Elijah Vance
Editorial byline
Elijah Vance is an editorial byline for Porch & Press, with a focus on Makers & Craft, Goods & Finds. Biographical credentials and external profiles are published only after verification.
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Latest Articles
Kintsugi: Why Japan Mends Broken Pottery With Gold Instead of Hiding the Cracks
Kintsugi is a Japanese craft that repairs broken pottery with lacquer and gold, celebrating the cracks as part of the object's history rather than hiding them. This practice embodies the philosophy of wabi-sabi, finding beauty in imperfection and impermanence.
Oct 17, 2026 · 5 min read
From Furnace to Finished Piece: The Six Stages of Traditional Glassblowing
Explore the six fundamental stages of traditional glassblowing, detailing the journey from molten glass at over 2,000°F to a finished, cooled piece. The process involves gathering, shaping, inflating, refining, and finally annealing, all while managing the material's rapid cooling.
Oct 17, 2026 · 5 min read
From Lump of Clay to Finished Pot: The Eight Stages of Hand-Thrown Stoneware
Creating hand-thrown stoneware pottery is a meticulous, multi-stage process involving eight critical steps from raw clay to a finished vessel. Understanding these transformations, including drying, trimming, and two firings, highlights the skill and time invested in artisanal ceramics.
Oct 14, 2026 · 6 min read
How to Choose Artisanal Textiles: A Decorator's Guide to Natural Fibers
Learn how to choose artisanal textiles by understanding the origins of natural fibers like cotton, linen, wool, and silk, and the traditional techniques that define their unique character and suitability for your home decor.
Oct 7, 2026 · 5 min read
NY Now Opens Applications for Revived Winter 2027 Handmade Division
NY Now has opened applications for its revived Handmade division for Winter 2027, offering a curated platform for artisans to connect with wholesale buyers. Artisans must submit their applications by October 15, 2026, to be considered for one of the 75 limited spots.
Oct 2, 2026 · 2 min read
Choosing Natural Fiber Textiles: Balancing Comfort, Care, and Sustainability for Your Home
Choosing natural fiber textiles for your home involves balancing comfort, care, and sustainability. This guide explores the unique properties, benefits, and maintenance of cotton, linen, wool, and silk to help homeowners make informed decisions for a beautiful and mindful living space.
Sep 30, 2026 · 5 min read
Discover Maryland's Premier Craft Events in 2027
In 2027, Maryland will host at least three major craft events within a three-month span, signaling an unprecedented boom for the state's artisan economy.
Sep 13, 2026 · 2 min read
The Artisan Shift: Handmade Goods' Economic and Cultural Value
During the COVID pandemic, supply chain disruptions caused widespread product unavailability for artisans, leading to long wait times and business closures.
Sep 10, 2026 · 3 min read
Indian and Filipino artisans showcase heritage innovation at global exhibitions.
In 2026, 29 Indian artisans will showcase intricate, hand-carved stone and mother-of-pearl works at the prestigious Homo Faber Biennale in Venice, while Filipino buri bags will debut at FashionPhilipp
Sep 5, 2026 · 2 min read
Homo Faber 2026 Venice: Global Artisans Showcase Craft Trends
In spring 2025, Es Devlin's 'Library of Light' installation alone drew nearly 200,000 visitors, according to Homo Faber 2026: An Island of Light .
Aug 31, 2026 · 3 min read
The Economic and Environmental Benefits of Local Spending
For every $100 spent at a local business, $68 remains within the community, a stark contrast to just $43 if spent at a chain store, according to Cameonetwork .
Aug 30, 2026 · 4 min read
Top 4 Examples of India's Exceptional Global Craftsmanship
In 2023, the devotional Garba dance of Gujarat joined a prestigious global list.
Aug 28, 2026 · 3 min read
Craft sales: Online platforms grow, local markets offer unique value.
Foot traffic at traditional craft fairs has seen a 15% decline year-over-year in major metropolitan areas since 2022, yet many local vendors still report higher profit margins per item than their onli
Aug 25, 2026 · 3 min read
Menlo Park Allied Arts Guild Plans Artisan Community Expansion
On June 12, 2026, a photograph of The Barn Woodshop at Menlo Park's Allied Arts Guild is slated for publication, hinting at a meticulously planned future for the historic artisan complex.
Aug 23, 2026 · 2 min read
New Initiative Empowers Artisans in Preserving Traditional Crafts
In Romblon, the Philippines, the marble-carving industry faces a critical juncture.
Aug 21, 2026 · 5 min read
Local craft markets see resurgence, supporting artisan traditions
An annual craft fair in New Hampshire, now in its 92nd year, consistently draws approximately 20,000 guests over nine days, according to volunteernh.
Aug 13, 2026 · 4 min read
Europe's Craft Market Booms to $225 Billion Amid Artisan Support
The Europe Handicrafts Market, valued at USD 225.
Aug 11, 2026 · 3 min read
Why Preserving Artisan Heritage Matters for Cultural Authenticity
From Parisian runways to fast-fashion racks, indigenous designs frequently appear, often without recognition or fair compensation for the artisans who originated them.
Jul 21, 2026 · 3 min read
Artisanal Crafts: Supporting Tradition in 2026
Zishta works with over 650 artisans across 15 states, reviving more than 100 traditional crafts.
Jul 17, 2026 · 6 min read
Artisan Markets Surge, Proving Local Makers Aren't Going Anywhere
In North Texas alone, a single market organizer, The Boho Market, connects over 7,000 small businesses to customers through more than 50 community events annually.
Jul 16, 2026 · 3 min read