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Hugh McNeill is a talented craftsman in Crystal Glass Cutting & Engraving. He has worked professionally in this field over the past 45 years. He trained under Eddie Flavin a master glass cutter from Waterford Crystal Glass in Ireland. Hugh has created pieces for many famous people over the years and has established his name in this field. Hugh has a growing concern for old styles hand made crafts that are slowly dying out and not being taught to next generations. These podcasts are to bring awareness to these crafts provoking new craftsman to take up a dying craft that is now on the ”In danger of being extinct list of which there is well over 100 skilled crafts in danger of being forgotten forever. www.madewiththesehands.com
Episodes

Sunday Mar 30, 2025
Sunday Mar 30, 2025
In this conversation, Hugh McNeill interviews Glass Artist Helen Brough. She shares her journey from early creative influences to her current work in glass art. She discusses the importance of education, the impact of awards on her career, and the continuous learning process that fuels her creativity. Helen reflects on unique experiences, including working in the the United States at some of the most prestigious Museums and Galleries, She speaks about the challenges of international exhibitions. Helen emphasises the significance of community and offers advice for aspiring artists, highlighting the pressures they face in the industry today. Helen shares about her time working in Cockpit Yard with other outstanding artists and Crafts people.
https://www.instagram.com/helen_brough/#
https://crouchendopenstudios.org.uk/

Saturday Mar 22, 2025
Saturday Mar 22, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Hugh McNeill interviews Sarah Brown. Sarah shares her journey from a creative childhood in Essex to becoming a renowned glass artist in Cheltenham. She discusses her early influences, the transition to glass artistry, and the innovative concept behind her award-winning work, 'Good Enough to Eat.' Sarah reflects on the technical challenges she faced, her experiences in prestigious exhibitions, and the importance of community and support within the craft. As the new chair of the Contemporary Glass Society, she expresses her commitment to fostering a collaborative environment for makers and addressing the challenges faced by craftspeople today.
Sarahs Website, Instagram and Facebook
https://sarahbrownglass.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/SBrownGlass

Sunday Mar 16, 2025
Sunday Mar 16, 2025
In this episode Ed Griffiths talks about the journey of a craftsman transitioning from woodworking to leatherworking, highlighting the importance of sustainability, the craft of shoemaking, and the personal motivations behind pursuing a creative career. Ed shares insights on the challenges and rewards of craftsmanship, the significance of quality materials, and the community support that fosters growth in the artisan field.
Ed shares his passion for his craft and his desire to make the sustainable boot for the British weather!!!
https://www.grandeysplace.co.uk/craftspeople/edward-griffiths
https://www.greenshoes.co.uk/

Friday Mar 07, 2025
Made With These Hands, Hugh McNeill interviews engraver Tracey Shepperd
Friday Mar 07, 2025
Friday Mar 07, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Tracey Shepperd, the renowned glass engraver, shares her journey from a creative childhood to becoming a prominent figure in the glass engraving community. She discusses her early influences, the significance of the Guild of Engravers, and her experiences with teaching and mentoring. Tracey reflects on her notable works, collaborative projects, and the challenges faced by craftspeople today. She offers valuable advice for emerging artists and shares her aspirations for future projects.
Tracey Shepperd Engraver: http://www.traceysheppard.co.uk/
The Guild of Glass Engravers https://www.gge.org.uk/
Made With These Hands Podcast on Spotify, Apple and Podbean

Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Made With These Hands with Hugh McNeill Interviewing Jane Catherine Sanders
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
In this conversation, Hugh interviews ceramicist Jane Catherine Sanders She discusses her journey as a chef turned artist, emphasizing the importance of art and food in our lives. She shares insights into her creative process, the challenges faced in the art world, and the significance of nature as inspiration. The discussion also covers marketing strategies for artists and offers advice for those looking to pursue a career in art. The conversation concludes with a call to support local artists and craftspeople.
https://www.facebook.com/janecatherinesanders/?locale=en_GB
https://www.janecatherinesanders.co.uk/
Podbean: https://hughmn.podbean.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NVIDoueRoSY4AR6nDNMDv
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/made-with-these-hands/id1778722538

Thursday Feb 20, 2025
Made With These Hands With Wayne Hart
Thursday Feb 20, 2025
Thursday Feb 20, 2025
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In this episode of 'Made With These Hands', host Hugh McNeill interviews Wayne Hart, a skilled craftsman specialising in letter carving and glass engraving. Wayne shares his journey from a creative upbringing influenced by his grandmother to his education in graphic design and typography. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the challenges of funding his apprenticeship, and the role of the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust in his career. Wayne also highlights his current collaborative workspace, his focus on teaching and community engagement, and his aspirations for the future, including a desire to create more of his own pieces and explore new creative directions.
Music by TimothyTitus

Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
Made with these Hands Podcast, Hugh McNeill interviews Alix Costin
Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
In this episode of 'Made With These Hands', host Hugh McNeill interviews Alix Costin, a young engraver and teacher. They discuss Alix's journey into the world of glass engraving, her sources of inspiration, and the challenges faced by craftspeople today. Alix shares her experiences in teaching art, the importance of community engagement, and offers advice for aspiring artists. The conversation highlights the passion and dedication required in the craft industry, as well as the need for greater recognition of handmade artistry.
https://www.instagram.com/alix.costin.illustration.glass/
alix.costin.illustration.glass@gmail.com
https://cgs.org.uk/artists/alix-costin/
www.madewiththesehands.com (under construction)
Made With These Hands on Spotify, Apple and Podbean.

Sunday Feb 09, 2025
Made With These Hands Podcast Hugh McNeill with Rob Bibby Ceramicist
Sunday Feb 09, 2025
Sunday Feb 09, 2025
In today’s episode of Made with These Hands, the podcast for those who love everything handmade, host Hugh McNeill sits down with renowned ceramicist Rob Bibby. At nearly 80 years young, Rob has dedicated his life to his craft and remains as passionate as ever—still working, teaching, and inspiring others. Join us as he shares his wisdom, experiences, and the enduring joy of creating with his hands. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation!
Rob Bibby Woodnewton Pottery
Made With These Hands

Friday Jan 31, 2025
Friday Jan 31, 2025
In this episode of 'Made With These Hands', host Hugh McNeill interviews Anya Crook, a luthier based in the UK. Anya shares her journey from her idyllic childhood in Germany to her adventurous move to Ireland, where she discovered her passion for violin making. She discusses her experiences at the Royal Academy of Music, the challenges of instrument restoration, and offers valuable advice for aspiring luthiers. The conversation highlights the importance of craftsmanship, creativity, and the emotional connection to handmade instruments.
https://www.grandeysplace.co.uk/
https://www.grandeysplace.co.uk/craftspeople/anja-kuch

Sunday Jan 19, 2025
Made With These Hands Podcast with Hugh McNeill interviewing Seth Kennedy
Sunday Jan 19, 2025
Sunday Jan 19, 2025
In this episode of Made With These Hands, host Hugh McNeill interviews horologist Seth Kennedy, who shares his journey into the world of watchmaking. From his early interests in engineering and model kits to his serendipitous entry into antique watches, Seth discusses the intricacies of pocket watch restoration, the emotional connections people have with their timepieces, and the historical significance of the watches he works on. He also touches on the challenges faced by craftspeople today and the importance of community in preserving traditional skills. The conversation highlights the legacy of John Harrison and the unique experiences of working on historical watches, culminating in a discussion about the future of craftsmanship and advice for aspiring artisans.
https://www.sethkennedy.co.uk/
instagram sk_mechanician