Plan 2026 Like A True Maker

A Maker's Guide to Planning 2026

In this episode of 'The Textile Creative Podcast,' Virginia Wygal introduces a five-part Yearend series for fabric creatives, focusing on practical and flexible planning tailored to creative rhythms. Virginia discusses why traditional corporate planning doesn’t work for creatives and offers a structured, but adaptable approach to setting goals and creating plans for 2026. She starts with defining anchors, understanding real-life capacity, and setting realistic goals.

The episode includes actionable steps, practical questions, and recommends tools to help creatives plan their year effectively, emphasizing the need for a system that aligns with their creative processes. Join Virginia to build a 2026 plan that works with your unique creative flow.

The VirginiaLeighStudio Home page:

https://www.virginialeighstudio.com

00:00 Introduction to Planning Season for Creatives

00:36 Overview of the Yearend Series

01:47 How to Plan 2026 Like a Maker

02:44 Virginia Weigel's Journey and Mission

04:04 The Difference Between Corporate and Maker Planning

05:41 Steps to Effective Maker Planning

07:03 Questions to Guide Your 2026 Planning

12:37 Choosing Your Creative Anchors

19:00 Building a Practical Planning System

22:54 Conclusion and Next Steps

Join “The Maker’s Path” Membership:

https://www.virginialeighstudio.com/themakerspath

Connect with Virginia:

Website = https://www.virginialeighstudio.com

Instagram = https://www.instagram.com/virginialeighstudio/

Facebook = https://www.facebook.com/virginialeighstudio

Small Thanks, Big Meaning

Small Shifts, Big Gratitude: Reflections on Creative Growth

In this Thanksgiving episode of the Textile Creative Podcast, Virginia Wygal encourages listeners to slow down and appreciate the small, often overlooked moments that contribute to their creative growth. She shares her personal journey of letting go of certain projects, noticing the positive changes, and making small adjustments that have led to meaningful progress in her business and creative life. The episode highlights the importance of gratitude for the subtle shifts that guide us towards a fulfilling creative practice.

Virginia also discusses the value of having a flexible business model that allows for periods of reflection, refinement, and growth. The episode concludes with a call for listeners to take stock of their own creative journeys and recognize the small changes that have made a significant impact.

The VirginiaLeighStudio Home page:

https://www.virginialeighstudio.com

00:00 Introduction and Thanksgiving Reflections

01:35 Meet Virginia Weigel

02:55 Letting Go for Growth

04:25 Embracing New Opportunities

05:28 The Power of Small Shifts

09:38 Seasonal Gratitude and Business Flexibility

10:44 End-of-Year Reflections and Hopes

11:55 Conclusion and Thanksgiving Wishes

Join “The Maker’s Path” Membership:

https://www.virginialeighstudio.com/themakerspath

Connect with Virginia:

Website = https://www.virginialeighstudio.com

Instagram = https://www.instagram.com/virginialeighstudio/

Facebook = https://www.facebook.com/virginialeighstudio

50 Episodes In: What it Has Taught Me

Celebrating 50 Episodes: Lessons in Creativity and Persistence

In this milestone episode of the Textile Creative Podcast, Virginia Wygal reflects on reaching 50 episodes and the journey of podcasting. She shares valuable lessons learned about creativity, visibility, and the importance of showing up consistently. Virginia discusses how her creative voice has evolved, the challenges of maintaining commitment, and the significance of small wins.

She also addresses the need for a supportive infrastructure and invites listeners to embrace slow growth and trust the long game. This episode is a heartfelt thank you to her community of fabric creatives and a source of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs. Tune in to hear Virginia's insights and plans for the future of the podcast.

The VirginiaLeighStudio Home page:

https://www.virginialeighstudio.com

00:00 Introduction and Milestone Reflection

01:04 Lessons from 50 Episodes

02:01 About Virginia and Her Journey

03:21 Challenges and Discoveries in Podcasting

04:53 Finding Your Creative Voice

08:40 Audience Insights and Feedback

12:13 The Importance of Consistency

14:04 Practical Tips for Creative Consistency

22:42 Looking Ahead: Future Goals

26:18 Conclusion and Encouragement

Join “The Maker’s Path” Membership:

https://www.virginialeighstudio.com/themakerspath

Connect with Virginia:

Website = https://www.virginialeighstudio.com

Instagram = https://www.instagram.com/virginialeighstudio/

Facebook = https://www.facebook.com/virginialeighstudio

After the Show – What the Dust Teaches

Navigating the Post-Show Crash: Recovery, Reflection, and Rest in Creative Practices

In this episode of the Textile Creative Podcast, Virginia Wygal explores the often overlooked aspect of the creative cycle—the crash that follows a major event or project. Virginia discusses the physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion that sets in after the adrenaline fades, sharing her own strategies for recovery. She emphasizes the importance of planning for this crash, viewing it not as a punishment but as a necessary part of the creative process.

Virginia also reflects on the hidden wins and lessons from her most recent show, offering practical advice on how to improve for next time. This episode is a thoughtful look at the full creative cycle, encouraging listeners to listen to their own rhythms and make room for recovery as an integral part of their work.

The VirginiaLeighStudio Home page:

https://www.virginialeighstudio.com

00:00 The Post-Show Silence

00:51 The Day After: Embracing the Crash

02:23 Introducing Virginia and Her Creative Journey

03:43 The Morning After: Navigating the Aftermath

06:38 Hidden Wins and Lessons Learned

11:31 Planning for Recovery

14:35 The Importance of Reflection and Rest

17:06 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Join “The Maker’s Path” Membership:

https://www.virginialeighstudio.com/themakerspath

Connect with Virginia:

Website = https://www.virginialeighstudio.com

Instagram = https://www.instagram.com/virginialeighstudio/

Facebook = https://www.facebook.com/virginialeighstudio

Behind the Booth – The Art of Showing Up

The Art of Showing Up: Energy, Presence, and Creative Practice

In this episode of The Textile Creative Podcast, host Virginia Wygal shares her thoughts on the importance of showing up, not just physically but mentally and emotionally. As she prepares for a local art show, Virginia explores the mental preparation required for any creative endeavor, from setting up a booth to posting online. She emphasizes that showing up is a skill that can be learned and refined, highlighting the significance of managing nerves, protecting energy, and staying present.

Virginia also discusses the value of authenticity over perfection and offers practical tips on managing visibility fatigue. She encourages listeners to see showing up as a vital part of their creative journey, fostering connection and growth. The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to reflect on what showing up looks like for them in their current creative pursuits.

The VirginiaLeighStudio Home page:

https://www.virginialeighstudio.com

00:00 Introduction and The Mental Prep of Showing Up

03:11 The Emotional Energy of Visibility

05:36 The Myth of Perfection

08:04 Managing Your Energy

10:17 The Maker's Path Membership

11:25 The Comparison Trap

13:46 The Art of Showing Up

16:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join “The Maker’s Path” Membership:

https://www.virginialeighstudio.com/themakerspath

Connect with Virginia:

Website = https://www.virginialeighstudio.com

Instagram = https://www.instagram.com/virginialeighstudio/

Facebook = https://www.facebook.com/virginialeighstudio

Rediscovering Creativity: It Never Left You

In this episode of the Textile Creative Podcast, Virginia Wygal explores the idea that everyone is inherently creative, even if they don't identify as artists. She discusses how societal expectations push us to sideline our creativity in favor of practicality and routine. Through personal anecdotes and scientific backing, Virginia emphasizes the importance of intentional daydreaming, reframing routines, and rekindling old joys to awaken our dormant creativity. She encourages listeners to recognize creativity in everyday problem-solving and small acts of innovation, illustrating that creativity isn't just a hobby but a fundamental way of navigating the world.

Join Virginia as she provides practical tips to integrate creativity back into your life and demonstrates that it's never truly lost, just waiting to be rediscovered.

The VirginiaLeighStudio Home page:

https://www.virginialeighstudio.com

00:00 Rediscovering Your Creativity

02:08 Introducing Virginia Igel and the Textile Creative Podcast

03:29 Debunking the Myth: Creativity vs. Artistic Talent

07:02 The Modern Struggle: Noise vs. Creativity

08:59 Practical Tips to Reignite Your Creative Spark

14:24 Recognizing Everyday Creativity

17:36 Conclusion and Encouragement

Join “The Maker’s Path” Membership:

https://www.virginialeighstudio.com/themakerspath

Connect with Virginia:

Website = https://www.virginialeighstudio.com

Instagram = https://www.instagram.com/virginialeighstudio/

Facebook = https://www.facebook.com/virginialeighstudio

The Fabric Remembers: A Lesson in Creative Awareness

Embracing Creative Awareness Through Fabric

In this episode of the Textile Creative Podcast, Virginia Wygal discusses the concept of creative awareness, exploring how the materials we work with serve as a living archive of our creative journey. She considers how remnants and scraps of fabric are not just leftovers, but evidence of our growth and evolution as makers.

Virginia shares her own experiences and the lessons learned from working with different materials, emphasizing the importance of patience, persistence, and the quiet confidence that comes from hands-on practice. She encourages listeners to reflect on their own creative journeys and the materials that have shaped them, highlighting the significance of noticing and appreciating the progress we've made. The episode concludes with an invitation to honor and cherish the pieces that mark turning points in our creative lives.

The VirginiaLeighStudio Home page:

https://www.virginialeighstudio.com

00:00 Introduction: The Value of Creative Scraps

01:52 Creative Awareness: Understanding Your Growth

02:44 Meet Virginia: A Journey to Creative Entrepreneurship

04:04 Reflecting on Your Creative Evolution

06:20 The Story Behind Your Scraps

09:46 The Changing Tastes of a Creative

11:57 Lessons Learned from Fabric

16:17 Conclusion: Honoring Your Creative Journey

Join “The Maker’s Path” Membership:

https://www.virginialeighstudio.com/themakerspath

Connect with Virginia:

Website = https://www.virginialeighstudio.com

Instagram = https://www.instagram.com/virginialeighstudio/

Facebook = https://www.facebook.com/virginialeighstudio

My Fabric Travels

The Universal Language of Fabric: Connecting Through Creativity

In this episode of the Textile Creative Podcast, host Virginia Wygal explores how fabric serves as a universal language connecting people across cultures and generations. Virginia shares personal stories from her travels in India, Italy, and China, where she experienced the beauty and craftsmanship of local fabric artisans. She emphasizes that creativity is about seeing deeply rather than traveling far, and that the love of making is a shared human experience.

Through her insights, Virginia aims to inspire listeners to view their own creative practices through a lens of connection and inspiration. Join the conversation and discover how fabric can tell stories and unite us all.

The VirginiaLeighStudio Home page:

https://www.virginialeighstudio.com

00:00 Introduction: The Global Language of Fabric

02:34 Personal Journey: From Passion to Business

03:55 Fabric Adventures: Stories from Around the World

06:53 Lessons Learned: Patience, Reverence, and Discipline

12:18 The Power of Local Connections and the Internet

13:54 Creative Language: Finding Your Unique Voice

16:37 Conclusion: The Shared Language of Fabric

Join “The Maker’s Path” Membership:

https://www.virginialeighstudio.com/themakerspath

Connect with Virginia:

Website = https://www.virginialeighstudio.com

Instagram = https://www.instagram.com/virginialeighstudio/

Facebook = https://www.facebook.com/virginialeighstudio

Joy, Obsession and the Art of Play

Rediscovering the Joy of Creation: Embracing Playful Obsession in Textiles

In this episode of the Textile Creative Podcast, host Virginia Wygal explores the importance of creating purely for joy rather than productivity or profit. She discusses the value of slowing down, embracing obsession as reverence, and rediscovering the pleasure of working with natural fabrics like silk, linen, and wool.

Virginia shares personal anecdotes from her journey through the textile industry, offers practical tips to reconnect with your creative spark, and emphasizes the significance of joy and presence in the creative process. The episode also includes a preview of the next adventure: fabric shopping in Italy.

The VirginiaLeighStudio Home page:

https://www.virginialeighstudio.com

00:00 Rediscovering the Joy of Creating

01:46 Introduction to the Textile Creative Podcast

03:06 Falling in Love with Fabrics

04:57 The Art of Slow Textiles

10:22 Family Legacy of Making

14:03 Balancing Passion and Practicality

17:53 Finding Joy in the Creative Process

21:34 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

Join “The Maker’s Path” Membership:

https://www.virginialeighstudio.com/themakerspath

Connect with Virginia:

Website = https://www.virginialeighstudio.com

Instagram = https://www.instagram.com/virginialeighstudio/

Facebook = https://www.facebook.com/virginialeighstudio

The Fabric Room

Creating Your Perfect Creative Space

In this episode of the Textile Creative Podcast, host Virginia Wygal dives into the significance of personal creative spaces and how they evolve over time. Virginia shares her own journey from sewing in a narrow strip between her bed and the wall to finally having a dedicated fabric room. She emphasizes that creative spaces, whether expansive or small, don't have to be Pinterest-perfect; rather, they should be functional, inviting, and uniquely yours. She outlines her current setup, balancing professional equipment with personal spaces, and stresses the importance of organization and keeping spaces ready for use.

Virginia offers practical tips for organizing your creative area, fostering inspiration, and overcoming common excuses for not creating. She encourages listeners to make the best use of whatever space they have and to focus on the intention behind it, promoting more frequent and joyful creativity. Upcoming episodes will explore topics like joy, obsession, and the art of play.

The VirginiaLeighStudio Home page:

https://www.virginialeighstudio.com

00:00 Dreaming of Fabric Closets

01:11 Personal Fabric Room Tour

03:17 From Humble Beginnings to Fabric Rooms

04:59 Creative Spaces and Adaptability

10:07 Balancing Creativity and Space

10:20 Current Creative Setup

13:20 Organizing for Creativity

15:15 Making the Most of Your Space

17:20 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

Join “The Maker’s Path” Membership:

https://www.virginialeighstudio.com/themakerspath

Connect with Virginia:

Website = https://www.virginialeighstudio.com

Instagram = https://www.instagram.com/virginialeighstudio/

Facebook = https://www.facebook.com/virginialeighstudio