Wednesday, April 8, 2020

8 Super Chill Maker Youtube Channels That Are Completely Addicting

I'm not on YouTube TOO much - it can easily suck my whole day away - but I do have some favorite channels I think you guys are gonna like! Here they come, in no particular order:



1) Rescue & Restore takes old tin toys and makes them look brand new again. His videos are SO SATISFYING, like a balm for your brain when you're feeling frazzled. I mean, first you think the sand-blasting is the shiz, and then he bakes on the enamel paint. DUUUUUUDE. So good.

Here, take a look:


My only complaint is he only has 17 videos so far. Trust me, you'll blow through those fast!

*****




 2) Creative Mom

Creative Mom makes the most incredible fairy houses from upcycled "trash" like plastic soda bottles and cardboard, which she then covers with paper clay. It's fun watching her start with a simple bottle and then 10 minutes later there's this elaborate fairy house (or pirate ship or wagon or whatnot) in front of you.


She's been at this for YEARS, too, so there are tons of magical builds to watch on her channel.

*****


 3) Adam Savage's One Day Builds

Adam is my favorite Maker because of his unabashed enthusiasm; it's pure joy and totally infectious. His One Day Builds are a subsection of Tested's channel, and so far there are 66 of them. Here's one of his more recent ones that's actually his first ever how-to:




Hit the link up there for the whole list.

*****

I think I'm in the minority who didn't like Christine McConnell's Netflix show all that much, but I LOVE her new Youtube show. I like that these episodes are ALL her, all her creations, with no puppets or scripted drama added in. Christine is kind of a modern day Morticia Adams-meets-June Cleaver, and you're either going to fall in love with her creepy aesthetic or be seriously weirded out, haha. I'll show you her home tour video here because it's my favorite, but her other videos after this are very chill craft projects:




The amount of details she puts into her creations is completely staggering, so even when she claims she's doing a how-to, I advise just sitting back and enjoying the lovely, scenic ride.

*****

This is the only Youtube channel John and I consider appointment viewing: as soon as I see there's a new one up, we'll sit down together that night to watch it. Who would guess that painting restoration could be so enthralling? But boy howdy, IS IT.

Some of Baumgartner's earlier videos have two options: narrated or ASMR. I generally prefer narrated, just because I like to hear what he's doing and why, and honestly his narration is just as soothing:



Clearly I have a type when it comes to videos: seeing old things made new is my jam. There are also some excellent furniture restorers on YouTube, btw, so do a search for those if you're like me.

*****



6) Bobby Duke Arts

Bobby Duke is definitely the least "chill" Maker on this list, but he's ridiculously funny and an absolute joy to watch. I don't think I can prepare you for Bobby's... er... unique brand of video-editing humor, so just watch the first few minutes of this:



If you're still watching after the first few minutes, you're gonna love this guy. Also when I watched this particular video it was before Bobby changed the thumbnail to give away the ending, and I legit YELLED in horror when his sculpture fell. Oh man. So painful. But what a fun ride to get there.

*****

These next two channels I found through John, who's on YouTube a lot more than I am and always shares the best gems:




7) Jon Townsends does 18th century cooking using antique recipes, period cookware, and even a replica 18th century kitchen! He's basically the Bob Ross of period cooking, and it's fun watching him make and try stuff when even *he* doesn't know how it will turn out.

Here's one of the first videos I ever watched of his, and it even tempted me to try the recipe! I never did, of course, but I was tempted.


 *****

And finally, going even earlier than the 18th century with another guy named John, there's:



8) Primitive Technology

The channel description sounds mildly horrifying since it's billed as "survivalist", but I promise there are no doomsday preparations here. This is just a half-naked guy in the Australian bush building mud huts and hand tools using only what he can find in nature.


His videos have no music and no narration, so the only sounds are from what he's building. If you turn on the captions, you can read about what he's doing, too. These are really relaxing and surprisingly fascinating!


***** 

Oh right, John just reminded me I should probably put our own channel in here, too. So yes, while you're over there, please subscribe to Epbot, and maybe see if you've missed any of our past videos!


John's already filming more quick tutorials for you guys, and they hit YouTube before the blog. So watch for those soon!


*****

K, gang, I hope this list introduces you to a few new channels! Obviously I haven't even scratched the surface of what's out there, so feel free to share your favorite Chill Maker Channels in the comments - and if you do, be sure to link to your favorite video on the channel, too, so we can all click over without having to search. Because lazy. :D


47 comments:

  1. I love that so many of those channels are already in my subscriptions!

    A new favourite of mine is AntsCanada, if you're really squicked by bugs maybe not for you! But it's oddly relaxing watching the ants scurry about. The creator has a really great narrating voice and his love and reverence of nature is beautiful.

    Of course, a link too!
    https://youtu.be/pVu4zRW5eso

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  2. Jen— I think Epbots would also enjoy Netflix’s _The Repair Shop_. It’s based in the UK’s Weald and Downland Living Museum and expert restorers bring new life to family treasures, like a violin that was played for prisoners in one of the concentration camps, or a beloved old teddy bear, or great grandma’s china, or a broken music box. I especially love the discussion and decision making around repair vs. restore and the fact that the museum does not charge people for the work they do. Have tissues handy!

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  3. I love Emmymadeinjapan. She is an adventurer, but mostly from her kitchen. She will try new things, she will try to make old things, and she enjoys every minute of it. She is so kind and soothing. I love to watch her when I am stressed out.
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzqbfYjQmf9nLQPMxVgPhiA

    I also love RoyaltySoaps. I don't want to make soap, but I am fascinated by how she makes it. Besides one of the most soothing maker series I've ever seen, she is a true optimist. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLs1ozoolo_-mKZqq6GuEIQ

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    1. I was going to mention Emmy, if she wasn't already mentioned here! Love her. And quite a bit of variety, from making bologna and ketchup cakes, to MREs, tasting exotic fruits, product reviews, foods from around the world, etc.

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  4. Alton Brown's channel. His Quarantine Quitchen live videos, with his wife, Elizabeth, are a scream.

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  5. I love how I'm already subscribed to most of these. Two of my other favorite super chill youtube makers:

    Hanabira, who silently makes really elaborate miniature dioramas/dollhouses. They're so intricate! - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyyp7X9QBvJh6mIoQYJmUuA

    Stinnet Sticks, who carves walking sticks, and includes lots of little bits of him finding wood in nature with his tiny dog. And his narration is so soothing. (He really likes carving realistic snakes, though, so fair warning.) - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiDdaCDetfJBhp5o72UP4xA

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  6. Tickled to see how many of these are also already on my rotation, and to find some new ones. I also enjoy watching gold leafing videos.

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  7. AntsCanada, I don't know how or why I find the rise and fall of ant societies so enthralling, but the narration is so soothing...
    SerpaDesign, but specifically his terrariums, awesome...
    Tony C Smith, a British gardener that popped up in my recommendations, he's really funny and cranky sweet, he doesn't have many followers yet, but his night time harvest was hilarious...
    Northern Mudlarks, a mother and daughter in England that go beach combing (mudlarking) in various trips, finding pretty seaglass, ancient metal relics, and often have a little history to tell about the charming village they are visiting...
    Markiplier, GTLive, Dr Mike, REACT, Christine McConnell, Adam Savage one day builds, Royalty soaps, Bobby Duke,......... I absorb a lot of internet.......

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  8. Bernadette Banner is a woman who makes historical clothing using historical methods. She's soothing and fascinating! And you may branch off from there to Rachel Maksy and Morgan Donner and other lovely ladies and gents of "costube".

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    1. Yes! I second Bernadette Banner, she's wonderful and I love the aesthetic of her videos. <3

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    2. Third! I was going to list her too. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSHtaUm-FjUps090S7crO4Q

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  9. Sweet, more channels to check out! Rescue and Restore sounds right up my alley. :D

    I've recently started watching another restoration channel called Odd Tinkering. He does a lot of tech-related stuff (NES, Gameboy, that sort of thing) but also just random really old stuff (that pencil sharpener every elementary school class had back in the day). Again, so satisfying!

    My Froggy Stuff is probably my favorite maker--she makes upcycled miniatures that are 1/6 scale (or Barbie-sized). I'm always amazed to see her start with a cereal box and paper and end up with a Barbie-sized coffee shop/living room/garden/whatever.

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  10. The only maker channel I'm subscribed to is A priest crafts (a friend from college). My 4 year old was really entranced by this time lapse weaving video: https://youtu.be/ultbsQAd8Ws

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  11. A channel I find soothing is called jedrek29t. He combines resin and woodwork to turn out some really cool stuff. The channel just has a bit of music, no narration, so you can turn it up or down depending on your mood. This is my favorite video of his. He makes this beautiful clock!

    For something short and cute, I like Kittisaurus. Again, no words, just music and sound effects. The editing on this channel is amazing. Also, how can you not love a channel that's mostly about the seven (7!) cats that live with this person in an apartment in Korea? Here's an example of the adorable silliness on this channel.

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  12. No TysyTube Restoration? Super Zen.
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIGEtjevANE0Nqain3EqNSg
    Bobby Duke rocks.

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  13. Li Ziqi is a chinese lady who lives in a beautiful location in China and makes/grows everything- food, furniture, silk, cotton...there is nothing she can't do. Her videos are beautifully shot and I love watching even before the english subtitles get added: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hR4DiU8wcVk

    This other channel isn't a maker but as soon as I saw it I was like...Jenn and John would love this. Doggie Corgi is a channel of adorable animation loops of cute doggos with relaxing music. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcazQWLqQ48

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  14. Our absolute favorite is HMS2, they make miniatures! It's a combination of videos of them putting together miniature kids, and making miniature stuff from scratch. I LOVE watching their tiny food videos, they get so detailed! Also it's mostly silent except the little clicking and rustling noises of making stuff, so it's a great pre-bedtime show. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseOe3MfK8d2IjK2NoEpnaA

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  15. I'm a sewist and costumer, so I'll second (or more) the suggestions of Morgan Donner, Bernadette Banner, and Rachel Maksy! I also have been enjoying the videos from Scraps and Sequins, who's got a combination of modern and historical sewing, and seems like a delightful human... She also has a sugar glider!

    ((Can I self-promote too? I've recently been posting more videos on my youtube channel... The earliest ones were drawing mandalas and cute things, and the newer ones (and likely from now on) are more crafting... https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSwHc38NCbcwsut8pm-3yvg/ ))

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  16. Absolute favorite channels in this arena are My Mechanics (restores old tools, in the same vein as the toy restorer you mentioned), and Andy Phillips, who does woodturning. There is something about the process of making or cleaning things that I just find so soothing. And Baumgartner, obvs.

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  17. I have to comment on the coffee with eggs video. From his reading of the recipe, it sounds like he is really making a coffee custard. Because the coffee is sweetened, if you like coffee, this is probably pretty good. As a non-coffee drinker, I'm thinking it's not my jam.

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  18. Non youtube but Acorn TV service has a lot of shows that are similar. They have a couple art restoratin/art heist shows. But the one that sounds most like what you would like is called A Stitch in Time. A fashion historian (who knew there was such a role?!) looks at a painting and then she and a seamstress/dressmaker/clothesmaker try to recreate the outfit using period materials.

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    1. Oh, A Stitch In Time is on Youtube, for folks who don't have Acorn TV.

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    2. Another vote for A Stitch in Time.

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  19. I love DIY Perks - it's not old made new, it's tech recycled into new and cool. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUQo7nzH1sXVpzL92VesANw My current favorite video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZZGdWV5WX8

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  20. Lan Anh Handmade is a wire jewelry channel with no speaking, just music playing over it as she twists amazing pieces of jewelry out of wire.

    Dulcia Bakery has videos of decorating sugar cookies with royal icing, and includes videos with both English and Spanish text.

    Lofty Pursuits is a candy store in Florida that posts videos of making their hard candies. The owner/narrator has a very soothing, calm voice.

    Luke Towan builds dioramas for model trains that absolutely blow my mind with their realism.

    How to Cook That has tutorials for some amazing cakes and desserts, and her 5-Minute Craft debunking videos of late are fascinating to me.

    And then two who are VERY entertaining but not what I would call "chill" are Barry Lewis, who does cooking videos and is very high energy and fun, and Nick Zammeti, who does unique turning protjects on his lathe, also high energy and fun. I love their channels and didn't want to leave them off the list.

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    1. If you like Lofty Pursuits, you may also like Hercules Candy. They're a family run candy company from Syracuse that does chocolate and hard candy. They're very fun people, and it's nice to watch them chat and work together for an hour. They've done a video or two with Greg from Lofty Pursuits a while back when he was traveling.

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    2. I love How to Cook That and her debunking videos (and her other ones - especially when she makes those antique recipes!)

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  21. My daughter and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Bobby Duke!!! His sense of humor really appeals to us and his art is amazing! My son turned me on to Primitive Technology and I watch it every so often although I find myself wondering if he has to see a doctor regularly for parasites. . I definately going to check out The Mind of Christine McConnell. She sounds very interesting. Thanks for this awesome list.

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  22. Love these! Some new to me folks, which is excellent and much needed. I've got a couple recs myself!

    Evan & Katelyn make fun bright and modern projects, a lot of home goods and home reno stuff too. They're goofy and fun, and have a cute fluffy cat to boot!

    Peter Brown is super talented too. He does beautiful wood and resin projects, including putting all sorts of wacky stuff people send him in resin, and I love watching him work on his lathe, so satisfying!

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    1. I love Peter Brown's makes! He's hilarious, too

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  23. Two of my favorite Chill Makers are Julia Usher (Recipes for a Sweet Life) - she does royal icing tutorials and 3D cookie builds that are absolutely fantastic. Here's a good one that shows off a lot of her skillset: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNhp7WityH4

    Another maker I like is Teresa Pandora Salgado - she does caning (with clay) - and while it's not the best production quality, it's SO relaxing to me to sit and watch her make canes out of nothing - here's an example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaUuyHB_gDY

    I haven't yet tried caning for myself (I need to save up to get a pasta machine), but I've tried royal icing cookies several times now because of Julia Usher. Both these ladies are super awesome!

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  24. Just found Tasting History, only has a few videos yet but so cute and informed while keeping the show going.

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  25. Have you ever looked at Mudlarking videos? Talk about addicting! Here are two of my favorites:

    Nicola White, Tideline Art (She makes glass fish and other cool things from her River Thames finds)

    Sci-Finds (Si has a full mudlark permit, so can go where many can't. Like "Dead Man's Island." Lots of amazing historical finds.

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  26. I've been watching Living Big in a Tiny House - lots of creativity and ecological ideas!

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  27. A favourite of mine is lofty pursuits. Its a candy maker, talking through making candy on retro equipment and the history of ingredients, equipment, flavours etc. His voice is so soothing, and its so interesting (even though, I will put my hands up to it quite frequently sending me to sleep because of how soothing it is!)

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  28. If you like relaxing crafting videos, I recommend The Crafs Man: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzsjHlc0WRwZYwlinsmtM4w Some of the most soothing narration ever.

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  29. I see some old favorites, and so much new stuff to look forward to! I love Baumgartner’s restoration and I total understand what you mean by enthralling. I always ooh and ahh when the dirt and grime come off. I hold my breath when he’s chipping away at the wood panel backing, I marvel at his ability to recreate damaged bits of a painting.
    Some of my favorite maker channels are for crafts I may never try but so enjoy watching:
    David Guyton: https://www.youtube.com/user/davidjguyton.com Amazing armor with simple hand tools.
    Mr. DIY: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6PXXemiR08DKhteCSeM9hQ/videos What this guy can do with cardboard is unbelievable!
    Food Wishes with Chef John: https://www.youtube.com/user/foodwishes Good food, funny chef.
    Let me second some recommendations of favorites. Cheri C is right about HMS2 – his miniatures are amazing! I highly recommend his DIY Miniature Aquarium Fish Tank: https://youtu.be/LEgki4IYB5I
    DIY Perks is a great channel. Matt the host is very enthusiastic and has some great builds – like these Flexible LED Panels: https://youtu.be/qlMtakaa7u8
    And Mis Hap you really beat me to it with TheCrafsMan SteadyCraftin channel. His videos are informative, entertaining, funny and heartwarming! This video is a nice introduction to him https://youtu.be/ycr9bpO-czI

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  30. As it turns out, we've already been watching most of these, hahahaha! Bobby Duke forever! Let's get some wewd!

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  31. Thank you everyone for the awesome suggestions! I've subscribed to a few new channels! I'm looking forward to watching some cool makes!
    -Ally

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  32. Try Shop Time! Peter Brown does some fun crafts, especially with resin, and he's always soothing but funny. Even when something doesn't work, he tries til it does! (Except Plan C. He refuses to tell anyone what Plan C even was, but it is now in the trash.) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3CrzXzBFVqEopj5T1jiRtA

    Also soothing: The Lockpicking Lawyer. It'll make you rethink buying a lot of locks! Earlier this year, he opened one with a fork, so someone challenged him to open another with a spoon. So he did! Very soothing voice, as well. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm9K6rby98W8JigLoZOh6FQ

    Finally: Jelle's Marble Runs. The creator of the Marble Olympics does very good commentary without getting over-excited, that can be more interesting than the real Olympics! Very fun. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYJdpnjuSWVOLgGT9fIzL0g

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  33. crafsman / steadycraftin is the best. Does lots of resin making among other stuff and is so entertaining and quirky

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  34. my mechanics is another really good chill restoration channel, with all narration done as on-screen writing.

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  35. If you like historical cooking like Townsend's, I'd highly recommend The Victorian Way series from English Heritage. The cooking episodes with Mrs Crocombe are delightful, and she even did a cross-over episode with Townsend's!

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    1. I love Mrs Crocombe - that's a great series they did!

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  36. OMG - R&R is amazing. I found another channel - TRG Restoration - that is very similar. Why do I find the sandblasting process so mesmerizing?
    )

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