Why do we do what we do?
Because we believe it matters. The detachment between the people who produce our things and the things themselves is growing at an alarming rate. Most people likely don’t even comprehend where most of their belongings come from, never mind who is behind them.
Now ask yourself this. If we continue this way what damage do we do to the crafts and the people who are custodians of these crafts? It only takes one generation to skip a hands on career and a craft could be lost forever! You can’t read how things feel when you make them with your hands in a books.
We do this because by telling you the stories of the people behind the amazing things you see on this platform and others you can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the work, skill, and sacrifice that goes into the making of these pieces.
How do we what we do.
Long hours, long long hours. But loving hours. We produce a quarterly publication , podcast , web space , and documentary films telling the stories of the amazing makers we seek out.
In other words we scour the planet to find the most amazing makers we can. Then we share their stories with you by whatever means necessary.
Hey! We're Kate and Jack! 👋
We're the founders of We Are Makers. We know first-hand both the joy of honing a craft and the frustrations of going it alone while trying to gain visibility.
Jack and I met while studying Product Design at Edinburgh Napier University and have since taken on various creative projects. Jack worked in film and television as a special effects engineer. I founded Ardent Leather after a stint as a children’s furniture designer and we are now both working full-time building We Are Makers.
We Are Makers is an opportunity to overcome the frustrations and loneliness of the independent craftsperson. By uniting makers, it channels that contagious joy of being surrounded by people who love what they do.
Nothing brings us more joy than meeting inspirational makers and sharing their stories with the We Are Makers community.
We have now independently published 18 editions of the publication, cover to cover with inspirational makers worldwide & published 100 in person podcasts on our Youtube channel.
#wearemakers #makersmovement #makersgonnamake #makersmaking #indiepublishing #supporthandmade #supportsmallbusiness
From our in-person visits to stories on the page, we create space for makers and craftspeople to share their stories offline with readers around the world - connecting people to the lives, hands and experiences behind the craft ❤️
Comment Ed.18 below for a link to buy a copy.
Over the last few days we’ve travelled through the Beskid mountain region in the south of Poland, spending time with people keeping local traditions alive through everyday making.
From jewellery workshops and paper flowers, to conversations around food, folklore and regional identity.
People proud of where they come from. People carrying generations of knowledge. People determined not to let traditions disappear.
Before arriving here, we knew very little about the cultural significance of things like Polish paper flowers that we tried today. P.S. Paper flowers are so much harder than they look 😅
We have learnt so much and can’t wait to write about our findings for Ed.19 📝
Just a few pictures of today 🤗
Earlier this year Kate and Jack Lennie of "We Are Makers" magazine made their way to Brasstown all the way from Scotland, wandering through our studios and sitting with our students and instructors to capture the magic happening here. Their mission is a simple and beautiful one, to tell the stories of makers around the world so that the craft and the people behind it are never forgotten. 🌿
"If you don't tell the stories, none of it exists," said Jack.
The Folk School is featured in Edition No. 18 of "We Are Makers" and we could not be more proud. Head to the blog to read the full story of their visit and find out how to get your hands on a copy of the magazine at folkschool.org 🔗 link in bio
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#FolkSchoolToday #JohnCCampbellFolkSchool #WeAreMakers #FolkSchool100 #WeStillMakeThings #BrasstownNC
Dzisiaj popołudniu odwiedzili mnie fantastyczni goście z Edynburga. Małżeństwo Kati i Jack, wydawców magazynu @weare_makers , którzy kochają rękodzieło i podróżując po świecie opisują historie i ludzi, tworzących z serca, pasji i tradycji.
Bardzo dziękuję za możliwość goszczenia i podzielenia się swoją i koniakowską historią w ramach projektu koordynowanego przez @bogdankasperek@euroregion.sc.ts@slaskcieszynski@slaskie.travel
This afternoon I had the pleasure of welcoming wonderful guests from Edinburgh — Kati and Jack, a lovely couple passionate about craftsmanship and handmade art. Traveling around the world, they share stories of people who create from the heart, passion, and tradition.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to host you and to share my own story, as well as the story of Koniaków, as part of the Euroregion Salesian coordinate by Bogdan Kasperek.
#centrumkoronkikoniakowskiej #koniakowlacecenter #koniakowlace #wearemakers
Took a drive to Lancashire to meet master wheelwright, Phill. We learnt a lot today and delighted to have listened to his story for Ed.19. Thanks Phill! 🙏🏻
📸 @kflennie 🙌🏻 phillgregson
We spent a wonderful day with Michael and Giannis when we visited Crete, Greece in March.
Jack and I had admired their work for some time and wanted to understand the story behind it, so we made the journey to meet them in person 🤗
This carousel is just a small moment from that visit - their full story is in Ed.18.
📸 @kflennie
READ BELOW 👇
Whilst you guys coori up with your edition eighteens know we are hard at work brining you edition nineteen. After an amazing visit with loads of makers up in Orkney thanks to @visitorkney and @northlink_ferries we make our way onto the next few destinations.
An incredible heritage craftsman in Lancashire then onto Poland and @londoncraftweek before flying over to Maine.
Tell us, who should we visit in Maine. It will@be our first time over there and I know with your help we can find some incredible craftspeople!
Comment, tag, recommend them below!!
