” My journey as a designer continues.
Drawing new designs, developing something,
I invite you to keep listening—there’s more to come!”

Hello, I am Taru Tonder. Born in Nummi, Finland, in 1974, my journey as a designer started with a love for nature as a horse girl. Dreaming of becoming a fairytale illustrator, I explored sculpture, drawing, ceramics, metalwork, and graphic design. Metal captivated me, and I sought more challenges.

At Lahti Institute of Design, I studied jewellery and design, which led to opportunities with prestigious Finnish companies like Kalevala Koru and Kaunis Koru. Further studies at the University of Art and Design Helsinki ended in a Master of Art exhibition at Eliel Saarinen’s ateljee home Hvitträsk.

In 2003, I founded my own company, retailing jewellery collections. Designing jewellery for Moment! Gallery followed. A four-year period with the luxurious Swedish brand Efva Attling Stockholm broadened my horizons.

A 2006 scholarship led me to an artist residence in Brooklyn, inspiring my own jewelry collections. My next challenge emerged in 2008: designing Christmas ornaments for the 80-year-old family-owned company, Weiste. In German, ornaments are called “Baum smycken,” tree jewellery—a fitting task for a jewellery designer.

Paris beckoned in 2009 with an artist residence in Marais, fueling my love for the city. 2011 brought an intriguing opportunity: designing ceramic tableware for Kultakeramiikka. Eleven years flew by, filled with learning—3D design, interior design, graphic design, advertising, photography, and social media.

It’s time for new adventures again. Today I live again in Nummela, Vihti, near the place I was born. I make new designs in my own studio close to nature.