Heart and Hands of a Maker

Discover the inspiring journey of Brandi Tracey, founder of NET Creative Designs, on this episode of Heart & Hands of a Maker. From her career as a paralegal to becoming a passionate metalsmith, Brandi shares how she turned personal loss into creative empowerment. Hear about her experiences navigating grief, learning the craft, and building a supportive community. Perfect for anyone seeking motivation, insights on starting a creative business, and the value of resilience in the face of challenges. Tune in for practical advice, heartfelt moments, and Brandi’s unique story of growth and artistic discovery.

In this episode of Heart & Hands of a Maker, host Tamara Honaman interviews renowned jewelry artist, author, and teacher Loretta Lam. Loretta shares her inspiring journey from her early love of jewelry making to discovering polymer clay, which transformed her career. With over 25 years in the craft industry, Loretta opens up about her experience building a successful jewelry business, the challenges of writing her book Mastering Contemporary Jewelry Design (Schiffer Publishing), and her passion for teaching design principles to help other makers find their artistic voice. This episode is a must-listen for jewelry designers, polymer clay artists, and creatives of all kinds looking for insights into the world of art, running a craft business, and the importance of design in creating unique, personal work. Learn how Loretta adapted her teaching to online platforms during the pandemic and how she continues to mentor and inspire makers around the world.

In this episode of Heart & Hands of a Maker, host Tamara Honaman interviews Jill MacKay, an acclaimed jewelry designer and digital content creator. Jill shares her creative journey, overcoming challenges, navigating fear, and building a successful art career. Discover insights on resilience, mentorship, and embracing change as a modern artist. Listen now for inspiring advice on turning your passion into a thriving business!

In this episode of Heart & Hands of a Maker, jewelry expert and business owner Kierston Aiello shares her creative journey and how community, authenticity, and collaboration shaped her success. Kierston opens up about the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of finding your niche, and her exciting plans for her new foundry. Tune in for inspiring insights on following your heart and surrounding yourself with supportive, like-minded people. A little about Kierston:  Born and raised in sunny California, Kierston Aiello is a metalsmith and designer with a passion for American craft. While getting her B.A. in Art History at Humboldt State University, she unexpectedly fell in love with Metalsmithing and Jewelry. She has spent the last 12 years working in the Jewelry and Art trades, serving for the last 4 years as the designer and head of Product Development for a well-known manufacturer for the DIY trade. Kierston is now in the process of opening a new business, an artisan pewter foundry and artist collective in Sonoma County. A craft enthusiast to the core, Kierston’s hobbies include collecting more hobbies, hoarding shiny things, going to the library, and making an obscene amount of messes.