For our final episode of 2023, I'm talking with Carin Jones of Jonesing For Jewelry. Carin talks about the choice to leave her chosen field of zoology to pursue her dreams of owning her own jewelry business only to later build the studio of her dreams and the bigger vision behind this. We talk about our love of the muse and creating one of a kind work, and how her business continues to nourish her creative soul.  Carin Jones (Kuh-rin) is a Seattle area based artist that derives her inspiration from a zoological background, particularly years of collecting and cataloging specimens. As an architect’s daughter, she obsessively studies shapes and their interactions, notably those of elements not paired in nature. In her Mineral & Marrow Series, Carin concentrates on an unexpected coupling of discarded bones and high end gemstones. While, at first glance this may seem contradictory, the partnership challenges the audience’s inclination to undervalue one material and overvalue the other. It clarifies the equality of elements - born of stardust and returning to stardust -  and emphasizes the true value of the natural world.   Crafting materials commonly regarded as disposable into treasured pieces of wearable art challenges society’s perspective and, moreover, assists in realigning the audience’s standpoint. You can follow along with Carin and see her amazing work at the links below:  Instagram: @jonesingforjewelry Website: jonesingforjewelry.com Please consider supporting the podcast while joining our Slowmade Podcast Community on Patreon. Your support makes this podcast possible! Do you have someone you like to hear on Slowmade? Please connect with Christine on Instagram @christinemighion     .