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 • EDITION EIGHTEEN, MAY 2026

We Are Makers

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Founders' note

Heart and sole • A bustling workshop in the heart of Vancouver is an unlikely spot for friendship and connection. And yet, from the name to the boots on display, every part of HD Russell Boots is about the connection between community and craftsmanship.

Know the story • Part of the Ts’msyen people of Northwest Canada, Morgan Asoyuf is skilled in many crafts. But there’s more to her work than beauty or utility. Everything she makes is a vessel of culture, made with the intent of telling the story of her people. Visiting her in her Vancouver studio, we explored with her the idea of craft as custodianship – and its power to stand the test of time.

The season of leatherwork • There are two ways to read Joe Cho’s story into craft. One is of struggle, obstacle and relentless challenge. The other is of good fortune, of moments where everything aligned and fell into place. Joe takes the second view. “I can describe my life as a timeline – I did this and then I did that – but there are always moments of serendipity that provide a link. Like it’s meant to be, they happen without any real intention but they lead to the next step.” At his studio in Vancouver, he shared with us the moments among the work and the struggle when fortune smiled and set him on his way.

A lesson in agency • The work of craft isn’t easy. But it is worthwhile. Canadian carver and blacksmith Shayla Giroux is bringing the lens of academia to uncover the wisdom of the hardwon lessons we learn when things go wrong. We visited her to hear more.

Haida Gwaii • On a remote archipelago off the Northwest coast of British Columbia, a community of makers is doing what it has always done: keeping the culture alive. We spent five days there to find out how

The Custodian • “Nobody can make it on their own,” says Christian White, Haida master carver and keeper of a tradition that once came close to disappearing. And, as we discovered, he’s spent years making sure nobody has to.

Learn, remember, relive. • Lyle Campbell left Haida Gwaii for seven years. But for him, culture – as he told us in a conversation we won’t forget – is not something you inherit once. It’s something that can bring you home

Her own way • Danielle Louise Allard spent years making what she calls ‘realistic choices’ – fashion, Vancouver, a buyer’s role at an art supplies company. Then curiosity brought her back to the island at 36, and since then, she’s been bringing femininity to a form historically made by men

Cedar on the water • For 200 years, no Haida cedar bark sail existed anywhere in the world. A small team in Skidigate is trying to change that

Family tradition

With each other for life • On Haida Gwaii, making the work is one thing… but finding a way to sustain it is another. Crystal Cabin Gallery in Tlell has been bridging that gap since 1984

Turning heads • Colour, vibrancy and craft come together at Icosa Woodworks in Seattle. Former civil engineer turned woodturner Elizabeth Weber uses RMP Finishes’ paints to convey joy and hope in the pieces she makes.

Crete

The Carvers • The road out of Heraklion narrows quickly. We miss a turning, but quickly we find our way back on the right track. We were almost where we meant to be – just one road further down, separated by thousands of olive trees. Attempt two leads us down a near identical road, this time to see Michael in high spirits standing at the top of it. He meets us to guide us to his parents’ home and where he grew up. His parents were eagerly awaiting our arrival – two Scots turning up to step into their world for...