CRAFTCAST the Podcast #223

craftcast.com Today I'm talking with Janine Vangool, founder and editor of Uppercase, a magazine that celebrates creativity in all its forms. We talk about building an independent print publication, curating inspiring content, supporting artists, and why print still matters in a scroll-happy world. Janine shares how UPPERCASE began, how it evolved into books, compendiums, and creative projects, and what she looks for when featuring artists and makers. It's thoughtful. It's honest. It's inspiring.

craftcast.com Patrik and I had the absolute honor of talking with Harriete Estel Berman, artist, activist, and one of the most fearless voices in contemporary jewelry. We dive into recycled materials, social commentary, creative courage, and how to build a body of work that truly stands for something. But this episode isn't just about jewelry. It's about voice. It's about courage. It's about deciding what you want your work to stand for and having the conviction to stand behind it. If you're a maker, whether you work in polymer clay, metal clay, fiber, paint, paper, or anything in between, this conversation is for you. Because at some point, every one of us has to ask: Is it enough to make something beautiful? Or do I want my work to say something more? Harriete has been asking and answering that question for decades. And today, we get to learn from her.

craftcast.com In this episode, we chat with Annie Morhauser, founder of Annieglass, to talk about what it really takes to build a design brand that lasts. Annie began creating her signature hand-painted, kiln-fired glass in the early days of the American craft movement — and somehow turned it into a nationally recognized luxury tableware brand that's still thriving decades later. I still love her iconic gold rimmed plates, simple and elegant. This is a conversation about vision, resilience, evolution — and trusting your aesthetic even when no one else sees it yet. If you've ever wondered how a handmade product becomes a household name, you'll love this one.

craftcast.com We're told to think outside the box. But today's guest asks a better question. Patrick Duffy, the cardboard artist behind Clever Fool, calls himself a Cardboard Creative. Instead of escaping the box, he asks: What can I do with the box? In this episode of Craftcast: Where Soul Meets Craft, we talk about cardboard as both a material and a metaphor, about creativity, constraint, play, and the long view of a creative life. If you've ever felt boxed in, this conversation might change how you see what's already in your hands.

This week, Patrik and I are joined by the wonderful Tamara Honaman for a lively, behind-the-scenes conversation about her new book, Projects and Techniques for Metal Clay Jewelry, and what it really takes to bring a creative book to life. We talk about the projects and techniques inside the book, the joys and challenges of the writing process, and why we're all so deeply passionate about making things with our own hands and teaching others to do the same. There are lots of stories and laughs while we chat about: ✨ Creating and sharing knowledge ✨ Turning ideas into tangible projects ✨ The magic of teaching and watching someone say, "I made this!" ✨ Why metal clay continues to inspire us after all these years It's a feel-good, inspiration-filled episode for makers, teachers, and anyone who loves learning how things are made by hand and by heart. Tune in and enjoy the conversation! 💛

craftcast.com In this episode, Alison and Patrik look back on a full creative year, the tools, the classes, the surprises, and the lessons we learned. We're flipping through the highlights, sharing our favorite discoveries, and why they mattered. Perfect listening if you love tools, learning, and growing as a maker. Pull up a chair and join us for a year-in-review that celebrates curiosity, creativity, and what's coming next. #CraftcastPodcast #CreativePodcast #MakerLife #CreativeCommunity #HandmadeLife #StudioLife

craftcast.com In this episode of CRAFTCAST, Patrik Kusek and I sit down with Shelley Atwood to talk all things color, how she chooses it, trusts it, and lets it guide her work. Shelley shares insights into her intuitive color process and the lasting influence of her teacher, Joan Tayler, on her creative voice. If color ever feels intimidating or you're ready to move beyond playing it safe, this episode will give you a fresh perspective and creative permission. #craftcast #colorinspiration #creativeprocess #artistmindset #polymerclay #craftpodcast #makersofinstagram #trustyourintuition

Ready for a heart-to-heart about the real creative life? Perfectionism? Too many tools? Feeling stuck? We've been there.  This time, we're sharing what we're learning, what we're loving, and what we're finally letting go of in our creative lives. #CraftcastPodcast #SoulfulMaking #CreativeLife #MakersGonnaMake #ArtistsOfInstagram #CreativeJourney #HandmadeWithLove

craftcast.com Today on the podcast, Patrik and I are catching up on everything, life, work, and the beautiful chaos in between. We're sharing what we're creating, what's coming up next, and a few holiday traditions that keep us grounded (and laughing). Please grab a cup of something warm or fuzzy and join us! A little life, a little art, a little holiday magic 🎄✨ Patrik and I are catching up on EVERYTHING in today's episode!     #Craftcast #CraftcastPodcast #CreativeLife #CreativeCommunity #ArtistsOfInstagram #MakersGonnaMake #ArtLife #StudioLife #HolidayVibes #CreativeConversations

craftcast. com Feeling fried? Creatively crispy? We've all been there. In this episode, Patrik and I share our favorite quick-fix tips to reboot your mojo and bring some balance back into your creative life. Think: ✨ Fresh-eyes ✨ Mini studio cleanups ✨ Brain breaks that actually work ✨ Little rituals that spark big joy Grab a snack, hit play, and let's unfrizzle that creative brain together! 🎨💛