Book Review: 'The Maker' by Tamara Maynes
Discover how making the things you surround yourself with can be a rewarding experience for you and your home
Tamara Maynes has been ‘making’ since childhood, and throughout years of experimenting with ceramics, lighting, textiles and furniture, has become a something of a master at it. In her latest book, simply titled The Maker, the reader gains insight into Maynes’ world as a modern crafter, and may even be inspired to embark on a project of their own through a series of interior design-related DIYs.
Maynes describes making as a meditative activity that draws us away from technology and our fast-paced lives, into something that is simple and comes quite innately to many of us. Q&As with some of her favourite makers are also included, accompanied by beautiful imagery of craft around the home. We sat down with Maynes to find out what it takes to be a modern crafter and what she loves about surrounding herself with the things she makes.
Maynes describes making as a meditative activity that draws us away from technology and our fast-paced lives, into something that is simple and comes quite innately to many of us. Q&As with some of her favourite makers are also included, accompanied by beautiful imagery of craft around the home. We sat down with Maynes to find out what it takes to be a modern crafter and what she loves about surrounding herself with the things she makes.
How did you get into making and what do you love about it?
I was born into a family of makers so it was a natural path for me to take. I began as a very young child and never looked back. Making is something I need to do or I start to lose my way – its ability to keep me grounded is what I love about it the most.
I was born into a family of makers so it was a natural path for me to take. I began as a very young child and never looked back. Making is something I need to do or I start to lose my way – its ability to keep me grounded is what I love about it the most.
What are three of your favourite materials to create with and why?
Colour, texture and shape are really inspiring to me and I love to breathe new life into old craft techniques. Fabric, leather, and anything that comes on a spool, such as thread, yarn, or rope, allow me to indulge in these inspirations.
Colour, texture and shape are really inspiring to me and I love to breathe new life into old craft techniques. Fabric, leather, and anything that comes on a spool, such as thread, yarn, or rope, allow me to indulge in these inspirations.
What is your proudest DIY achievement
I have reworked many a vintage chair in my time and, considering they can be one of the most involved projects to undertake, they often are the pieces I’m most proud of. The most recent, which is shown mid-process in the book, is a rusted metal armchair frame which became the foundation for a beautiful macramé chair.
Do you have a special space where you get creative at home?
These days home is where I enjoy living with the pieces I make, while all the creativity goes on in my studio.
Where is it and why do you enjoy making things here?
Inside the expansive warehouse walls of The Establishment Studios in Melbourne, I have the luxury of spreading out to accommodate whatever I am making. Its size and energy make it an incredibly inspiring space to get creative.
I have reworked many a vintage chair in my time and, considering they can be one of the most involved projects to undertake, they often are the pieces I’m most proud of. The most recent, which is shown mid-process in the book, is a rusted metal armchair frame which became the foundation for a beautiful macramé chair.
Do you have a special space where you get creative at home?
These days home is where I enjoy living with the pieces I make, while all the creativity goes on in my studio.
Where is it and why do you enjoy making things here?
Inside the expansive warehouse walls of The Establishment Studios in Melbourne, I have the luxury of spreading out to accommodate whatever I am making. Its size and energy make it an incredibly inspiring space to get creative.
Can you name three artisans who inspire your own work?
Extreme knitter Jacqui Fink, fibre artist Harriet Goodall, and designer/maker/curator Sarah K. These are three very clever makers whose intimate relationship with their raw materials and commitment to their craft constantly inspire me.
What advice can you give to those wanting to get started?
Take a class or workshop with a good teacher. Not only will it allow you to dip your toes in the water, it will also give you a strong and knowledgeable foundation on which to build.
Extreme knitter Jacqui Fink, fibre artist Harriet Goodall, and designer/maker/curator Sarah K. These are three very clever makers whose intimate relationship with their raw materials and commitment to their craft constantly inspire me.
What advice can you give to those wanting to get started?
Take a class or workshop with a good teacher. Not only will it allow you to dip your toes in the water, it will also give you a strong and knowledgeable foundation on which to build.
What essential tools do all master makers need, and what can you not live without?
The tools needed will depend entirely on the makers’ chosen craft, and can range from sewing needles to power tools. Because my practise covers a variety of techniques, I rely heavily on standards like scissors, rulers, and brushes.
The tools needed will depend entirely on the makers’ chosen craft, and can range from sewing needles to power tools. Because my practise covers a variety of techniques, I rely heavily on standards like scissors, rulers, and brushes.
Which modern makers, aside from yourself of course, should we be keeping a lookout for?
Well, luckily, the modern makers I love are all included in my book! Quilter Meg Callahan, metal sculptor Anna Varendorff and chair maker Bern Chandley are all well worth watching.
The Maker, Murdoch Books, $59.99.
TELL US
What crafty pieces have you made yourself for your own home? Show us photos and tell us all about your work in the Comments section.
MORE
Book Review: ‘The Tailored Interior’ by Greg Natale
Book Review: ‘A Place Called Home’ by Mr Jason Grant
Book Review: ‘Design With Colour and Style’ by Shaynna Blaze
Well, luckily, the modern makers I love are all included in my book! Quilter Meg Callahan, metal sculptor Anna Varendorff and chair maker Bern Chandley are all well worth watching.
The Maker, Murdoch Books, $59.99.
TELL US
What crafty pieces have you made yourself for your own home? Show us photos and tell us all about your work in the Comments section.
MORE
Book Review: ‘The Tailored Interior’ by Greg Natale
Book Review: ‘A Place Called Home’ by Mr Jason Grant
Book Review: ‘Design With Colour and Style’ by Shaynna Blaze
I wrote this book because of my own making practice coupled with my enormous love of interiors. In writing The Maker, I hoped to illustrate how making and interior design complement one another wonderfully and how, as a result, makers are able to craft a home in the most perfect sense.
What is a maker and how do you become one?
Makers are wonderful creatures! Easily inspired and with bucketloads of patience, they are naturally inclined to create something with their hands rather than buy it. Becoming one comes down to knowing what inspires you, and using that as a tool to explore what your hands are capable of crafting.