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Elijah Vance

Senior Editor, Makers & Craft

Elijah Vance is the Senior Editor for Makers & Craft at Porch & Press, where he champions the stories behind heirloom-quality goods. With a background in industrial design criticism, he brings a discerning eye to everything from hand-thrown pottery to bespoke furniture. Previously, he was a lead journalist at 'Modern Maker' magazine, where his series on Appalachian woodworking won a National Magazine Award. Elijah believes that a well-lived life is furnished with objects that carry intention and history, and his work seeks to connect readers with the artisans who create them.

Expertise

American CraftsmanshipProduct DesignSustainable MaterialsArtisan ProfilesFurniture History

Coverage Areas

Makers & Craft
Goods & Finds

Latest Articles

Traditional Kashmiri houseboats with intricate carvings on a low-water Dal Lake, symbolizing cultural heritage and environmental challenges.
Makers & Craft

Kashmir's Houseboats Face Preservation Challenges Amidst Cultural Decline

Farooq Ahmad Nagoo lost both of his houseboats to a prolonged dry spell, creating dry patches in the lake, a stark reminder of the environmental and policy challenges threatening Kashmir's iconic floa

Jun 8, 2026 · 3 min read

Close-up of a craftsman's hands carefully carving a wooden Torii gate with traditional Japanese tools in a bright workshop.
Makers & Craft

Learning Japanese woodcarving techniques online

For just 6 hours, an aspiring artisan can now join a live Zoom class to learn the intricate craft of building a Japanese Torii gate, a skill once passed down through decades of apprenticeship.

Jun 7, 2026 · 3 min read

Close-up of indigenous artisan's hands embroidering intricate details onto the Adidas Mexico World Cup jersey, showcasing traditional craftsmanship.
Makers & Craft

Adidas x Someone Somewhere El Tri Collection Weaves 150+ Artisans' Traditions

Over 15 months, 150 indigenous women artisans in Naupan, Puebla, meticulously brought 100,000 unique embellishments to life for Adidas's new Mexico World Cup jersey.

Jun 6, 2026 · 4 min read

A close-up view of handcrafted wooden bowls and ceramic mugs at a New England craft fair, showcasing regional artistry.
Goods & Finds

New England Home Goods Showcasing Regional Craftsmanship

In the past two years alone, The Great New England Craft & Artisan Shows, including the upcoming Sea Glass and Craft Festival, has channeled thousands of dollars into local charities according to GNE

Jun 5, 2026 · 5 min read

A close-up of an artisan's hands skillfully crafting a unique handmade object in a sunlit workshop, highlighting the dedication to regional craftsmanship.
Makers & Craft

How Regional Makers Are Thriving

The City of Staunton recently secured a $15,000 state grant in 2026, complemented by local business funds, to launch 'For the Love of,' a digital documentary series showcasing its regional makers.

Jun 3, 2026 · 3 min read

A beautifully renovated 1930s Houston brick home showcasing a vibrant exterior paint transformation with updated finishes.
Homes & Listings

1930s Houston Home Gets Vibrant Paint Transformation

In Houston, a 1935 brick home, nearly a century old and requiring foundation repair, was dramatically reimagined by interior designer Minnette Jackson.

May 31, 2026 · 2 min read

A rustic workshop displaying award-winning artisanal goods, featuring a bottle of black walnut liqueur, bathed in warm sunlight.
Goods & Finds

Artisanal Goods From The American South

A West Virginian's black walnut liqueur, crafted in the heart of the Appalachian South, recently won an award for best nut cordial at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

May 29, 2026 · 6 min read

A lively artisan market inside Sangster International Airport, featuring a wide selection of authentic Jamaican handcrafted products and local vendors.
Makers & Craft

Jamaica opens new artisan district at Sangster Airport

Over 100 local Jamaican creatives and artisans now showcase their handcrafted products at the newly opened Artisan District within Sangster International Airport.

May 29, 2026 · 2 min read

A skilled artisan working in a warm, inviting workshop contrasted with a cold, impersonal factory floor producing mass-produced goods.
Goods & Finds

What Is the Artisan Illusion and Why Authenticity Matters?

Terms like 'artisan' and 'heritage' are now routinely slapped on mass-produced items by large corporations, making it harder than ever to find genuine local craftsmanship.

May 19, 2026 · 4 min read

Skilled Ilorin artisans weaving colorful Aso-Ofi fabric, showcasing traditional craftsmanship and community empowerment through local support initiatives.
Makers & Craft

Local Initiatives Boost Artisan Support Amidst Craftsmanship Boom

On a Saturday in May 2026, local craftsmen and women in Ilorin received complete Aso-Ofi weaving materials, part of an initiative directly combating rural flight.

May 18, 2026 · 5 min read