In this episode of Whatcha Making?, hosts Alex Duffey and Alex Adams are joined by mixed media artist and educator Brittany Carbone. We pull back the curtain on the artistic process, exploring how personal history, identity, and science intersect with creativity.

• The Intersection of Art & Science: Brittany discusses her unique approach to mixed media, why she transitioned from art education to professional creation, and how she navigated a "creative pivot" in her own career.
• Art-Based Research: We dive into the fascinating academic side of Brittany’s work, specifically how she utilized art as a therapeutic tool during a challenging physical injury and the psychological impact of loss of social identity.
• Mastering Epoxy: Brittany shares her journey of learning epoxy art—from frustrating early experiments to understanding the chemistry behind creating those perfect, cell-like "ocean" effects.
• Whatcha Doin? (Shop Update): Alex Duffey preps for the upcoming UFO Fest with 3D-printed card embossers and AI-generated, laser-engraved coaster designs, plus a recap of his recent DIY home repairs (including some intense roofing work).

Brittany Carbone is a mixed media artist and educator known for her stunning landscape work and deeply emotional, research-based art. You can follow her creative journey and see her latest pieces as she continues to develop her craft.

Note to Listeners: We experienced some minor technical difficulties during our "What You're Watching" segment, resulting in some audio loss for our guest. We have minimized these gaps, and the rest of our main interview and shop talk is fully captured and clear!

This episode of What You’re Making features Ashley Pieper of Shallow Creek Woodcraft, a talented maker from York County, Pennsylvania, who specializes in fine furniture and heritage handcrafted brooms.

The hosts, Alex Duffey and Alex Adams, dive into the world of "brushes, brooms, and hand tools" with Ashley. The conversation explores the intersection of traditional heritage crafts and modern furniture design. Ashley shares her journey from self-taught woodworker to professional maker and teacher, detailing her unique approach to creating functional art.

• The Art of Broom Making: Ashley explains the process of working with sorghum grass, from dyeing the fibers to weaving intricate patterns like the popular "turkey wing" design.
• Heritage Meets Modern Design: A look at Ashley’s furniture portfolio, including her "Beauty Queen" standing cabinet, which features bird’s-eye maple and playful pink "ballerina" legs.
• The Power of Hand Tools: Why Ashley prefers the quiet and control of hand tools and how they allow for a personal, "hand-done" aesthetic that machines can't replicate.
• Woodworking Education: Ashley discusses her role as a teacher for Plain Wellness, an organization that supports mental health through woodworking, and the joy of seeing students (both kids and adults) empower themselves through the craft.
• Farm Life: A glimpse into Ashley's life outside the shop, managing beef cows and her family's deep roots in the dairy industry.

• Alex Duffey: Prepping for "UFO Fest" with 75 D&D dice boxes, Sasquatch and UFO earrings, and custom LED UFO lights.
• Ashley Pieper: Finishing a set of countertop stools and a scale model commission of a historic corner chair for a client.
• Alex Adams: Recovering from a busy track coaching schedule and preparing to set up his new Next Wave Shark CNC for upcoming projects.

The crew discusses inspiring work from the community, including:

• KG Woodcraft: A massive 48-inch hand-carved musky fish.
• Lou Taylor: Vibrant marquetry patterns and brooches.
• Merg Works (Morgan Pell): Incredible pictorial woven brooms.
• Nora Burghardt: A whimsical 8-foot tall rocking chair collaboration.
• Giles Newman: Intricate nature-themed carvings and wooden rings.
• Shock the Fox: Specialized CNC-aided guitar building.
• Legards Furniture: Elegant seating with unique stretcher designs.

Guest Info: Find Ashley Pieper at shallowcreekwoodcraft.com or on Instagram @shallowcreekwoodcraft. Learn more about her classes at plainwellness.org.

Hosts Alex Adams and Alex Duffey welcome a powerhouse duo to the show: Hunter Locke and Brandon Smith co-hosts of the upcoming Maine Woodworking Event. This episode is a deep dive into high-end shop setups, niche product development, and the hilarious perils of Facebook Marketplace.

Shop Talk & Tool Envy: The Alexes' get a virtual tour of Brandon’s impressive shop, featuring a massive "tool wall of fame" stocked with Woodpeckers, Bessie clamps, and premium saws. Meanwhile, Alex Adams shares his recovery from a back injury and the chaos of prepping his garage for a brand-new CNC delivery—all while helping his son navigate the "teachable moment" of a woodworking mishap involving a bowl gouge.

Niche Craftsmanship:

• Hunter Locke discusses his fascinating shift into the world of traditional Chinese tea ceremonies, designing custom Kumiko tea tables for a certified tea sommelier.
• Brandon Smith reveals his new "Book-Tok" inspired product line: laser-engraved bookmarks themed for horror and sci-fi, sparking a collaborative brainstorming session on creative packaging.
• Alex Duffey is in "full UFO mode," prepping 80 custom lamps and painting Northern Lights-inspired wall art for the upcoming UFO Fest.

The "What’s Your Breaking Point" Segment: Hunter recounts a heartbreaking (and relatable) "Marketplace Fail" where he sold his current drum sander before securing a new one—leaving him sander-less but with enough cash to pivot into a new 3D printer.

• Special Guests: Hunter Locke & Brandon Smith
• Sponsor: Next Wave CNC (American-made desktop CNCs)
• Patreon: patreon.com/whatchamakinshop
• Instagram: @DuffeyWoodcraft | @TypeAFurniture