Awesome Craft

Turning objects on a lathe can produce some amazing works of art. In this video from Jack Mack, he shows how he took layers of multi-color plywood and transformed them into a unique patterned bowl. He started by slicing the wood into strips and gluing them into sheets, then cut them into various size rings before stacking and working them on the lathe.

This all-in-one machine can print full-color images on sticker stock and automatically cut them into whatever shape you want. It outputs high-quality, 300 dpi dye-sublimation images and uses a companion mobile app to upload designs. The app can even extract photos from backgrounds and generate a cutting outline, and includes a large template library.

Process X introduces us to artist Hiroyuki Yamamoto, a master craftsman who makes traditional Japanese masks. Each mask starts as a solid block of wood, which he carves away with a saw, chisel, and other hand tools. He then creates eyes out of copper, applies gold leaf, and paints the mask in vibrant colors to bring his characters to life.

ND Woodworking Art is back with another amazing handcrafted wooden vehicle. But rather than starting with a real-world sports car or truck for inspiration, he built this one based on an AI-generated design. The curvy and fanciful ride looks like something Willy Wonka might drive around his chocolate factory.

Most saw blades are made by machine these days. But the Daedong Saw factory in Korea still makes them by hand. Mega Process takes us on a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility to see how skilled craftspeople cut, punch, and sharpen every tooth of every blade with care and precision.

Yokoyama Reimei has been making Japanese archery bows for more than a century. Their artisans use traditional woodworking techniques to craft 6.5-foot tall bows from burnt bamboo and a wax tree core. They shape each bow by hand (and foot) by bending the wood with rope and bamboo wedges. Process X provides a close-up look at their workshop.

Robinson Foundry shows how he took a digital 3D model of a human skull and used it to create a cast bronze sculpture. The Lost PLA method starts by making a 3D-print, coating it with a ceramic material, kiln-firing it to harden it and melt away the plastic, then filling it with molten metal and eventually chipping away the casting.

We’ve seen guitars made from unusual materials, but this is the first one we’ve seen that was made from leaves. Gitara Maker was inspired to create the guitar after seeing fallen leaves on a camping trip. He built the guitar’s body by stacking flattened layers of leaves with clear resin, shaping it with a scroll saw, and applying top coats for a shiny finish.

Road Agent Leather wanted a case to protect and carry his 9mm Smith & Wesson pistol. Being a skilled leatherworker, he decided to make his own from scratch. He started by flattening and dying leather sheets, cutting them into precise shapes, then gluing and stitching them together. He used a laser cutter to make the perfect circles for holding ammo.

We’ve seen how Japanese Kumiko lattice is made. Now, watch Yamanaka Kumiki Works create a different kind of wood pattern called Yosegi. The process involves applying thin wood veneers to boards, cutting them into small pieces, arranging and gluing them into a pattern, and slicing them back into a veneer. Here’s another unique Yosegi pattern being made.

The Life Art channel shows how to put the moon on your wall by sculpting a cement relief of the lunar surface. The artist starts by filling a circular area with a sand-cement mixture, building up an outer ring for depth, and then using a trowel to create a rough texture and add craters with its handle. The addition of LED lights makes the shadows pop.

T-Nu from the wonderfully-named Craftastrophe loves to build tiny things. In this video, you’ll see how he made a mini version of a 1958 Gibson Explorer electric guitar with every little detail. It even has real metal strings and teensy fretboards. They built the whole thing by hand and without any 3D-printed parts.

Modelmaking has always fascinated us. Cath from The Square to Spare shows us the steps to make a miniature fridge that looks just like those fancy French door models. Its cabinet can be 3D printed or cut from balsa wood, with acrylic or resin shelves, wrapped in stainless steel contact paper, and lit with LED fairy lights.

Hedron Rockworks handmakes dice from gemstones. In this video, he transformed a hunk of amethyst into a stunning purple D20. He started by scanning a 3D model of the stone to identify the best orientation, carefully cut and polished its facets, then sandblasted its numerals. Those frosted edges and star facets are gorgeous.

The shot of Homer Simpson backing into a bush is a classic meme. It’s appeared on t-shirts, mugs, prints, and even sneakers. Now it’s a handmade rug. In this video from RugTrade, you’ll see how the textile artist used a rug tufting machine to replicate the iconic moment with yarn. Shearing off the excess yarn looks mighty satisfying.

Masks have been part of Japanese culture for more than a thousand years. Process X takes us inside, Womokage, a small company that makes these detailed masks the traditional way. Skilled artisans use chisels to carve facial features from a solid block of wood, then hand-apply a coating and paint pigments to bring out details.