Sam Kassirer Turns A Farmhouse Built In The 1700s Into A Music Destination Studio

Makers Market At The Point Series - A Hand Weaver, A Quilter & A Lifestyle Brand: Thompson's Point in Portland, Maine puts together a series of Makers Market events where craftspeople around the state get together to showcase their work. Kristan Vermeulen kicks off the interview series at their September event where she interviews a hand weaver who recently started her business, The Cultivated Thread, a quilter who started this as a side gig and full-time is a frontline worker, JP Quilts, and a woodworker who laser engraves, cuts and dye-sublimates, Benoit Design Co. by Makers of the USA

63 min listen

Welcome to Makers of Maine: When folks come to visit Maine they dig their toes in the sand at Popham Beach, hike up Katahdin, crack open a craft beer and a lobster, and go sailing off Casco Bay. But the one thing many people may not know about Maine is the craft that makers from across the state get into. From cut and sew to woodworking to farming to photography and art, there is so much craft that happens in Maine and I want to tell you all about their stories. I may not be a born and raised Mainer but I have learned over time what it means to be a maker of Maine, the unique stories that come along with it, and the success each maker has. Tune in to hear about my story and what inspired me to start the Makers of Maine podcast. by Makers of the USA

7 min listen

Jordan & Madison Give Cut & Sew Another Meaning; They Create Fashionable Pieces Inspired By Different Cultures: Jordan Carey and Madison Poitrast-Upton started Loquat with the intention of crafting fashion and apparel pieces inspired by various types of cultures and lifestyles. Both graduated from Maine College of Art and brought their fashion and textiles skills to their business to offer a variety of unique pieces such as pineapple leather handbags, form-fitting masks and so much more. I talk to Jordan and Madison about their journey starting their business, their projects and experiences while attending MECA, and future projects they are working on with Loquat. by Makers of the USA

42 min listen

Mark & Stephen Ferguson & Barry Worthing Started A Shop That Crafts Maine Pattern Axes & Restores Vintage Axes: When you walk into the Brant & Cochran shop in South Portland, the smell of cold cut steel blended with the sweet smell of red hot iron, the sounds of metal being hammered, and the heat of oil firing surround the facility. Mark and Stephen Ferguson and Barry Worthing, came together to bring the craft of axe making back to Maine. Mark and Stephen fill us in the history behind axe making in Maine, how they came up with the idea to start their shop, the craft behind axes, and how they have curated a team of blacksmiths and artists to teach them how to craft a Maine pattern axe so that the craft and tradition can be continued in Maine. by Makers of the USA

41 min listen

Geoffrey Warner Provides Comfort Through His Handcrafted Wooden Stools: A wooden stool handcrafted in Stonington, Maine that gives the bodies that sit in it a healthy posture; sign me up! Geoffrey Warner came up with the idea of crafting an ergonomic stool back in 2008 when the economy was at a slowdown. After grinding two holes and smoothing out the wood, he took a step back and looked at his craft and thought this looks like an owl. Tune in to hear about Geoff's journey as a furniture maker. From his time spent in Rhode Island with Tage Frid, to moving to Stonington with his family to continue the growth of his furniture collection, to patenting one of his stool seats to be manufactured and used in schools and by dentists, Geoff has come along way and has quite a story to share. by Makers of the USA

58 min listen

Meet Sarah Kelly & Leah Robert Who Are Providing A Clean Beauty & Body Care Line For All The Salty Girls: Have you ever thought about what goes into the products that you put on your body? From lotions to scrubs to mascara to lipstick, there are so many products individuals use on their bodies on a daily. Sarah and Leah take us on a journey on how they went about their research in clean ingredients and how they put together a fabulous collection of products that not only feels good but looks good too. They tell us about how they handcraft their body care line out of their office in Kennebunk and how their beauty line is manufactured out of New York City. The sisters also touch on the non-profits they lead and support as well as how they built their SaltyGirl community. by Makers of the USA

49 min listen

Thirteenth Generation Passamaquoddy Basket Weaver, Gabriel Frey, Shares His Process Of Crafting Black Ash Baskets: Gabriel Frey learned his craft at a young age as the traditional basket weaving skills were passed down by his grandfather. There is so much that goes into basket weaving as you have to learn about the harvesting of trees and which trees are ready to be broken into raw materials to be turned into a fancy, useful art form. Gabriel also shares Wabanaki history in relation to basket weaving and how his entire family is involved in educating others about Wabanaki history and culture. by Makers of the USA

67 min listen

Sadie Bliss & Emily Shaffer Coordinate An Annual Event That Brings People To Makers To Learn Their Craft: Sadie Bliss, Executive Director of Maine Crafts Association (MCA), and Emily Shaffer, MCA Program Coordinator, have coordinated Maine Craft Weekend for many years to help bring the people of Maine and outside of Maine to makers all over the state's front doors. Tune in to hear more about Maine Crafts Association and how their group started Maine Craft Weekend. by Makers of the USA

27 min listen

Kristen & Joe Camp Use Techniques Like Raku To Handcraft Ceramic Pieces That Brings People Together: Pottery brought together the Campfire pair, Kristen and Joe Camp, as their love began while taking a pottery class in their home state of Georgia. They opened their studio at the Dana Warp Mill located in Westbrook, Maine, and shop off of Washington Avenue in Portland five years ago. They use a variety of different clays and techniques including Raku which is a Japanese style ceramic process. Kristen and Joe take us on their journey on how they got into pottery in the first place, what brought them to Maine, how they started their business, and what the vision is behind their products. by Makers of the USA

37 min listen

Linda & Ken Perrin Share Their Love Of Glass Blowing In The Heart Of Ellsworth: Atlantic Art Glass is quite the staple in Ellsworth as they're known for their innovative practices behind the art of glass blowing. Linda and Ken Perrin, the owners and founders of Atlantic Art Glass, met in California and made their way up to Maine to establish their studio in Ellsworth. Not only do they craft beautiful glass-blown vases, cups, and creatures like birds, Linda is quite fond of jewelry and has played around with her skills to come up with beaded glass that looks like sea glass. Tune in to learn more about Linda and Ken's story and to listen to Caroline Cotter's single, Eternal Light. by Makers of the USA

46 min listen

Rose Barboza Lifts The Voices Of Black Owned Businesses Here In Maine: Did you know that an online database of black-owned businesses never existed in Maine? When the unfortunate event of George Floyd hit the press, Rose Barboza and Jerry Edwards came together to start a website that promotes tons of black-owned businesses here in Maine. From Augusta to Biddeford to Lewiston to Orono, black businesses, designers, craftsmen, etc. reside all over the state. Rose tells me what prompted her to start the project which is now turning into a non-profit organization, future projects she plans to take on, and what it was like growing up in Maine. by Makers of the USA

24 min listen

Alternative Manufacturing Inc. Help Start Ups Take Their Initial Idea & Bring It To Life Through Innovative Technology: Makers of the USA has partnered up with Skowhegan Savings Bank on a mini-series called Becoming A Maker. To kick off the series Kristan Vermeulen interviews Alternative Manufacturing Inc., one of New England’s best resources for electronic contract manufacturing, that is based in Winthrop, Maine. AMI serves a wide range of clients throughout the USA, Canada & Europe in markets such as; Medical, Industrial, Green Technologies, Robotics, and Mil/Aero. Kristan interviews Kim Vandermeulen and Jim Barry about how they help start-up companies with their tech needs. A great example of how AMI assisted someone in bringing their dream to life was with a woman who lives in Winthrop who wanted to find a technological solution for seniors to remember their walkers when navigating throughout the day. They have also assisted start-ups with indoor vertical farming and ropeless lobst by Makers of the USA

31 min listen

Ryan McPherson And His Team of Farmers Craft The Perfect Oyster & Grow Millions Of Them In The Damariscotta River: Oysters are a highly popular seafood cuisine people look for when coming to Maine. One oyster farm that offers the only tasting room off the Damariscotta River is Glidden Point Oyster Farms. Ryan McPherson and his team of farmers work hard every day to tend to each of the farms they have along the river, culling the oysters they bring in, and teaching folks that visit their tasting room how to shuck. Tune in to hear about how Ryan took over this farm five years ago and where they are now, the process of growing an oyster farm, and how to shuck your own oysters at home! by Makers of the USA

41 min listen

Becky McKinnell Handcrafts Nautical Rope & Leather Handbags While Running a Digital Agency: Becky McKinnell is all about getting creative with her hands and encourages others to do so as well by inviting old and new friends to craft nights at her house in Cumberland, Maine. Who knew that Wildwood Oyster Company would be brought to life by beginning the craft of her first handbag at one of those craft nights. by Makers of the USA

34 min listen

Bridget Kearney with Lake Street Dive Continues To Build Her Songwriting Toolbox In A Studio Space That Gives Her Unplugged, Creative Vibes: Bridget Kearney, a renowned singer songwriter who is a member of, Lake Street Dive, recorded their album “Bad Self Portraits” at Great North Sound Society. Bridget continues to utilize the facility as a writer's retreat. This space gave her the chance to escape her day-to-day and focus on her craft. Tune in to hear about how Bridget discovered the farmhouse studio, how she has evolved into a renowned singer songwriter, and what this studio and the Maine location means to her and the rest of the band. by Makers of the USA

39 min listen

Roxi Suger Is A Renowned Fashion Designer That Crafts Plant Based Apparel In Biddeford's Pepperell Mill: Picture a space that is built of all brick and towers and makes you feel like you're going back in time. A time where manufacturing and production were at its peak due to the river it sits next to. Pepperell Mill located in Biddeford, Maine started as a place where linens, towels, sheets, and much more were crafted. Now it continues to be a place where various manufacturers get into their craft including a fashion designer, Roxi Suger, that came from Oklahoma where she was born and New York City where she first started her Angelrox clothing line. When you walk into her studio it is filled with apparel designs that make your jaw drop. Roxi tells me what inspired her to get into fashion and how she ended up in New York City, how she met the love of her life, and moved to Maine to continue her craft, her new collection called Suger and much more. by Makers of the USA

44 min listen

Bethany Field & Chris Korzen Brings Back Maine's Original State Flag by Makers of the USA

36 min listen

Tighten Up, Lets Go & Learn About The Craft Behind Dog Sledding with Kevin Slater & Polly Mahoney: Mahoosuc Guide Service offers an experience unlike no other. An experience of getting to know the land, nature, the Maine culture during the cold months, and the main event, the mushing lifestyle. Kevin and Polly have been guiding for over 31 years in Newry and not only do they offer dog sledding overnight camping trips but they offer canoeing and fishing adventures as well during the warmer months. Kristan Vermeulen takes you on her adventure discovering the craft behind dog sledding from sitting in the sled crafted by Kevin himself to sleeping in a tent lined with fir and heated by a wood stove. by Makers of the USA

76 min listen

Makers Market At The Point Series - A Potter Who Uses A Sgraffito Process & A Expert In CBD Who Mellows Out With Her Chill Pills: Thompson's Point in Portland, Maine puts together a series of Makers Market events where craftspeople around the state get together to showcase their work. Kristan Vermeulen continues the interview series at their November event where she interviews a pottery business, Zwellyn, who specializes in Sgraffito, and a CBD expert who recently rebranded and is known nationwide. by Makers of the USA

46 min listen

A Historical Lodge Filled With Memories & Traditions On The Island Of North Haven: Nebo Lodge is a historic landmark filled with history and memories from presidential visits to various families who managed the facility and the many guests that stepped foot into the home. Each room is named after an island off the coast of Maine and the dining area is filled with conversations, delicious smells of seafood, and some nice bubbly. David Hopkins, Chellie Pingree, and Angela Ruffolo are all very familiar with this landmark as they share the history, traditions, and life stories this facility holds during this podcast interview. Also, stay until the end to hear another popular track from Sean McGowan. by Makers of the USA

82 min listen

Heather Stilin's Passion For Patterns & Textiles Shows In Her Free Flowing & Feel Good Clothing Line: Freedom of movement and an appreciation for beauty: Herself was established by Heather Stilin in 2018 to distill these two qualities together into a line of clothing. This collection of everyday basics transitions easily among the many places and spaces we are called to inhabit throughout the day and year. Their fabrics are natural fibers chosen with comfort, longevity, and sustainability in mind. The collection is developed in South Portland, Maine with local partners. Listen to the episode to learn more about Heather and her upbringing in the mid-west, how both coasts have been influenced her art and design, her focus on patterns and fabrics, and the future goals of her brand. Also, stay until the end to hear singer, songwriter Renee Coolbrith and her latest single featuring Graphic Melee. by Makers of the USA

46 min listen

Dietrich Strause Continues To Build His Songwriting Puzzles & Brings Some Tunes To Life At Great North Sound Society: Dietrich Strause is a singer-songwriter based out of Massachusetts. While Dietrich is not a Maine-based musician, he has recorded many songs and albums at Great North Sound Society. Not only that, but he has been a production assistant alongside Sam Kassirer. He grew up in Lancaster, Pennsylvania & moved to Boston after graduation. Ten years ago, Dietrich first met Sam when his band wanted to finish recording their record at Great North and he has continued coming back for more. Dietrich shares with the Makers of Maine podcast about his songwriting process, including his songwriting retreat every summer and the different experiences he's had in various recording studios including Great North Sound Society. by Makers of the USA

34 min listen

Thomas Madden & John Paul Brew Up Some Outside The Box Ideas & Are Among The Fastest Growing Breweries In The Nation: Thomas Madden and John Paul, long-time friends and former bandmates who grew up together in southern Maine, are the duo behind Lone Pine Brewing. Thomas's parents owned a wine, beer, and spirits shop which was the inspiration behind the brewery and his father now works for Lone Pine Brewing. Kristan Vermeulen talks to both Thomas and John about the launch of their brewery, what it was like to start their tasting room in Portland and their expansion to Gorham, how their brewery continues to grow at such a fast-paced and where they see themselves over the next five years. by Makers of the USA

68 min listen

Jody Johnstone Brings Wood Fired Pottery To Maine By Building A 24-Foot Long Anagama Tunnel Kiln In Her Backyard by Makers of the USA

49 min listen

Doles Orchard Is Not Just A Family Farm, It Is Also Known For Its Wooden Crates Crafted By Emily Chelate: Earl and Nancy Bunting bought Doles Orchard in 1993 and have continued to grow its history of farming and even expanded on the fruits being grown in the orchard. One hidden gem many folks don't know about the farm is that there is a woodshop located in the building over from their house. Many assume it's a place to keep farm supplies but instead, it is where Emily Chelate, Earl and Nancy's daughter, and her team design and craft wooden crates, gift boxes, and so much more. Emily tells me about the history of the farm, how the woodshop came about and grew due to a well-known brewer located in Maine, and what they're working on today. Stay tuned until the end to hear a track from Troy Hudson and The High Road. by Makers of the USA

57 min listen

Chandlyr Jackson, Illustrator & Print Maker, Brings Vibrant, Fruity Designs To Your Home: Chandlyr Jackson, a former UX/UI Designer who missed crafting with her hands turned to illustration, block-printing, and other forms of printmaking. Her brand, Freckled Fuchsia, is known for its fruit-inspired illustrations and sustainable practices. The small business has grown over the years as it started in Providence, Rhode Island, and now resides out of a small studio in downtown Portland, Maine. She has partnered with a handful of like-minded brands in launching one-of-a-kind products. She has also connected with many businesses in Maine that now carry her products in their stories. Tune into this episode to hear more about Chandlyr's story in how she got into traditional printmaking, her studio in Portland, and how the Maine community is helping to continue the growth of her business. Also, stay until the end to hear more about local musician Spencer Albee and his track Love's Not Lost. by Makers of the USA

41 min listen

Frances Mahoney Wears Many Creative Hats & Started Her Own Design Studio In The Midst Of The Pandemic: Makers of Maine kicks off 2021 with its makers Behind The Lens mini-series. Many folks have asked for this series and it is a new project that will be taken in 2021. The first guest is Frances Mahoney who graduated from Maine College of Art (MECA) with a degree in Graphic Design. She talks about her design career and experiences at well-known businesses such as Sea Bags and Pulp + Wire. She recently started her own design studio called I Before Design E Design and she is a social media influencer who educates folks on the best places to eat in Maine. Listen in to learn how a young, female entrepreneur is juggling all of these fun projects and how she is learning and enjoying it every day. by Makers of the USA

41 min listen

Ric Della Bernarda Brings Plein Air Art Back To Ogunquit: Ric started his career as a fashion illustrator as he studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and then moved to work at different department stores in New England. He decided he wanted a change in his career and got into oil painting. He runs his own studio out of his home in Ogunquit and leads workshops at Cliff House Resort. His goal now is to continue to bring plein air art back to the Ogunquit area as it has a long history of artists who have a focus on that particular form. Ric talks to Kristan about his workshop, creative process, his career, and much more. by Makers of the USA

41 min listen

Sascha Deri & His BluShift Aerospace Team Successfully Executes The First Commercial Launch Of A Rocket Using A Bio-Derived Fuel: blueShift Aerospace makes history by conducting a commercial launch of a Maine made rocket using bio-derived fuel. This team of highly skilled aerospace experts did this because they're passionate about space and they wanted to bring the aerospace industry to Maine. Kristan Vermeulen grew up watching planes and rockets in the beach town she used to vacation at in Maryland and when she stumbled upon this team and watching the success of their rocket launch through her television screen at home, she had to learn more. by Makers of the USA

42 min listen

Kazeem Lawal Brings His Life Experiences Through A Curation Of Craft To The Local Community: For Kazeem, craft is a very broad term because he touches on it in so many ways between curation, fashion design, and showcasing his own life through his brand. He wants each customer to have a unique experience when they come into his shop. His shop reflects anything he is into at that moment from food, to travel, to cultures, to his own journey. Kristan chats with Kazeem about his past life before coming to Maine, how he got to Maine, the inspiration behind opening up his own shop, and what the future holds for his business. by Makers of the USA

70 min listen

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Sam Kassirer Turns A Farmhouse Built In The 1700s Into A Music Destination Studio

Sam Kassirer Turns A Farmhouse Built In The 1700s Into A Music Destination Studio

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