In this episode, we return to the forge of Alex Pole - blacksmith, maker, and previously featured maker of We Are Makers. First featured in Edition One, Alex has spent over three decades honing his craft and building his business.We talk about how he got started, how the craft has evolved, and why he’s shifting away from social media to embrace more traditional, meaningful forms of communication - like newsletters and word-of-mouth. From navigating the changing landscape of business to staying true to the rhythms of hand-forged work, this is a rich, honest conversation about craft in a fast-moving world.Recorded in his forge, this episode is both a catch-up and a deeper dive into what it means to be a maker today - resilient, adaptive, and always learning._______________________We Are MakersInsta: @weare_makersWebsite & WAM Grant Info: https://www.wearemakers.shop/https://www.wearemakers.shop/Alex Pole Insta: @alexpoleironworkWebsite :https://www.alexpoleironwork.comRecorded on: NomonoInsta: @nomonosoundWebsite: https://nomono.co/https://nomono.co/If you'd like to buy us a coffee on the road - the link is belowhttps://ko-fi.com/wearemakersThank you!Kate & Jack

This week on WAMCAST, we’re joined by Donna Collinson - the flamework glass artist behind The Glass Florist. From a 15-year-old florist to a viral sensation with a year-long waitlist, Donna shares how she found her niche creating intricate glass flower bouquets that never wilt. We talk about the sensory magic of working with glass, the moment a viral video changed everything, and we talk about her invite to the Corning Museum of Glass (in New York) this year May 2025 (which we are attending!)We were so excited to visit Donna in her Northamptonshire workshop. After featuring her in Edition Eleven of We Are Makers, we knew we had to see her process in person - and it did not disappoint. Spending time with people who just get it is so inspiring. Fittingly, we’re releasing this episode the same week Donna heads to New York for her big live demonstration at the Corning Museum of Glass.It’s a story about carving your own path, trusting your creative gut, and building something beautiful from the ground up._______________________

We Are MakersInsta: @weare_makersWebsite & WAM Grant Info: @www.wearemakers.shop

Donna CollinsonInsta: @theglassflorist_Website: https://theglassflorist.co.uk/

Recorded on: NomonoInsta: @nomonosoundWebsite: https://nomono.co/If you'd like to buy us a coffee on the road - the link is belowhttps://ko-fi.com/wearemakersThank you!Kate & Jack

In November, Jack visited the Cockpit Studios open day in London, where he had the privilege of meeting master carver Clunie Fretton. After an inspiring conversation, Jack had to ask if she’d be interested in joining us for a podcast—and thankfully, she said yes!Through our conversation, it became clear that Clunie is not just a master carver, but also a historian and true custodian of her craft. Although she doesn’t always give herself enough credit for these roles, her accomplishments speak volumes.Clunie’s work has earned her recognition at the highest levels within her field. While she may not have the massive following of social media influencers, she commands deep respect in the world of craft, where skill and authenticity matter most. We Are Makers Insta: @weare_makers Website: @www.wearemakers.shop Clunie Fretton Insta: @cluniefretton Website: https://www.cluniefretton.com _______________________ Recorded on: Nomono Insta: @nomonosound Website: https://nomono.co/WAM