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

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!

Follow Christine & Slowmade...

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)

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: @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

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:

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

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!

Follow Christine and the Slowmade Podcast...

Instagram: @christinemighion

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

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!

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: @moptopjewelry

Website: moptopjewelry.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!

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: @bmfjewelry

Website: bmfjewelry.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!

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: @thesilverschmidt

Website: saltcitysmithery.com

Buy 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: @lynnsamisfineart

Website: lynnsamisart.com

Mentioned in the podcast: Miriam Schulman & The Inspiration Place

Love 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: @michellepajakreynolds

Website: michellepajakreynolds.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!