Awesome Handmade

The vast majority of computer mice are made out of cheap plastic. Artist Uri Tuchman wanted to create something with a bit more substance, so he took the electronics out of a mouse and painstakingly crafted a new enclosure out of brass then engraved it with an ornate filigree pattern.

Steampunk Interiors handcrafts unique switchplates that turn standard U.S. light switches into hefty machinery controls. They feature steel plates and gears, with available copper or wooden handles. They come in single, double, triple, and quadruple versions, as well as dimmer knobs made from water valves.

Wild Oaks Metal Works handcrafts these unique desk lamps from steel and copper. Their conical shade and articulated base pay homage to the iconic Anglepoise lamp, but with a brawny industrial look. The gears and chains are functional too – turn the crank to adjust its height. They also make an extended-reach version.

Backyard Resin creates bold and dramatic wood tables with inlays of colored resin, small objects, and artwork. Their Nintendo Switch coffee table is CNC-cut from walnut with colorful resin-filled Joy-Cons, and custom airbrushed artwork based Mario Kart. They also make a Game Boy table with Donkey Kong artwork.

Process X takes us inside the Ishii Sports shoe factory to see how artisans create boots by hand. Each shoe starts by cutting shapes out of leather, refining its edges, then gluing and stitching the pieces together, adding lace rivets, and nailing it around a wooden form before sewing on its insole and attaching the layers of its sole.

Philadelphia-based UntitledCoDesign makes wonderful home accessories, including this unique polka dot cutting board. Each board is handmade from locally-sourced maple and inlaid with dots of various woods found in their shop. It measures 17.25″ x 7.5″ x 1.75″ and has a circular handle cutout.

Stonewall, Canada’s Origin handcrafts each of these beautiful fixed-blade knives from recycled file steel. The minimal utility knife is great for carving, cutting cords, and opening packages and features a 2″ cutting edge. It comes with a leather carrying case in brown or black.

Artist Mimi Kirchner makes one-of-a-kind fabric toys that are way too nice to let your kids play with. Among her works is this jolly old-timey fellow with a handlebar mustache and chinoiserie tattoos. Dressed in striped pants with a red belt, the 22-1/2″ tall figure would look great standing watch in your living room.

Given how beautiful this sledgehammer looks, we’re not sure we’d hit anything with it. The 10-pound steel hammer is handmade by Joseph’s Metal Works. Its bronze-accented head is filled with steel shot BBs, with a torched patina and a protective clear coat. Deerskin leather wraps around its metal handle.

There are lots of kinds of bookends out there, but we rather appreciate the minimalism of roughfusion’s concrete cubes. These 3″ blocks are heavy enough to hold paperbacks upright and look great sitting on any bookshelf. Available in grey, natural, or charcoal.

UK artist Lucy Sparrow is known for her amazing felt replicas of everyday objects. Her latest creation is an recreation of an entire McDonald’s restaurant filled with plush, sewn Big Macs, french fries, Filet O’ Fish sandwiches, apple pies, Happy Meals and more. The installation appeared at the Scope Miami Beach art festival.

Firehouse Projects makes rugged bags from retired firefighting gear. Their largest piece is this 40-liter duffel bag made from recycled materials attached to a sturdy canvas base. It has reflective striping, a quilted lining, an exterior zipper pocket for small accessories, and Velcro on front for attaching patches.

Do you love your car? JDM Customz will customize a Hot Wheels car to look just like the real deal. Each 1/64-scale car is hand-painted to match your vehicle, and JDM can add spoilers, wings, wheels, and widebody kits and lower their suspension as well.

Yancey Designs makes beautiful decor from copper. This copper box and tray set is a great alternative to wood valets and jewelry boxes. Its main tray, dividers, and insert are great for organizing accessories can be used independently or combined. Price shown is for the tray and lid only, with inserts sold as options.

We love the clean and minimal look of this wooden pen and pencil organizer from Design Craft Workshop. It’s handcrafted from walnut and provides three angled shelves to keep your writing instruments from falling off your desk. The subtle curved inner edge is a nice touch. Measures 8.75″ L x 6.75″ W x .75″ H.

Allegory Goods designed this series of handcrafted pens and pencils which incorporate reclaimed woods that date back thousands of years. They come with raw aluminum, gunmetal, burnt bronze, raw brass, or black hardware. The pen takes Parker/Pilot G2 refills, while the pencil accepts standard 0.7mm leads.

We love the colors that emerge from titanium when it’s been hit with a flame. It looks especially great on this modern titanium comb from Demian Haggard. The comb is great for taming unruly hair and beards, and comes with a custom-made leather case. It’s also available in natural titanium and stainless steel.

This substantial wood speaker looks like something from a high-end audio line, but it’s actually the result of a DIY build. King Minhvuong walks us through their process of recycling pallet wood into this beautiful portable audio system. If you’re feeling inspired, there’s a full parts list in the video’s description on YouTube.

This unique furniture piece from Axes and Hose Co. is a great gift for a firefighter or anyone who appreciates our selfless first-responders. Each bench is handmade from wood, wrapped in recycled fire hoses woven to form its seat. We particularly appreciate the Thin Red Line design. Measures 40.5″ L x 20.5″ W x 20″ H.

A tea kettle is one of those simple objects that’s easy to take for granted. This video from HanOul-Workshop shows how he makes a copper tea kettle by hammering and bending sheet metal and copper tubing. It’s a long and laborious process that will give you an appreciation for individual craftsmanship.

Got some space to spare on your porch, deck, or yard? Taverns to Go makes these great structures that add a personal bar to any space. They’re made from pressure-treated lumber with galvanized roofing and come in sizes ranging from 4′ x 6′ to 10′ x 5′. They’re available in limited regions, so be sure to check before ordering.

Keep your wallet, keys, and other small EDC neat and tidy with this elegant catch-all tray from Craighill. Each one is crafted in Michigan from premium American hardwood, and measures 7.5″ x 11″. Choose from black walnut, natural maple, or ink-stained maple.

Audiophiles and tech junkies generally prefer component systems. We love the look of this equipment rack from Silver Beard Lamp Co. It’s handmade from thick threaded rods, bolts, and blackboard – birch laminated plywood with a layered pine core. It comes in 4- and 5-tier heights and sizes from 22″ x 12″ to 30″ x 22″.