artisan crafts, beginner's guide, craft, diy, handmade, leather crafting, leather tools, leatherwork tutorials, leatherworking, stitching

Getting Started With Leatherworking: A Beginner’s Guide

Leatherworking is a time-honored craft that continues to fascinate both artisans and hobbyists. Whether you’re looking to create stylish accessories or durable everyday items, leatherworking offers limitless opportunities for creativity and personal expression. If you’re ready to dive into this craft, you might be asking, “What do I need to get started with leatherworking?” This ...

Viena Abdon

Selected pieces of beautifully colored or tanned leather on a leather craftsman's work desk.

A Story of Healing and Tradition: The Master Craftsman Xianyi Chan

Since he was young, Taiwanese craftsman Xianyi Chan has always been fascinated with wood and woodwork. Together with his brother, from a young age, they started making wood hair clips and hairpins for money. But people asked him: “You are selling us hairpins, but before we put them on, we have to comb our hair. ...

Nathan Machoka

A wood comb.

The Resurgence of Farmers Markets: Thriving in the U.S. Since the Pandemic

Farmers markets in the United States have showcased remarkable resilience amidst the difficulties brought about by the pandemic. These lively marketplaces have become indispensable pillars of community life, offering access to fresh, nutritious products, promoting sustainable agriculture, and fostering cultural diversity. This article explores the evolution and significance of these markets, highlighting their role in ...

Viena Abdon

Summer farmers market on Main Street in Parker, Colorado.

Blacksmith Makes Knives From Exploded Chinese Bombs

It’s common for archaeologists and others to discover the remains of dropped bombs at places of warfare. However, it is quite rare to see artisans who use un-exploded bombs in their works. The news of a Taiwanese blacksmith turning Chinese bombs into knives has made headlines. Wu Tseng-dong, a blacksmith living on Kinmen Island, is ...

Max Lu

The red wall of Maestro Wu's Knife Shop