Jewelry Artist

Karen Smith: We Wield the Hammer Apr 28, 2022

After a voice told artist Karen Smith she’d go to Senegal, she went. Apprenticing there with a master goldsmith, she was watched constantly but silently by a young girl. “She thinks you’re a ghost,” someone finally told Karen. “She’s never seen a woman do what you’re doing.” In response, in 2019 Karen launched We Wield the Hammer in Oakland, CA, determined to empower young women of African descent to wield all the tools and equipment in a good jewelry studio, and launch their own businesses, too. Join Karen and host Katie Hacker as they discuss the progress Karen has made on her startup in this especially tumultuous year, and the hurdles she still faces.

Lenka Bindzar: The Magic of Tucson Mar 23, 2022

Each year in January and February, people gather in Tucson, Arizona to buy and sell beads, gems, and other treasures from around the world. There are over 40 shows in different venues across the city, all with their own flavor. To me, the experience feels like part shopping adventure, learning experience, and family reunion. While I was in Tucson, I caught up with Lenka Bindzar, the owner of Raven's Journey, who has been traveling to Tucson to sell Czech glass beads for the past two decades.

Show Notes can be found here: https://www.interweave.com/jewelry-artist-podcast/treasures-in-tucson-lenka-bindzar/

Todd Reed and the 5th C of Diamonds Feb 17, 2022

Known for his stunning jewelry designs featuring rough diamonds, innovative artisan jeweler Todd Reed has been redefining luxury and championing ethical sourcing throughout his career. Turning the notion of fine jewelry on its head, he is drawn to these uncut, unpolished diamond crystals for the quirkiness of their personalities. From the perfect simplicity of a single cube to a busy crystal cluster bristling with different shapes, he finds raw diamonds fascinating and provocative. He also loves the challenge of creating custom settings for stones just as they come out of the ground. Listen in with host Katie Hacker and learn to look beyond cut, color, clarity and carat weight to the character of a diamond in its natural state.

Learn more here: https://www.interweave.com/jewelry-artist-podcast/todd-reed-diamond-jewelry/

Tracy Matthews, Tune-Up Your Business Jan 19, 2022

Tracy Matthews is a jewelry designer, entrepreneur, and Chief Visionary Officer of Flourish & Thrive Academy. She's also the host of the top-rated Thrive By Design Podcast. Tracy's new book, The Desired Brand Effect, is packed with strategies, steps, real-life stories, and resources to help you build your jewelry business – or any business. In this episode, Tracy shares suggestions for visionary leadership, alternative business plans, and more.

Learn more here: https://www.interweave.com/jewelry-artist-podcast/tune-up-jewelry-business-tracy-matthews/

Jean Gribbon, The Science of Art Dec 17, 2021

Jean Gribbon founded and directs Beads of Courage, Inc., an innovative arts-in-medicine nonprofit that supports children coping with serious illness, as well as their families and health care providers. Members receive colorful glass beads during the course of their treatment, which provides a connection between the child, clinician, and caring community. In this episode, we talk about the intersection between art and science – and why experiencing art and making things is good for us.

Learn more: https://www.interweave.com/jewelry-artist-podcast/jean-gribbon-science-art/

Robin Kramer: Y’all Ready for This? Nov 16, 2021

Robin Kramer has the industry experience and unique ability to look at an artist’s work and recommend practical steps they can take to improve their business. She started Red Boot Consulting in 2010 and co-founded Flourish & Thrive Academy for jewelry designers in 2012. In this episode, Robin and host Katie Hacker talk about mentoring and being mentored, along with tips for growing your business.

Learn more about Robin: https://www.interweave.com/jewelry-artist-podcast/jewelry-artist-robin-kramer/

Susan Lenart, Metalsmithing as a Journey Oct 20, 2021

The first time I met Susan Lenart was in a cold connections workshop at an art retreat. Her class blew my mind – she taught us to infuse found objects, wire, hand tools, and other jewelry-making bits and pieces with kinetic energy - but to attend to them with intense focus and skill. It was like a journey we all went on together, with Susan as our guide. In addition to being an accomplished artist and jeweler, Susan is also an author, instructor, and expert at product development. In this episode, Susan and I talk about her metalsmithing lifestyle and how listening to her artistic voice is the key to her success.

Anie Piliguian: Inventor & Maker with Heart Sep 23, 2021

Anie Piliguian grew up at the jeweler’s bench, learning a can-do attitude and meticulous skills from her father. She credits him for teaching her not to fear anything at the bench. Since inventing the JOOLTOOL, her focus has been on teaching jewelers everything she knows so they can make jewelry successfully. As a lifelong maker, she continues to improve her own work and finds that she frequently learns as much from her students and she hopes they’re learning from her. Listen in for a peek a behind the scenes of Anie’s business and hear how she approaches life with bravery and gratitude. Plus, learn about Anie’s early experience with making jewelry for a rock star.

Kieu Pham Gray: On the Go and Moving Fast Aug 18, 2021

Moving parts intrigue Kieu Pham Gray, she tells host Katie Hacker. Kieu loves figuring out how to make things happen, from engineering kinetic jewelry that’s meant to be played with to pivoting her business model. Leaving the corporate world behind nearly 20 years ago because she “didn’t fit the mold,” Kieu has been an active jewelry entrepreneur ever since. She’s a jewelry artist, teacher, retail supplier, and event promoter. When Covid shut down her in-person teaching, she was online with a couple of casual classes in two weeks. Today her Virtually Ever Crafting is its own business line. Learn her approach for keeping balance in her busy life — and discover which unlikely profession she does think about returning to for just a moment from time to time.

See Kieu's work, jewelry tools she developed, and learn more about her here: https://www.interweave.com/jewelry-artist-podcast/kieu-pham-gray-6-jewelry-tools/

Jill MacKay: Opening Doors, Opening Up Jul 22, 2021

“Hi, I’m the jewelry designer for The Guiding Light,” a struggling jewelry artist named Jill MacKay once announced in the luxury department store Bergdorf Goodman. As she tells long-time friend and host Katie Hacker, early on Jill had decided TV would be a good way to get exposure for her brand, and it was. Now an award-winning craft industry figure, Jill has devoted equal effort to jewelry and helping others, developing creative programs for those in grief, and giving back through public art. Listen in and learn her secret to letting creativity in so she can send it back out as art, make a living, and stay sane.

Christi Friesen: Be Creative, Be Yourself Jun 16, 2021

“You’re shy — so are they,” says polymer clay artist Christi Friesen about making a career of your art, acknowledging how hard it can be to put yourself out there. As she tells Jewelry Artist podcast host Katie Hacker, “We’re always selling ourselves: a piece of our heart, our hand, our brain.” But it’s important to do it and connect with people any way you can, Christi advises. Drawn to her medium first for its super range of colors, she also considers its easy workability and low cost an invitation to play. “You’re not trying to make a masterpiece every day,” she reminds us. Assume you’re going to smash what you make some days, have fun, and learn to be yourself. Find out how Christi has built a Creative Circle that inspires her and sustains her business.

Learn more and see Christi's work on our blog: https://www.interweave.com/jewelry-artist-podcast/christi-friesen/

Jewelry Artist Live: Unmasked with Bead Artist Melissa Grakowsky-Shippee Jun 06, 2021

Join host Katie Hacker for an inspiring conversation with Beadwork magazine’s featured Bead Artist Melissa Grakowsky-Shippee. Melissa is known for her elaborate masks and intricate yet ethereal beadwork. An award-winning designer, Melissa has written books, taught internationally, and was a 2017 Beadwork Designer of the Year. Melissa draws in beaders with her methodical approach to artistic designs. We’ll talk about Melissa’s art, business, and creative life.

Kathy Cano-Murillo: Celebrating Craft May 12, 2021

Why not try it? When Kathy Cano-Murillo thinks up a new craft twist, she jumps in — especially if she hears it’ll never work. Usually she succeeds, carried along by her own glittering cascade of exuberant experimentation. Listen to host Katie Hacker’s lively conversation with the woman known professionally as The Crafty Chica, dedicated to creating, teaching, and sharing all things craft. Join them in a nonstop audio party about making and selling jewelry and other decorative objects in resin, ceramic, fabric, and beyond. As you get to know her a bit, you’ll learn some of Kathy’s favorite tips on design, technique, and running a thriving business. Her enthusiasm is infectious, her advice wise, and her celebratory approach to doing what she loves is so easy to take to heart.

Learn more here: https://www.interweave.com/jewelry-artist-podcast/kathy-cano-murillo-craftychica/

Kate Richbourg: Be Creative, Be Real Apr 14, 2021

“I should have been a business major!” Kate Richbourg was recently out of college and facing the classic artist’s dilemma. As she tells host Katie Hacker, Kate realized she needed a way of pursuing what she loved without living so close to the economic edge. Trying new things, she discovered that jewelry brought out her creativity best. Today Kate is well known in the bead and metal communities for both her inspiring lessons and designs. Her instructor persona is driven to explore the newest technologies for teaching, while the artist is more laid back, taking pleasure in vintage styles and Old World craftsmanship. Listen in as she shares her lively story of self discovery — plus her best tip for making project writing easier.

Learn more here: https://www.interweave.com/jewelry-artist-podcast/jewelry-artist-kate-richbourg/

Revisiting: Covid-19 Relief for Artists with Carrie Cleveland Mar 25, 2021

We originally released this episode in August 2020, but the topic is more relevant than ever.

Katie Hacker speaks with Carrie Cleveland, Education and Outreach Manager for the Craft Emergency Relief Fund. The artist’s safety net for over 35 years, CERF+ launched its special Covid-19 response earlier last summer with one-time $1,000 grants for urgent needs. Find out more about its Covid program, its longstanding emergency relief, and its more recent focus on preparedness. Learn how CERF+ can help you now and help you manage better in the future – and how it’s probably easier than you think!

Learn more: https://www.interweave.com/jewelry-artist-podcast/cerf-covid19-relief-artists/

Todd Reed and the 5th C of Diamonds Feb 03, 2021

Known for his stunning jewelry designs featuring rough diamonds, innovative artisan jeweler Todd Reed has been redefining luxury and championing ethical sourcing throughout his career. Turning the notion of fine jewelry on its head, he is drawn to these uncut, unpolished diamond crystals for the quirkiness of their personalities. From the perfect simplicity of a single cube to a busy crystal cluster bristling with different shapes, he finds raw diamonds fascinating and provocative. He also loves the challenge of creating custom settings for stones just as they come out of the ground. Listen in with host Katie Hacker and learn to look beyond cut, color, clarity and carat weight to the character of a diamond in its natural state.

John Cornish: A Mineral Hunter In His Element Jan 07, 2021

Seeing nature’s treasures in their natural environments, never before seen by another human, is an amazing privilege, crystal and fossil hunter John Cornish relates. It can also be a little oasis of calm and refreshment anyone can enjoy or remember when life’s craziness gets to be too much. Join host Katie Hacker for this upbeat and down-to-earth exploration of the mineral kingdom with this consummate collector. Hear how John’s passion for rocks has grown into his life’s work and a passion for sharing his own excitement, wonder, and knowledge with others. Go outside and look, he urges: you never know what could be right under your feet.

See more in our show notes: https://www.interweave.com/jewelry-artist-podcast/john-cornish/

Pete Leyba: Totally Turquoise Dec 09, 2020

Prized for its blues, greens, and ever-varying patterns of distinctive matrix, turquoise is among the most popular of gemstones and has been for thousands of years. Think turquoise today, and Native American jewelry comes quickly to mind — and vice versa. Join host Katie Hacker for an exploration into these iconic treasures of the American Southwest with veteran fan and trader Pete Leyba. Pete has spent a lifetime in and around New Mexico in the jewelry business, soaking up knowledge of it all along the way. Listen in for tales of turquoise mining, trading, and jewelry making past and present, and learn what influences the market over time.

Sarah Cathcart: Leather Jewelry, Masks, and More Nov 25, 2020

Sarah Cathcart hand fashions elaborate and arresting leather masks one at a time, an art that grew out of her experience as a theatrical costume designer. But, she tells host Katie Hacker, “Masks are so niche — or were until 2020,” she adds wryly. “Sort of face jewelry, but not something you’d wear too much.” So she drew upon her favorite medium and “hodgepodge magpie collection of skills” to produce handmade jewelry you’d wear more often, too. Hear what inspires this self-proclaimed “Renaissance Faire nerd” to create her extravagantly hand-tooled and hand-painted leather wear. And find out why she describes leather as a medium somewhere between fabric and metal that can also get a tan.

Robert Lopez: Plan Your Outfit Around This Jewelry Nov 11, 2020

It’s the challenge of making that interests Robert Lopez and drives him toward ever bigger and bolder jewelry designs. He thrives on figuring out the engineering of complex pieces, and sometimes develops his own tools to meet his particular needs. That’s today, but while teaching himself metalsmithing he used whatever was at hand: a construction hammer or a plumber’s torch, learning to make what he wanted however he could. Although he’s since discovered purpose-made jewelry tools (“a whole new world!”), his early need to learn on his own still serves him well. Listen in with host Katie Hacker as he describes his surprising journey into artisan jewelry that’s as distinctive as any you’re ever apt to see.

Kristen Baird: Ready to Jump! Oct 28, 2020

Listen in with host Katie Hacker as artisan jewelry entrepreneur Kristen Baird shares her secret to success. The minute she learned about the Red Backpack Fund, she started her application, completed it that day, and became one of the first to be awarded a $5,000 grant. When Covid-19 hit, she’d already been improving her online infrastructure, then invested her award into making it easier to pivot from storefront to virtual business. Now she’s tapping in especially to the trend in repurposing heirloom jewels, a rewarding but challenging niche that depends on upfront, detailed communication with clients. Hear how Kristen Baird is prepared for whatever opportunity comes her way — and learn from this energetic pro.

Learn more here: https://www.interweave.com/jewelry-artist-podcast/kristen-baird/

Karen Smith: We Wield the Hammer Oct 14, 2020

After a voice told artist Karen Smith she’d go to Senegal, she went. Apprenticing there with a master goldsmith, she was watched constantly but silently by a young girl. “She thinks you’re a ghost,” someone finally told Karen. “She’s never seen a woman do what you’re doing.” In response, in 2019 Karen launched We Wield the Hammer in Oakland, CA, determined to empower young women of African descent to wield all the tools and equipment in a good jewelry studio, and launch their own businesses, too. Join Karen and host Katie Hacker as they discuss the progress Karen has made on her startup in this especially tumultuous year, and the hurdles she still faces.

Francesca Watson: Jewelry Making Enabler Sep 30, 2020

Overnight, Francesca Watson began developing her online jewelry program in earnest. When COVID-19 struck, her teaching studio already offered some tutorials online, but The Makery had been all about learning in person. Suddenly, online was her only real option. Since then, she’s worked out a lot more bugs and now plays host to over 1,500 remote students who tune in regularly. The experience has been disruptive but energizing, she tells host Katie Hacker, and Francesca is now “1000% committed” to online teaching, come what may. It’s just her way of doing things: jump in to what you want, and look for the good everywhere else.

Kate Wolf: The Zen of Carving Wax Sep 16, 2020

Kate Wolf has three loves: carving wax, designing tools, and teaching. All three center around creating wax models for jewelry casting. Today she’s focusing a lot on tool design and developing online workshops to replace the live classes she’s had to suspend but really, really misses. Once she starts working in wax, though, there’s nothing like its state of easy concentration or the wild ride of jewelry design she still finds exciting after more than 40 years. Join host Katie Hacker for their conversation about creativity, tips for working comfortably, customizing tools, and overcoming that sense of being an imposter at work that everyone sometimes feels.

Learn more in our show notes: https://www.interweave.com/jewelry-artist-podcast/wax-carving-kate-wolf/

Jeff Fulkerson: Find Your Technique, Find Your Voice Sep 02, 2020

Inlay artist Jeff Fulkerson gives every surface of his jewelry special attention, whether it’s visible when worn or not. Comparing this art to painting with rocks, he says the best part about learning to cut stone is creating your own palette of color and shape. He advises studying techniques so you can apply what you learn any way you want, and combining them to develop your signature style. Listen in with host Katie Hacker, who describes Jeff’s work as simply beautiful from every angle.

See our show notes and more here: https://www.interweave.com/jewelry-artist-podcast/jeff-fulkerson-loves-teaching/

BONUS: CERF+ Covid-19 Relief for Artists Aug 26, 2020

The artist’s safety net for over 35 years, the Craft Emergency Relief Fund launched its special Covid-19 response earlier this summer: one-time $1,000 grants for urgent needs. Deadline for the current cycle of awards is September 9, 2020. Listen to host Katie Hacker’s conversation with Carrie Cleveland, Education and Outreach Manager for CERF+, and discover or get re-acquainted with this amazing organization. Find out more about its Covid program, its longstanding emergency relief, and its more recent focus on preparedness. Learn how CERF+ can help you now and help you manage better in the future – and how it’s probably easier than you think!

See our show notes here:

Charles Lewton-Brain: Forming Metal, Space and Time Aug 19, 2020

A lover of knowledge and understanding, Charles Lewton-Brain is best known for inventing the metalsmithing technique of foldforming. He is also an award-winning art jeweler, a master goldsmith, a prolific author, and a dynamic jewelry instructor, and occupies a singular place in jewelry today. Listen in as he shares tales of discovery with host Katie Hacker, embracing simplicity, innovation, and the concept shared by an indigenous Canadian elder that “education is the new buffalo.”

Learn more and see some of Charles' work here: https://www.interweave.com/jewelry-artist-podcast/charles-lewton-brain/

Brenda Schweder: Creative Wrangler Aug 05, 2020

She’s done it all. Jewelry tool inventor, marketing maven, trend spotter, and art jeweler Brenda Schweder has learned to balance doing what she loves and contributing to the family income. Her passion: making jewelry from found objects and steel wire, and figuring out the engineering to put them together. Listen in as she tells host Katie Hacker her secrets for ensuring daily creative studio time while always remaining open to new possibilities.

See our show notes and photos of Brenda's work: https://www.interweave.com/jewelry-artist-podcast/jewelry-artist-podcast-brenda-schweder/

Joe Silvera: Home Is Where the Students Are Jul 22, 2020

Joe Silvera loves to teach jewelry making. He started by helping undergrads when he was a grad student, and when he went back to it, felt that he had come home..He’s taught at shows and craft fairs, in his own Bay Area jewelry school, and online. Join host Katie Hacker as they talk metalsmithing at home and in other small spaces, and discover the Silvera secret to a successful couples business.

See our show notes here: https://www.interweave.com/jewelry-artist-podcast/jewelry-artist-podcast-joe-silvera-at-play/

Mark Nelson: Every Tool Is a New Beginning Jun 24, 2020

As an art student, Mark Nelson had a job cleaning and maintaining the jewelry lab. When he finally decided to take a jewelry making class, his teacher told him he was pretty good at it and should change his major. He did, and never looked back. He’s made a career of figuring out how to make things work, and today is jewelry supplier Rio Grande’s Education Coordinator. Learn more about just how innovative and resourceful Mark’s “pretty good” approach to jewelry is. From design and fabrication to tool modification and studio setup, his conversation with host Katie Hacker is as informative as it is fun.

See Mark's work and more in our show notes here: https://www.interweave.com/article/jewelry/jewelry-artist-mark-nelson-whatever-takes/

Christine Dhein: Most Likely to Save the Earth Jun 10, 2020

Christine Dhein’s youthful enthusiasm for the environment was matched by her love of jewelry making, but it was only years later that she realized how at odds the two could be. Since then she has developed and taught courses, written books, and launched a website devoted to eco jewelry, promoting healthy and safe practices for the studio and beyond. Listen in with host Katie Hacker as Christine shares tips for green jewelry making that are easy to follow and expand on. A personal trainer, too, Christine also describes stretches to help jewelry makers work longer and more comfortably.

See the show notes here: https://www.interweave.com/jewelry-artist-podcast/green-jewelry-studio-christine-dhein

Alex & Keith Horst: Rockhounds for Life May 27, 2020

Alex and Keith Horst give us a peek into a rockhound’s life, from finding inspiration in stones to cabbing, gem carving, and other lapidary work, plus making jewelry from their discoveries. As lifelong learners and instructors, they share their stories and tips. Listen in with host Katie Hacker as she talks about rocks and more with experts Alex and Keith Horst.

Learn more in the show notes here: https://www.interweave.com/jewelry-artist-podcast/gem-cutting-alex-horst-lapidary-dad-keith/

Tammy Jones: Passionate About Pearls May 13, 2020

Pearl collector and jewelry maker Tammy Jones describes growing up where “everyone had to have a Tennessee pearl ring.” Listen in with host Katie Hacker as Tammy explains the seven factors for evaluating pearls and offers advice on pearl shopping and care. Learn about nacre, orient, and other special pearl attributes. Discover the differences, histories, and beauty of natural pearls, baroque pearls, freshwater pearls, and so many others. Tammy Jones is also the Interweave Jewelry Web Producer and Social Media Manager.

See our show notes here: https://www.interweave.com/jewelry-artist-podcast/jewelry-artist-podcast-pearls-tammy-jones/

Becky Nunn: You Can’t Plan for This Apr 29, 2020

Artist entrepreneur Becky Nunn describes what it’s like to steer her jewelry findings business through the Coronavirus pandemic. Although she planned for a worst-case scenario, nothing could have prepared her for the nuances of these unprecedented times. Join host Katie Hacker and learn how Becky is navigating the changes and using her creativity in practical new ways.

See our show notes here: https://www.interweave.com/jewelry-artist-podcast/jewelry-artist-podcast-cant-plan-for-that-becky-nunn/

Julie Sanford: Life’s a Bench Apr 15, 2020

Successful maker, teacher, gallery owner, and constant student Julie Sanford says her art and business have grown up together in an organic evolution. Her passion for making jewelry has been a constant in her life, even as her career path first took her into retail jewelry and teaching art. She also shares tips on ways to sell your own jewelry, her favorite new jewelry making tool, and the special spins she puts on shopping the Tucson gem shows.

See our show notes here: https://www.interweave.com/article/jewelry/jewelry-artist-podcast-lifes-bench-julie-sanford

Introducing Jewelry Artist Apr 03, 2020

Jewelry Artist is a new podcast series about the art and business of making jewelry. In each episode, Katie Hacker will talk with jewelry experts about how they select and use tools, materials, and techniques. This first season will cover everything from studio practices, creativity, marketing, making multiple streams of income from your art, and more. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you listen.

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