We Are Makers Podcast

In this episode, we return to the forge of Alex Pole - blacksmith, maker, and previously featured maker of We Are Makers. First featured in Edition One, Alex has spent over three decades honing his craft and building his business.We talk about how he got started, how the craft has evolved, and why he’s shifting away from social media to embrace more traditional, meaningful forms of communication - like newsletters and word-of-mouth. From navigating the changing landscape of business to staying true to the rhythms of hand-forged work, this is a rich, honest conversation about craft in a fast-moving world.Recorded in his forge, this episode is both a catch-up and a deeper dive into what it means to be a maker today - resilient, adaptive, and always learning._______________________We Are MakersInsta: @weare_makersWebsite & WAM Grant Info: https://www.wearemakers.shop/https://www.wearemakers.shop/Alex Pole Insta: @alexpoleironworkWebsite :https://www.alexpoleironwork.comRecorded on: NomonoInsta: @nomonosoundWebsite: https://nomono.co/https://nomono.co/If you'd like to buy us a coffee on the road - the link is belowhttps://ko-fi.com/wearemakersThank you!Kate & Jack

This week on WAMCAST, we’re joined by Donna Collinson - the flamework glass artist behind The Glass Florist. From a 15-year-old florist to a viral sensation with a year-long waitlist, Donna shares how she found her niche creating intricate glass flower bouquets that never wilt. We talk about the sensory magic of working with glass, the moment a viral video changed everything, and we talk about her invite to the Corning Museum of Glass (in New York) this year May 2025 (which we are attending!)We were so excited to visit Donna in her Northamptonshire workshop. After featuring her in Edition Eleven of We Are Makers, we knew we had to see her process in person - and it did not disappoint. Spending time with people who just get it is so inspiring. Fittingly, we’re releasing this episode the same week Donna heads to New York for her big live demonstration at the Corning Museum of Glass.It’s a story about carving your own path, trusting your creative gut, and building something beautiful from the ground up._______________________

We Are MakersInsta: @weare_makersWebsite & WAM Grant Info: @www.wearemakers.shop

Donna CollinsonInsta: @theglassflorist_Website: https://theglassflorist.co.uk/

Recorded on: NomonoInsta: @nomonosoundWebsite: https://nomono.co/If you'd like to buy us a coffee on the road - the link is belowhttps://ko-fi.com/wearemakersThank you!Kate & Jack

In November, Jack visited the Cockpit Studios open day in London, where he had the privilege of meeting master carver Clunie Fretton. After an inspiring conversation, Jack had to ask if she’d be interested in joining us for a podcast—and thankfully, she said yes!Through our conversation, it became clear that Clunie is not just a master carver, but also a historian and true custodian of her craft. Although she doesn’t always give herself enough credit for these roles, her accomplishments speak volumes.Clunie’s work has earned her recognition at the highest levels within her field. While she may not have the massive following of social media influencers, she commands deep respect in the world of craft, where skill and authenticity matter most.

In this episode, we meet Hayley and Martin of Fox and Furb, a dynamic duo reviving traditional upholstery and crafting bespoke bold furniture.

This podcast is worth watching if you'd like to see Stefan explain his work

We travelled to Stefan's hometown, Arnhem in the Netherlands to finally meet in person having shared his written story in Edition Nine of We Are Makers.

Close your eyes and imagine stepping through dappled woods, bow in hand, arrows at the ready, following the paths of our ancestors. That’s exactly what Stefan Tim, archery enthusiast and bamboo craftsman, did before launching Bamboo-Bows. In our podcast, Stefan talks us through his journey and the bow-crafting process.

Broom making might not be a craft you hear about every day, but today, we’re introducing you to Jamie Dun, a passionate maker who’s one of few who is bringing this timeless skill back to life in the UK. Originally from Montana, Jamie moved to the UK and found herself struggling to find a high-quality, handmade broom for her 180-year-old house. Not wanting to settle for another plastic broom, she started to teach herself the craft and has now started her own business selling them here in the UK with the aim to teach others! 

A podcast in the forest, in Wales (UK) - no problem! 🌳

In this episode, we joined Lee John Philips and his life partner, Diana Brook, in the beautiful setting of Stiwdio Sylen—a soon to be woodland studio in the wilds of Carmarthenshire, Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

Through our conversation Lee, an illustrator turned spoon carver, discusses one of his significant projects—an illustrated inventory of items from his late grandfather’s toolshed, expected to document over the estimated 100,000 items (so far he’s illustrated over 8,500) tune in to find out the story!

Together, Lee and Diana live creatively in their van and are crafting a space to teach and inspire 🙌🏻

We Are Makers

Insta: @weare_makersWebsite: @www.wearemakers.shop

Lee John Philips & Diana BrookInsta: @leejohnphillips & @dianarbrook

Website: https://www.leejohnphillips.co.uk / http://dianarbrook.com

Recorded on: Nomono

Insta: @nomonosound

Website: https://nomono.co/WAM

Criostal na Rinne is a hand cut crystal studio workshop situated in Ireland's Ancient East in the picturesque Irish-speaking area of An Rinn, the Waterford Gaeltacht. Eamonn Terry, a master craftsman glass cutter of over 50 years experience, started his career with Waterford Crystal before establishing Criostal na Rinne in 1987, producing Irish crystal of incredible quality and beauty.

We Are Makers

Insta: @weare_makers

Website: @www.wearemakers.shop

Eamonn Terry (Criostal na Rinne)

Insta: @criostalnarinne

Website: https://criostal.com

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Recorded on: Nomono

Insta: @nomonosound

Website: https://nomono.co/WAM

Our travels in Ireland continued where we travelled to rural West Cork to meet Paul O’Brien who we featured in our printed magazine back in March 2021. It was really interesting to chat more in-depth about his business and how things have been since Covid and how it's shaped his empire,
Paul is a furniture designer and maker based in rural West Cork, Ireland. Originally from Dublin, with a fine arts background and fine furniture training in London, he returned to Ireland to work at a renowned furniture studio. After honing his skills alongside skilled international craftspeople, he chose to establish his own workshop, driven by a desire to work with his hands, create beautiful objects, and be his own boss. His approach combines traditional craftsmanship with modern design, aiming to produce world-class, functional, and aesthetically pleasing furniture. Paul focuses on using solid timber and a mix of hand skills and machinery, ensuring every piece embodies a fine balance of various design elements. His philosophy stresses that crafted objects should add value to daily rituals, enhancing them with thoughtful design and integrity.
WANT TO SUPPORT THIS PODCAST? Head over to https://www.wearemakers.shop and pick up a copy of our printed publication. Filled cover to cover with amazing makers from around the world.
We Are Makers
Insta: @weare_makers
Website: @www.wearemakers.shop
Paul O’Brien
Insta: @modet_furniture
Website: https://modet.ie
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Recorded on: Nomono
Insta: @nomonosound
Website: https://nomono.co/WAM

Our travels continued in Ireland where we travelled to see a maker who we've featured previously - Sam Gleeson, a Bladesmith from County Clare, Ireland