Craftsmanship Magazine

Keepers of Indigenous Tradition | Craftsmanship Magazine Many of the Native American tribes located in the Southwest have retained their ancestral homelands and their sovereign governance through the ages—which has enabled their traditional lifeways and art...

Unlike most Indigenous Peoples of the Americas, many Native American tribes located in the Southwest have retained their ancestral homelands, their sovereign governance, and their traditional culture and art forms. How did this happen? Read "Keepers of Indigenous Tradition": 1l.ink/VDCPBZF

From Plastic Waste to Zero-Waste, One Soap Bar at a Time | Craftsmanship Magazine How one journalist (and her daughters) turned her frustration with household plastic waste into a sustainable, handmade line of organic soap bars—crafted with creativity and a whole lot of heart.

How one journalist (and her daughters) turned her frustration with household plastic waste into a sustainable, handmade line of organic soap bars—crafted with creativity and a lot of heart. Read "From Plastic Waste to Zero-Waste, One Soap Bar at a Time," written by Jeff Greenwald: bit.ly/4no5WRr

The Last Jacquard Silk Weavers In Lyon, the silk-weaving capital of Europe for centuries, the rhythmic clatter of Jacquard Looms once emanated from about 30,000 workshops. Today, only three workshops still uphold this tradition.

In Lyon, the silk-weaving capital of Europe for centuries, the rhythmic clatter of Jacquard Looms once emanated from about 30,000 workshops. Today, only three workshops still uphold this tradition. Read “The Last Jacquard Silk Weavers” written by Anna Richards: bit.ly/4q4C9zj

The Kitchen Bladesmith | Craftsmanship Magazine Profile of Bob Kramer, a master knife-maker, and his idiosyncratic pursuit of perfection in a field dominated by larger manufacturers.

When Bob Kramer decided it was time to make his own cutlery, he had no idea that his career turn would take him deep into the secret lives of knives. Now he's one of the most revered bladesmiths in the world. Read "The Kitchen Bladesmith," written by Todd Oppenheimer: bit.ly/3u2TcK5

Freshly Unlocked: The Uncommon Quilts of Joe Cunningham When Joe Cunningham started making quilts, in 1979, it was an unusual occupation for a man—a fact that set him free as a fabric artist.

When Joe Cunningham started making quilts, in 1979, it was an unusual occupation for a man—a fact that set him free as a fabric artist. Read, now free of charge, “The Uncommon Quilts of Joe Cunningham," written by Jeff Greenwald: bit.ly/3IIIHDa

In a Tiny Sardinian Village, a Traditional Craft Holds on by a Thread | Craftsmanship Magazine Maria Luisa Frongia sews and embroiders traditional garments by hand, one at a time, keeping a centuries-old custom alive in a rapidly changing world.

In an upstairs workshop in the small village of Samughéo, Sardinia, Maria Luisa Frongia, sews and embroiders traditional garments by hand, one at a time, keeping a centuries-old custom alive. Read "In a Tiny Sardinian Village, a Traditional Craft Holds on by a Thread": bit.ly/41N7ufH

Rediscovering the Craft of Slow Writing A pen, a notebook, a vintage typewriter, some art supplies: A writer’s quest to reclaim her love of the craft opens up a new creative chapter (so to speak).

A pen, a notebook, a vintage typewriter, some art supplies: A writer’s quest to reclaim her love of the craft opens up a new creative chapter (so to speak). We hope you’ll enjoy reading, “Rediscovering the Craft of Slow Writing,” written by Jennifer Berney: bit.ly/4mDsEUS

When Indigenous Women Win | Craftsmanship Magazine In the mountains of Michoacán, Mexico, a band of determined Indigenous women led the overthrow of a criminal cartel, and took back their town.

In the mountains of Michoacán, Mexico, a band of determined Purépecha women led the overthrow of a criminal cartel. Their victory revived the town’s traditional livelihood, and ushered in a model form of self-government. Read "When Indigenous Women Win," written by Andrew Sullivan: bit.ly/3KLlGOm

The Power of the Scribe | Craftsmanship Magazine Scribes craft sacred Hebrew texts using an ancient, laborious process. Here, we visit three of them to learn more about their art.

Spiritual faith has long been shaped by the lettering on a religion’s sacred texts. This is particularly the case with Judaism, so we visited three Hebrew scribes to understand why such laborious traditions continue. Read "The Power of the Scribe," written by Bryce T. Bauer: bit.ly/44zQjg4

Measuring by Eye Gary Rogowski—woodworker, furniture-maker, author, and craftsman—muses on a skill of the trade that can take a lifetime to master.

Gary Rogowski—woodworker, furniture-maker, author, and craftsman—muses on a skill of the trade that can take a lifetime to master. We hope you’ll enjoy reading "Measuring by Eye," written by Gary Rogowski: bit.ly/46dkLRi
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Brian Boggs, Master of the Chair | Craftsmanship Magazine Brian Boggs, maker of fine, handcrafted wood furniture in Asheville, N.C., just can’t seem to leave a good idea alone. A lifetime of tinkering and experimentation has led to his line of innovative woo...

A lifetime of tinkering has led Brian Boggs to create a line of innovative woodworking tools, and some of the world’s finest chairs. We hope you enjoy reading one of our readers' favorite stories, "Brian Boggs, Master of the Chair," written by Janine Latus: bit.ly/3gND5sH

The Master Guitar Makers of Paracho, Mexico | Craftsmanship Magazine Meet some of the master guitar makers of Paracho, Mexico, and find out how they develop new techniques while keeping their traditions alive.

The now iconic white guitar made famous by the Disney film, “Coco,” was created in Paracho, a small Mexican town where almost every shop makes guitars. Underneath the new icon lies centuries of craftsmanship. Read "Mexico’s Master Guitar Makers," written by Laura Fraser: bit.ly/3FHXNTS

"How to Make a Good Day": Scott and Ene Constable on Crafting a Meaningful Life For the team behind Wowhaus Studio, great public art isn't just about design; it's about creating purpose, meaning, and joy. They apply this philosophy in their daily lives, too—and so can you.

For the team behind Wowhaus Studio, great public art isn't just about design; it's about creating purpose, meaning, and joy. They apply this philosophy in their daily lives, too—and so can you. Read "How to Make a Good Day": Scott and Ene Constable on Crafting a Meaningful Life: bit.ly/3IlwFPI

Brian Callan Reclaims Ireland’s Fallen Trees—and its Tradition of Harp-making | Craftsmanship Magazine Brian Callan is part of a slow, steady revival of traditional harp-making in the Emerald Isle. Most of his handmade harps are built from fallen trees—some of them ancient; each with a story to tell.

Brian Callan is part of a slow, steady revival of traditional harp-making in the Emerald Isle. Most of his handmade harps are built from fallen trees—some of them ancient; each with a story to tell. Read "Brian Callan Reclaims Ireland’s Fallen Trees—and its Tradition of Harp-making": bit.ly/4ma5XIG

Freshly Unlocked: Looking for an AI-Proof Career? The Trades are a Smart Choice. While AI proceeds to decimate career paths, take heart: Not all jobs are at risk. Educators, and many others, are seeing the hands-on trades as skilled, high-paying careers that robots can’t replace.

While AI proceeds to decimate career paths, take heart: Not all jobs are at risk. Educators, and many others, are seeing the hands-on trades as skilled, high-paying careers that robots can’t replace. Read "Looking for an AI-Proof Career? The Trades are a Smart Choice":
bit.ly/42adoaE

Could Co-Ops Solve Income Inequality? | Craftsmanship Magazine Why don't more businesses follow the successful example set by Spain's Mondragon Corporation—the world’s largest co-operative business enterprise?

In the Basque country of Northern Spain, the Mondragon Corporation has found ways to weather economic crises, avoid severe income inequality, and build long-term worker loyalty. Read "Could Co-Ops Solve Income Inequality?" written by Roberto Lovato: bit.ly/47WHuzX

The New Workforce Dilemma | Craftsmanship Magazine Will robots replace humans in tomorrow's job market? Not if workers get the support and hands-on training they want and need.

For decades, both our public and private sectors have been gradually weakening support structures that have strengthened the American workforce for generations. Two experts dissect this new dilemma, and look for solutions. Read "The New Workforce Dilemma": bit.ly/3Ngl7fi

Freshly Unlocked: The Fragility of India’s Artisan Communities India’s communities of specialized artisans—who are often the knowledge-keepers of their centuries-old craft traditions—face an uncertain future.

In this week’s featured story, the writer looks at some of India’s ongoing efforts to support its master artisans before their skills fade into history. We hope you’ll enjoy reading “The Fragility of India’s Artisan Communities,” written and photographed by Laura Fraser : bit.ly/46cqiHv

Berea College Students Craft a Bright Future, Tuition-Free | Craftsmanship Magazine As U.S. student loan debt balloons to $1.75 trillion nationally, calls for low-cost or free college tuition programs are getting louder. How do such programs work? Ask Berea College, which has been tu...

As U.S. student debt balloons over $1.75 trillion nationally, calls for loan forgiveness and low-cost or free college tuition programs are getting louder. Kentucky’s Berea College, a highly ranked, 4-year liberal arts school, has been tuition-free since 1892: bit.ly/43KnEWx

The American Folk School Movement and 'Slow Economics' | Craftsmanship Magazine Some rural American communities, tired of pursuing big corporate employers as their primary mode of economic stability, are looking to less obvious, slower-growing, yet much more sustainable economic ...

Rather than looking to big corporate employers for economic stability, could more rural communities in the U.S. welcome a slower growing, yet more sustainable economic partner? Read, "The American Folk School Movement and 'Slow Economics," written by Joanne Cleaver: bit.ly/3vSXqkW

King Charles Redefines Originality | Craftsmanship Magazine Students at London's School of Traditional Arts use the ancient guiding principles offered by geometry, thanks to the school's Islamic roots.

In a small brick building in East London, in a school developed by King Charles, when he was still The Prince of Wales, students from around the world are giving new life to a set of artistic principles that have been nearly lost. Read "King Charles Redefines Originality": bit.ly/45ZaDZu

Freshly Unlocked: Alissa Allen's Mycopigments Create a ‘Palette of Place’ A Pacific Northwest textile artist and naturalist uncovers nature’s hidden hues, creating stunning natural dyes from fungi and lichens foraged near her home.

A Pacific Northwest textile artist and naturalist uncovers nature’s hidden hues, creating stunning natural dyes from fungi and lichens foraged near her home. Read, “Alissa Allen’s Mycopigments Create a ‘Palette of Place,’” written by Kimberly Coburn—free of charge: bit.ly/46ap66D

A Chiseled Education | Craftsmanship Magazine Master woodworker Gary Rogowski muses on the myriad uses and lessons of 'The Mighty Wedge.'

Master woodworker Gary Rogowski muses on the myriad uses and lessons of The Mighty Wedge in "A Chiseled Education." Read story: bit.ly/4563Rn0

"Miracle in a Box" — the Quintessence of Repair | Craftsmanship Magazine If properly maintained, a fine piano can last for centuries. So what does it take to keep them in top form? A remarkable documentary follows one team that pulls this off, and even improves these instr...

If properly maintained, a fine piano can last for centuries. So what does it take to keep them in top form? A remarkable documentary follows one team that pulls this off, and even improves these instruments as they age. Watch "Miracle in a Box": bit.ly/3ZWAMGl

Freshly Unlocked: Reviving the Craft of Plant-Based Photo Developing For Beatrice Thornton, an artist, photographer, and archivist based in Oakland, CA, nature is more than a muse: It's also the source of the sustainable materials she uses for developing analog film.

For Beatrice Thornton, an artist, photographer, and archivist based in Oakland, CA, nature is more than a muse: It's also a source of sustainable materials she uses for developing analog film. Read “Reviving the Craft of Plant-Based Photo Developing,” written by Jeff Greenwald: bit.ly/45HRqhm

Inside Khari Baoli: India’s—and Asia’s—Largest Spice Market | Craftsmanship Magazine In the heart of Old Delhi, with roots going back to the 17th-century Moghul era, Asia's largest spice market showcases a kaleidoscope of culinary history. Whether you’re a foodie or just a curious tra...

In the heart of Old Delhi, with roots going back to the 17th-century Moghul era, Asia's largest spice market showcases a kaleidoscope of culinary history. Read “Inside Khari Baoli: India’s—and Asia’s—Largest Spice Market,” written and photographed by Laura Fraser: bit.ly/4e315zY

By Western Hands: Saving Traditional Western Crafts from Extinction | Craftsmanship Magazine If you watch the video at the end of this story, done by Lisa and Loren Skyhorse, two custom Western saddle makers in Durango, Colorado, it’s easy to be inspired by their skill, and touched by their d...

In the little town of Cody, Wyoming, a small but determined nonprofit organization and its guild of master artisans are working to preserve the best traditional arts and crafts of the West. Read "By Western Hands: Saving Traditional Western Crafts from Extinction," by Laurel Del: bit.ly/44BiRIe

'Tear Out Your Lawn,' w/Doug Tallamy (Best of The Secrets of Mastery, S1) On this edition of “The Secrets of Mastery,” a production of Craftsmanship Magazine: why is entomologist Doug Tallamy on a national crusade to get private landowners to tear their lawns? As a wildlife ecology professor at the University of Delaware, Dr. Tallamy sees the world from a bug’s point of view. He’s also a co-founder of an organization called Homegrown National Park. The organization is trying to convince Americans to grow native plants — not ornamental, non-natives — in order to increase biodiversity. Tallamy says rewilding approximately 44 million acres of lawn is critical to restoring the natural order of insects of animals that keep our food webs strong and help alleviate the climate crisis. We interviewed Doug Tallamy about how he’s rewilded his own land in Pennsylvania and the steps landowners can take to be craftspeople of biodiversity in their own yards. The “Secrets of Mastery” podcast series is a production of Craftsmanship Magazine. It's a series of conversations with artisans and innovators about what it takes to master their craft, and what their journey has taught them. Craftsmanship Magazine is a multimedia publication about artisans and innovators who are creating a world built to last. For more Secrets of Mastery episodes, or more stories about craft, check out Craftsmanship.net. Music in this series is from Blue Dot Sessions. Pauline Bartolone is Senior Audio Editor for Craftsmanship.net. Managing Editor for the magazine is Laurie Weed, and Todd Oppenheimer is the founding editor and executive director. LINKS: Homegrown National Park: HomegrownNationalPark.org Craftsmanship Magazine's podcast page: https://craftsmanship.net/podcasts/ Sign up for Craftsmanship Magazine on Substack: https://craftsmanship.substack.com/

An entomologist asks you to adopt a bug's eye view of your own backyard—and then tear out your lawn. We hope you’ll enjoy: "Tear Out Your Lawn," with Dr. Doug Tallamy. As with all of our Secrets of Mastery episodes, it was hosted and produced by Pauline Bartolone.
Now streaming free: bit.ly/4ffcijr

The Secrets of an Italian Gelato Master | Craftsmanship Magazine Gelato is an entirely different beast than ice cream. Italy's master gelatiere, Andrea Soban, explores its regional and colloidal mysteries.

Gelato, it turns out, is a very different creature from ice cream. And there are reasons that the best gelato tastes so creamy yet somehow still light—and indescribably perfect. Read "The Secrets of an Italian Gelato Master," written by Erla Zwingle: bit.ly/45TTJvR

The Kayak’s Cultural Journey | Craftsmanship Magazine Mike Morgan uses his skills as a master luthier to build kayaks and other small skin boats by hand, based on traditional designs.

Master luthier Mike Morgan turned a lifetime of woodworking and design knowledge to making kayaks and other small "skin boats" by hand, building on Indigenous designs. Read: "The Kayak's Cultural Journey," written by Simon Morris: bit.ly/3pTEKSg