Craftsmanship Quarterly Craftsmanship Initiative

Ross Shafer made his mark creating a popular brand of mountain bikes, called Salsa, and a line of small but crucial bicycle parts that no one had brought to the market before. Now he’s making what might be the world’s most beautiful “pedal steel guitar.” Could Shafer’s relentless eclecticism offer a model for a second Renaissance?
"From bicycles to “pedal steel” guitars: One maker’s quirky frontiers" originally appeared in the Summer 2016 issue of Craftsmanship Quarterly, a multimedia, online magazine about artisans, innovators, and the architecture of excellence. You'll find many more stories, videos, audio recordings, and other resources on our site — all free of charge and free of advertising.

Written by OWEN EDWARDS
Introduction by CHRIS EGUSA
Narrated by MITCH GREENBERG
Produced by CHRIS EGUSA
Music by MIKE SNOWDEN / BLUE DOT SESSIONS

In 19th century England, miniature theatrical productions were all the rage. And they weren’t just for kids — children and adults alike collected intricately printed paper cutouts of their favorite theater actors, along with the theaters in which they performed, and acted out famous plays. And beyond just entertainment, these toy theater kits served as the PR campaigns of the day.

"The Rise and Fall of Toy Theater" originally appeared in the Winter 2016 issue of Craftsmanship Quarterly, a multimedia, online magazine about artisans, innovators, and the architecture of excellence. You'll find many more stories, videos, audio recordings, and other resources on our site — all free of charge and free of advertising.
Written by GARRETT EPPS
Introduction by CHRIS EGUSA
Narrated by GÖRAN NORQUIST
Produced by CHRIS EGUSA
Music by MIKE SNOWDEN / BLUE DOT SESSIONS

"How I stumbled upon the world’s most perfect eating utensil": Owen Edwards pays homage to the humble, essential spoon, particularly the version designed by the late, great Massimo Vignelli.

"Spoonism" originally appeared in the Spring 2021 issue of Craftsmanship Quarterly, a multimedia, online magazine about artisans, innovators, and the architecture of excellence. You'll find many more stories, videos, audio recordings, and other resources on our site — all free of charge and free of advertising.
Written by OWEN EDWARDS
Introduction by CHRIS EGUSA
Narrated by CHRIS EGUSA
Produced by CHRIS EGUSA
Music by MIKE SNOWDEN / BLUE DOT SESSIONS

Our Fall 2022 guest editor, RoseMary Diaz, talks with Craftsmanship Quarterly's managing editor, Laurie Weed, about growing up "half-Indian" in Northern New Mexico; the surprising controversy around "art" vs. "craft;" and the story behind the stories of our first issue focused on Native American craft.

You'll find all the Fall 2022 offerings on "Native American Craft: The Southwest" at Craftsmanship Quarterly, a multimedia, online magazine about artisans, innovators, and the architecture of excellence. All stories, videos, audio recordings, and other resources on our site are currently available free of charge and free of advertising.

Written by CRAFTSMANSHIP EDITORS
Introduction by CHRIS EGUSA
Narrated by LAURIE WEED & ROSEMARY DIAZ
Produced by CHRIS EGUSA
Music by MIKE SNOWDEN / BLUE DOT SESSIONS

When an American made, quartz watch costs up to $1,500, and its counterparts from other countries, including Switzerland, range from $50 to more than $50,000, what’s the difference between them?

"The Value of Time" originally appeared in the Spring 2015 issue of Craftsmanship Quarterly, a multimedia, online magazine about artisans, innovators, and the architecture of excellence. You'll find many more stories, videos, audio recordings, and other resources on our site — all free of charge and free of advertising.
Written by TODD OPPENHEIMER
Introduction by CHRIS EGUSA
Narrated by CHRIS EGUSA
Produced by CHRIS EGUSA
Music by MIKE SNOWDEN / BLUE DOT SESSIONS

Felipe Ortega was known for his controversial opinions on culture, as well as his expertise with an unusual form of pottery. He devoted his life to bucking tradition, in more ways than one.

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated from the original version, which was first published in our Spring 2015 issue. This update contains historical and culturally-based corrections, along with new reporting.

"The Clay Conjurer" originally appeared in the Spring 2015 issue of Craftsmanship Quarterly, a multimedia, online magazine about artisans, innovators, and the architecture of excellence. You'll find many more stories, videos, audio recordings, and other resources on our site — all free of charge and free of advertising.


Written by DEBORAH BUSEMEYER
Introduction by CHRIS EGUSA
Narrated by JILL SCOTT MOMADAY
Produced by CHRIS EGUSA
Music by MIKE SNOWDEN / BLUE DOT SESSIONS