Welcome to a small corner of the internet for people who love handmade.
Hands On Workshop began almost a decade ago with a love of Japanese craft: the tools, the materials, and the slow, careful way of making things by hand.
It began with lampshade-making classes using Japanese tenugui fabrics and creating kits with a talented crafter. From there it grew into an online collection of carefully chosen Japanese tools, handmade wares and accessories for crafters. Along the way came regular newsletters showcasing artisans, Japanese craft walking tours around Sydney, and a hand in running several craft fairs. Each of these has introduced me to so many talented makers, artisans and places worth visiting.
Our own store hasn’t gone anywhere. You’ll find the Hands On Workshop collection right here in the Marketplace, alongside the makers we love.
Now it’s time to share the experience
We believe contemporary crafting deserves a home online that feels as warm and personal as the makers behind it.
The internet is a very big place. Hands On Workshop is a smaller, friendlier corner of it: a directory that brings together crafters, makers, workshops, galleries and experiences, built for people who care about how things are made, and who made them.
It’s a place to find things you like, from people like you. Discover something beautiful to buy, an exhibition to see, or a class where you can learn a new skill with your own two hands. We’re starting with Australia and Japan, because that’s what we know, but we’lll have places near you and things to do when you’re travelling
What We Do
Our Marketplace showcases three groups: makers running workshops, organisers hosting maker events, and independent creators and shop owners selling handmade products (from clothes to ceramics. The directory format makes it easy for the community to find you — and for you to be found.
Our Values
Craftsmanship, community, and honest representation. Every listing is a real person or business doing real work — no mass-produced pretend, just contemporary crafting done properly.
Join us
Explore the directory, sign up to our newsletter for exclusive offers from the makers we feature, or get in touch if you’d like your workshop, studio or gallery to be part of the community.
Nicole, founder of Hands On Workshop