I was honored to be invited to the second annual Craftsman Makecation, held this year in Brooklyn, New York. The two-day event was a hands-on celebration of making and craftsmanship, packed with practical workshops and creative projects. Participants moved between sessions learning new techniques and building useful items they could take home.
Workshops included traditional woodworking projects such as building toolboxes and coat hangers, as well as leatherworking classes that covered cutting, stitching, and finishing small leather goods. There was also woodturning, where attendees learned to use a lathe to shape bowls and other rounded forms, and other maker-focused demonstrations highlighting both basic skills and thoughtful design. Instructors provided clear guidance, safety tips, and helpful shortcuts that made the learning process productive and enjoyable for makers of varying experience levels.
The atmosphere during the Makecation was collaborative and energetic. Attendees shared tools and techniques, offered feedback on one another’s work, and swapped ideas about how to adapt projects for personal use. The event balanced structured instruction with open time for experimentation, which allowed everyone to put new skills into practice and personalize their projects.
By the end of the weekend, each participant left with completed DIY gear and a set of new skills they could apply to future projects. Beyond the tangible takeaways, the Makecation provided valuable inspiration: fresh approaches to common problems, confidence with tools, and a renewed appreciation for making things by hand. For anyone interested in craft, design, or simply learning practical skills, events like this offer both instruction and community.
I came away inspired and hopeful that we’ll be invited back next year to take part in another great weekend of making.