Why do we make things by hand? And why do we make them beautiful? Led by those questions, Melanie Falick went on a transformative, inspiring journey through the world of contemporary makers. Traveling across continents, she met quilters and potters, weavers and painters, metalsmiths, printmaker, woodworkers, and more, and uncovered truths that have been speaking to us for millennia yet feel urgently relevant today: We make in order to slow down. To connect with others. To express ideas and emotions, feel competent, create something tangible and long-lasting. And to feed the soul. With revealing portraits and gorgeous original photographs, Making a Life captures all the joy of making and the power it has to give our lives authenticity and meaning.