[INVESTIGATION] Craft workshops, a growing activity of sharing

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The Editor

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They have long been criticized, yet they are experiencing a new resurgence. For the past decade, manual professions and particularly the artisanship have been gaining in popularity. Whether as a professional revelation or a discovery during a workshop, handmade creations attract and seem to have bright days ahead.

Tools are scattered on the solid wood table that sits in the center of the room. As we walk through the door, the smell of leather immediately fills our nostrils. Here and there, samples, prototypes in progress, and leather bags adorn the walls, furniture, and display case. While Joshua, an intern, is busy making a small leather goods piece, Tiffanny Maquin-Roy, a former leather goods maker, is organizing the upcoming creative workshops that she will lead. Since 2020, the craftswoman has set up her studio, L'Atelier, on Rue Lucien-Sampaix, in the 10th arrondissement. A place where she, as she describes herself as an "artist at heart", gives free rein to her creativity and shares her knowledge and techniques of saddle stitching, a craft that is now seldom taught. A place where she indulges daily in a profession that excites her, after spending 20 years as an employee in the digital world.

Like Tiffany, many French people have chosen to change professions to turn to manual trades and thus revive the art of craftsmanship. According to Insee, the number of artisanal businesses increased by 11.3% between 2013 and 2014, reaching 1.2 million. In 2017, this number rises to 1.5 million and according to data from the Chambers of Trades and Crafts, France currently has 1.9 million artisanal businesses, across all sectors – food, construction, production, services – including 60,000 exclusively dedicated to crafts. Craftsmanship is therefore experiencing astonishing growth, years after being partially neglected in favor of new technologies, digitization, and artificial intelligence. Who are these 2.0 artisans and how do they bring a breath of modernity to these age-old professions?


A new breath after the Covid-19 pandemic

Ceramist, stonecutter, glassblower, leatherworker, cabinetmaker... Faced with classic models of thinking that measure a person's success in relation to their degree, mentalities are evolving to make room for listening to oneself and one's des.getExternalStoragetvoices. Craftsmen embody this change by returning to traditional crafts and showcasing their unique talents, bringing a fresh air of creativity and authenticity to their respective fields.

Sires. The Covid-19 pandemic has also shaken up our certainties by encouraging introspection and reevaluation of our choices. Many people have decided to turn to manual trades, reconnecting with the Earth and its materials, in search of authenticity and meaning. S desires. "I come from a very traditional family where you had to get a higher education degree to become a doctor or lawyer, so I did a double degree in business and engineering. But I quickly realized that I needed creativity, not to be stuck behind a desk. I love going from idea to object, I knew that with ceramics, I would be more free," explains Anne Loquineau, a young ceramist. New techniques, new influences, this generation of new artisans are taking on ancient practices to bring a breath of modernity. According to the Onisep, more than 1000 establishments are accessible for training in 281 art professions in France. "People are interested, classes and training sessions are Wow, can you believe it? It had never happened before," she notes. Usually more male-dominated, these professions are also experiencing a gradual feminization. Out of the 3.1 million artisans counted by the Chambers of Crafts and Artisanry, 23% are women. .
Hello there! If you're a fan of arts and crafts, you're in for a treat! The art craft industry has been making a big comeback in recent years, but it really hit its stride in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. The health crisis caused a shift towards manual and artistic disciplines, with values and consumption habits changing with each lockdown. Many people started exploring creative hobbies at home during this time, leading some to discover hidden talents and even pursue new careers. It's never too late to chase your passions, as Ana Bravo, a talented ceramist, notes that people of all ages are turning to vocational training to nurture their artistic skills. One exciting trend that emerged is the rise of artisanal workshops, where people can come together to learn, create, and share knowledge. Whether you're a seasoned expert or a complete beginner, these workshops offer a space to explore new and exciting crafts. So why not join in on the fun and discover the joy of handmade creations? Whether you prefer to work on your own or with a group, you'll have the opportunity to learn from professional artisans in disciplines like ceramics. For Jacob, a young IT professional, the choice of ceramics was a natural one. The tactile nature of clay and the satisfaction of mastering a new skill drew him in. The possibilities for creative expression are endless, making it an addictive joy.

Are you ready for a fun and fulfilling experience?

These workshops are not just a solo activity – they are perfect for team building events, romantic dates, bachelorette/bachelor parties, and more. Sharing the experience with others makes it even more special. So why not consider gifting a workshop to a loved one for a memorable and creative experience together? Let your creativity flow and have fun exploring new crafts with others!


©Wecandoo

Come join us in the world of craftsmanship and human connection with Wecandoo. Meet Ana, Anne, and Tiffanny who share their passion through workshops on this amazing platform. Founded in 2017 by Edouard Eyglunent, Gregoire Hugon, and Arnaud Tiret, Wecandoo showcases over 3000 artisans and 6000 workshops all across France. Learn pottery, perfume making, beer brewing, knife forging, and so much more with these unique experiences waiting for you.


Sharing skills and ensuring stability

"Passion is key," emphasizes Ana, stressing the importance of passing on knowledge and experiences. For artisans like Ana, teaching their craft is a way to share their legacy and earn extra income. Despite the challenges of making a living solely through selling their creations, artisans thrive through platforms like boutiques, websites, and markets.

"If you seek a stable income, a traditional job might be a safer choice," Ana advises. Thanks to Wecandoo, each craftsman receives an average of 800€ per month, providing stability and financial security.Financial security is important for a stress-free future. 💰✨ #financialfreedom #moneygoals
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Artisan, teacher... In order for an artisanal society to be sustainable nowadays, one must know how to wear multiple hats and also become a business owner, communication manager, accountant or even content creator. Although Wecandoo allows them to reach a wider clientele with an older average age, word-of-mouth and social networks also play a key role in strengthening their reputation. "I would love to only work on my pieces, but I also need to gain visibility on social networks," says Anne. To stand out from the over 250 artisans offering workshops in Paris, one must innovate, offer new experiences, and build a strong presence online.For the three artisans, each day presents a new challenge, but they are determined to create something original and stay competitive with their pricing. Seeing the smiles and relaxation on their customers' faces is what keeps them motivated to continue their craft. As Tiffanny puts it, "That doesn't make me want to do anything else." For more artisan stories, check out the podcast by Lisa Millet. And if you're interested in the resurgence of craftsmanship, be sure to watch the report by Arte. You can also delve deeper into the world of artisans with Richard Sennett's book, "The Craftsman: Culture and Skill," published by Albin Michel. So, let's celebrate the joy of creating and appreciate the dedication of these talented artisans!