Dawn Hemstreet: On Burnout, Resilence, & Redefining Success
In this beautiful conversation, I’m talking with jewelry artist Dawn Hemstreet of Hawk, Hummingbird & Moon. Dawn has this thoughtful, unfiltered way of sharing her story that I know will pull you right in. She came to jewelry later in life, around 49, and her path is such a reminder that it’s never too late to listen to that tug inside and step into something new.In our conversation, Dawn talks about the evolution of her work—from metal clay to fabrication, from jewelry into the possibility of objects—and how she follows curiosity even when it means starting over. We also get into the harder parts: burnout, doubt, the grind of shows, and what it feels like to wonder, “Do I still love this?” She doesn’t shy away from naming those struggles, but she also shows how resilience and curiosity keep her moving forward.What struck me most is how she speaks about belonging—about finding her own sense of worth even when family didn’t fully understand, and about the unexpected support from strangers that helped carry her through. We talk about showing up authentically, online and in person, and how connection often comes simply from being ourselves, flaws and all.This is a conversation about making, yes—but it’s also about strength, self-trust, and the freedom to define success on your own terms.Follow along...Dawn on Instagram: @dawnhemstreet.jewelryDawn's website: hawkhummingbirdmoon.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 Slowmade...Instagram: @christinemighionJewelry Website: christinemighion.comSlowmade: slowmadepodcast.com
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ENCORE: Teresa Kiplinger - The Intersection of Poetry and Jewelry, Art as a Medium for Grief, & Reflections on Age and Artistic Freedom
A graphic designer and lifelong poet, Teresa Kiplinger came to metal later in life as a way to keep herself busy through the end of a painful marriage. Not long after, she experienced the unimaginable loss of her teenaged stepson. Wearing her pain like a heavy cloak, she turned to her metalwork and poetry to work through her grief, making a bracelet in his memory, etched with a poem to him. This bracelet, a reminder of her love for him, was a comforting presence in the months that followed. From this deeply personal and difficult loss, Teresa says she found her voice. During this conversation Teresa shares how her love of poetry and metal came together to so beautifully create what she has coined as modern memento mori jewelry. We discuss the healing and sometimes lifesaving powers of an art practice, curating a cohesive and compelling story, and the freedom that one can find with art as he or she ages. Follow Teresa...Website: www.silverpoet.comInstagram: @tkiplingerWant to continue these important conversations with a mutually supportive and diverse community of jewelry artists? Then please consider joining us in the Slowmade Collective. It's the best place I know online that can support you and your desire to create a sustainable business that feeds your life.
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ENCORE: Karen Higgins - The Pursuit of Creativity: Leaping Into Full Time as a Jewelry Artist and Flying
Karen Higgins is a self taught artist who has had a life long fascination with the natural world, its interconnectedness and intelligent design. Her work combines silver clay and traditional metalsmithing methods to showcase the beauty and elegance found in roadside weeds, bits of shell, feather and seed pods that one might otherwise overlook, but we are always surrounded by. Karen is not only a talented jewelry artist but also paints. However she put painting aside to focus on her growing jewelry business. As with many creatives, Covid gave her a push to go all in as an artist and turn one of her creative passions into her full time career. During our conversation Karen shares how she is still navigating life changes and balancing creative exploration with maintaining a sustainable income. We talk about IG and what IG ultimately wants from us and how to use that to our advantage. We also talk about her experience with publishing a tutorial in a jewelry magazine and when inspiration can turn into copying. And Karen shares how she fell in love with PMC, and how that discovery shifted her relationship with her art and what she could create. Honestly I felt like we packed a lot of good stuff into this conversation and I can’t think of a better way to kick off 2025. Follow Karen...On Instagram: @karenhigginsjewelryOn Etsy: KarenHigginsJewelry
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Karla Hackman: From Higher Ed to Handmade, Balancing Structure and Soul
Karla Hackman’s path into metalsmithing began in the most unexpected of ways—through a background in academia, ceramics, and a love of collecting stones on long hikes. Karla eventually traded in a steady career in higher education for the leap into jewelry, and over the last twelve years she’s built a body of work that balances the organic and the architectural, the soft and the strong.In our conversation, Karla shares how her surroundings in the Southwest shape her collections, the inward journey of self discovery that art has taken her on, and the ways she finds both grounding and freedom at the bench. We also talk about the realities of making a living as an independent artist—navigating production work alongside one-of-a-kind pieces, honoring exploration, and letting your creative voice evolve over time.It’s a thoughtful, down-to-earth conversation about what it means to make with intention, and I think you’ll really enjoy it.Follow Karla...Karla on Instagram: @karlahackmanKarla’s Website: karlahackman.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 Slowmade...Instagram: @christinemighionJewelry Website: christinemighion.comSlowmade: slowmadepodcast.com
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Stacey Hareid: Honoring Process, Patience & the Artist's Path
Stacey Hareid is a self-taught metalsmith who’s been carving out her own path for more than a decade, teaching herself fabrication, stone setting, and even lapidary along the way. More recently she’s been diving into wax carving and casting — a process that’s been both exciting and, as she shares, incredibly humbling.In our conversation, Stacey opens up about her journey from photography into metalsmithing, the winding road that eventually led her back to Portland, and how finding a mentor shifted her perspective after so many years of figuring it out alone. We also talk about the realities of balancing creative freedom with the pressures of business, why patience has been one of her biggest teachers, and the meaningful connections she’s built with her customers through custom work and talisman-like pieces.Follow Stacey...Stacey on Instagram: @47sunsjewelryStacey’s Website: 47suns.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 Slowmade...Instagram: @christinemighionJewelry Website: christinemighion.comSlowmade: slowmadepodcast.com
Über Slowmade: Nourishing Conversations for Jewelry Artists and Metalsmiths
Slowmade is a nourishing and inclusive space for independent jewelry artists and metalsmiths that supports your desire to build a more soulful, handcrafted business, and life... one that aligns with your values, your passion, and your creativity. Join jewelry artist, seasoned business owner, and the host of Slowmade, Christine Mighion in this conversational style podcast. You'll hear honest and inspiring stories from artists around the world, sharing their wins, their challenges, and the lessons they learned along the way to building financially sustainable and purpose driven business.
Höre Slowmade: Nourishing Conversations for Jewelry Artists and Metalsmiths, 99% Invisible und viele andere Podcasts aus aller Welt mit der radio.at-App
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