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...

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...

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...

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...

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:...

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...

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,...

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:...

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...

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:...

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:...

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.