At Creek Road Pottery, we know that creating something meaningful takes time, patience, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. I’ve been reflecting a lot on this lately as I’ve prepared for our Christmas show, rebuilt the wood kiln brick by brick, and navigated the challenges of organizing our new Back Road Christmas Trail. I want to share some of these thoughts with you—lessons learned from the studio, the kiln, and the small-town roads that lead us here.

Embracing Resistance and Showing Up Anyway

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that resistance shows up whenever we’re about to do something important. It whispers doubts and fears in the back of our minds, convincing us that it’s easier to play it safe, to stay home, or to put off starting a new project. Trust me, I’ve heard those whispers many times, especially when faced with long nights at the paper factory, followed by early mornings in the pottery studio. It’s tempting to give in and take a break.

But here’s the truth: Progress often starts with just showing up, even when it’s hard. Some days, it’s only one brick added to the kiln, or one piece thrown on the wheel. It might not seem like much, but those small actions add up. Over time, they create something larger than the sum of its parts. Whether you’re working on a creative project, building a business, or navigating life’s obstacles, remember that showing up—even when it’s uncomfortable—is the key.

The Beauty of Slow Progress

We live in a world that prizes speed and efficiency, but pottery has taught me the beauty of slow progress. Each piece goes through multiple stages: throwing, trimming, glazing, firing, and sometimes more firing. It’s a long process, and there’s no rushing it. If I try to skip a step or take shortcuts, the pots end up suffering for it.

I’ve found that the same principle applies to many aspects of life. It’s tempting to push for quick results or recreate past successes, but doing so often overlooks the value of the process itself. The pots from this year’s Christmas collection are different from the pieces I made years ago because I’ve changed, and so has the work. It’s important to honor where we are now, not where we used to be. Let’s embrace the new challenges and opportunities that come with growth, rather than clinging to nostalgia.

One Brick at a Time: Building Towards the Vision

The wood kiln project has been a powerful metaphor for me this year. When I first started rebuilding it, the task seemed overwhelming. Thousands of bricks needed to be moved, cleaned, and restacked. On some days, I managed to place just one brick. It felt like such a small step, but one brick is better than no brick. Slowly, one by one, the firebox started to take shape again.

Whatever big project you’re facing—whether it’s in your creative work, your business, or your personal life—remember that it’s okay to take it one step at a time. You don’t need to see the entire path ahead to make progress. Just focus on laying that next brick, and the vision will start to come together. Trust the process. The kiln wasn’t built in a day, and neither is anything worth creating.

Making Work That Matters

At Creek Road Pottery, my focus has always been on making work that matters for people who care. It’s not about making something for everyone. It’s about creating pieces that tell a story, that invite connection, and that bring a sense of togetherness. This year’s Christmas collection is all about that theme of connection. I’m making larger pieces designed to be shared—baking dishes, big bowls, and family-sized serving pieces that bring people together around the table.

In many ways, this is the heart of what we do here. Pottery is more than just a craft; it’s a way of creating small moments of joy and connection in everyday life. Each piece is made with intention, from the shaping on the wheel to the final glaze application. I hope that when you use these pots, you feel that intention. I hope they bring a little extra joy to your home, especially during this season of gathering and giving.

Final Thoughts: Keep Going, Even When It’s Hard

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or facing a difficult season, know that you’re not alone. We all have those moments when it feels like the weight of the world is too much, when resistance tells us to give up, or when we wonder if the work we’re doing is making a difference. In those moments, I want to encourage you to keep going. Lay one more brick. Throw one more pot. Write one more line. Trust that your efforts, small as they may seem, are part of a bigger picture.

The work we do is not just about the finished pieces; it’s about the process, the struggle, and the journey we take along the way. I’m grateful to be on this journey with all of you. Thank you for your continued support, for visiting the studio, and for sharing in the stories behind the work. I can’t wait to see what we create together next.


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Upcoming Events at Creek Road Pottery:

Back Road Christmas Trail
When: Black Friday Weekend, November 29th – December 1st
Where: Creek Road Pottery, 917 Creek Road, Laceyville, PA
Join us for a festive weekend of pottery, local crafts, and community spirit. This year’s collection features new, larger pieces designed for sharing and togetherness.

Live Kiln Openings and Updates

Follow along on our social media pages for live kiln openings and behind-the-scenes videos as we prepare for the Christmas show. I’ll be sharing the process and inviting you into the studio as we get ready for the big event.