Made With These Hands Podcast Hugh McNeill interviews Ella Merriman

Made With These Hands Podcast Interviewing Adam Jenkins of Now Strike Experiences

In This Episode Hugh McNeill of Made With These Hands Podcast interviews Adam Jenkins of Now Strike Experiences. Growing up, our guest’s journey didn’t follow a straight line, but rather a series of unexpected turns that all seem, in hindsight, to share a common thread: a deep connection to hands-on work, nature, and experience. From studying animal science and working closely with birds of prey and carnivores, to racing huskies across the UK, and even stepping into the world of film on Tomb Raider, each chapter has shaped a unique perspective on skill, focus, and physical craft. We’ll explore how these varied experiences influenced the creation of Now Strike—beginning while working a public sector role surveying rights of way, and evolving into a business centred around traditional English longbows, arrow making, and blacksmithing. We’ll also hear about the shift from producing bespoke equipment to focusing on immersive experience days, where teaching and participation have become just as important as the craft itself.   Now Strike Website: https://nowstrike.co.uk/ [https://nowstrike.co.uk/] Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/NowStrikeArchery [https://www.facebook.com/NowStrikeArchery] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowstrikearchery/ [https://www.instagram.com/nowstrikearchery/] Youtube:   https://www.youtube.com/@nowstrikearchery [https://www.youtube.com/@nowstrikearchery] TikTok:    https://www.tiktok.com/@nowstrike

Made With These Hands Podcast Hugh McNeill Interviews Gunta Andrews

My guest today is Gunta Andrews, a textile artist whose work beautifully combines personal history, hand-stitching, and storytelling. Growing up as the daughter of immigrant parents in a city still recovering from the war, her early life was shaped by questions of identity, resilience, and belonging. Creativity entered her life early, learning embroidery and sewing from her German grandmother—skills that would later become central to her artistic voice. Her work has since gained recognition through exhibitions, television appearances, and even a nod from Dr. Martens for one of her embroidered pieces. Now studying fashion at the Cambridge School of Art, she continues to explore how craft, humour, and storytelling can intersect with contemporary fashion—particularly with a vision to create bold, expressive clothing for older women. Today we’ll talk about her journey—from childhood and punk culture to art school, recognition, and what it means to keep making with your hands in a fast-moving digital world.   See Gunta's work on Instagram on tired_and _freemotional https://www.instagram.com/tired_and_freemotional/?hl=en

Made With These Hands Podcast Hugh McNeill Interviews Engraver Chris Ainslie

In this engaging conversation, Hugh McNeill from the podcast Made With These Hands interviews one of Britain's leading glass engravers Chris Ainslie. He shares his remarkable journey as a glass engraver, reflecting on his early life, monastic experiences, and the evolution of his artistic techniques. He discusses the importance of community and guilds in the craft, his inspirations, and the continuous exploration of new artistic avenues. At 88 years old, Chris remains passionate about his work and the creative process, emphasizing the significance of nature and personal connections in his art.   Guild of Glass Engravers https://www.gge.org.uk/ [https://www.gge.org.uk/] https://cgs.org.uk/artists/ainslie-christopher/ [https://cgs.org.uk/artists/ainslie-christopher/] Dom Robert De Chaunac https://www.boccara.com/en/artist/dom-robert-2/

Made With These Hands Podcast Hugh McNeill interviews Ella Merriman

In this episode, Hugh McNeill from Made With These Hands Podcast, interviews the lovely Ella Merriman, a Rush basket maker based in London, she shares her journey into the world of handmade crafts. She discusses her connection with natural materials, the importance of sustainability, and the challenges faced by contemporary makers. Ella emphasises the dialogue between material and maker, the significance of unique craftsmanship, and the need to support endangered crafts. She also highlights her experiences at Cockpit Bloomsbury, a creative community, and the impact of exhibiting her work. The conversation concludes with Ella's reflections on the future of her craft and the importance of seeing the world through a creative lens.   Website: https://www.ellamerriman.com [https://www.ellamerriman.com] Instagram: @studiomerriman [https://www.instagram.com/studiomerriman/] Workshops: https://www.ellamerriman.com/workshops [https://www.ellamerriman.com/workshops]

Made With These Hands Podcast, Hugh McNeill Interviews Amelia Skachill Burke from E&M Glass

In this episode Hugh McNeill from "Made With These Hands Podcast" Chats to Amelia Skachill-Burke. She shares her journey from growing up in Manchester to becoming a skilled glassblower at E&M Glass. She discusses her early experiences with art, the challenges of balancing creativity with business, and the importance of sustainability in glassblowing. Amelia also reflects on the value of handmade items, her international exhibitions, and her innovative work merging art with health awareness, particularly her work with Diabetes UK. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the endless possibilities within glass art and the supportive community of craftspeople. https://www.emglass.co.uk/amelia-burke https://www.ameliaburkeglass.com/ [https://www.ameliaburkeglass.com/] https://www.facebook.com/handmadeglass/ [https://www.facebook.com/handmadeglass/] https://www.youtube.com/user/edburkeglass [https://www.youtube.com/user/edburkeglass] https://uk.pinterest.com/emglassblownglass/ [https://uk.pinterest.com/emglassblownglass/] https://www.instagram.com/emglass/ [https://www.instagram.com/emglass/] https://www.diabetes.org.uk/