From commissioning a one-off piece to hosting a studio workshop, this page lays out the formats we offer for connecting with independent craftspeople across the country. Each option is built around direct contact with the maker, clear timelines and honest guidance on materials and care.
What the magazine offers beyond the printed page
We sit with makers at the bench, watch the first cuts and ask about the failures that shaped their process. You get the context behind the object, not just a product shot.
From vegetable-tanned leather to seasoned jarrah, each guide explains what to look for, what wears well and what to avoid. Useful when you are about to spend real money on a handmade item.
We walk through the questions to ask a maker before you order a custom table or a bespoke bag: lead times, joinery methods, finish options and what happens if a piece arrives damaged.
Simple, practical maintenance for ceramics, timber, leather and metal. No vague tips, just the steps that makers themselves use to keep their own work in good condition.
We test pieces in real use, not on a styled shelf. Each review notes construction quality, wear over time and whether the price matches the workmanship.
Regional and urban workshops where you can see the work happen, meet the maker and buy directly. Every listing includes what to expect before you travel.
Commissioning a custom piece
Tell us what you need, the room it will live in, and any reference images. We match you with a maker whose techniques suit the brief.
The maker proposes timber species, clay bodies, leathers or metals, then sends a fixed quote with a clear timeline before any work begins.
You receive photos at each stage, or visit the studio in person. Adjustments to proportions and finishes are made before the final pass.
The finished piece arrives with a care guide and the maker's contact for future repairs. Most studios offer a one-year workmanship guarantee.
Notes from recent commissions and studio visits, as told by the people who live with the work.