Slowmade: Nourishing Conversations for Jewelry Artists and Metalsmiths

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: @karenhigginsjewelryOn Etsy: KarenHigginsJewelry

Karla Hackman’s path into metalsmithing began in the most unexpected of ways—through a background in academia, ceramics, and a love of collecting stones on long hikes. Karla eventually traded in a steady career in higher education for the leap into jewelry, and over the last twelve years she’s built a body of work that balances the organic and the architectural, the soft and the strong.In our conversation, Karla shares how her surroundings in the Southwest shape her collections, the inward journey of self discovery that art has taken her on, and the ways she finds both grounding and freedom at the bench. We also talk about the realities of making a living as an independent artist—navigating production work alongside one-of-a-kind pieces, honoring exploration, and letting your creative voice evolve over time.It’s a thoughtful, down-to-earth conversation about what it means to make with intention, and I think you’ll really enjoy it.Follow Karla...Karla on Instagram: @karlahackmanKarla’s Website: karlahackman.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 Slowmade...Instagram: ⁠⁠@christinemighion⁠⁠Jewelry Website: ⁠⁠christinemighion.com⁠⁠Slowmade: ⁠⁠slowmadepodcast.com

Stacey Hareid is a self-taught metalsmith who’s been carving out her own path for more than a decade, teaching herself fabrication, stone setting, and even lapidary along the way. More recently she’s been diving into wax carving and casting — a process that’s been both exciting and, as she shares, incredibly humbling.In our conversation, Stacey opens up about her journey from photography into metalsmithing, the winding road that eventually led her back to Portland, and how finding a mentor shifted her perspective after so many years of figuring it out alone. We also talk about the realities of balancing creative freedom with the pressures of business, why patience has been one of her biggest teachers, and the meaningful connections she’s built with her customers through custom work and talisman-like pieces.Follow Stacey...Stacey on Instagram: @47sunsjewelryStacey’s Website: 47suns.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 Slowmade...Instagram: ⁠@christinemighion⁠Jewelry Website: ⁠christinemighion.com⁠Slowmade: ⁠slowmadepodcast.com

Renee Ford, now Renee Busdiecker, has been working in metal for over 30 years, and her path has taken her through so many versions of this life—from grad school to running her own brick-and-mortar fine jewelry store in her twenties, to creating a production line that landed in shops around the world. She’s taught all over the country, mentored students from her studio in Tennessee, and developed tools that many of us use at the bench such as one of my favorites, Hold It.These days, she’s focused on slower, more intentional work—custom pieces, hand engraving, and passing on what she’s learned to others.During our conversation we talked about what it’s like to navigate creative life as we age… the shifting priorities, the toll on our bodies, and the deep satisfaction that can come from making work that feels meaningful and connected. Renee also spoke about the invisible weight of always having to wear all the hats, and the quiet, tender place she’s arrived at—where the work is less about proving something, and more about listening, refining, and creating from a place of truth.Follow along with Renee...Instagram: @reneefordmetalsJewelry: reneefordmetals.comTutorials & Tools: thehammerandanvil.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 Slowmade...Instagram: @christinemighionJewelry Website: christinemighion.comSlowmade: slowmadepodcast.com

SuzAnne Taylor is a silversmith and artist whose journey into jewelry began as an act of survival. After serving as a combat medic in Iraq, she returned home carrying invisible wounds and found herself struggling to reconnect with everyday life. It was during a stay at a VA hospital that her psychiatrist encouraged her to find a hobby—something to do with her hands, something to focus her energy. That simple suggestion opened a door.A beginner’s chainmail class led to her first bracelet, and something clicked. The rhythm, the repetition, the quiet demand for presence—each small step helped anchor her in the here and now. Over time, and with the support of a kind and generous mentor, SuzAnne began to build a new life through her work at the bench.Her work, especially her Tuff Gurlz line, honors the imperfect and the scarred, not only in the stones she chooses, but in the stories they represent—stories of survival, strength, and grace.This episode is a beautiful reminder that art often finds us when we need it most—and that making with our hands can bring us back home to ourselves. Follow along with SuzAnne...SuzAnne on Instagram: @stonesandsterlingbytaylorSuzAnne’s longtime Instagram account @taylormadesilver was removed by Meta without explanation and she is currently working to restore it and will return to this account if possible.SuzAnne’s Website: taylormadesilver.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 Slowmade...Instagram: @christinemighionJewelry Website: christinemighion.comSlowmade: slowmadepodcast.com

Jennifer Young is one of those multi-talented souls who’s followed a winding, wholehearted path—through fine art, architecture, time living in Japan, and months on the road with her family in an Airstream. She makes soulful jewelry full of story. And in the corner of her studio, she’s created a small but intentional shop curated with beautiful handmade objects from around the world, all rooted in a deep sense of slowness, simplicity, and reverence for craft.During our conversation, we talk about finding your creative rhythm, navigating the pull between all the roles we hold, and what it really means to build a life and business on your own terms. If you’ve ever felt like you had too many passions to pin yourself down—or longed for more intention in your creative practice—I think you’ll really enjoy this episode.We explore the beauty of restraint, the power of ritual, and how letting things unfold—at their own pace—can lead you closer to yourself. If you’re craving a reset or simply want to feel inspired by someone carving out her own quiet, intentional path—this one's for you.Follow Jennifer...Instagram: @wren_atelierWebsite: wrenatelier.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 & Slowmade...Instagram: @christinemighionJewelry website: christinemighion.comSlowmade website: slowmadepodcast.com

If you’ve ever felt that tug-of-war between creativity and business, or struggled with the balance of freedom and financial pressure, you’re going to feel so seen in this episode.Julianne is a maker in the truest sense—her work is soulful, organic, and deeply connected to the natural world. We talk about her journey from teacher to metalsmith, the unexpected start she got thanks to her husband’s old silversmithing tools, and how her creative voice found its way through texture, form, and layers that reflect the landscapes of her life.We also dive into the challenges of building a jewelry business in a rural setting, navigating the rollercoaster of sales, and the ever-present feeling of not doing it ‘right’—even when your heart knows it’s exactly what you’re meant to be doing. Julianne shares how she’s embraced the imperfections of her craft and found freedom in letting go of comparison and self-doubt.If you’ve ever felt the pull to create simply for the joy of it, or if you’ve ever wrestled with the tension between art and livelihood, this conversation will resonate. You’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for the slow, mindful process of making, and for the ways we can infuse care and intention into not just our work, but our lives.Follow along with Julianne...Instagram: @silverstruckstudioWebsite: etsy.com/shop/silverstruckstudioLove 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 & Slowmade...Instagram: @christinemighionJewelry website: christinemighion.comSlowmade website: slowmadepodcast.com

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

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!

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!