CRAFTCAST

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!...

craftcast.com In this episode, I'm sharing 5 quick creative tips that keep me inspired and in motion: 1. It's a circle, not a line. Creativity loops and wanders— not knowing is part of the process. 2. Rest and return. Stop at night, come back with fresh eyes in the morning. 3. Set up easy re-entry. Tidy the studio, leave something ready so you'll want to dive back in. 4. Find balance. Balance brai...

craftcast.com Join Patrik and I for a fascinating conversation with award-winning polymer clay artist Loretta Lam as we explore one of the biggest questions in any creative journey: What makes up your artistic voice? If you've ever wondered how to identify and define your creative identity, this episode will inspire you to listen more closely to your own artistic voice.  

This week Patrik and I sat chatted with Boomer Sassman , founder of Big Boom Design, for a fascinating (and sometimes funny) conversation about AI — the good, the bad, and the ugly . craftcast.com

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 i...

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 #...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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: ...

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 moj...

" 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

In this episode, Alison Lee and artist extraordinaire Patrik Kusek swap stories about the projects that made them step back, smile, and think, "I made that! " From accidental masterpieces to the ones that took forever but were totally worth it, we chat about what it really means to feel proud of your work (and why that feeling is so important for creatives). Expect laughs, a few "a-ha!" moments, a...

In this episode, Patrik and I have a heart-to-heart chat about what it really means to  become  an artist, not just making art but shifting your mindset from "I'm just a [fill-in-the-blank]" to "I  am  an artist." We talk about the mental roadblocks we put in our own way, how to start seeing yourself as a creative professional, and why that shift changes everything. Plus, we share stories of the f...

Join me, Alison Lee, and Patrik Kusek as we chat about how to maintain a healthy and happy creative mindset. Lots of inspiration and laughter is shared. Make sure and check out all our video tutorials at craftcast.com

Today I talk with Robin Kramer from Flourish & Thrive Academy, where jewelry designers go to get business savvy. You'll love hearing the insights Robin shares about the ins and outs of having a successful jewlery design business. Plus what’s new in the CRAFTCAST studio, some techie stuff and my favorite new book. For today’s bonus question, I ask Ms. Kramer the most important thing you can do befo...

Today I talk with artist, writer and publisher of The Polymer Arts, Sage Bray. You'll love hearing what inspires her to create and her passion for all things polymer. Plus some updates on how 2016 is unfolding in the CRAFTCAST studio and some other crafty goodies I think you'll love. For today’s bonus question I ask Ms. Bray for her best advice on how to get your work or an article published in a...

Today I talk to actor Erich Bergen. You can see him on CBS's Madam Secretary and the movie Jersey Boys. Oh so fun! Plus, all kinds of news. And guess who got married??? Today's bonus question I ask Mr. Bergen for his best advice on how to enter the professional world of acting and entertainment. You can listen to the bonus question by getting the

Today I talk with, Marney K. Makridakis, the author of Hop, Skip, Jump and founder of the online community ArtellaLand.com. You will love hearing her ideas on how to add more play into your life.  Also, some apps and software I love and a song from the talented Beth Hirch.  Topics covered: paper by 53, evernote, creative play  Get all the links under the podcast sections at:  www.craftcast.com

Today I talk to author and Ted Talk speaker Jonathan Tilley about how make the career switch to freelance. Jonathan gives great advice on how to make a successful transition from 9-5. Also class news updates and reviews of some great new craft products.  Get all the links at:  www.craftcast.com  

Back from summer vacation and starting off the fall talking with attorney, Denise Gosnell.  Plus lots of new LIVE ONLINE classes and exciting news here at craftcast.com! Get all the info and links at: www.craftcast.com   

Today’s guest is Carol Allen, a Vedic Astrologer and Relationship Coach. Such a fun talk and I learned, among other things, all about “highly sensitive people”. I bet a lot of you will relate! Also, some great craft books to share and an app that’s a must have. For all of today's links go to www.craftcast.com