Celebrating Creativity and Connection with the Upper Midwest Bead Society

From trade shows to TV studios, beading to business—Julianna Avelar has done it all. In this heartfelt episode, she shares how the Jewel Loom came to life, why pricing your work is essential, and the emotional rollercoaster of creative entrepreneurship. Real talk, inspiring insights, and a whole lot of love for the maker community.

Katie Hacker joins Tamara Honaman to share her insights on authenticity, managing creative businesses, and embracing imperfection in your artistic journey. Tune in to rediscover joy in your creative practice!Actionable Takeaways:•          Give yourself permission to explore creatively without pressure to monetize every hobby.•          Prioritize mental health and well-being, especially in times of professional transition.•          Embrace imperfection—authenticity resonates more deeply than polished perfection.

Explore how beads bring people together with Jan Carlson and Rochelle Peterson from the Upper Midwest Bead Society.Celebrating 35 years of creativity, connection, and more!Join us as we discuss:•               The society’s pivot to virtual meetings during COVID-19 and its new digital offerings.•               Monthly programming like "Let’s Bead Live" and retreats designed to foster creativity and connection.•               The incredible network of bead artists, including 18 published members and founder Diane Fitzgerald.•               Celebrating 35 years of creativity and innovation, featuring crowns, sashes, and collaborative projects.•               Fundraising efforts that keep membership accessible and programming vibrant.

Brenda Schweder is a recombobulator of found objects into wearable sculpture and objet d’art. A queen of the coldest of cold connection techniques, her schtick is combining disparate stuff and quasi-trash into wacky new works with whimsical and joyous narratives. In this engaging conversation, Tamara Honaman and Brenda Schweder explore the significance of art in our lives, the evolution of Brenda's creative journey, and the impact of social media on artistic expression. They discuss the challenges of balancing personal passions with responsibilities, the importance of self-expression, and how art can serve as a healing tool. The dialogue emphasizes the need for creativity in everyday life and the value of community support in the maker space.

Jewelry expert Wyatt White joins Tamara Honaman to discuss his inspiring creative journey, lessons in humility, and the art of empowering others through making. Discover how resilience, innovation, and mentorship can shape a remarkable career.

In this episode of Heart & Hands of a Maker, host Tamara Honaman sits down with Claudia Chase and Elena Kawachi of Mirrix Looms. Claudia, the visionary founder and inventor behind Mirrix, shares her journey from tapestry weaver to creating the first Mirrix loom in her Wisconsin barn. Joined by her daughter Elena, who took the reins in digital marketing and community building, they discuss the evolution of their family business, the joys of working together, and the impact of weaving on creativity. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about innovation, craftsmanship, and the power of artistic passion.

Discover the inspiring journey of Brandi Tracey, founder of NET Creative Designs, on this episode of Heart & Hands of a Maker. From her career as a paralegal to becoming a passionate metalsmith, Brandi shares how she turned personal loss into creative empowerment. Hear about her experiences navigating grief, learning the craft, and building a supportive community. Perfect for anyone seeking motivation, insights on starting a creative business, and the value of resilience in the face of challenges. Tune in for practical advice, heartfelt moments, and Brandi’s unique story of growth and artistic discovery.

In this episode of Heart & Hands of a Maker, host Tamara Honaman interviews 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 craft industry, Loretta opens up about her experience building a successful jewelry business, the challenges 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. This episode is a must-listen for jewelry designers, polymer clay artists, and creatives of all kinds looking for insights into the world of art, running a craft business, and the importance of design in creating unique, personal work. Learn how Loretta adapted her teaching to online platforms during the pandemic and how she continues to mentor and inspire makers around the world.

In this episode of Heart & Hands of a Maker, host Tamara Honaman interviews Jill MacKay, an acclaimed jewelry designer and digital content creator. Jill shares her creative journey, overcoming challenges, navigating fear, and building a successful art career. Discover insights on resilience, mentorship, and embracing change as a modern artist. Listen now for inspiring advice on turning your passion into a thriving business!

In this episode of Heart & Hands of a Maker, 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. A little about Kierston:  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 and Jewelry. She has spent the last 12 years working in the Jewelry and Art trades, serving for the last 4 years as the designer and head of Product Development for a well-known manufacturer for the DIY trade. Kierston is now in the process of opening a new business, an artisan pewter foundry and artist collective in Sonoma County. A craft enthusiast to the core, Kierston’s hobbies include collecting more hobbies, hoarding shiny things, going to the library, and making an obscene amount of messes.