From Loss to Legacy: Brandi Tracey’s Journey as a Maker

In This Episode of Heart & Hands of a Maker

We are shining a light on Brandi Tracey, the inspiring founder of NET Creative Designs, named in memory of her father, Norman Edward Tracey. Brandi’s journey into jewelry-making is a story of resilience, transformation, and passion. Initially a paralegal, Brandi transitioned into full-time making following the birth of her daughter and the challenges the pandemic presented in 2020. What began as a simple hobby evolved into a creative calling.

It’s about sharing the journey and inspiring others.

Brandi finds fulfillment in the entire process of making. She particularly enjoys piercing, sawing, and hammering, all of which allow her to express herself. This practice is not only an art form but also a source of stability, aiding her sobriety journey and offering a sense of purpose.

To find Brandi and NET Creative:

Others mentioned in the episode:

The Heart & Hands of a Maker episode with Chris Anderson can be found here .

Key Episode Takeaways

  • Finding Passion in Unexpected Places: Brandi’s initial exploration of making was more for decorating her home. That led to a full-fledged passion for jewelry-making and metalsmithing.
  • Coping and Creating: The art of jewelry-making became an emotional anchor for Brandi, serving as a coping mechanism during a difficult time of grief and personal change.
  • Growth Through Community: Brandi’s journey highlights the importance of connecting with mentors, joining creative communities, and not being afraid to ask for help.
  • Challenges in Pricing and Market Understanding: Brandi shares her initial struggles with underpricing and finding her target market, and how she overcame these through support from metalsmith communities and workshops.
  • Empowering New Creatives: Brandi’s vision extends beyond her business to nurturing a supportive environment for aspiring jewelers through her YouTube channel and upcoming Patreon group.
Pendant; By Brandi Tracey

Chapters

(times are estimates)

00:00

The Creative Journey Begins

00:59

Brandi’s Evolution as a Maker

10:05

Finding Community and Support

20:03

Navigating the Business of Creativity

30:05

Embracing Growth and Learning

Necklace and bracelet; Sterling silver by Brandi Tracey

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Creative Journey with Artist, Author, Mentor Loretta Lam

In This Episode of Heart & Hands of a Maker

Visit with renowned jewelry artist, author, and teacher Loretta Lam. Loretta shares her inspiring journey— from her early love of jewelry making to discovering polymer clay, which transformed her career. With over 25 years in the art industry, Loretta opens up about her experience building a successful jewelry business, the challenges and joys of writing her book Mastering Contemporary Jewelry Design (Schiffer Publishing), and her passion for teaching design principles to help other makers find their artistic voice.

Design is universal and applies to all creative endeavors

Whether you’re an aspiring maker or an established artist, this conversation is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and the wisdom of someone who has spent decades perfecting their craft.

Links to help you find Loretta:

Key Episode Takeaways

  • Loretta’s Early Years: Learn about Loretta’s childhood fascination with jewelry making, starting with stringing buttons from her mother’s button box, and how she eventually pursued a formal education in jewelry at SUNY New Paltz.

  • Discovering Polymer Clay: Loretta shares the transformative moment when she discovered polymer clay in the 90s and how it became the foundation of her artistic career.

  • Building a Business: From local art shows to major craft fairs, Loretta discusses the practical challenges of turning her craft into a sustainable business, highlighting the importance of multiple income streams.

  • Teaching and Mentorship: Loretta found a passion for teaching, guiding students through their creative journeys, and helping them develop their own voice.

  • Writing Mastering Contemporary Jewelry Design: The long road to publishing her design-focused book, including the eight years it took to convince a publisher of the need for a book on jewelry design.

  • The Pandemic Shift: How COVID-19 forced Loretta to transition her in-person teaching to online platforms, reaching a global audience and allowing her to focus on design rather than technique.

  • Art as a Lifelong Journey: Loretta reflects on the personal and emotional aspects of art-making, encouraging makers to embrace their unique creative paths.

A Dark and Stormy Night necklace; polymer; by Loretta Lam
Cairn Series Spears Necklace; polymer and steel cable; by Loretta Lam
cover of Loretta Lam's book "Mastering Contemporary Jewelry Design"
Medium Berry Violet; polymer beads, steel cable; by Loretta Lam

Chapters

(times are estimates)

00:00

The Creative Journey Begins

02:50

Loretta Lamb: A Journey Through Art

06:12

Teaching and Mentorship in Jewelry Design

08:59

The Book Journey: From Idea to Publication

12:10

Adapting to Change: Online Teaching During COVID

15:03

The Importance of Design in Art

17:50

Understanding the Elements of Design

21:14

Finding Your Voice as an Artist

24:06

The Value of Community in Art

26:57

Reflections on the Artistic Journey

29:39

Embracing Authenticity in Art

32:30

The Journey of Creativity and Growth

36:56

Overcoming Creative Blocks and Fears

39:51

The Psychological Benefits of Creating

42:17

Learning Through Failure and Exploration

45:35

Finding Your Unique Artistic Voice

48:55

Purposeful Learning in Art

51:45

Balancing Production and Creativity

please note: some links are affiliate links where your purchase would provide a small commission at no cost to you.

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How Jewelry Designer Jill MacKay Built a Successful Career

In This Episode of Heart & Hands of a Maker

Tamara Honaman sits down with the multi-talented Jill MacKay, an acclaimed jewelry component designer, digital content creator, and artist. Jill shares her incredible journey, from overcoming early challenges to becoming a leading designer in the jewelry-making industry. She discusses the evolution of her business, her passion for mentorship, and her deep commitment to creating meaningful, story-driven art.

The Power of Relationships and Networking

Jill offers practical advice for aspiring artists, reflecting on the lessons she’s learned over her career and the importance of resilience, adaptability, and staying true to one’s creative vision. This episode is filled with heartfelt moments and invaluable insights for anyone seeking to build a sustainable creative business or simply navigate the ups and downs of an artistic career.

Places you can find Jill:

Recommended Resources:

  • The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

Jill uses these habits in her daily practice, focusing on prioritizing tasks that create the greatest impact.

  • Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards

Jill recommends this book to anyone wanting to improve their drawing skills, as it teaches how to “see” rather than just “look.”

Key Episode Takeaways:

  • Success in the creative industry requires being good at what you do, delivering on time, and consistently meeting your commitments.
  • Finding creative inspiration and turning your passion into a business requires perseverance and continuous learning.
  • Technology can both enhance and challenge the creative process, and it’s important to adapt and embrace new tools and techniques.
  • Mentorship and community support are invaluable in the creative industry, providing guidance, inspiration, and opportunities for growth.
  • Setting prices as an artist can be challenging, but it’s important to value your work and not settle for less than it’s worth.
  • Simplifying and prioritizing your life and work can lead to greater focus, productivity, and fulfillment in your creative journey.
  • Find your creative flow state and make it a priority.
  • Relationships and networking are crucial in the creative industry.
  • Be a good friend and surround yourself with supportive people.
  • Bring depth and storytelling into your creative work.
  • Make things fun and enjoy the process.
Jill MacKay feature in Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist

Chapters:

(times are estimates)

00:00

Introduction and Keys to Success

04:11

The Power of Drawing and Writing

05:08

Adapting to Technology and Embracing Change

07:04

The Value of Mentorship and Preparation

13:55

Setting Prices and Knowing Your Worth

19:31

Understanding the Brain and Creating New Habits

21:56

Finding Your Niche and What Works for You

23:50

The Challenges of Pricing and Settling

29:08

Dreaming Big and Creating a Future

30:05

Ignoring the Doubters and Pursuing Your Passion

32:00

Finding Your Creative Flow State

36:19

The Power of Relationships and Networking

39:24

Bringing Depth and Storytelling into Jewelry Making

Fort Collins, Colorado; Art in the Park installation, by Jill MacKay
Necklace design made using leather-cutting dies by Jill MacKay

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Kierston Aiello: Artist, Metalsmith, and Bootstrap Beads

Finding Your People: A Conversation with Jewelry Expert Kierston Aiello

Jewelry expert and business owner Kierston Aiello shares her creative journey and how community, authenticity, and collaboration shaped her success. Kierston opens up about the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of finding your niche, and her exciting plans for her new foundry. Tune in for inspiring insights on following your heart and surrounding yourself with supportive, like-minded people.

The Importance of Community in the Creative Process

Born and raised in sunny California, Kierston Aiello is a metalsmith and designer with a passion for American craft. While getting her B.A. in Art History at Humboldt State University, she unexpectedly fell in love with metalsmithing. 

Her experience in production jewelry, including her time at TierraCast, solidified her love for the craft and the intricacies of large-scale production. 

Find Kierston here:

 

Key Episode Takeaways

  • Find your community and surround yourself with like-minded people who support and inspire you.
  • Follow your heart and be authentic in your creative journey and business endeavors.
  • Embrace your niche and offer something unique to your audience.
  • Collaborate with other artists to create diverse and exciting collections.
  • Seek support and guidance from small business development centers and other business groups.
  • Don’t let fear of failure hold you back from starting your own business.
  • Enjoy the process and have fun with your creative endeavors.
Series of rings: Kierston Aiello

Chapters

(times are estimates)
00:00

Introduction and Welcome

03:04

Kierston’s Creative Journey and Business Evolution

11:10

Transitioning to Self-Employment and Starting a Foundry

21:06

The Importance of Community and Connection

25:29

Embracing Authenticity and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

32:30

Navigating the Business Side of Starting a Business

38:20

Creating Something Special and Being Yourself

41:59

Upcoming Plans and Closing Thoughts

Bootstrap Beads & Foundry's new home!
Tree brooch: Kierston Aiello

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Carrie Story: Hobbyist to Inventor, Manufacturer, Instructor

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In This Episode of Heart & Hands of a Maker

Carrie Story, a renowned metal clay artist, inventor, manufacturer, and instructor, shares her inspiring journey from a hobbyist to a successful entrepreneur. Carrie began her creative path beading and making jewelry as a relaxing hobby. Her discovery of metal clay sparked a deep passion, leading her to start teaching and eventually recognize a significant demand for metal clay products and education.

This realization prompted Carrie to launch her own business, Clay Revolution. Here, they manufacture clays and products to serve the artist community’s needs (more tools!). Clay Revolution continues to grow and will be celebrating the first anniversary of Project X, their newest product line, a family of silver metal clays.

Throughout the episode, Carrie emphasizes the importance of identifying one’s strengths and being honest about skills and passions. She advises entrepreneurs not to fear competition but to learn from it instead.

Artists work shown above with permission: Clockwise starting (center) upper left:

Michael Marx
Cathy Flesher
Brandy Boyd
Melissa Kay-Steves



JUMP. Just do it. Weigh your risks so you know what you can afford to lose. Then take any necessary precautions and risk the rest. There is no harm in sticking your neck out there. What is the worst that can happen?

Key Episode Takeaways

  • Find your niche and understand your strengths to build a successful business.
  • Competition can be beneficial and push you to be better.
  • Analyze opportunities and make informed decisions based on their potential impact.
  • Seek advice and support to overcome self-doubt and fear of failure.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help or hire expertise in areas where you lack knowledge. Overcoming self-doubt is crucial for success
  • Surround yourself with supportive people
  • Don’t be paralyzed by fear, take action
  • Put yourself out there and take pride in your work
  • Innovation and differentiation are key in marketing
By: Stephanie Chavez

Chapters

(times are estimates)

00:00

Introduction and Background

01:19

Carrie’s Creative Journey and Business Evolution

05:06

Meeting the Demand for Metal Clay Products and Education

07:03

Expanding into Silver Clay and Business Growth

08:19

Embracing What You’re Good at and Enjoy

10:12

Learning from Competition and Finding Opportunities

23:45

Competition as a Source of Growth and Innovation

29:41

Seeking Help and Overcoming Self-Doubt

30:08

Overcoming Self-Doubt

32:30

The Importance of Surrounding Yourself with Good People

34:54

Navigating the Challenges of Having Your Name on a Product

36:19

Striving for Excellence in Your Craft

40:26

The Process of Developing a New Clay Formula

50:30

Innovative Marketing and Branding Strategies

57:02

Bringing Metal Clay to a Wider Audience

By: Michael Marx
By: Cathy Flesher
By: Melissa Kay-Steves

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Jessica Coté: Metalsmith, Jewelry Artist, Mentor

In This Episode of Heart & Hands of a Maker

Join me for a captivating conversation with Jessica Coté, a metalsmith from Fuquay Varina, North Carolina. You may know her from her brand name, Rosy Revolver.

Jessica shares her remarkable journey in the world of metal fabrication and her found passion for teaching and empowering others to find their creative voice. The conversation winds through topics such as the importance of authenticity in art, the value of failure, impact of social media on the creative community, the importance of self-awareness in art, and the need for kindness and grace.

Metalsmith, Jewelry Artist, Artist Mentor

Since 2008, Jessica has been dedicated to her craft full-time. She creates bold, feminine statement jewelry. 

Jessica opens up about the evolution of her business, the hurdles she has overcome, and the invaluable lessons she has learned along the way. 

Jessica Coté aka Rosy Revolver

Jessica is a maker and sells her finished work, she conducts metal and design workshops online and nationwide. She is also the cofounder of Heart of the Maker, a program she conducts alongside Francesca Watson. (Join the waitlist to learn when the next cohort opens for enrollment!)

In addition to all of this, Jessica develops tools and materials to improve efficiency in her work—after all, there is only so much time in a day! Jessica doesn’t keep these innovations to herself, so you can also benefit from her genius:  

  • Hone & Highlight, is a tumbling media for jewelry making, in both original and mini.
  • Tumbler frames and wheels help prevent tangling when you tumble chains. 

Beyond her professional life, Jessica enjoys her time as a mom of three, she is a plant fanatic, an animal enthusiast, and a lover of all things vintage.

Through our conversation, Jessica also shares exciting future plans, including the possible purchase of a church she hopes to transform into an inspiring space for artists and creatives.

Be sure to tune in to gain insights into Jessica’s creative process, her entrepreneurial spirit, and her vision for the future.

Key Episode Takeaways

  • Authenticity is key in the creative process.
  • Creating something that is true to oneself and conveys a message or feeling is more important than following traditional techniques or trends.
  • Failure is an essential part of the creative journey. Embracing failure and learning from it can lead to growth and the development of a unique artistic voice.
  • Teaching and empowering others can be a rewarding experience for both the teacher and the student.
  • Sharing knowledge and helping others find their creative spark can have a significant impact.
  • Social media can be a double-edged sword for the creative community. While it provides a platform for exposure and connection, it can also be a source of negativity and comparison.
  • Finding a balance and focusing on the positive aspects is crucial.
  • Finding one’s creative voice and staying true to it is a continuous process. It requires self-reflection, experimentation, and a willingness to evolve and adapt.
  • Self-awareness is crucial in art. Understanding your inspirations, motivations, and personal style can lead to more authentic and meaningful work.
  • Kindness and grace are essential in the creative industry. Supporting and uplifting others, rather than tearing them down, can create a more positive and inclusive community.
  • The Heart of the Maker program focuses on inspiration, design, and the order of operations in creating art. It helps artists tap into their creativity and develop their own unique style.

Chapters

(times are estimates)

00:00

Embracing Authenticity

09:23

The Value of Failure

25:56

Navigating Social Media

37:16

Finding and Evolving Your Creative Voice

38:42

Navigating Online Communities

41:37

The Shift in Interactions

44:24

The Importance of Design and Play

53:52

Teaching the Order of Operations

01:09:12

Innovative Solutions for Tumbling Jewelry

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Cat Kerr: Mixed Media Artist Extraordinaire

cat kerr mixed media artist collage

Intrepid, Insightful, Inspiring

Cat Kerr is a mixed media artist driven by curiosity, constantly inspired by the materials she handles. For Cat, the creative journey is paramount, often outweighing the final result. From a young age she was always drawing.  Initially, her dream was to be a fashion designer. Inspired by her grandmother, Belen de Carvajal, this was also the name she chose for her business.

In her 20s, Cat’s artistic focus shifted to manipulating paper and incorporating found objects. The thirties brought an obsession with resin, metal, and rust, experimenting with their combinations. In time, she moved on to working with wood and plastic, particularly enjoying the creative potential of plastic films from Graphix.

Currently, Cat’s art revolves around color, whether through acrylic paints or wax sticks. And she’s having a great time combining all the materials and techniques she’s explored over the years, including the use of canvas, metal, assemblage, and art journaling, reflecting a bit of everything in her artist’s toolbox.

Cat Shares Her Journey and So Much More

In this episode, Tammy and Cat discuss Cat’s creative journey, her love for experimenting with different mediums, and her passion for inspiring others to create without fear. They also touch on topics such as organizing art supplies (the ongoing battle many of us face!), working directly with manufacturers, and the value of your artwork. And, so much more.

 

Visit Cat’s Linktree for access to all the places you can find her. 

 

Social media plays a dual role for me—it’s both a business tool and a platform to share my excitement for art. My goal is to inspire others to create fearlessly and explore new techniques. I hope my followers feel this excitement and are motivated to try new things themselves.

Key Episode Takeaways

  • Say yes to opportunities, even if they are unpaid, as they can lead to new learning experiences and connections.

  • Embrace curiosity and let the materials guide your creative process.

  • Don’t be afraid to try new techniques and push the boundaries of what a medium can do.

  • Organize art supplies in a way that allows you to see and easily access what you have.

  • Make connections and reach out to  manufacturers if you have ideas for new products.

  • Consider the time invested when determining the value of finished artwork.

  • Encourage others to create without fear and inspire them to try new things.

  • Finding the right balance between creating for joy and getting paid for one’s time is a challenge in the creative industry.

  • Art has a healing power and brings grounding and meaningfulness into our lives.

  • Having a focus, defining goals, and staying disciplined are key to achieving success in the creative industry.

Keep Learning, by Cat Kerr

Chapters

(times are estimates)

00:00

Embracing Creativity and Curiosity

05:44

Exploring Different Mediums and Techniques

09:28

Organizing Art Supplies for Inspiration

13:26

Making Connections and Collaborating with Manufacturers

24:15

Inspiring Others to Create Without Fear

27:22

Valuing and Monetizing Creative Work

29:38

The Healing Power of Art

31:02

Finding Grounding in Art

32:30

Challenges of Getting Paid for Fun

34:33

The Importance of Focus and Goals

The Nibbler, mini journals; by Cat Kerr
Assemblage by Cat Kerr

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The Artist Rolodex Solution and More

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In This Episode of Heart & Hands of a Maker

Sandra Barnidge  is a writer who wears many hats. She’s most often a freelancer for universities, nonprofits, and foundations, where she writes in-depth features about scientists, entrepreneurs, and creative thinkers. She also has a novel about religion and sports in the Deep South forthcoming from Belle Point Press.

Recently, Sandra and her brother launched a new project, called Handcraft Nation. This is an online directory of artists, crafters, and makers of all kinds who live in the United States. Think of it as a rolodex for crafters, especially those who sell their work predominantly at arts and crafts shows and festivals.

Tune in to Heart & Hands of a Maker to hear more about their mission and future plans to become a hub for all things handmade, including jewelry, personal care items, and clothing.

For a limited time  you can sign up for an annual membership for free! In the future, as a listener of Heart & Hands of a Maker, you can apply a special code and save 10% on your annual membership. Use code: HeartHands10

Artists work shown above (center) can be found on Handcraft Nation.

Clockwise starting in the upper right:
Copper Baskets
Shepherd Industries
Sand’s Stones
Dara’s Soapery

Handcraft Nation Artisan Directory

Handcraft Nation is a platform created to support artists and makers in the United States. 

This online tool was created to address the challenges artists face on social media platforms, where algorithms limit their reach and direct traffic away from their own websites. Handcraft Nation aims to connect consumers with local artists and makers, promoting sustainability and supporting local economies. The platform currently has around 60 makers listed, with plans to expand and become a hub for personal care items and clothing made by independent artisans.

Key Episode Takeaways

  • Handcraft Nation is a platform that supports artists and makers in the United States by providing a directory of their work and linking to their websites and online shops.

  • The platform addresses the challenges that artists face on social media platforms, where algorithms limit their reach and direct traffic away from their own websites.

  • Handcraft Nation aims to connect consumers with local artists and makers, promoting sustainability and supporting local economies.

  • The platform plans to expand and become a hub for personal care items and clothing made by independent artisans.

Design by Sandra Lupo

Chapters

(times are estimates)

00:00

Introduction to Handcraft Nation

15:13

Buying Less and Buying Better

33:37

Putting Small Towns on the Map as Creative Hubs

43:03

The Path Forward: Embracing Creativity

Copper Baskets by Virginia Fisher

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Allie Perry: Jewelry Designer, Entrepreneur, Mentor

Meet Allie Perry

Allie Perry is a contemporary goldsmith who lives and works in Connecticut. An avid nature lover, her one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces are frequently inspired by her surroundings. With professional experience spanning decades, Allie draws on her knowledge and specialized experience to create custom, heirloom-quality jewelry that is meant to be worn and enjoyed. She does this while taking great pride in the fact that the making of each piece often supports multiple small businesses.

—-

Get Allie’s comprehensive ebook, Find Your Perfect Jewelry Size, for FREE when you join her Insiders Club, In The Loupe! You can opt-in here.

—-

Find and Follow Allie in the following hubs:

 
 
Sterling silver clipper ship pendant by Allie Perry

In This Episode of Heart & Hands of a Maker

Allie Perry started making jewelry in high school and pursued it despite societal expectations. She took on various jobs in the jewelry industry, learning new skills and navigating a corporate environment within the fine-jewelry space. After losing her job during the COVID-19 pandemic she started her own business. 

In this conversation, Allie emphasizes the importance of trust in oneself, being flexible, and finding inspiration in nature. She encourages aspiring designers to embrace their unique style and put their work out there.

Tammy and Allie discuss the challenges and roadblocks faced by jewelry makers and small business owners. Allie emphasizes the importance of taking action and not waiting for the perfect time to start. She also highlights the value of community and finding support from like-minded individuals.

Allie shares her experience of being part of jewelry-specific and small business owner groups, where she can ask questions, seek advice, and receive feedback. Allie shares her plans for the future, including transitioning her business back into fine jewelry, offering online classes, and writing informative articles and eBooks to educate her customers.

Key Episode Takeaways

  • Trust in yourself and go for it!
  • Be flexible and willing to adapt to changes.
  • Find inspiration in nature and embrace your unique style.
  • Put your work out there and believe that there are people who will appreciate it.
  • Don’t wait for the perfect time to start your jewelry making business. Take action today.
  • Find support and community in like-minded individuals who can provide advice, feedback, and guidance.
  • Continuously learn and adapt to changes in the industry to stay relevant and successful.
  • Consider diversifying your income streams and exploring passive income opportunities.
  • Share your knowledge and experiences with others to help them succeed.
  • Focus on building relationships with your customers and providing them with a personalized experience.
  • Don’t be afraid to make changes and pivot if something isn’t working or making you happy.
  • Take care of your physical and mental well-being to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Sterling silver and Prehnite cicada pendant by Allie Perry

Chapters

(times are estimates)

00:00

Introduction and Background

09:01

Navigating the Jewelry Industry

16:26

Embracing Challenges and Overcoming Self-Limitations

30:52

Taking Action and Overcoming Roadblocks

44:46

Diversifying and Adapting in the Jewelry Industry

53:06

Educating Customers through Informative Content

59:49

Building Relationships and Providing a Personalized Experience

Sterling Silver functional penny farthing by Allie Perry
14k yellow and white gold diamond wedding set, displaying a wave motif by Allie Perry

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Sandra Lupo: Jewelry Designer, Instructor and Inventor

Meet Sandra Lupo

I became a maker in my 30’s while raising two children. I had worked in the corporate world for most of my 20’s and married. I discovered I liked to work with my hands and create after I had my best creations, my children! I didn’t enjoy the needle arts or sewing (as my Mom did) but I sure liked getting my hands dirty and rough, i.e. furniture refinishing, upholstery, stained glass. Jewelry making and playing with fire was next!

Jewelry Designer, Instructor, Tool Inventor

Join Tammy as she talks with Sandra Lupo, a renowned artist, educator, and tool inventor. Lean into Sandra’s journey, which includes the creation of her tool, Conetastic. See the transformative power of collaboration in DIY and jewelry making through Sandra’s eys. Gain invaluable insights into overcoming self-doubt, handling criticism, and navigating the business landscape as a creative entrepreneur. Explore the essence of creativity, staying true to your passion, and the vital role of sustainability in the ever-evolving DIY community. Tune in for a vibrant discussion filled with wisdom, encouragement, and the joy of crafting from the heart.

To find Sandra visit these links; be sure to follow her to stay in the loop!

Find her Conetastic tool at your favorite jewelry supplier.

Conetastic tool invented by Sandra Lupo; manufactured by Beadalon

Key Episode Takeaways

  • The importance of DIY

  • The value of teaching and collaboration in the maker community

  • The challenges of bookkeeping and studio organization in running a jewelry busines

  • Social media can be a necessary part of all we do but can also a chore

  • Teaching in person provides a unique and fulfilling experience, but online teaching has become more prevalent due to the pandemic.

  • Collaboration and community are essential for personal and professional growth as a maker.

  • Incorporating personal talents and experiences into one’s work adds a unique touch and helps to create a connection with customers.

  • Staying relevant in the DIY space involves staying informed about trends, being mindful of sustainability, and continuously learning and growing.

  • Traveling and exploring different environments can provide inspiration and broaden one’s horizons as a maker.

mixed media, layered necklace: wood, wire, freshwater pearls, crystals, gemstones, cotton By Sandra Lupo

Chapters

(times are estimates)

00:00

Introduction and Finding Creative Inspiration

03:00

Sandra Lupo’s Creative Journey

13:10

The Invention of Cone-tastic

20:22

Continuing to Create and Make

25:48

Navigating the Business Side

30:09

Collaboration and Bringing Personal Talents

37:56

Dealing with Self-Doubt and Negative Feedback

45:31

Final Thoughts and Embracing Fun

“Sun worship Duo” originally published in Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist. Wire wrapping beads and stones, half-round wrapping, wire components fabrication, sheet manipulation, bezel making and stone setting

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