Slowmade Podcast Christine Mighion

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: info@christinemighion.com
 

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: info@christinemighion.com
 
 
 

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: info@christinemighion.com
 
 

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: info@christinemighion.com

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: info@christinemighion.com

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: info@christinemighion.com