In his practical and philosophical exploration of the art of making things, master craftsman Nick Kary considers how working with our hands reveals the essence of our humanity and our relationship with the natural, material world. Having been both a teacher and a student of craft over the past four decades, he takes readers along to visit some of the places where modern artisans are preserving, and in some cases passing on, traditional craft skills. Kary's vivid descriptions and eye for detail make this a delightful read, illustrated with wood block prints by Lou Tonkin.

"[Kary's] inquiry goes to the soul of what 'making' with our hands is, and how artists entwine physically and emotionally with their materials."—Library Journal