In our weekly Featured Shop series, we shine a light on a standout shop from Etsy’s talented seller community, offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at their process and story.
The elegance of a star-shaped sampaguita blossom. The spectacle of a burnt-orange sky. For Philippines-based artist Ruby Thursday More, each intricate piece in her hand-embroidered line of floral necklaces and abstract earrings is inspired by a mood, a color, or a memory from island life. The jeweler and owner of Thursday Craft Love first took up crafting her exquisitely detailed embroidered pendants in part as a means of capturing the beauty and history of her home country. “I created a collection based off Philippine flowers and traditions that I remember from my childhood,” Ruby explains. For many Filipino expats, these pieces would become touching reminders of their roots and the families they’ve left behind. “I feel so happy knowing that my necklaces allow them to feel connected with where they came from,” Ruby says.
Explore the Thursday Craft Love collection
Today, Ruby’s charmingly lifelike bouquet designs and playful geometric pieces attract a global following that has grown to include statement jewelry lovers, anniversary shoppers, and gift-buying brides alike. But regardless of what they’ve come searching for, the nostalgic appeal of Ruby’s keepsake jewelry has remained much the same: Each customizable piece is wearable way to honor those special people, places, and moments that have made a lasting impact on our lives. What will you choose to celebrate?
Read on to learn how life in the Philippines has influenced Ruby’s embroidery designs, and shop the Thursday Craft Love collection.
How did you get started creating embroidered jewelry?
I used to work as a freelance photojournalist, but when I got pregnant, my husband and I decided that I’d stay at home for a while and take care of our daughter. About a year after she was born, I started to feel like I wanted to do something creative again. I started making an inventory of my skills and what I’d like to do, and I decided I’d really enjoy working with fabric and drawing and colors. I had a few threads, so I tried embroidering, and it’s cliché, but it was love at first sight.
Where does your inspiration for your designs come from?
Color is a huge inspiration for me. If there’s a particular color or color palette that I like, I take a picture of it or save it on my computer so I can reference it later. If you look at the Sinag and the Isla earrings, they’re influenced by my recent obsession with burnt orange, which I think is also on trend right now. And then mood, memory, and imagination are also sources of inspiration for me. For example, the Aria necklace was sparked by imaginary afternoons out in the fields gathering wildflowers with golden sunsets.




Your life in the Philippines also shines through in a number of your pieces. Can you tell us about that work and how it resonates with your customers?
I have my floral collection that’s inspired by Philippine flowers, and then my Rosa necklace which was originally done in ecru fabric with an ecru thread. I modeled that white-work embroidery after the Barong Tagalog, which is the national costume of the men here in the Philippines, usually worn during weddings or special occasions.
I’ve had customers who are half-Filipino or Filipinas who migrated to the United States, and they often order the Rosa necklace because it reminds them of home. One customer bought it as a gift for his half-Filipina friend in 2015 or 2016, and then early this year, I received a message from her inquiring if I still have that design because she lost the necklace, and she wanted to replace it. I felt honored that she liked it so much and that the necklace reminded her of her roots.





Do you ever work with your customers on personalized designs?
I do. I have lots of brides who’ve just gotten married and they want to make a hand-embroidered replica of their bouquet and wear it as a necklace. Not everyone is able to preserve their bouquets after the wedding, so the necklace is a cute alternative and a conversation piece as well.
It sounds like you work with a lot of brides. Have you always designed embroideries with weddings in mind?
At first I was really just creating for myself, or someone like me who loves flowers and appreciates the beauty of a handmade item. But now I also have in mind brides who want to give jewelry as gifts to their bridal party. And for the geometric earrings, I’m thinking bachelorette parties because of the bright colors. I also had a mom reach out to me because one of my bouquet pieces looked similar to the arrangement that her daughter was carrying for her upcoming wedding, so she ordered one for her daughter to tie onto her flowers.
Are there any other occasions when someone might consider gifting your necklaces and earrings?
I think one that stands out is anniversaries. I can imagine a husband commissioning me to do a custom hand embroidery of his wife’s wedding bouquet, and then gifting it to her for their cotton anniversary. And Christmas! The necklaces make great holiday gifts for coworkers and friends, or moms or sisters.




Can you tell us a little bit about your creative process ?
For my floral designs, I just choose the colors I want to use and start stitching. I like to think of it as drawing with thread. If I’m happy with the results I write down the thread colors and the number of strands I use in a sketchbook alongside a photo of the finished piece. That will become my guide when I have to make additional orders of that same necklace. The overall look will be the same, but no two pieces will be exactly alike.
For my geometric designs, I start with rough sketches and then make patterns of those shapes on my computer that I can trace onto the fabric. Then I’ll sketch out where the threads go by hand.
How does embroidery complement your daily life?
I try to stitch every day, even just for an hour. I like the portability, the fact that I can take it with me wherever I go. It doesn’t require electricity. It doesn’t require the internet. With hand embroidery, you’re just in the moment. Also, I’m really grateful that I have Etsy as a platform to sell because it allows me to stay home and be with my daughter, and my time is more flexible. Sometimes when I work she’ll be at the other table, playing with her toys, or drawing, and talking and talking while I stitch. I tried teaching her, but she’s not that interested yet. Hopefully one day.




What’s your favorite part of the work you do?
Hand embroidery is an art form. I’m a very detail-oriented person, so I think it’s a perfect craft for me. My years of practice have really helped me hone my skills, and I really appreciate when people appreciate the work I do. It’s like the universe conspired for me to get into this craft—that’s the overall feeling.
Follow Thursday Craft Love on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.
Studio and process photography by Keith Bacongco. Product photography courtesy of Thursday Craft Love.
66 comments
Alyona Prikhodchenko from EdnaWronski said 1 year ago
Ruby, you're a fairy! I love embroidery, especially satin stitch. Your work is just incredibly beautiful! And I love to watch the master's workplace, his working items. Everything is perfect!
Elena from BusyToysShop said 1 year ago
What a beautiful necklace! I think it will be a wonderful gift for a woman of any age: both a girl and a grandmother. I already think about such a gift to my loved ones😍
Elena Solovyeva from PhilomelaBiju said 1 year ago
Very beautiful embroidery !
Cathy from msbijouxbeads said 1 year ago
So beautiful and such lovely colors. I love how you've named your flower bouquet necklaces. Great story!
ClassicMemories from ClassicMemories said 1 year ago
Very pretty. Congrats on the feature.
Jennifer Tyson from LadyInPurpleBoutique said 1 year ago
Congrats on your feature Ruby! Your work is really lovely! I love how you capture so many beautiful blooms in such a tiny package!
Inge from IngzJewel said 1 year ago
What a lovely design!
Oksana from AmigurumiJoys said 1 year ago
Incredibly beautiful and detailed works!
Tatyana from MOMsBirdie said 1 year ago
So beautiful! I loved the shop ThursdayCraftLove :)
Anna from LissiKids said 1 year ago
This is something incredible !! I'm in love with these necklaces! Such a sophisticated and neat job! Ruby you are incredibly talented !!
SvetlansArt from Svetlansa said 1 year ago
So beautiful!!
LivingVintage from LivingVintage said 1 year ago
Gorgeous!!
Anastasia from MypartyboxPrintable said 1 year ago
Ruby, I like your workplace! Your work is very beautiful. I believe in your success
Evgeniia from catovasia said 1 year ago
Oh, my...this is very beautiful. I want it
Anna from ANNNADesign said 1 year ago
👏👏👏What an incredible subtle work! Bravo to the master!
RareRagsandTreasures from RareRagsandTreasures said 1 year ago
Gorgeous! Each one is a tiny, beautiful, work of art! Loved reading your story.
Natasha Vigil from IdeasandImaginings said 1 year ago
Wow! Intricate work plus it's really neat! :-)
Alex from MyJewelryCrush said 1 year ago
Ruby's work is so beautiful! Tiny flowers look so alive!
Nicole from KarmaCodeOne said 1 year ago
Beautiful inside and out ~!~ Cheers to much continued success
Diana Mozolevskaya from MagicDreamss said 1 year ago
Very interesting, thank you! I liked the idea of embroidered wedding bouquet)))
Irina from CuteCrochetToysUA said 1 year ago
This is amazing!!! Great combination of colors. Wow
Rhonda Stubbs from RhondaCorner said 1 year ago
I love your designs and colors. Thank you for sharing your story and congratulations on your feature.
BlueCaterpillar from GreetingCardsBlue said 1 year ago
Congratulations on the feature! What a gorgeous little cuties!
AnitasPottery.com from potterybyAnita said 1 year ago
Such beautiful and intricate designs! Love the look "behind the scenes" of your work, too! Congratulations on being Featured and wishes for more success in the future! 🌷🌷🌷
Anna from FairyToysWorld said 1 year ago
Your necklaces are beautiful! I lose all my words looking on them. Very tiny and tender. And your workplace is my dream)
Gillian Northcott from esanivintage said 1 year ago
Gorgeous. Lovely to see a return to old world skills used in such a contemporary way.
Austeja Square from HalfSquares said 1 year ago
Amazing!
janie collins from JaniesPrettyshop123 said 1 year ago
What a pleasure it was to read your story. I love what you create. God Bless You. Janies Pretty Little Shop 123
Posh Park from PoshPark said 1 year ago
WoW! It was very interesting to read! Congratulations on the feature!
Marina Murarisa Poplaukhina from MurarisaBeadwork said 1 year ago
Amazing works, your embroidery is magical! Love it!
Rosita from pillowlink said 1 year ago
Lovely works. So much time it takes to make embroidery like this.
Elena from ElenaStefanovaDolls said 1 year ago
These pendants are unique!
Galina from CrochetMagicToys said 1 year ago
Beautiful embroidery! You're good!
Stekia Pantou from StekiapantouStore said 1 year ago
as agronomist i love these jewelry thank you for your creativity
Deepthi from IndianJewelByDeepthi said 1 year ago
Beautiful Work & it's so Unique..!!
Erika from AxtellRogueCreations said 1 year ago
Love your work! Brought back fond memories of my grandmother who spent many hours embroidering beautiful blankets.
Alyona and Vera from JewelryByZafiro said 1 year ago
Adorable jewelry
Guzel from AmigurumiByGuzel said 1 year ago
Beautiful embroidery!
accentonvintage from accentonvintage said 1 year ago
Beautiful work!
Piper Pixie from PiperPixieDesigns said 1 year ago
(。♥‿♥。) I do this but with polymer clay ;) This is AMAZING craftsmanship and requires patience and talent Props! L♡VE this!
Kim Cole from BeachDaisyJewelry said 1 year ago
Beautiful jewelry! Love all the flowers. Congrats on the feature!
Briar from SundayMorningCards said 1 year ago
These are so cute!!
Shawn from ShawnReneeStyles said 1 year ago
What a neat idea! It's usually embroidery on jeans and jackets. Congrats on your business!
Solomiia Tepla from UnicornBeadsArt said 1 year ago
So beautiful pendants! I really love them! And your working place is so comfortable and nice - I wish I have such!
Anastasiya from TimAmiToys said 1 year ago
Amazing!!! Very beautiful embroidery!
Margarita from ImpaJewelry said 1 year ago
I love small embroidery. It's very painstaking work. Necklaces are just incredibly delicate!
Sharon from YearsAfter said 1 year ago
Love the floral bouquets! So intricate and precious!
Marilyn Withrow said 1 year ago
These items are SO lovely! Many years ago I embroidered a large oval bouquet and sewed it on a velvet scarf for my mother. After she died, I found it in a drawer, still in the tissue paper, never worn. If I can find that again, I'll put it on a necklace form and wear it myself.🙂 Thanks for the idea!
Sujata from TreasuredMemoryLane said 1 year ago
Lovely pieces of ebroidered Jewelry! These jewelry pieces make wonderful gift for any age group. Brought back pleasant memories when I used to do embroidery. Congratulations on the feature!
Natalya from TashaOliviToys said 1 year ago
Wonderful accessories! I love embroidery very much. I'll embroider a cat brooch. Thanks for the ideas! Выделите текст, чтобы посмотреть примеры
TropicalGarden from TropicalGarden said 1 year ago
Beautiful and delicate embroidery collection! Congratulations on the feature!
Sophie from RainbowJunkyard said 1 year ago
Oh I love these so much, I bought my Mum similar for her birthday and she absolutely loved it. I've not seen satin stitch done before though - these are so pretty.
Sofia Motorina from TutuShopRU said 1 year ago
What a beauty! This is something unimaginable. Talent, perseverance and inspiration reign in Your workshop! Thank you for the wonderful story.
Natasha from RattlesAndToys said 1 year ago
Very unusual and stylish jewelry, Bravo master!!!
blytheclothes from ClothesforblytheRU said 1 year ago
It's magical! I love miniature embroidery 😍
Victoria from ForgetMeNotNature said 1 year ago
my favorite design with flowers=)
Morgane C. from PrintableWordsFR said 1 year ago
so precious ! just love it, thanks for sharing
Alisa Chernova from AliceinWonderlStudio said 1 year ago
very delicate work. Very beautiful!😍
Curated Home Decor from CuratedHomeDecor said 1 year ago
love
Kimiko Stallard from BinglesBanglesBabies said 1 year ago
These are so freakin' cute!
Mattie from poppeparker said 1 year ago
Congrats! Love the jewelry collection and colors of the designs.
Alina from EarringsWithFlowes said 1 year ago
Very beautiful flower embroidery. I love flowers in any form. I have been working on floral decorations for many years, but with fresh flowers. I wish you success!
Natalia from TeddyBearTale said 297 days ago
Very nice! Elegant jewelry! You are a great fellow!
Elen Palavandishvili from elsanijewelry said 270 days ago
So Cute
Light Mandala from SacredLightMandala said 54 days ago
So much patience has this woman!!!! Beautiful🌸
Connie Caldwell from WiseLines said 25 days ago
Ruby, your beautiful work and your story are so inspiring! Thank you!