CRAFTCAST the Podcast #209

This week, Patrik and I sat down with the wonderful Wendy Moore from Australia, a polymer clay artist known for her work with the women of Samunnat Nepal. Through jewelry making, Wendy has witnessed firsthand how lives can be transformed and how communities thrive  when women are given resources, skills, encouragement, and a voice. Together, we explored the true meaning of craftsmanship and what it means in your creative practice and why it’s so important not to confuse it with perfectionism. It’s about pride in the process, honoring the handmade, and letting your unique touch shine. It’s an inspiring conversation about creativity, empowerment, and the power of craft to change lives. #PolymerClay #Craftcast #PolymerClayJewelry #HandmadeJewelry #JewelryMaking #MakersGonnaMake #CraftPodcast #CraftCommunity #CreativeProcess #ArtisanMade #CraftingJoy

Patrik is back from this month’s Metal Clay Artists Symposium (MCAS) and he’s spilling all the stories! From the excitement of meeting up with old friends to discovering fresh ideas in metal clay, Patrik shares his behind-the-scenes adventures with plenty of laughs along the way. craftcast.com #MetalClay #MetalClayJewelry #JewelryArtists #CreativePodcast #StudioStories #MCAS2025 #CraftyCommunity #MakersGonnaMake #ArtInspiration #JewelryCommunity

https://craftcast.com/  Feeling stuck creatively? In this inspiring CRAFTCAST episode, Patrik and I talk with Anna Annette from Edelweiss Academy about removing mental and creative blocks so you can feel happier, freer, and ready to make your best art. Discover simple mindset shifts, creative self-care tips, and ways to spark your artistic flow again. Perfect for artists, makers, and anyone ready to reconnect with their creativity.   #HowToBeMoreCreative #OvercomingCreativeBlocks #FindYourCreativeFlow #BoostYourCreativity #CreativeWellnessTips #HappyCreativeLife #ArtistInspirationIdeas #UnlockYourCreativity #CreativeMindsetShift #MakeArtAndBeHappy #FindingArtisticInspiration #MindsetForArtists #CreativeSelfCare

What do great designs have in common? They’ve got The C’s. We’re not talking about grades. In this episode, Patrik and I break down the essential elements that make a piece of art, a design, or a jewelry line successful. From Curiosity and Concept, to Creativity and Craftsmanship, and even courage to listen to critiques, it’s all about what brings your creative work to life! Listen in to laughs, real-talk examples, and a few "aha!" moments. craftcast.com #CRAFTCAST #DesignTips #CreativeProcess #ArtTalk

Waiting for the perfect moment to create? But it never seems to happen? Stitch by stitch, bead by bead, clay piece by clay piece. Progress happens in the doing. Real progress comes from taking baby steps. Don’t listen to the naysayers in your brain. Start small. Stay messy. And let momentum keep you on track. Patrik and I share how we maintain forward momentum in our creative lives. Real progress comes from taking baby steps. Don’t listen to the naysayers in your brain. Don’t Quit Your Daydream

This episode of CRAFTCAST, the podcast, is perfect for any artist or maker wondering: “What is a creative experience? And how do we have more in our lives?" Listen in and give yourself permission to pause. Because sometimes, the most creative thing you can do… is take a break. Patrik and I share stories about the importance of taking creative breaks, how to get over burnout, and why stepping away from your art can actually reignite your inspiration. CRAFTCAST.com #Podcast #CreativeLife #RejectionIsRedirection #ArtistsLife #Craftcast #Makerslife

This episode’s a little different—because it’s personal! Patrik and I chat with my son, actor Erich Bergen (you’ve seen him on TV in Madam Secretary or on stage in Jersey Boys, Waitress, or Boop on Broadway) as he shares the hilarious and heartfelt journey of transitioning from actor to producer. It’s a funny, inspiring conversation about taking big creative leaps, embracing change, and exploring new passions. Come for the behind-the-scenes stories, stay for the mom-son banter. #Podcast #CreativeLife #RejectionIsRedirection #ErichBergen #ArtistsLife #Craftcast #ErichBergenMarried

Time thieves are real—and no, we’re not just talking about social media! In our latest podcast, Patrik and I try to solve the mystery of where the heck all our time goes and how to actually get stuff done when you’re a creative person with a million tabs open (in your brain). 🎧 Listen in if your to-do list is starting to look like a scroll.  Make sure and check out all the crafting tutorials at: CRAFTCAST.com

We chat about a lot of fun stuff on the CRAFTCAST podcast, but today we went a  little deeper. The question I brought up that we seem to be going through lately is  “What part of your creative spirit feels most alive right now, or is it feeling under the weather?” I chatted with the always insightful (and always inspiring) Patrik Kusek about what it means to find our way back to our creative mojo, listening to that inner creative thought process, and acknowledging whatever stage we’re in. Plus our best advice for what to do when you have lost that creative feeling!     

“That looks like your work!” The best compliment? Maybe. Patrik and I are exploring what it takes to create a style that feels like you and why that matters. Listen in for real talk, creative truths, and a laugh or two. #CRAFTCASTThePodcast #PersonalStyle #CreativeJourney #FindYourVoice #ListenAndCreate #PolymerClayArtists #MetalClayJewelry #JewelryMakers #MixedMediaArtist #HandmadeCommunity