We Are Makers

A magazine for those who want to learn from the stories of the world best makers, craftspeople, and artists.

We Are Makers

The quiet power of resilience

Polina Poturemskaia • Inspired by nature, animals and the unconditional love between parents and children, Polina Poturemskaia shares her finely honed sewing and patternmaking techniques with the world through her growing brand, Toysbypolina.

Lea Durie • A deeply sensory connection with the earthy material that forms her work allows artist Lea Durie to tell stories of place and nature. And with Mud Dept. – her functional ceramics brand – those stories are part of the domestic landscape too.

Arcangelo Ambrosi • It’s an iconic object that we can all instantly conjure an image of – the tobacco pipe. But you’ve never seen pipes like the ones crafted by woodcarver Arcangelo Ambrosi. These little sculptural wonders in wood could be made by the hands of an angel – and you can smoke them too.

Ceci Santamaria Mandujano • At first glance, it’s a finely sketched drawing of an animal or a plant. Look closer and each stitch of maker and teacher Ceci Santamaria Mandujano’s intricately embroidered textile illustrations springs her subjects to life in three dimensions.

Flora Jamieson • Flora Jamieson started her maker’s journey as an antidote to a tedious admin job. Now, from her workshop near the sea, she creates contemporary stained-glass art alongside restoring damaged painted glass pieces to their former glory. Shine on.

NERB Handcrafted • Married couple Nara and Sin are the design talent behind NERB Handcrafted, a boutique leather goods studio whose super-stylish accessories – bags, belts, wallets, homewares, furniture and even custom car interiors – are gaining fans all over the world. Nara gives us an insight into her self-taught practice from her home workshop.

Gabriela Sierra Jewelry • For some, the road to full-time making is a straight path. For Gabriela Sierra, a few diversions, some deep realisations and a valuable mistake or two led her to where she is now: running a thriving business handcrafting contemporary jewellery in silver, natural gemstones and glass. Here she shares some of the lessons she’s learned along her journey…

Blake Loree • His maker’s journey started with a serendipitous commission that required some rapid on-the-job learning. Now Blake Loree makes, sells and teaches others to craft the classic, curvy, comfortable Windsor chairs that are the backbone of his business.

Maria Perello • With her London-based, purpose-driven business Allwina – the word for ‘handloom’ in the Quechua language – founder Maria Perello blends her NGO experience with corporate know-how to support artisan weavers working in remote communities in Argentina and Peru.

Henry Wood • Tree fan, sculptor, furniture maker, explorer. The aptly named Henry Wood is on a mission to bring imagined worlds and intrepid characters to life in sycamore, elm, beech, walnut, oak, chestnut and other branches that add to the narrative.

Simon Maillet • Landscape design – not necessarily a natural first rung on the ladder of making highly sought-after knives for chefs. But a series of adventures and opportunities led Simon Maillet from France to Sheffield – via professional kitchens – to a whole new craft and career: Simon Chef Knife.

Natasa Milosevic • Never without a sketchbook, Natasa Milosevic produces colourful, bold illustrations that celebrate women, champion equal rights and raise awareness about mental health issues. They also raise a smile. Say hello to the world of Tasha Draws.

Sylvain Gautier • Sometimes a career shift comes when you least expect it. Former graphic designer Sylvain Gautier travelled the world, saw some old work that made him cringe and is now having a whale of a time as a...