Ep 12. Recycled Wood Guitars, Silver Teapots, Infinity Bookshelf

In Handcrafted America season 3 episode 12, viewers are taken on a journey through the world of recycled wood guitars, silver teapots, and an infinity bookshelf. The episode explores the creative and innovative ways that artisans across the country are using reclaimed materials to create stunning works of art.

The first segment of the episode delves into the world of recycled wood guitars. Viewers meet luthier David Eichelbaum, who sources his materials from a variety of places, including old barns and dismantled railroads. Eichelbaum explains why he chooses to use reclaimed wood in his guitars and how it adds to the overall character and tone of the instrument. He takes viewers through the process of building a guitar and reveals some of the unique challenges that come with using recycled materials.

The second segment focuses on silver teapots, highlighting the work of metalsmiths like Lisa Slovis Mandel. Mandel creates stunning silver teapots using a technique called chasing and repoussé, which involves shaping metal by hammering it from both the inside and outside. She explains the history of this ancient art form and how she translates it into her contemporary designs. Viewers get an inside look at Mandel's studio and learn about the intricate process of making a silver teapot from start to finish.

The final segment of the episode takes viewers on a tour of an infinity bookshelf. Designer and woodworker Joel Miller created this unique bookshelf, which appears to go on infinitely thanks to the use of mirrors. Miller explains his inspiration for the piece and how he came up with the idea to use mirrors to create the illusion of an infinite bookshelf. He also discusses the challenges he faced in creating the piece and the satisfaction he feels from seeing people's reactions to it.

Throughout the episode, viewers get to see the passion and dedication that these artisans put into their work. They learn about the importance of using reclaimed materials, the history of ancient art forms, and the creative problem-solving that goes into each piece. The episode leaves viewers inspired to appreciate the beauty and skill that goes into handcrafted objects and to consider the stories behind the materials used in these works of art.