The first snow day of the season arrived right on time to throw off the plans. Snow days are supposed to be for curling up with a book and sipping coffee or tea next to your favorite person, cat, or dog. But here, the studio has no time for relaxing. With the Christmas show only days away, the pressure is mounting, and the game is on.

This isn’t the first time things have come down to the wire. Deadlines have a funny way of sharpening focus. The studio is buzzing, fifty mugs drying in the heat box, and bowls waiting to be thrown. There’s a sense of urgency, but also a strange comfort in knowing that everything somehow always gets done. This is the work chosen, and even when it feels chaotic, it’s still work that matters.

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The Game of Time

The Christmas show always seems to turn into a race against the clock. This year, it’s no different. The new clay body being used decided to be stiff and resistant, slowing things down. Large serving pieces—batter pour bowls and mixing bowls—are the focus, with the hope they’ll bring people together at tables for meals and laughter.

The snowstorm knocked out the electricity, but luckily, the treadle wheel and gas kilns don’t need power to function. While the flickering lights add to the drama, the heat box, a trusty ally in drying pots evenly, keeps things moving. Every little bit counts, especially when playing the game of “get it all done in time.”


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Procrastination as a Tool?

Procrastination has been hanging around, and maybe, just maybe, it has its uses. When time runs short, decisions must be made, and priorities become crystal clear. While the studio often feels like a whirlwind of unfinished tasks, it’s worth remembering that even a rough draft is progress. No one starts with perfection—whether it’s a pot or a plan.

The key is showing up, even when the coffee is cold and the clay is stiff. The Christmas show prep might feel overwhelming, but the work done today will matter tomorrow. The trick is to keep moving, one pot, one idea, one moment at a time. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being present.


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Work That Matters

This pottery isn’t just about making things to sell. There’s a deeper purpose behind the work. The studio has been part of helping neighbors and community members in need, like a friend recently moved to safety from a difficult situation. The revenue from the pots has supported single parents and domestic abuse survivors, proving that art can do more than just decorate—it can transform lives.

The mission is simple: make work that brings people together. Larger serving pieces are being created to encourage shared meals and connection. Each piece tells a story, not just of clay and glaze, but of hope, resilience, and the power of community.

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Snow, Coffee, and Gratitude

The snow continues to fall outside, and the coffee in the handmade mug cools too quickly. But there’s something grounding about these small moments. A sparrow flits by the window, and a woodpecker taps on the rain gutters. Even nature seems to remind us to pause, to notice, and to appreciate.

Gratitude flows easily in these moments. For the ability to create, for the community that supports this work, and for the chance to bring about the change that matters. Whether it’s helping a neighbor in need or crafting a pot that becomes someone’s favorite, the work goes far beyond the studio walls.


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Looking Ahead

With the Christmas show just days away, it’s full steam ahead. The Holiday Trail promises to be a celebration of community, art, and connection. The pots may not be perfect, but they’ll be ready, and they’ll carry the hope of bringing people together.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether through purchasing a piece, sharing kind words, or simply being here, your support means everything. The work matters because it’s for people who care—people like you.


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Final Thought

Maybe today is the day to show up, to create, and to see what unfolds. The snow might fall, the kiln might surprise, but the work continues, and so does the journey. After all, it’s not just about the pots—it’s about what they inspire.


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Stay Tuned

The Christmas show is almost here! Watch for updates on new pieces and maybe a last-minute live stream of a kiln opening. There’s always room for a little suspense and excitement in these final moments.

Warm regards,

Alford Wayman
Creek Road Pottery LLC