Short, simple videos of craftsmanship

February 28, 2013 7:13 PM

I want to see more well-shot video of traditional crafts/trades-people who are excellent at what they do. Links?

I don't really care what the trade or craft is. I don't really care if they're instructive either. I'd just like to see more of people excelling at their craft. Some examples of what I'm sort of searching for:

Broken link now, but for those that remember this Mefi post:http://www.metafilter.com/90004/How-to-Iron-a-Shirt

These sign painters: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bd0K76H7sU8

Dick Proenneke's carpentry skills (really anything out of Alone In the Wilderness): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYJKd0rkKss

Jacues Pepin' making an omellette: http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=57afEWn-QDg

Anything similar I might like?

posted by pilibeen to media & arts (29 answers total)

Artisan videos
posted by Cuspidx at 7:19 PM on February 28

I don't know anything about that gentleman, but for me it's Norm Abram on New Yankee Workshop. Like... every episode.
posted by supercres at 7:24 PM on February 28 [2 favorites]

Keepers Of The Craft, a video about traditional sign making.

Made By Hand - an excellent post of craftspeople videos.
posted by Jon Mitchell at 7:26 PM on February 28 [2 favorites]

This recent FPP has tons of very cool videos.
posted by Confess, Fletch at 7:26 PM on February 28

Signing My Life Away, featuring a Cardiff signpainter.
posted by redsparkler at 7:28 PM on February 28

A potter, trimming cups.
posted by cranberrymonger at 7:42 PM on February 28

Craft in America, shown on some PBS stations.
posted by 445supermag at 7:46 PM on February 28

Inside Adam Savage's Cave has videos of MeFi's own asavage building things and stuff. [previously]
posted by Room 641-A at 7:59 PM on February 28

Abby Franquemont's Introduction to Spinning Part 1 and Part 2
posted by fancyoats at 8:03 PM on February 28 [1 favorite]

I found this baker at work mesmerizing.
posted by jorlyfish at 8:05 PM on February 28 [5 favorites]

Wooden bowl turning via this fpp
posted by wikipedia brown boy detective at 8:12 PM on February 28 [1 favorite]

Hearts and Crafts, a beautiful documentary on Hermes' craftspeople doing their thing. I guess it's not 'short' - 45 min or so - but it's a lot of little segments on many different craftspeople. Scarf painters, crystal polishers, leather bag makers, saddle makers in rural France.
posted by par court at 8:18 PM on February 28 [1 favorite]

this mindblowing five minute video of Chris Palmer's incredible moving origami. what I love about this is that craft is so often about the end-product, but origami -- and particularly Palmer's choreographical form of it -- is really all process. and it's spectacularly beautiful.
posted by idlethink at 8:22 PM on February 28

Jimmy DiResta's vids are nicely edited. No music, just sped up sound.
StormTrooper Helmet
Bench
posted by just.good.enough at 8:22 PM on February 28 [1 favorite]

Since appearing in this FPP, the video collection at ArtBabble has grown. You can choose videos of artists and craftsmen at work based on the art medium or period/style; Decorative Arts is probably a good place to start for your interests.
posted by Quietgal at 8:38 PM on February 28

Here's my favorite.
posted by Mr.Me at 9:12 PM on February 28

I've always loved the Colonial Williamsburg films, particularly "The Gunsmith of Williamsburg." I first saw it in grade 10, and it stuck in my brain for 20 years until I could get a copy of my own.
posted by Marky at 9:13 PM on February 28

I really like searching youtube for videos of people blacksmithing and bladesmithing, as well as people with home foundrys, pouring scrap metal into homemade molds for parts and doodads.

Here's what came to mind, though: this video popped up on Devour.com (aggregation site for high-quality videos) showing the crafting of a beautiful damascus knife and leather sheath. It's a tad over 7 minutes, and hosted on YT.
posted by Sunburnt at 9:14 PM on February 28

Utsushi - in search of Katsuhira's tiger Part 2, via this FPP.
posted by Confess, Fletch at 9:25 PM on February 28 [1 favorite]

This amazing brick mason
posted by j03 at 12:52 AM on March 1 [1 favorite]

Axes!
posted by analog at 6:03 AM on March 1

Nick Offerman, who you can see in longer videos working his comedy craft as Ron Swanson on Parks & Recreation, is also a very skilled woodworker and canoe builder. His woodshop's website is also worth a look, as it is both humorous and awesome.

They've poked fun at this on Parks & Rec to great effect.
posted by mcstayinskool at 7:56 AM on March 1

Gilded and reverse-glass sign artist David A Smith created the artwork for John Mayer's album Born & Raised (warning: heavy John Mayer promotion in the first 7 minutes. Beautifully shot craftsmanship in the remaining 10 minutes).
posted by teh asset at 9:24 AM on March 1 [1 favorite]

Here are some videos of Amanda Hannaford - a master spinner - demonstrating English Long-Draw Spinning, the double-flyer flax wheel, supported-spindle spinning, and cotton spinning on a great wheel. She's got many other videos showing fiber-preparation techniques and spinning techniques as well.
posted by Wylla at 9:50 AM on March 1

Those who make is updated frequently and has great stuff.
posted by hangingbyathread at 10:41 AM on March 1

Not always "traditional" crafts, but I've found interesting stuff on the Handmade Portraits on Etsy's YouTube page.
posted by Rykey at 5:04 PM on March 1

Is makeup a craft? Sure, why not. Michelle Phan rocking the Lady Gaga Bad Romance look.
Also:

• Angelina Jolie
• Taylor Swift
• Princess Jasmine

posted by BeBoth at 7:02 PM on March 2

These are all awesome...Thanks!

One of the first videos I found on the reddit/artisans was this guy making an awesome desk for his son. I've watched it several times already. Still combing through all the links everyone posted - but I've loved everything I've seen so far. Thanks again
posted by pilibeen at 8:33 PM on March 4

Oh, I made a post about just this! (Building boats, with links you can follow to other hand-built things).
posted by From Bklyn at 1:25 PM on March 6