Hard times don't ask permission before they show up. In this episode, I'm talking honestly about what it means to keep making work when life is pressing in from every direction; when the bills are real, the struggles are personal, and the studio feels like the last place you have the energy to be. But it might also be the one place that saves you. I share a few practical tips for staying at the wheel when everything in you wants to walk away. This one is for the makers who are still showing up even when it's hard. Pull up a chair. I’m your host, Alford Wayman, and today, we're discussing creating work during hard times.

The Pottery Dailies: https://creekroadpottery.com/the-pottery-dailies/ The Creek Road Pottery LLC Blog: https://creekroadpottery.com/blog/

Welcome back to The Pin Tool Podcast, where we dive deep into the craft, philosophy, and business of making pottery that matters. I’m your host, Alford Wayman, and today, we're discussing direction setting and goals for 2026.

The Pottery Dailies: https://creekroadpottery.com/the-pottery-dailies/ The Creek Road Pottery LLC Blog: https://creekroadpottery.com/blog/

Welcome back to The Pin Tool Podcast, where we dive deep into the craft, philosophy, and business of making pottery that matters. I’m your host, Alford Wayman, and today, we’re bringing together the wisdom of the 12 Steps and The Artist’s Way —applying them directly to the life of an artist, a maker, and a business owner. We’ll discuss how to tell your story with your work and reconnect. Whether you’re at the wheel, in the studio, or just reflecting on your creative journey, this episode will offer suggestions on letting go of what's holding you back.

The Artist's Way, by Julia Cameron

https://www.amazon.com/Artists-Way-25th-Anniversary/dp/0143129252 My Pottery Journal, by Alford Wayman https://www.amazon.com/My-Pottery-Journal-Alford-Wayman/dp/B0CDNMNRX7 The Pottery Dailies: https://creekroadpottery.com/the-pottery-dailies/ The Creek Road Pottery LLC Blog: https://creekroadpottery.com/blog/

S4E14: Selling Local – Start With One In this episode of The Pin Tool Podcast, we talk about what it means to sell local—starting small, starting close, and starting with just one customer, one connection, one sale. I share three approaches that have worked at Creek Road Pottery: joining or starting a local art trail with other businesses, doing custom work by choosing the right people to make for, and setting up shop like a yard sale—on your own terms, right where you are.

It’s not always about scaling up. Sometimes the strongest foundation for your pottery business is built from personal connections, steady relationships, and local support. Whether you're building a trail, serving one household, or putting your work out on the table for passersby, this episode is about making it real, simple, and direct. The Pottery Dailies: https://creekroadpottery.com/the-pottery-dailies/ The Creek Road Pottery LLC Blog: https://creekroadpottery.com/blog/

Honduran Fair Trade Coffee – BeautiFallPottery These ethically sourced beans come directly from small family farms in Honduras. Every bag supports local communities by helping families pay for healthcare and essential needs. Grown with care and sold through fair trade partnerships, this coffee offers more than great flavor—it helps build a stronger future for the people who grow it. https://www.etsy.com/shop/BeautiFallPottery

Welcome back to The Pin Tool Podcast, where we dive deep into the craft, philosophy, and business of making pottery that matters. I’m your host, Alford Wayman, and today, we’re bringing together the wisdom of the 12 Steps and The Artist’s Way —applying them directly to the life of an artist, a maker, and a business owner. We’ll discuss when and how to ask for help. Whether you’re at the wheel, in the studio, or just reflecting on your creative journey, this episode will offer suggestions on letting go of what's holding you back.

The Artist's Way, by Julia Cameron

https://www.amazon.com/Artists-Way-25th-Anniversary/dp/0143129252 My Pottery Journal, by Alford Wayman https://www.amazon.com/My-Pottery-Journal-Alford-Wayman/dp/B0CDNMNRX7 The Pottery Dailies: https://creekroadpottery.com/the-pottery-dailies/ The Creek Road Pottery LLC Blog: https://creekroadpottery.com/blog/

Welcome back to The Pin Tool Podcast, where we delve into the craft, philosophy, and business of creating pottery that matters. I’m your host, Alford Wayman, and today, is a post from a live feed from my substack, The Pottery Dailies The Pottery Dailies: https://creekroadpottery.com/the-pottery-dailies/ The Creek Road Pottery LLC Blog: https://creekroadpottery.com/blog/

Welcome back to The Pin Tool Podcast, where we dive deep into the craft, philosophy, and business of making pottery that matters. I’m your host, Alford Wayman, and today, we’re bringing together the wisdom of the 12 Steps and The Artist’s Way —applying them directly to the life of an artist, a maker, and a business owner. We’ll discuss letting go of what's holding you back. Whether you’re at the wheel, in the studio, or just reflecting on your creative journey, this episode will offer suggestions on letting go of what's holding you back.

The Artist's Way, by Julia Cameron

https://www.amazon.com/Artists-Way-25th-Anniversary/dp/0143129252 My Pottery Journal, by Alford Wayman https://www.amazon.com/My-Pottery-Journal-Alford-Wayman/dp/B0CDNMNRX7 The Pottery Dailies: https://creekroadpottery.com/the-pottery-dailies/ The Creek Road Pottery LLC Blog: https://creekroadpottery.com/blog/

Welcome back to The Pin Tool Podcast, where we dive deep into the craft, philosophy, and business of making pottery that matters. I’m your host, Alford Wayman, and today, we’re bringing together the wisdom of the 12 Steps and The Artist’s Way —applying them directly to the life of an artist, a maker, and a business owner. We’ll discuss building community with my AI bot, Project Planner Amelia. Whether you’re at the wheel, in the studio, or just reflecting on your creative journey, this episode will give you suggestions on taking creative risks and why building community is essential.

The Artist's Way, by Julia Cameron

https://www.amazon.com/Artists-Way-25th-Anniversary/dp/0143129252 My Pottery Journal, by Alford Wayman https://www.amazon.com/My-Pottery-Journal-Alford-Wayman/dp/B0CDNMNRX7 The Pottery Dailies: https://creekroadpottery.com/the-pottery-dailies/ The Creek Road Pottery LLC Blog: https://creekroadpottery.com/blog/