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.
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:
(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
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.
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.
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.
(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
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.
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.
Jill uses these habits in her daily practice, focusing on prioritizing tasks that create the greatest impact.
Jill recommends this book to anyone wanting to improve their drawing skills, as it teaches how to “see” rather than just “look.”
(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
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.
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.
(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
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?
Carrie Story
(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
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.
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 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:
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.
(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
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.
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.
~Cat Kerr
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.
(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
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 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.
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.
(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
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.
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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.
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.
(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
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!
~Sandra Lupo
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.
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.
(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