ENCORE: Ace McCasland - The Long & Adventurous Road to Becoming Studio Luna Verde, Wildcrafted Jewelry, Embracing Imperfection, and Pushing Boundaries

I'm sharing an encore of this fan favorite episode on New Year's Day while I take a little break. Ace McCasland, a metalsmith and jewelry artist, shares her journey and creative process in this conversation with Christine. Ace started Studio Luna Verde and creates unique, eclectic, and out-of-the-box jewelry, which she fittingly describes as "wildcrafted jewelry". She draws inspiration from her travels and the landscapes she has encountered. Ace emphasizes the importance of exploring and seeking new experiences. She also discusses her teaching approach, encouraging students to embrace imperfection and push their boundaries while maintaining good craftsmanship. In this conversation, Christine and Ace discuss the importance of craftsmanship and authenticity in jewelry making. They explore the difference between creating organic and imperfect pieces with intention versus using imperfections as an excuse for poor craftsmanship. Ace shares her journey of starting her jewelry business and the challenges she faced along the way. They also discuss the importance of finding your own voice as an artist and staying true to yourself. Ace offers advice for those starting out in the craft and business of jewelry making. Bio... Ace, of Studio Luna Verde, set her roots in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, after many years of exploring and hiking and wandering and driving all over the U.S., especially the west. Experiences have included driving 1950s era tour buses for Green Tortoise Adventure Travel / performing for a year with a three ring circus / hiking into (and out of) the Grand Canyon so many times she’s lost count (at least eight) / living out of a '72 Toyota Landcruiser for three (and a half) years while exploring the U.S. / and failing miserably at surfing on the Sea of Cortez in Baja California.  She loves spicy chocolate, and lightning storms. Her largest creation thus far is having built her own studio, where she currently makes her eclectic jewelry and unabashedly embraces the art of imperfection. Follow Ace & Studio Luna Verde... Instagram: @studiolunaverde Website: www.studiolunaverde.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 ⁠⁠@slowmadepodcast⁠⁠ or you can send her an email at: [email protected]