Porch & Press

Elijah Vance

Senior Editor, Makers & Craft

As the Senior Editor for Makers & Craft at Porch & Press, Elijah Vance champions the stories behind heirloom-quality goods, sustainable materials, and American craftsmanship. He brings a discerning eye to everything from hand-thrown pottery to furniture history, exploring how intentional objects shape our homes and culture. Through detailed artisan profiles and product design coverage, his work connects readers directly with the creators who define the art of a well-lived life.

Expertise

American CraftsmanshipProduct DesignSustainable MaterialsArtisan ProfilesFurniture History

Coverage Areas

Makers & Craft
Goods & Finds

Latest Articles

A vibrant artisan market filled with diverse handmade goods and engaged artisans interacting with customers.
Goods & Finds

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

A split image showcasing detailed Indian mother-of-pearl crafts and elegant Filipino buri bags, representing global artisanal innovation.
Makers & Craft

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

Global artisans exhibiting diverse and innovative craft trends at the Homo Faber 2026 event in Venice, attracting large crowds of admirers.
Makers & Craft

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

A lively street scene showcasing diverse shoppers supporting various local businesses, emphasizing community and economic vitality.
Goods & Finds

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

Close-up of skilled Indian artisan's hands meticulously crafting a traditional artifact, highlighting the detail and dedication involved.
Makers & Craft

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

A split image contrasting a lively local craft fair with a focused artisan preparing an online order, highlighting the dual nature of modern craft sales.
Goods & Finds

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

Artisans working on various crafts in a sunlit workshop at the Menlo Park Allied Arts Guild, showcasing a vibrant creative community.
Makers & Craft

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

Filipino artisan meticulously carving marble, with futuristic robotic arms subtly integrated into the workshop, symbolizing the preservation of traditional crafts through innovation.
Makers & Craft

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

A lively outdoor craft market with artisans selling handmade pottery, textiles, and jewelry under colorful tents, with visitors browsing and interacting.
Makers & Craft

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

A bustling European marketplace showcasing a wide array of handcrafted goods and proud artisans, highlighting the booming craft market.
Makers & Craft

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

Close-up of artisan hands weaving intricate patterns on a traditional loom, highlighting the skill and dedication involved in preserving cultural heritage.
Makers & Craft

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

Diverse artisans in a sunlit workshop crafting traditional textiles, pottery, and woodwork, blending ancient techniques with modern tools.
Makers & Craft

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

A lively artisan market with diverse local makers showcasing handcrafted goods like jewelry and pottery to shoppers under golden hour sunlight.
Makers & Craft

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

Master artisan's hands meticulously forging a handcrafted knife in a traditional workshop, showcasing dedication to traditional craftsmanship.
Makers & Craft

Knife Makers Preserving Traditional Craftsmanship

At a recent craft fair, Berkofsky's entire collection of handcrafted knives sold out.

Jul 12, 2026 · 3 min read

A bustling marketplace filled with authentic regional products and proud local artisans, symbolizing the value of Geographical Indication tags.
Makers & Craft

What is a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag and Why Does It Matter?

In 2017, products protected by Geographical Indication (GI) tags generated €74.

Jul 11, 2026 · 3 min read

Artisan's hands carefully stitching natural linen fabric, showcasing the detailed craftsmanship of handmade fashion.
Goods & Finds

The Rise of Handmade Fashion: Consumer Demand Surges Beyond Trends

In 2023, Etsy reported a 15% year-over-year increase in gross merchandise sales for handmade items, reaching $3.

Jul 7, 2026 · 4 min read

A lively artisan fair showcasing diverse handcrafted goods and engaged shoppers, highlighting economic and cultural exchange.
Makers & Craft

Artisan Fairs Boost Economies, Preserve Crafts

In Santa Fe, New Mexico, the International Folk Art Market (IFAM) generated $3.

Jul 6, 2026 · 3 min read

Close-up of intricate hand-carved wooden trim and a stained-glass window in a well-preserved historic home, highlighting artisanal craftsmanship.
Homes & Estates

Top 10 Artisanal Details & Craftsmanship for Historic Homes

The number of skilled artisans capable of maintaining historic homes is decreasing faster than they are being replaced, according to Pasadena Now .

Jul 4, 2026 · 7 min read

A diverse group of people browsing colorful stalls filled with unique handcrafted goods at a lively outdoor artisan market.
Goods & Finds

What Are the Benefits of Supporting Local Artisan Markets?

The Boho Market's curated events maintain stricter guidelines than typical craft shows, flea markets, or street fairs, ensuring a higher standard of goods.

Jul 1, 2026 · 3 min read

Skilled Indian artisans in Uttar Pradesh are shown actively engaged in creating traditional pottery and textiles, demonstrating the success of the ODOP initiative.
Makers & Craft

Uttar Pradesh ODOP empowers artisans, boosting crafts and local economies

In just two and a half years, Uttar Pradesh's exports have nearly doubled, surging from Rs 88,000 crore to Rs 1.

Jun 28, 2026 · 2 min read