Lucas talks about his path from childhood woodworking to metal fabrication, machining, and building a life around making.Lucas shares how growing up around tools and craftspeople shaped his early love for hands-on work. He explains how that foundation evolved into a full shop, a side business that became official, and a lifelong habit of staying busy through making, repairing, and problem-solving.The conversation also dives into the maker community: how Lucas found it, why he values it, and how sharing knowledge has become central to his philosophy. From Clubhouse to Maker Camp, from learning new skills to helping others learn them, Lucas reflects on the power of connection, teaching, and collaboration.Tom and Lucas also discuss:

• The influence of family craftsmanship and “making” culture
• Balancing a full-time job with personal projects and business work
• Why metalwork and machinery are Lucas’s favorite kinds of projects
• How Maker Camp and other events help people learn faster and connect deeper
• The value of mentorship, skill-sharing, and community over gatekeeping
• Trying new materials and methods, including sewing, leather, and epoxy
• The joy of turning ideas into real, tangible objects

Lucas closes with a simple reminder of what fuels his work: the excitement of building, fixing, and learning something new every time he steps into the shop.

Find Lucas:
Instagram / Facebook / YouTube:

@ManMadeInMA

Crafts with Dre: Epoxy Art, Metalwork, and the Maker Mindset

Dre shares her journey as a maker blending epoxy artistry, welding, and functional art. Her insights highlight the importance of safety, preparation, and continuous skill development—whether you're working with chemicals, metal, or paint. If you're looking to refine your craft, expand your skills, or simply understand what motivates a multi-disciplinary creator, Dre offers practical advice and inspiration.

Connect with Dre:

• Instagram: Crafts with Dre
• Facebook
• TikTok

• Total Boat Epoxy
• Maker Epoxy
• Lincoln Electric
• Jess Crow Workshops
• Making It Podcast
• Clubhouse App

Final notes: Dre exemplifies how a multi-disciplinary approach—blending epoxy artistry, welding, and personal storytelling—can fuel continual growth. Her emphasis on preparation, safety, community, and self-awareness creates a blueprint for both seasoned makers and newcomers. If you're eager to expand your skills or find deeper purpose in your projects, her journey reminds us that mastery is a continuous, rewarding process.

The Power of Connection and Creativity in the Maker Community

In this episode, we dive into the significance of making, sharing, and the emotional bonds created through craftsmanship. My guest, Vern Horst, highlights how creating isn't just about tools or finished products—it's about connecting with others and ourselves. Whether you're crafting sentimental pens or collaborating on large projects, the message is clear: making fosters community, healing, and personal fulfillment.

In this episode:

• The importance of creativity as a lifelong compulsion and mental necessity
• How gifts like sentimental pens help preserve memories and strengthen bonds
• The impact of making on mental health and emotional well-being
• Unique project ideas, from denim artisan pieces to memorial urns
• Strategies for overcoming creative challenges, including taking breaks and collaborative efforts
• The role of maker communities, spaces, and social media in expanding inspiration
• The value of sharing your work not just as art but as a way to give meaning and memories

Resources & Links:

• Vern Makes
• Heather Segal Designs
• Create and Connect Podcast
• Maker Camp
• Silent Mars
• Deadrise Crafts
• Instagram: Vern Makes
• YouTube: Vern Makes

Connect with Vern Horst:

• Instagram
• TikTok
• YouTube

Additional Notes:

Vern exemplifies how craftsmanship is a pathway to personal expression, mental health, and community engagement. His projects range from sentimental pens that keep loved ones’ memories alive to collaborations pushing technical boundaries. Remember, the act of making is about more than the finished product—it's about the stories, memories, and connections we forge along the way.