I have this hypothesis - at least for myself.  The names of stones/gemstones matter!  Why such silly names?  And wow, soooo many sellers out there that mid-identify (intentionally or unintentionally) their stones.

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ADVENTURES IN METAL CLAY
ADVENTURES IN METAL CLAY

By Bonnie Swensrud on Dec 12, 2021

Lately, this has been my passion – carving molds, making and making molds, stamping it, filing and carving it when it is dry but not fired (green). Also – several brands of copper clay, silver clay, steel clay, and brass clay.

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CUSTOM PET PICTURE ORDER
CUSTOM PET PICTURE ORDER

By Bonnie Swensrud on Dec 12, 2021

HIS ORDER, FROM A CUSTOMER OF BONNIEJEANHARDWEAR, WAS FOR 2 PENDANTS FROM PHOTOS OF HER PET DASCHUNDS. SHE ALSO WANTED A SPECIFIC HANDMADE HEART NECKLACE. HERE ARE SOME PHOTOS OF THE PROCESS AND RESULTS… FRO...

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