
Free Daily Podcast Summary
by Hugh McNeill
Hugh McNeill is a talented craftsman in Crystal Glass Cutting & Engraving. He has worked professionally in this field over the past 45 years. He trained under Eddie Flavin, a master glass cutter from Waterford Crystal Glass in Ireland. Hugh has created pieces for many famous people over the years and has established his name in this field. Hugh has a growing concern for old styles hand made crafts that are slowly dying out and not being taught to next generations. These podcasts are to bring awareness to these crafts, provoking new craftsmen to take up a dying craft that is now on the “In danger of being extinct” list, of which there is well over 100 skilled crafts in danger of being forgotten forever.
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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/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowStrikeArchery Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowstrikearchery/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nowstrikearchery TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nowstrike
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
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://cgs.org.uk/artists/ainslie-christopher/ Dom Robert De Chaunac https://www.boccara.com/en/artist/dom-robert-2/
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 Instagram: @studiomerriman Workshops: https://www.ellamerriman.com/workshops
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.facebook.com/handmadeglass/ https://www.youtube.com/user/edburkeglass https://uk.pinterest.com/emglassblownglass/ https://www.instagram.com/emglass/ https://www.diabetes.org.uk/
In this episode of Made With These Hands, host by Hugh McNeill, he chats to the remarkable Anna Rennie, also known as the "Steel Maiden." Anna is both a talented silversmith and one of only four professional Maille makers in the country — and notably, the only woman among them. Using traditional techniques, she has mastered not just one exceptional craft, but two. With a deep passion for history and a love of reenactment societies, Anna brings a unique perspective to her work. Join us as we explore her fascinating journey into the worlds of silversmithing and maille making. Made With These Hands is the podcast for everyone who loves handmade craftsmanship and the stories behind the makers.
In this inspiring episode, Hugh McNeill from Made With These Hands Podcast Interviews Chris Fisher, known as the Blind Woodturner, Chris shares his journey from losing his sight to becoming a skilled craftsman. He discusses the challenges he faced after his diagnosis of toxoplasmosis, his discovery of woodturning, and how he navigates his craft without sight. Chris emphasizes the importance of mental health, community support, and the role of creativity in overcoming adversity. He also shares insights on building a presence on YouTube, the pressures faced as a blind craftsman, and his role as a patron of the UK Men's Shed Association, advocating for mental well-being through craft. https://theblindwoodturner.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/blindwoodturner/ https://www.facebook.com/blindwoodturner https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkkxNOUNP8kNT7Gvpc1MjJg https://menssheds.org.uk/ Katie Pipers Weekend Escape With Chris Fisher The Blind Woodturner. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1119357150222704&set=a.320727753418985 Money For nothing https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001f88j Blind Ambition https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4YWdxh3xbFjKv4DtgmH4RC3/blind-ambition-an-art-exhibition-with-a-difference
In this conversation, Hugh McNeill from Made With These Hands Podcast speaks to the wonderful Louise West from Louise West Lace Design. They explore the rich history and personal journey of lace making, highlighting its significance in society, the challenges it faces today, and the importance of education and innovation in keeping the craft alive. The speaker shares personal anecdotes, notable commissions, and insights into the creative process, while also addressing misconceptions about lace making and offering advice for aspiring crafters. https://louisewestlacedesign.co.uk/ https://www.youtube.com/louisewestlace https://www.instagram.com/laceyloudesign/?hl=en
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Hugh McNeill is a talented craftsman in Crystal Glass Cutting & Engraving. He has worked professionally in this field over the past 45 years. He trained under Eddie Flavin, a master glass cutter from Waterford Crystal Glass in Ireland. Hugh has created pieces for many famous people over the years and has established his name in this field. Hugh has a growing concern for old styles hand made crafts that are slowly dying out and not being taught to next generations. These podcasts are to bring awareness to these crafts, provoking new craftsmen to take up a dying craft that is now on the “In danger of being extinct” list, of which there is well over 100 skilled crafts in danger of being forgotten forever.
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