Yours For The Making with Robin Johnson

• The Art of Handmade Furniture with Andrea Felice

  In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Andrea Felice, the Italian-born furniture maker behind Andrea Felice Bespoke Furniture. Andrea blends traditional joinery with sculptural design, creating handcrafted pieces that balance artistry, craftsmanship, and functionality. He shares his journey from his family’s furniture business in Italy to building a bespoke studio in London, his collaborations with designers like Rebecca James, and the challenges of preserving artisan skills in a world dominated by mass production and CNC machines. Andrea also opens up about the pressures of running a small workshop, the role of tools in inspiring design, and why patience and persistence remain essential for anyone entering the trade.Key Topics CoveredAndrea Felice’s journey from Italy to London and starting his own studioThe balance between artistic integrity and financial survival in furniture makingChallenges of scaling a small artisan businessThe value of prototyping and one-off projectsThe future of bespoke craftsmanship in a technology-driven worldThe role of tools as inspiration and creative driversWork-life balance and managing client relationshipsThe skills gap in joinery and the importance of apprenticeshipsCollaboration with designers and creating unique collectionsAdvice for young people entering woodworking and furniture designEnjoying the show?Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Key Moments:00:00 – Robin introduces Andrea Felice and his hybrid artisan approach02:00 – Merging traditional training with sculptural design05:30 – Complex projects and the value of prototyping08:40 – Why bespoke work costs more than mass production14:00 – CNC machines versus traditional craftsmanship18:20 – Growing up in an Italian furniture-making family22:50 – Starting a business in London and surviving the 2008 downturn29:00 – Gentrification and the loss of artisan workshops in London32:40 – The lasting value of handcrafted furniture35:20 – Running a business with a partner and dividing responsibilities43:00 – Work-life balance, filtering clients, and reducing stress53:00 – The skills gap in joinery and training apprentices1:02:00 – Sources of inspiration from tools, materials, and nature1:08:40 – Collaboration with designer Rebecca James and their collection1:15:00 – The obsession with tools and workshop life1:18:30 – Andrea’s advice for aspiring woodworkers: patience and persistence

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• From VW Restorations to Bespoke Joinery with Russell Birt

  In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Russell Birt from Birt Williams Bespoke Joinery in Eastbourne. Russell shares his journey from restoring a 1974 Volkswagen camper to running a thriving joinery business. He opens up about taking over a workshop at 31, surviving accidents and setbacks, and building a partnership that balances traditional hand skills with modern CNC technology. The conversation covers conservation joinery, the challenges of pricing and time management, the value of apprentices, and why quality always wins over speed. Packed with insight for makers, joiners, woodworkers and anyone passionate about craft, this episode explores the realities of keeping traditional skills alive while adapting to the pressures of modern business.Key Topics CoveredRussell’s journey from VW restoration to professional joineryBuying and running a joinery business at 31Balancing traditional craftsmanship with CNC machinesThe importance of conservation joinery in heritage projectsPricing jobs and managing client expectationsRunning a small workshop with a business partnerWork-life balance and flexibility in joineryPassing skills to apprentices and the next generationWhy quality matters more than cutting cornersFuture goals for Burtt Williams Bespoke JoineryEnjoying the show?Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Key Moments:00:00 – Introduction to Russell Burtt and the joinery community in Eastbourne01:00 – From VW restoration to pursuing joinery02:00 – Buying a workshop at 31 and early challenges05:00 – Business setbacks and recovery with new partnerships09:00 – Adapting to quieter markets and investing in CNC technology13:00 – Balancing tradition with modern machines17:00 – Ownership of projects and importance of the finish20:00 – Campervan interiors and CNC opportunities25:00 – Pricing challenges and managing time effectively33:00 – Balancing office work and workshop life39:00 – The joy of making and rekindling passion43:00 – Passing skills down through apprenticeships46:00 – The future of conservation joinery54:00 – Favourite parts of joinery and the love of timber01:00:00 – Challenges of conservation work and heritage restrictions01:06:00 – Partnerships, flexibility, and running a small workshop01:10:00 – Why quality work builds reputation and wins clients01:11:00 – Advice for young joiners starting out

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• Guy Watts on Architectural Plants, Apprenticeships and Extreme Adventures

  In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Guy Watts, Managing Director of Architectural Plants in West Sussex. Guy shares how his 32-acre nursery grows 60–70% of plants on site, using propagation, grafting and container growing to produce hardy, long-lasting trees and shrubs. He explains why the business invests heavily in apprenticeships, creative maintenance and AI-driven garden design.The conversation also dives into Guy’s personal story, from rowing across the Indian Ocean to earning his pilot’s licence, and how extreme challenges shaped his leadership and resilience. Listeners will also hear about unusual projects like helicopter-delivered trees, solar-powered plant labs and why vocational training is key to the future of horticulture.Perfect for gardeners, landscapers, horticulture students, sustainability professionals and anyone fascinated by the business of plants and the culture of making.Key Topics CoveredThe origins and operations of Architectural Plants in West SussexPropagation, grafting and why hardy plants matter in the UK climateContainer growing, irrigation systems and customer garden designApprenticeships, vocational training and inspiring young people into horticultureCreative maintenance and events like Clip FestUse of AI and technology in nursery operations and customer experienceExtreme adventures including rowing across the Indian Ocean and flying lessonsCompany culture, resilience and lessons from running a large nurseryEnjoying the show?Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Key Moments:00:00 Introduction to Guy Watts and Architectural Plants04:40 How the nursery grows and propagates plants08:30 Guy’s early gardening experiences in Rye12:20 Creative maintenance and Clip Fest at Chelsea Flower Show15:00 Apprenticeships and training the next generation20:00 Challenges in recruiting young people into horticulture25:00 Balancing technology with traditional horticultural skills36:50 Solar power, plant labs and rare propagation45:00 Designing gardens and customer experience with AI50:00 Delivering trees by helicopter and extreme logistics53:50 Why Guy got his pilot’s licence55:30 Rowing across the Indian Ocean for 102 days66:40 Lessons from Streetscape charity and resilience in business70:00 Advice for young people entering horticulture

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• The Art of Gilding and Mirror Making with Shaun Phelan

  In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson speaks with Shaun Phelan, gilder and mirror maker, whose career began in 1996. Shaun explains the detailed craft of gilding, from preparing wood with layers of gesso to the flexibility of water gilding and the creation of burnished finishes. He shares how his work evolved from antique frames to convex mirrors, pigmented glass, and bespoke furniture.Shaun talks about his early influences, the rise of social media in bringing new commercial commissions, and his collaborations with Asian factories that allow him to combine rare materials like onyx and amber into new designs. He reflects on balancing artistic creativity with commercial demand and the importance of innovation in keeping a centuries-old craft alive.Key Topics CoveredShaun Phelan’s journey into gilding starting in 1996The process of water gilding and the role of gessoTransition from antique frames to convex and coloured mirrorsPigmented glass and experimenting with nitrate finishesThe impact of Instagram on commercial successCollaborations with Asian factories on bespoke furniture and lightingChallenges of balancing artistic integrity with commercial projectsUsing materials like onyx, amber onyx and alabaster in designPlans for expanding visibility through online platformsAdvice for young makers on failure and resilienceEnjoying the show?Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Key Moments:00:00 – Robin introduces Shaun Phelan, gilder and mirror maker01:18 – Explaining gilding and the role of gesso layers04:14 – Why Shaun prefers water gilding to oil gilding05:39 – Childhood influences and fascination with antiques06:47 – Moving from gilded frames into mirrors09:03 – How Instagram brought new commercial work12:47 – Partnering with Asian factories and bespoke production18:06 – Returning to gilding for artists and commissions21:16 – The creative process behind pigmented glass mirrors26:14 – Expanding into furniture and lighting design34:08 – The challenges of retail versus commercial focus41:25 – Where Shaun’s mirrors fit best and why exclusivity matters47:29 – Advice to his younger self about failure and resilience49:00 – Finding Shaun online and the role of Instagram

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• From Plumbing to Pizza with Dan Caldieraro of Brewing Brothers

  In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson speaks with Dan Caldieraro, executive chef and director of Brewing Brothers, the team behind some of Hastings’ best pizza and pasta. Dan shares his unexpected journey from plumbing with his father in Italy to finding his calling in the kitchen, inspired by his brother. He explains the realities of working in a high-pressure restaurant, the importance of quality ingredients, and why slow fermentation and wood-fired ovens transform pizza dough.Dan also talks about fresh pasta, the difference between egg and semolina pasta, and why gnocchi holds a special place in his heart. He opens up about the balance of being a new dad while leading a kitchen, the creative buzz of seasonal tasting nights, and why simplicity and proper technique are at the core of Italian cooking.Key Topics CoveredDan Caldieraro’s journey from plumbing to cookingThe experience of working in a busy Italian restaurant kitchenMoving to Hastings and joining Brewing BrothersWhy wood-fired ovens create the best pizzaThe science of flour blends, yeast, and slow fermentationFresh pasta versus dried pasta and the secret of textureGnocchi and the role of nostalgia in foodRunning tasting nights and using seasonal produceBalancing family life and the pressures of hospitalityFuture plans for Brewing Brothers and the ImperialEnjoying the show?Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Key Moments:00:00 – Introduction to Dan Caldieraro of Brewing Brothers01:15 – From plumbing in Italy to cooking with his brother03:35 – The intensity of a busy restaurant kitchen05:20 – Falling in love with Hastings and joining Brewing Brothers07:57 – Opening the Imperial and starting with pizza09:36 – Why wood-fired ovens change everything12:12 – Blending different flours and slow fermentation for pizza dough17:08 – The science of heat and perfect crusts21:38 – Fresh pasta versus dried pasta and cooking times25:16 – The ritual and joy of making pasta at home29:40 – Gnocchi and childhood favourites31:45 – Hosting seasonal tasting nights with foraged and local ingredients34:54 – Pizza as the winning model at the Imperial37:17 – Favourite pizza toppings and experimenting with flavours40:42 – Pasta, sauces, and the Italian food code43:48 – Advice for aspiring chefs and the value of asking questions45:17 – Where to find Dan and Brewing Brothers

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