Slowmade Podcast

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      

You know when I think back to my early days of making jewelry, I could give you the names of two people in particular I followed and admired. Jess Cote would be one of the two, though for years I only knew her by her business name, Rosy Revolver. Even in her early years, she had a signature style that clearly defined her brand. I’ve really enjoyed following Jess over the years. Her work is ever evolving, yet distinctively displays her finger prints as the artist. When I think of her workin recent years, I see layers of metal punctuated with color and detail. And when it comes to those little details, I distinctively remember when she introduced a series with hundreds of small silver dots and circle. I humbly bow to her patience and dedication to exploring her craft. She has far more patience than I ever will. And I think it’s this love of detail combined with her signature style and superb execution that has pulled in so many loyal fans. I’ve quietly admired Jess from the sidelines, and I was even a bit nervous to reach out to her to see if she would be interested in coming on Slowmade. I was so thrilled when she agreed to sit down with me for a chat that I’m sure I let out a squeal. During our conversation you’ll hear Jess talk about the importance of self examination in understanding her “why” and she is keenly aware of how her past continues to inform her artistic vision. She also talks about the importance of leaning into your why and showing up on the days you can’t find inspiration. Jess has a lot on her plate most days. She is a busy mama, animal wrangler, artist, course creator, and all around magical one woman show. You’ll here her talk about the challenges of keeping it together when you’re doing all of things. I know you’re going to have some good things to chew on after listening to this conversation. I’m still digesting. Jess wanted to share information regarding a scholarship opportunity for Heart of the Maker. Click here to view a recent video about the HOTM scholarship and here to go to the form where you can nominate a fellow maker for the scholarship for the Summer 2024 cohort. About Jess... Jessica Jordan Coté is a southern metalsmith from Fuquay Varina, North Carolina.  Largely self-taught in the realm of metal fabrication, she has been smithing full time since 2008 and teaching around the country since 2012.  Jessica is the lone figure behind the brand Rosy Revolver, an unflinching line of feminine statement jewelry.  She is a wife, mother, animal enthusiast and lover of all things vintage. Instagram: @rosyrevolver Website: rosyrevolver.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    

Catherine Chandler is a jewelry artist I’ve known from my EtsyMetal Team days. Even back then, Catherine was a ray of light in our rather tight knit group and she was always eager to support ohers. She is still that light within our Instagram jewelry community… and I’m sure if Catherine follows you, she has cheered you on from the sidelines many times. Sitting down with Catherine felt like re-connecting with an old friend, but this is really the first time we’ve had a true one on one conversation. We talked about a number of things from her recent trip back to Australia where she continues to find inspiration and transitioning to full time as a jewelry artist, to the moments when our chosen craft can feel more like a job and how this is when we need to remember our why. But one of the things I loved most about my conversation that you’ll hear today, was when Catherine shared the story behind one of her most meaningful projects. I won’t give it away, but it demonstrates the heart felt relationships we can build with other makers and the beauty that can come when we are open to collaboration and honoring another artist’s work. I really hope with the conversations on Slowmade feel like you are sitting there with us, drinking your coffee or tea, and enjoying time with some old (and maybe some new) friends. About Catherine... Catherine Chandler is a jeweler and metalsmith from Oregon. Having grown up in the forests of SW Portland and the broad hills of the Columbia River Gorge, Catherine brings an intense love of the Pacific Northwest to her work. With an affinity for clean lines and a great attention to detail, she creates modern and unique jewelry for the adventurous at heart. Sterling silver, gold, and unique stones are highlights in her one-of-a-kind and limited edition creations. Her work shows a fondness for abstraction and subtle details—influences from her time studying abroad in Australia. She has participated in numerous group shows, including exhibitions in the USA and Australia. Catherine graduated with a Bachelor of Visual Arts from the University of South Australia, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Oregon College of Art and Craft. When not traversing the trails around the area with her dog, Catherine can be found enjoying the outdoors with her husband or spending quality time with friends and family. Instagram: @catherinechandlerjewelry Website: www.catherinechandler.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

Today, I’m talking with a jewelry artist I’ve been rather obsessed with for a while now, Ann Chikahisa. Ann creates bold, yet wearable every day jewelry. Her talisman pieces are among my favorite and I’m excited to say that I now own one of Ann’s heart built talismans. But Ann’s jewelry is one reason I have been enthralled by her. She is doing something so many of us (including myself) have a hard to doing. Ann shows up on camera a lot,… and I mean a lot…showing up for her customers and her community on social media each week. You’ll even hear her talk about how disheartening it feels when she goes live… to crickets. From her videos, to her writing, and her work, her authenticity, positive outlook, and inner light shine brightly, and I when I see that type of light I’m like a moth to a flame. Honestly I wish we could have talked a little longer. Ann has done some really creative things with her online business and if you don’t already know her, I think you really need to give her a follow. I think you will love her as much as I do. About Ann... Ann Chikahisa is a metalsmith and jewelry designer who creates pieces that speak to a woman’s soul and ignites her inner passion. After a successful corporate sales career, Ann took a creative passion and founded a six figure online business, Chikahisa Studio. She has over 15 years experience as a business owner,metalsmith and jewelry designer where she creates pieces that connect women with their inner power. Her mission is to help women realize their highest potential because it’s never too late!  Ann and her jewelry have been featured in Sports Illustrated Swim, King 5 News, Refinery29, About.com and Blow. She has also been a guest on several podcasts such as Sweet but Fearless  and Instagram Lives.  Follow Ann... Website: chikahisastudio.com Instagram: @chikahisastudio 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 wanted to take some time during this Monday Minisode to share what is currently working for me in my business.  I've been taking Jenna Kutcher's Pinterest Lab course and I wanted to share my stats after almost 30 days of making some small changes. Is this course all hype? Well, I'm not even half way through the course and I can say that the changes I have made are working quite well as promised.  Here is the link to Jenna's Pinterest Lab course and again I have no affiliation with her and nothing to gain if you sign up. And here is the link to my Pinterest account should you want to take a look.  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

Today I’m sharing my conversation with Colin Miller, the owner of the Artisan’s Bench. I love hearing the stories of business owners and what called them to start their business. Colin  shares his journey of working with his mother in her high quality, imported rug business to eventually taking the reins and forming what is now the Artisan’s Bench. The Artisan’s Bench carries work from several of the makers we have had here on the podcast. So many of these artists have worked with Colin for years and have nothing but great things to say which I why I was really excited to talk with him. One of the things that I loved about this conversation was hearing Colin’s passion for supporting the artists he partners with as well as supporting his local community and economy. Colin shares his perspective as a shop owner and openly discusses the challenges he has faced, and continues to face, as a brick and mortar retailer in the Midwest. Colin goes on to talk about what he looks for when considering to take on a new artist, advice for artists wanting to work with a retailer, and the importance of having a strong partnership. The Artisan’s Bench is located in Brighton, MI and specializes in providing unique handmade goods: jewelry, ceramics, rugs, painting, wood, and more all crafted by artists around the country. The Artisan’s Bench on Instagram: @theartisansbench Website: www.artisansbench.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

For this Monday Minisode I jwanted to take a few minutes to talk about the Slowmade Community - my vision, next steps, and how you can help. I'm ready to build it! Are you in? Slowmade Community email sign up link: https://mailchi.mp/christinemighion/the-slowmade-community Website: www.christinemighion.com Instagram: @christinemighion

These days it feels like so many of us are trying to find new and meaningful ways to connect with our customers. One of the themes that continues to play out during my conversations with other makers is their frustration with Instagram and what to do next.  Today I’m sitting down with Nicole Conklin and talking about her business, Arrok Jewelry. Nicole shares so many good things and during this interview she talks about how we need to understand that Pinterest is like a Google search engine that we can use to our advantage. By entering key words and phrases into your titles and descriptions it can literally drive traffic to your website or instagram.  Nicole also shares her journey with building Arrok Jewelry to the business it is today and how fine tuning your artistic voice and overall look and feel of your business can take your business to the next level. Bio... Arrok Jewelry is owned and operated by Nicole Conklin. Established in 2010, Nicole started her jewelry career after attending The Gemological Institute of America. Once she graduated from GIA she opened Arrok Jewelry and hasn't looked back! Nicole enjoys working with her hands, turning precious and semi precious metals into magical handmade works of art. Her main medium is Sterling Silver, but she also works with copper and brass as accent metals. Nicole's jewelry is bold and powerful, while also remaining subtly feminine. She creates jewelry that evokes emotion and makes the wearer feel empowered and beautiful. Life, Death and Rebirth influence much of Nicole’s work, and is a theme often found in her jewelry. Using traditional tattoo flash aesthetic, bold lines and unique stones to help her weave intricate stories in metal, Nicole's designs intertwine juxtaposed imagery, often pairing the macabre with the ultra feminine to highlight the dark/light duality within each of us. Website: arrokjewelry.com Instagram: @arrokjewelry Pinterest: @arrokjewelry 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 just wanted to bring you an extra mini episode each week on Monday's to give you little something to think about as you start your week off. I want to dive a little deeper into some of the challenges we face as makers and give you some encouragement. And really this is as much for as it is for you.  The "Big I" is definitely not as fun as the "Big O", right? And can I just tell you that I was noticing that impostery feeling welling up inside of me as I was getting ready to publish this episode.  I'm not an expert, but I do have some time on my side and maybe a little crone wisdom. I hope as you listen to this, you will think of me more like a friend and know that this is what I would share with you if we were sitting together talking about this very thing.  If you found this minisode helpful, would you please share it with someone you think might need to hear this too, or post it on Instagram and tag me @christinemighion because I always love reposting.

I will forever be grateful to my sister-in-law, Sandra, who came over every Tuesday without fail to cook dinner and watch our children so I could attend an evening metalsmithing course at our local museum. This opportunity allowed me to not only have some time to myself as my husband was working long hours, but she gave me the gift of being able to follow my dreams of becoming an artist. And a couple years later, it  was this gift that helped me through my grief and anxiety over her sudden death.  My craft has blessed me in so many ways and I'm so grateful for the wonderful jewelry artists I have come to know. This craft and these relationship continues to ground and calm me, and when I have felt deep sadness and uncertainty it has held me. My conversation with Cara Wolff was one that brought me right back to my heart and the gratitude I have for my sister-in-law and for this craft.  Cara began making jewelry full-time in 2018, after the tragedy of losing her sister to cancer and her mother’s new cancer diagnosis shifted the lens through which she saw her life and purpose. She left her 20-year career as a Wildlife Biologist and transformed her pain into healing when she opened her small storefront and studio in southern Vermont. Though she came to her career as a jewelry maker later in life, Cara had been fascinated with jewelry and gemstones since she was a child and has made jewelry as a hobby since her high school years. Cara creates unique and sacred adornment from the Earth's finest gifts – all her jewelry is hand fabricated in silver and gold and often features show-stopping gemstones and reclaimed materials. She is inspired every day by the beauty of the natural world and the enduring spirit of her beloved sister, Melinda. Instagram: @carawolffjewelry   Website: carawolff.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

When I began making jewelry 20+ years ago, sharing about your craft wasn't a thing unless you had peers close by willing to talk openly. There seemed to be an underlying fear that if you shared information, whether it was on a technique or a stone supplier, you may find this person doing similar work in the future. Does that happen? Well, I'm not going to lie... it's happened to me a handful of times and it really stung, especially since I believe in sharing.   Thankfully with platforms like Instagram and YouTube information is much more accessible and we can follow and form relationships with our peers. I found April Ottey on Instagram a year or two ago and I saw that she taught classes on organic casting in her area. I reached out to her to see if she did any online teaching because I really was struggling with my own organic casting. Unfortunately for me, she didn't teach online, but I took a chance and asked her if she might be willing to answer a couple questions in exchange for payment. She generously answered my questions while repeatedly ignoring my offer to pay her for her knowledge.  Although we didn't have many exchanges after that, I sensed April was the kind of person I would love to get to know better, so I was thrilled when she agreed to come on the show. April is so very kind and supportive... and this is what I think of when I think about the value of being in community with others. As artists and makers we can all benefit from a healthy community. About April... April Ottey is an artist living in Port Townsend, WA.  She has her studio a stones throw from Discovery Bay where she creates contemporary jewelry inspired by the natural world. Her close up inspection of various stages of birth, growth, death and decay in forests, rivers and beaches has shaped who she is as an artist. She casts, fabricates and incorporates the textures and intricate shapes found in nature to create jewelry that places nature into a new context.  April’s work can be found in various galleries throughout the Northwest.  She is a member of the Northwest Designer Craftsmen Guild and the Seattle Metals Guild .   She has an MFA from Central Washington University and an undergraduate degree from Montana State University.  She taught jewelry and metal smithing at an alternative high school 10 years until she decided to pursue her own work full time in 2015. Instagram: @april_ottey_jewelry    Website: aprilottey.com      Love the show? Please consider supporting the podcast by joining our Slowmade Community on Patreon. Thank you! You can find Christine on Instagram @christinemighion

Today I'm chatting with the very talented Nisa Smiley! We touch on so many good things like allowing trust and joy to be your guide in life and your art. I can certainly get caught up in the mind chatter telling me to be mindful that I need to make work that will pay the bills.  We also talk about the artistic and emotional value of our work to our customers. Although we don't spend a lot of time on this topic, I really think it's worth paying attention to. About Nisa... Growing up in northern New England, Nisa spent her early years in the beautiful woods and mountains, but her draw to the seaside has been present all along. At 18, she left her beloved mountains and moved to the coast. Decades later, she is still there, entranced by the inexhaustible abundance of inspiration from her natural surroundings. Nisa earned her BFA from the Maine College of Art in 2000, and then settled in Downeast Maine soon thereafter to start her family. In 2006 she founded NISA Jewelry, and since then her work has been shown in juried fine craft shows, galleries, private trunk shows, public shows, and published in multiple books and publications. She is also a seasoned teacher, and loves assisting others in their creative pursuits. She has taught countless private and public workshops, for both older children and adults, and is a certified Precious Metal Clay instructor, as well as a Master for the Craft Apprentice Program (Maine). These days, Nisa can often be found in her sunny studio in downtown Ellsworth, Maine (if it’s summer, she can also be found at the beach, or at the J.McVeigh Jewelry gallery in Stonington, Maine), immersed in a plethora of organic found objects, gemstones, and precious metals. Her studio is not public, but visits by appointment are most welcome. Her latest work can be found in select galleries, as well as on her website and social media accounts (Instagram and Facebook). Website: nisajewelry.com Instagram: @nisajewelry Love the show? Please consider supporting the podcast by joining our Slowmade Community on Patreon. Thank you! You can find Christine on Instagram @christinemighion

Taylor Saleem has the secret sauce... no she IS the secret sauce when it comes to building a handmade business and Instagram account that just pulls you in. After looking through her Instagram profile for a few minutes I know you will get exactly what I'm saying. She is brings an honest connection to her customers and others in the jewelry community, and that is just what we all need right now. My conversation with Taylor did not disappoint! She is as exactly as I expected... funny, real, talented, and someone I respect and would love to hang out with. As an introvert, this means I'm at complete ease with that person.  Our conversation today is full and I know you will learn so much more about Taylor after listening. Enjoy! Bio: Taylor is a full-time metalsmith living in St. Louis, Missouri. She began creating jewelry in 2003 as "The Rare Bird", transitioning from beadwork to wire work. Entirely self-taught, she now builds her jewelry by hand from precious metals and gemstones, and preserves organic flora in sterling silver using lost wax casting techniques. Taylor's work has been featured in Step by Step Wire Jewelry Magazine, Easy Wire Magazine, and ArtJewlery Magazine and frequently teaches virtual jewelry-making workshops. Website: TaylorSaleem.com Instagram: @taylorsaleem Love the show? Please consider supporting the podcast by joining our Slowmade Community on Patreon. Thank you! You can find Christine on Instagram @christinemighion

In this episode I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Jess Guerrieri, or maybe better known by her Instagram name JessJewelry. Jess shares her challenges with balancing creativity, the demands of sustaining a viable business, and the burnout that often comes along with this. We cover so many other good things including building lasting friendships within the jewelry community, collaboration, and organically growing her Instagram follow by connecting with her fans through reels.  About Jess Guerrieri... Jess, a committed metalsmith since the early 2000s, calls Palm Harbor, FL, home with her husband, two boys, and Ziggy the dog. Graduating with a BFA in Crafts in jewelry and metalsmithing from the University of the Arts in 2006, she kicked off her career as a goldsmith in a Pennsylvania jewelry store, perfecting her skills in commercial jewelry. By 2009, Jess had relocated to Florida, where she delved into the world of art jewelry, drawing inspiration from the surrounding nature. Her pieces showcase delicate floral forms, brought to life through techniques like enameling, engraving, casting, beading and etching, resulting in truly unique, one-of-a-kind creations. Instagram: @jessjewelry  Website: jessguerrieri.com   Love the show? Please consider supporting the podcast by joining our Slowmade Community on Patreon. Thank you! You can find Christine on Instagram @christinemighion

We spend countless hours in our studios and more behind the screen editing photos, answering emails, listing, and sharing our work. It can feel very solitary for even someone like me who absolutely loves my alone time. Yet I think it is worth the freedom to create businesses that work in our lives and the pleasure of doing something we truly love.  Today, I’m speaking with my friend, Emily Webster of Mavens Jewelry. Emily reached out to me in a sweet little DM on Instagram and we became fast friends. It’s been a mutually supportive relationship and one that I’m truly grateful. I think we all need supportive friends within our craft, willing to share without the concern of competition.  Emily grew up in Georgia collecting rocks, shells, feathers and all sorts of other organic ephemera - She considers herself a scavenger who has always loved the tiniest things and most insignificant details. Mavens Jewelry is how Emily processes and shares this innate wonder of our surroundings through hand-crafted one-of-a-kind pieces. "Training in lost-wax casting in northern Italy, apprenticing to a Master Goldsmith in New York City, managing a fine jewelry repair shop while mastering the art of stone-setting in New Orleans, and being educated in gemology in California - this breadth of experience has led me to work with all kinds of materials, the 'high' and the 'low', and they are equal in my view, from quartz to diamonds, and from silver fabrication to classical goldsmithing techniques." ~ Emily Webster, Mavens Jewelry Instagram: @mavensjewelry Website: mavensjewelry.com Please consider supporting the podcast by joining our Slowmade Podcast Community on Patreon. Your support makes the podcast possible. If you have a guest suggestion or topic for the podcast, please reach out to Christine at: Instagram: @christinemighion Website: christinemighion.com

Today, I'm talking with Lucy Golden. Lucy and I only recently connected, though when I saw her work it felt familiar. Sure enough, Lucy sells some of her nature inspired jewelry on Uncommon Goods. Lucy takes us on her 35 year jewelry making journey from high school where she participated in two month-long intensive independent study jewelry classes to working in the fashion jewelry industry in Manhattan, and eventually finding herself living in the White Mountains of New Hampshire on a 350 acre farm where nature ultimately became her muse.  We talk about many things today including the importance of working with your hands as a life long pursuit, figuring out what works best for you, cultivating community and the pleasure of creating meaningful relationships with your customers.  About Lucy... Lucy Golden has been making jewelry in the White Mountains of NH for over 35 years. As an avid naturalist, she feels fortunate to be able to explore her interests in her work. When not in the studio, Lucy can be found exploring the outdoors, by bicycle, hiking boots or skis, depending on season. It is often during these times that creative ideas present. Lucy's interests encompass all facets of the natural world, but she is especially fascinated by caterpillars, moths, butterflies, and mushrooms. She enjoys raising four species of native "giant silk moths" and various species of praying mantises from which she draws inspiration. Lucy incorporates color and detail in her work which pays tribute to all of the life forms that share our world with us. She is passionate about conservation and preservation, and hopes that her work is a reminder of the critical importance of our natural environment. Lucy started making jewelry in high school, and took jewelry classes at RISD while earning a BA in Semiotics from Brown University. She worked in the fashion jewelry industry in Manhattan before moving to NH. She has been a juried member of the League of NH Craftsmen for over 30 years, and sells her work through most of their galleries and their Sunapee Fair, as well as other events and galleries. She teaches metals and jewelry-making at the Littleton Studio School and is an enthusiastic believer in power of creative expression. Instagram: @lucygoldenjewelry Website: lucygoldenjewelry.com Please consider supporting the podcast by joing our Slowmade Podcast Community on Patreon. Your support literally makes the podcast possible! Thank you! Follow Christine and the Slowmade Podcast on Instagram @christinemighion.    

There’s a lot to talk about when it comes to selling our work and making a living as an artist. I think the more we have honest conversations and share our experiences, the more we can learn and feel supported. Just because you love what you do, doesn’t mean that making a living as an artist is all rainbows and butterflies. Making a living not only means charging enough to cover each and every expense that your business incurs, but that you are also financially prepared to make it through an unexpected emergency or slow time without worry.  This week, I had a serious, but really fun conversation with jewelry artist, Janine Krantz. Janine has been creating jewelry and running her own handmade business for well over 20 years. We covered a lot of territory about the reality of running a handmade business in this conversation… and you might say we got a little salty along the way.    Janine Krantz is an art jeweler from New Jersey. She works primarily in sterling silver with one of a kind stones sourced from all over the world. Being a jeweler is a second career for her after working as a cosmetologist for 20 years with a side hustle of making and selling jewelry that entire time. Finally making the career switch to full time jeweler has been a dream come true. When she isn't running her business she enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, traveling, cooking, and gardening. Website: janinekrantz.com Instagram: @janinekrantz Please consider supporting the podcast by joining our Slowmade Podcast Community on Patreon. Your support makes the podcast possible. If you have a guest suggestion or topic for the podcast, please reach out to Christine at: Instagram: @christinemighion Website: https://www.christinemighion.com

Each one of us is on our own creative journey. We may be in different places at this time, but I think we can all learn something from each other no matter where we are. I know that each conversation on Slowmade has left me with more clarity and knowledge than I had before, and that is the beauty of community. I’m also deeply grateful to have the opportunity to get to know each artist a little more. Some, from the moment we connect, I feel like I’ve known for years. Shannon Bundschuh is one of those artists, and talking with her felt like talking to a good friend. Shannon is what I would consider an anomaly in the creative world. Although she began taking some metalsmithing classes in 2016, she took her time to get to know the craft and her market. With that knowledge in hand she intentionally thought through the launch of her business, Carry A Torch, 5 years ago, in 2019. With a background in graphic design, she created a cohesive image that flows seamlessly with her work. And shortly after the pandemic hit, she was able to pivot with her in person teachings at a local retreat center to building beautiful online courses all while raising a family. Shannon Bundschuh is the owner and creative force behind Carry A Torch. She is a silversmith, designing crushworthy jewelry out of her home studio in Scottsdale, Arizona. Shannon’s background in many other art mediums—including hand-lettering, computer graphics, sculpture, textiles and painting—all contribute to the color, texture and balance in her creations. A passion for trying new materials and challenging herself is what drove Shannon to try her hand at silversmithing, igniting a flame that has her smitten for good. She quite literally and figuratively carries a torch for this medium. And now in her classes, Shannon is sharing the seductive spark of silversmithing with her fellow artists. You can follow Shannon and see all of her crushworthy jewelry and courses at the links below:  Instagram: @carry.a.torch Website: Carry-A-Torch.com Please consider supporting the podcast by joining our Slowmade Podcast Community on Patreon. Your support makes the podcast possible. If you have a guest suggestion or topic for the podcast, please reach out to Christine at: Instagram: @christinemighion Website: https://www.christinemighion.com

There are few things I find more enjoyable than having a really good conversation with someone who truly understands the magic of creating. That feeling of excitement when you something catches your eye (or your imagination) and you know that is the breadcrumb you need to follow. And of course, then there is the feeling once you have fully birthed your creation and cut the cord to your own soul.  This week I had the absolute pleasure of talking to Susan Fauman. We talk about the alchemy of creating a piece of jewelry and how we weave our medicine into our work. We talk about the joy of harmoniously blending our lives with our craft and the importance of building a community of peers around you as our work is often solitary.  There’s a lot I’m still unpacking from this episode, but it just reinforces why I love having these honest conversations… and I hope you are enjoying them too.  Susan Fauman is a mama and maker of many things, working out of her studio in the NY Hudson Valley. She draws inspiration from her 15+ years working as a yoga instructor, bodyworker and herbalist to bring healing intention to her jewelry and other creations. Her mission is to make people feel connected to something bigger than themselves, with a side of playfulness and wonder. Website: https://www.susanfauman.com Instagram: @susanfauman Please consider supporting the podcast by joining our Slowmade Podcast Community on Patreon. Your support makes the podcast possible. If you have a guest suggestion or topic for the podcast, please reach out to Christine at: Instagram: @christinemighion Website: https://www.christinemighion.com

Welcome to our first episode of 2024! Today I'm speaking with Canadian metalsmith, Robin McGauley. Robin shares her journey from leaving a career she loved as an ordained minister in order to follow a deeper longing to create beauty with her hands as well as her heart. We talk about abandoning fear, healing ourselves with the medicine of our work, the link between voice and vocation, deepening the connection to our inner wisdom, and toilets!  Robin McGauley was an ordained minister in The United Church of Canada where she served as Program Director at a retreat centre and then as a policy writer for the organization. This was meaningful work, so giving it up to follow the longing of her heart and a deeper calling to be an artist was a painful yet beautiful process.   Since 2019 Robin has been a full-time metalsmith, creating jewellery and small sculptures, as well as seeing clients who come to her for spiritual direction. She has also taught courses in the Expressive Arts program at the Haliburton School of Art & Design.  Robin lives with her incredibly supportive husband in Kitchener, Ontario, which is the territory of the Haudenosaunee, Anishnaabe and Neutral peoples.    You can follow along with Robin and see her beautiful offerings at the links below.   Instagram: @robin.mcgauley.metalsmithing   Website: robinmcgauley.com   Substack: @robinmcgauley   Books discussed in the podcast:    Art & Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking by David Bayles & Ted Orland   Beauty: The Invisible Embrace by John O'Donohue   Please consider supporting the podcast by joining our Slowmade Podcast Community on Patreon. Your support makes the podcast possible!   Do you have someone you would like to hear interviewed on Slowmade? Please connect with Christine on Instagram @christinemighion