Our Team
All of our brands have been formed over the last 23 years by our family, and the different inspirations for each as the time has passed. We would like to be able to share all of the collections with you in one place, so here we are! Our story began with the birth of my oldest daughter in 2001 - and now we are a family of 7! Our five children also help with many aspects of the business, as well as our long-time friend, Ryan Jensen. Thanks for supporting our ventures - and sharing our Adventures! Here's to many more =)
Our Brands over the years:
Birth Designs (2001 - )
Bonnie Jean HardWear (2018 - 2022)
Bonnie Jean Elements (2020 - 2022)
Sean Allen Silver (2020 - 2022)
Jilted Fairytales (2009 - 2022)
Ladysmith Destash (2018 - 2022)
Cabo-Sean (2023 - )
Rūd Rocks & Tools (2023 - )
Rūd Company (2023 - )
Many of our brands are still in production today, but we have pivoted to focus as a family on our "Rūd" brand. Thanks for supporting our small businesses!
Bonnie Jean Swensrud
Founder
Bonnie has been an accomplished metalsmith for over 23 years, having started her first jewelry business, "Birth Designs" in 2001. Her jewelry has been featured in over 20 national magazines, newspapers, 100+ blogs, Groupon, Living Social, "O" The Oprah Magazine & one of Oprah's Favorite Things in 2013. Now, we are Rūd Company. We are a family owned & operated business. Every piece is made in our Pacific Northwest Studio in
Tacoma, WA by us!
Sean Swensrud
Environmental Engineer
Everything in MY environment at the Studio is constructed, fixed, designed, and maintained by my beautiful husband. He also helps with hydraulic pressings, post office runs, tool adaptions, etc.
Natalie
Holidays, Shipping, Running
Natalie is a graduate of the University of Puget Sound in Communication. She is headed out soon to Americorp, but until then, she helps out with pretty much anything I need around the Studio. Since Birth Designs was founded when I was pregnant with her (my first child) she is very familiar with the Studio and all we do here.
Naomi
Holidays, Shipping, Running
Naomi is a full time college student in her Junior year at UW. She is an Environmental Health major. When she isn't slammed with mid-terms, finals, or projects, she helps out with pretty much anything I need around the Studio. Since Birth Designs was founded before she was born (she used to fall asleep in her swing when I was designing my first website!) she is very familiar with the Studio and all we do here.
Julia
Packaging, Sorting, Organizing
Julia is a High School freshman, and I have photos of her nursing on her boppy pillow while I made Mother's Day orders! I was a full time metalsmith until she was about 6. She is awesome at organizing, helping me package shipments, sorting my studio, and pretty much anything I need. It also helps her earn a bit of spare money for her hobbies!
Josh
Packaging, Post Office Runs, Feeding the Artist
Josh just graduated high school and is on his way to PLU! He's an artist as well, having his first public art show in 2024. When he's not busy with school, gaming, learning to drive or tutoring his siblings, he often helps me package, run to the PO, check the mail, and the most important thing: Bringing me food because I never leave the studio!
Sam
Mascot
Sam is the family Mascot =). He is our little inspiration and he LOVES to "help". He adores watercolor painting with me, and raiding my scissors, glue and tape to build pretty much anything =)
Ryan
Designer & Artist "Studio Gremlin"
Ryan is our "honorary" family member... and self-proclaimed "Studio Gremlin". She has been working as a metalsmith with me since first apprenticing in 2008! She is an extremely talented artist and designer, and many of the beautiful items you see will be noted as being from her collection.