Slowmade: Nourishing Conversations for Jewelry Artists and Metalsmiths

• Margaret Graham - Holding Space in Silver: A Story of Healing and Creative Purpose

  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: @centeringpendantsMargaret’s Website: centeringpendants.comMargaret’s Podcast: The Art of CenteringLove 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: @christinemighionJewelry: christinemighion.comPodcast: slowmadepodcast.com

  --------  

  1:00:22
• Karin Luvaas - On Designing with Intention and Giving Stones a Voice

  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

  --------  

  1:07:23
• Beth Aimee - From Neurobiology to Metalsmithing, Evolving as an Artist, & Building Your Working Vocabulary

  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!

  --------  

  1:01:37
• Rebecca Connell - MopTop Jewelry on Unapologetically Pushing the Pause Button on Business to Care for Herself

  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!

  --------  

  1:03:35
• Brittany Foster - When It's Time for a Change in Business and in Life

  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: @bmfjewelryWebsite: bmfjewelry.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!

  --------  

  1:01:38

More Arts podcasts

Trending Arts podcasts

About Slowmade: Nourishing Conversations for Jewelry Artists and Metalsmiths