Slowmade Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with Doug Napier—a thoughtful, seasoned artist with decades of experience in the jewelry world. Doug shares stories from his early days at the bench and how a lifetime of global adventures shaped the way he sees and approaches his craft today.We talk about what it means to stay adaptable in a changing industry, how to balance time-honored techniques with modern tools, and why teaching, mentoring, and storytelling matter so much—especially now. Doug opens up about the spiritual side of making jewelry, the pressures that come with making a living from your art, and how he works to keep joy and curiosity alive in the process.We also explore how platforms like YouTube have helped him pass on hard-earned knowledge, and how his identity as a creator continues to evolve. Doug reminds us that it's okay to question the old rules, to find your own rhythm, and to think about the legacy you want to leave behind—not just in your work, but in the way you show up for others.It's a soulful, generous conversation that left me thinking long after we wrapped. I think you'll feel the same.Follow Doug...Doug on Instagram: @jewelrymonkDoug's Website: jewelrymonk.comDoug on YouTube: Doug Napier (Jewelry Monk)Love the Podcast?Support an episode: Click here to learn more! Without your support I couldn't continue the Slowmade Podcast. Thank you so much!Connect with Christine and the Slowmade Podcast:Instagram: @christinemighionEmail: hello@slowmadepodcast.com

Margaret Graham is the talented artist behind Centering Pendants—a jewelry collection that blends mindfulness, intention, and emotional healing. Margaret's creative path began in ceramics, but it was through jewelry—and the creation of her signature Centering Pendants—that she discovered a way to connect deeply with herself and others.In our conversation, Margaret opens up about how making jewelry became a therapeutic outlet, and how her pieces now serve as quiet tools for mindfulness and managing anxiety. We talk about the rituals that keep her grounded, the vulnerability of sharing your work, and the ongoing journey of building a business that still honors your heart. Margaret also shares more about her new podcast, where she's exploring spirituality, creativity, and emotional growth in such a beautiful, honest way.If you've ever felt the pull to create something with deeper meaning—or if you've struggled to balance your emotional world with the demands of entrepreneurship—I know you'll feel seen in this episode.Follow Along:Margaret on Instagram: @centeringpendantsMargaret's Website: centeringpendants.comMargaret's Podcast: The Art of CenteringLove the Podcast?Support an episode: Click here to learn more! Without your support I couldn't continue the Slowmade Podcast. Thank you so much!Connect with Christine:Instagram: @christinemighionJewelry: christinemighion.comPodcast: slowmadepodcast.com

Karin Luvaas creates one-of-a-kind jewelry that highlights the natural beauty of hand-cut gemstones. Inspired by the rich hues, patterns, and textures of the earth, she carefully selects rare and unexpected stones to showcase in her designs. With a focus on color, craftsmanship, and refined simplicity, her work transforms organic materials into modern, elegant pieces that spark curiosity and joy.“The heart of every piece I make starts with the stone. Natural gemstones — in all their wild, weird, and wonderful forms — are what pull me in and push my work forward. I'm constantly chasing that “holy sh*t, look at this one” moment, whether it's at a gem show or deep in the dust at a small mine.”As you listen to our conversation, you'll feel her enthusiasm for learning—about stones, about the craft, about all of it. And she's just as passionate about sharing what she's learned with others.If you are a stone geek like me, you'll feel seen after this conversation. But if you're not, I know you're going to get so much out of this. We touch on sourcing materials responsibly, finding what lights you up, balancing business with craft, participating in well known shows, and so much more. Follow Karin...Instagram: @karinluvaasjewelryWebsite: karinluvaas.comLove the Podcast?Support an episode: Click here to learn more! Without your support I couldn't continue the Slowmade Podcast. Thank you so much!Follow Christine and the Slowmade Podcast...Instagram: @christinemighionSlowmadePodcast.com

In this engaging conversation, Christine Mighion interviews Beth Aimee, a talented jeweler who shares her journey from childhood experiences in the Appalachian mountains to her current work in jewelry design. Beth discusses her transition from a career in neurobiology to teaching and eventually to metalsmithing, highlighting the influence of nature on her artistic process. The conversation delves into the importance of community in the creative process, the daily life of a jeweler, and the joy of creating unique pieces. Beth reflects on her design process, the recurring themes in her work, and the evolution of her artistic voice. Beth and Christine delve into the world of jewelry making, exploring the joys of gemstone mining, the challenges of selling at art shows, and the rewarding experience of teaching. They discuss the emotional connections formed through crafting and the importance of integrity in business. The conversation highlights the significance of finding purpose in artistic endeavors and the impact of creating beauty in the world.Follow Beth...Instagram: @bethaimeejewelryWebsite: bethaimeejewelry.comLove the Podcast?Support an episode: ⁠Click here to learn more!⁠ Without your support I couldn't continue the Slowmade Podcast. Thank you so much!Better yet, join the conversation in the ⁠Slowmade Collective⁠!

In this conversation, Christine Mighion interviews Rebecca Connell, a metal clay artist known for her work with MopTop Jewelry. They discuss Rebecca's journey into jewelry making, her creative process, the importance of photography in presenting her work, and the challenges she faced transitioning to full-time jewelry making. The conversation also touches on health issues, including perimenopause and ADHD, and how these have impacted her creativity and business management. Rebecca and Christine also discuss the challenges of balancing personal health, creative processes, and the realities of running a jewelry business. They explore the importance of self-discipline, the impact of social media on sales, and the creative blocks artists face. Rebecca shares her journey in jewelry making, her design approach, and offers valuable advice for new artists entering the field. She also shares her insights on managing inventory and pricing, emphasizing the importance of community and support in the creative process. About Rebecca...Rebecca is a full-time metal clay artist, silversmith, lapidarist, tool maker, and instructor who specializes in capturing the beauty of nature in precious metals. She collects natural textures and imprints from her surroundings—from her mother's gardens to her travels abroad, including a recent trip to Scotland. Rebecca began making jewelry at 13 and has grown her skills alongside the evolution of metal clay. Since purchasing her first kiln in 2013, she's expanded into traditional goldsmithing, lapidary arts, 3D printing, laser etching, graphic design, and photography. With prior careers in the Air Force and accounting, she brings a unique blend of creativity and precision to her work. Rebecca is based in Winston Salem, NC, where she lives with her husband and their beloved pets, Jimmie and Charlie.Follow Rebecca...Instagram: @moptopjewelryWebsite: moptopjewelry.comLove the Podcast?Support an episode: Click here to learn more!Without your support I couldn't continue the Slowmade Podcast. Thank you so much!Better yet, join the conversation in the Slowmade Collective!

Brittany Foster shares her journey from being a custom jeweler in Minneapolis to finding her artistic voice in the serene woods of northern Minnesota. She discusses the challenges and joys of transitioning from commissioned work to personal expression, the inspiration she draws from nature and science, and the importance of creating a supportive environment for creativity. Brittany also reflects on her creative process, the evolution of her artistic style, and the emotional aspects of being an artist. The conversation highlights the balance between the business of art and the need for personal fulfillment in creative endeavors. In this conversation, Brittany Foster and Christine explore the journey of self-discovery, the challenges of creativity, and the importance of community in the world of handcrafted jewelry. They discuss navigating creative blocks, adapting to new business realities post-pandemic, and the balance between production and creativity. The conversation emphasizes the value of handcrafted work, personal growth, and the need for kindness towards oneself in the artistic process.Follow Brittany...Instagram: @bmfjewelryWebsite: bmfjewelry.comLove the Podcast?Support an episode: Click here to learn more! Without your support I couldn't continue the Slowmade Podcast. Thank you so much!Better yet, join the conversation in the Slowmade Collective!

Have you ever thought about writing a book, or perhaps even creating a community studio to teach and work from? If so, I think you will love this conversation with my guest Amy Schmidt. Amy shares her journey into the world of metalsmithing, her passion for the craft, falling in love with teaching and then eventually establishing Salt City Smithery - a teaching and working studio. Amy also reflects on the challenges and rewards of writing her book, “The Bench Book, a Companion for Metalsmiths”. It is a book I have personally found very valuable and you'll hear me speak about this. Although teaching has now become the primary focus of Amy's career, she is still eager to sit down at the bench when she can and maintain a hands on connection to her craft.Follow Amy:Instagram: @thesilverschmidtWebsite: saltcitysmithery.comBuy The Bench Book: A Companion for Metalsmiths here.Love the Podcast?Support an episode: Click here to learn more! Without your support I couldn't continue the Slowmade Podcast. Thank you so much!Join the Slowmade Collective!

Lynn Samis is a talented fine arts portrait painter with a modern, abstract, and colorful approach to her work. Her work bridges between cultures as a reminder of our common ground. It speaks to those who believe everyone deserves a place and a voice, especially in today's divided world. Her desire is that when viewing her paintings, you can reflect, connect, and maybe even see a bit of yourself in their stories. I first met Lynn in an artist's mastermind we both were a part of and we quickly became friends. During one of our conversations, Lynn told me how much she enjoys Slowmade. Even though she didn't always understand some of the jewelry-specific topics, she loved hearing each artist's story. She said her love for painting was the same as my love for metalsmithing so of course I had to have her on as a guest to discuss this more. I really loved this conversation for so many reasons, mostly because it touches on that unexplainable desire we have as artists to create. With every finished piece, there's that exhale—that blissful moment of satisfaction and sometimes even awe at what we've just brought into existence.You'll hear Lynn talk about the joy of finding her unique voice, stepping into the third act of her life as a successful artist, and how she feels her paintings almost guide her—revealing the story they want to tell. She also shares the importance of being in community with other artists and not letting fear hold you back.Follow Lynn...Instagram: @lynnsamisfineartWebsite: lynnsamisart.comMentioned in the podcast: Miriam Schulman & The Inspiration PlaceLove the Podcast?Support an episode: Click here to learn more! Join the Slowmade Collective! I'd love to see you there.Without your support I couldn't continue the Slowmade Podcast. Thank you so much!

Michelle Pajak Reynolds quite literally began creating jewelry as a young girl, inspired by the tiara and cuff bracelets she saw Linda Carter wear while playing Wonder Woman. She carried that passion through high school, eventually earning a BFA in Jewelry/Metals from Kent State and an MBA in Entrepreneurship from Baldwin-Wallace University.We cover a lot of ground in this interview, including the time and thoughtfulness Michelle pours into each collection. She meticulously researches her inspirations, documents her process, and carefully sources ethically mined stones. You can truly hear her passion for her craft as she shares this journey.We also dive into resources and information about ethically mined gemstones and metals—something Michelle has spent years researching. She emphasizes the importance of pricing your work for long-term sustainability and truly understanding your value as a craftsperson. We talk about her experience at NY Fashion Week, the rewards of nurturing strong client relationships, the challenges of balancing motherhood and family life with running a business, and so much more.Follow Michelle...Instagram: @michellepajakreynoldsWebsite: michellepajakreynolds.comLove the Podcast?Support an episode: Click here to learn more!Without your support I couldn't continue the Slowmade Podcast. Thank you so much!

Kelly Bussio was critically injured in an airplane crash 28 years ago where her husband, Brent, and a dear friend were both killed. She became paralyzed from the armpits down and spent many months laying flat on her back grieving. Not too long after, Kelly retired from her fast paced corporate job and began metalsmithing classes. It was there she fell in love with metal and stone. Kelly has adapted her life to fit her body abilities and has created a lovely, fully accessible jewelry studio in her basement, including a glass elevator. Kelly creates silver and gold custom jewelry for the love of her loyal customers and makes each piece with gratitude that she has the means and ability to work every day in a medium she loves. She has curated a beautiful circle of friends who build each other up through kindness and love and considers her family and friends her “small circle.”She is currently the president of the Utah Metal Arts Guild, a developing organization with a mission to help its members grow and thrive in the metalsmith arts. She has remarried the love of her life, J.D. Bussio. They have six children, 20 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. They have two yellow labs and two cats. Kelly is a volunteer and two-time graduate of Canine Companions, an organization that provides service dogs to people with disabilities, at no cost. Torie is her service dog, and Kipper is her studio partner.Follow Kelly:Instagram: @j.d.k.designWebsite: jdkbussiodesign.comKelly's episodes on The 10 Ninety Podcast:Part 1 Part 2Love the Podcast?Support an episode: Click here to learn more!Without your support I couldn't continue the Slowmade Podcast. Thank you so much!

I met Heather John when she joined the Slowmade Collective many months ago and have really enjoyed getting to know her during our events. Her work is a beautiful marriage of organic and modern design, with masculine and feminine elements, and show stopping gemstones. Today we discuss Heather's journey into jewelry making not that long ago, finding inspiration from the gemstones she uses, and the therapeutic nature of crafting. Heather talks about her creative process and the joy of working with her hands, highlighting the balance between structure and creativity in art, as well as the challenges and rewards of being a maker. We also discuss the challenges of creating an online presence today while trying to find creative ways to connect with our audience.Heather on Instagram: @heatherjohnjewelryHeather's Website: heatherjohnjewelry.comSupport an episode: Click here to learn more!Join the Slowmade Collective: Click here to learn more!Without your support I couldn't continue the Slowmade Podcast. Thank you so much!

I have to say that I was a little nervous initially when I thought of sitting down with Robert Thomas Mullen. He has a list of artistic accomplishments that would make many of us feel a bit “impostery” as artists. However, it didn't take long for me to relax into our conversation and see that Robert, though extremely talented, had times when he doubted his own work, felt blocked, and experienced many of the same things we all feel but often keep to ourselves. He was honest, introspective, and humble, and I liked him immediately.Robert shares that having a full-time job helps him be a better artist allowing him the freedom to make for himself first. He talks about his amazing collection of brooches acquired over the years from other jewelry artists, the importance of fostering strong connections within the jewelry community, and his life long passion for collecting interesting objects from nature that one day may find their way into his work.Follow Robert:Instagram: @robertthomasmullenWebsite: robertthomasmullen.comRobert's Brooch Collection on Instagram: @my_brooch_collectionLove the Podcast?Support an episode: Click here to learn more!Without your support I couldn't continue the Slowmade Podcast. Thank you so much!

In a perfect world we could just sit at our benches and create while someone else handled the business side of things, marketing, and social media. But for most of us, we need to do it all and some days doing it all feels defeating and like we just can't do enough. Today, you'll hear my conversation with Carrie Hasse which happened right after she finished a couple of very demanding shows including One of a Kind Chicago. I have been a big fan of Carrie's work with her rich patinas and bold stone choices, but boy did I fall in love when I got to see it in person at One of a Kind. During our conversation you'll hear Carrie share that being a working artist and solopreneur isn't easy, but her love for the craft drives her desire to push through the challenging moments. We talk about balancing work with the things that nourish us, physical challenges that can result or flare up from our metalsmithing, and the importance of self care.Carrie Haase has been designing and creating jewelry for over 20 years. Her jewelry celebrates geometry and geology, and the meeting of the two. When she's not in her home studio working, she can often be found rummaging for unique gemstones in and around the Chicago area.Follow Carrie...Instagram:@carriehaasejewelryWebsite:carriehaasejewelry.comLove the Podcast?Support an episode:Click here to learn more!Without your support I couldn't continue the Slowmade Podcast. Thank you so much!

Have you ever considered the notion that we should live our lives to the fullest and follow our dreams even if it scares the hell out of us, because just maybe those that we love weren't able to follow their dreams?  I think of the many times that I've encouraged my children to follow their hearts and not to let fear hold them back, because I wasn't “allowed” to follow my dreams until I was much older. Fear and guilt were the two unwelcome party crashers in my life that showed up when I would think about moving in a different direction.  Sara Binecki has thought about this deeply after losing her mother much too young and having a brother living with disabilities. She has moved through fear to pursue her dreams holding them close to her heart as she creates.  Sara was an absolute joy to talk with. Like with so many of these conversations, I felt like we could be fast friends if given the opportunity.  We talked about so many soulful things such as the impact that loss has on our lives and the inspiration it can bring to our work, how our journey into creativity is personal and informed by our experiences, the importance of mindfulness and being in the right headspace when we come to our benches, the importance of community in the arts, and how creativity can serve as a lifeline and a means of coping when life gets tough.  This is a really rich conversation friends and I know you are going to get so much out of it.  Follow Sara... Instagram: @sarabjewelry Website: sarabjewelry.com Love the Podcast? Support an episode: Click here to learn more! Without your support I couldn't continue the Slowmade Podcast. Thank you so much!

From the very beginning, art has been the driving force in Laura Stamper's life. As a child, she couldn't resist the urge to draw. And when paper wasn't immediately available during a creative moment the walls of her room were the next best thing. Laura considers herself an artist of multiple mediums and she still has a very strong love affair with painting.  During our conversation Laura and I explore the transformative power of art and creativity. Laura shares her journey as an artist, embracing mistakes, and finding inspiration in nature and fantasy. We discuss the spiritual practice of creating, and the chaos of life that often influences artistic expression. She approaches her art and life embracing play, exploration, and the beauty of imperfection. She embraces mistakes and takes an intuitive approach to creating art.  Laura was a pure joy to talk to. I found myself laughing one moment, then thinking deeply the next. And moments like these are ones I enjoy the most when in conversation with another. And friends, I forgot to mention it in the intro, but there is a little adult language so you may want to listen to this when young ones aren't around. Follow Laura... Instagram: @laurastamperdesigns Website: laurastamper.com Love the Podcast? Support an episode: Click here to learn more or join the Slowmade Collective! Without your support I couldn't continue the Slowmade Podcast. Thank you so much!

Carol and Michael Schwarz are both accomplished goldsmiths, not only living on Maui, but thriving as artists. They are now winding down in their careers and enjoying a slower, more balanced life tending to their land and creating beautiful gold jewelry with the mana of the island running through each piece.  When I found Carol and Michael I was intrigued by their off grid lifestyle and their ability to thrive as artists living in the most expensive state in the US. We talk about how they've been able to build a sustainable living over the years and how the beauty and energy of Maui inspires their work.  Carol shares her story of having a premonition that led her to Michael, marking the start of a magical journey together. We discuss how they work collaboratively and individually, how they prioritize aesthetic value over monetary value in their pieces, and the expense of have tools and casting investment shipped to the island. And friends, if you need a momentary break, I recommend that you head to their website after this episode and watch the video on their home page. There you will fly to their beautiful property and off grid studio. You'll see and hear about their process, a stone collection that I'm sure most of us would be envious of, and of course their beautiful work. Follow Carol & Michael... Instagram: @mauischwarzjewelry Website: cmschwarz.com Love the Podcast? Support an episode: Click here to learn more! Without your support I couldn't continue the Slowmade Podcast. Thank you so much!

If you've ever wished you could create all your jewelry from gemstones you've discovered, you'll love this conversation with my guest today.  Lisa Carroll is a silversmith and self-proclaimed treasure hunter from Australia who recently joined the Slowmade Collective. She loves incorporating Australia's beautiful Lightening Ridge opals into work, but an even bigger thrill is going down into the mine that she and her partner own and discovering beautiful opal specimens. I can only imagine. I'm always trying to source gemstones from small family owned mines with ethical mining practices, but honestly that can be really challenging and with so many stone dealers outside of the US, it's hard to know who you can really trust. I love that Lisa is literally creating jewelry with opals that come from their own mine and I couldn't wait to chat with Lisa about all of this. Opal mining is literally in Lisa's blood. Her grandfather mined opals while her grandmother cut and polished them… and she's proudly to carrying on this deep rooted family heritage.  Lisa was an absolute delight to speak with and her energy was infectious. Of course we talk about the unique qualities of Lightning Ridge opals, the intricate process of finding and processing opals and the challenges and dangers that come with mining… including emus and the occasional venomous snake. Lisa also shares her experiences balancing her work as a hair stylist and salon owner, jewelry artist and miner with family responsibilities, along with the joys and challenges of living a more simple rural life when they are living for extended periods of time at the dig site.  Follow Lisa... Instagram: @thesilversmithandheropalminer Website: thesilversmithandheropalminer.com

Karen Higgins is a self taught artist who has had a life long fascination with the natural world, its interconnectedness and intelligent design.  Her work combines silver clay and traditional metalsmithing methods to showcase the beauty and elegance found in roadside weeds, bits of shell, feather and seed pods that one might otherwise overlook, but we are always surrounded by.  Karen is not only a talented jewelry artist but also paints. However she put painting aside to focus on her growing jewelry business. As with many creatives, Covid gave her a push to go all in as an artist and turn one of her creative passions into her full time career.  During our conversation Karen shares how she is still navigating life changes and balancing creative exploration with maintaining a sustainable income. We talk about IG and what IG ultimately wants from us and how to use that to our advantage. We also talk about her experience with publishing a tutorial in a jewelry magazine and when inspiration can turn into copying. And Karen shares how she fell in love with PMC, and how that discovery shifted her relationship with her art and what she could create.  Honestly I felt like we packed a lot of good stuff into this conversation and I can't think of a better way to kick off 2025.  Follow Karen... On Instagram: @karenhigginsjewelry On Etsy: KarenHigginsJewelry

When I think of Lisa Crowder's work, I immediately go to her pop art style enameled hearts, lips, and skull pieces. Playful and artistic, I feel like wearing her jewelry would immediately put me in a great mood. Lisa has a gorgeous studio and gallery space in Austin, TX, and like so many retailers when Covid hit everything came to a screeching and uncertain halt. But as a seasoned artist, her creativity bloomed and her priorities changed. As life fell back into balance, she decided it was time to pull back from many of the wholesale accounts she had and some of the more demanding shows. Lisa is enjoying this pivot and she's thriving as a jewelry artist, using social media to nurture her connection with her fans.  During our conversation we talk about the time and effort it takes to build strong relationships with customers, navigating burnout and the importance of saying no to opportunities, because more opportunities will continue to come our way. Follow along with Lisa... Lisa on Instagram: @lisacrowderjewelry Lisa's Website: lisacrowder.com Love the Podcast? Support an episode: Click here to learn more! Without your support I couldn't continue the Slowmade Podcast. Thank you so much!

Inspired by the natural beauty of rural Montana, Stacey Curry has been designing jewelry since she was 16. Stacey's business, Star Hitched Wagon, features thoughtfully handcrafted jewelry and apothecary products reflecting her deep connection to nature, blending the simplicity of the plains with the spirit of the mountains. Each piece encourages individuality while honoring nature and loved ones. One things that really drew me into Stacey's work is that she has brilliantly created collections based on female characters who like Stacey, love the outdoors. In this inspiring episode, Stacey shares how she really values slow growth and has settled into the moment of where she is at so that she can focus on continually improving her products, her customer connections, and sustainability. Follow Stacey... Instagram: @starhitchedwagon Website: www.starhitchedwagon.com Love the Podcast? Support an episode: Click here to learn more! Without your support I couldn't continue the Slowmade Podcast. Thank you so much!

Laura Jane Bouton is one of the metalsmith's I've had the pleasure of being in community with for some time now, but there was so much I really didn't know about Laura. I was simply thrilled when she agreed to share some time with me for a long overdue conversation. Laura's mother was a metalsmith and her son studied goldsmithing while they lived abroad in Italy, but it wasn't until she could feel her life as she knew it heading in a different direction that she began exploring the craft. Feeling empowered by the jewelry she was creating, she took a leap to create a business and life that she could be in control of. Laura and I talk about our shared love and emotional connection of creating one of a kind pieces and the personal fulfillment that comes from building a business in the arts. Laura shares how she navigates selling on Etsy as well as Shopify, why she loves teaching others, the unique challenges and rewards of being a self-taught artist, and of course so much more.  Follow Laura... Instagram: @lbouton018 Website: www.ljbjewelryshop.com Etsy: www.ljbjewelry.etsy.com If you are enjoying this podcast consider sharing an episode with a friend or give a one time donation. If you would love to be a part of the conversation please join us in the Slowmade Collective. Visit www.slowmadepodcast.com to learn more! Thank you so much!

I wouldn't say I have a love hate relationship with casting, but I would say it's complicated. On one hand it feels like I really need to gear up for it mentally because each time is an experiment and it's a long process. But when it works, which thankfully has been more often than not, I'm left with a handful of shiny things to weave into my work. On the days I've felt a little more blocked, I've sat at my bench and carved crude rings from wax and it's honestly quite cathartic. Maybe one day I will cast them, but I'm a hand fabricator at heart.  My guest today is Christina Michie, and she (on the other hand) has wax and molten silver running through her veins. An accomplished metalsmith, her curiosity to learn as much as she could about the craft led her to wax carving and casting. Initially for herself, but she quickly discovered that other jewelers wanted to purchase her castings to incorporate in their work and Creative Casting was born.  I really enjoyed talking with Christina and her enthusiasm for the craft and for learning. We talk about the impact of personal experiences on creativity and the challenge of balancing multiple creative pursuits. Christina shares her insights on navigating social media, reducing overwhelm with good organization and focus, finding her niche in the jewelry industry, and managing burnout. Follow Christina... Instagram: @creative_castings Website: www.creativecastingsandmore.com If you are enjoying this podcast and would like to support an episode or join the Slowmade Collective, please visit www.slomadepodcast.com. I'm so grateful for your support!

As a child growing up in Madison WI, Nora Feldman filled her days creatively, filming short movies and TV commercials, writing and performing songs, choreographing dance routines, painting, drawing, and even designing brochures for imaginary businesses. She scrapbooked, wood-burned, rock-tumbled, sewed, and even took up knitting… But above all else, Nora loved making jewelry.  Surprisingly though, Nora chose a different career path in college worried that she wouldn't be able to support herself as a jewelry artist. During our conversation Nora shares how she rather unexpectedly birthed, Metalhead Jewelry when she found herself without a job due to the Covid shut downs. Going all in and dedicating herself to her craft, she quickly built a strong following. Nora talks about about finding her unique voice, authenticity and social media, the importance of novelty in her designs, and the struggles she faces with being a creative entrepreneur.  Follow Nora... Instagram: @metalheadjewelry Website: www.metalheadjewelry

Today you'll hear my conversation with Kim Sheridan, maybe better known by her business name Metal Objects. Kim was as delightful to speak with as is her jewelry, which can only be described as colorful, fun, reminiscent of another time, and in her words, perhaps a bit quirky. And fun is one of the things that keeps Kim coming back to her craft again and again. She is curious and enjoys problem solving through the making process. And while she enjoys trying new techniques and creating new designs for the fun of it, she is keenly aware that her collectors expect a certain style from her and she doesn't share everything she makes.  Kim and I talk about the importance of craft in our lives, especially when other things unexpectedly demand more of our time and love, like doing the hard work of caring for a family member. Kim openly shares about being a kidney transplant recipient which stirred a fascination for Ex Voto's and work that has stemmed from that. We talk about the importance of having support from others in your craft while doing this thing called making a living with the things we make. And Kim offers a refreshing perspective on scaling down to the basics of what you really need in your making process making it much more affordable to start up and sustain a creative business.  Follow Kim... Instagram: ⁠@metalobjects⁠ Website: ⁠metalobjects.com⁠ On Etsy: ⁠metalobjects.etsy.com⁠

When I sat down to chat with Jenny Foulkes, it soon became apparent (at least in my mind) that we were jewelry sisters from another mother. From the way we approach a design to our cabinets of curiosities filled with tiny sacred objects collected through the years, we seemed to have more in common than we didn't. Jenny sees her jewelry as sacred objects to be worn, loved, and passed down… and I love this sentiment.  Jenny's work is elegant and at the same time earthy appealing to something deeper inside. Something perhaps forgotten or from another time. And of course her use of gold, texture, rich patina, and beautiful gemstones makes my heart beat a little faster. I really loved this conversation with Jenny. She's open about her challenges with balancing motherhood with the demands of business and show travel, the hurdles of social media and marketing, the role community has played in her success as an artist, ADHD and the creative mind, and the work of building a loyal fan base. Bio... Jenny Foulkes is a metalsmith, artist, jeweler and mother. Daughter of a painter father and psychologist mother, she grew up in the mountains edging Los Angeles, California. As a child, Jenny was always drawn to the tinier, more contained objects of art, be it man-made or natural. She spent much of her childhood scanning the world around her for rocks, insects, bird nests, skulls, etc. This attention to detail eventually led her to jewelry making. Spending many years creating and selling beaded jewelry, Jenny yearned to learn more. In her mid-20's she moved from Los Angeles to Portland, Oregon to attend Oregon College of Art and Craft and in 2011 graduated with a BFA in Metal Arts. Jenny has spent the years since finding her voice as an artist and building an inventory, all the while being a full-time mother. She sells her work at fine art and craft shows and online. Jenny is driven to make work that is unusual and elegant. By merging darkened silver with gold she creates color and dimension. Each piece of jewelry is thoughtfully handmade and one of a kind. Combining unexpected elements such as faceted precious gemstones with organically textured darkened silver, she is able to create a feeling that is both fine and precious, yet earthy and warm. Jenny hopes that the focus and love she puts into each piece of jewelry is felt by the wearer. Jenny on Instagram: ⁠@jennyfoulkesjewelry⁠ Jenny's Website: ⁠jennyfoulkesjewelry.com⁠

My guest today is Robin Wade and I think she has really mastered the art of weaving in story to each one of her pieces imbuing them with life and personality. I've loved her jewelry for a long time, but I've recently fallen head over heels in love with her ceramic rattles which you will hear us talk about today. Robin's journey as an artist began in high school, when her art teacher recognized she was going through a difficult time time and helped her work through her emotions with art. Influenced by the healing she received through her art practice and the memory of her supportive teacher, Robin began helping troubled and traumatized children find healing using art as therapy, an experience which has deeply impacted her artistic perspective.  We talk about the intuitive process of creating art, balancing the business side of art with creativity, the importance of boundaries with custom work, and much more. Bio: Robin lives near the ocean in Southern California and has been an artist for many years working and teaching primarily in watercolor, sculpture, and jewelry.  She grew up in Anchorage, Alaska, and has lived in Oregon and Utah. Over the years she worked with mentally ill teenagers, taught art with youth in custody teens, and taught 9th-grade art classes. She also worked for about ten years with abused, abandoned, and neglected children from birth – eighteen years of age.  Art has always been important to Robin. It has been a way to work through personal trauma, express feelings, connect with joy, and everything in-between. Robin continues to be moved by the human spirit. The strength and courage it can take to find one's way through life. She wants her work to touch the heart, make someone laugh, think, and most importantly, remind them of their own inner strength.  Robin's Instagram: ⁠@robinwadejewelry⁠ Robin on Etsy: ⁠RobinWade⁠ Stephanie Gagos Auction for Artists on Facebook

Twyla Dill turns intricately crocheted lace into solid metal through the process of casting. Her opulent fine jewelry helps to celebrate the wearer and tap into their own version of sexy. She is proudly queer and hopes to make beautifully unique handmade metal and gemstone jewelry for people in all walks of life and love. In this conversation, Twyla shares her journey as a jewelry artist, reflecting on her personal milestones, including her recent marriage, and the evolution of her business over the past decade. Inclusivity is deeply import to Twyla when considering her designs. She aims to create jewelry that makes each person feel confident and sexy, regardless of gender or body type. Twyla openly shares the challenges and triumphs of running a jewelry business, including her experience with asking her fans to help her sell $100K of jewelry in 55 days. Throughout the conversation, Twyla offers valuable insights on mindset, balancing creativity with business acumen, and encourage aspiring artists to embrace imperfection and take risks in their work. Follow along with Twyla: Instagram: @twyladilldesign Website: twyladill.com Want to continue these important conversations with a mutually supportive and diverse community of jewelry artists? Then please consider joining us in the ⁠⁠Slowmade Collective⁠⁠. It's the best place I know online that can support you and your desire to create a sustainable business that feeds your life.

Jennifer Lisa is known to many by her business name Quench Metalworks. Born and raised in Maine, Jennifer received her BFA in Jewelry and Metalsmithing from the Rhode Island School of Design. Handcrafted in sterling silver and unique gemstones, her jewelry collections are ever-evolving and draw inspiration from the balance of linear elements and organic shapes. Jennifer took a leap of faith and opened a brick and mortar following a dream she had. During our conversation she shares the ups and downs with owning your own shop and how she was making a move to new location when covid hit leaving her with two places to pay rent on until her lease had ended on the original shop. It was at this time, she began pivoting and working on building her IG in order to reach a new audience… and how she is now finding it necessary to explore other options to reach collectors as IG continues to change.  We talk about this and much more including balancing creativity and productivity, the importance of  having a community to lean on, teaching, and we nerd out a little bit on our favorite things… stones.  Follow Jennifer: Instagram: @quenchmetalworks Website: quenchmetalworks.com Want to continue these important conversations with a mutually supportive and diverse community of jewelry artists? Then please consider joining us in the ⁠Slowmade Collective⁠. It's the best place I know online that can support you and your desire to create a sustainable business that feeds your life.

A graphic designer and lifelong poet, Teresa Kiplinger came to metal later in life as a way to keep herself busy through the end of a painful marriage. Not long after, she experienced the unimaginable loss of her teenaged stepson.  Wearing her pain like a heavy cloak, she turned to her metalwork and poetry to work through her grief, making a bracelet in his memory, etched with a poem to him. This bracelet, a reminder of her love for him, was a comforting presence in the months that followed.  From this deeply personal and difficult loss, Teresa says she found her voice.  During this conversation Teresa shares how her love of poetry and metal came together to so beautifully create what she has coined as modern memento mori jewelry. We discuss the healing and sometimes lifesaving powers of an art practice, curating a cohesive and compelling story, and the freedom that one can find with art as he or she ages. Follow Teresa... Website: www.silverpoet.com Instagram: @tkiplinger Want to continue these important conversations with a mutually supportive and diverse community of jewelry artists? Then please consider joining us in the ⁠⁠Slowmade Collective⁠⁠. It's the best place I know online that can support you and your desire to create a sustainable business that feeds your life.

Sarah Breivis is not only a talented metalsmith I've had the pleasure of knowing for years; she's also a passionate woodworker, and an avid baker of decadent treats, with a love for exploring far-off places. What started our as a hobby in a stone carving class 25 years ago, turned into a full time passion. Sarah is a graduate of the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts. In this episode, Sarah openly shares her journey of getting caught in the hustle and grind of her work, only to face a serious health crisis that forced her to reassess her priorities. During this challenging time, she chose to pivot from the demands of gallery and production work, instead focusing on building a more nourishing business that supports her long-term well-being. Sarah continues to live and work in her beloved hometown of San Francisco, CA. You can follow Sarah and see her work: Instagram: @juju_by_sarah Website: jujubysarah.com Etsy Shop: JujuBySarah

Kristin Larson along with and her husband, Richard are the creative duo behind Kristin's eponymous jewelry brand Kristin Larson Jewelry. They met while they were in school and have been a team ever since. Kristin creates soulful adornments that provide inspiration, comfort, and connection. Each piece is thoughtfully carved from wax and serve as tangible reminders that bring you home to yourself. Kristin considers her jewelry "new heirlooms" to hold your unique story. In this conversation, we dive into what inspires and drives her art, touching on sentimental moments with family, personal trauma, and coming out on the other side with a new fuller perspective. We talk about the healing and transformative powers that art and music seem to magically hold. Follow Kristin... Instagram: @kristinlarsonjewelry Website: kristinelarson.com

When I started my business 20 years ago I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. I didn't go to business school and I never dreamed I would one day have my own business. I was as green as it gets. Looking back I know I never would have received the level of success and security within my business without the support of a group of incredible mentors and colleagues… often when I needed it the most.  There were so many times when imposter syndrome led me to undervalue and underprice my work. Times when I said yes to an opportunity that didn't align with my goals. When I didn't know how to create a line sheet or how to structure my wholesale terms, or even how to approach a gallery or shop that I wanted to sell to.  There was just so much I didn't know and having a community of people to lean into, many whom have remained close friends over the years, was so invaluable. They have been the cornerstone of my success and longevity as an artist. And this my friends, is why today I'm doing a special solo episode to tell you about the Slowmade Collective and why I have spent the last few months building a virtual home and sanctuary for jewelry artists. It's a special place and if it feels aligned to your needs I hope you will join us there! For more information please visit ⁠slowmadepodcast.com/community⁠ If you have questions you can reach out to Christine at hello@slowmadepodcast.com or on Instagram ⁠@slowmadepodcast⁠ or ⁠@christinemighion⁠

Restless and never really satisfied with the work she was doing as a painter, Julie Mahoney felt the weight of all the painters who better than her and she was often plagued with self doubt. Julie spent nearly 30 years as a professor of drawing and painting at a local university before retiring in 2019. It was then that she began taking metalsmithing classes and fell in love with the craft. Surprisingly, she never felt the type of self doubt with metals as she did as a painter, and so she put down her paint brush and in lieu of a torch. I always love hearing how each of our guests come to metal. For some it's a fairly straight path, but for others it's an unexpected right turn that leads them to the craft. These are my favorite stories. Perhaps it because my own path had many bends along the way and I'm inspired by the brave choices that so many our guests have made to live a more creative life. A life of authenticity.  Follow Julie... Instagram: ⁠@juliemahoneyjewelry⁠ Website: ⁠www.juliemahoneyjewelry.com⁠ If you love the podcast please consider ⁠supporting an episode⁠. And if you would like to be a guest on the show, or would to join the Slowmade Collective please visit ⁠www.slowmadepodcast.com⁠

Andrea & Bryan Ring are the creative duo behind Amuck Design. They met in college and have been collaborating ever since. Finding inspiration in graffiti, their work is known for its cohesive yet diverse styles, incorporating various materials like vintage pieces, license plates, and dice. In this conversation, Christine sits down with Andrea and her curious cat Victor. They discuss trade shows, how she and Bryan collaborate on designs, their YouTube channel, creative challenges, teaching, and much more.  Bio... Andrea and Bryan collect ordinary discarded pieces from city streets and random locales—items like street signs and license plates—and repurposes them into something more. Taking inspiration from the urban jungle and the wild west, they combine the treasured finds with precious metals and stones to create a unique style of fine art jewelry. The past twenty years has been an exploration into the juxtaposition of high end and discarded materials. What would adornment look like if the materials we used were only those we hunted, gathered, or traded for? What is the relationship between costly objects and found objects, and can they hold the same beauty and sentimental value? Andrea and Bryan's work helps answer these questions and creates a narrative for what fine art jewelry could be. Follow along with Andrea and Bryan at the links below. Instagram: ⁠@amuckdesign⁠ Website: ⁠www.amuckdesign.com⁠ YouTube: ⁠Amuck Design⁠ If this podcast means something to you and you would like to support it, please take a a moment to give it a few kinds word with a written review on your favorite podcast listening platform. This helps me share the podcast with others. Thank you so much!

Rebecca Lee (she/they) is a metalsmith interested in sacred adornment and its capacity to provide protection and healing for all intersections of marginalized people. Currently, Lee works primarily with sheet metal, hand piercing intuitive undulating shapes that mimic how water impacts our coastlines incorporating minerals and found objects near or in bodies of water. Rebecca also utilizes wax carving to create talismans featuring sigils and marks with specific and intentional magical purposes. In this conversation Rebecca and Christine discuss her journey into metal and stone and her focus on sacred adornment. She shares how her background in film and photography led her to explore jewelry making and the spiritual aspects of jewelry. Rebecca talks about her process of creating custom pieces based on tarot readings and her desire to maintain a hands-on approach to her craft. Together they also explore the balance between creativity and making a profit, the need for play and exploration in the creative process, and the importance of community and mentorship in the jewelry industry. Follow Rebecca... Instagram: ⁠@blavkjewelry⁠ Website: ⁠www.blavkjewelry.com⁠ Links mentioned in the episode: Instagram: @spark_metalartists BIPOC Smiths Retreat: https://www.inclusiveblacksmiths.com/sparc If this podcast means something to you and you would like to support it, please take a a moment to give it a few kinds word with a written review on your favorite podcast listening platform. This helps me share the podcast with others. Thank you so much!

I'm sure you know how it feels when you meet someone new at an event and within a few minutes you feel you've found a kindred spirit? Someone who speaks your language. Well, that is how I felt when I met Kerin Rose… and it's not because Rose was my maiden name.  Kerin was a member of a metalsmithing community I belonged to on Etsy. I'm sure if you have listened to the podcast for anything length of time you have heard me talk about EtsyMetal and the positive impact it had on my success as a new business owner.  I've probably known Kerin for 20 years now, but we've never sat down and had a conversation together. We would mostly chat about the business of selling jewelry, in our Etsy group forum, or more recently through DM's. However, Kerin's jewelry and ceramic work resonated with me on soul level and I knew that we spoke the same language which is why I was over the moon when she agreed to have a conversation with me on Slowmade. I've personally known Kerin as a wonderful jewelry and clay artist, but I was really surprised to hear her art journey extended far beyond those lines. I think you'll find her story surprising as well. From Kerin's website... "I am an artist  and  beauty hunter..... mostly, I am a believer in 'kinship magic'. It means that a person's personal energy can travel through an object.  How  do we connect more deeply to the natural world?  To each other?  To beauty? To the darker side of human existence? What do the spaces between us mean , and what are they actually made of?  Life is beautiful, and it's also hard...we are asked to hold both of those things  in our hands and heart at the same time. Sometimes, you need a tangible object, a ritual, a symbol of being human. That is where I come in." Website: www.kerinrose.com Instagram: @kerinrose If this podcast means something to you and you would like to support it, please take a a moment to give it a few kinds word with a written review on your favorite podcast listening platform. This helps me share the podcast with others. You can also share a favorite episode or consider joining our Slowmade Podcast Patreon community. You support literally makes this podcast possible. Thank you so much! You can follow along or reach out to Christine on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@christinemighion⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠@slowmadepodcast⁠⁠⁠ or you can send her an email at: info@christinemighion.com

Erin harris calls herself a “sentimental metalsmith” because that is what she specializes in: sentimental work in metal. Her work features both literal sentiment via the words and phrases she etches into blooming flowers and hinged butterflies, as well as the more intangible emotions evoked in personalized lockets and memorial reliquary.  “I'm inspired by both nature and nostalgia, by love and by loss.  I work in metal, taking something cold and hard and imbuing it with warmth and heart.” Although Erin holds a masters degree in social work, her work for more than a decade has been a different kind of creative social-work, oriented around connecting with others and creating customized, personal, one-of-a-kind jewelry to honor life's milestones and memories. Her jewelry-making journey began with the loss of a wonderful dog, as she looked for ways to remember him and process her grief. Creating a piece of jewelry helped her feel a physical connection to his memory, and she's been helping others make similar journeys ever since. Erin has worked with renowned metal clay artist and teacher Celie Fago, both as apprentice and assistant, since 2009 and has worked with metalsmith Richard Salley as a workshop assistant. She taught elementary art for grades Pre-K through 8th for several years, and has taught metalsmithing and metal-clay classes to both children and adults since 2008.  Erin lives in Berlin, VT with her spouse and furry companions. Instagram: @elmharris Website: www.elmharris.com If this podcast means something to you and you would like to support it, please take a a moment to give it a few kinds word with a written review on your favorite podcast listening platform. This helps me share the podcast with others. You can also share a favorite episode or consider joining our Slowmade Podcast Patreon community. You support literally makes this podcast possible. Thank you so much! You can follow along or reach out to Christine on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@christinemighion⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠@slowmadepodcast⁠⁠⁠ or you can send her an email at: info@christinemighion.com

Tracey Carswell is the founder of Powerful in Pink and co-founder of Queer Metalsmiths. They work with artists, creatives, and small business owners to support their growth and development. Tracey shares their journey into metalsmithing and their passion for creating jewelry. They also discuss the importance of community support and collaboration in their work. Tracey created Queer Metalsmiths to provide a platform for LGBTQIA+ metal smiths and jewelry artists to showcase their work and support each other. They highlight the unique challenges faced by queer, non-binary, and trans artists in the metalsmithing community and discuss ways to recognize and support underrepresented and marginalized artists. Tracey Carswell discusses the importance of creating safe and inclusive spaces, starting with using pronouns and respecting gender identities. They emphasize the need for open conversations and the willingness to make mistakes and learn from them. Tracey also shares their inspiration behind Powerful in Pink, a community organization that supports queer metal smiths, and their vision for the future of the organization. They encourage individuals to find their passion, connect with existing communities, and take the first steps towards building their own community. Bio... Tracey Carswell (they/them) is a queer non-binary coach, curator, artist, and educator dedicated to building inclusive communities and promoting equity. They are the founder of Powerful in Pink, a brand that offers coaching, small business support, curation services, and community-building opportunities for artists and entrepreneurs. Tracey also co-founded Queer Metalsmiths, a community space that honors, centers, and uplifts 2SLGBTQIA+ jewelers and metalsmiths. Through their work as the founder and former President of the Miami chapter of the Women's Jewelry Association, as well as their work with PiP and Queer Metalsmiths, they invest in the growth and success of women, femme, queer, transgender, and gender non-conforming leaders in the jewelry and craft industries.  PiP Website: https://www.traceycarswell.com PiP Instagram: @powerfulinpinkbytlc QM Website: https://www.queermetalsmiths.com QM Instagram: @queermetalsmiths

Emily Joyce, an enamelist, sculptor, and jewelry maker, discusses her creative process and balancing her work with being a teacher and a mom. She shares her love for mechanisms and creating playful, nostalgic pieces. Emily talks about her struggles with displaying her work at art festivals and her desire to explore new techniques. She also offers one-on-one classes to teach others and finds inspiration from other metalsmiths. Emily discusses her daily routine and the challenges of marketing and staying consistent on social media. In this conversation, Christine and Emily discuss the challenges of consistency and engagement on Instagram, the struggle to balance creativity with the business side of being an artist, and the importance of finding your own unique style. They also talk about the desire for gallery representation and teaching at craft schools. Emily shares her favorite pieces and her goals for the future. Bio... Emily Joyce is a vitreous enamelist, sculptor, and art studio instructor from Cleveland, Ohio. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Enameling from The Cleveland Institute of Art and earned a Master in Arts Education from Case Western Reserve University. Emily's work is a thoughtful balance of playfulness and humor from her experience as an art teacher and as a student. She is currently interested in exploring the mechanisms of equipment found on playgrounds and how the undermanaged and immensely imaginative time spent on the playgrounds helps to shape us into adults. Follow Emily... Instagram: @emilyjoyceofficial Website: www.emilyejoyce.com

Ace McCasland, a metalsmith and jewelry artist, shares her journey and creative process in this conversation with Christine. Ace started Studio Luna Verde and creates unique, eclectic, and out-of-the-box jewelry, which she fittingly describes as "wildcrafted jewelry". She draws inspiration from her travels and the landscapes she has encountered. Ace emphasizes the importance of exploring and seeking new experiences. She also discusses her teaching approach, encouraging students to embrace imperfection and push their boundaries while maintaining good craftsmanship. In this conversation, Christine and Ace discuss the importance of craftsmanship and authenticity in jewelry making. They explore the difference between creating organic and imperfect pieces with intention versus using imperfections as an excuse for poor craftsmanship. Ace shares her journey of starting her jewelry business and the challenges she faced along the way. They also discuss the importance of finding your own voice as an artist and staying true to yourself. Ace offers advice for those starting out in the craft and business of jewelry making. Bio... Ace, of Studio Luna Verde, set her roots in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, after many years of exploring and hiking and wandering and driving all over the U.S., especially the west. Experiences have included driving 1950s era tour buses for Green Tortoise Adventure Travel / performing for a year with a three ring circus / hiking into (and out of) the Grand Canyon so many times she's lost count (at least eight) / living out of a '72 Toyota Landcruiser for three (and a half) years while exploring the U.S. / and failing miserably at surfing on the Sea of Cortez in Baja California.  She loves spicy chocolate, and lightning storms. Her largest creation thus far is having built her own studio, where she currently makes her eclectic jewelry and unabashedly embraces the art of imperfection. Follow Ace & Studio Luna Verde... Instagram: @studiolunaverde Website: www.studiolunaverde.com If this podcast means something to you and you would like to support it, please take a a moment to give it a few kinds word with a written review on your favorite podcast listening platform. This helps me share the podcast with others. You can also share a favorite episode or consider joining our Slowmade Podcast Patreon community. You support literally makes this podcast possible. Thank you so much! You can follow along or reach out to Christine on Instagram: ⁠⁠@christinemighion⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠@slowmadepodcast⁠⁠ or you can send her an email at: info@christinemighion.com

Kristen Kendrick Bigley, a metalsmith and owner of KKB Metal Studio with a fine arts background, shares her journey to metalsmithing and the influence of her artistic family. She discusses her transition from sculpture to jewelry-making and the challenges of working with different mediums. Kristen also talks about the importance of community and mentorship in her creative process. She shares her experience with imposter syndrome and the balance between her jewelry-making and her full-time job. Kristen emphasizes the value of utilizing available resources and pushing oneself to explore new techniques. Living a creative life means exploring and being curious, regardless of whether it's a full-time profession or a hobby. Embracing the title of 'artist' can be a journey of self-acceptance and finding one's unique artistic voice. The challenges of balancing a creative business with other responsibilities and finding a niche in the market. The importance of community and connections in the metalsmithing and creative community. The value of embracing imperfections and unexpected moments in the creative process. The role of Instagram in building a supportive and inspiring community of artists. Kristen's Website: kkbmetalstudio.com Follow Kristen on Instagram: @kkbmetalstudio If this podcast means something to you and you would like to support it, please take a a moment to give it a few kinds word with a written review on your favorite podcast listening platform. This helps me share the podcast with others. You can also share a favorite episode or consider joining our Slowmade Podcast Patreon community. You support literally makes this podcast possible. Thank you so much! You can follow along or reach out to Christine on Instagram: ⁠⁠@christinemighion⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠@slowmadepodcast⁠⁠ or you can send her an email at: info@christinemighion.com

Anya first stumbled across the opportunity to learn the craft of metal smithing while traveling solo in India for 6 months in 2016. Little did she know that her love for the craft would deepen and grow over the years to turn into her own small business of WabiSabi Silver. Anya is committed to living a joyful life that centers around sustainability. She is currently a part of a team that is at the beginning stage of building a natural building/permaculture educational site where her yurt and newly built straw bale art studio live. Her efforts towards sustainability show up in her creations through the stones she chooses and through recycling and reclaiming metals. It also shows up in her creative process, taking time to recharge and spark inspiration through the purposeful work of building community and reciprocal relationship with the land.  Anya has always loved crafting and building things with her hands and particularly enjoys the meditative quality required of the process. Her hope is to offer pieces infused with a deep care and sweetness that can be felt by the wearer. To find out more about the sustainable building and permaculture education project Anya spoke of please visit ⁠⁠earthvilleinstitute.org⁠⁠ You can follow Anya and see her beautiful work at the links below. Instagram: @wabisabi_silver Website: wabisabisilver.com If this podcast means something to you and you would like to support it, please take a a moment to give it a few kinds word with a written review on your favorite podcast listening platform. This helps me share the podcast with others. You can also share a favorite episode or consider joining our Slowmade Podcast Patreon community. You support literally makes this podcast possible. Thank you so much! You can follow along or reach out to Christine on Instagram: ⁠@christinemighion⁠ or ⁠@slowmadepodcast⁠ or you can send her an email at: info@christinemighion.com

In this episode, Christine Mighion talks with Liz Kantner and Laryssa Wirstiuk about marketing for independent jewelry artists. They discuss the challenges of marketing, the importance of branding, and strategies for building a strong brand presence. They emphasize the need for consistency, knowing your audience, and focusing on the bigger picture. They also address the common challenges of time management and the right time to invest in marketing. As the conversation continues Liz and Laryssa touch on the significance of email marketing and the need to nurture and connect with the audience on a personal level. They advise artists to focus on storytelling and authenticity in their emails rather than just promoting their products. Finally, they discuss the challenges of building engagement and community and share insights from their podcast, Success With Jewelry, and their membership program. The Joy Joya Jewelry Brand Incubator Grant The winner of the grant will receive $18,000 worth of marketing support for six months completely free. Other opportunities are available for grant finalists. The deadline to enter is Friday, July 12th. JewelryBrandIncubator.com⁠ You can follow along with Liz & Laryssa with the links below: SuccessWithJewelry.com @successwithjewelry JoyJoya.com @joyjoyamarketing LizKantner.com @liz_kantner If this podcast means something to you and you would like to support it, please take a a moment to give it a few kinds word with a written review on your favorite podcast listening platform. This helps me share the podcast with others. You can also share a favorite episode or consider joining our Slowmade Podcast Patreon community. You support literally makes this podcast possible. Thank you so much! You can follow along or reach out to Christine on Instagram: @christinemighion or @slowmadepodcast or you can send her an email at: info@christinemighion.com

Tracey Timmons is an exhibiting artist and metalsmith who creates one of kind pieces of jewelry. She has been metalsmithing for about 10 years and is mostly self-guided, learning through books, videos, and trial and error. Tracey participates in art shows and exhibits her work, preferring the in-person experience where people can see and touch her creations. Tracey has recently been accepted to exhibit at the Smithsonian Craft2Wear show, which is a major accomplishment for her and she is super excited to create a special body of work for the show. Like many of us, Tracey faces challenges as a jewelry artist, including occasional feelings of inferiority due to not having a formal arts education. However, she has gained confidence in her abilities and has found her niche in creating one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces inspired by nature, particularly blooms, butterflies, and botanical elements. Tracey values the textures, layers, and colors in her work and enjoys the imperfections and balance she can achieve. In this conversation, Tracey discusses her approach to creating jewelry and the importance of staying true to herself as an artist. She shares how she balances the desire to sell her work with the freedom to create what she truly loves. Tracey also talks about the role of social media in her business and the challenges of pricing her work. She emphasizes the importance of being part of an art community and shares her goals for the future. Instagram: @traceytimmonsjewelry Website: www.traceytimmons.com If this podcast means something to you and you would like to support it, please take a a moment to give it a few kinds word with a written review on your favorite podcast listening platform. This helps me share the podcast with others. You can also share a favorite episode or consider joining our Slowmade Podcast Patreon community. You support literally makes this podcast possible. Thank you so much! You can follow along or reach out to Christine on Instagram: @christinemighion or send her an email at: info@christinemighion.com

I've sat here for a bit thinking about what I wanted to say about today's guest. Jen Prox-Weisblat who may be better known by her business name Prox or ProxArtist, is someone I've known and admired for a very long time. I've always seen Jen as a prolific jewelry artist, obsessed with quality and detail. Whenever I see a piece she has finished, my first thought is “Man I wonder how long that piece took to fabricate” which is then usually followed by some thought of how I would lose my mind if I had to saw out or solder all of those little details. I've had visions of her locked in her studio from sun up to sun down, only taking a break because she really has to pee. Yet in our conversation, Jen talks about the fullness of her days and life. She is not just slogging away at her bench unceasingly. She is gardening, spending time with her kids, and even taking days off back to back. In prioritizing the things in life that matter, she's found a sense of balance in her days, even when it feels a little chaotic. Equally perplexing to me is the fact that with all the hours of work she puts into each piece, she has absolutely no attachment to it if the end product isn't something she love. Jen just scraps it, or reworks it if she can without the deep disappointment that I feel when this happens. And let's not forget that Jen has a huge following of loyal fans on Instagram. What's her secret? She doesn't have one. She posts when she has something to post and she's not worrying one to worry about the results. My friends if you have been following Jen, I think you are going to be as surprised as I was as you listen to our conversation. Follow Jen... Instagram: @proxartist Website: www.proxartist.com If this podcast means something to you and you would like to support it, please take a a moment to give it a few kinds word with a written review on your favorite podcast listening platform. This helps me share the podcast with others. You can also share a favorite episode or consider joining our Slowmade Podcast Patreon community. You support literally makes this podcast possible. Thank you so much! You can follow along or reach out to Christine on Instagram: @christinemighion or send her an email at: info@christinemighion.com

Being the complete stone geek that I am, when I first saw Kimberly Huestis's jewelry my first thought was “wow, those stones are so cool!” and of course I wondered what they were. As I combed through her gorgeous IG profile It didn't take long to realize that many of those “quote stones” were not stones at all, but beautiful porcelain cabochons that Kim lovingly handcrafts herself.  Almost instantly I  became enamored with Kim's work and I knew I wanted to her with you. Kim is not only a very skilled ceramic artist and metalsmith, she also has a background in architecture, photography, and a love design and tech. All of this flows seamlessly through her work, her presence and her website. Oh…and she does cab some of her own gemstones too.  I hope you all enjoy a little time in the sunshine this week, but for now grab your favorite drink and be prepared to be inspired as you listen to my conversation with the very talented Kimberly Huestis. More about Kimberly... Kimberly takes her design inspiration from the coastal lifestyle and Taiwanese/Scottish heritage, and interweaves those natural influences into her sculptural designs. In many cases it may be a design nod in the general vein of nautical ideas or a hint at ocean waves. With her background in hand-and-hammer rock carving, along with many years as a professional building design architect and environmental consultant, this has greatly informed her design approach. Instagram: @porcelainandstone Website: porcelainandstone.com If this podcast means something to you and you would like to support it, please take a a moment to give it a few kinds word with a written review on your favorite podcast listening platform. This helps me share the podcast with others. You can also share a favorite episode or consider joining our Slowmade Podcast Patreon community. You support literally makes this podcast possible. Thank you so much! You can follow along or reach out to Christine on Instagram: @christinemighion or send her an email at: info@christinemighion.com

Chris Anderson took a very different path into working with metal, yet the fit was undeniably perfect. I'm not going to give all the details away, but after retiring from law enforcement, Chris decided to put all of his energy into his business, Lion Punch Forge. I was so thrilled when Chris agreed to take some time out of his very busy schedule to have a conversation with me. He shared is journey from blacksmithing to silver and goldsmithing, and then ultimately to where he has now landed inventing and fabricating innovative tools for metalsmiths. Chris talks about his belief in the need for mental toughness in building a successful business because the entrepreneurial journey has many ups and downs. Later we talk about the creation of the Metalsmith Collective, a cooperative market for tool makers, educators in the jewelry industry, and fabricators of materials such as castings and gemstones. About Chris... Chris is an enthusiastic maker turned inventor who has honed his skills through self-teaching and the invaluable guidance of inspiring mentors he encountered along his journey. Raised in the scenic Pacific Northwest, he developed a profound affinity for the outdoors, which serves as a wellspring of inspiration for his creative endeavors.  In 2016, Chris founded Lion Punch Forge as a hobby, after he, his brother (Bruce), and father (Mike) purchased a coal-fired blacksmith shop. Having retired from a 20+ year career in public safety in 2020, Chris now devotes himself to running Lion Punch Forge full-time as a self-employed entrepreneur. With a background as an instructor in public safety realm Chris has transitioned that role into his new position as a teacher and mentor within the metal arts and creative communities. To learn more about Chris, Lion Punch Forge, and the Metalsmith Collective follow him at the links below. Instagram: @lionpunchforge Website: lionpunchforge.com Metalsmith Collective If this podcast means something to you and you would like to support it, please take a a moment to give it a few kinds word with a written review on your favorite podcast listening platform. This helps me share the podcast with others. You can also share a favorite episode or consider joining our Slowmade Podcast Patreon community. You support literally makes this podcast possible. Thank you so much! You can follow along or reach out to Christine on Instagram: @christinemighion or send her an email at: info@christinemighion.com

When I started my business, I didn't have much of a plan other than making jewelry and selling it so I could make more jewelry. I found Etsy and at that time it was easy enough to navigate. Everything felt “figure outable” to quote Marie Forleo and for the most part it was during those early months. Every time I would sell something I felt hopeful that I could really do this. But I really was flying by the seat of my pants. I remember looking at the Sundance Catalog, thinking “Ok, I can't quite price this much since I'm not known, but I can probably price a little under and get away from it. Each month the goal was the same. Sell enough to buy more materials and put a little in the bank so I could prove to my husband that this was a real business and I could work from home while raising our kids. I took online courses that catered to online businesses, even jewelry businesses, but though I would pull out some valuable information I really felt that they weren't a good fit for my business and what I was selling. And I didn't know any other jewelry artists well enough to bounce ideas off of until I later joined a metalsmithing community on Etsy. That was probably the best thing I ever did for my young business as the members were so supportive and openly shared. But after I outgrew Etsy, I felt like I was once again alone trying to figure everything out by myself. My problems were different and many of team members I kept in touch with were in the same boat, bobbling along without ores to paddle. Thankfully now with social platforms many of us have made some really great and supportive friendships and one thing I've learned is that you need to be creative when running a creative business. What works for you may not work for the next person, and what you are willing to do may be vastly different than what another artist is willing to do. We really do all need to find our own way. Today, I'm speaking with Liette Murphy who like so many people affected by the covid lock down decided to go full time with her young jewelry business, Flying Crow Metalworks. You'll hear her discuss her challenges, her clarity around what isn't a going to work for her, and how she is trying on different things such as wholesale to see what fits. I can say even after 20+ years of business, what fits one year doesn't necessarily fit the next. And I think this fluidness and being able to call the shots is one of the things that still excites me about my business. About Liette Murphy... Liette Murphy is an Arizona-based artist who designs and fabricates art jewelry using a variety of metalsmithing techniques. She first learned metalsmithing, blacksmithing, and jewelry design at Pima College in Tucson, AZ in 2006 and has been selling her work since 2011. Her jewelry has a modern and contemporary feel, sometimes eclectic, and always unique. Liette specializes in one-of-a-kind jewelry with the use of unusual stones, or one-off designs that will never be repeated. Instagram: @flyingcrowmetalworks Website: flyingcrowmetalworks.com If this podcast means something to you and you would like to support it, please take a a moment to give it a few kinds word with a written review on your favorite podcast listening platform. This helps me share the podcast with others. You can also share a favorite episode or consider joining our Slowmade Podcast Patreon community. You support literally makes this podcast possible. Thank you so much! You can follow along or reach out to Christine on Instagram: @christinemighion or send her an email at: info@christinemighion.com

I love hearing how each jewelry artist approaches their craft and business. As someone slowly works on one piece as time and often doesn't have any idea what I'll tackle next, the idea of planning out a cohesive collection feels like… well… difficult. I've made collections before, but it's not something that comes easily. Today, I'm talking with Danielle Cadef and in my mind, she has mastered the art of building a collection. Danielle is a rather prolific jewelry artist that I've admired for a while now for her beautiful and unexpected combinations with a wide variety of materials. Now Danielle creates a large number of pieces for each collection release. Don't quote me, but the last had something like 56 or 57 pieces. Each different, but sharing a common element such as color. And while she is creating these pieces she thoughtfully drips out pictures showing how the collection is developing at different phases such as grouping materials or showing the completed metal framework for several pairs of earrings. Once again I find myself looking at another maker and wondering how they can possibly get sooo much done. Grab your beverage of choice and head on into your studio because Danielle is going to share the method to her creative madness with us. Bio... Danielle Cadef Designs is committed to the adornment of those that appreciate individualism. Each piece is created to be an extension of the wearer. Every jewelry collection utilizes recycled metals (when possible), stones, fossils, recycled gemstones and found objects, in interesting ways. Her designs are inspired by birds- their colors, textures, shapes, calls and habits; the flora and fauna of the southeastern US, and the ocean. All jewelry is handmade in her home studio in Durham, NC. Instagram: @dcadefdesigns Website: www.dcadefdesigns.com If this podcast means something to you and you would like to support it, please take a a moment to give it a few kinds word with a written review on your favorite podcast listening platform. This helps me share the podcast with others. You can also share a favorite episode or consider joining our Slowmade Podcast Patreon community. You support literally makes this podcast possible. Thank you so much! You can follow along or reach out to Christine on Instagram: @christinemighion or send her an email at: info@christinemighion.com  

Have you ever wondered how some makers seem to be able to do it all so damn well? They single handedly run what appears to be busy and successful businesses while creating high volumes of work, that their fans snatch up as soon as the pieces becomes available. They have a large, engaged Instagram following… and why wouldn't they? They even do Instagram so well… consistently sharing their work, their lives, and their loves in the most authentic way that leaves you simply wanting more of everything they have to give. Laura Niblack, aka The Wild Pine, is simply one of those artists that I look at in wonder and today I get to sit down with her and ask how in the heck does she do it all? Believe I have questions. Laura discusses the importance of batch work, what helps her move through challenging times, and the marriage of her love of nature and as her experience as a wilderness guide with all the beauty she creates.  If for some reason you don't know Laura, be sure to head over to her Instagram. But give yourself some time because I know you won't want to leave.  About Laura... Laura creates jewelry inspired by the vibrant, colorful landscapes of the backcountry, shaped by her own experiences of finding adventure and solace in the flora and fauna of the wilderness. She uses recycled silver, incorporating colorful stones that have been curated with intention from all over the world. She has a particular affinity for turquoise mined in the U.S.- vibrant and natural, straight from the earth and into your hands. Laura has purposely chosen to utilize traditional methods of metalsmithing: using simple tools and a torch to craft jewelry. This gives each piece a rustic feel, boldly showing the evidence of her own two human hands that have lovingly created a piece of art just for you. Each is one-of-a-kind and unable to be perfectly replicated again. Laura's hope is that her jewelry will become treasured heirlooms, serving as small reminders of the awe-inspiring beauty of our natural world.  Follow along with all of Laura's adventures and see her creations: Instagram: @thewildpine Website: thewildpine.com If this podcast means something to you and you would like to support it, please take a a moment to give it a few kinds word with a written review on your favorite podcast listening platform. This helps me share the podcast with others. You can also share a favorite episode or consider joining our Slowmade Podcast Patreon community. You support literally makes this podcast possible. Thank you so much! You can follow along or reach out to Christine on Instagram: @christinemighion or send her an email at: info@christinemighion.com  

I don't know about you but one of the things I have really enjoyed in talking with other jewelry artists is hearing their journeys of how they found themselves bitten by the jewelry bug. For some, it began with early memories of dress up or rooting through a loved one's collection of jewelry. For others, a series of event brought them unexpectedly to metal but the love for the craft was immediate. I love a good story and a good story teller, and Alix Bluh delivers as you will hear. I connected to Alix's work immediately. We share a love for symbols, patina, texture, and stone, but Alix takes it to another level. And I not only admire her work, but after this conversation I admire her ability to flow and pivot during difficult times to build something even better than she could have envisioned otherwise. Her San Francisco brick and mortar, Modern Relics is a testament to this. I honestly can't wait to visit the next time I'm in the Bay Area. About Alix Bluh... Alix Bluh was introduced to the silver studio at a summer camp in Maine at the age of 12 and that experienced sparked a life long love of creating. Alix moved to San Francisco at the age of 28 where she joined the Sharon Art Studio, a beautiful Victorian stone building in the Golden Gate Park. This is where she began her metalsmithing journey and fell in love with working in sterling silver and gold. After 5 years of practicing her craft and refining her artistic voice in the medium she launched her line. Modern Relics, was born in1999. In 2007 Alix opened her gallery and new studio space, Modern Relics in the Richmond District of San Francisco and hasn't looked back. You can find Alix on Instagram at: @alixbluh or @modernrelicssf   If this podcast means something to you and you would like to support it, please take a a moment to give it a few kinds word with a written review on your favorite podcast listening platform. This helps me share the podcast with others. You can also share a favorite episode or consider joining our Slowmade Podcast Patreon community. You support literally makes this podcast possible. Thank you so much! You can follow along or reach out to Christine on Instagram: @christinemighion or send her an email at: info@christinemighion.com