The Pin Tool Podcast | Pottery | Ceramics | Small Business

S4E6: The 12 Step Artist's Way Workshop - Finding Your Purpose.

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 talk with my A.I. bot Project Planner, Amelia, about how to overcome creative blocks by believing your purpose and finding your identity. Whether you’re at the wheel, in the studio, or just reflecting on your creative journey, this episode will give you practical steps to push forward with confidence and purpose.
So grab your pin tool, settle in, and let’s shape something together—starting with the mindset that fuels it all. Let’s dive in!
 
Send your submission for the mug giveaway to creekroadpottery@gmail.com 
 
The Artist's Way, by Julia Cameron
https://www.amazon.com/Artists-Way-25th-Anniversary/dp/0143129252My Pottery Journal, by Alford Waymanhttps://www.amazon.com/My-Pottery-Journal-Alford-Wayman/dp/B0CDNMNRX7The Pottery Dailies:https://creekroadpottery.com/the-pottery-dailies/The Creek Road Pottery LLC Blog:https://creekroadpottery.com/blog/

S4E5: Reduction Firings & Spring Show Review

Welcome to "The Pin Tool Podcast," where art and life intersect. I’m your host, Alford Wayman of Creek Road Pottery LLC. This episode explores the challenges of reduction firings, show prep, and how the Creek Road Pottery Spring Show 2025 went.
Website:
https://creekroadpottery.comThe Pottery Dailies:https://creekroadpottery.com/the-pottery-dailies/

S4E4: The 12 Step Artist's Way Workshop -Admitting Weakness

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 talk with my A.I. bot Project Planner, Amelia, about how to overcome creative blocks by admitting our weaknesses. Whether you’re at the wheel, in the studio, or just reflecting on your creative journey, this episode will give you practical steps to push forward with confidence and purpose.
So grab your pin tool, settle in, and let’s shape something together—starting with the mindset that fuels it all. Let’s dive in!
 
The Artist's Way, by Julia Cameron
https://www.amazon.com/Artists-Way-25th-Anniversary/dp/0143129252My Pottery Journal, by Alford Waymanhttps://www.amazon.com/My-Pottery-Journal-Alford-Wayman/dp/B0CDNMNRX7The Pottery Dailies:https://creekroadpottery.com/the-pottery-dailies/The Creek Road Pottery LLC Blog:https://creekroadpottery.com/blog/

S4E3: The 12 Step Artist's Way Workshop - Introduction

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 exploring a powerful framework that blends creative recovery, mental resilience, and business strategy. If you've ever felt stuck in your art—whether creatively, emotionally, or even in the way you run your business—this episode is for you.
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 talk about how to overcome creative blocks, build resilience, and structure our work so that it’s meaningful and sustainable. Whether you’re at the wheel, in the studio, or just reflecting on your creative journey, this episode will give you practical steps to push forward with confidence and purpose.
So grab your pin tool, settle in, and let’s shape something together—starting with the mindset that fuels it all. Let’s dive in!The Pottery Dailies:https://creekroadpottery.com/the-pottery-dailies/The Creek Road Pottery LLC Blog:https://creekroadpottery.com/blog/

S4E2: On Peopleing

Welcome to the latest episode of "The Pin Tool Podcast," where art meets entrepreneurship. I'm your host, Al Wayman, from Creek Road Pottery LLC. In this episode, I discuss with my virtual assistant, Amelia, an Artificial Intelligence Chatbot, the topic of  "Peopleing".  Understanding people can play an essential role in creating work that matters. Connecting with others through generosity, empathy, and gratitude can be a way forward. It’s not about maximizing revenue but about creating meaningful work for a select audience that truly cares. Small hometown shows remind me why I started making pottery in the first place, and I’m grateful for the chance to build connections and inspire others along the way. Who would miss you if you were gone?The Pottery Dailies:https://creekroadpottery.com/the-pottery-dailies/The Creek Road Pottery LLC Blog:https://creekroadpottery.com/blog/

S4E1: New Year Planning

Welcome to "The Pin Tool Podcast," where creativity meets organization. I’m your host, Alford Wayman of Creek Road Pottery LLC. In this episode, I have a discussion with my virtual assistant, Amelia, an Artificial Intelligence Chatbot, on the tools that help us stay productive—planners and Google Calendar.  Whether you’re managing a pottery studio, balancing creative projects, or just trying to keep your life on track, having the right systems in place makes all the difference. Join me as we explore how these tools can help you plan your days, set priorities, and stay focused on what matters most.
40 Chat GPT- Prompts for Pottery
https://creekroadpottery.com/40-chat-gpt-prompts-for-pottery/
 
Website:
https://creekroadpottery.comThe Pottery Dailies:https://creekroadpottery.com/the-pottery-dailies/

S3E24: Holiday Trail & Show Review

Welcome to "The Pin Tool Podcast," where art and life intersect. I’m your host, Alford Wayman of Creek Road Pottery LLC. This episode explores the challenges of organizing a Holiday Trail with other small businesses and how the Creek Road Pottery Christmas show went.
Website:
https://creekroadpottery.comThe Pottery Dailies:https://creekroadpottery.com/the-pottery-dailies/The Back Road Christmas Trailhttps://www.facebook.com/thebackroadchristmastrail

S3E23: Pottery & Politics

Welcome to "The Pin Tool Podcast," where art and life intersect. I’m your host, Alford Wayman of Creek Road Pottery LLC. In this episode, we explore the challenges of staying focused amid distractions, the importance of taking responsibility for both successes and failures, and the need for empathy and collaboration, especially in shared creative and political spaces. Whether in the pottery studio or in the larger community, it’s crucial to learn from mistakes, take ownership, and work together toward positive change.
Website:
https://creekroadpottery.comThe Pottery Dailies:https://creekroadpottery.com/the-pottery-dailies/The Back Road Christmas Trailhttps://www.facebook.com/thebackroadchristmastrail

S3E22: Fall Show Review 2024

Welcome to "The Pin Tool Podcast," where art and life intersect. I’m your host, Alford Wayman of Creek Road Pottery LLC. Today, we talk about my Fall show 2024, what went right, and what I may need to work on. I then read one of my posts on the Pottery Dailies.
Generosity and Pricing: No One Owes You Anythinghttps://thepotterydailies.substack.com/p/generosity-and-pricing
Website:
https://creekroadpottery.comThe Pottery Dailies:https://creekroadpottery.com/the-pottery-dailies/The Creek Road Pottery LLC Carbon Trapping Collection:https://creekroadpottery.com/product-category/carbon-trapping/

S3E21: Why Showing Up Matters - Selling Your Pottery

Welcome to "The Pin Tool Podcast," where art and life intersect. I’m your host, Alford Wayman of Creek Road Pottery LLC. Today, we talk about a quiet moment of connection at a rainy Sunday market, capturing the value of showing up, even when the weather and conditions aren’t ideal. Through a chance encounter with a single customer, meaningful exchanges are often worth more than any sale, and the impact of our creative work can ripple beyond the moment.
Why Showing Up Matters
https://thepotterydailies.substack.com/p/why-showing-up-matters
 
Website:
https://creekroadpottery.com/The Pottery Dailies:https://creekroadpottery.com/the-pottery-dailies/The Creek Road Pottery LLC Blog:https://creekroadpottery.com/blog/