Slowmade: Nourishing Conversations for Jewelry Artists and Metalsmiths

When I started my business, I didn’t have much of a plan other than making jewelry and selling it so I could make more jewelry. I found Etsy and at that time it was easy enough to navigate. Everything felt “figure outable” to quote Marie Forleo and for the most part it was during those early months.

Every time I would sell something I felt hopeful that I could really do this. But I really was flying by the seat of my pants. I remember looking at the Sundance Catalog, thinking “Ok, I can’t quite price this much since I’m not known, but I can probably price a little under and get away from it.

Each month the goal was the same. Sell enough to buy more materials and put a little in the bank so I could prove to my husband that this was a real business and I could work from home while raising our kids.

I took online courses that catered to online businesses, even jewelry businesses, but though I would pull out some valuable information I really felt that they weren’t a good fit for my business and what I was selling. And I didn’t know any other jewelry artists well enough to bounce ideas off of until I later joined a metalsmithing community on Etsy. That was probably the best thing I ever did for my young business as the members were so supportive and openly shared.

But after I outgrew Etsy, I felt like I was once again alone trying to figure everything out by myself. My problems were different and many of team members I kept in touch with were in the same boat, bobbling along without ores to paddle.

Thankfully now with social platforms many of us have made some really great and supportive friendships and one thing I’ve learned is that you need to be creative when running a creative business. What works for you may not work for the next person, and what you are willing to do may be vastly different than what another artist is willing to do. We really do all need to find our own way.

Today, I’m speaking with Liette Murphy who like so many people affected by the covid lock down decided to go full time with her young jewelry business, Flying Crow Metalworks. You’ll hear her discuss her challenges, her clarity around what isn’t a going to work for her, and how she is trying on different things such as wholesale to see what fits.

I can say even after 20+ years of business, what fits one year doesn’t necessarily fit the next. And I think this fluidness and being able to call the shots is one of the things that still excites me about my business.

About Liette Murphy...

Liette Murphy is an Arizona-based artist who designs and fabricates art jewelry using a variety of metalsmithing techniques. She first learned metalsmithing, blacksmithing, and jewelry design at Pima College in Tucson, AZ in 2006 and has been selling her work since 2011. Her jewelry has a modern and contemporary feel, sometimes eclectic, and always unique. Liette specializes in one-of-a-kind jewelry with the use of unusual stones, or one-off designs that will never be repeated.

Instagram: @flyingcrowmetalworks

Website: flyingcrowmetalworks.com

If this podcast means something to you and you would like to support it, please take a a moment to give it a few kinds word with a written review on your favorite podcast listening platform. This helps me share the podcast with others. You can also share a favorite episode or consider joining our Slowmade Podcast Patreon community. You support literally makes this podcast possible. Thank you so much!

You can follow along or reach out to Christine on Instagram: @christinemighion or send her an email at: [email protected]

I love hearing how each jewelry artist approaches their craft and business. As someone slowly works on one piece as time and often doesn’t have any idea what I’ll tackle next, the idea of planning out a cohesive collection feels like… well… difficult. I’ve made collections before, but it’s not something that comes easily.

Today, I’m talking with Danielle Cadef and in my mind, she has mastered the art of building a collection. Danielle is a rather prolific jewelry artist that I’ve admired for a while now for her beautiful and unexpected combinations with a wide variety of materials.

Now Danielle creates a large number of pieces for each collection release. Don’t quote me, but the last had something like 56 or 57 pieces. Each different, but sharing a common element such as color. And while she is creating these pieces she thoughtfully drips out pictures showing how the collection is developing at different phases such as grouping materials or showing the completed metal framework for several pairs of earrings.

Once again I find myself looking at another maker and wondering how they can possibly get sooo much done.

Grab your beverage of choice and head on into your studio because Danielle is going to share the method to her creative madness with us.

Bio...

Danielle Cadef Designs is committed to the adornment of those that appreciate individualism. Each piece is created to be an extension of the wearer. Every jewelry collection utilizes recycled metals (when possible), stones, fossils, recycled gemstones and found objects, in interesting ways. Her designs are inspired by birds- their colors, textures, shapes, calls and habits; the flora and fauna of the southeastern US, and the ocean. All jewelry is handmade in her home studio in Durham, NC.

Instagram: @dcadefdesigns

Website: www.dcadefdesigns.com

If this podcast means something to you and you would like to support it, please take a a moment to give it a few kinds word with a written review on your favorite podcast listening platform. This helps me share the podcast with others. You can also share a favorite episode or consider joining our Slowmade Podcast Patreon community. You support literally makes this podcast possible. Thank you so much!

You can follow along or reach out to Christine on Instagram: @christinemighion or send her an email at: [email protected]

Have you ever wondered how some makers seem to be able to do it all so damn well? They single handedly run what appears to be busy and successful businesses while creating high volumes of work, that their fans snatch up as soon as the pieces becomes available. They have a large, engaged Instagram following… and why wouldn’t they? They even do Instagram so well… consistently sharing their work, their lives, and their loves in the most authentic way that leaves you simply wanting more of everything they have to give.

Laura Niblack, aka The Wild Pine, is simply one of those artists that I look at in wonder and today I get to sit down with her and ask how in the heck does she do it all? Believe I have questions.

Laura discusses the importance of batch work, what helps her move through challenging times, and the marriage of her love of nature and as her experience as a wilderness guide with all the beauty she creates. 

If for some reason you don't know Laura, be sure to head over to her Instagram. But give yourself some time because I know you won't want to leave. 

About Laura...

Laura creates jewelry inspired by the vibrant, colorful landscapes of the backcountry, shaped by her own experiences of finding adventure and solace in the flora and fauna of the wilderness. She uses recycled silver, incorporating colorful stones that have been curated with intention from all over the world. She has a particular affinity for turquoise mined in the U.S.- vibrant and natural, straight from the earth and into your hands. Laura has purposely chosen to utilize traditional methods of metalsmithing: using simple tools and a torch to craft jewelry. This gives each piece a rustic feel, boldly showing the evidence of her own two human hands that have lovingly created a piece of art just for you. Each is one-of-a-kind and unable to be perfectly replicated again. Laura's hope is that her jewelry will become treasured heirlooms, serving as small reminders of the awe-inspiring beauty of our natural world. 

Follow along with all of Laura's adventures and see her creations:

Instagram: @thewildpine

Website: thewildpine.com

If this podcast means something to you and you would like to support it, please take a a moment to give it a few kinds word with a written review on your favorite podcast listening platform. This helps me share the podcast with others. You can also share a favorite episode or consider joining our Slowmade Podcast Patreon community. You support literally makes this podcast possible. Thank you so much!

You can follow along or reach out to Christine on Instagram: @christinemighion or send her an email at: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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