MADE WITH THESE HANDS

In this-episode Hugh McNeill of Made with these hands podcast, sits down with Oliver Schmidt of Pitch Green Woodwork. They explore his journey from apprentice to building his own wood working business rooted in craftsmanship, provenance and longevity. Oliver shares the lessons he has learnt along the way - from sourcing sustainable British hardwoods and understanding the stories behind the material, to balancing bespoke commissions with his own design and finding ways to grow a craft-based business without losing sight of what makes it special. 

Pitch Green Woodwork | Handcrafted British-made hardwood products

Pitch Green Woodwork | Facebook

https://www.instagram.com/pitchgreenwoodwork

In this episode of Made With These Hands, Hugh McNeill sits down with Navah Langmeyer, a retired mathematician who has embraced a remarkable second career as an enamel artist and jewellery maker. Blending analytical precision with boundless creativity, Navah's journey is an inspiring story of following a passion and discovering new ways to express it.

Join us as we explore the captivating world of enamelling, discuss the joy of creating interactive jewellery that invites curiosity and play, and hear what continues to inspire Navah's work as an artist today.

Website      https://nlenamels.com/

In This Episode, Hugh McNeill of Made With These Hands, the podcast for those who love everything handmade, Hugh interviews Tom Gaskell of Limned Glass. Tom shares his journey from engineering to glass art, highlighting the importance of creativity, quality, and personal expression. Discover how a life-changing event inspired a new artistic direction and learn practical insights for aspiring artists and craftspeople. 

https://www.limned.glass

Metamorphosis - The Gallery: Shop 1, The Old Barn, Staithe Street, Wells-next-the-Sea NR23 1AQ

Wonky Wheel Gallery: The Old Shop, Majendie Lane, Castle Hedingham, Essex CO9 3FS    

https://wonky-wheel.co.uk  

Gallery Above and Beyond: 94 High Street, Linton, Cambridge, CB21 4JT  

Craft In Focus Online:   I have an online shop via Craft In Focus:

https://www.craftinfocusonline.com/store/limned_glass/

https://www.instagram.com/limnedglass

Open Studios July Open Studios 2026 - Cambridge Open Studios

In This Episode Hugh McNeill of Made With These Hands Podcast interviews Adam Jenkins of Now Strike Experiences. Growing up, our guest’s journey didn’t follow a straight line, but rather a series of unexpected turns that all seem, in hindsight, to share a common thread: a deep connection to hands-on work, nature, and experience. From studying animal science and working closely with birds of prey and carnivores, to racing huskies across the UK, and even stepping into the world of film on Tomb Raider, each chapter has shaped a unique perspective on skill, focus, and physical craft.

We’ll explore how these varied experiences influenced the creation of Now Strike—beginning while working a public sector role surveying rights of way, and evolving into a business centred around traditional English longbows, arrow making, and blacksmithing. We’ll also hear about the shift from producing bespoke equipment to focusing on immersive experience days, where teaching and participation have become just as important as the craft itself.

Now Strike Website: https://nowstrike.co.uk/

Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/NowStrikeArchery

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowstrikearchery/

Youtube:   https://www.youtube.com/@nowstrikearchery

TikTok:    https://www.tiktok.com/@nowstrike

My guest today is Gunta Andrews, a textile artist whose work beautifully combines personal history, hand-stitching, and storytelling. Growing up as the daughter of immigrant parents in a city still recovering from the war, her early life was shaped by questions of identity, resilience, and belonging. Creativity entered her life early, learning embroidery and sewing from her German grandmother—skills that would later become central to her artistic voice.

Her work has since gained recognition through exhibitions, television appearances, and even a nod from Dr. Martens for one of her embroidered pieces. Now studying fashion at the Cambridge School of Art, she continues to explore how craft, humour, and storytelling can intersect with contemporary fashion—particularly with a vision to create bold, expressive clothing for older women.

Today we’ll talk about her journey—from childhood and punk culture to art school, recognition, and what it means to keep making with your hands in a fast-moving digital world.

See Gunta's work on Instagram on tired_and _freemotional https://www.instagram.com/tired_and_freemotional/?hl=en

In this engaging conversation, Hugh McNeill from the podcast Made With These Hands interviews one of Britain's leading glass engravers Chris Ainslie. He shares his remarkable journey as a glass engraver, reflecting on his early life, monastic experiences, and the evolution of his artistic techniques. He discusses the importance of community and guilds in the craft, his inspirations, and the continuous exploration of new artistic avenues. At 88 years old, Chris remains passionate about his work and the creative process, emphasizing the significance of nature and personal connections in his art.

Guild of Glass Engravers https://www.gge.org.uk/

https://cgs.org.uk/artists/ainslie-christopher/

Dom Robert De Chaunac https://www.boccara.com/en/artist/dom-robert-2/

In this episode, Hugh McNeill from Made With These Hands Podcast, interviews the lovely Ella Merriman, a Rush basket maker based in London, she shares her journey into the world of handmade crafts. She discusses her connection with natural materials, the importance of sustainability, and the challenges faced by contemporary makers. Ella emphasises the dialogue between material and maker, the significance of unique craftsmanship, and the need to support endangered crafts. She also highlights her experiences at Cockpit Bloomsbury, a creative community, and the impact of exhibiting her work. The conversation concludes with Ella's reflections on the future of her craft and the importance of seeing the world through a creative lens.

Website: https://www.ellamerriman.com

Instagram: @studiomerriman

Workshops: https://www.ellamerriman.com/workshops

In this episode Hugh McNeill from "Made With These Hands Podcast" Chats to Amelia Skachill-Burke. She shares her journey from growing up in Manchester to becoming a skilled glassblower at E&M Glass. She discusses her early experiences with art, the challenges of balancing creativity with business, and the importance of sustainability in glassblowing. Amelia also reflects on the value of handmade items, her international exhibitions, and her innovative work merging art with health awareness, particularly her work with Diabetes UK. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the endless possibilities within glass art and the supportive community of craftspeople.

https://www.emglass.co.uk/amelia-burke

https://www.ameliaburkeglass.com/

https://www.facebook.com/handmadeglass/

https://www.youtube.com/user/edburkeglass

https://uk.pinterest.com/emglassblownglass/

https://www.instagram.com/emglass/

https://www.diabetes.org.uk/

In this episode of Made With These Hands, host by Hugh McNeill, he chats to the remarkable Anna Rennie, also known as the "Steel Maiden."

Anna is both a talented silversmith and one of only four professional Maille makers in the country — and notably, the only woman among them. Using traditional techniques, she has mastered not just one exceptional craft, but two.

With a deep passion for history and a love of reenactment societies, Anna brings a unique perspective to her work. Join us as we explore her fascinating journey into the worlds of silversmithing and maille making.

Made With These Hands is the podcast for everyone who loves handmade craftsmanship and the stories behind the makers.