Staff from the American Craft Council share three craft objects that they found surprising and delightful.
By Shivaun Watchorn
February 14, 2025
Ants + Skulls, a stoneware bowl by Vancouver, Washington–based ceramist Bradley Macom. Dimensions: 5 x 8 x 8 in.
“Sometimes, during periods of stress, I feel like I have insects running through my brain. When I saw Ants + Skulls, a stoneware bowl by Vancouver, Washington–based ceramist Bradley Macom, I was struck by the bright orange indentations that serve as a path for swarms of painted ants. Only upon closer inspection did I realize that the orange lines form the shape of skulls. How fitting!”
—Shivaun Watchorn, associate editor, American Craft
“Three Circle Shop’s work is out of this world! I first came across their beautiful wood furniture a few years ago and was excited to find Hank the Gun (2023) at a Minneapolis-based vintage shop and gallery, Moth Oddities, during a pop-up event. I love the sinuous forms, mix of locally sourced materials, and the whimsical, alien designs for unexpected uses—like a rollable desk or a knife block.”
—Andrew Yarish, marketing manager
Three Circle Shop's Hank the Gun, 2023. Dimensions: 34 x 40 x 20 in.
“Routinely mesmerized by the alien-like qualities of the creepy crawlers that inhabit my woodpile, I couldn’t help but be drawn to the fine detail and mesmerizing colors that distinguish the work of blacksmith Elizabeth Belz, who’s long been drawn to insect anatomy. Equally enamored with the lifelike nature of her mosquitos,chiggers, weevils, and bees, I found my imagination piqued by the rust-colored Stag Beetle (2019). This would no doubt please Belz, who works to capture her creatures’ ‘narrative qualities and representational nature,’ while pushing ‘the
limits of what is identified as insect.’”
—David Schimke, senior editor, American Craft
Stag Beetle by Elizabeth Belz, 2019. Dimensions: 2 x 4 x 3 in.
We believe that making creates a meaningful world, and we hope you do, too. Deeply researched and impactful journalism on the craft community is in short supply. At the same time, being featured in a national publication can have a major effect on a maker’s or artist’s livelihood, particularly those who are just starting in their career. You can help support our mission and the work of makers around the country by becoming a member or by making a gift today.
Thank you!
American Craft Editors
