Yours For The Making with Robin Johnson

Robin Johnson talks with master marquetarian and teacher Audrey Fasquelle in a detailed exploration of the craft, technique and mindset behind one of the most demanding decorative arts. Audrey shares her journey from early cabinet making in France to advanced marquetry for luxury vehicles, along with her teaching roles at Farnham, West Dean and Robinson House Studio. She explains how veneers behave, how grain direction shapes outcomes, how colours and undertones must be read correctly and why mistakes should be expected and embraced. This episode highlights the real labour behind fine marquetry, the problem solving required for curved work, the rising interest in handmade detail and the importance of slowing down, preparing carefully and training your eye. A clear and honest look at a craft that rewards patience, precision and obsession with detail. Key Topics CoveredWhat marquetry is and why it behaves like a wood based jigsawHow Audrey trained across cabinet making, wood turning and carvingWhy veneers break and how to avoid grain related failuresHow colour undertones in wood influence design choicesHow to cut, prepare and assemble intricate patterns by handThe value of slow work, patience and a prepared mindsetWhat it takes to teach marquetry at West Dean, Farnham and Robinson HouseHow luxury car interiors use high level marquetry in curved formsWhy detailed work demands acceptance of mistakesHow Audrey became a recognised master in her fieldHow long detailed marquetry really takes from drawing to pressingWhy the craft continues to evolve through new materials and flexible veneersEnjoying 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 What marquetry is and why it works like a jigsaw01:20 How veneers behave and why pressing technique matters03:30 Grain direction and why most beginners snap their first pieces05:40 Patience, preparation and understanding imperfections07:05 Audrey’s journey from cabinet making to marquetry training11:20 Difference between marquetry and parquetry13:10 Early career challenges and failed attempts at a marquetry business in France15:20 Working at Silverlining and later moving into luxury automotive marquetry17:40 Creative demands of high level bespoke interiors19:10 Learning laser cutting to support modern marquetry practice20:00 Teaching at West Dean and adapting to different student personalities26:40 Speaking for woodworker guilds and joining the Farnham teaching team31:00 Teaching at Robinson House Studio and learning to handle student frustration35:00 Balancing full time work...

Robin Johnson sits down with Biesse Sales Manager Mark Trapnell for a detailed look at manufacturing, production flow, tooling decisions, CNC capability and the practical realities of running a modern workshop. Mark shares his journey from apprentice heavy goods mechanic to senior roles across major manufacturing businesses before moving into machinery consultancy. He explains why understanding process flow, input quality, tooling choices and skill sets matters more than any single machine. This episode gives clear insight into lean thinking, production efficiency, value stream mapping and what small makers should consider before investing in CNC machinery. A grounded conversation full of practical advice for anyone working with wood, materials or complex workshop processes.Key Topics CoveredHow Mark moved from heavy goods engineering into large scale wood manufacturingLessons from mass production and why seconds matter when scaling outputHow lean thinking applies to small artisan workshopsValue stream mapping and why wasted movement destroys efficiencyThe real cost of poor tooling and why the cheapest cutters can damage qualityHow to decide if your workshop is ready for CNCWhy skill shortages are shaping the future of makingExpanding into stone, glass and advanced materialsWhat a first time CNC buyer must evaluate before spending moneyHow Biesse machines support small and mid sized makers with complex workflows Enjoying 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 Mark’s background and early career in heavy goods engineering04:00 Moving into woodworking and large scale pine furniture manufacturing08:30 Training, City and Guilds progression and early CNC exposure12:00 Managing teams, production flow and why seconds matter at scale17:50 Lean principles and the importance of correct input processes21:30 Cutting waste, skip costs and understanding value stream mapping25:20 Why lean is pointless without clear information from designers and clients29:50 The reality of manufacturing for prisons and major tier one contractors33:40 Lessons from running workshops without formal training38:30 Complex refurbishment projects including House of Lords benches42:00 Joining Biesse and why real production experience matters in sales46:30 Choosing the right CNC and why Mark refuses to oversell machines49:10 Should small makers consider stone and advanced materials52:00 What first time machine buyers must understand before investing55:30 Why skilled labour plus CNC creates the strongest workflow59:40 Advice for young makers and why...

Furniture designer Stephen Clark from Clark & Co joins Robin Johnson for a detailed look at how real product design works behind the glossy brochures. Stephen explains the journey from university projects to designing mass market furniture for major retailers and then shifting into high end bespoke manufacturing. He talks openly about the pressure of designing for different budgets, why accessible good design matters, and how storytelling and communication shape every product that reaches a customer. This conversation breaks down the creative process, the reality of British manufacturing, the rise of AI in design, and the responsibility designers carry when their work ends up in thousands of homes. It is a practical and honest guide for makers, designers and anyone who wants to understand how furniture is really made.Key Topics CoveredHow Stephen Clark found his way into furniture designWhat retail design actually involves and how budgets shape everythingThe difference between designing for Argos, Homebase and NextTransitioning into bespoke, handmade, high end furnitureStarting Clark and Co and building a design business from scratchThe importance of understanding the customer journeyHow storytelling, photography and marketing drive salesBalancing creative vision with manufacturing constraintsHow AI and augmented reality are changing product designWhy communication is the most important design skillStephen’s vision for future British design and commercial rangesEnjoying 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 Stephen Clark and how he found furniture design00:53 Moving from university into retail with Home Retail Group03:01 What it takes to design for different retailers and budgets03:42 Shifting into bespoke manufacturing with Friend Group08:54 Why Stephen started Clark and Co and changed direction11:26 Understanding the customer journey and design communication17:29 Balancing high end design with budget and manufacturing constraints25:21 How AI supports the workflow of modern designers34:46 Using augmented reality to help customers visualise furniture40:57 Stephen’s future plans and long term design vision

Jacob Lockwood joins Robin Johnson to unpack the reality of building a premium clothing brand in Britain at a time when most of the industry has outsourced its craft. Jacob explains how he turned his military needs into a business that now designs and manufactures high grade British smocks using Cordura, Harris Tweed and UK sourced materials. He talks openly about the real cost of making things properly in the UK, the struggle to find skilled machinists, the shift in consumer mindset towards buying fewer but better items, and the pressure of scaling a product while refusing to compromise on quality. Jacob also shares how he built traction without an agency, the role of social media in driving demand, and his vision to grow a British brand that stands for durability, skill and long term value.Key Topics CoveredBuilding premium British smocks from military experienceWhy Jacob refused to outsource manufacturing overseasThe rising demand for durable and long lasting clothingThe challenge of sourcing UK materials and skilled labourThe financial reality of British manufacturingHow social media drives high intent customersHow to build a brand through trust and product integrityWhy British craftsmanship still mattersFuture plans for new product lines and expansionPersonal lessons from building a business from scratchEnjoying 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 Jacob and the story behind Lockwood Premium British Smocks2:11 How military experience shaped his design philosophy4:18 Why consumers are shifting towards premium clothing7:35 The true cost and difficulty of British manufacturing10:24 The challenge of finding skilled British makers13:38 When a brand must slow down to protect quality14:10 The role of social media in attracting loyal buyers22:40 Why he refuses to compromise on materials34:32 Future product plans and ambitions for the brand37:50 Lessons Jacob learned while building the business1:06:45 The wider impact of UK manufacturing on the economy1:08:07 Final thoughts and Jacob’s long term vision

James Burtt joins Robin Johnson to share his remarkable journey from a failed radio presenter and cabaret singer to becoming one of the UK’s leading podcast producers. Having launched almost 200 shows—with 98% charting on iTunes—James reveals the strategies behind creating, growing, and monetising successful podcasts. He breaks down why podcasting is the most underused marketing tool for businesses, how authenticity drives long-term results, and why most creators quit before the breakthrough. From early missteps in radio to building Phonic, a thriving podcast production agency, this episode is packed with straight-talking advice for creators, entrepreneurs, and brands who want to stand out through storytelling.Key Topics CoveredHow James turned failure in radio into podcast successThe early mistakes that shaped his career and business mindseThe real reason most podcasts fail before episode sevenHow to monetise a podcast without relying on adsBuilding brand authority and trust through consistent contentThe importance of guest selection and audience alignmentBehind-the-scenes of launching 189 charting showsAdvice for aspiring podcasters: start now, get perfect laterEnjoying 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 podcast producer James Burtt03:25 – From failed radio presenter to discovering podcasting05:55 – How Phonic was born during the pandemic07:18 – How to monetise a podcast without ads12:15 – The power of guest selection and tactical networking17:22 – Why you don’t need fancy equipment to start a podcast21:41 – Lessons from Steven Bartlett and Joe Rogan’s rise26:45 – Why most creators give up too soon30:45 – The importance of authenticity in building an audience39:00 – How to choose the right guests for long-term growth46:49 – Advice for aspiring podcasters: define your version of success53:36 – The truth about content quality and audience fit56:39 – Life advice: stickability, consistency, and learning your craft1:00:49 – Why persistence always wins