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Life is what you make it! 

Host Ashley Adams, a crafter in her own right, meets different makers and artists across America. Each has a unique story to tell, and an amazing skill to share. Every episode features profiles of two makers and a “Craft Course” tutorial showing viewers how they can make something artful out of simple items lying around their house.

What makes a maker?

Maker Nation profiles artists and crafters of all levels. From a bead artist who creates elaborate costumes for Mardi Gras to a potter who loves to make useful items that can be used every day, we meet all different kinds of makers.

Meet the host: Ashley Adams

Meet Ashley Adams, mover, shaker, baker and maker. She’s not new to crafting. In fact, her love of crafting began in Girl Scouts. Raised by a single mother, Adams was taught to be resourceful. She uses what she has readily available to make something new — whether it’s a boring old pot made beautiful with a little paint or an old thrifted top turned into an elegant dress. Rather than indulging in the latest trends, she tries to see if she can reconstruct it better or make it cheaper.

READ: The Creative Life with Maker Nation Host Ashley Adams

Maker Marketplace

Most of the makers we’ve profiled on the show also sell their art online. Check out our Maker Marketplace to see some of our favorite items from artists that we have featured on the show.

EPISODES

SmashingDIY

Maker Nation: Wood & Minis

Host Ashley Adams meets woodworker Ashley Basnight in Oklahoma and learns about miniatures from Lady Delaney in New Orleans. 

Maker Nation: Paper & Beads

Mardi Gras beading in New Orleans and a paper-folding artist in Austin.

Fringe+co. New Orleans

Maker Nation: Fringe & Toys

Creating festive headpieces in New Orleans, and wooden toy making in Omaha.

Maker Nation: Surf & Turf

Plus, a special project for puppy lovers.

The Barefoot Forge

Learn how to saber a champagne bottle from a Pittsburgh blacksmith

A Pittsburgh blacksmith and an acrylic pour-artist in Boston.

Pottery By Betsy

Maker Nation: Webs & Pottery

An Omaha home pottery artist, and a spider web-catching jewelry maker in Boston.

Ashley Adams and Glen Olcerst

Maker Nation: Bees & Mosaics

A passionate beekeeper in Omaha and a Pittsburgh-based seasoned mosaic artist.

Maker Nation Maker Market

Maker Nation: Maker Market

Handmade gifts from artists featured on Maker Nation