Heather Croston of Talulet Jewelry has taken more than a few unexpected turns. She moved from narrative metalsmithing into toy design, and now she’s returned to jewelry with a new rhythm and a voice that’s wholly her own.

Heather creates one-of-a-kind pieces that feel like miniature landscapes—stone pairings that echo the Catskills outside her window, soft textures and patterns that carry a sense of place and feeling. Her work is intentional and thoughtful, but it didn’t come from forcing clarity—it came from allowing change.

We talk about all of it: learning to trust your instincts, creating while grieving, navigating two distinct creative styles, and how building a slower business sometimes means letting go of what we thought success was supposed to look like.

If you’ve ever felt like you came to your art “late,” or wrestled with the idea of having multiple creative identities, I think this conversation will leave you feeling seen and encouraged.

Follow Heather:

Heather on Instagram: @taluletjewelry

Talulet Website: ⁠taluletjewelry.com

Narrative Jewelry: heathercrostonjewelry.com

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Instagram: @christinemighion

Jewelry Website: christinemighion.com

Slowmade: 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: @reneefordmetals

Jewelry: reneefordmetals.com

Tutorials & Tools: thehammerandanvil.com

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Instagram: @christinemighion

Jewelry Website: christinemighion.com

Slowmade: 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: @stonesandsterlingbytaylor

SuzAnne’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.com

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Instagram: @christinemighion

Jewelry Website: christinemighion.com

Slowmade: 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_atelier

Website: wrenatelier.com

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Instagram: @christinemighion

Jewelry website: christinemighion.com

Slowmade 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: @silverstruckstudio

Website: etsy.com/shop/silverstruckstudio

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Instagram: @christinemighion

Jewelry website: christinemighion.com

Slowmade 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: @jewelrymonk

Doug’s Website: jewelrymonk.com

Doug on YouTube: Doug Napier (Jewelry Monk)

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Instagram: @christinemighion

Email: [email protected]

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: @centeringpendants

Margaret’s Website: centeringpendants.com

Margaret’s Podcast: The Art of Centering

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Connect with Christine:

Instagram: @christinemighion

Jewelry: christinemighion.com

Podcast: 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: @karinluvaasjewelry

Website: karinluvaas.com

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SlowmadePodcast.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: @bethaimeejewelry

Website: bethaimeejewelry.com

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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: @moptopjewelry

Website: moptopjewelry.com

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Without your support I couldn’t continue the Slowmade Podcast. Thank you so much!

Better yet, join the conversation in the Slowmade Collective!