Ketel One Vodka's Modern Craft Project

Ketel One Vodka is the product of the Nolet family and over 300 years of family expertise and one individual’s innovative vision. The Nolet family believes that this hard graft mentality and creative ingenuity are qualities worth celebrating. To cultivate modern craft, the vodka makers have teamed up with Wallpaper* magazine to present the Modern Craft Project. Up for grabs is the chance to be featured in a unique Modern Craft Directory  – plus coverage in Wallpaper*, and the extraordinary levels of international exposure that comes along with it. Ketel One Vodka will also be helping selected craftspeople to take their work to the next level and to an even wider audience by giving them the chance to win a share of the Ketel One Legacy prize fund. You don't have to be a Jack of all trades, but if you are a Jack of your trade then you don't want to miss this opportunity. Come on then, show us what you got. Start crafting your journey. Enter now. Last month Ketel One Vodka held the Modern Craft Workshop in New York City to kick off the Modern Craft Project. Six highly skilled craftspeople were hand selected to showcase their original work, chosen for their ability to combine expert technique with modern sensibility to create beautiful, functional products. Ketel One explained that "each craftsperson in attendance has dedicated their professional life to mastering a time-honored discipline." Inspiring.

At the workshop, Paul Cunningham’s table was covered in a variety of handsome American footballs. Cunningham was previously a Photo Editor for Major League Baseball, when he started honing his skills as a passionate leather craftsman. His love for sports and passion for crafts lead him to create theLEMON BALL™ baseballs and LEATHER HEAD™ footballs. With old world craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail, he has carved out a niche in distinctive, finely crafted American leather goods.

Former carpenter Aaron Ruff was in attendance showcasing a collection of jewelry from his Brooklyn-based company Digby & Iona. As a young boy growing up in Maine, Ruff was fascinated with the idea of stumbling upon hidden treasures and unearthing ancient relics. fast forward a few decades and Aaron is pursuing his inner passion  by masterfully crafting playful pieces that are inspired by history, literature, nature and the tools of his trade.

Ernest Alexander New Yorkbegan with simple idea - create the perfect men's bag using heritage materials, fine craftsmanship and thoughtful attention to design aesthetic. "I'm a big believer that the finer details in life matter" Alexander explained "I launched Ernest Alexander with a simple vision in mind - create handcrafted accessories in the old tradition." It's this sort of mentality that caught the attention of Ketel One and is surely the beginning of a legacy.

When beetles kill Rocky Mountain pine trees, Corbin Clay,founder ofAzure Furniture Companymakes good use of the wood. Corbin was at the workshop showcasing his affordable heirloom-quality furniture. The skilled woodsmith uses traditional techniques with a contemporary aesthetic to create coffee tables, desks, storage units, and dining room tables.

The story of Terrapin Stationers is beyond heartwarming. Husband-and-wife team Lloyd and Cathy Harrington have been running Terrapin for over a century. Now, their son Ted is stepping into the note-making business and adding some modern spice to their traditional printing techniques — think engraved “WTF?” monograms sitting comfortably next to classic hunting club crests.

Morris Kitchen'ssyrups are produced and bottled in Brooklyn and their labels are letter pressed and hand stamped with a bottled on date. The company was founded in 2009 by brother and sister Tyler Morrisand Kari Morriswith the intention to concoct organic, ready-to-use syrups , with genuine care, by hand. Some of the high quality syrups are Ginger, Rhubarb, and Preserved Lemon — that mix well with everything from spirits to ice cream. The duo works directly with an apple orchard in Upstate New York to create their signature boiled apple cider syrup!